Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept - 580 Mile Range

The Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept, based on the completely redeveloped second-generation Tiguan, has a plug-in hybrid system that uses two electric motors and a gasoline engine, which can supply all four wheels with power, either automatically or at the push of a button. Four-wheel-drive is also activated when the driver selects 4MOTION® Active Control or when GTE-mode is selected. The Tiguan GTE Active Concept is equipped with a 148 horsepower turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® gasoline engine mated to two electric motors, 54 horsepower at the front wheels and 114 horsepower at the rear for total system power of 221 horsepower tied to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that was specially designed for hybrid use. The 4MOTION plug-in hybrid drive include a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery that can be charged either externally or via the gasoline engine. The vehicle can cover up to 20 miles in all-electric mode and the driving range, based on a battery capacity of 12.4 kWh and a 16.9-gallon fuel tank, is 580 miles.

Nissan IDS Concept - The Future of EV Autonomous Driving

The Nissan IDS Concept has a full carbon fiber body and is Nissan's vision of the future of autonomous driving and zero emission EVs. Over 90 percent of traffic accidents are caused by human error so Nissan IDS Concept's system of sensors and AI are designed to provide safety performance compared to a human driver. When the driver selects Piloted Drive, the vehicle handles the car's performance from accelerating to braking to cornering and imitating the driver's own style and preferences. In Manual Drive mode, the driver has control but behind the scenes, the Nissan IDS Concept continues to provide assistance as sensors continually monitor conditions and in the event of imminent danger, Nissan IDS Concept will assist the driver in taking evasive action.

2017 GMC Acadia Coming This Spring

The all-new 2017 GMC Acadia, 700 pounds lighter than the current model and positioned between the compact Terrain and full-size Yukon, is available with five-, six- or seven-passenger seating. A new, 194 horsepower 2.5L engine is standard, offering an estimated 28 mpg on the highway for FWD models (based on GM testing). City fuel economy offered is GM-estimated at 22 mpg (FWD) and utilizing by GMC’s Stop/Start technology. A new, available 310 horsepower 3.6L V-6 engine is more powerful and efficient than the current model, while offering 4,000 pounds estimated trailering capability (with the available towing package). The premium Acadia Denali returns, along with a new All Terrain model offering enhanced off-road capability. The new Acadia goes on sale this Spring.

2017 Kia Forte5 and Forte Sedan Coming In First Half Of 2016

The 2017 Kia Forte5, in LX, EX, and SX trims, comes standard with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an available second-generation six-speed automatic transmission.  The SX gets a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine, which is now available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Pricing for the 2017 Forte5 will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date in the first half of 2016.

The refreshed 2017 Forte sedan is now available in a new S trim that sits in between the entry-level LX trim and the top-trim EX model.  The new S trim has a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust tip. All trims come standard with Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to change the driving experience based on their preference: Normal, Eco, or Sport. Available convenience features include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Lane Change Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert. Production at the Mexico facility is slated to begin in the first half of 2016.

Kia Telluride Hybrid SUV Concept Looks Like A Real Preview

The Kia Telluride full-size three-row, seven-passenger SUV concept is 4.4-inches taller, 4.7-inches wider, and 9.5-inches longer than the current Kia Sorento. Utilizing a 270 horsepower 3.5-liter gasoline direct injected V6 engine and 130 horsepower electric motor routed to all four wheels, Telluride’s transverse-mounted powertrain combines to produce 400 horsepower while achieving more than 30 mpg on the highway. While there are currently no plans to bring the Telluride to production, Kia has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear strong resemblance to preceding concepts.

2017 Hyundai G90 - Genesis Brand Flagship

The 2017 Hyundai G90 premium luxury sedan, the new flagship of the Genesis brand in the U.S. market, is powered by an all-new 365 horsepower 3.3-liter direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 or 420 horsepower 5.0-liter direct-injected V8. The H-TRAC® AWD system is available with either powertrain, for adverse driving conditions such as ice or snow. This system features an electronic transfer case with active torque control and offers dual-mode Sport or Normal calibrations that are linked to the Intelligent Drive Mode. The H-TRAC system can direct up to 40 percent of available torque to the front axle, for enhanced traction in adverse conditions such as ice or snow.

Safety features include: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Dynamic Bending Light headlights with High Beam Assist, and a 360-degree Multi-view Monitor. In addition, G90 also features Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Start capability. For enhanced visibility for the driver, the Head’s-up Display has been increased from 7.4 inches to 9.7 inches with enhanced illumination.

2017 Honda Ridgeline Coming Soon

The all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline, 5.4 inches wider and 4 inches longer than the previous generation, will be powered by a 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC™ V-6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline will be available for the first time in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations with all-wheel-drive models utilizing Honda's i-VTM4™ torque vectoring AWD technology, featuring Intelligent Terrain Management with Normal, Sand, Snow and Mud modes. Honda Sensing™ technologies available include Lane Departure Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation and Lane Keeping Assist. All Ridgeline models will feature a multi-angle rearview camera as standard equipment and upper trims will be available with either Honda LaneWatch™ or Blind Spot Information system. The new Ridgeline will launch in the first half of 2016.

All-New Lexus LC 500 Coming Next Year

The all-new Lexus LC 500 luxury coupe sits on an all-new, premium rear-wheel-drive luxury platform, is powered by a 467 horsepower 5.0-liter all-aluminum, 32-valve V8 engine, mated to a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission. The LC 500 will arrive in showrooms next year.

2017 Infiniti Q60 Sports Coupe Goes On Sale This Summer

The Infiniti Q60, Infinti's third generation sports coupe, comes in rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, one rated at 300 horsepower and a high-output version at 400 horsepower. A 208 horsepower four-cylinder turbo-charged 2.0-liter gasoline engine with direct injection is also available. The Q60's Infiniti InTuition system, Drive Mode Selector allows the steering response to be selected from: "Customize," "Standard," "Snow," "Eco," "Sport," and, new for certain models – "Sport+." An all-new electronic suspension system, Dynamic Digital Suspension, comes standard on the Q60 Sport grades. The active and passive safety technologies include Around View® Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Intervention and Backup Collision Intervention. The Q60 arrives in the Americas this summer.

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coming This Summer

The new tenth-generation 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is 1.7 inches longer overall with a 2.6 inch longer wheelbase compared with its predecessor and will feature a 241 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine equipped with the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission at its U.S. launch with more model variants to be added later. The U.S. version of the E300 offers a next-generation high-resolution display, with a wide navigation display screen diagonal of 12.3 inches. A DYNAMIC SELECT switch in the cockpit enables the driver to select from four AIR BODY CONTROL all-round self-leveling modes: "Comfort," "ECO," "Sport" and "Sport+." The additional "Individual" option allows drivers to configure their vehicle to suit their own preferences. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be available at US dealers in the summer 2016.

2016 BMW X4 M40i Starts At $58,795 Next Month

The 2016 BMW X4 M40i with 355 horsepower M TwinPower Turbo intelligent xDrive inline 6-cylinder engine will be available at certified BMW dealers next month starting at $58,795 (including $995 destination & handling fee).

2016 BMW M2 Starts At $52,695 In April

The 2016 BMW M2 powered by a 365 horsepower M TwinPower Turbo 3-liter 6-cylinder engine launching the vehicle from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds will be available at authorized BMW centers starting at $52,695 (including $995 destination & handling fee) starting in April 2016.

2016 Buick Envision Arrives In The 2nd Quarter

The 2016 Buick Envision luxury compact crossover is powered by a 252-horsepower 2.0L turbo engine Twin Clutch AWD system paired with a third-generation six-speed automatic transmission. A rearview camera is standard, while the available Surround Vision provides an overhead view of the Envision that enhances the driver’s vision at low speeds, such as parking and reversing. The Envision offers 10 standard air bags, Lane Keep Assist and optional Automatic Park Assist. It goes on sale in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2016.

2017 Ford Fusion Coming This Summer With V6 Sport Model

The new 2017 Ford Fusion offers two hybrid models and a new all-wheel-drive Fusion V6 Sport with a 325 horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine. Fusion also comes in Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi, and Fusion Platinum with available 2.0-liter EcoBoost and all-wheel drive. Fusion Energi features a 7.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery for an expected range of 19 miles using electric power only. The car automatically switches to an efficient 2.0-liter gasoline engine when the battery is depleted, allowing customers to drive more than 500 miles. Recharging Fusion Energi can be done overnight in just 2.5 hours. The new Fusion arrives at dealerships this summer. Fusion V6 Sport follows a few weeks later.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Minivan Coming This Spring

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, will be available in six models featuring a 287 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in two models, will deliver an estimated range of 30 miles solely on zero-emissions electric power from a 16-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. In city driving, it is expected to achieve an efficiency rating of 80 MPGe based on U.S. EPA standards. The Chrysler Pacifica offers more than 100 standard and available safety and security features, including 360-degree Surround View camera, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Hold and Forward Collision Warning-Plus. The Chrysler Pacifica will be available in dealer showrooms in spring 2016, with the Pacifica Hybrid arriving in the second half of 2016.

December 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors’ Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands delivered 290,230 vehicles in December 2015, up 6 percent. For the year, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers delivered 3.1 million vehicles, up 5 percent.

Ford Motor Company’s U.S. December sales were 239,242 vehicles, up 8 percent versus a year ago. Total 2015 U.S. sales of 2,613,162 vehicles are the company’s best annual sales results in nine years, up 5 percent. Ford brand sales of 2,511,935 vehicles make Ford America’s best-selling brand for six straight years.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported December 2015 sales of 238,350, an increase of 10.8 percent from December 2014. For the year TMS reported sales of 2,499,313, a 5.3 percent increase.

FCA US (Chrysler, Ram, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 217,527, a 13 percent increase compared with sales in December 2014, and the group’s best December sales ever. 2015 sales of 2,243,907 is 7 percent higher than 2014.

American Honda reported December sales of 150,893, up 2.1 percent on Honda sales of 134,070 and Acura sales of 16,823, down 12.3 percent. Total Honda and Acura vehicle sales for 2015 set an all-time record of 1,586,551, an increase of 3.0 percent to beat the previous record set in 2007. Honda Division sales topped last year`s record to set a new annual mark, rising 2.6 percent on sales of 1,409,386. Acura sales totaled 177,165, a 5.6 percent increase for the year and the division's best result since 2007.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for December 2015 of 139,300, an increase of 19 percent over the prior year for a December record. For calendar year 2015, Nissan set an all-time record with 1,484,918 total U.S. sales, an increase of 7 percent.

Hyundai Motor America December sales were 63,508, down 1.5 percent and Hyundai posted its best year ever with sales of 761,710, up 5 percent compared with 2014 for the sixth consecutive year of record U. S. sales.

Kia Motors America announced record-setting December total of 54,241, an increase of 19 percent over the same period last year and pushed Kia over the 600,000-unit mark for the first time in company history to an all-time best annual sales total of 625,818 vehicles in 2015, up 7.9 percent year-over-year.

Subaru of America reported December sales total of 56,274 vehicles, up 12.7 percent, the company’s best-ever sales month, eclipsing the previous best month of September 2015. For the year, record-breaking sales of 582,675 vehicles was an increase of 13.4 percent over 2014 marking the seventh consecutive year of sales records for Subaru of America and eighth consecutive year of sales increases.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 30,956 in December 2015, a 9.1 percent drop from a year
ago. Sales for 2015 total 349,440, down 4.8 percent from 2014. Separately, Audi reported that its December 2015 sales increased 20,399 vehicles, a 6 percent gain over 2014. For the year, 202,202 vehicles sold, an increase of 11.1 percent.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported its highest volume month ever with December 2015 sales of 38,918, up 1.7 percent, for the highest annual volume in its U.S. history at 380,461, up 3.8 percent vs. 2014.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported December sales of 39,634 vehicles, a decrease of 17.7 percent from the same month a year ago. At year end, BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) sales of 404,537 is up 2.2 percent compared to 2014, a new record for the BMW Group U.S. BMW brand sales in December totaled 34,625, down 16.6 percent compared to December 2014. For the year, BMW brand sales of 346,023 was up 1.8 percent compared to last year, breaking last year’s all time sales record. MINI USA December sales of  5,009 was a decrease of 24.3 percent from the same month a year ago. For the year, MINI USA sales of 58,514 are up 4.3 percent.

Mazda North American Operations reported December U.S. sales of 29,294 vehicles, an increase of 18.1 percent versus December 2014 and the best December since 1994. For 2015, total sales in the U.S. were 319,184, up 4.4 percent over 2014 and the best result since 1994.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported December 2015 U.S. sales of 9,638, a 30 percent increase from December 2014. Land Rover sales reached 8,441, a 47 percent increase while Jaguar sales were 1,197, down 29 percent. For the full year 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales of 85,048, up 26 percent and Land Rover brand U.S. sales reached a new all-time high of 70,582, an increase of 37 percent. Jaguar U.S, sales were 14,466, down 8 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported December sales were 7,887, up 20.5 percent over 2014. 2015 total sales of 95,342 was up 22.8 percent over 2014 for the best yearly sales since 2008.

Volvo Car USA reported U.S. sales of 9,341 vehicles, an 89.9 percent increase versus December 2014. For the year, Volvo Car USA reported 70,047 vehicles sold, an increase of 24.3 percent versus 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced December 2015 sales of 3,936 vehicles, up 20.2 percent over December 2014. This brought 2015 sales to 51,756 vehicles, a new PCNA sales record and a 10.1 percent increase over 2014.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Mercedes-Benz SLC Coming This Spring

The new Mercedes-Benz SLC, previously known as the SLK, comes in the SLC300 with a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter in-line 4 engine accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and the AMG SLC43 with a 362 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and has standard DYNAMIC SELECT which modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension with a choice of “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, “Eco” and “Individual” modes. On the SLC300, drivers can choose the Dynamic Handling package, which features an adaptive damping system and ESP® Dynamic Cornering Assist, and can also use DYNAMIC SELECT to specify the damping force in Comfort, Sport and Sport+ mode. The new Mercedes-Benz  SLC will launch in the Spring of 2016.

2017 Acura NSX Starts At $157,800 On Feb. 25, 2016

The 2017 Acura NSX will have an MSRP of $157,800 (including $1,800 destination charge) in the U.S. and will top out at $207,500 when equipped with all available factory features and options. Customers will be able to design their NSX by selecting one of eight exterior colors, four interior color schemes available in three different seating surface options and features including three wheel designs with painted or polished finish, carbon-ceramic brake options, a carbon fiber interior sport package, carbon fiber roof, and more. Customer order taking for the new NSX will begin on Feb. 25, 2016 at authorized NSX retailers, together with the launch of a vehicle configurator on Acura.com which will be the first engagement point for customers interested in ordering an NSX. Once customers have customized their NSX online, they can schedule an appointment with an authorized retailer to finalize the order.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Video: Nissan Titan XD

Michael Arbuckle, Marketing Manager for Nissan Titan XD discusses the new pickup truck coming this month. 

The 2016 Nissan TITAN XD, offered in S, SV, SL, Platinum Reserve and PRO-4X trim levels, will go after Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 truck buyers with standard off-road features such as 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-terrain off-road tires, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, electronic locking rear differential and skid plates. Three powertrain offerings include a 310 horsepower Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel with 555 lb-ft of torque mated to a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission. Following the launch of the 2016 TITAN XD Crew Cab this month, the new TITAN will be offered in three cab configurations and two frame sizes.

The all-new 2016 Nissan TITAN XD full-size pickup has been named one of three finalists for the 2016 North American Truck/Utility of the Year to be announced next month in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show. The TITAN XD was recently named "Truck of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association in their annual 2015 Texas Truck Rodeo.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Video: Hyundai

Michael Evanoff, Manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America discusses 2017 Hyundai Elantra and more at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.