The 2025 Volkswagen Taos, refreshed with a new look, upgraded technology, is now powered by a 174 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine up from 158 horsepower in the previous model. The all-wheel-drive model now has an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission in place of the previous DSG dual-clutch automatic. The 2025 Taos features VW’s suite of IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance features across all trims. This includes Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring); Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency). Taos models will start at $26,420 (including $1,425 destination fee) for the S front-wheel drive model and $28,120 for the S 4Motion all-wheel-drive model.
Friday, October 11, 2024
Thursday, October 10, 2024
2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV Coming At Year End
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV will offer a 510 horsepower WT (Work Truck) trim starting at $57,095 (including $2,095 DFC), a 645 horsepower LT (available on the Silverado EV for the first time) starting at $75,195 and a 760 horsepower RST model starting at $89,395. Power comes from a Dual Motor 4WD drivetrain comprised of 2 motors (1 front & 1 rear electric drive unit). On a full charge the WT Max Range gets EPA-estimated range of 492 miles, the WT Extended Range 422 miles, the LT 408 miles, LT with Premium Package 390 miles, RST 2SP 390 miles, RST 3SP a GM-estimated 460 miles. On the LT is the standard 17.7-inch-diagonal center infotainment screen is paired with 11.3-inch-diagonal driver informational center. The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV has a 12,500 lb towing capacity and 1,800 lb payload capacity. An available Multi-Flex Midgate offers up to 10 feet and 10 inches of load floor when paired with the standard Multi-Flex Tailgate. Chevrolet expects to ship 2025 Silverado EV WT, LT and RST to customers before the end of the year and, later in the model year, a Work Truck with the standard range battery pack will join the lineup for fleet and retail customers for $57,095. The EPA-estimated range will be available closer to that truck’s launch.
Only 16 More Bentley Batur Convertibles With W12 Engine To Be Made
The Bentley Batur Convertibles, the most powerful W12-powered drop-tops, are the last to be powered by the 739 horsepower hand-assembled 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine, with only sixteen to be made. The convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph. The Batur Convertible is customizable with each customer able to specify the color and finish of literally every single surface of both the exterior and cabin of the car.
Sunday, October 6, 2024
McLaren W1 Starts At $2.1 Million
The new McLaren W1 rear-wheel drive supercar is powered by a 1276 horsepower hybrid powertrain combining the all-new 929 horsepower MHP-8 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with the all-new 347 horsepower E-module (integrating a radial flux electric motor and motor control unit) mated to an 8-speed transmission with E-reverse, coupled with a new hydraulic electronic differential. W1 is capable of zero-emissions driving on electric power alone. Pricing from circa $2.1 million, with the final cost dependent on the level of MSO personalization.
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Video: 2024 OC Auto Show Now Open Through Sunday October 6th
The 2024 OC Auto Show is open today through Sunday October 6th at the Anaheim, California, Convention Center where many manufacturers and dealers exhibiting vehicles with test drives available for attendees. Richard Saxton discusses this year's show with John Sackrison, Executive Director of the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association (OCADA).
All-New 2025 Ford Expedition® Coming In The Spring
The all-new fifth-generation 2025 Ford Expedition® comes in either a standard or extended-length wheelbase called the Expedition MAX. The Expedition Active, King Ranch® and Platinum® trim levels are powered by a standard 400 horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine or a 440 horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost which is standard for the all-new Tremor® and available for the Platinum model. The new Ford Split Gate allows three-quarters of the tailgate to raise like a traditional liftgate, while the lower quarter folds down like a truck. The Ford Digital Experience includes a 24-inch panoramic display, which takes the place of a traditional gauge cluster. For 2025, we’re expanding the availability of Ford BlueCruise6 hands-free highway driving across the Expedition lineup, making it available to activate on nearly 90% of all Expedition models. Now, Platinum, King Ranch, Tremor and Active models are equipped with BlueCruise hardware. Our goal is to provide access to hands-free highway driving to more Expedition customers. An improved version of BlueCruise features Lane Change Assist, allowing a driver to switch lanes hands-free with a tap of the turn signal when the path is clear, and In-Lane Repositioning, which helps provide more space by subtly shifting away from vehicles in adjacent lanes. Expedition Tremor has 10.6-inches of ground clearance, adds off-road gear and it rolls on 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires. When properly equipped Expedition delivers up to 7,000-pound towing capacity without the need for a load-leveling bar and 9,600-pound max towing capacity with a weight distributing hitch. The all-new Ford Expedition will start to arrive in dealer showrooms in Spring 2025.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
2025 Chrysler Voyager LX Starts At $41,690 In The 4th Quarter
The 2025 Chrysler Voyager LX minivan, powered by a 287 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine paired with a TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission, returns to the Chrysler minivan line-up as the entry level, budget-friendly option starting at $41,690 (including $1,695 destination charge). Standard features include a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, 7-inch digital cluster display ability to connect two phones simultaneously with Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa voice controls, blind-spot monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection, second- and third-row Stow 'n Go seating system, power sliding doors/liftgate and second-row sunshades. The 2025 Chrysler Voyager is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in the fourth quarter.
The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica minivan, powered by a 287 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 24V gasoline engine with Stop/Start mated to a 9 speed automatic transmission, is offered in Select, Plug-in Hybrid Select, Limited, Pinnacle, and Plug-in Hybrid Pinnacle trim levels. The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, delivers 82 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), an all-electric range of 32 miles and a total range of 520 miles. AWD is available on Pacifica Select, Limited and Pinnacle gas-powered models with a towing capacity of 3,600 lbs.. New for 2025, a Select model available for gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains, Limited model available in gas only, and Pinnacle models available in both gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Pacifica has optional Amazon Fire TV integrated into the rear-seat Uconnect Theater System, and an available FamCAM interior feature that offers a bird's-eye view of rear-facing child-seat occupants.
Thursday, September 26, 2024
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Starts At $65,095 At Year End
The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron rear-wheel-drive battery electric vehicle (BEV), with a length of 187.8 inches, generates 302 horsepower (322 horsepower with launch control) and a 100 kWh battery delivering an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles when equipped with ultra package. The Q6 e-tron quattro® offers 422 horsepower (456 horsepower with launch control) with an expected 307 miles of electric range and the SQ6 e-tron makes 483 horsepower (509 horsepower with launch control) and delivers an estimated electric range of 275 miles. All Q6 e-tron models feature a redesigned, more efficient and more compact permanently excited synchronous (PSM) rear motor compared to the previous Audi BEVs and benefit from a lithium-ion battery pack composed of 12 modules of 15 prismatic cells connected in series for a total of 180 cells, with a total gross capacity of 100 kWh (94.4 kWh net). The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron, Q6 e-tron quattro® and SQ6 e-tron will arrive in U.S. dealerships before the end of 2024, with pricing from $65,095 (including $1,295 destination charge) for the Q6 e-tron Premium model up to the top-of-the-line SQ6 e-tron Prestige that starts at $80,595.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
2025 Toyota GR Corolla Starts At $39,995 This Fall
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla, available in Core, Premium and Premium Plus grades, is powered by a turbocharged 300 horsepower 1.6 liter 3-cylinder turbo engine with a six-speed intelligent Manual Transmission with rev matching that is turned on with a push of a button placed in front of the shifter or an available GAZOO Racing 8-Speed Direct Automatic Transmission feeding a rally racing developed GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system. Behind the GR Corolla’s steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable settings, and in the center of the dash is the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an eight-inch touchscreen with touch and voice activation. With the twist of a dial, the driver can select Normal, Gravel or Track AWD modes to adjust front/rear wheel torque distribution. Purchase of a 2025 GR Corolla comes with a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association including one free High Performance Driving Event and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events. The 2025 Toyota GR Corollas are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this Fall with pricing starting at $39,995 (including $1,135 dealer processing and handling fee).
2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 En Route To Dealerships
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a 310 horsepower 2.7L Turbo DOHC VVT DI with Active Fuel Management, 355 horsepower 5.3L V-8 VVT DI with Dynamic Fuel Management, 305 horsepower 3.0L Duramax Inline-Six Turbodiesel rated for an EPA-estimated 624 miles of range, and a 420 horsepower 6.2L V-8 VVT DI with Dynamic Fuel Management. Transmissions are an 8-speed automatic (2.7L) and a 10-speed automatic (3.0L, 5.3L and 6.2L). Silverado is capable of hands-free trailering with available Super Cruise driver assistance technology, offers an available MultiFlex tailgate, eight cameras with up to 14 views, including transparent trailer. Silverado has Custom Trail Boss, LT Trail Boss and ZR2 off-road trim levels. The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado is now en route to dealerships.
Sunday, September 22, 2024
2025 Nissan Versa Starts At $18,330 Now
The 2025 Nissan Versa is powered by a 122-horsepower, 1.6-liter inline-four engine paired with an Xtronic transmission (optional on S, standard on SV and SR) or a 5-speed manual transmission (S only). New for the 2025 model year, Versa includes the Nissan Maintenance Care program, with up to three pre-paid oil changes for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. Versa S and SV grades also gain LED headlights with LED signature lighting elements. Standard on all Versa grades are Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist. Available safety technologies include Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Versa SR adds class-exclusive Intelligent Cruise Control5. Versa SV and SR add the convenience of Intelligent Driver Alertness. Intuitive connectivity technology includes a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (8-inch on SR grade), with available Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The 2025 Versa is on sale now starting at $18,330 (including $1,140 destination and handling).
2025 Jeep® Gladiator Starts At $39,995
The 2025 Jeep® Gladiator, in Sport, Sport S, Willys, Trail Rated Rubicon and Mojave trims, is powered by a 285 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission providing max towing of up to 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,725 pounds. In calendar year 2025, Jeep Gladiator will add an electrified 4xe plug-in hybrid model. The 2025 Jeep Gladiator Sport 4x4 starts at $39,995 (including $1,895 destination) with Mojave 4x4 and Rubicon 4x4 models starting at $52,995. For 2025, new standard equipment standard power lock and power windows. Jeep Gladiator features standard first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, standard adaptive cruise control with stop (Sport S and above), standard Uconnect 5 system with standard 12.3-inch touchscreen radio and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2025 Jeep® Wrangler
The 2025 Jeep® Wrangler is powered by a a standard 285 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, a 270 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder coupled to an eight-speed automatic, or a 470 horsepower 6.4-liter V-8 HEMI® engine. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid 4 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine, two electric motors and a high-voltage battery pack, delivering 49 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), and 21 miles of all-electric range. Jeep Wrangler is built on a body-on-frame design with a front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles and available electronic lockers. Wrangler offers a full-float Dana rear axle, available factory-installed 8,000-lb.-capacity Warn winch, a maximum 5,000 pounds of tow capability and unmatched maximum crawl ratios up to 100:1.
2025 Subaru BRZ Starts At $32,265 Early Next Year
The 2025 Subaru BRZ rear-wheel drive sports car, powered by a 228 horsepower 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine paired to a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission or six-speed electronic direct-control automatic transmission, will have a starting price of $32,265 (including $1,170 destination and delivery) when it arrives at retailers early next year. It comes in Premium, Limited, and tS trim levels. New to the Subaru BRZ this year is a dedicated “Sport” mode for coupes equipped with a manual transmission. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels in a high-luster gray finish, a TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start, LED headlights (low- and high-beam), dual-zone automatic climate control, incline start assist, power fuel-door lock, power windows with auto up/down and pinch protection, welcome lighting, Vehicle Stability Control with Track Mode, and the newly standard Sport Mode.
Monday, September 16, 2024
Test Drive: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe midsize SUV, in its fifth-generation, was introduced at the LA Auto Show in November of 2023 and went on sale in February 2024. Richard Saxton reviews the Santa Fe on a 184 miles test drive through the streets of Vancouver, Canada.
Thursday, September 12, 2024
2025 Honda Civic Hatchback Starts At $28,545 Now
The 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback, joins the Civic Sedan and Civic Si, and comes in Sport, Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trim levels. The Sport trim is now available with either a new 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission for a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 34 mpg or a 200 horsepower hybrid-electric powertrain. Civic Sport hybrid and Civic Sport Touring hybrid are powered by a two-motor hybrid-electric system with EPA fuel economy ratings of 50 mpg city and 48 mpg combined. The Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies is standard on all Civic models which includes increased system visibility for motorcycles and bicycles for the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist System, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation incorporating Lane Departure Warning, and blind spot information with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor. The Civic Hatchback Sport starts at $28,545 (including $1,095 destination charge). The hybrid-electric powered 2025 Civic Hatchback Sport Hybrid starts at $31,045 and the Sport Touring Hybrid at $34,045.
2025 Volkswagen Taos Coming Year End With More Horsepower
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is powered by a revised 174 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TSI® engine now equipped with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. For 2025, a new front-end look, a new bumper design, a new grille with an available light bar, standard LED projector headlights with available AFS, and a new dashboard design with an integrated floating 8-inch infotainment display. The suite of IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance features across all trims include Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance), Front 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 (Lane Keeping System) and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency). Front and rear Park Distance Control are now also available. The refreshed 2025 Taos will reach U.S dealerships by the end of this year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Bentley Flying Spur - 771 Horsepower Hybrid
The fourth generation Bentley Flying Spur, powered by an Ultra Performance Hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain combining a 592 horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a 187 horsepower electric motor integrated with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission that delivers 771 horsepower total system horsepower, has 47 mile electric range in pure EV mode. Exterior refresh includes a new grille, bumper, diffuser, 22” wheel option and dark tint brightware and interior updates include new Precision Diamond quilt pattern on seats, and Precision 3D diamond hide on doors and B pillars. The optional Wellness Seating Specification is now available on all four seats which includes Seat Auto Climate and Postural Adjust, which measures and maintains the perfect body temperature via zoned heating and ventilation, and soothingly and seamlessly varies the pressure on the occupants’ muscles throughout their journey to ensure fatigue is minimized.
2025 Kia Niro Hybrid Starts At $28,365
The 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid, with an EPA-estimated 53 MPG combined fuel economy (when equipped with 16-inch wheels) and an EPA-estimated 49 MPG (when equipped with 18-inch wheels), starts at $28,365 (including $1,375 destination). The 2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid starts at $35,865.
2025 Audi A3 Starts At $39,495 In The 4th Quarter
The 2025 Audi A3, with an exterior redesign update, is powered by a 201 horsepower turbocharged 2.0L TFSI® 4-cylinder engine with quattro® all-wheel drive paired to 7-speed S tronic transmissions, starts at $39,495 (including $1,295 destination and delivery). The S3 (pictured), powered by a 328 horsepower 2.0L TFSI 4-cylinder engine with quattro® starts at $49,995. A new generation of the electronic stabilization control is also used. For 2025, the Audi connect NAV trial subscription included with the A3 and S3 has increased its term from six months to three years. The 2025 A3 now features as standard equipment a 10.1” touch display along with the Audi virtual cockpit. The 2025 Audi A3 and S3 will be available in Q4 2024 through U.S. Audi retailers.