Monday, March 21, 2016

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Coming This Fall


The all-wheel-drive 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, based on the Golf SportWagen, has a 170 horsepower 1.8-liter, four-cylinder TSI® gasoline engine mated to a six-speed dual-clutch DSG® automatic transmission with a six-speed manual transmission will be available at a later date. A Drive Mode selector includes “Off-Road Mode,” which adds hill descent control and optimizes traction control for off-road terrain. Six airbags are standard along with Electronic Stability Control, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and an Intelligent Crash Response System. Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Assist, and front and rear Park Distance Control with Park Assist are available options. The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack goes on sale in the Fall as a 2017 model.

2017 Chevrolet Sonic Coming This Fall


The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, offered in LS, LT and Premier trims and an RS package on sedan models and LT, Premier and RS for the hatchback, comes standard with an Ecotec 1.8L engine and an available 138 horsepower Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine, mated to a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Sonic also offers 10 standard air bags, with Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning available active safety features along with Stabilitrak electronic stability control and an antilock braking system. Rear Park Assist is new for 2017 and a rearview camera is now standard on all models. The 2017 Sonic goes on sale this Fall.

2017 Toyota 86 Coming This Fall


The 2017 Toyota 86 is the new name for the former Scion FR-S, which, on the manual version of the car, gets a gear ratio change, a torque increase to 156 lb.-ft, and a five-horsepower increase to 205 horsepower along with Hill Start Assist Control that helps prevent the car from rolling back on steep hills. The new Toyota 86 will go on sale at all Toyota dealerships this Fall. With the elimination of the Scion brand, two other former Scion vehicles will be called the Toyota Corolla iM and Toyota Yaris iA.

Monday, March 14, 2016

2017 Toyota Highlander With More Choices This Fall


The 2017 Toyota Highlander three-row SUV gets a new 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection engine paired to a new Direct Shift 8AT automatic transmission while the standard powertrain on Highlander 4x2 LE gas models will remain the 2.7-liter 4- cylinder paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The six Highlander gas models will continue to be (LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum) available in both front-wheel and AWD. The Highlander Hybrid adds two new grades, (LE and XLE) to its existing lineup of Limited and Platinum models for a total of four. The 2017 Highlander will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, a new multi- feature advanced safety package that includes Pre-Collision System with Forward Collision Warning and automatic emergency brake, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, Pedestrian Pre- Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The 2017 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid will begin arriving at Toyota showrooms this Fall.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Toyota C-HR Becomes A Reality


The Toyota C-HR, shown last November at the LA Auto Show as the Scion C-HR concept, will be Toyota's entry in the compact SUV or C-segment crossover market.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

2017 Corvette Grand Sport Goes On Sale This Summer


The all-new 2017 Corvette Grand Sport coupe and convertible are powered by the 460 horsepower LT1 V8 engine mated to a seven-speed manual transmission with active rev match or the available eight-speed paddle-shift automatic with specific performance calibration. The available Z07 package adds carbon ceramic-matrix brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. The all-new 2017 Corvette Grand Sport coupe and convertible go on sale this summer in the U.S.

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Coming Later This Year


The 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype previews the design of the 2017 Civic Hatchback, launching later this year as the third new Civic variant, including the 2016 Sedan and Coupe and still-to-come Civic Si variants and new Civic Type R. Honda discontinued the Accord Crosstour for 2016 so this may satisfy those five-door hatchback enthusiasts.

Aston Martin DB11 Starts At $211,995 In 4th Quarter


The Aston Martin DB11, powered by a 600 horsepower 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic ZF transmission, has electric power steering and torque vectoring by braking and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 200 mph. Multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes - GT, Sport and Sport Plus - progressively intensify the response of the engine. There's a full-colour 12” TFT LCD display for the all-new instrument cluster that has an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support and an additional centrally-mounted 8” TFT screen dedicated to infotainment. The Aston Martin DB11 starts at $211,995 in US with first deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year.

Lamborghini Centenario - Only 40 - All Sold


The Lamborghini Centenario, built entirely of carbon fiber, celebrates the centenary of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini's birth with only 20 coupé and 20 roadster versions to be produced and all 40 cars are already sold, at a starting price of 1.75 million euros or $1.9 million U.S. dollars plus tax. The Centenario has a 770 horsepower V12 engine that provides 0-100 km/h or 0-62 mph in 2.8 seconds and from 0-300 km/h or 186 mph in 23.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of more than 350 km/h or 217 mph.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

February 2016 U.S. Vehicle Sales

General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac) February total deliveries were 227,825, down 1.5 percent while retail sales of 179,958 is a 6.6 percent gain over 2015. Year-to-date sales of 343,013 is up 7.7 percent over last year's first two months of the year.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., reported February 2016 sales of 187,954 vehicles, an increase of 4.1 percent from February 2015 on a volume basis. Toyota division February 2016 sales were 164.864, up 4.7 percent. Lexus reported February 2016 sales of 23,090, up 0.4 percent. Year-to-date sales of 349,237 is 0.4 percent increase over last year.

Ford Motor Company’s U.S. sales were 217,192, up 20 percent in February versus a year ago. Retail sales grew 11 percent, the best February since 2005. Lincoln had sales of 8,039 vehicles, a 30 percent increase. Year-to-date Ford sales are 390,915, up 9 percent over the first two months of 2015.

FCA (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 182,879, a 12 percent increase compared with sales in February 2015 for the best February sales in 10 years. Year-to- date sales of 337,916 is a 10 percent increase over last year.

American Honda reported record February sales of 118,985 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 12.8 percent. Honda Division set a new February record with 106,212 units sold, up 14.9 percent; Honda car sales reached 57,267 while record February truck sales totaled 48,945 for the month.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for February 2016 of 130,911, an increase of 11 percent over the prior year and a February record. Infiniti sales of 10,371 vehicles in the U.S. during February, was a decrease of 11 percent versus the prior year. Year-to-date sales of 236,645 is a 6.3 percent gain over 2015.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best February in company history, selling 53,009 vehicles for the month, up one percent versus the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 98,020, also a one gain over 2015.

Kia Motors America announced best-ever February sales of 49,737 vehicles, a 13 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 88,042 is a 6.9 percent gain over last year.

Subaru of America reported record sales for February 2016 totaling 42,011 vehicles, a 1.6 percent gain over February 2015. The company also reported year-to-date sales of 83,112 vehicles, a 1.2 percent gain over the same period in 2015.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 22,321, a drop of 13.2 percent from February 2015. Year-to-date sales of 42,400 is a 13.8 percent fall from a year ago. Separately, Audi reported February 2016 sales of 11,718 vehicles, an increase of 2.3 percent with year-to-date sales of 23,568, up 2.5 percent over 2015.

BMW brand February vehicle sales of 22,498 was a decrease of 10.7 percent compared to February 2015. Year-to-date, BMW brand sales of 40,580 is down 8.2 percent from the same period last year.

Mercedes-Benz
USA reported February sales of 25,632 vehicles, a 0.5 percent drop from last year, with 22,941 Mercedes-Benz brand sales down 2.9 percent, 2,269 for Daimler Vans and 422 for smart. Year-to-date sales of 52,594 is a 0.4 percent increase over 2015.

Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 21,544 vehicles, representing a decrease of 16 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through February are down 10.2 percent versus last year, with 41,247 vehicles sold.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported February 2016 sales of 7,870, an increase of 4.5 percent over February of 2015. For the calendar year, Mitsubishi sales are 14,134.

Jaguar Land Rover North America February U.S. sales for both brands hit 7,929, a 25 percent increase from February 2015. Land Rover sales were 6,417, a 31 percent increase while Jaguar sales were 1,512 for a 7 percent increase. For the full year 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales were 85,048, up 26 percent.

Volvo Car USA, reported U.S. sales of 5,260 vehicles, a 33.1 percent increase versus February 2015. Year-to-date sales are up 21.8 percent.

Porsche Cars North America announced February 2016 sales of 3,561 vehicles, up 11.2 percent over February 2015, a new February sales record for PCNA.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe Joins C-Class


The new Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe with a 362 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine combined with the new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, is the latest addition to the C-Class family. There are five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes: "Eco," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport Plus" and "Individual."

2017 Kia Sportage Starts At $23,885


The all-new fourth-generation 2017 Kia Sportage CUV, 1.6 inches longer than the outgoing model and offered in LX, EX, and SX Turbo trim levels, with a 181 horsepower 2.4-liter GDI four cylinder engine combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, starts at $23,885 (including $895 destination charges) for the FWD LX. The 2017 Sportage LX comes standard with LED Daytime Running Lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, chrome window surround, rear privacy glass, 5-inch touchscreen with Rear Camera Display, Bluetooth®, 3.5-inch LCD cluster, keyless entry system, auto-on/off dual projector headlights, and Normal, Eco, and Sport Drive Mode Select options. The fully-loaded $33,395 Sportage SX Turbo comes standard with a 240 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

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.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

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.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

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.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

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.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

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.