FLASHBACK: GM's Rick Wagoner (1998) and FORD's Jac Nasser (1999)

Rick Wagoner, former General Motors Chairman, CEO, COO and CFO over his 32 years at GM until 2009, discusses his career, GM and the auto industry with Richard Saxton in a 1998 CarBiz interview.

Click to watch interview.

Jac Nasser, joined Ford Motor Company in 1968 as a financial analyst and on January 1st, 1999, became Ford's President, CEO and board member until 2001. In this 1999 interview, Richard Saxton and Nasser discuss Ford's acquisition of Volvo, industry consolidation, Ford's profits and strategy, his visit to Ford's new Southern California offices and the overall auto industry.

Click to watch interview.

2024 Genesis G70 Starts At $42,695 Soon

The 2024 Genesis G70 sport sedan powered by new 300 horsepower 2.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission starts at $42,695 (including $1,195 freight) and the 365 horsepower 3.3L twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine with Variable Gear Ratio Steering strats at $51,145. New features include a touch-type climate control display and frameless rear-view mirror. The Digital Key is paired with the Genesis Intelligence Assistant app and can be used with Apple Wallet and Samsung Pass. The vehicle intelligently recognizes the driver and automatically authenticates them, loading their customized vehicle preferences. The 2024 G70 sport sedan will be arriving at U.S. retailers in the coming weeks.

2025 Lexus UX 300h Coming In The New Year

The 2025 Lexus UX 300h compact hybrid crossover, offered in eight different models, including F SPORT Design and F SPORT Handling, is powered by the fifth-generation Lexus Hybrid System which pairs the inline four-cylinder 2.0-liter gas engine with two motor-generators through a continuously variable transmission delivering 196 total system horsepower. A new hybrid transaxle has been adopted, enabling higher output of the front (83 kW) and rear (30 kW) motors. The UX 300h can be equipped with E-Four, Lexus’ all-wheel drive system which places a permanent synchronous motor at the rear axle. Standard on all UXh models are 18-inch run-flat tires. For 2025, a larger 12.3-inch multi-information display becomes standard on all Premium and F SPORT models while a 7-inch multi-information display is standard on the Base model. Pricing for the 2025 Lexus UX 300h will be announced in the new year with the vehicle going on sale shortly after.

2024 Subaru WRX Strats At $33,855 In Early 2024

The 2024 Subaru WRX, in its fifth generation coming in Base, Premium, Limited, TR, and GT trim levels, is powered by a 271 horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission on all trim levels (except the GT which has the Subaru Performance Transmission) and with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The WRX has a tablet-style 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Plus system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The 2024 Subaru WRX will arrive at retailers in early 2024 with a starting price of $33,855 (including$1,120 destination and delivery).

2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R

The new 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R is powered by a 720 horsepower 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with 640 lb.-ft. of torque. 

2024 Lexus RZ EV Starts At $55,150 This Month

The 2024 Lexus RZ comes in 300e starting at $55,150 (including $1,150 DPH) and 450e starting at $59,850. The RZ 300e with a total system horsepower rating of 201 delivering an EPA-estimated range rating of 266 miles when equipped with 18” wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 137/112/125 (city/highway/combined). With 20” wheels, the EPA-estimated range rating is 224 miles and EPA-estimated MPGe rating is 114/96/105. The RZ450e has a total system horsepower rating of 308 with an EPA-estimated range rating of 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 450e has an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 102/87/95 with an EPA-estimated range rating of 196 miles. The RZ goes on sale this month.

McLaren GTS

The new McLaren GTS, replacing the GT, is powered by a 626 horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to a 7 Speed transmission. The GTS is underpinned by the carbon fiber MonoCell II-T monocoque chassis and the roof panel is recycled carbon fiber along with the rear upper structure contributing to low weight and low center-of-gravity. Inside is a 10.25-inch digital instrument display with a 7-inch central touchscreen infotainment system.

2024 INFINITI Q50 Starts At $44,200 This Month

The 2024 INFINITI Q50 is powered by a 300 horsepower 3.0-liter VR-series twin-turbo V6 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission in the LUX and SENSORY trims while the RED SPORT 400 delivers 400 maximum horsepower and adds steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The 2024 INFINITI Q50 arrives in showrooms this month with a starting MSRP of $44,200 (including $1,150 destination and handling charge).

Cadillac VISTIQ Three-row SUV

The Cadillac VISTIQ three-row SUV, slotted between LYRIQ and ESCALADE IQ,  is the third electric vehicle Cadillac has confirmed this year and fifth to join its EV family after last month Cadillac confirmed the 2025 OPTIQ as the entry point for the brand’s EV lineup in North America. 

2024 Lexus GX Starts At $64,250 In Early 2024

The 2024 Lexus GX, with standard full-time 4WD, is powered by a 349 horsepower 3.4L twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission to deliver an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 21 MPG. The 2024 GX shares the GA-F platform introduced on the current-generation LX 600 and has an 8,000 lb. towing capacity for Premium, Premium+ and Overtrail grades with the standard tow hitch. The 2024 GX starts at $64,250 (including delivery, processing and handling fee) and is offered in Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and all-new for Lexus, Overtrail and Overtrail+ grade levels. A newly developed double-wishbone front suspension is paired with a multi-link rear suspension. The GX comes with a standard 14-inch, high-definition touchscreen. The 2024 GX is expected to arrive at dealerships in early 2024 with a hybrid powertrain available in the U.S. at a later date. 

Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE Roadster Coming in 2024

The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE roadster will be powered by a combined 805 horsepower coming from a Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine and 201 horsepower permanently excited synchronous electric motor integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and limited-slip rear differential. Standard AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active roll stabilization and active rear-axle steering provides a wide spread of driving characteristics from comfortable to highly dynamic. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE arrives at U.S. dealerships in 2024.

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrids Start At $29,615

The 2024 Kia Sportage hybrid (HEV), in LX, LX AWD, EX AWD and SX Prestige AWD trim levels, is powered by a 177 horsepower 1.6L Turbo gasoline direct injection with a 2,000 lb. towing capacity and starts at $29,615 (including $1,325 destination). The 2024 Sportage plug-in hybrid (PHEV), powered by a 177 horsepower 1.6L Turbo gasoline direct injection comes in X-Line AWD starting at $40,815 and the  X-Line Prestige AWD at $45,315. 

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Starts At $34,010

The all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, in its second-generation, is nearly six inches longer and features a larger cabin and 33 percent more cargo area with up to 261 miles of EPA-estimated range. The 133 horsepower SE FWD model starts at $34,010 (including $1,335 delivery charge). The SEL and Limited have 201 horsepower electric motors. The Kona Electric comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster seamlessly integrated with Hyundai’s next-generation 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction-Turning and Direct-Oncoming, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and second-row seat belt reminders are all standard.

2024 Hyundai Sonata Starts At $28,615

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata, with a refreshed exterior and interior, over-the-air updates and a new HTRAC all-wheel-drive model, is powered by a 191 horsepower Smartstream 2.5L GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder engine connected to a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission or a 290 horsepower Smartstream 2.5L Turbo GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder engine mated to a Smartstream 8-speed electronic automatic w/OD lock-up torque converter. The 2.0L integrated hybrid drivetrain choice has a combined 192 horsepower. The 2024 model introduces HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, now available on the SEL trim. The Sonata SEL Standard with the 2.5L GDI powertrain has an MSRP of $28,615 (including $1,115 delivery) and the Sonata SEL 2.5L GDI equipped with the new HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive system has an MSRP of $30,115. Sonata N Line is priced at $36,065. The Sonata Hybrid starting at $31,915 is anticipated to arrive in Q1 2024.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe 4MATIC+

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is powered by a 443 horsepower AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with turbocharging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor, and is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. The 23 horsepower 48-volt integrated starter generator provides support at lower engine speeds. The driver display can be configured with "Classic," "Sport" and "Supersport" display styles while the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs choices are "Slippery," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport+" and "Individual".

THK LSR-0 5 Electric Prototype

The THK LSR-0 5 electric prototype, a crossover four-seater coupe, is a fully functioning electric vehicle designed in partnership with SN DESIGN PLATFORM under the leadership of globally renowned designer, Shiro Nakamura. The LSR-05 platform features a four-wheel steering system through the integration of two THK original 93 kW (800V specification) variable-flux in-wheel electric motors in the rear and a 220 kW (800V specification) electric motor in the front. THK is a Japanese technology company specializing in component development and manufacturing for the mobility industry and beyond.

Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept For Gamers

The Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept, revealed as full-scale model at the Gran Turismo World Series World Finals in Barcelona, is powered by a 1071 horsepower hybrid race-spec drivetrain with an 870 horsepower front mid-mounted Lambda 11 V6 engine comgined with a 210 horsepower Yasa E motor. The Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept, created as part of Polyphony Digital’s Vision Gran Turismo series, will be available to race in the game from January 2024. Gran Turismo 7 players who watch the Manufacturer’s Cup broadcast in GT7 will receive early access to the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept as a gift in January.

Tesla Cybertruck Has Debuted, Coming In 2024

The 5 passenger 223.7 inch long fully electric Tesla Cybertruck has finally debuted and is available to order for a fully refundable $250 deposit. Coming first in 2024, the 600 horsepower all-wheel drive Cybertruck for $68,890 with an estimated range of 340 miles and the 845 horsepower Cyberbeast model for an estimated $96,390 with a projected  range of 320 miles. The rear wheel drive Cybertruck is priced at an estimated $49,890 with an estimated 250 miles range when it become available in 2025. Prices assume IRA Federal Tax Credits up to $7,500 for Rear-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive. The Cybertruck can carry a 2,500 pound payload and has a towing capacity of 11,000 lbs. and ground clearance of 17.44 inches. There's an 18.5” center touchscreen display and a 9.4” rear touchscreen. Charging speed is up to 128 miles in 15 minutes. Other features include an ultra-hard stainless steel exoskeleton to reduce dents and damage and armour glass that can resist the impact of a baseball travelling at 70 miles an hour. It can provide 11.5 kilowatts to power a home during a grid outage and the front light bar illuminates up to 525 yards. The basic vehicle warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the battery and drive unit have an 8 year or 150,000 mile warranty whichever comes first. Expecting to produce 200,000 to 250,000 Cybertrucks per year and reported orders now at nearly 2 million, it could be a four to five year wait to get yours. 

More info at Tesla website

2025 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Coming Late In 2024

The 2025 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, with fresh exterior and interior designs, including new signature lighting and a larger best-in-class 17.7-inch-diagonal infotainment screen, comes in LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country trims. A 5.3L gas V-8 remains the standard engine for LS, LT, RST, Z71 and Premier. The 6.2L V-8 is standard on High Country and available on RST, Z71 and Premier. The new 305 horsepower 3.0L inline-six turbo-diesel Duramax2 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission offered on all retail trims, including Z71 for the first time will be available in 2025 after initial launch. It has an all-new 17.7-inch-diagonal central touchscreen. The all-new 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban go on sale late next year. Additional details, including pricing, will be announced closer to the start of production. 

All-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma Starts At $32,995 This Month

The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, completely redesigned from the ground up and built on the TNGA-F global truck platform shared with Tundra, Sequoia and Land Cruiser, is powered by a 278 horsepower turbocharged i-FORCE 2.4-liter engine paired with the new eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. and there's an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid produces up to 326 horsepower. Maximum towing capacity is 6,500 lbs. on SR5 i-FORCE and TRD PreRunner and XtraCab grades, while its maximum payload increases on the new model to 1,710 lbs. for i-FORCE Max models. The all-new 2024 i-FORCE Tacomas are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this month with a starting MSRP of $32,995 (including $1,495 dealer processing and handling fee). The i-FORCE MAX models expected to arrive in the Spring of 2024 and MSRP will be announced closer to the on-sale date.