2017 Kia Optima Hybrid, 2017 Optima Plug-In Hybrid, 2017 Kia Niro HUV

The all-new 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle are being introduced under the Kia Motors EcoDynamics environmentally friendly sub-brand. The Optima Hybrid replaces the previous generation’s 2.4-liter engine with a 154 horsepower 2.0-liter GDI four cylinder engine coupled with a hybrid starter generator and tied to an upgraded six-speed transmission. A 38 kW electric motor and clutch replaces the traditional torque converter to provide strong off-the-line acceleration and power assistance to the engine when necessary. Total combined output for the Optima Hybrid is estimated at 193 horsepower

The all-new 2017 Optima Plug-in Hybrid, expected to go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year, has a 2.0-liter “Nu” four-cylinder GDI engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, power output is targeted for a class-leading 154 hp @ 6,000 rpm.  Electric power is produced by a transmission-mounted 50 kW motor, which is 42 percent more powerful than in the previous Optima Hybrid to allow for greater all-electric capability. With an estimated 600 miles of total driving range, the Optima PHEV’s next-generation battery system features a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, which produces roughly 60 percent more energy output than the battery pack found in the outgoing Optima’s hybrid system, and is estimated to achieve 27 miles in full EV mode.

The all-new 2017 Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle on a 106.3-inch wheelbase is powered by is an all-new Kappa 103 horsepower 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine combined with a 43 horsepower tractive motor, known as the transmission-mounted electric device that works in tandem with the gasoline engine to produce a robust 146 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Bringing the whole system together is a 1.56-kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery located underneath the rear seat.

2017 Nissan Armada Coming This Summer

The all-new second-generation 2017 Nissan Armada, equipped with a new 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, is 1.2 inches longer on a 2.1-inch shorter wheelbase than the outgoing model and comes in SV, SL and Platinum trims in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive configurations. The Armada offers a 3rd row seat power-folding feature standard on SL and Platinum grades. Armada Platinum models are also available with optional 2nd row Captain’s Chairs with removable 2nd row console (resulting in 7-passenger seating capacity). Available safety and security features include Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Backup Collision Intervention and Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection. The new generation of Nissan’s flagship SUV is due to arrive this summer.

Toyota's Scion Brand To Be Re-badged Under Toyota Nameplate

Toyota's Scion brand, which launched in 2003 targeting young customers, will disappear and the FR-S sports car, iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback will become part of Toyota beginning this August with model year 2017 Scion vehicles re-badged as Toyotas. The C-HR, (pictured above) which debuted at the L.A. Auto Show will be a part of the Toyota line-up. Scion service and repair will be handled by Toyota dealerships’ service departments. The 1,004 Scion dealers will be affected and Scion’s 22 employees at headquarters "will have the opportunity to take on new jobs at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. in Torrance. Scion regional representatives will assume different responsibilities in their respective Toyota sales offices."

With more than a million cars sold, 70 percent of Scions were purchased by customers new to Toyota and 50 percent were under 35 years old. Scion buyers average age is 36 years old and at 29, the tC sports coupe has the lowest-average age buyer in the industry, according to Toyota. Seventy percent of the iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback purchasers are first-time new car buyers and more than 50 percent of iM and iA buyers are under 35 years old.

January 2016 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors’ Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 203,745 vehicles in January 2016, the company’s best January sales performance in eight years. GM’s retail sales were up 9 percent year over year on a 12 percent increase at Chevrolet and a 45 percent increase at Buick. Total sales were up 0.5 percent.

Ford Motor Company’s total U.S. sales of 173,723 vehicles declined 3 percent last month versus a year ago. Lincoln brand sales of 7,177 vehicles increased 8 percent, for the best start of the year since 2008.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., reported January 2016 sales were 161,283, a decrease of 4.7 percent from January 2015 on a volume basis. Toyota division January 2016 sales were 140,350, down 3.9 percent.

FCA US (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 155,037, a 7 percent increase compared with sales in January 2015 for the group’s best January sales in nine years.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for January 2016 of 105,734, an increase of 2 percent over the prior year and a January record. Nissan Division finished January with 97,220 sales, up 3 percent and also a January record. Infiniti sales of 8,514 was an 11.8 percent drop from a year ago.

American Honda reported January sales of 100,497 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 1.7 percent. Honda Division set a new January record with 90,247, while Acura sales totaled 10,250.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best January in company history, selling 45,011 vehicles, up one percent versus the same period last year.

Subaru of America reported 41,101 vehicle sales for January 2016, a one percent increase over January 2015.

Kia Motors America recorded best-ever January sales of 38,305 vehicles, 6 more vehicles than a year ago.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 20,079, a drop of 14.6 percent from January 2015. Separately, Audi of America reported January 2016 sales of 11,850 vehicles, a 2.7 percent increase for a 61st consecutive monthly record.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported record January sales of 24,664, topping last January's record volume of 24,619 units sold. Adding 1,899 for Vans and 399 for smart, MBUSA achieved its highest January to date with a grand total of 26,962 vehicles, up 1.3 percent from a year ago.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported January sales of 21,320 vehicles, a decrease of 4.0 percent from the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicle sales of 18,082 decreased 4.7 percent in January compared to January 2015.

Mazda North American Operations reported January U.S. sales of 19,703 vehicles, representing a decrease of 2.8 percent versus last year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America January U.S. sales for both brands hit 7,007, a 7 percent increase from January 2015. Land Rover sales reached 5,655, a 7 percent increase and Jaguar sales were 1,352, a 7 percent increase from January 2015.

Mitsubishi Motors North America total January 2016 sales were 6,264, down 3.5 percent year-over-year.

Porsche Cars North America announced January 2016 sales of 4,354 vehicles, up 10.6 percent over January 2015 for a record-setting January.

Volvo Car USA reported U.S. sales of 4,244, an 11.9 percent increase versus January 2015.

2017 Acura NSX In Super Bowl 50 Commercial

Acura Super Bowl 50 commercial, "What He Said", to appear during the first quarter of the big game, will showcase the Precision Crafted Performance brand direction that is core to the Acura brand with the next generation 2017 Acura NSX supercar. The 30-second spot features Van Halen's Runnin' with the Devil tune. Acura will unveil a 60-second version of the Super Bowl commercial and a countdown clock beginning Jan. 29 that leads to the Feb. 25 launch of the Acura NSX online vehicle configurator that will enable potential customers and fans to design and build their dream NSX.

Kia Will Air 2016 Optima Ad During Super Bowl 50

Kia will air “Walken Closet”, a 60-second Super Bowl commercial for the all-new 2016 Optima midsize sedan. A teaser for the commercial doesn't show the vehicle but has actor Christopher Walken sitting in a walk-in closest handing a beige-suited Richard his beige socks in a closet full of beige everything.

Hyundai Super Bowl Ads Feature 2017 Elantra and 2016 Genesis

Hyundai, in its first year as an official NFL sponsor, will have four Super Bowl 50 commercials including “First Date,” a 60-second ad in the pre-kick time slot, “The Chase” and “Ryanville” - two 30-second ads during the game and, “Better” - a 60-second ad during the pre-game show. They feature actors Kevin Hart and Ryan Reynolds highlighting the safety, technology and convenience features of the all-new 2017 Elantra (above) and 2016 Genesis sedan.

Buick’s First-Ever Super Bowl Ad Features Cascada Convertible

Buick’s first-ever Super Bowl ad, a 30-second spot part of the “Experience the New Buick” campaign, features Buick’s all-new Cascada luxury convertible which goes on sale this summer and stars New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and actress/model Emily Ratajkowski.

Porsche 718 Boxster Arrives In June Starting At $57,050

The Porsche 718 Boxster (pictured above) has a 300 horsepower 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine and the 718 Boxster S uses a 350 horsepower 2.5 liter turbocharged engine, both providing 35 more horsepower compared to the previous Boxster models, and are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission, with fuel-saving virtual gears. Every body part except for the luggage compartment lids, the windshield and the convertible top has been changed. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is available as an option and includes a ten millimeter lower ride height compared to the standard suspension. The PASM Sport Suspension with a 20 millimeter lower ride height is available as an option for the 718 Boxster S. The 718 Boxster and Boxster S go on sale now and will reach U.S. dealers in late June 2016. The 718 Boxster has a starting MSRP of $57,050 (including the $1,050 destination charge), and the 718 Boxster S from $69,450.

2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR Goes On Sale This Summer

The new 2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR, capable of accelerating to 200 mph, will make its global debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show on March 1 and will go on sale this summer.

2016 GMC Sierra All Terrain X Coming This Spring

The 2016 GMC Sierra All Terrain X, a special edition of the All Terrain model, powered by a 365 horsepower 5.3L V-8 engine driving the 4WD with Eaton locking rear differential. Features include the Z71 Off-Road suspension package with Rancho monotube shocks, high-capacity air cleaner, Hill Descent Control and underbody transfer case shield and Rear Park Assist. Phone integration via GMC IntelliLink allows smartphone users to connect with applications such as navigation, hands-free messaging and more through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 2016 GMC Sierra All Terrain X goes on sale this Spring.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Starts At $17,985 This Month

The all-new sixth-generation 2017 Hyundai Elantra, powered by an all-new 147 horsepower 2.0L Nu MPI Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine, starts at $17,985 (including $835 freight charges), $100 less than the outgoing model, for the SE trim with 6-speed manual transmission, $18,985 for the SE with 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® and $23,185 for the Limited with 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® arriving in dealerships this month. The new powertrain helps the Elantra SE achieve an EPA fuel economy rating of 33 mpg combined. The Eco trim features an all-new 1.4-liter Kappa turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine with an EcoShift seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and will be available later this year.

2017 Audi R8 V10 Starts At $164,150

The all-new 2017 Audi R8, the most powerful Audi production model ever, has a 540 horsepower 5.2-liter V10 model that starts at $164,150 (including the $1,250 destination charge) and a new 610 horsepower V10 plus, starting at $191,150 and mated to an updated seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch transmission which integrates with the Audi drive select system. Available on the R8 for the first time, are comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual drive select modes and on R8 V10 plus models, an additional “performance mode” with dry, wet, and snow programming. The all-new R8 quattro® system delivers the majority of torque to the rear wheels and in certain driving conditions, sends up to 100 percent of all available torque to the front axle. The new multi-material construction has the V10 plus weighing 88 pounds less compared to the previous generation and the V10 weighing 143 pounds less, with 40 percent greater rigidity.

Acura Precision Concept

The Acura Precision Concept model explores a new approach for Acura's digital human-machine interface, enabling a intuitive, advanced and seamless connection between man and machine. The ultra-wide and curved center screen is operated by a floating touch pad suspended on the cantilevered center stack. Upon entry, the system scans each occupant and selects personalized features and functions, including maps, audio and customized vehicle performance settings. The driver's space is highlighted by a compact, race-inspired, sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) controls, a floating center meter, a driver's head-up display, a cantilevered center stack and an ultra-wide, thin and curved center display screen.

2017 Audi A4 Starts At $38,250 This Spring

The all-new 2017 Audi A4, in its ninth generation, features a completely redeveloped 252 horsepower 2.0 TFSI® engine mated to a new generation of the seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch transmission, starts at $38,250 (including $950 destination charge) for the front-wheel drive and $40,350 for the quattro all-wheel drive Premium models. There are also more expensive Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. Standard equipment includes keyless start/stop, rearview camera, Audi smartphone interface, LED interior lighting, digital 3-zone automatic climate control and Audi pre sense city. Standard Audi pre sense city detects cornering and stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians, at speeds of up to 52 mph and can initiate full braking when a potential collision is detected. The all-new 2017 Audi A4 goes on sale this Spring.

2017 Audi A4 allroad quattro Coming Later This Year

The new Audi A4 allroad quattro, in its second generation, is powered by TFSI and five TDI engines that produce between 150 horsepower and 272 horsepower, which is up to 27 horsepower more than the previous model and the engines are mated to a choice of a manual six-speed, new seven-speed S tronic or the redesigned eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is part of the Audi A4 family and was just introduced in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show and will arrive at dealerships in Germany and Europe this summer, and, presumably to the U.S. market at some point, likely with the 2.0 liter TFSI delivers 252 horsepower.

Buick Avista Concept - It's A Buick

The Buick Avista 2+2 coupe concept has a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0L V-6 engine with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and Stop/Start technology and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Avista has Magnetic Ride Control that delivers more precise body motion control next-generation and QuietTuning and air-quality control, including noise cancellation technology, ionic air purifiers and aromatherapy.

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.