2016 Nissan LEAF Coming Soon With New Longer Range Battery

The 2016 Nissan LEAF, on sale soon, has a new a 30 kWh battery that provides an EPA-rated range of 107 miles, a 27 percent increase over the previous 24 kWh battery, and starts at $27,550 (including $850 Destination and Handling) after the federal tax credit of $7,500 for the SV model and $30,140 for LEAF SL after the federal tax credit. LEAF S models continue to be equipped with a 24 kWh battery with an EPA-rated range of 84 miles and its starting price remains at $22,360 after the federal tax incentive. The battery in LEAF SV and SL can be quick-charged to 80 percent (from the low battery charge warning) in about 30 minutes, providing about 22 percent more miles of range compared to a 30-minute quick charge on previous LEAF models. Charging on a normal home charging system (Level 2, 240V) is estimated to take about six hours.

The 2016 model year adds standard NissanConnect with Mobile Apps with 5.0-inch color display for LEAF S models. LEAF SV and SL grades add NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, featuring a 7.0-inch color display with multi-touch control and Nissan Voice Recognition.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS Coming In Late March

The new 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS seven passenger SUV is powered by a 362 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 bi-turbo engine in the GLS450 4MATIC, a 449 horsepower V8 bi-turbo engine in the GLS550 4MATIC, and a 577 horsepower powerplant in the Mercedes-AMG GLS63. The GLS350d 4MATIC offers 255 horsepower V6 diesel engine. All versions mated to the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard, except the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 which gets the revised AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission. With DYNAMIC SELECT, the new GLS provides COMFORT, SLIPPERY and SPORT transmission modes, in addition to INDIVIDUAL or an OFF-ROAD mode.

Standard driver assistance systems include COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST. Other systems available as standard on the GLS include: PRE-SAFE® system, Brake Assist BAS, electronic all- wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP®, and cruise control. The optional Driver Assistance Package has systems including DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Speed Limit Assist. The GLS will be available to order from December, with deliveries in in the US market from late-March 2016.

2016 Cadillac Touring 6 Sedan Starts At $54,490 In March

The 2016 Cadillac Touring 6 sedan offers an all-new 400 horsepower Cadillac 3.0L Twin Turbo V-6 engine, an all-new 335-horsepower 3.6L V-6 and a 265 horsepower 2.0T four-cylinder engine all engines paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The CT6 2.0L Turbo starts at $54,490, the CT6 3.6L V6 with AWD starts at $56,490 and the CT6 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 with AWD starting at $65,390 (including $995 destination fees). The highest level 2016 Cadillac CT6 Platinum model starting at $84,460. The CT6 features active-on-demand all-wheel drive, active rear steering and Magnetic Ride Control on the available Active Chassis System and new technology includes Rear Camera Mirror, Enhanced Night Vision technology and a 34-speaker Bose® Panaray® audio system. Shipments to dealers begin in March.

October 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors’ Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands sold 262,993 vehicles in the United States in October 2015, up 15.9 percent from a year ago, with Chevrolet posting its best October sales since 2004. Year-to-date total GM sales of 2,562,840 is 5.3 percent higher than the first ten months of last year.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 213,938 vehicles last month, up 13.4 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 2,186,126 is a 5.4 percent increase over 2014.

Toyota U.S. October sales of 204,045 is a 13 percent increase over October 2014. Year-to-date sales of 2,071,446, up 4.9 percent. Toyota Division October sales of 177,609 is up 13 percent and Lexus sales of 273,881 is up 12.2 percent from October last year.

FCA US  (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 195,545 last month, a 15 percent increase compared with sales in October 2014 for the company’s best October sales since 2001. Year-to-date sales of 1,850,406 is a 7 percent gain over last year.

American Honda reported record-breaking October sales of 131,651 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 8.6 percent. Honda Division sales rose to an October record of 115,572, up 9.3 percent. Acura sales were 16,079, a rise of 4.2 percent. Year-to-date American Honda sales of 1,320,217 is up 3 percent over 2014.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for October 2015 of 116,047, an increase of 12.5 percent over the prior year. Year-to-date sales of 1,238,535 is a 6.2 percent increase over the first ten months of 2014.

Hyundai Motor America posted its best October ever, with sales of 60,005, up 19.8 percent compared with October 2014. Year-to-date sales are 638,195, a 5 percent rise over last year.

Kia Motors America announced best-ever October sales of 50,044 vehicles, a 12 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 526,024 is 7.4 percent higher than a year ago.

Subaru of America reported record sales for October 2015 totaling 51,629 vehicles, a 20 percent increase over the previous October record set in 2014. Year-to-date sales of 480,331 vehicles is a 14.8 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Volkswagen of America reported October sales of 30,387, a 0.24 percent increase over October 2014. Year-to-date sales of 294,602, a 2.2 percent drop from last year. Separately, Audi reported  October 2015 sales of 17,700, an increase of 16.8 percent. Year-to-date Audi sales of 165,103 is a 13 percent increase over last year.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported October sales of 33,526 vehicles, a decrease of 6.6 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are up 5.4 percent from the same period last year with 328,456 vehicles sold. Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 3.8 percent in October for a total of 29,439 compared to 30,602 vehicles sold in October, 2014. Year-to-date, BMW brand is up 4.6 percent from the same period last year with sales of 279,395 vehicles.

Mazda North American Operations reported October U.S. sales of 25,451 vehicles, representing an increase of 35.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 267,158 vehicles, up 2.9 percent.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported October 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of 8,187, a 76 percent increase from October 2014.  Land Rover sales reached 7,199, up 98 percent from  October 2014 while Jaguar sales were 998, down 2 percent from October 2014. Year-to-date Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales hit 67,806, an increase of 23 percent over 2014.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported October 2015 sales of 7,426, an increase of 19.8 percent from October 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 25 percent over the same period in 2014.

Mazda North American Operations reported October U.S. sales of 25,451 vehicles, representing an increase of 35.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 267,158 vehicles, up 2.9 percent.

Volvo Cars in the United States reported 7,422 retail sales in October. Year-to-date U.S. of 53,803 sales in the US, up 12.5 per cent.

Porsche Cars North America announced October 2015 sales of 4,070 vehicles, up 11 percent over October 2014.  This is the strongest October sales month in PCNA history. Year-to-date sales of 43,370 is 11.1 percent higher than a year ago.


Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Kia's SEMA A1A Optima

Kia's SEMA A1A Optima a convertible spin of the all-new 2016 Optima with a 245-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, takes inspiration from the iconic Florida A1A highway with its shortened windshield and room for four.  Reinforced steel tubes have been discretely hidden within the body so that the vehicle retains a rigid structure. The back doors of the A1A Optima swing open on rear-mounted hinges.

Crooks & Castles Scion iM 5-door Hatchback For SEMA

The Crooks & Castles Scion iM 5-door hatchback created by the clothing company is one entry for the 11th Annual SEMA Scion Tuner Challenge in Las Vegas. They received a Scion iM and a $15,000 build budget to put a unique spin on the car. Crooks & Castles features a black and white scheme, with an all-white leather wrapped rollcage and black rewrapped race seats for the interior. The car was finished off with custom white mesh wheels, mirroring the theme of his existing fleet of customized cars.

2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 Starts At $30,305

The 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0, a black and camel themed 1,000 vehicle offering with a 200 horsepower 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing rear wheel drive flat boxer engine, will come with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management® technology. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price will be $30,305 for the manual transmission and $31,405 for the automatic transmission (including the $795 delivery, processing and handling fee).

Lexus LF-FC Concept

The Lexus LF-FC all-wheel-drive flagship concept powered by a high output hydrogen fuel cell power system that energizes the rear wheels and also sends power to two in-wheel motors in the front, is an advanced human machine interface that can be operated by simple hand gestures, without the need to touch a panel or controls. A small holographic image on the center console indicates where the system can interpret your hand gestures to control the audio system and ventilation.

2017 Porsche Macan GTS Coming In March For $67,200

The new Porsche Macan GTS, powered by a 360 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is combined with Porsche's Traction Management system that actuates an electro-hydraulic, multi-plate clutch to variably engage the front axle depending on traction needs. The Macan GTS accelerates to 60 mph in as little as 4.8 seconds in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package and up to a top track speed of 159 mph. The 2017 Macan GTS goes on sale in March 2016, and is priced between the Macan S and Macan Turbo with a base MSRP of $67,200 excluding a destination change.

Nissan IDS Concept - A Self Driving EV

The Nissan IDS Concept, fitted with a high-capacity 60 kWh battery into a full-carbon-fiber body, represents the future of autonomous driving and zero emission EVs by integrating advanced vehicle control and safety technologies with artificial intelligence. The Nissan IDS Concept has Piloted Park that can be operated by a smartphone or tablet, coupled with wireless charging technologies that leave parking and charging to the car. Nissan says, by 202X, expect to see Nissan Intelligent Driving technology deployed on cars in cities around the world.

New MINI Convertible Is Larger Than Previous Model

The new MINI Convertible, larger than its predecessor model, is powered by a 136 horsepower 3-cylinder gas engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology in the MINI Cooper Convertible, a192 horsepower 4-cylinder gas engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology in the MINI Cooper S Convertible and a 116 horsepower 3-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology in the MINI Cooper D Convertible. The opening and closing of the soft top and side windows takes 18 seconds and can be done at speeds of up to 18 mph.

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.