Monday, October 14, 2024

Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron Coming In 2025

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron, powered by two electric motors positioned on the front and rear axles, is expected to achieve an EPA estimated range similar to that of the Q6 e-tron quattro, at around 300 miles. Actual EPA-estimated range will be released closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date. The Q6 has 422 horsepower (Nominal) and 456 horsepower (Peak) while the SQ6 delivers 483 horsepower (Nominal) and 509 horsepower (Peak). The towing capacity is up to 4,400 lb. The Dual motor, 100kWh-battery models will be available at launch with a top fixed speed of 130 mph. The 800-volt electrical system with DC fast-charging provided at a rate of 270 kW takes the high-voltage battery around 21 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent under ideal conditions. Full U.S. performance and efficiency figures will be released closer to the U.S. on-sale date in Spring/Summer 2025.

Friday, October 11, 2024

Cybercab and Robovan In Tesla's Self-Driving Future

Tesla has unveiled prototypes of its self-driving Cybercab and 20 passenger Robovan at an event on the Warner Bros. Studios lot in Burbank. The Cybercab could be in production by 2027 and bought for about $30,000, according to Elon Musk.



2025 Nissan Pathfinder Starts At $38,460 Now

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a 284 horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic with manual shift mode paddle shifters, electronic shift-by-wire drive selector. The 2025 Pathfinder provides flexibility for the whole family with three rows of seats and seating for eight, or seven with optional second-row Captain's Chairs. The EZ FLEX® second-row seats feature Nissan's LATCH AND GLIDE® technology, allowing them to tip and slide even while a child safety seat is installed for convenient access to the third row. The towing rating of 3,500 pounds is for the S, SV, SL trim levels or 6,000 pounds for the Rock Creek, Platinum and optional on SV and SL. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is on sale now starting at $38,460 (including $1,390 destination and handling).

2025 Subaru Crosstrek Starts At $27,115 Later This Year

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek compact SUV is powered by a 152 horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine in the Base trim while Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels have a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine with a manual mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and eight preset transmission ratios and mated to a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission). All Crosstrek trim levels are equipped with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control, and at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Dual 7.0-inch SUBARU STARLINK® touchscreens for infotainment are standard with the top screen controls smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo, Rear Vision Camera; SiriusXM® Radio and Travel Link; and HD Radio®. The bottom touchscreen provides controls for climate and vehicle settings. Crosstrek Wilderness with upgraded suspension, has 9.3-inch ground clearance and 3,500-lb. towing capacity. All models will begin arriving at Subaru retailers later this year starting at $27,115 (including $1,420 destination and delivery.

2025 Volkswagen Taos Starts At $26,420

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. 

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).

Click to watch video.

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.

Click to watch video.

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.