Thursday, March 23, 2023

2023 Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell EV Starts At $49,500

The 2023 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), in its second-generation, is larger and built on the Rear-Wheel Drive GA-L platform that allows for an additional hydrogen fuel tank over the first generation car. The FCEV driver fills the tank with non-toxic compressed hydrogen gas which generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen, with water as the only emission delivering an EPA estimated range of 402 miles on the Mirai XLE grade. All new Toyota Mirai will include up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen with a purchase or lease. Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ system comes standard on all 2023 Mirai including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist. The 2023 XLE grade has a starting MSRP of $49,500. The Limited grade has a starting MSRP of $66,000.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLB 35 Coming Late This Year

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLB 35 compact SUV is powered by a 302 horsepower AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® DCT 8G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLA 35 and GLB 35 are equipped standard with a 48-volt mild hybrid system featuring a second generation belt-driven starter-generator that provides a temporary power boost of 13 horsepower under certain driving conditions. New for 2024 is newly styled front fascia with the AMG emblem now on the hood and light signatures at the front and rear with revised LED headlights and taillights. The GLA 35 and GLB 35 are available with the optional next generation Parking package, which supports parallel parking and offers a 360-degree visualization in camera-assisted parking using 3D images from the available Surround View system. Both models arrive in U.S. dealerships later in 2023. 

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

2024 Lexus NX 250 Starts At $40,205

The 2024 Lexus NX, largely a carryover model from 2023. The NX 250 is powered by a 203 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with start/stop functionality mated to an eight-speed transmission and starts at $40,205 (including $1,150 delivery, process & handling). The NX 350, starting at $43,965, has a 275 horsepower 2.4L turbo engine also with an eight-speed transmission and for the 2024 model year F SPORT Handling is available on the NX 350. The Lexus NX 350h, starting at $43,805, pairs the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators for 240 combined system horsepower and a combined EPA-estimated 39 MPG. The NX 450h+ (pictured above), starting at $58,655, has an EPA-estimated 37-mile range on electric power only, made possible by the high-capacity lithium-ion battery and when combined with the hybrid transaxle, a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivers an EPA-estimated combined 84 MPGe. For the 2024 model year, F SPORT Handling is available on the NX 350. 

Kia EV9 3-Row SUV

The Kia EV9, three-row electric flagship SUV, will make its digital global premiere in late March. 

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Coming Later This Year

The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, at 187.5 inches, is 1.2 inches longer and 0.2 inches higher than its predecessor, powered by the same 255 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electrified mild hybrid powertrain as its GLC 300 sibling. The interior is equipped with the sporty AMG Line as standard, and a 12.3-inch high-resolution driver display and 11.9-inch central display. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe will arrive in U.S. dealerships later in 2023.

2023 Lexus RZ 450e EV On Sale Now

The all-new, all-electric 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle, with 308 total system horsepower rating from a 71.4 kWh battery delivering an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 220 miles when equipped with 18” wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 115/98/107 (city/highway/combined). When utilizing 20” wheels, the RZ has an EPA-estimated MPGe of 102/87/95 with an EPA-estimated range of up to 196 miles. RZ 450e utilizes DIRECT4, an all-wheel drive system first introduced with the 2023 Lexus RX, which features a rear eAxle coupled with the engine and front motor. The 2023 RZ 450e is built in Toyota City, Japan, and is on sale now in limited quantities.

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Subaru of America President/CEO Tom Doll To Assume New Role

Tom Doll, President and Chief Executive Officer of Subaru of America will step down from the day-to-day management of the company and will assume the role of Corporate Advisor based at the Camden, New Jersey headquarters effective April 1st . It comes after more than 40 years with Subaru of America, including roles as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2009, and subsequently President from 2013 and CEO from 2018. He led Subaru of America to 12 consecutive years of sales records from 2008 to 2019 when the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic shut down production. Doll also served as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Business and Strategic Planning, Director of Accounting, Director of Treasury Operations and Manager of Treasury Operations. Here are a few of many interviews with my friend and one of the auto industry's great leaders:

2021 Tom Doll interview.  

2013: Tom Doll interview. 

2010 Tom Doll interview. 

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV Starts At $48,250 This Spring

The new generation 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV,  Mercedes-Benz USA best-selling model, is powered by a new, more powerful 255 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a second-generation integrated starter generator and 48-volt mild hybrid system that provides up to an additional 23 horsepower. The interior features a new floating 12.3-inch digital instrument panel along with an 11.9-inch central display that rises from the center console. The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV will start from $48,250 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge). The new generation 2023 GLC SUV will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the Spring.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Starts At $79,050 This Spring

The all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, the second fully-electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz based on the premium-class electric architecture, comes in EQE 350+ SUV, EQE 350 4MATIC SUV and EQE 500 4MATIC starting at $79,050 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge) and will arrive at U.S. dealerships this Spring. The EQE SUV improves range using a heat pump and an intelligent powertrain management system that takes heat from the electric drive (inverter and electric motor) and the high-voltage battery to heat the interior rather than drawing on battery power for the heating system, thus increasing the range. The all-new intelligent powertrain management system monitors at 160 times per second, to determine if the front electric motor is necessary. If not, a clutch disconnects or re-engages the front motor in 100 milliseconds to reduce drag and improves range. The top-of-the line EQE 500 4MATIC starts at $96,350.

2024 Subaru Outback SUV and Legacy Sedan Coming This Fall

The 2024 Subaru Outback SUV starting at $30,190 (including $1,295 destination & delivery) and Legacy sedan starting at $25,985 are powered by a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine paired with a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with 8-speed manual shift mode and steering wheel paddle shift control switches. The Outback Base is equipped with the STARLINK dual 7.0-inch center information display with the upper 7-inch touchscreen operating audio controls while the lower 7-inch touchscreen controls for climate, EyeSight, X-MODE, and other vehicle systems. Priced at $40,655, the Outback Onyx Edition XT upgrades to the 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbo BOXER engine as well as 180-Degree Front View Monitor, 8-way power front passenger seat, heated rear seats (outboard seat position), and a full-size spare tire. This year, the Outback Wilderness receives updated front styling. Both models will begin arriving at Subaru retailers this Fall.

Friday, February 24, 2023

2024 Subaru Impreza Starts At $24,085

The all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza, the sixth-generation Impreza which debuted at 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, is powered by a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine in the Base and Sport trims and a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine in the RS model, and are mated to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with the Sport and RS trims featuring an 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios. The Impreza comes as a 5-door hatchback and is available in Base, Sport and new RS trim levels. The 2024 Impreza has a starting price of $24,085 (including $1,090 destination & delivery charge).

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition Models Start At $123,295

The new 2024 BMW X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle and 2024 X6 M Sports Activity Coupe will now be offered exclusively as Competition models with a new 617 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission delivering an additional up to 12 horsepower. The new BMW X5 M Competition, which starts at $123,295 (including $995 destination and handling) and BMW X6 M Competition at $128,195, come as standard with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, an M-specific version of the latest-generation BMW iDrive interface. Powered by BMW Operating System 8, there's a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9 inch control display screen. At launch, customers will be able to choose from around 50 BMW Individual paint shades for both models. Production will begin in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in April.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 Starts At $42,715 This Spring

Hyundai IONIQ 6 SE Standard Range with its 53-kWh battery pack and 240 mile range has an MSRP of $42,715 (including $1,115 delivery) and will be available in limited quantities this Summer. The IONIQ 6 SE Long Range with an EPA-estimated 361 miles of range from its larger 77.4 kWh battery has a MSRP of $46,615. Dual motor AWD models have a starting MSRP of $50,115 and have up to 316 miles of range. Eligibility for state tax credits is dependent on individual tax circumstances. The 2023 IONIQ 6 goes on sale this Spring at Hyundai dealerships.

VIDEO: IONIQ 6 introduced at 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2023 Nissan Sentra Starts At $21,045 Now

The 2023 Nissan Sentra, in S, SV and SR grades and powered by a 149 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an Xtronic CVT, is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $21,045 (including $1,095 destination and handling charge). S and SV grades are rated at 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined and the Sentra SR is rated 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined. Nissan Safety Shield 360 technologies include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. 

Monday, February 20, 2023

2024 Cadillac XT4 Goes On Sale This Summer

The 2024 Cadillac XT4 is powered by a 235 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged engine with Active Fuel Management deactivating some of the engine’s cylinders in certain driving conditions and nine-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control. The XT4 has an available twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system available on all trims that helps traction and vehicle control, whether the road is dry, wet, snowy, or icy. Standard safety and driver assistance technologies include Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. The XT4 has a new 33-inch-diagonal LED color touchscreen display command center for its infotainment system and suite of advanced safety features. The 2024 Cadillac XT4 goes on sale this Summer.

2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Starts At $66,895

The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70, the third electric vehicle from Genesis powered by 160 kW front + 160 kW rear electric motors and a 77.4 kWh battery, starts at $66,895 (including $1,045 destination charge) has a 12.3-inch digital cluster and navigation system, vehicle-to-load charging and more. The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Prestige AWD, at an MSRP of $73,695, adds Nappa leather seating surfaces, a leatherette wrapped upper instrument panel, microfiber suede headliner, head-up display, a 3D instrument cluster, premium audio, active noise control, heated 2nd row seats and steering wheel and manual read door shades.

2024 Buick Encore GX Starts At $28,090

The 2024 Buick Encore GX small SUV comes standard with a 137 horsepower 1.2L turbocharged engine or available 155 horsepower 1.3L turbocharged engine with AWD available across all trims. The Virtual Cockpit System features 19 diagonal inches of high-definition screens under one sheet of glass, comprising an 11-inch diagonal infotainment system and a configurable 8-inch diagonal driver cluster screen, both angled toward the driver. The 2024 Encore GX includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam auto high-beams as standard. The Encore GX Preferred trim starts at $28,090 (including $1,195 destination freight charge) with Sport Touring starting at $29,290 and Avenir starting at $34,390. Customers will be able to build and order a new Encore GX on Buick.com starting in May.

Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4MATIC Starts At $123,700

The Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4MATIC with the fourth generation hybrid drive system provided by a 367 horsepower 3.0L I-6 six-cylinder engine paired with a 21.5kWh battery and 148 horsepower permanently excited synchronous electric motor with internal rotor creates a combined total output of 510 horsepower, delivering an all-electric range of about 62 miles according to WLTP, double the previous model. A 9.6 kW charger is on board as standard for at home and public charging, while an optional 60 kW DC charger is available for fast charging. With the 60 kW DC charger, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid pricing will start from $123,700 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge) and is now available to order for delivery in the first half of 2023.

Friday, February 10, 2023

2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport

The new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, powered by a 269 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive standard and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available across the model lineup. A 12-inch floating infotainment display is the focal point in the redesigned cockpit, and every trim level has a 10.25-inch fully configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Starts At $26,290 This Spring

The all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, available in Base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim levels, is powered by a 152 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine and the Sport and Limited upgrade to a responsive 182 horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine. A center information display with SUBARU STARLINK dual 7.0-inch high-resolution touchscreens comes standard on the entry level Crosstrek. The 2024 Crosstrek comes standard with the latest version of the award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is available on Premium and higher. Models equipped with both Eyesight and Blind-Spot Detection now include Automatic Emergency Steering which works with these safety features to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph. The third-generation Crosstrek has a starting price of $26,290 (including $1,295 destination and delivery) with the Base and Premium will begin arriving in Subaru retailers this Spring and the Sport and Limited will follow in the Summer.