Lotus Eletre EV SUV Debuts This Week

The Lotus Eletre pure electric SUV will be unveiled this week.

2023 Acura RDX Starts At $42,545

The 2023 Acura RDX, powered by a 272 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, has been updated with new styling, new colors, improved driving dynamics, a quieter and more comfortable cabin and comes with three years of AcuraLink™ services, including Security and Remote packages, at no extra cost. RDX customers for the first time get a complimentary maintenance plan offered to purchasers for the first two years or 24,000 miles. The 2023 Acura RDX, available fourth-generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, starts at $42,545 (including $1,195 destination and handling).

2024 Chevrolet Trax Starts At $21,495 In The Spring Of 2023

The all-new 2024 Chevrolet Trax, offered in LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS and ACTIV trims, is powered by a 137 horsepower 1.2L turbocharged inline-three engine, and has grown by 11-inches and is 2 inches wider than the current model translating to 3 inches more rear legroom and maximum cargo capacity that increases by nearly 12%. The all-new 2024 Chevrolet Trax goes on sale in the Spring of 2023 starting at $21,495 (not disclosed if destination charge is included). 

Polestar 3 Electric SUV Coming In 2024

The Polestar 3 electric performance SUV, with a range of up to 379 miles, produces a total of 489 horsepower and with the optional Performance Pack, total output is 517 horsepower. A decoupling function is also available for the rear electric motor, allowing the car to run only on the front electric motor to save energy under certain circumstances. Polestar 3 is the first car from Polestar to feature centralized computing with the NVIDIA DRIVE core computer, running software from Volvo Cars. Serving as the AI brain, NVIDIA’s high-performance automotive platform processes data from the car’s multiple sensors and cameras to enable advanced driver-assistance safety features and driver monitoring. First deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of 2023 with supply to North American and other markets is planned for around the middle of 2024.

New BMW M2 Starts At $63,195 In April

The second generation BMW M2, powered by a 453 horsepower M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, is 4.1 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and 0.3 inches lower than its predecessor. The new BMW M2 is equipped as standard with Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, Dynamic Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, and Lane Departure Warning. The new BMW M2 has an electrically operated glass slide/tilt moonroof offering a glass surface now larger by nearly 20 percent compared with the outgoing model is standard equipment. A weight-reducing M Carbon roof panel is optional and deletes the moonroof. The new M2 will start at $63,195 (including $995 destination and handling) when its launched globally in April.

2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid Starting At $35,035 Now

The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid, with an all-electric range of 33 miles and rated at 108 MPGe, has 180 horsepower from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with a 62 kW electric motor, with power sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch transmission. The 2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid is arriving to dealers now in all 50 states starting at $35,035 (including $1,295 destination).

2023 Kia Telluride Starts At $37,025 This Month

The 2023 Kia Telluride three-row SUV, powered by a 291 horsepower Atkinson Cycle LAMBDA II 3.8L V6 GDI engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission pricing starts from $37,025 (including $1,335 destination) at Kia retailers nationwide in this month.

2023 Lexus LC 500 Convertible, LC 500 and LC 500h Coming Soon

The 2023 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is powered by a 471 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with a Direct-Shift 10-speed automatic transmission. The Convertible posts a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and its maximum track speed is electronically limited to 168 mph. The roof can be opened or closed at speeds up to 31 mph taking approximately 15 seconds to open and approximately 16 seconds to close. The 2023 LC Convertible comes standard with Lexus Safety System that includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Intelligent High Beams. Also like the LC 500 coupe, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert come standard. The 2023 LC 500 Convertible will have an MSRP of $101,500 (including $1,150 delivery, processing, and handling fee) and is expected to arrive in dealerships in late 2022.

The LC 500h powered by an Multistage Hybrid System including an Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and adds a unique four-speed automatic transmission for a combined system output of 354 horsepower. The LC 500h uses a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery. The battery pack fits neatly between the rear seats and the luggage compartment and has a high-power density, with its 84 cells producing 310.8 volts. The LC 500h will start at $100,600 when it arrives in dealerships in November along with the 2023 LC 500, like the convertible, powered by a 471 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with a Direct-Shift 10-speed automatic transmission and will start at $94,600.

2023 Toyota Highlander Gets New Engine

The 2023 Toyota Highlander gas models are now equipped with a new 265-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine replacing the 3.5-liter V6 engine and with an EPA-estimate of up to 25 combined MPG. Arriving at dealerships nationwide this month, the 2023 Highlander with the new turbo engine will have a starting MSRP of $37,755 and the 2023 Highlander Hybrid will have a starting MSRP of $41,555. (including $1,335 delivery, processing, and handling fee).

Honda Prologue BEV Coming in 2024

The all-new Honda Prologue battery-electric SUV, positioned above CR-V and alongside Passport, will come to market in North America in 2024. 

Hyundai IONIQ 6 - 380 Miles Range Per Charge

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 electrified streamliner will deliver 380 miles of all-electric range per charge, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure. It goes on sale later this year in select markets in Europe and next year in North America. 

Audi R8 Coupe V10 GT RWD Coming Next Year

The new Audi R8 Coupe V10 GT RWD, powered by a  602 horsepower 5.2 liter, naturally aspirated V10 engine mated to a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for faster shifts and the new Torque Rear driving mode allows drivers to choose their own level of ESC support. The new R8 GT is based on the second edition 562 horsepower R8 V10 performance RWD. The R8 GT is limited to 333 units worldwide and will be available at dealerships starting in 2023. 

Orange Country Auto Show Open This Weekend In Anaheim

The Orange Country Auto Show is open at the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend and though all manufacturers are not represented, there are ride and drive experiences in Jeeps and and electric vehicles. 

Displays staged by Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Nissan, Ram, Toyota, Volkswagen plus electric vehicles from Audi, BMW, Genesis, Mini and Porsche. There are electrified rides provided by Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Nissan, Volkswagen. Dealerships put exotic vehicles on exhibit, like McLaren. 

If you're shopping for a compact SUV, there's plenty of choice to check out: Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape, Lexus NX, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, VW Taos, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Jeep Renagade to name a few. There are trucks, large SUVs and sports cars. 

The OC Auto Show ends tomorrow, Sunday Oct. 2. For more info: https://www.autoshowoc.com/

2023 Subaru Forester Starts At $27,620 In December

The 2023 Subaru Forester, offered in Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trim levels, is powered by a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine teamed with a Lineartronic® CVT and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with up to 1,500-lb. towing capacity (3,000-lb. for Wilderness) and features standard Trailer Stability Assist. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard. Automatic Emergency Steering is included on models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and works with EyeSight and Blind-Spot Detection to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph. Forester starts at $27,620 (including $1,225 destination & delivery) when it arrives at Subaru retailers in December.

2023 Jeep® Renegade

The 2023 Jeep® Renegade, powered by a 177 horsepower 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, has Latitude (Altitude Package and RED Edition available), Limited (High Altitude Package available) and Trailhawk 4x4 grade levels and up to 2,000-lb. towing capacity (when properly equipped with the Trailer Tow Package on Trailhawk model).

2023 Kia Rio Starts At $17,505

The sixth-generation entry-level 2023 Kia Rio, powered by a 120 horsepower 1.6L 4-cylinder MPI engine offering up to 41 MPG on the highway, starts at $17,505 (including $1,055 destination) for the LX 4-Door Sedan.

Lamborghini Urus S

The Lamborghini Urus S, successor to the original Urus and powered by a 657 horsepower 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 engine with six drive modes, joins the Urus Performante in the new two-model line-up for the Lamborghini Super SUV and starts at 195,538 Euro or nearly $192,000 US dollars.

2023 BMW Z4 Roadster Starts at $53,795

The 2023 BMW Z4 Roadster sDrive30i open-top two-seater with 255 horsepower now includes an M leather steering wheel, M Sport seats, M pedals, an M driver’s footrest, and a dashboard upholstered in SensaTec and starts at $53,795 (including $995 destination). The M40i with 382 horsepower starts at $66,295.

2023 Kia Niro Hybrid Starts At $27,785 Now

The all-new second generation 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid has larger dimensions and more standard technology and is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with a 32kW electric motor for a combined 139 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft of torque sending power to the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch transmission. Features include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning with Parallel Exit, and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist. The 2023 Niro Hybrid is arriving in dealers now and will be available in all 50 states starting at $27,785 (including $1,295 destination) for the LX.

2023 Nissan Ariya EV Starts At $44,485 Late This Fall

The 2023 Nissan Ariya, with a 100% electric all-wheel drive system, comes in six grades levels and is equipped with either a standard range 63 kWh battery or 87 kWh long range battery of usable capacity (63 kWh exclusive to Ariya Engage), with up to 304 miles of range and output ratings ranging from 214 to 389 horsepower. Ariya goes on sale late fall (FWD models only) and offers a choice between front-wheel drive and e-4ORCE all-wheel drive with a long range and standard range battery option. The 2023 Nissan Ariya starts at $44,485 (including $1,295 destination and handling). Customers who participated in the Ariya reservation program will still be able to purchase their Ariya at the special reservation MSRP. Ariya e-4ORCE models will be available in Spring 2023.