Sunday, May 19, 2024

4th Generation Bentley Continental GT Coming Soon

The new fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT, with a new V8 engine and electric motor, is the first car built around Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain delivers 771 horsepower and 50 miles of all-electric range, and comes with active all wheel drive with torque vectoring, four-wheel steering, an electronic Limited Slip Differential, 48V electric active anti-roll control and new dual-valve dampers. the new fourth-generation Continental GT will be revealed in June.

Chevrolet Equinox RS EV Starts At $43,295 Now

The Chevrolet Equinox EV, with an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles on FWD models, has a starting MSRP of $43,295 and is available now while the base Equinox EV LT with a starting MSRP of $34,995 will be available for ordering later in the year. The LT and RS trims are offered in both FWD and AWD drive configurations.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV First Edition RST Starts $96,495

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, offered exclusively in Crew Cab models, is available in a 754 horsepower First Edition RST model with a GM-estimated 440-mile range, and 510 horsepower fleet-oriented WT models with an EPA-estimated 450-mile range on a full charge on 4WT and a 393-mile range on the 3WT. The RST First Edition starts at $96,495 (including $1995 estimated destination freight charge) and has up to 10,000 pounds of maximum trailering with up to 1,500 pounds of payload. Chevrolet will roll out a suite of Silverado EV trims for retail customers.

2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Starts At $40,065, PHEV At $49,365

The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid, which starts at $40,065 (including $1,375 destination), is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged Gas Direct Injection I-4 engine, 1.5 kWh battery and 44.2 kW electric motor that delivers 227 horsepower via a 6-speed automatic transmission with an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined (FWD models). All-wheel drive is available on the Sorento Hybrid EX trim and standard on the SX-P.  Driver convenience systems include available Smart Cruise Control-Machine Learning designed to adapt to and match driving style with certain inputs and available Highway Driving Assist 210 with automatic lane change is designed to help the vehicle maintain a set distance from the vehicle detected ahead, stay within detected lane markers on select highways, and aid in lane changes under specific conditions.

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV (plug-in hybrid) is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI I-4 engine paired with a 66.9 kW electric motor and 13.8 kWh battery, which delivers power to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Sorento PHEV has an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe combined, and an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 30 miles. All-wheel drive is standard along with a panoramic instrument panel with a 4.3-inch TFT and 12.3-inch screen. 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV has a starting MSRP of $49,365 (including $1,375 destination charge).

2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Coming Soon

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, offered in the U.S. in Pro S, Pro S Plus, and a launch-only 1st Edition trim levels, are powered by a 91 kWh battery with 282 horsepower for rear-wheel drive models and 335 horsepower for the 4Motion® all-wheel-drive models. Range and pricing will be announced closer to launch. A rainbow of exterior colors will be available, dependent on trim level. The variety of interior and exterior color combinations will allow customers to express themselves with their ID. The standard interior includes cockpit digital instrument cluster, 30-color ambient lighting, ID. Light driver support system, wireless phone charging and wireless App-Connect. Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE® advanced driver assistance technology is standard featuring hands-on semi-automated capability, including driver-initiated lane changes where the vehicle can complete a lane change maneuver with Travel Assist activated. In addition, all ID. Buzz models feature Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking. 

More in this interview with VW America CEO Padlo Di Si.

All-New 2025 BMW M4 CS Available To Order Soon

The all-new 2025 BMW M4 CS is powered by a 543 horsepower 3-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline six engine paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The latest version of the BMW iDrive display and control/operation system based on BMW Operating System 8.5 provides intuitive control of numerous vehicle functions and digital services. The fully digital screen is formed by a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch central control display. The CS will be produced alongside the other BMW M4 variants at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing from July 2024. The order books will be open from the end of May.

AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet Coming 2nd Half 2024

The new AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet, powered by a 443 horsepower AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive, joins the AMG SL Roadster as the second open-top performance model from Mercedes-AMG. Features include standard active rear axle steering and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive along with an acoustic soft top, AIRCAP®, AIRSCARF® and electric cargo divider system. The 12.3-inch digital driver display allows customers to choose between "Classic," "Sport" and "Supersport" display styles. The 2025 AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet arrives at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2024. 

2025 Genesis GV80 Starts At $75,150 Soon

The new 2025 Genesis GV80 SUV is powered by either a 300 horsepower 2.5L turbo inline-4 engine or a 375 horsepower 3.5L twin turbo V6 engine, both mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 GV80 2.5T is available in 2.5T AWD, 2.5T Select AWD, 2.5T Advanced AWD and 2.5T Prestige AWD trim levels and starts at $59,050 (including $1,350 freight). Standard features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Attention Warning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning. The 2025 GV80 3.5T Advanced AWD starts at $75,150. Most 2025 GV80 trims will be arriving at U.S. retailers in the coming weeks. The 2025 GV80 2.5T Standard AWD and 2025 GV80 2.5T Select AWD will be available this Summer. 

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Video Interview: Pablo Di Si, CEO Volkswagen of America


Pablo Di Si,
has been President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, and CEO, Volkswagen North American Region since Sept. 1, 2022. He discusses sales, industry trends, the electric vehicle market, new vehicles, and more in an interview with Richard Saxton at the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills on May 6, 2024. He's responsible for the Group‘s growth strategy in the U.S., and assumes leadership for the 20,000+ employees across the Canada, U.S., Mexico region. Pablo began his career at Volkswagen Group in 2014 as President and CEO of Volkswagen Argentina. He took over the position of President and CEO of Volkswagen Brazil and Latin America in 2017. 

Click here to watch interview.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

2024 AMG CLE 53 Coupe Coming This Summer

The new 2024 AMG CLE 53 Coupe is powered by a 443 horsepower AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with turbocharging from an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. The 48-volt integrated starter generator provides support at lower engine speeds with 23 horsepower. The driver display can be configured with "Classic," "Sport" and "Supersport" display styles. It features a free-standing 12.3-inch digital driver display and an 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display in a user-friendly portrait format. The standard rear-axle steering operates with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. Arriving at U.S. dealerships this Summer.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO Starts At $71,990 In 3rd Quarter 2024

The all-new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is powered by the all-new 540 horsepower 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output straight-six turbo engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and has a maximum towing capacity of 8,380 pounds, a maximum payload of 1,520 pounds and up to 32 inches of water fording. The new powertrain is 150 lbs. lighter than the previous performance model. The Drive Mode selector, integrated into the dashboard, offers Auto, Tow, Mud/Sand, Rock, Snow, Sport, Baja, Custom, as well as a Valet modes. There's a 14.5-inch touchscreen display and a 10.25-inch passenger screen. The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the third quarter of 2024 and starts at $71,990 (including $1,995 destination). Orders for the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO are open now.

MINI Aceman E, SE - All-Electric

The new MINI Aceman E five-seater Crossover, available solely with an all-electric drive, is powered by a 184 horsepower electric motor delivering a range of 192 miles and the MINI Aceman SE with 218 horsepower and a 54.2 kWh high-voltage battery delivers a range of 252 miles. Twelve ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View cameras enables the MINI Aceman to identify vacant parking spaces, automatically initiates parking maneuvers where space is limited, while the new Remote Parking function of the optional Parking Assistant Pro enables the vehicle to be parked using a smartphone. Personal Mode offers options for customizing the cockpit in addition to Go-Kart Mode, Vivid Mode, Core Mode, Green Mode, Timeless Mode, Balance Mode and Trail Mode, each of which focusses the display on a “Mode App” to match the ambience. All the models of the new MINI family feature four trims with individual customization options.

Lamborghini Urus SE

The Lamborghini Urus SE is powered by a 612 horsepower twin-turbo 4.0 V8 engine combined with a 189 horsepower electric powertrain delivering 789 total horsepower paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery is situated below the load floor and above the electronically-controlled rear differential. The permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor located inside the 8-speed automatic transmission can act as a boost for the V8 combustion engine but also as a traction element, making the Urus SE a 100% electric 4WD vehicle capable of traveling more than 37 miles in EV mode. The Urus SE has a 12.3 inch screen featuring a new version of the Human Machine Interface that is intuitive to use with updated graphics. 

2025 BMW 430i Gran Coupe Coming This July

The 2025 BMW 430i Gran Coupe is powered by 255 horsepower 2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and the 2025 M440i Gran Coupe is powered by a 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with a new 48V mild hybrid technology which can provide 11 horsepower of boost to the 375 horsepower TwinPower Turbo engine resulting in a total system output of 386 horsepower. Interior changes include the upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect to reduce the number of buttons and controls in the cockpit. The functions of the automatic climate control system and seat and steering wheel heating can now be operated by touch via the BMW Curved Display or by voice command through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. There's new adjustment controls for the air vents and a choice of two different looks for the graphics visualizing the digital companion on the control display, with additional graphics for selected voice commands. The new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe are fitted as standard with sport seats in perforated Sensatec. The worldwide market launch of the new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe will get underway in July 2024.

Monday, April 22, 2024

2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS Starting At $126,895 This Fall

The new 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS (Gran Turismo Sport), available in both SUV and Coupe body styles, is powered by a 493 horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. The new Cayenne GTS models are fitted with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels painted in anthracite grey and equipped with an adaptive rear spoiler. The 2025 Cayenne GTS models will be available to order shortly and are expected to reach Porsche Centers in the U.S. in Fall 2024 starting at $126,895 (including $1,995 delivery, processing and handling fee) while the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupe will have an MSRP of $131,495. 

2025 AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coming in Late 2024

The 2025 AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE is powered by a 805 horsepower combined system output integrating a 201 horsepower permanently excited synchronous electric motor with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and a limited-slip rear differential with a 603 horsepower AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine mated to a AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission. Features include a choice of "Electric," "Battery Hold," "Comfort," "Slippery," "Sport," "Sport+," "RACE" and "Individual" AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs. The AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE is also equipped with active rear-axle steering as standard. The 2025 AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE is expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2024. 

2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid At $29,495 Late Spring

The 2025 Toyota Camry, in LE, SE, XLE and XSE trim levels, pairs the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine and has a standard 225 net-combined horsepower on Front-Wheel Drive and 232 horsepower on Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive equipped models. The Toyota Camry has a manufacturer-estimated combined 51 MPG rating on the LE FWD grade. 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 can be found in the XLE and XSE grades. The XLE and XSE grades also come with an available 10-inch Head-Up Display. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Alert Along with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 are standard. The 2025 Toyota Camrys are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in late Spring starting at $29,495 (including $1,095 dealer processing and handling fee).

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Starts At $85,050 This Spring

The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE has 671 horsepower combined system output comprised of an AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine combined with a 201 horsepower permanently-excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery developed in Affalterbach and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive with Drift mode. The MBUX infotainment system with 12.3-inch driver display and 11.9-inch central multimedia display features various AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions that can be personalized. The AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE starts at $85,050 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge) and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE at $87,100 and arrive in U.S. dealerships this Spring.

2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 For $99,495 This Summer

The 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 will have a GM-estimated 754 horsepower, 440-mile range, 10,000 pounds of max towing and 1,450 pounds of max payload. An 800 Volt DC Public Fast Charging capable at up to 350kW, enables up to 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes. Available Super Cruise offers hands-free driver assistance technology is expected to be available on about 750,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2025. Deliveries of the 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 are expected to start this Summer at a final starting MSRP of $99,495 (including $1,995 DFC).

2025 Kia K5 Starts At $28,145 In The 2nd Quarter

The 2025 Kia K5, powered by a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine, has starting MSRP of $28,145 (including $1,155 destination charge). Standard items for the EX include a Bose Premium Audio System with Active Sound Design, a 10-way powered driver’s seat includes two-way lumbar support, a digital Key 2.03 heated steering wheel, and power folding mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. The GT’s powertrain is a 290 horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission that drives the front wheels. There's a new available single-pane curved display that houses the 12-inch instrument screen and a new standard 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation unit.  The 2025 Kia K5 is expected to arrive at Kia dealerships in the second quarter of 2024.