Wednesday, September 22, 2021

2022 Mazda CX-5 Receives Enhancements

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 will have refreshed exterior styling on all models, Mazda intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) drive mode selection and i-Activ all-wheel drive standard across the entire CX lineup in the U.S. market. The turbo models will receive additional styling enhancements that help further distinguish it from non-turbo models. 

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Video: Throwback Thursday Look At American Sunroof Corporation



Automotive innovator Heinz Prechter left us over 20 years ago. Prechter founded the American Sunroof Company (now ASC Incorporated) in Los Angeles. Here's his story told more than 30 years ago.

Click to watch.

Sunday, September 12, 2021

2022 Subaru WRX Arrives Early In 2022

The all-new 2022 Subaru WRX, powered by a new 271 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine that is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or new automatic transmission. The WRX has an available high-definition tablet-style 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system and latest generation EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. The WRX adds a new top-of-the-line GT trim with a new automatic transmission, the Subaru Performance Transmission, as standard. The 2022 WRX will be available at Subaru retailers in early 2022.


 

2022 Chevrolet Silverado Arrives Refreshed In Spring 2022

The new 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, powered by a 420 horsepower 6.2L V-8 engine mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission, gets updates that include the first-ever Silverado ZR2, a 13.4-inch-diagonal touchscreen standard on LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, LTZ and High Country and available Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology with trailering on High Country. Also new for 2022 is a stronger version of the 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. ZR2 max payload is 1,440 pounds and the conventional trailer weight rating is 8,900 pounds. Additional safety features such as HD Rear Vision Camera8 and Buckle to Drive are standard across the lineup for the new 2022 Silverado models. The refreshed Chevrolet Silverado arrives at dealerships in Spring 2022.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Starts At $23,410 In October

The all-new 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, based on the ever-popular Corolla sedan and powered by a 169 horsepower four cylinder 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence engine paired with CVT, is coming to dealerships this October in L, LE and XLE trim levels with a starting MSRP of $23,410 (including $1,215 destination and handling) for the front-wheel drive base grade. Every Corolla Cross is capable of towing up to 1,500 lbs. The estimated MPG is 32 combined for the FWD model and an estimated 30 combined MPG for the AWD model.


Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG

The Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG is the all-electric version of the G-Class with selected design elements typical of all-electric models. 

Mercedes-EQE Coming Mid-2022

The Mercedes-EQE, the second model to be based on the electric architecture following the 3.5 inch-longer EQS sedan, will start with the 288 horsepower EQE 350 and a second model that will be announced at a later date with more versions to follow. The battery has a usable energy content of 90 kWh, and a range of up to 409 miles. The staggered global launch will begin mid-2022. 

Saturday, September 11, 2021

2022 Subaru Forester Starts At $26,320 In October

The 2022 Subaru Forester compact SUV, in its fifth-generation with a redesigned front fascia along with new safety and convenience features, is powered by a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine teamed with a Lineartronic® CVT and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive delivering up to 33 mpg EPA-estimated highway fuel economy and offering up to 3,000-lb. towing capacity and features standard Trailer Stability Assist. The 2022 Forester is offered in Base, Premium, Sport, all-new Wilderness (pictured above), Limited, and Touring trim levels and starts at $26,320 for the Base model when it arrives at Subaru retailers in October.

Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition Starts At $115,950

The new Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition, powered by a 518 horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, to celebrate the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die, ahead of its world premiere later this month, will be limited to just 300 buyers around the world. The 2022 Defender V8 Bond Edition features an extended black pack with 22-inch Luna Gloss Black alloy wheels, signature Xenon Blue front brake calipers and a ‘Defender 007’ rear badge. The new Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition is priced from $115,950 (includes $1,350 destination and delivery).


Tuesday, August 31, 2021

2022 Kia Sorento SUV Starts At $30,665

The 2022 Kia Sorento SUV adds a plug-in hybrid to the gas-powered and hybrid variants along with an all-wheel drive Sorento Hybrid while the X-Line package has been expanded to Sorento EX and S trims. The 2022 Kia Sorento offers a 191 horsepower 2.5-liter GDI 4-cyl. engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, a 281 2.5-liter GDI 4-cyl. Turbo with an 8-speed wet dual clutch automatic transmission, a 227 horsepower 1.6-liter GDI 4-cyl. Turbo Hybrid/44kW motor with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 261 horsepower 1.6-liter GDI-cyl. Turbo Plug-in Hybrid/66.9kW motor with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and telematics is now standard on all models from the S trim and above. The 2022 Sorento LX FWD starts at $30,665 (including $1,175 destination).


GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Concept Truck

GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept truck, powered by GMC’s 3.6L V-6 engine mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, boasts a 27.7-degree approach angle and a ground clearance of 10.0 inches, boosted by 33-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires on 17-inch AEV Crestone wheels. The vehicle could engage in water fording up to 32.1 inches, and its custom-tailored snorkel could allow for filtered and cooler air intake..


2022 Kia Niro Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, EV Pricing

The 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid, powered by a 139 horsepower 1.6L GDI engine with electric motor and a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer hybrid battery delivering an estimated 50 MPG, arrives for the new model year with a long list of standard Kia Drive Wise Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (LXS and above). The LX starts at $25,865 (excluding $1,175 destination), LXS at $27,265, LXS SE at $28,765, Touring SE at $31,065 and EX Premium at $33,165.

The 2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a 139 horsepower 1.6L GDI engine with electric motor: and 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer hybrid battery. Combined fuel economy for the LXS, EX, EX Premium trims is 46 MPG while the EPA-estimated all-electric range is 26 miles. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid LXS starts at $30,765 (including $1,175 destination), EX at $34,565 and EX Premium at$37,665 and remains eligible for the $4,543 Federal tax credit along with any applicable state and local incentives, depending on location of purchase.

The 2022 Kia Niro EV (pictured above), powered by a 64 kWh battery and 201-horsepower electric motor for EPA-estimated all electric range of 239 miles and MPGe (city/highway/combined) of 105, starts at $41,165 (including $1,175 destination). 


2022 Mazda MX-30 EV Coming To California In October

The all-new 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV, powered by a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery and 143 horsepower front-wheel drive 80.9 kW electric motor with an EPA estimated range of 100 miles on a full charge, will start at $34,645 (including $1,175 for destination and handling). The 35.5 kWh battery can be charged to 80% within approximately 36 minutes with a Level 3: DC 50 kW fast charger, 2 hours and 50 minutes with a Level 2: AC 240V / 30 amps charger, or 13 hours and 40 minutes with a Level 1: AC 120V / 15 amps charger. Available new i-Activsense safety features include Blind Spot Assist and Front Cross-Traffic Alert and the Elite Access Loaner Program and $500 ChargePoint credit is included with ownership. The 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV is expected to arrive in California dealerships this October. 


2022 Volkswagen Jetta Arrives In 4th Quarter

The refreshed 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is powered by the 158 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injection engine mated to a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta GLI is powered by the 228 horsepower 2.0-liter engine with a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2022 Jetta will be offered in four trim levels, while the GLI will be offered in one fully-loaded trim. New for 2022 is the Jetta Sport trim at a value-oriented price point. The Sport trim replaces the previous model year’s R-Line trim, and is repositioned just above the base S trim. IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology, available from the entry Jetta trim, includes Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System), Adaptive Cruise Control Stop and Go, Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance), and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency). Base Jetta models come standard with Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert, and can be optioned with the IQ.DRIVE package. Jetta models come standard with IQ.DRIVE from the mid-trim and up, as does the GLI. The new Jetta family is expected to reach U.S. dealers in the fourth quarter of 2021.


Thursday, August 19, 2021

2022 ELANTRA N Coming Next Year

The all-new 2022 ELANTRA N for the North American market is powered by a 276 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected flat-power engine available with an N eight-speed wet, dual-clutch transmission or the standard, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. High-performance standard features include the N Corner Carving Differential, Variable Exhaust Valve System and Launch Control. For DCT models, N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift are standard to maximize driving engagement. N Grin Shift provides an extra 10 horsepower for 20 seconds, boosting to 286 horsepower by temporarily utilizing turbocharger over-boost and maximizing transmission response. Reduced interval pause time of 40 seconds allows you to push NGS at every lap. ELANTRA N is equipped with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Alert, and Safe Exit Warning, and more.


Genesis GV60 Electric Vehicle Coming Next Year

The Genesis GV60, the brand’s first electric vehicle based on the dedicated EV platform known as E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform), marks the brand’s first move towards electrification. More details including specifications on performance and technology will be announced in the coming months. GV60’s North American deliveries are expected to begin in 2022.


2022 Lincoln Navigator Arrives In Early 2022

The new 2022 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a 440 horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, now has Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview that uses 12 sensors, including a forward-facing camera, to read the road 500 times per second and automatically prompt adjustments up to 100 times per second to mitigate any impacts. Also new, Lincoln ActiveGlide hands-free driver-assist technology with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering and Speed Sign Recognition and Lincoln Enhance over-the-air software updates and Amazon Alexa Built-in. The Navigator has a new and larger 13.2-inch center stack screen, Constellation is displayed on the 12-inch configurable digital cluster and head-up display and a new 5.8-inch digital module for second-row passengers allows for control of climate and audio settings in the rear. The new Navigator arrives in dealerships early next year.


Wednesday, August 18, 2021

2022 Kia Sorento Turbo Plug-in Hybrid Arrives In Third Quarter

The 2022 Kia Sorento Turbo Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) SUV, offered in SX and SX-P trims, is powered by a a 66.9 kW electric motor and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that combine to achieve 261 horsepower, has a projected combined overall range of 460 miles, helping it achieve a targeted 79 MPGe combined rating. The 2022 Sorento Turbo PHEV will arrive in showrooms in the third quarter of 2021. Pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date.


2023 Nissan Z Sports Car

The all-new 2023 Nissan Z sports car, known in the United States as simply the Z, is powered by a 400 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with a EXEDY® high-performance clutch, or a new 9-speed automatic transmission with aluminum paddle shifters. The 2023 Z is offered in Sport and Performance grade levels and a special "Proto Spec” edition, which is limited to 240 units. The driver-centric cockpit includes a 12.3-inch customizable racing-inspired meter display, available leather-appointed sports seats and 8-speaker Bose® audio system.


2022 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing Sedans Start At $59,990

The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is powered by a 472 horsepower 3.6L Twin-Turbo V-6 engine with an MSRP of $59,990 (including $995 destination charge) and fully configured MSRP at $87,775. The 2022 CT5-V Blackwing (pictured) is powered by a 668 horsepower 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine starting at $84,990 and a fully configured MSRP of $125,980. Both come with a standard six-speed manual or an available 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. The first 250 builds of each CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing sold out in only minutes.