The refreshed 2024 Acura TLX, with a new front fascia, is powered by a 272 horsepower 2.0-liter Turbo engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission while the TLX Type S has a 355 horsepower 24-valve dual overhead cam 3.0-liter V6 engine with direct-injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger paired with a sport-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission. Now delivering more standard features, the simplified lineup includes the TLX with Technology Package starts at $46,195 , available A-Spec sport appearance package starts at $51,195 and line-topping high-performance TLX Type S at $58,195.
Friday, December 1, 2023
2024 Porsche Panamera Starts At $101,550 In Spring 2024
The third generation of the 2024 Porsche Panamera offers four different E-Hybrid powertrains including the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid with a completely revamped 187 horsepower 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor powered by a 25.9 kWh battery mated to an updated 8-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission for 670 horsepower. At launch, Panamera and Panamera 4 models will have a 348 horsepower 2.9 liter V6 turbo engine. The third generation offers a two-valve, two-chamber air suspension, LED Matrix Design headlights, drive mode switch on the steering wheel, a cooled smartphone compartment with inductive charging and an improved air particulate filter with GPS-based automatic recirculation. The 2024 Porsche Panamera starts at $101,550 (including a $1,650 delivery processing and handling fee) while the Panamera 4 begins at $108,550. Both models are expected to reach U.S. Porsche Centers in Spring 2024. Specifics on the U.S. pricing and arrival timing of the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid will be announced at a later date.
MINI Countryman S ALL4 Starts At $39,895 In May 2024
The new MINI Countryman S ALL4, the largest MINI, is powered by a 241 horsepower two-liter four-cylinder turbo engine feeding the all-wheel drive system. A new feature of MINI is the option of semi-automated driving on multi-lane routes which allows the driver to take his hands off the steering wheel at speeds of up to 37 mph. When changing lanes, the assistant system helps by identifying the gaps in traffic that are necessary on the way to the exit. This then brings the vehicle to optimal speed and automatically initiates the lane change. US customers can choose Classic, Favoured, and John Cooper Works trim styles. The all-new MINI Countryman S ALL4 will have a starting base price in the US of $39,895 (including $995 destination and handing). Production for the US market begins March 2024 with first units expected to arrive at dealers in early May 2024.
2024 Hyundai Elantra N Arrives In January
The refreshed 2024 Hyundai Elantra N, powered by a new 276 horsepower 2.0T direct-injected engine specially developed for N models and paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, gets redesigned front bumper fascia and grille, dual-projector LED headlamps, 19-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires and rear bumper fascia and diffuser. The refreshed Elantra N will arrive at dealers beginning in January 2024.
Saturday, November 18, 2023
2023 LA Auto Show: Vehicle Highlights
There were few introductions and many missing nameplates at the 2023 LA Auto Show, when in past years there could be as many as 20 World or North American debuts. Significant introductions were the Lucid Gravity, all-new 2025 Subaru Forester, all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and refreshed Kia Sorento. (Click on names or scroll down to posts for details).
Vehicles to check out:
The all-new 2025 Ford Mustang® GTD (above) powered by a 5.2L V8 engine with 8-speed dual-clutch transmission targeting more than 800 horsepower.
The 2024 Chevrolet E-Ray Corvette (above), as a 2 seater coupe or convertible, is powered by a 495 horsepower 6.2L V8 DI engine with 8-speed dual clutch transmission and comes in 1LZ Coupe starting at $106,295 (including $1,395 destination freight charge), 2LZ Coupe at $111,795 and 3LZ Coupe at $117,245. The 1LZ eAWD coupe starts at $107,990 with the convertible models starting at $114,990.
Click to read details: Kia EV9 EV
Among manufacturer vehicle displays missing from the 2023 LA Show are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Buick and GMC. All the Stellantis brands, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, not on display, apparently due to the costly UAW strike. Porsche, which has traditionally had its own exhibit hall because of its massive Southern California sales performance, skipped the LA Show this year apparently focused on its Rennsport Reunion 7 celebrating 75 years.
2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2025 Lucid Gravity SUV
Lucid Senior Vice President of Product & Chief Engineer Eric Bach discusses the new all-electric Lucid Gravity with Richard Saxton at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.
2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2024 Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento Product Strategy Manager Mark Savino discusses 2024 Kia Sorento mid-cycle refresh and new EV3 and EV4 concepts introduced at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.
2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2025 Subaru Forester
Subaru Car Line Planning Manager Bill Stokes discusses the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester with Richard Saxton at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.
2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
The all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by 277 horsepower 2.5-liter direct-injected, turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission or an eco-focused 232 horsepower 1.6-liter direct-injected, turbocharged hybrid linked with a six-speed automatic transmission. The new XRT, making its global debut, is an outdoor-focused sport model. The 2024 Santa Fe 2.5T model goes on sale in March 2024, with the Hybrid model on sale in Spring.
Hyundai Motor America Team Manager Mike Evanoff discusses the all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe with Richard Saxton at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.
2023 LA Auto Show: Honda Prelude Concept
The hybrid-electric Honda Prelude Concept two-door coupe is on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In early 2024, Honda will begin sales of the Honda Prologue, Honda's first all-electric SUV. Following the Prologue, in 2025, a mid- to large-size EV model based on Honda's own EV architecture will go on sale.
Cadillac OPTIQ EV Coming Next Year
The Cadillac OPTIQ luxury compact SUV, slotted in below LYRIQ, will be the fourth vehicle to join its expanding global electric vehicle portfolio. Additional details, as well as available features and pricing, will be unveiled next year.
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
2024 Nissan Armada Starts At $57,345 Now
The 2024 Nissan Armada, in SV, SL and Platinum trims, offers rear-wheel drive or Nissan's advanced Intelligent 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case with power from a 400 horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 engine that has a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,500 pound. The 2024 Nissan Armada is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $57,345 (including $1,895 destination and handling charge).
2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe and GV80 Coming Next Year
The first-ever 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe and the new 2025 GV80 SUV will be equipped with a 300 horsepower gasoline 2.5L I-4 turbo engine or a gasoline 375 horsepower 3.5L twin turbo engine, which produces a maximum output of 375 horsepower. The GV80 Coupe will offer two engine choices, including the gasoline 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo with 48V electric supercharger delivering 409 horsepower. A 27-inch-wide OLED display integrates the multimedia screen, exemplifying the harmony in the combination of a high-tech device with details with its horizontal layout. Further details regarding the upcoming 2025 GV80 SUV and GV80 Coupe’s North American availability, specifications, and pricing will be announced in 2024.
2025 Toyota Camry Coming Next Spring
The 2025 Toyota Camry, in its ninth generation, is powered by a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine combined with the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System's two electric motors, for 225 net combined horsepower on Front Wheel Drive models and 232 horsepower on Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive equipped models. For the 2025 model, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard on LE and SE models, while a standard 12.3-in fully digital gauge cluster is found in the XLE and XSE grades. The XLE and XSE grades also come with an available 10-inch Head Up Display to allow drivers to check their speed, see warning indicators, and turn-by-turn navigation. The 2025 Toyota Camry is expected to arrive at Toyota Dealerships in the Spring of 2024.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia is the second entry in the U.S. Toyota Crown lineup available in XLE and Limited grades and powered by a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motor generators delivering 243 combined system net horsepower and a preliminary manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG rating.
2024 Mercedes AMG GT Coupe Arrives First Half of 2024
The second-generation 2024 Mercedes AMG GT Coupe is powered by a 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine paired to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission with 577 horsepower for the AMG GT 63 Coupe and 469 horsepower for the AMG GT 55 Coupe when they arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2024. There are six AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs: "Slippery," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport +," "Individual" and "RACE".
Volvo EM90 EV
The Volvo EM90 fully electric premium MPV goes to China first and is now available for pre-orders for customers in China.
Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Has 386 Mile Range
The all-electric Volkswagen ID.7 Pro midsize sedan is powered by a 282 horsepower 82 kWh battery delivering a WLTP range of up to 386 miles. The ID.7 will be launched around the world starting in Europe where it can now be ordered.
2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Starts At $51,315
The 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, powered by a combination of a 1.6T Gas Direct Injection I-4 gas engine and 66.9 kw electric motor for 261 horsepower that mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission delivering 34 MPG combined (gas) and 79 MPGe combined. The 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX-P has an MSRP of $51,315 (including $1,325 destination charge).
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Maserati MC20 Notte Limited To 50 Units
The Maserati MC20 Notte, powered by a 621 horsepower 3.0L V6 Nettuno engine is the first limited edition of its super sports car MC20, with an exclusive run of 50 units globally is now available.