Thursday, October 24, 2024

MINI John Cooper Works Starts At $39,195 In January

The all-new MINI John Cooper Works 2 Door and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible (pictured)  is powered by a 228 horsepower 2.0 liter four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine paired with a dual clutch automatic transmission. For the US market the MINI John Cooper Works 2 Door will have a base MSRP of $39,195 (including $995 destination and handling). The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible will have a base MSRP of $44,695 with a start of production in November. Both models are expected to arrive at US dealers in early January of 2025.

2025 Kia EV9 Starts At $56,225

The 2025 Kia EV9 three-row EV SUV starts at $56,225 (including $1,325 destination) for the 215 horsepower EV9 Light SR that has 230 mile all-electric range. The 201 horsepower Light Long Range model, which now has a front sunroof as standard, delivers a 304 mile range and starts at $61,225.

2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E® Starts At $38,390 In Early 2025

The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E® adds a heat pump to help optimize energy consumption, especially in colder weather conditions, and enhanced BlueCruise hands-free highway driving adds Automatic Lane Change, automating up to 45% of lane changes on an average drive, based on internal testing. The new Ford Connectivity Package includes Wi-Fi® Hotspot for up to 10 personal devices and can extend up to 50 feet from the vehicle. The 2025 Mustang Mach-E goes on sale in early 2025 with a starting price of $38,390 (including $1,895 destination and delivery charges). The 2024 model, offered Select, Premium, GT and Mustang Mach-E® Rally trim levels, has a standard range of 250 miles which goes up to a 320 mile EPA-estimated range for the Premium Model with RWD and Extended Range Battery.

2025 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Starts At $38,290 Now

The 2025 Jeep® Grand Cherokee, in its fifth generation, powered by a 293 horsepower 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 6,200 lb. towing capacity, starts at $38,290 (including $1,795 destination fee) for the entry level Laredo A 4X2 trim level. The 2025 Jeep® Grand Cherokee is offered in Laredo A, Laredo, Laredo X, Altitude and Altitude X two-row models and the three-row Grand Cherokee L. The plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, rated at 56 MPGe and 25 miles of all-electric range, starts at $62,285 and is the only Grand Cherokee model to be offered in the Trailhawk 4xe trim. The lineup is now available at dealerships nationwide. 

Sunday, October 20, 2024

2025 Nissan Murano Coming In Early 2025

The 2025 Nissan Murano is powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (Variable-Compression Turbo) powertrain paired with 9-speed automatic transmission that features paddle shifters. Idle stop start is standard. Tow capacity is rated up to 1,500 pounds. Murano SV is offered with front-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, while SL and Platinum grades feature standard AWD. Dual 12.3-inch displays are standard with the center touchscreen offering entertainment, information and more and the left-hand display serves as the vehicle’s instrument cluster and has multiple configurable display modes. The all-new 2025 Murano is the latest Nissan model to adopt the seamless connectivity of Google built-in. Included on SL and Platinum grades Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Play Store are in the dashboard. Rear occupants have available rear door sunshades, heated rear seats, more knee room in the second row due to a thinner front seat design and 0.8-inch increased couple distance. The rear seats adopt the Nissan Zero Gravity design helping provide a more supportive posture for occupants. The rear doors now open wider than the previous generation Murano to ease ingress or load a child safety seat. The all-new 2025 Nissan Murano goes on sale in early 2025. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Starts At $40,775 Next Year

The 2nd-generation BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, 0.7 inches longer and one inch higher on the same 105.1 inch wheelbase, is powered by a 241 horsepower 2-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine mated to the latest generation of the 7-speed DCT with fully electric actuation and a widened gear ratio spread in the 228 xDrive Gran Coupe. The M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is powered by a 312 horsepower 2.0-liter engine paired with a 7-speed Steptronic Dual Clutch Transmission with standard shift paddles on the steering wheel. The standard BMW Curved Display has a 10.25-inch Information Display and a Control Display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches. The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe now includes BMW Live Cockpit Plus with the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps. BMW Live Cockpit Professional is available in combination with the BMW Head-Up Display and Parking Assistant Plus in the optional Technology Package, which also includes Augmented View on the Control Display and the Drive Recorder. A 12-speaker Harmon/Kardon premium sound system is newly standard, as is Comfort Access keyless entry, wireless device charging, and auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors. BMW Digital Key Plus enables the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe to be unlocked and locked via smartphone or smartwatch using security-optimized ultra-wideband wireless technology, making a conventional key fob unnecessary. BMW Digital Key Plus can be set up via the My BMW App for suitable smartphones and smart watches with the iOS or Android operating systems and Apple Watch. The standard Active Driving Assistant includes features such as Frontal Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection, and Speed Limit Info. The 228 xDrive Gran Coupe will start at $42,775 (including $1,175 destination and handling), and the high-performance M235 xDrive Gran Coupe will start at $50,675. Coming in mid-2025, the two-wheel drive, 241 horsepower 228 sDrive Gran Coupe will start at just $40,775. Production of the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will begin at BMW’s plant in Leipzig in the fourth quarter of 2024. The market launch is set to start in March 2025.

GMC Sierra EV Denali Starts At $91,995 Now

The GMC Sierra EV Denali all-electric pickup has 760 horsepower from 2 motors (1 front @ 1 rear electric drive unit) in both an Extended Range version delivering a GM-estimated range of 390 miles and the available Max Range version with 460 miles of range. The MultiPro MidGate™ expandable bed offers room for hauling items nearly 11 feet in length, while still leaving room for a rear-seat passenger. The available maximum towing capacity is 10,500 pounds. The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali is arriving at dealers now with the Extended Range starting at an MSRP of $91,995 and the Max Range starting at an MSRP of $100,495 (both including $2,095 DFC).

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).