INFINITI QX50 Concept To Debut In Detroit

The INFINITI QX50 Concept, an evolution of the 2016 QX Sport Inspiration, will make its global premiere at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

INFINITI will also exhibit its new VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) engine technology which combines the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel powertrain suited to the QX50 Concept. By seamlessly raising or lowering the reach of the pistons, it instantly selects the most suitable compression for current driving conditions. The 268 horsepower VC-Turbo engine will be comparable to certain six-cylinder gasoline powertrains for performance, while significantly outperforming them in efficiency. INFINITI engineers are targeting a 27 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over V6 gasoline engines of similar power output.

Audi Q8 Concept Full Size SUV

The Audi Q8 concept is a full-size SUV with a coupe-look that will make its debut at North American International Auto Show in Detroit Jan. 9.

2017 BMW 5 Series Starts At $52,195 In February

The all-new 7th generation 2017 BMW 5 Series, arriving in U.S. showrooms February 11, 2017, is priced at $52,195 for the 2017 BMW 530i, $54,495 for the 530i xDrive model, $57,445 for the BMW 540i and $59,745 for the BMW 540i xDrive model (including $995 destination and handling). Standard equipment includes Adaptive LED Headlights, Sport Seats, Active Protection, Fatigue and Focus Alert as well as an 18-inch Double-Spoke Wheels and an Anthracite headliner enhancing the sporty character of the latest BMW Sport Sedan. At launch, the 7th generation BMW 5 Series will be available as a 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive models with the BMW M550i xDrive and BMW 530e and 530e xDrive iPerformance models arriving at dealers in the Spring.

2018 Honda Odyssey To Debut Jan. 9

The all-new 5th-generation 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan will make its global debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show on January 9.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse To Debut Jan. 9

The next-generation Chevrolet Traverse redesigned for 2018 will debut on Jan. 9 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

2018 BMW 530e iPerformance Coming This Spring

The first ever BMW 530e iPerformance, the fourth iPerformance BMW, is powered by a 95 horsepower electric motor and 180 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo combustion engine for an overall system output of 248 horsepower (preliminary) for a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.1 seconds (preliminary) to a top speed of 130 mph (preliminary). The electric motor and combustion engine direct their power to the rear wheels or all four wheels via the standard 8-speed Steptronic transmission with paddle shifters. The high-voltage battery pack consisting of lithium-ion cells with a total capacity of 9.2 kWh is located underneath the rear seat. The 2018 BMW 5 Series iPerformance will be available at U.S. dealers in Spring 2017 with pricing closer to market launch.

2018 BMW M550i xDrive Coming This Spring

The first ever BMW M550i xDrive powered by a 456 horsepower specifically modified M Performance TwinPower Turbo 4.4 liter 8-cylinder engine mated to Steptronic Sport 8-speed transmission propels the BMW M550i xDrive from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds and then on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Available options include Active Driving Assistant Plus, including Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Evasion Aid and Active Lane Keeping Assistant. The 2018 BMW M550i xDrive will be available at U.S. dealerships in spring 2017 with pricing announced closer to market launch.

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Coming Next Summer

The new 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, larger than the previous model, comes in E400 and E400 4MATIC models powered by a 329 horsepower 3.0L V6 biturbo engine equipped with the 9G- TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. DYNAMIC SELECT provides the following transmission modes: “Comfort,” “ECO,” “Sport,” “Sport +” and “Individual.” DRIVE PILOT with Distance Pilot DISTRONIC®, keeps the car at the correct distance behind vehicles in front on all types of road and can also automatically follow them at a speed of up to 130 mph. The all-new model year 2018 E-Class Coupe will go on sale in the U.S. next summer.

All-New Lexus LS Sedan Coming

The all-new, fifth-generation Lexus LS flagship sedan will make its world debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show next month.

2018 Chevrolet Equinox Starts At $24,475 This Spring

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, available in L, LS, LT and Premier trim levels, in FWD or AWD combinations, will start at $24,475 (including destination charge) when it goes on sale this Spring. The standard 1.5L engine will be available at launch, with the 2.0L Turbo and diesel options available in the second quarter of 2017. The 2.0L engine will be coupled to GM’s new nine-speed automatic transmission that will debut in the Malibu.

2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD For $34,490 In Q1

2017 Dodge Challenger GT, the first two-door American muscle car with all-wheel drive, has a 305 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering up to an EPA-estimated 18 city/27 hwy miles per gallon. The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD starts at $34,490 (including $1,095 destination charge) and will be available in dealerships the first quarter of 2017.

2017 MINI Countryman Starts At $26,950 In March

The all-new 2017 MINI Countryman starts at $26,950 for the Cooper variant and $28,950 for the Cooper ALL4 variant. The Cooper S variant will start at $29,950 and the Cooper S ALL4 variant at $31,950 (all prices include the $850 Destination & Handling fee). Pricing for the first ever MINI plug-in hybrid model, the Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, will be announced in 2017 closer to market launch in the U.S. The new MINI Countryman will go on sale in March at MINI dealers across the U.S. with the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid following in June.

2017 Chevrolet Malibu Debuts GM 9-Speed Transmission

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu will debut the brand's first nine-speed automatic transmission which will be also available in the 2017 Cruze Diesel and 2018 Equinox. The new, GM-developed Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed is paired with the available 2.0L Turbo engine in the Malibu, contributing to an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway, a 3 percent increase over the 2016 model with the six-speed automatic. The 9T50 is filled with DEXRON®-VI fluid that does not require changing under normal driving conditions.

2017 Hyundai Accent Value Edition

The 2017 Hyundai Accent Value Edition, with an all-aluminum 137 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, is priced at $16,450, $705 more than the base Accent with 6-speed automatic transmission, and comes with features such as 16-inch machine finish alloy wheels with P195/60R16 tires, rear disc brakes, steering wheel mounted audio controls, cruise control, bluetooth hands-free phone system and sliding armrest storage box. With the manual transmission, the Accent achieves an EPA-estimated 27 city, 37 highway, and 31 combined mpg.

November 2016 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac) total U.S. sales in November were 252,644 vehicles, up 10.2 percent from last year, with Chevrolet up 5 percent, Buick up 22 percent, GMC up 9 percent and Cadillac up 17 percent. Year-to-date GM sales of 2,723,667 is a 2.5 percent drop from a year ago.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported November 2016 sales of 197,645, an increase of 4.3 percent from November 2015. Toyota Division posted November sales of 168,595, up 5.3 percent and Lexus posted November sales of 29,050, down 1 percent. Year-to-date total TMS sales of 2,206,359 is a 2.4 percent decline from 2015.

Ford Motor Company, including Lincoln, had overall sales of 197,574 vehicles in November, a 5 percent increase versus last year. Year-to-date sales of 2,374,843 is flat with a year ago.

FCA US (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 160,827, a 14 percent decrease compared with sales in November 2015. Year-to-date sales of 2,051,796 is up 1 percent over last year.

American Honda reported total November sales of 122,924 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 6.5 percent versus November of last year to set a new November record. Year-to-date sales of 1,477,465 is up 2.9 percent for a year ago.

Nissan Group, including Infiniti, announced total U.S. sales for November 2016 of 115,136, an increase of 7.5 percent from the prior year and a November record. Year-to-date sales of 1,411,680 is a 4.9 percent increase over last year.

Hyundai had its best November ever, with overall sales of 62,507, up four percent over one year ago. Year-to-date sales of 712,700 is a 2.1 percent gain over a year ago.

Kia Motors America announced record November sales of 52,504, a 15.3 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 593,245 is a 3.8 percent rise over 2015.

Subaru of America reported 51,308 vehicle sales for November 2016, an 11.4 percent increase over November 2015 with year-to-date sales of 551,955 vehicles, a 4.9 percent gain over the same period in 2015.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 29,672 in November 2016, a gain of 24.2 percent over 2015. Year-to-date sales of 285,719 is a 10.3 percent decline from a year ago. Separately, Audi of America reported November sales of 17,118 vehicles, an increase of 2.5 percent and year-to-date sales of 187,018 is 2.9 percent higher than 2015.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported November sales of 30,363 vehicles, a 1.1 percent increase from the same month last year. Mercedes-Benz Vans reported November of 2,564 and smart reported 563, bringing MBUSA grand total to 33,490 vehicles for the month. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz sales totaled 308,226. Adding year-to-date-sales of 30,444 for Vans and 5,025 for smart, MBUSA posted a grand total of 343,695, up 0.6 percent from the previous year.

BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported November sales of 30,696 vehicles, a decrease of 15.8 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are down 10.2 percent on sales of 327,711 vehicles in the first eleven months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.

Mazda North American Operations reported November U.S. sales of 22,041 vehicles, representing a decrease of 3 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through November are 269,019 vehicles.

Jaguar Land Rover reported for both brands were 9,040, a 19 percent increase from November 2015. Jaguar sales were 3,381, a 217 percent increase and Land Rover sales reached 5,659, down 13 percent. Year-to-date, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales reached 92,531, up 23 percent from 2015.

Volvo Car USA reported U.S. sales of 7,723 vehicles, an 11.9 percent increase versus November 2015. Year-to-date sales are up 19.6 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported November 2016 sales of 6,896 up 1.8 percent from November of 2015. Sales for the year of 88,884 are up 1.6 percent over the previous year.

Porsche Cars North America announced an all-time monthly record with 5,513 vehicle sales in November, a 23.9 percent increase over November 2015. Year-to-date retail sales stand at 50,265 vehicles, a 5.1 percent increase over last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2017 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD On Sale For $60,870

The 2017 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD™, available in RLX Sport Hybrid with Technology Package and RLX Sport Hybrid with Advance Package trims, delivers 377 horsepower with a 310-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 with Variable Cylinder Management™ mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with built-in motor-generator powering the front wheels, and two rear electric motors for the rear wheels. The RLX Sport Hybrid goes on sale tomorrow with an MSRP starting at $60,870 (including $920 destination charge). The RLX Sport Hybrid has an EPA rating of 29/30/29 mpg (city/highway/combined).

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Gets 84 MPGe

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, which starts at $34,495 with available U.S. federal tax credit, not including state and local incentives, has earned a fuel economy rating of 84 miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) from the EPA with a total driving range rating of 566 miles and an electric-only range rating at 33 miles. Power is supplied by the electric drive system or supplemented by a new version of the gas-powered Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6. When the battery’s energy is depleted to a certain threshold, the Pacifica Hybrid becomes a part-time electric vehicle, like a conventional hybrid. Recharging the 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack can take two hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or approximately 14 hours with a 120-volt Level 1 charger, which comes standard with the vehicle.

2016 Los Angeles Auto Show Highlights on KNX1070 Newsradio

Frank Mottek of Mottek on Money interviews SaxtonOnCars.com publisher Richard Saxton on KNX1070 News Radio, Los Angeles. Watch on YouTube.

2017 BMW M760i xDrive Coming In Early 2017 For $154,795

The all-new 2017 BMW M760i xDrive powered by a 601 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder engine is mated to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission equipped with Launch Control for a 0-60 mph run of 3.6 seconds. The 2017 BMW M760i xDrive will arrive early in 2017 priced at $154,795 (including $995 Destination and Handling).

2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid Coming In The Spring For $76,090

2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid, with a total driving range of more than 400 miles, has an all-electric range at an estimated 30 miles and fuel economy estimated at 65 MPGe. The two-motor EVT system combines with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine to produce an estimated total system power of 335 horsepower for an estimated zero to 60 mph time of an estimated 5.2 seconds. The CT6 Plug-In Hybrid launches in North America in the spring of 2017, starting in the U.S. at $76,090 (including a $995 destination freight charge) and before any applicable electric vehicle tax incentives.