Friday, December 1, 2023

2025 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Coming Late In 2024

The 2025 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, with fresh exterior and interior designs, including new signature lighting and a larger best-in-class 17.7-inch-diagonal infotainment screen, comes in LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country trims. A 5.3L gas V-8 remains the standard engine for LS, LT, RST, Z71 and Premier. The 6.2L V-8 is standard on High Country and available on RST, Z71 and Premier. The new 305 horsepower 3.0L inline-six turbo-diesel Duramax2 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission offered on all retail trims, including Z71 for the first time will be available in 2025 after initial launch. It has an all-new 17.7-inch-diagonal central touchscreen. The all-new 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban go on sale late next year. Additional details, including pricing, will be announced closer to the start of production. 

All-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma Starts At $32,995 This Month

The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, completely redesigned from the ground up and built on the TNGA-F global truck platform shared with Tundra, Sequoia and Land Cruiser, is powered by a 278 horsepower turbocharged i-FORCE 2.4-liter engine paired with the new eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. and there's an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid produces up to 326 horsepower. Maximum towing capacity is 6,500 lbs. on SR5 i-FORCE and TRD PreRunner and XtraCab grades, while its maximum payload increases on the new model to 1,710 lbs. for i-FORCE Max models. The all-new 2024 i-FORCE Tacomas are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this month with a starting MSRP of $32,995 (including $1,495 dealer processing and handling fee). The i-FORCE MAX models expected to arrive in the Spring of 2024 and MSRP will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

2024 Acura TLX Starts At $51,195 Now

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. 

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

The 2025 Lucid Gravity all-electric SUV is expected to have a range of more than 440 miles range via a dual motor electric powertrain producing more than 800 horsepower with a starting price under $80,000. Lucid Group, Inc (NASDAQ ticker: LCID) is headquartered in Newark, California, with its manufacturing facility in Arizona.

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.

Click to watch interview.

2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2024 Kia Sorento

The refreshed 2024 Kia Sorento, available in FWD or AWD in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-P trims, is powered by a 191 horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 GDI engine matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission in the LX and S trims . The X-Line and X-Pro have a 281 horsepower a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 GDI matched to an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The 2024 Sorento is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2024 with the X-Line available on EX and above and X-Pro on SX-P. Sorento HEV and PHEV models are anticipated to hit dealerships later next year as 2025 models.

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.

Click to watch interview.

2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2025 Subaru Forester

The sixth-generation all-new 2025 Subaru Forester SUV, available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trim levels, is powered by a 180 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine mated to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It features a 10% stiffer chassis, standard Advanced EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology on all trims, and available 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ and the debut of a kick sensor-activated hands-free power rear gate. The 2025 Forester arrives in Subaru retailers nationwide in Spring 2024.  

Subaru Car Line Planning Manager Bill Stokes discusses the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester with Richard Saxton at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Click to watch interview.

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.