Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE Roadster Coming in 2024

The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE roadster will be powered by a combined 805 horsepower coming from a Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine and 201 horsepower permanently excited synchronous electric motor integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and limited-slip rear differential. Standard AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active roll stabilization and active rear-axle steering provides a wide spread of driving characteristics from comfortable to highly dynamic. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE arrives at U.S. dealerships in 2024.

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrids Start At $29,615

The 2024 Kia Sportage hybrid (HEV), in LX, LX AWD, EX AWD and SX Prestige AWD trim levels, is powered by a 177 horsepower 1.6L Turbo gasoline direct injection with a 2,000 lb. towing capacity and starts at $29,615 (including $1,325 destination). The 2024 Sportage plug-in hybrid (PHEV), powered by a 177 horsepower 1.6L Turbo gasoline direct injection comes in X-Line AWD starting at $40,815 and the  X-Line Prestige AWD at $45,315. 

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Starts At $34,010

The all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, in its second-generation, is nearly six inches longer and features a larger cabin and 33 percent more cargo area with up to 261 miles of EPA-estimated range. The 133 horsepower SE FWD model starts at $34,010 (including $1,335 delivery charge). The SEL and Limited have 201 horsepower electric motors. The Kona Electric comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster seamlessly integrated with Hyundai’s next-generation 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction-Turning and Direct-Oncoming, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and second-row seat belt reminders are all standard.

2024 Hyundai Sonata Starts At $28,615

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata, with a refreshed exterior and interior, over-the-air updates and a new HTRAC all-wheel-drive model, is powered by a 191 horsepower Smartstream 2.5L GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder engine connected to a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission or a 290 horsepower Smartstream 2.5L Turbo GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder engine mated to a Smartstream 8-speed electronic automatic w/OD lock-up torque converter. The 2.0L integrated hybrid drivetrain choice has a combined 192 horsepower. The 2024 model introduces HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, now available on the SEL trim. The Sonata SEL Standard with the 2.5L GDI powertrain has an MSRP of $28,615 (including $1,115 delivery) and the Sonata SEL 2.5L GDI equipped with the new HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive system has an MSRP of $30,115. Sonata N Line is priced at $36,065. The Sonata Hybrid starting at $31,915 is anticipated to arrive in Q1 2024.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe 4MATIC+

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is powered by a 443 horsepower AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with turbocharging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor, and is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. The 23 horsepower 48-volt integrated starter generator provides support at lower engine speeds. The driver display can be configured with "Classic," "Sport" and "Supersport" display styles while the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs choices are "Slippery," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport+" and "Individual".

THK LSR-0 5 Electric Prototype

The THK LSR-0 5 electric prototype, a crossover four-seater coupe, is a fully functioning electric vehicle designed in partnership with SN DESIGN PLATFORM under the leadership of globally renowned designer, Shiro Nakamura. The LSR-05 platform features a four-wheel steering system through the integration of two THK original 93 kW (800V specification) variable-flux in-wheel electric motors in the rear and a 220 kW (800V specification) electric motor in the front. THK is a Japanese technology company specializing in component development and manufacturing for the mobility industry and beyond.

Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept For Gamers

The Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept, revealed as full-scale model at the Gran Turismo World Series World Finals in Barcelona, is powered by a 1071 horsepower hybrid race-spec drivetrain with an 870 horsepower front mid-mounted Lambda 11 V6 engine comgined with a 210 horsepower Yasa E motor. The Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept, created as part of Polyphony Digital’s Vision Gran Turismo series, will be available to race in the game from January 2024. Gran Turismo 7 players who watch the Manufacturer’s Cup broadcast in GT7 will receive early access to the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept as a gift in January.

Tesla Cybertruck Has Debuted, Coming In 2024

The 5 passenger 223.7 inch long fully electric Tesla Cybertruck has finally debuted and is available to order for a fully refundable $250 deposit. Coming first in 2024, the 600 horsepower all-wheel drive Cybertruck for $68,890 with an estimated range of 340 miles and the 845 horsepower Cyberbeast model for an estimated $96,390 with a projected  range of 320 miles. The rear wheel drive Cybertruck is priced at an estimated $49,890 with an estimated 250 miles range when it become available in 2025. Prices assume IRA Federal Tax Credits up to $7,500 for Rear-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive. The Cybertruck can carry a 2,500 pound payload and has a towing capacity of 11,000 lbs. and ground clearance of 17.44 inches. There's an 18.5” center touchscreen display and a 9.4” rear touchscreen. Charging speed is up to 128 miles in 15 minutes. Other features include an ultra-hard stainless steel exoskeleton to reduce dents and damage and armour glass that can resist the impact of a baseball travelling at 70 miles an hour. It can provide 11.5 kilowatts to power a home during a grid outage and the front light bar illuminates up to 525 yards. The basic vehicle warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the battery and drive unit have an 8 year or 150,000 mile warranty whichever comes first. Expecting to produce 200,000 to 250,000 Cybertrucks per year and reported orders now at nearly 2 million, it could be a four to five year wait to get yours. 

More info at Tesla website

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.

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.

Click to watch interview.

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.