Wednesday, April 16, 2025

New 2026 Hyundai Palisade Arrives Early Summer

The new 2026 Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV, 2.5 inches longer overall and with an all-new exterior, is powered by either a newly developed 287 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 direct-injected engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a two-chamber torque converter or a 329 total horsepower hybrid that combines a 258 horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine with two electric motors mounted in the six-speed automatic transmission’s case adding up to 90 horsepower expected to achieve 30+ mpg on the highway for an internally targeted range of up to 619 miles. The hybrid powertrain also offers an estimated 4,000 lbs. of maximum towing capacity. New available convenience technologies are first- and second-row Relaxation seating, 100-watt capable USB-C ports, and factory-installed tow hitch plus new safety technologies include built-in dual-camera Dash Cam, ten airbags, third-row seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters. The 2026 Palisade supports the latest version of Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Premium4 which allows owners to leave their key fob at home and use a supported smartphone or smartwatch to lock, unlock, and start their vehicle. The suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Forward Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The 2026 Palisade are set to arrive at Hyundai dealers in early Summer.

The all-new 2026 Palisade XRT PRO is powered by a newly developed 287 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate torque converter. The HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on XRT PRO is targeting a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity.  XRT PRO has 8.4 inches of ground clearance, one inch more than non XRT PRO models.

2026 Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition Coming In The 2nd Quarter

The 2026 Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition, with the 379 horsepower generated from its dual motors, features a standard Boost function that increases torque from 443 lb.-ft to 516 lb.-ft. Offered on the dual-motor Land AWD trim with 6-passenger and available 7-passenger seating configurations, the EV9 Nightfall Edition has Gloss Black, including new exclusive 20-inch Gloss Black wheels with dark Kia emblem, wrapped in 275/50R-20 all-season tires. The EV9 Nightfall is available with a 60/40 split-fold second row bench that increases seating capacity to seven. The all-electric EV9 now qualifies for the federal EV tax credit. Sales are anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2025.

2026 Kia EV4 sedan Arrives 1st Quarter 2026

The all-new 2026 Kia EV4 sedan, based on a 400V Electric Global Modular Platform which underpins multiple Kia EV models, offers a choice of a standard 58.3 kWh battery (Light) or long-range 81.4 kWh battery (Wind, GT-Line). Both battery configurations provide power to a front-mounted 150 kW motor. The front wheel-drive EV4 Light and Wind models have an all-electric Kia-estimated range of 235 miles and 330 miles, respectively. The EV4 is capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent charge in an estimated 29 minutes for the 58.3 kWh (Light) battery and 31 minutes for the 81.4 kWh (Wind, GT-Line) battery. The EV4 has a nearly 30-inch total combined wide-screen display, comprised of dual 12.3-inch screens and five-inch climate display. The EV4 is expected to be available in Light, Wind and GT-Line trim levels when it arrives in the U.S. for the first quarter of 2026.

2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Coming Late This Year

The 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback is powered by a standard 47 horsepower 2.0-liter engine matched with an intelligently variable transmission or an available 190 horsepower 1.6-liter, turbocharged engine. The K4 Hatchback’s driver cockpit is designed around a dual digital display7 that spans nearly 30 inches, combining an intuitive layout with the technology of Kia’s available Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system. Available features include ultra-wide glass sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, heated and ventilated front seats2 dressed in SynTex (in black or red) complement. Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are standard, while Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround-View Monitor and Parking Distance Warning are available. The K4 Hatchback is expected to launch in the U.S. late 2025 and will be available in standard appearance and GT-Line trims.

2026 Subaru Solterra BEV Arrives Later This Year

The new 2026 Subaru Solterra is powered by a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery, providing an estimated range of more than 285 miles, up more than 25 per cent compared to the outgoing model. The 2026 Solterra adds more powerful front and rear motors to make 233 horsepower while for the first time, a Solterra XT trim level adds more powerful dual electric motors that combine to make 338 horsepower. A new all-wheel drive system integrates independent front and rear motor outputs. The 2026 Solterra’s new high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack charges from 10% to 80% in less than 35 minutes at speeds up to approximately 150 kW. Standard NACS charging ports will allow Subaru EV owners to charge at more than 15,000 Tesla Superchargers across North Americai. At home, the Solterra offers convenient Level 1 or Level 2 charging compatibility. The 5-seat SUV includes 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Pricing and detailed specifications for the 2026 Subaru Solterra will be available when it goes on sale later this year.

2026 Subaru Trailseeker BEV Coming Early Next Year

The all-new 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is powered by a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion, high-capacity battery, delivering more than 260 miles of range from a single charge. Trailseeker comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive from two powerful electric motors placed on the front and rear axles, making approximately 375 horsepower and offering towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. For off-road, Trailseeker is equipped with X-MODE® Dual-Mode System with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud Modes, Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control. The standard 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. All models are equipped with a suite of EyeSight® driver-assistance technologies, including Pre-Collision Braking, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitors, Lane Departure Alert, a panoramic view monitor, Emergency Stop Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and more. Pricing and detailed specifications will be available closer to launch in early 2026. 

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

All-New 2026 Audi A6 Coming In 2nd Half 2025

The all-new 2026 Audi A6, 2.36 inches longer than the previous model, is powered by a 362 horsepower 3.0L TFSI, 6 cylinder engine with quattro® All-Wheel Drive mated to a 7-Speed S tronic Dual-Clutch Transmission. The A6 has the Audi virtual cockpit with an 11.9-inch display diagonal and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display with the optional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display, which is integrated into the dashboard design. More information will follow closer to the U.S. on-sale date in the second half of 2025.

2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon Coming Later This Year

The new 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon has 577 total combined horsepower from a 443 horsepower AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine and permanently excited synchronous electric motor powers. The optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, which adds RACE START, delivers 604 horsepower from a 161 horsepower electric motor integrated into the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission and a 400-volt, 28.6-kWh battery at the rear of the vehicle below the trunk floor. The battery is designed with a 21.2-kWh usable capacity for everyday driving, while the remaining energy is reserved for electric boost during dynamic acceleration. The AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon will be arriving at U.S. dealerships later in 2025.

2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe Starts At $40,775 Mid-Year

The new two-wheel-drive 2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe is powered by the same 241 horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine found in the 228 xDrive Gran Coupe and starts at $40,775 (including $1,175 destination and handling). The 228 Gran Coupe benefits from all of the enhancements and refinements introduced on the xDrive model last fall, including the standard M Sport exterior design, standard Adaptive M Suspension, BMW Curved Display running BMW Operating System 9, and available systems for automated driving and parking. Deliveries of the 2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe are expected to commence in mid-2025.

2026 BMW i5 eDrive40 Has More Range

The 2026 BMW i5 eDrive40 will have an increased range up to 310 miles and the xDrive40 up to 278 miles depending on wheel size. The improvements are due largely to the use of silicon carbide semiconductor components in the power electronics (SiC inverters), as well as optimized wheel bearings that reduce friction and rolling resistance.

Mercedes-AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Arrives Later This Year

The new limited Mercedes-AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition, based on the 2026 AMG CLE 53 Coupe and Cabriolet with specially curated exteriors, is powered by a 443 horsepower AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine equipped with an exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. The Coupe is finished in MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno paint and yellow AMG graphics and has 20-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels in black with yellow rim flanges while the Cabriolet has AMG-exclusive MANUFAKTUR Starling Blue Magno paint, highlighted by black and blue AMG graphics along with 20-inch AMG Multi-Spoke Y-Design wheels with black accents. This special model arrives at U.S. dealerships later this year and will be available to U.S. customers in limited numbers. 

All-New Second-Generation Hyundai NEXO Coming Later This Year

The all-new second-generation Hyundai NEXO hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor and has increased total output from 135 kW to 190 kW while the battery’s output has doubled from 40 kW to 80 kW. The hydrogen fuel cell stack now delivers maximum gross power of 110 kW, a 16 percent increase, while the new electric motor provides up to 150 kW. By adjusting motor output, the e-Handling system optimizes grip, boosting steering response and stability. The rear doors open wider than the previous-generation making it easier to get in and out. The NEXO targets more than 434 miles of range from a five-minute charge. NEXO has a 12.3-inch driver information cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment monitor. It will be available in Creamy White Pearl, Phantom Black Pearl, Amazon Gray Metallic, Ocean Indigo Matte, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, and Goyo Copper Pearl colors. NEXO is coming to global markets later this year.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

2026 Toyota Crown

The 2026 Toyota Crown, available in XLE, Limited, Nightshade and Platinum grades, has 340 net combined horsepower from front and rear electric motors paired with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and mated to a direct-shift 6-speed automatic transmission delivering an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined city/highway fuel economy rating. The XLE, Limited and Nightshade grades are equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System that pairs front and rear electric motors with a 2.5-liter engine for an EPA-estimated 41 MPG combined city/highway rating. All-Wheel Drive Toyota Hybrid System and Hybrid MAX is available only on the Platinum grade. All Toyota Crown models feature the Toyota Audio Multimedia system and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, which users can interact through touch and voice activation. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

The Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is powered by a new 824 horsepower 5.2-litre Twin Turbo V12 engine mated to a rear mounted eight-speed automatic transmission delivering a top speed of 214 mph. Pre-defined ESP modes (On, Track, Off, Wet), are selectable via the ESP button on the center console. Only 37 will be built over a one-year period to celebrate 60 years of Volante production. The total Vanquish production is limited to under 1000 each year. The lightweight K-fold roof can be opened in 14-seconds and closed in 16-seconds, and is operatable on the move up to 31mph. Aston Martin’s next generation infotainment showcases the digital 10.25” TFT driver display and there's the Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker, double amplified surround sound system. Optimized underbody stiffening provides a 75 per cent increase in lateral stiffness over the previous flagship convertible. 

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

All-New 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Starts At $30,920

The all-new, third-generation 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, powered by a revised 201 horsepower 2.0-liter engine, features a standard 12.9-inch display with available 15-inch display, available 30-color interior ambient lighting, quilted leather, American walnut finishes, and front seats with massage and balance features. The next generation of Volkswagen’s 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system is standard. The gear selector has now been moved onto the steering column, freeing up space for a large center console for storage. The 2025 Tiguan pricing starts with the S trim at $30,920 (including $1,425 destination charge) for front-wheel drive and $32,420 for 4Motion® all-wheel drive. 

2025 Acura ADX On Sale Now Starting At $36,350

The all-new 2025 Acura ADX premium compact SUV, at 185-inches long, is powered by a 190 horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter VTEC 4-cylinder engine mated to a standard continuously variable automatic transmission and is on sale now starting at $36,350 (including $1,350 destination charge) and $38,350 for AWD. Features include a 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit™ digital instrument display, 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto™ compatibility and Qi-compatible 15W wireless smartphone charger. ADX comes standard with a moonroof, heated front seats, dual-zone climate controls, rear air conditioning vents, a power tailgate with Walk Away Close and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Thursday, March 13, 2025

All-New Mercedes-Benz CLA EV

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA, approximately 1.6 inches longer and on a 2.4 inch longer wheelbase than its predecessor, comprises the 268 horsepower CLA 250+ with EQ Technology with a range of up to 491 miles according to the WLTP cycle and the 349 horsepower CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology with a 107 horsepower electric drive unit on the front axle. The new all-electric CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC feature lithium-ion batteries with an 85-kWh usable capacity. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology can be charged to a range of up to 201 miles in as little as ten minutes. DC fast charging up to 320 kW is also possible. The optional floating MBUX Superscreen extends across the entire width of the interior and features a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch center display and 14-inch front passenger display behind a large glass surface. The new CLA comes standard with Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and, as an option, MB.DRIVE ASSIST, which enhances Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Steering Assist. The navigation experience is based on Google Maps. All CLA models come standard with an expansive panoramic roof. By the end of the year, the model range will be expanded to include additional battery-electric variants and the CLA with a high-tech hybrid engine. Every CLA is offered standard with LED High Performance headlights, power folding and heated exterior mirrors, auto-dimming rear view mirror, multifunction sports steering wheel in leather, power comfort seats in MB-Tex with seat heating and 4-way lumbar support and THERMATIC single-zone climate control with air vents for the second row. Four 100-watt USB-C charging ports are also fitted standard. A key highlight is the new front fascia with illuminated Mercedes-Benz pattern.

2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron Starts At $67,195 This Summer

The all-new 2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron is powered by a 375 horsepower Single Rear Motor with a 100 kWh Battery (94.4 kWh Net) starts at $67,195 (including $1,295 destination & delivery). With available ultra® package delivers an EPA-estimated 392 miles of range and 270kW DC fast charging can achieve 10-80% battery capacity recharging in as little as 21 minutes. The all-new design of the A6 Sportback e-tron family is offered exclusively in a Sportback body style for North American markets. The 456 horsepower A6 Sportback e-tron quattro, with an EPA-estimated range of 377 miles when equipped with the available ultra package, starts at $69,195. The 543 horsepower S6 Sportback e-tron delivers an EPA-estimated range of 324 miles when equipped with 20-inch wheels and starts at $79,995. There's an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit instrument display and 14.5-inch center MMI screen and an interesting option are headrest integrated speakers. All Audi A6 and S6 Sportback e-tron models are offered in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels and feature a panoramic glass sunroof with switchable transparency as standard. The all-new 2025 Audi A6 and S6 Sportback e-tron are expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships this Summer.

New 2026 Lexus RZ EV Coming This Fall

The new 2026 Lexus RZ features a fully redesigned BEV DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system delivering increased motor output, an extended driving range, and reduced charging time. It also introduces the next-generation Steer-by-Wire System* providing a completely new driving experience. In addition to the RZ 350e and RZ 500e, the RZ 550e F SPORT joins the lineup equipped with higher-output front and rear motors, achieving a maximum system output of 300 kW. Lexus also introduces Interactive Manual Drive for the first time. The release is planned to gradually roll out across various regions beginning in Fall 2025.

2025 Nissan Z On Sale Now Starting At $44,110

The 2025 Nissan Z, powered by a standard 400 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engine mated to a either six-speed manual transmission or nine-speed automatic transmission, is on sale now starting at $44,110 (including $1,140 destination and handling charge). The Z has a fully digital meter display, 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Intelligent Cruise Control, Nissan Intelligent Key™ with push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 18-inch wheels with Yokohama ADVAN Sport high performance tires.