Mazda RX-VISION Sports Car Concept Brings Back The Rotary Engine

The Mazda RX-VISION front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car concept is powered by the next-generation rotary engine that has been named SKYACTIV-R. Mazda commercialized the rotary engine in the Cosmo Sport (known as Mazda 110S overseas) in 1967.

Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport Starts At $91,425

The Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport model powered by a 450 horsepower 4.0T twin turbo V8 engine is 15 horsepower more than the previous 4.0T model. Its sport style exterior has a completely new lower bumper and a reshaped rear bumper, more prominent side rocker panels and less chrome accents. The Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport has an MSRP of $91,425 (including destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges).

Aston Martin Rapide S Electric Concept

Aston Martin Rapide S fully electric concept developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering at its facility in Grove, Oxfordshire.

2016 Volkswagen Passat Starts At $22,440

The new 2016 Volkswagen Passat midsize sedan built in Chattanooga, Tennessee starts at $22,440 for the 1.8T S model with a 170 horsepower 1.8-liter TSI® turbocharged and direct-injection four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. For the first time, Volkswagen is offering an R-Line version of the Passat for the U.S. market with pricing starting at $23,975. The SE starts at $26,280, the SE w/Technology starts at $28,410, and the 1.8T SEL starts at $30,495. At the top of the 1.8T range, the SEL Premium starts at $34,270. The V6 SEL Premium, which features the 280 horsepower 3.6-liter VR6 engine has a starting MSRP of $36,835.

2016 BMW M2 Coming This Spring

The all-new 2016 BMW M2 powered by a 365 horsepower 3.0-liter 6-cylinder inline engine is more powerful than its predecessor, the BMW 1 M Coupe. With the optional M Double Clutch Transmission, the new BMW M2 sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds (4.4 s with the six-speed manual transmission). The top speed of the all-new BMW M2 is electronically limited to 155 mph. The Active M Differential in the all-new BMW M2 optimizes traction and maximizes directional stability. The BMW M2 will be available at authorized BMW centers with a limited range of options starting in spring of 2016. Price will be disclosed closer to market launch.

All-New 2016 Kia Optima Starts At $21,840

The all-new 2016 Kia Optima, offered in LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SXL, starts at $21,840 (excluding destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges) for the LX with a 2.4-liter engine. The LX Convenience Package ($1,850) includes Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Parking Assist System. The LX 1.6T, starting at $23,990, is offered with a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. The LX Turbo Technology Package ($2,600) includes navigation, Sirius® XM Traffic and rear LED taillights, USB chargers for both front and rear seat passengers. The Optima EX, starting at $24,890, is offered with the 2.4-liter engine. The EX Premium Audio Package ($1,200) includes a Harman/Kardon QuantumLogic™ Premium Surround Sound Audio System, which includes 10 speakers, Clari-Fi™ technology and an upgraded 630-watt digital amplifier. The Optima SX priced at $29,690 and Optima SXL priced at $35,790 both come standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine.

September 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors’ Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands sold 251,310 vehicles in the United States in September 2015. Retail deliveries climbed 17 percent compared with a year ago, which makes September the sixth month in a row that GM has increased retail market share year over year. Total sales were up 12 percent. Year-to-date sales of 2,299,847, is a 4.2 percent increase over a year ago.

Ford total U.S. sales increased 23 percent in September, with 221,599 vehicles sold. Retail sales also gained 23 percent, with sales of 168,522 vehicles, its best September performance in 11 years. Lincoln sales totaled 8,680 vehicles, a 20 percent increase and year-to-date Lincoln sales are 73,964, up 9.1 percent. Year-to-date total Ford sales of 1,972,188 is a 4.6 percent gain over 2014.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported September 2015 sales of 194,370, an increase of 16.2 percent from September 2014. Toyota Division posted September 2015 sales of 169,076, up 16.3 percent. Lexus reported September 2015 sales of 25,294, up 15.8 percent from September 2014. Year-to-date sales of 1,867,372 is up 4 percent over last year.

FCA (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram Truck, FIAT & Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 193,019 last month, a 14 percent increase compared with sales in September 2014, the best September sales since 2000. Year-to-date sales of 1,654,861 is a 6 percent gain over last year.

American Honda reported total sales of 133,750 Honda and Acura vehicles, a 13.1 percent September 2015 sales increase for a new September benchmark. Honda Division sales totaled 119,046, up 14 percent for a new September record. Acura reported 14,704 vehicle sales for a 6.3 percent gain. Year-to-date sales of 1,188,566 is a 2.4 percent rise over last year.

Nissan Group total U.S. sales for September 2015 was 121,782, an increase of 18.3 percent over the prior year and a September record. Nissan Division finished September with 111,562 sales, up 17.3 percent and also a September record. Infiniti sales 10,220 is a 30.4 percent gain over the same month a year ago. Nissan Group year-to-date sales of 1,122,488 is up 5.6 percent over the first 9 months of 2014.

Hyundai Motor America posted its best September ever, with sales of 64,015, up 14.3 percent compared with September 2014. Year-to-date sales of 578,190 is a 3.7 percent gain over 2014.

Kia Motors America had a September sales record of 49,820, a 22.6 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 475,978 is a 7 percent increase over last year.

Subaru of America reported 53,070 vehicle sales for September 2015, a 27.8 percent increase over September 2014, the best-ever sales month in company history, breaking the previous record set in August 2015. Subaru year-to-date sales of 428,702 vehicles, a 14.2 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported all-time record September sales of 32,087, an increase of 6 percent from the same month last year. Sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars tallied 29,020, a 6.2 percent increase over September 2014. Sprinter delivered 2,317 sales for the month of September, up 14 percent, while smart recorded 750 in sales in September. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz retails totaled 249,890, up 7.2 percent. Adding year-to-date sales of 20,274 for Sprinter Vans and 5,432 for smart, MBUSA posted a grand total of 275,596 through September, up 6.4 percent.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 26,141 in September 2015, an 0.6 percent increase over September 2014. Year-to-date VW sales are 264,215, down 2.5 percent from a year ago. Separately, Audi reported September 2015 sales of 17,340, an increase of 16.2 percent, the 57th straight month of record U.S. sales. Through the first nine months of 2015, Audi U.S. sales of 147,403 is up 12.5 percent from last year.

BMW brand vehicle sales increased 4.0 percent in September for a total of 26,608 compared to September, 2014. Year-to-date, BMW brand sales are 249,956 vehicles, a 5.6 percent increase from the same period last year.

Mazda North American Operations reported best September U.S. sales since 1994 with 25,616 vehicles, representing an increase of 6.8 percent versus last year. September 1994 sales were 30,735. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 241,701 vehicles, a gain of 0.3 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported September 2015 sales of 7,556, an increase of 35.9 percent from September 2014. Year-to-date sales are 73,257, up 25.5 percent over the same period in 2014.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 5,527, an 18.4 percent increase versus September 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 5.8 percent over the first nine months of 2014.

Porsche Cars North America September 2015 sales of 4,424 vehicles, was up 22.7 percent over September 2014, the strongest September sales month in PCNA history. Year-to-date sales of 39,300 is an 11.1 percent increase over 2014.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

BMW X4 M40i With New 355 HP Inline Six Engine

The new BMW X4 M40i has a newly developed M Performance 355 horsepower TwinPower Turbo inline 6 cylinder gasoline engine mated to an 8-speed STEPTRONIC sports transmission that takes the X4 from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, The BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system has been recalibrated with more power routed to the rear wheels during normal operation.

Dynamic Damper Control, Variable Sport Steering, Performance Control, Park Distance Control front and rear, Xenon adaptive headlights and LED fog lights are all standard, as well as Sport seats, M leather steering wheel and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels. With an array of BMW ConnectedDrive options include a full-color head-up display, Active Driving Assistant + ACC Stop & Go including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Warning and City Collision Mitigation.

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Starts At $17,595

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer featuring a new design, new seat fabrics, a newly designed center console with built-in USB port, and two new colors with a starting MSRP of $17,595. Standard ES trim features include FUSE Hands-free Link System®, automatic air condition climate control, fog lights, alloy wheels and new LED daytime running lights. The SE trim level features all-wheel control, heated front seats, rearview camera and display audio with HD radio, while the new SEL trim level adds leather seats, rain sensing wipers with auto on/off headlights, auto-dimming mirror and more. The GT trim level (pictured above) has sport-tuned suspension, larger disc brakes, 18 inch two-tone alloy wheels, sunroof and rear spoiler, and is available as a 5-speed manual or with the new generation CVT8. Sportronic Steering wheel paddle shifters are available for the GT trim.

Winfried Vahland To Head Volkswagen North America

Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland will take over responsibility for Volkswagen Group's newly formed North American Region combining the USA, Mexico and Canada, effective November 1st. Most recently, since 2010, he has been ŠKODA CEO. Vahland graduated from the Technical University Darmstadt with a major in Mechanical Engineering and Economics, and began his professional career with GM in 1984. He joined Audi AG in 1990 and Volkswagen AG in 1993. From 1997, he was Vice President for Volkswagen in Brazil. He was appointed Member of ŠKODA AUTO’s Board of Management in 2002, and became Vice Chairman one year later. In 2005, he assumed the position of President and CEO of Volkswagen Group in China.

2016 MINI Clubman Starts At $24,950 In January

The all-new 2016 MINI Clubman has an MSRP of $24,950 ($850 Destination & Handling fee) for the Cooper model and $28,500 for the Cooper S. The Clubman will go on sale in January 2016.

VW Says 5 Million Vehicles Affected By Diesel Emission Defeat Software

Approximately five million Volkswagen vehicles are affected worldwide, according to a VW internal evaluation. Sixth generation Volkswagen Golf, seventh generation Volkswagen Passat and first generation Volkswagen Tiguan are equipped exclusively with type EA 189 diesel engines. All new Volkswagen passenger car brand vehicles that fulfill the EU6 norm valid throughout Europe are not affected including the current Golf, Passat and Touran models.

Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand says "We are working at full speed on a technical solution that we will present to partners, to our customers and to the public as swiftly as possible. Our aim is to inform our customers as quickly as possible, so that their vehicles comply fully with regulations. I assure you that Volkswagen will do everything humanly possible to win back the trust of our customers, the dealerships and the public."

The statement goes on to say that Volkswagen will inform all markets worldwide how many of vehicles are affected locally. "We are working intensively on remedial measures in close coordination with the certification authorities. The vehicles are and remain technically safe and roadworthy."

Berthold Huber, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said: "The test manipulations are a moral and political disaster for Volkswagen. The unlawful behavior of engineers and technicians involved in engine development shocked Volkswagen just as much as it shocked the public. We can only apologize and ask our customers, the public, the authorities and our investors to give us a chance to make amends." The Supervisory Board commissioned an American law firm to assist in further clarification and in preparing the necessary steps.

Matthias Müller Appointed CEO of Volkswagen AG

Matthias Müller, 62, a Board member of Volkswagen AG and Chairman of Porsche AG in Stuttgart, has been appointed CEO of Volkswagen AG effective immediately succeeding Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn who offered his resignation on Wednesday.

Müller followed high school in Ingolstadt with an apprenticeship with AUDI AG and after obtaining his master's degree in computer science resumed his career with AUDI AG in 1978 and has a variety of positions with Volkswagen including Head of Product Management of the Volkswagen Group and the Volkswagen brand. Müller said "My most urgent task is to win back trust for the Volkswagen Group – by leaving no stone unturned and with maximum transparency, as well as drawing the right conclusions from the current situation."

2016 Hyundai Sonata Starts At $22,585 Now

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata, arriving in dealerships now, gets minor styling updates and improved fuel economy on models equipped with the 2.4L engine. The 2016 Sonata adds Automatic Emergency Braking on models previously equipped with Forward Collision Warning, a 7-inch color touchscreen Display Audio with Android Auto applied on SE, Sport, Limited, Eco and Sport 2.0T, aluminum suspension components, and a conventional sunroof available on Sport (optional) and Limited (standard).

A 185 horsepower 2.4-liter Theta II GDI engine powers the SE, Limited and Sport models and a 245 horsepower 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI goes in the Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T trims. Both are paired with a six-speed SHIFTRONIC ® automatic transmission. The Eco model has a 177 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged Gamma four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Eco models receive a 28 mpg EPA fuel economy rating in the city and 38 mpg on the highway for 32 mpg combined. The 2016 Sonata starts at $22,585 (including $835 freight charge).

2017 Buick LaCrosse To Debut At L.A. Auto Show In November

The all-new 2017 Buick LaCrosse, based on the Avenir concept design cues and inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept will influence all Buick models by 2018. The design was introduced on the Avenir concept and was inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept. The next-generation LaCrosse’s design is framed on an all-new chassis that is stronger yet lighter than the current model with a new a five-link rear suspension. The 2017 LaCrosse debuts in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

2016 Volkswagen Passat Starts At $22,440 Later This Year

The new 2016 Volkswagen Passat midsize sedan, unveiled in the midst of Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal, is powered by 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® four cylinder engine, with an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 38 mpg with the automatic transmission, a 2.0-liter TDI® diesel or a 280 horsepower 3.6-liter VR6® engine. The 2016 Passat gets a new hood, front fenders, grille, front and rear bumpers, trunklid and available LED headlights and taillights. Full pricing for the new 2016 Passat will be available closer to launch later this year, but the 1.8T S model starts at $22,440, which is the same price as the previous base model when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Professor Dr. Winterkorn Resigns As VW Group CEO Over Diesel Defeat Devices

Professor Dr. Winterkorn has resigned as Volkswagen CEO after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Volkswagen for “using a defeat device in cars to evade clean air standards" which "is illegal and a threat to public health”. Exposure to these nitrogen oxides (NOx) pollutants has been linked to a range of serious respiratory illnesses that can cause hospitalization or even premature death. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory disease are at higher health risk from these pollutants.

In a statement Winterkorn said, "I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group. I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am not aware of any wrong doing on my part."

The NOV alleges that four-cylinder Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars from model years 2009-2015 included a sophisticated software algorithm that detects when the car is undergoing official emissions testing, and turns full emissions controls on only during the test. This results in cars that meet emissions standards in the laboratory or testing station, but during normal operation when they emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) that contribute to nitrogen dioxide, ground-level ozone, and fine particulate matter, at up to 40 times the standard.

The software produced by Volkswagen is a “defeat device,” as defined by the Clean Air Act. The software circumvents EPA emissions standards for certain air pollutants. California is separately issuing an In-Use Compliance letter to Volkswagen. The EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have both initiated investigations based on Volkswagen’s alleged actions.

The allegations cover roughly 482,000 diesel passenger cars sold in the United States since 2008: Jetta (Model Years 2009 – 2015), Beetle (Model Years 2009 – 2015), Audi A3 (Model Years 2009 – 2015), Golf (Model Years 2009 – 2015) and Passat (Model Years 2014-2015).

The Clean Air Act requires vehicle manufacturers to certify to EPA that their products will meet applicable federal emission standards to control air pollution, and every vehicle sold in the U.S. must be covered by an EPA-issued certificate of conformity. Motor vehicles equipped with defeat devices, which reduce the effectiveness of the emission control system during normal driving conditions, cannot be certified. By making and selling vehicles with defeat devices that allowed for higher levels of air emissions than were certified to EPA, Volkswagen violated two important provisions of the Clean Air Act.

EPA and CARB uncovered the defeat device software after independent analysis by researchers at West Virginia University, working with the International Council on Clean Transportation, a non-governmental organization, raised questions about emissions levels, and the agencies began further investigations into the issue. In September, after EPA and CARB demanded an explanation for the identified emission problems, Volkswagen admitted that the cars contained defeat devices.

VW may be liable for large civil penalties and injunctive relief for the violations alleged in the NOV which could cost VW billions of dollars not only in fines but owners' class action lawsuits and lost business due to distrust.

Before announcing his resignation, Winterkorn pledged to "do everything necessary in order to reverse the damage this has caused."

2016 Infiniti QX50 Starts At $35,445 This Month

The 2016 Infiniti QX50 luxury crossover, redesigned on a 3.2 inch longer wheelbase stretching its overall length by 4.5 inches, is equipped with a standard 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission and starts at $35,445 (including $995 destination and handling) for the rear-wheel drive and $36,845 for the all-wheel drive when it goes on sale in this month at Infiniti retailers nationwide. Optional equipment packages have been revised for 2016, with a new Premium Plus Package added to the previously available Premium, Deluxe Touring and Technology packages.

Ferrari 488 Spider

The Ferrari 488 Spider mid-rear-engine sports car is powered by a 660 horsepower turbo V8 engine. The turbos are on ball-bearing-mounted shafts, while the compressor wheels are in TiAl, a low-density titanium-aluminium alloy. Additionally, the twin-scroll turbines are designed and built to maximize power. The Retractable Hard Top unfolds and retracts in 14 seconds and can be raised or lowered when the car is moving. The Ferrari 488 Spider also has a glass electric rear window that can be adjusted regardless of whether the RHT is deployed or retracted. The 488 Spider has a spaceframe chassis made of 11 different aluminium alloys combined with other metals such as magnesium providing the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness figures as the Coupé to improve chassis’ performance by 23% over its predecessor.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Starts at $22,500

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, in L, LS, LT, Hybrid and Premier. Standard trims, starts at $22,500 (includes $875 destination charges) for the L model with 10 airbags, cruise control, push-button start with passive entry and fuel-saving stop/start technology on the base 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. The LS model, starting at $23,995, includes standard Chevrolet MyLink Radio with 7-inch diagonal color touch screen. The LT model starts at $25,895 and is projected to offer a General Motors-estimated 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, when equipped with the Ecotec 1.5L turbo engine with stop/start. A 2.0L turbo with an 8-speed transmission is available in the LT and Premier models as well, starting at $29,495 and $31,795 respectively. Malibu 2.0T models offer a GM-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. I just rented the current Malibu model as was very impressed with fuel economy and dash layout which included smartphone storage slots in the middle console for driver and passenger.