Friday, November 1, 2019

2020 MINI Cooper SE Starts At $30,750 In March


The 2020 MINI Cooper SE, with a front wheel drive electric motor that generates 181 horsepower, will reach US showrooms in early March of 2020 starting at $30,750 (including $850 destination & handling fee).

2020 Mazda6 Starts At $24,920


The 2020 Mazda6, in Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims, is equipped with G-Vectoring Control Plus and powered by a either a 187 horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine or a turbocharged 227 horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission including a Sport Mode that recalibrates the gear ratios for more spirited driving. Mazda6 Sport comes standard with Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go function, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The 2020 Mazda6 starts at $24,920 (including $920 for destination and handling).

Nissan Ariya Concept


The Nissan Ariya Concept, a crossover EV with twin electric motors, features the latest version of Nissan's driver assistance system, ProPILOT 2.0, which combines navigated highway driving with hands-off single-lane driving capabilities by engaging the vehicle's navigation system to help maneuver the car on a predefined route on designated roads to assist the driver with passing, lane diversions and lane exiting on multi-lane highways. ProPILOT 2.0 also enables hands-off driving while cruising in a given lane. When approaching a road diversion or preparing to pass another vehicle, the system judges the appropriate timing of branching off or passing based on information from the navigation system and 360-degree sensing.

Mitsubishi MI-TECH CONCEPT


The Mitsubishi MI-TECH CONCEPT small-sized electrified SUV concept car is lightweight and compact PHEV (Plug-In Electric Vehicle) with a four-motor electric 4WD system and equipped with MI-PILOT, next-generation driver assistance technology not only on freeways and ordinary roads, but also on unpaved roads.

Lexus LF-30 Electrified Concept


The Lexus LF-30 Electrified Concept employs next-generation interfaces, such as gesture control and enhanced presentation of vehicle information through AR (augmented reality) with in-wheel electric motors, steering by wire, and Lexus Advanced Posture Control. Based on the latest autonomous driving technology concept of ‘Lexus Teammate’, the LF-30 Electrified features advanced driving support functions in the form of a Chauffeur mode and a Guardian mode. Occupants can enjoy both comfort and peace of mind during autonomous driving with advanced posture control technology being employed.Lexus plans to unveil its first BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) this month.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek Starts At $23,155 Soon


The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek and Crosstrek Hybrid models, offered in Base, Premium, and Limited trim levels, and powered by the standard 152 horsepower Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Active Torque Vectoring 2.0-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER ® engine mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or Lineartronic CVT, will start at $23,155 (including $1,010 destination & delivery). For 2020, all Crosstrek models equipped with Lineartronic® CVT come standard with Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, Auto Start-Stop and SI-Drive. Also new for 2020 is the available Rear Seat Reminder, designed to help prevent child or pet entrapment by alerting the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle. Priced at $36,155, the Crosstrek Hybrid is offered in a single standard trim and delivers up to 90 MPGe with a total range of 480 miles.The high-capacity lithium-ion battery, mounted beneath the cargo area, enables the Hybrid to achieve an EV range of 17 miles. Both SUV models will begin arrives in Subaru retailers later this year.

2020 Nissan TITAN Goes On Sale In Early 2020


The new 2020 Nissan TITAN goes on sale in early 2020.

Volvo XC40 Recharge - Fully Electric


The Volvo XC40 Recharge, the first of fully electric Volvos to come and with a brand new infotainment system powered by Google’s Android operating system, offers a range of over 200 miles in U.S. on a single charge and output of 402 horsepower. The battery charges to 80 % of its capacity in 40 mins on a fast-charger system. Over the next five years, Volvo Cars will launch a fully electric car every year, as it seeks to make all-electric cars 50 percent of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids. Recharge will be the overarching name for all chargeable Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain. Volvo Cars aims for plug-in hybrid cars to make up 20 percent of total sales in 2020.

2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Coming In March


The new 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered as the BMW 228i xDrive model powered by the 228 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed Sport automatic transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system to the wheels or as the BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe delivering 301 horsepower. The standard Active Driving Assistant includes safety features like Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation Function and Active Blind Spot Detection, and Daytime Pedestrian Protection. Also included is the Lane Departure Warning system with active lane return, which operates from 43 – 150mph. The standard Lane Change Warning system, which prompts the driver to guide the car back onto the correct lane at speeds above 12 mph by means of a visual warning and, if necessary, a steering input. The Active Driving Assistant’s other functions include rear collision preparation and cross traffic warning, which reduces the risk of a collision when reversing into roads or paths obstructed from the driver’s view. Market launch is planned for March 2020.

2020 Audi A6 allroad Returns Next Year


The 2020 Audi A6 allroad, equipped with a 335 horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 TFSI® engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission with standard quattro® ultra® technology, returns next year following its original introduction in 2000.

Porsche Taycan 4S Starts At $105,150 Next Spring


The Porsche Taycan 4S, the third version of the sport sedan after the Taycan Turbo S and the Taycan Turbo, is priced to start at $105,150 (including $1,350 for processing, delivery and handling) with the standard 522 horsepower Performance Battery and $111,730 with the optional 563 horsepower Performance Battery Plus. The Taycan Turbo starts at $152,250, and the Taycan Turbo S starts at $186,350. Its's all-wheel drive with two permanently excited synchronous motors on the front and rear axles as well as a two-speed transmission on the rear axle. The Taycan 4S can be ordered immediately and is scheduled to arrive in US dealerships in Spring 2020.

Toyota "LQ" Concept


The Toyota "LQ" concept vehicle, the next generation of the Toyota "Concept-i", is equipped with an SAE2 Level 4 equivalent automated driving function that includes Automated Valet Parking System, developed with Panasonic Corporation that eliminates the need to search for parking spaces by automatically driving between a drop-off spot and an assigned parking space in nearby parking lot. LQ's advanced seating system consists of multiple inflatable air bladders embedded into the seat with an in-seat air conditioning system to help keep the driver awake or relaxed depending on the driving situation.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Arrives In The Spring


The all-new 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport five-seater midsize SUV with a coupe-like design is 2.8 inches shorter than the current Atlas and 2.3 inches lower on the same 117.3-inch wheelbase and available with either a 276-horsepower V6 or 235-horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Volkswagen’s 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system an available option. Available are Traffic Jam Assist to help maintain following distance from the car in front, and help center the Atlas Cross Sport in its lane, and Dynamic Road Sign Display to display speed limits, no-passing zones, school zones and work zones on the navigation screen and instrument panel when detected by the front camera and navigation system data. There will be eight trim levels: S, SE, SE w/Tech, SE w/Tech R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. More details and pricing will be announced ahead of the launch in the Spring of 2020.

2021 Toyota Mirai 2nd Gen FCEV Coming Late Next Year


The 2021 Toyota Mirai, in its second generation and based on Toyota’s premium rear-wheel drive platform, targets a 30-percent increase in range by an improvement in fuel cell system performance and increased hydrogen storage capacity.  The Mirai is an electric vehicle, but it never needs to be plugged in to recharge. An FCEV (Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle) generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen & oxygen, with water as the only tailpipe emission. A fill-up takes just about five minutes at an SAE-conforming hydrogen fueling station in California or Hawaii (with stations also planned for the Northeast and other areas). The fuel cell is composed of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane. Hydrogen is passed through the anode, and oxygen through the cathode. The hydrogen molecules are split into electrons and protons. As protons pass through the electrolyte membrane, electrons travel along a circuit, generating an electric current and heat. At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to produce water molecules. There are no other byproducts, just pure water. The second-gen Mirai will go on sale in late 2020.

2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Coming In March


The 2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe Competition, powered by a 600 horsepower 4.4 liter S63 M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine and mated to the M Eight-speed Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, rides on a chassis and body which is 9.1-inches longer, 1.4-inches wider, 2.3-inches taller and with an increased 7.9-inch wheelbase over the M8 Coupe. The Competition models feature firmer suspension settings to further improve steering and lateral responses, stiffer engine mounts, increased front negative camber for increased cornering ability and rear toe-link ball-joints instead of rubber bushings for more precise rear wheel tracking. The M8 Gran Coupe First Edition, with 50 units for the U.S. market, goes into production in March 2020.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado WT, LT and Z71 Go On Sale Next Year


The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado WT, LT and Z71 midsize truck will all receive updated center bars, lower fascias and front skid plates when it goes on sale next year. The ZR2 off-road performance variant has a new front end that provides drivers with improved visibility, Multimatic DSSVTM position-sensitive dampers, standard front and rear electronic locking differentials, 2-inch suspension lift, 3.5-inch wider track, off-road rocker protection, cast iron control arms, Autotrac transfer case, and multiple skid plates, will now come equipped with standard red tow hooks as well.

2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Starts At $19,595 Now


The 2020 Subaru Impreza sedan and 5-door models, in Base, Premium, Sport and Limited trims and powered by a 152-horsepower 2.0- liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER®engine with direct fuel injection and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, starts at $19,595 (including $900 destination & delivery). Available on all trim levels is the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) which, on Premium and above, features a 7-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters that allows the driver to control the transmission via seven pre-set ratios. The 2020 Impreza achieves up to 36 highway MPG and more than 450 miles on a full tank. The entry-level Impreza with Lineartronic CVT is priced at $20,895 and includes standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, Rear Seat Reminder, high-grade combination meter with 4.2-inch color LCD, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Automatic Individual Wheel ID Registration and electronic trunk lid release (sedan). A $1,970 option package for Premium adds a Power Moonroof, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and 6-way power driver’s seat.

Thursday, October 3, 2019

2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Hardtop Convertible


The mid-engine 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible, priced $7,500 more than entry 1LT Stingray coupe, is the first-ever hardtop Corvette convertible and is powered by the next-generation 495 horsepower 6.2L Small Block V-8 LT2 engine paired with Chevrolet’s first eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The two-piece top, powered by six electric motors, can be activated at speeds up to 30 mph and retract in as few as 16 seconds. A body-colored roof is standard, while Carbon Flash metallic-painted nacelles and roof are optional. The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe goes into production at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly in late 2019, with the convertible following in late first-quarter 2020.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

2020 BMW X5 M And X6 M Start At $106,095 Next Spring


The 3rd generation BMW X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle and X6 M Sports Activity Coupe are powered by a 600 horsepower  twin-turbocharged S63 V8 engine with the Competition models producing 617 horsepower and mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with M shift paddles and offering both automatic and manual shift modes with three selectable levels of programming controlling shift speed and sharpness. Intelligent connectivity allows the M Steptronic to adapt its shift strategy according to the route and driving situation by working with the standard Navigation System and if equipped, combining this data with information from the Active Cruise Control system’s radar sensor to shift proactively to the correct gear for upcoming road conditions. Pricing begins at $106,095 for X5 M  (including $995 destination fee), $115,095 for X5 M Competition, $109,595 X6 M and $118,595 for X6 M Competition. Market launch is set for Spring of 2020.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Video: 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Scott Brown FCA Group PR West Manager takes us through the attributes of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that offers off-road capability with a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles and electronic lockers. The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon starts at $43,290 (including $1,495 destination charge) and is powered by either a 285 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine or a 270 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or available eight-speed automatic. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has an approach angle of 44 degrees, breakover angle of 27.8 degrees, departure angle of 37 degrees and a ground clearance of 10.9 inches and features next-generation Dana front and rear heavy-duty axles,  off-road rock rails and the Rock-Trac NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. Wrangler Rubicon also includes electric front and rear locking differentials and disconnecting front sway bar.

Click here to watch video.