BMW 745e Joins Updated 7 Series Line-Up This Spring

The updated 6th Generation BMW 7 Series Sedan adds a new 6-cylinder plug-in-hybrid 745e variant to the turbocharged 6, 8 and 12 cylinder engines in the 740i, 740i xDrive, 750i xDrive, M760i xDrive and M760Li xDrive sedans. The plug-in hybrid model has maximum output of 280 horsepower that includes a 113 horsepower electric motor and a new lithium-ion battery equipped with a hybrid-specific variant of the eight-speed Sport Steptronic transmission incorporating both the electric motor and a separating clutch. With the Driving Experience Control switch set to SPORT mode, the drive duo can unleash a combined output of 389 horsepower. The new plug-in hybrid drive technology enables the BMW 745e xDrive to record a 0-60 acceleration time of 4.9 seconds. The plug-in hybrid model that will be available at the launch of the new BMW 7 Series in Spring 2019.

The new BMW M760i xDrive is powered by a 600 horsepower 6.6 liter V12 engine with a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.6 seconds to a top speed of 155 mph. The BMW 750i xDrive Sedan has a 523 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine taking it from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The new BMW 740i and 740i xDrive are powered by a 335 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged direct injection straight-six engine for a 740i 0 to 60 mph time of 5.3 seconds while 740i Xdrive does it in 4.8 seconds. All equiped with an eight-speed Sport Steptronic transmission. Available as an optional package in the 750i xDrive and M760i xDrive, the Rear Executive Lounge Seating appointments. The Active Driving Assistant package is standard equipment and includes Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Lane Departure Warning Blind Spot Detection systems, Speed Limit Info system, Rear Collision Preparation and Cross Traffic Alert. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package adds Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision avoidance, Steering & Traffic Jam Assistant, Automatic Lane Change and Evasion Assistant & Cross Traffic alert.

Nissan IMs Concept

The Nissan IMs concept, with full autonomous drive capability, is powered by a 483 horsepower electric powertrain with dual front and rear electric motors and a 115-kWh battery providing an estimated range of 380 miles on a single charge. In Autonomous Drive mode, the IMs concept's headlights and rear combination light turn blue and the lighting travels continuously from front-to-rear to notify pedestrians and other drivers of its autonomous status. Nissan will launch an additional seven electric vehicles by 2022.

INFINITI QX Inspiration Concept

The INFINITI QX Inspiration concept is a midsize SUV concept with a high performance electrified all-wheel drive powertrain that previews the brand's first fully electric vehicle.

The Lexus LC Convertible Concept

Mercedes-Benz A 220 and A 220 4MATIC Start at $33,495

The Mercedes-Benz A 220 and A 220 4MATIC both feature a 188 horsepower 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine mated to a 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. Standard equipment for the Mercedes-Benz A 220 and A 220 4MATIC includes a Panorama roof and the MBUX multimedia system with intelligent Voice Control, Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a high-resolution widescreen cockpit concept with a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia display. Also available KEYLESS-GO with HANDS-FREE ACCESS for automatically opening the trunk lid with a kicking motion under the rear bumper. Arriving in U.S. dealerships in early 2019, the Mercedes-Benz A 220 Sedan will start at just $33,495 (including $995 destination and delivery charge) while the A 220 4MATIC Sedan will start from $35,495.

2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Starts At $24,185

The new 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line trim, the first N Line model for the United States from Hyundai, is powered by a 201 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged-GDI engine with six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed DCT with larger steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The Elantra GT N Line models available features include Smart Cruise Control with start/stop capability, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and AVN 5.0 infotainment system with an eight-inch screen. The new 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N starts at $24,185 (including $885 freight charges).

Subaru STI S209 Coming Late This Year

The limited-edition Subaru STI S209, the first-ever S-line STI product produced exclusively for the U.S. market, is powered by a reworked version of the  EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine with a larger turbine and compressor, delivering an estimated 341 horsepower and is mated to a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.  A recalibrated SI-Drive system offers three modes: Intelligent (I) for improved fuel economy and smoother power control; Sport (S) for optimized power balance between response and control; and Sport Sharp (S#) for achieving the best acceleration times. Only around 200 units of the STI S209 will be built exclusively for the U.S. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date in late 2019.

2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 Arrives This Fall

The all-new 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500, the most powerful street-legal Ford ever, is powered by a supercharged 700-plus horsepower 5.2-liter V8 aluminum alloy engine built by hand mated to a TREMEC® 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is capable of shifts in under 100 milliseconds. The all-new 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 has next-generation active MagneRide™ suspension, a new electronic power steering unit and lighter-weight coil springs front and rear.  An available Handling Package includes adjustable strut top mounts and spoiler with Gurney flap. Also, an available Carbon Fiber Track Package, with the rear seat is deleted to reduce weight, features exposed 20-inch carbon fiber wheels with 0.5-inch-wider rear wheels (11.5-inch), custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, adjustable exposed carbon fiber GT4 track wing and splitter wickers with integrated dive plane. The all-new 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 joins the Shelby GT350 in the sixth-generation Mustang line-up when it arrives this Fall.

2020 Lexus RC F Coupe Coming In The 2nd Quarter

The 2020 Lexus RC F Coupe, is refreshed with improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, a retuned suspension, new styling and the addition of an all-new, limited production Track Edition model (above). The RC F continues to be powered by a 472 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a higher final drive ratio to improve off-the-line response. Both the 2020 Lexus RC F and the RC F Track Edition will start production in the second quarter of 2019.

2020 Toyota Supra Starts At $50,830 This Summer

2020 Toyota Supra, returning after 20 years, will be available in 3.0 and 3.0 Premium trims and powered by a 335 horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and have a starting price of $50,830 (including the $930 delivery, processing, and handling fee). Both grades will have features including adaptive suspension, an active rear differential and launch control. The initial 1,500 production Supras for the U.S. will be Launch Edition models starting at $56,180 uniquely numbered and with distinctive features. Toyota dealers will be handling all orders and the Launch Edition models go on sale in Summer 2019.

2020 Kia Telluride 3-Row SUV Coming This Year

2020 Kia Telluride 8-seat mid-size SUV, the largest Kia ever available in LX, EX, S and SX trims with a choice of front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive, is powered by a 291 horsepower 3.8-liter GDI V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort drive modes. “Eco” and “Smart” modes deliver 100 percent power to the front wheels. “Comfort” and “Snow” modes deliver 80 percent power to the front wheels and 20 percent to rear. Sport mode splits the power 65-35 percent between front and back. “Lock” mode delivers power evenly to all four wheels. Standard towing rated up to 5,000 pounds. Features include Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Head-Up Display, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode and Rear Occupant Alert. Telluride will be assembled at Kia’s manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia and will go on sale this year.

2020 Cadillac XT6 Available To Order This Spring

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 three-row crossover, with a standard power-folding third-row seat, is powered by a 310 horsepower 3.6L DOHC V-6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission featuring next-generation Electronic Precision Shift offering up to four selectable driving modes and Active Fuel Management technology that enables V-4 operation when V-6 power. AWD is available on Premium Luxury and standard on XT6 Sport. The XT6 features include Night Vision, HD Surround Vision Camera, Illuminated Cadillac Crest hands-free liftgate, Keyless Open and Adaptive Remote Start, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. The 2020 XT6 will be manufactured in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and available for ordering this Spring.

2020 Volkswagen Passat Coming This Summer

The new 2020 Volkswagen Passat, completely restyled retaining the underpinnings of the previous model and available in four regular trim levels, is powered by a 174 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic®. Every Passat includes standard Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, now with Pedestrian Monitoring, as well as Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. Available driver-assistance features include: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Parking Steering Assistant including Park Distance Control. In addition, Passat offers a combination of both passive and active safety systems including the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The 2020 Volkswagen Passat, comes with 6-years/72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper warranty is expected to begin arriving at U.S. Volkswagen dealers in the Summer of 2019.

2020 Ford Explorer Coming This Summer

The all-new 2020 Ford Explorer comes in standard, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST and Platinum trim levels, offers intelligent four-wheel drive and an available new Terrain Management System™ that features seven drive modes and is powered by a 300 horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 engine with all-new 10-speed transmission that comes standard on base, XLT and Limited models, and a 365 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that powers Explorer Platinum. 

Explorer ST (pictured above) is powered by a 400 horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with selectable traction control. Available upgrades include an ST Street Pack and an ST Track Pack. The all-new Explorer Hybrid, which features a 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain with an all-new 10-speed modular hybrid transmission, is projected to produce a combined system 318 horsepower and an EPA-estimated range of more than 500 miles between gas station fill-ups for the rear-wheel-drive model.

The all-new 2020 Ford Explorer offers more space and technology, including available 10.1-inch portrait-mounted touch screen with full-screen maps, traffic-sensing Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist including Evasive Steering Assist to help avoid a collision, available Reverse Brake Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, which handles all steering, shifting, brake and accelerator controls during a parking maneuver with a touch of a button, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, which includes Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, and Rearview camera with built-in lens cleaner. Vehicles equipped with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost can tow up to 5,600 pounds and new models outfitted with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost and Class III Trailer Tow Package can tow up to 5,300 pounds.The all-new Explorer is manufactured at Chicago Assembly Plant and due in showrooms this Summer.

Another Reuss Rolls In As President of General Motors

Mark Reuss (left) was just named president of General Motors following a long career at GM that began as a student intern in 1983. Most recently, from June 2018, Reuss was executive vice president and president, Cadillac and global portfolio planning and prior to that was executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain from 2013-2018. Before that, starting in 2009, Reuss was president of General Motors North America. Reuss was born and raised in Detroit and holds a bachelor’s of engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and a master’s of business administration from Duke University. In 2011, Reuss, as President of GM North America, discussed a changing mindset at General Motors (click hear to see his interview).

Richard Saxton with Lloyd Reuss

His 82 year old father, Lloyd Reuss was President of General Motors Corporation from 1990 until his retirement in January 1993. A mechanical engineering grad from the University of Missouri, the older Reuss joined GM in 1959 and was checking out vehicles at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit with Richard Saxton (right).

2018: Automotive Visionary Sergio Marchionne Passed Away

Richard Saxton with Sergio Marchionne

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, chairman and CEO of FCA US LLC, the chairman and CEO of Ferrari, and the chairman of Maserati, Italian-Canadian lawyer and businessman, who turned around Fiat and Chrysler, was a big loss for the auto industry when he passed away on July 25, 2018, at the age 66, due to complications from shoulder surgery. Easy to talk to and a friend who I admired.

Articles: Global and Mail, Financial Times, Reuters.

Photo taken Jan. 11, 2010 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD and 6500HD

The Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD and 6500HD chassis cab trucks, the first-ever medium-duty Silverado trucks, are in production and on their way to dealerships.

2019 Nissan Murano and Maxima Prices

The 2019 Nissan Murano, now on sale in available in S, SV, SL and Platinum trims and equipped with a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission, is available in front-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, with a starting MSRP of $32,315 (including $1,045 destination and handling charge) for the Murano S front-wheel drive model.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima, with a mid-cycle freshening for its S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum trims levels, is powered by a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine and Xtronic transmission and is on sale now starting at $34,845 (including $895 destination and handling charge).

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Crossover Starts Under $30,000 With Tax Credit

The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric crossover, with a 258-mile estimated range, has a starting price of $36,450, for an effective net price of $28,950 ($29,995 including delivery), with the electric vehicle tax credit of $7,500 factored in. Customers may receive the available federal tax credit of up to $7,500, dependent on individual tax circumstances. Kona Electric models will be produced in Ulsan, Korea and will be available in the beginning of 2019, with initial availability in California and subsequently in the ZEV-focused states in the western and northeastern regions of the U.S. market.

2019 Porsche Macan S Starts At $59,650 This Summer

The 2019 Porsche Macan S is refreshed with several chassis revisions, a continuous LED light bar at the rear, and the new Porsche Communication Management system with a 10.9-inch touchscreen and a new more powerful 348 horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with a zero to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds or 4.9 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package to a top track speed of 157 mph. LED headlights are now included as standard, while Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus is optional while a new brake pedal weighs around 300 g less than the previous steel part and connects to the brake master cylinder via a shortened lever arm for improved brake responsiveness and the 2019 model has larger front brake discs. With 100 more horsepower and costing almost $10,000 more than the base Macan, the new 2019 Macan S has a base MSRP of $59,650 (including a $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee) and is available for order now and is expected to reach U.S. dealers in summer 2019.