Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Cadillac SOLLEI Concept EV

The Cadillac SOLLEI all-electric, 2+2 convertible concept vehicle was developed in collaboration with MycoWorks, that uses materials grown from mycelium (the renewable root structure of mushrooms). The name comes from sun ('SOL') and leisure ('LEI'). 

2025 Honda Odyssey Starts At $43,315 Now

The 2025 Honda Odyssey, available in EX-L, Sport-L, Touring and Elite, is powered by a 280 horsepower V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Every 2025 Odyssey gets a larger 9-inch color touchscreen with a faster processor for lag-free performance, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, a wireless phone charger and more USB-C ports throughout the cabin. A new 7-inch digital instrument display is now standard, featuring an all-digital tachometer on the left and a physical speedometer on the right. Odyssey's Rear Entertainment System has been completely revamped with a larger 12.8-inch high-resolution screen. For 2025, there's a new grille, reshaped front and rear fascias, and new wheel designs. The Odyssey is on sale now with prices starting at $43,315 (including a $1,395 destination and handling charge). 

2025 INFINITI QX60 Starts At $51,550 Now

The 2025 INFINITI QX60, on sale now, is powered by a 268 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters delivering 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined for front-wheel drive models and 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined for AWD models. QX60's standard towing rating to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. The 2025 INFINITI QX60 has a starting MSRP of $51,550 (including $1,350 destination and handling charge).

2025 Kia Sorento Starts At $33,365

The 2025 Kia Sorento midsize SUV is powered by a 191 horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and starts at $33,365 (including $1,375 destination). The turbo models have a 281 horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection engine. Features include: Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Junction Turning, Blind Spot Collision Warning with Parallel Exit, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Following Assist,Driver Attention Warning, including Lead Vehicle Departure Alert, Safe Exit Assist, Rear Occupant Alert with Ultrasonic sensors, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Lane Change Oncoming, Lane Change Side and Junction Crossing, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Evasive Steering Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Ramp with Stop and Go, and Curve Control, Highway Driving Assist Includes Automatic Lane Change and Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning, Parking Distance warning - Forward and Reverse and Blind View Monitor.

2025 Hyundai Tucson Starts At $29,750 Now

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson compact SUV, is powered by a 187 horsepower Smartstream™ 2.5-liter I4 direct- and multi-port-injected gasoline engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The Hybrid powertrain’s 178 horsepower direct-injected 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine combined with a 47.7-kW electric motor delivers total hybrid system output of 231 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission. Plug-in hybrid models feature a high-output 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four coupled with a six-speed automatic and a more powerful 72.0-kW electric motor for a total system output up to 268 horsepower and a battery offering 13.8 kWh of lithium-ion power. The 2025 Tucson 2.5L models start at $29,750 (including a $1,395 destination charge) and are at U.S. dealerships now while 1.6L turbo hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be available late Summer.

2025 Porsche Panamera Starts At $156,195 1st Quarter 2025

The 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is powered by a 591 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine and an 187 horsepower electric motor mated to an improved 8-speed Porsche dual clutch transmission for a total output of 771 horsepower and has a starting price of $228,495 (including $1,995 delivery, processing and handling fee). The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid has the Porsche Active Ride suspension coupled with a 400 V high-voltage system as standard. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid also includes all the driving dynamics control systems, rear-axle steering, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake as well as a Bose® sound system. The third generation of the Panameras have the Porsche Driver Experience cockpit, extended connectivity functions such as integration of Apple CarPlay®, video streaming on the optional Passenger Display, and the option of parking the car using a smartphone app. The Panamera GTS (Gran Turismo Sport), powered by a 493 horsepower V8 twin-turbo engine, starts at $156,195. Both models are expected to reach U.S. Porsche Centers in late Q1 2025. 

2025 Cadillac Escalade Arrives In Late 2024

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade and ESV are powered by a 420 horsepower 6.2L V-8 VVT DI engine with Dynamic Fuel Management mated to a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 Escalade-V/Escalade-V ESV variants are powered by a 682 horsepower 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine. New for the 2025 Escalade are available 24-inch wheels, an available Executive Second Row package featuring stowable tray tables, 12.6-inch-diagonal personal screens, a rear command center, dual wireless phone charging pads, massaging seats and headrest speakers. The Escalade features a curved pillar-to-pillar 55-inch total diagonal display. There's available Night Vision which is standard on V-Series & Platinum trims. Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 (standard for Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport Platinum and V-Series trims) and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension isolate passengers from undesirable road surfaces. The 2025 Escalade starts production in late 2024 in North America, with availability in other regions to follow. 

2025 Mazda CX-5 Strats At $29,990 Later This Summer

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is powered by a 187 horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive, cylinder deactivation, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and sport mode and G-Vectoring Control Plus, with the vehicle continuously monitoring weight distribution and shifting power to the appropriate wheels. Every CX-5 model includes complimentary Mazda Connected Services, providing the ability to monitor and control the state of the CX-5 remotely by logging into the MyMazda app and includes in-car Wi-Fi hotspot for three-months or 2GB trial, whichever comes first. There's a 10.25" full-color center display with Mazda Connect infotainment system. A four-speaker sound system and HD radio are standard, as well as cloth seating, push button start, leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel with mounted audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control buttons, dual front USB-C inputs up front, and reclining rear seats. The 2025 CX-5 models will retain standard all-wheel drive with a starting MSRP of $29,990 (including $1,420 for destination and handling). The CX-5 2.5 Turbo models, powered by a 256 horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine, start at $38,420 when the 2025 CX-5 goes on sale later this Summer.

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

2025 Mazda CX-50 Starts At $31,720

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S models are powered by a 187 horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired to a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, while the CX-50 Hybrid offers over 100 miles of extra driving range compared to CX-50 2.5 S models. The CX-50 Hybrid is designed around the Toyota Hybrid System comprised of a 2.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, hybrid EV battery, three electric motors, Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission and standard Electric AWD delivering 219 horsepower total horsepower. Standard on all 2.5 Turbo models is Mazda's 256 horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode through the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The CX-50 2.5 S Select model starts at $31,720 (including $1,420 for destination and handling) and the CX-50 Hybrid Preferred starts at $35,390.

2025 INFINITI QX55 Starts at $51,500

The 2025 INFINITI QX55, in Luxe, Essential and Sensory trim levels, is powered by a 268 horsepower 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The Luxe grade starts at $51,500 (including $1,350 destination and handling charge). The standard active safety technology includes Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and High Beam Assist.

2025 Kia Sportage Starts At $28,565

The 2025 Kia Sportage, powered by a 187 horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, starts at $28,565 (including $1,375 destination) for the LX FWD trim level and goes up to a starting MSRP of $45,565 for the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) AWD model. New for model year 2025, the EX trim will offer a Premium Package and the popular X-Line and X-Pro trims will add a dark themed exterior design enhancement. The EX Trim starts at $32,465 and offer a new available Premium Package, panoramic Sunroof, smart power liftgate while the X-Line and X-Pro will have standard dark themed enhancements including gloss black front and rear bumper treatment, plus side sills, gloss black alloy wheels (X-Line only) and black badging.

2025 Kia Soul Starts At $21,665

The 2025 Kia Soul, powered by a 147 horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder Dual Overhead Cam 16-valve powertrain, starts at $21,665 (including $1,375 destination) for the LX trim. Major updates for model year 2025 are a Soulmate Special Edition, 18-inch alloy wheels, Umber interior color, two-tone roof, Harman Kardon4 premium audio, lower body cladding SynTex and cloth seating.

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

All-new Audi Q6 e-tron Coming In The 4th Quarter

The all-new Audi Q6 e-tron mid-size luxury SUV, has 422 horsepower (456 hp with launch control) and an entirely new battery structure operating at 800 volts delivering a preliminary manufacturer’s range estimate of more than 300 miles from its all-wheel drive front and rear electric motors. With a length of 187.8 inches, the Q6 e-tron slots between the larger Q8 e-tron and smaller Q4 e-tron. The SQ6 e-tron makes 483 horsepower (509 hp with launch control) and is expected to achieve an electric range of 276 miles on the EPA test cycle with standard equipment, based on preliminary manufacturer estimates. The Digital Stage is comprised of an 11.9-inch Audi OLED virtual cockpit in front of the driver and a 14.5-inch center touch OLED display, both integrated as one curved panoramic design. Audi Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron models are expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in Q4 2024 with additional variants to follow in 2025.

Sunday, June 30, 2024

Test Drive: 2024 Lexus RX 450h+

The 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid has 304 total system horsepower from a high-capacity lithium-ion battery paired with a 180 horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (shared with NX) and delivers a manufacturer-estimated combined 83 MPGe rating. The RX 450h+ has an EPA-estimated 37-mile driving range rating on electric power only. The 2024 RX 450h+ has a starting MSRP of $71,430 (including $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee). 

Our 265 mile test drive in city streets and on highways in hybrid mode produced an impressive 40 MPG.

Click to watch video review.

2025 Kia Seltos Starts At $26,465

The 2025 Kia Seltos, powered by either a 146 horsepower a 2.0L MPI Atkinson 4-cylinder engineor a 195 horsepower 1.6L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine, adds Parking Distance Warning-Reverse on EX and SX trims and Smart Power Liftgate on EX AWD and SX trims as standard with a new Power Sunroof package now available on EX trims. New 17” standard two-tone alloy wheels are on the S trim . The 2025 Seltos gets an updated interior, featuring improved materials and finishes. The cargo cover is now standard on EX AWD. The Seltos S FWD starts at $26,465 (including $1,375 destination).

2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV - Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV

The all-new 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, America's first production plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, has a 270-mile EPA driving range rating, combining an all-new U.S.-made fuel cell system along with plug-in charging capability delivering 174 horsepower designed to provide up to 29 miles of EV driving around town with the flexibility of fast hydrogen refueling for longer trips. It will be available in California starting July 9, with three leasing options, with the majority of customers expected to choose a 3 year/36,000 mile lease for $459 per month with $2,959 due at signing and including $15,000 of hydrogen refueling credits during the lease term. The lease options are based on an MSRP of $50,000, though no purchase option will be offered. Every CR-V e:FCEV includes a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display, 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility, wireless phone charging, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, power adjustable heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual zone climate control, handsfree access power tailgate, parking sensors and sustainable materials including bio-based leather seat upholstery.

7th generation BMW M5 Starts At $120,675 In November

The 7th generation BMW M5 is powered by a 717 horsepower M Hybrid drive system from a combination of a 577 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system that delivers a fully electric range of approximately 25 miles. The BMW M5 features Integral Active Steering, which turns the rear wheels in either the same direction as or the opposite direction to the front wheels, depending on the car’s speed. The fully digital screen grouping is made up of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display and the BMW Head-Up Display is included with the standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the new BMW M5. A Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with 18 speakers and 655-watts is standard. The worldwide market launch of the new BMW M5 will start in November 2024 with a base MSRP of $120,675 (including $1,175 destination and handling).

4th Generation Bentley Continental GT Speed

The fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT Speed is powered by an all-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain with total system 771 horsepower from a 584 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine working in tandem with a 187 horsepower electric motor via an eight-speed dual clutch transmission and an electronic limited slip differential to all four wheels that delivers 50 miles of electric-only range and a total range of 534 miles. The 25.9 kWh battery is mounted behind the rear axle. The new Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed models have the new Bentley Performance Active Chassis that includes Active All Wheel Drive, an electronic limited slip differential, all wheel steering, torque vectoring (front to rear and across the axles), Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti roll system, and a new generation of ESC control software. The Continental GT offers three audio systems with a 10 speaker, 650 Watt system as standard. The new Continental GT has a three-sided display featuring a 12.3 inch high-definition display. The new Continental GT will be launched in Tourmaline Green.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta Starts At $23,220 By End of 3rd Quarter

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, powered by a 158 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, will have a revised front fascia, new upper and lower grille designs, LED headlights, more wheel offerings, new dash design and a floating touchscreen infotainment system with an 8-inch display, with a starting price of $23,220 (including $1,225 destination charge. The Jetta GLI is powered by a 228 horsepower 2.0-liter engine which can be paired with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. The IQ.DRIVE system is standard on all 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI models utilizing front and rear radar, a front camera and several ultrasound sensors enabling Travel Assist, Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control, Stop and Go, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist. The revamped Jetta lineup is expected to reach U.S. dealers by the end of Q3 2024.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

All-New 2025 BMW X3 Starts At $50,675 In The 4th Quarter

The all-new 2025 BMW X3, in its fourth generation badged as 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive, is 1.3 inches longer than its predecessor and 1.1 inches wider. The BMW X3 30 xDrive is powered by a 255 horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine and starts at $50,675 (including $1,175 destination and handling). The BMW X3 M50 xDrive has a 3.0-liter engine and a 48V hybrid system for a total system output of 393 horsepower integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission with a starting price of $65,275. The driver and passengers can spend any downtime they have in the car when it’s stationary by gaming in single-player or in multi-player mode. They only need their smartphone, which will serve as a controller, and the gaming experience on the BMW Curved Display is ready to go. Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assistant and Speed Limit Info, along with the Driving Assistant including Active Blind Spot Detection and manual Speed Limit Assistant are standard. The Parking Assistant, now standard, incorporates features such as the Backup Assistant and a Rear View Camera. A trailer hitch is optional, and allows a trailer load of up to 4,850 lbs depending on the model variant. Market launch will get underway in the fourth quarter of 2024.