Maserati Levante SUV Coming Later This Year

The Maserati Levante, the brand's first SUV, has an adjustable electronic suspension with controlled damping and air springs, “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive and a specially calibrated 8-speed automatic transmission. The Maserati Levante has already come off the assembly line at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, with the launch planned for this Spring in Europe, to be followed by the rest of the world later this year.

Bentley Flying Spur V8 S Arrives This Summer

The Bentley Flying Spur V8 S, with a 521 horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 S engine, is more powerful than the 500 horsepower Flying Spur V8, has a top speed of 190 mph and a combined fuel economy of 25.9 mpg helped by variable displacement, in which four of the eight cylinders shut down when cruising, reducing fuel consumption. ‘S’ mode provides drivers with a sharp throttle response and additional engine braking from the transmission. Power is delivered via an all-wheel-drive system with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split. The aluminium double-wishbone front and trapezoidal multi-link rear self-levelling air suspension with continuous damping control provides a refined ride. The Bentley Flying Spur V8 S will start being delivered this Summer.

Lexus LC 500h Will Debut In Geneva

The all-new Lexus LC 500h luxury coupe, with Lexus’ next generation hybrid powertrain, was inspired by the LF-LC concept that debuted in 2012 and will debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show on March 1st. It features an advanced touchless human machine interface as well as automated driving technologies.

2017 GMC Acadia Starts At $29,995 This Spring

The all-new 2017 GMC Acadia, 700 pounds lighter in weight than the 2016 model and $1,905 less in price, will start at $29,995 (including $925 destination charge) for Acadia SL FWD and run up to a starting price of $47,845 for the Acadia Denali AWD. There will be a new, 2.5L engine as standard and an available 310 horsepower 3.6L V-6 engine with 4,000 pounds estimated trailering capability (with the available towing package). when it goes on sale this Spring.

2017 Ram Power Wagon Coming In The Fourth Quarter

The 2017 Ram Power Wagon, with all-new exterior and interior design and based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab, is powered by a 410 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine offered with the 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission connected to a part-time, manual-engagement Borg Warner BW 44-47 transfer case. Hill-descent Control allows drivers to control Power Wagon’s speed down steep, rugged grades with the buttons on the column shifter without the need for throttle or brake pedals. Power Wagon will top a lineup of off-road trucks that includes Rebel and the 4x4 Off-road Package when it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of this year.

2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Coming This Fall

The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, powered by a 3.5-Liter V6 DOHC 24-valve direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine, will have all-new factory-installed off-road equipment when it goes on sale this Fall. The Crawl Control, on automatics only, automatically modulates the throttle and brakes to regulate wheel spin on five low-speed settings for navigating across difficult terrain. Every Tacoma TRD Pro will be equipped with  electronically-controlled 4WDemand part-time 4WD with a transfer case and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential, a V6 Tow Package that includes a Class-IV towing receiver hitch, ATF cooler (automatic only), engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with convertor, and Trailer-Sway Control. As in all Tacoma models, a GoPro® mount is located on the windshield with GoPro® HERO cameras.

BMW M760i xDrive Coming Early Next Year

The all-new BMW M760i xDrive with a 600 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission will join the sixth generation BMW 7 Series line-up early in 2017.

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.