2019 Toyota Avalon Starts At $36,395 In May

The 2019 Toyota Avalon, in its fifth generation comes in XLE, XSE, Limited and Touring trims, and is powered by a 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an all-new TNGA 8-speed Direct Shift-8AT automatic transaxle transmission or, for the Avalon HV, a 215-net-horsepower 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder Toyota Hybrid System II with 650-volt electric motor and Continuously-Variable Transmission. The Avalon comes with Entune 3.0 with Wi-Fi Connect and a new 9-inch capacitive touchscreen that can be pinched and flicked, Toyota Remote Connect with Smartwatch, Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay Compatibility. The starting MSRP is $36,395 (including Delivery, Processing, and Handling Fee of $895) when it goes on sale next month.

Buick Enspire All-Electric Concept SUV

 The Buick Enspire all-electric concept SUV, making its global debut in China, is powered by electric propulsion technology that generates a maximum power of 410 kW for a range of up to 370 miles on a single charge and enabling a 0-60 mph time of 4 seconds. The battery can be charged to 80 percent of capacity within 40 minutes. 

All-New Ford Focus Coming to North America Next Year

The all-new Ford Focus, redesigned from the wheels up with more interior space and cargo area, will be offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door estate/wagon and 5-door hatchback body styles depending on the market. In China, there will be a range of gasoline engines offered, including a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and an all-new 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine. In Europe, Focus adds a 1.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline and 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel. North American powertrain options will be announced closer to its launch next year. The all-new Focus goes on sale in Europe and China this year and North America in 2019.

2019 Chevrolet Camaro Gets Refreshed

 The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro, with a new front-end styling and rear facia to differentiate between LS/LT, RS and SS models, now offers a 275 horsepower 2.0L turbo engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The Camaro SS is now offered with 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. Standard Rear Camera Mirror on 2SS and ZL1 models offers a wider, less obstructed field of view using a camera display that eliminates potential obstructions such as rear body pillars or seat headrests and there's an improved standard rear-vision camera system* with a new, digital high-definition camera. Forward Collision Alert is an available safety feature. The 2019 Camaro joins Cruze, Malibu and Spark as part of a revitalized 2019 lineup.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta Starts At $19,395 In 2nd Quarter

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, powered by a 147 horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine mated to a new standard six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic transmission optional on the base model and standard on higher trims, starts lower than the outgoing model at $19,395 (including $850 destination fee). The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta will be available in S, SE, R-Line®, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels and is expected to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers in the second quarter of 2018.

2019 Acura TLX On Sale Now Staring At $33,965

The 2019 Acura TLX, powered by a 206-horsepower 2.4-liter i-VTEC® engine mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission and a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6® paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission just started landing in Acura dealerships nationwide with a starting price of $33,965 up to $46,915. 2.4-liter TLX models come equipped with Acura Precision All-Wheel SteerTM featuring independent left- and right-rear-wheel toe angle control to enhance overall handling precision, low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. V6 models are offered in both two- and all-wheel drive configurations.

A new 2.4-liter A-Spec sport appearance variant is added to lineup. A-Spec V6 models are equipped with SH-AWD, a quicker steering ratio for increased response along with a stiffer spring rate and rear stabilizer bar for improved body control. Acura offers A-Spec sporty package variants with exclusive design elements inside and out for the ILX, TLX, all-new 2019 Acura RDX and the 2019 Acura MDX.

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Hybrid Concept Coming Next Year

The new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport concept five-seater coupe-like SUV, 7.5 inches shorter than the Atlas on the same wheelbase, is powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with 355 horsepower and an anticipated 26 miles of all-electric range. The same 276 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 FSI® engine as in the Atlas is boosted by a 54 horsepower front electric motor and a 114 horsepower electric rear motor enabling the Cross Sport concept to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds to a top speed of 130 mph. The concept vehicle is 190.8 inches long, 68.3 inches tall and 79.9 inches wide. The actual production vehicle is scheduled to be launched in the U.S. market starting in 2019.

2019 Nissan Altima On Sale This Fall

The all-new sixth generation 2019 Nissan Altima, offered in S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum trim levels, is powered by a new 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct-injection engine, and for the first time available with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The Altima SR and Platinum grades are available with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine in front-wheel drive only. ProPILOT Assist is standard on the 2019 Altima SV, SL and Platinum grades. Also new for 2019 is Rear Automatic Braking, which helps the driver detect stationary objects when backing up, and if necessary applies the brakes to help avoid a collision. That's in addition to features including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, radar-based Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The 2019 Altima goes on sale in the U.S. in the Fall, followed by other global markets at later dates.

Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept Pickup Truck

Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak concept dual-cab short-bed pickup truck, named after a tall tree found on the U.S. Pacific Coast, is powered by a 276 horsepower V6 FSI® gasoline engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system. The Tanoak concept, based on the production SUV, is completely redesigned at 214.1 inches long, 15.8 inches longer than the Atlas, which makes it a large midsize pickup by U.S. standards. The concept vehicle is 79.9 inches wide and 72.6 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 128.3 inches, 11 inches longer than the Atlas seven-seater. Although there are currently no production plans for the Atlas Tanoak, Volkswagen is keen to gauge the reactions of buyers and media, since pickup trucks are one of the biggest volume segments in the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Adds AMG G63 and G65

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz G550 is joined in the G-Class product lineup by the high-performance AMG G63, powered by a handcrafted AMG 5.5L V8 biturbo engine with the ECO stop/start system as standard,.and AMG G65, powered by a handcrafted AMG 621 horsepower 6.0L V12 biturbo engine with an estimated 0-60 mph acceleration of 5.2 seconds.Standard safety features include the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS.

Lincoln Aviator Coming Next Year

Lincoln Aviator, three-row, rear-wheel-drive medium luxury SUV, powered by a twin-turbocharged powertrain with an advanced plug-in hybrid option, will be equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360™, an advanced suite of standard driver-assist technologies including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane keeping system, reverse camera and auto high-beam lighting. The “teaser” model serves to preview the direction Lincoln plans to take with its newest SUV when the production model goes on sale next year.

2018 Vancouver International Auto Show Shines

The 2018 Vancouver International Auto Show just wrapped up at its spectacular waterside Convention Centre view venue, which you may remember from the 2010 Winter Olympics and 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. It's is a big improvement from the vast stadium setting of previous years. Entering the show on a sunny day revealed the beautiful North Shore skyline, but reminded me of tackling an Ikea store where you were forced onto a path through exhibits of exotic cars, automotive aftermarket products, classic car displays and more before getting to what you came for. After navigating that road, it was down a long escalator to manufacturer, not local dealer, displays of new vehicles, including some of the latest releases, like the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt, and the 2019 Acura RDX which also just debuted at the New York Show. Unlike, Los Angeles, Detroit, New York and Chicago which are North America's vehicle debut shows, the Vancouver Show is consumer-oriented doing a good job of catering to its affluent, mostly Asian, clientele looking for high-end performance and exotic cars, the general public looking for the latest popular economic models and window shoppers.

To attract the crowds, a 2012 low mileage Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Roadster, boasting 1,001 horsepower and priced at $2,550,000 (likely Canadian dollars) was located near the entrance.

Another show magnet was the Swedish Koenigsegg Agera RS, touted as the world's fastest production car with a top speed of 277.9 mph from a 927 horsepower 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Only 25 will be made, with 10 pre-sold prior to the first showing.

Dueck, my buddy's local General Motors dealership, polished up some classics, including a Chevy Corvette. It was refreshing to see a consumer auto show in a scenic setting exhibiting vehicles appropriately displayed for their prestige-conscious, cash-rich, fast lane market where police strictly enforce speed limits.

2019 Lexus UX Goes On Sale In December

The 2019 Lexus UX compact luxury crossover, on a 103.9-in. wheelbase and available in two versions, introduces a new 168 horsepower 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine coupled with a new Direct-Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT). The UX 250h pairs the same 2.0-liter gas engine with a new fourth generation hybrid drive system. The UX will offer the Lexus Safety System+ as standard equipment which includes Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist and a Pre-Collision System that can recognize pedestrians at night.  Additionally, PCS radar capability has been extended to enable detection of cyclists during the day. The UX 200 and UX 250h will start production this fall and go on sale in the U.S. in December. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Coming This Winter

The all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4, in its fifth-generation, is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with VVT-iE mated to an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission for the five gas models and a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder Toyota Hybrid System II engine with Electronically-Controlled Continuously-Variable Transmission for the four hybrid models. RAV4 comes standard with TSS 2.0, the second generation of Toyota Safety Sense that includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist. Also for the Rav4, Entune 3.0 with Wi-Fi Connect, Amazon Alexa connectivity and Apple CarPlay. The all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4 becomes available in the winter at the end of 2018 with hybrid models right behind in early 2019.

2019 Kia Sedona Gets Refreshed

The refreshed 2019 Kia Sedona minivan, with a new available rear-seat entertainment system, is powered by a 276 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 can now be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The refreshed 2019 Kia Sedona is offered in L, LX, EX, EX Premium, SX, and SXL trim levels. The outgoing Sedona’s Infinity®6 sound system has been swapped out for an available Harman Kardon®7 premium audio system that pumps out music through eight speakers. Safety features include Forward Collision Warning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning, Blind Spot Collision Warning and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and now Driver Attention Warning.

Redesigned 2019 Kia K900 Coming In 4th Quarter

The completely redesigned second-generation 2019 Kia K900 sedan, on a longer wheelbase and with a wider stance, is powered by a 365 horsepower 3.3-liter twin turbo V6 engine, the same engine found in the Stinger fastback sport sedan, and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. A 12.3-inch Human Machine Interface  touchscreen displays maps, trip information, audio sources, climate controls and more. UVO luxe telematics features can be used from the desktop, tablet, or dedicated UVO luxe app, and all three access points allow remote start, setting of preferred cabin temperature, or easy to use features, such as Find My Car. There’s full connectivity via Apple CarPlay7 and Android Auto and a wireless cell phone charger. The new K900 is slated to go on sale in the U.S. during the fourth quarter of 2018.

2019 Kia Optima Gets Refreshed

2019 Kia Optima receives a number of redesigned interior and exterior elements. The LX comes standard with Stinger-inspired LED daytime running lights, a new 16-inch alloy wheel design and matte gray-finish grill. The S model gets new projection beam fog lamps, LED taillights, dual exhaust, sport side sills with gloss black trim, a gloss-black grill and 18-inch alloy wheels. Also added is standard push-button start, smart key, smart trunk and power front windows with auto up/down functionality. The EX will be powered by a turbocharged 178-horsepower engine with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission with an adaptive Smart Shift drive mode.

2019 Subaru Forester Arrives Later This Year

The all-new 2019 Subaru Forester, in its fifth generation and available in standard, Premium, Limited, Touring and new Sport trim levels, is powered by a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine featuring Auto Stop/Start and paired with a standard Lineartronic CVT driving its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. On Sport and Touring variants, the CVT features a manual mode that simulates a seven-speed manual transmission, using steering wheel paddle shift control switches. The wheelbase is increased to 105.1 in. from 103.9 in., with more rear seat legroom, which is now 39.4-in., a 1.4-in. increase and gains in headroom, hip and shoulder room. DriverFocus is a driver monitoring system that uses facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction. The all-new 2019 Subaru Forester arrives at Subaru retailers later this year.

2019 Hyundai Tucson Is Redesigned

The redesigned 2019 Hyundai Tucson is powered by 164 horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine on the Value and SE trims and a 181 horsepower 2.4-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder engine on the SEL, Sport and Limited trims, both coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers SHIFTRONIC™ manual shifting mode and includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at highway speeds. The 2019 Tucson has a 7-inch Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ as standard equipment. A second row USB charger was added in the SEL trim and, to eliminate the need for a charging cord in the Limited trim, there is an available Qi wireless charging pad for compatible Android devices, as well as Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Offers 3 Engines For U.S.

The all-new fourth generation 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is powered by a 185 horsepower 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder GDI engine, a 235 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 190 horsepower 2.2-liter CRDi turbodiesel engine, all mated to a brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission. Safety features include Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Occupant Alert to detect the movements of children and pets and Safe Exit Assist temporarily prevents doors from being opened when a vehicle approaches from behind even when the doors are unlocked. The five-passenger Santa Fe Sport will now be called Santa Fe. The current long wheelbase three-row, seven-passenger model called Santa Fe will be renamed Santa Fe XL for the 2019 model year. The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe goes on sale in the U.S. in this summer.