Friday, December 29, 2017

2017 LA Auto Show Video: BMW's Christian Voigt On Debuts


Christian Voigt, Product Strategy Manager, BMW of North America discusses the many introductions at the LA Auto Show including the World Debut of the i8 Roadster, i3s, the first-ever BMW M3 CS and the 2018 BMW M5 with the first ever M-specific all-wheel drive system, along with the 8 series, X7, iVision concepts.

The new BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicle pre-production models have started rolling off the assembly line at the Spartanburg USA plant so the countdown has started for the final twelve months leading up to the production car at the end of 2018. The vehicle will undergo various tests under partially extreme conditions before launching.

The all-new BMW X2 and the 2019 BMW i8 Coupe will make their world debuts in Detroit at the 2018 North American International Auto Show on January 15.

2017 LA Auto Show Video: Mitsubishi's Nate Berg On 2018 Eclipse Cross


Mitsubishi's Senior Manager of Long Range Product Planning Nate Berg discusses the all-new 2018 Eclipse Cross, its new turbo engine, features and the Mitsubishi line-up. 

2017 LA Auto Show Video: Kia's Orth Henrick On The Future


Orth Hedrick, Vice President, Product Planning, Kia Motors America discusses the future of driving, autonomous cars, 2018 Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and driver assist features.

2017 LA Auto Show Video: Volvo's Lennart Odhner On XC40


The new 2019 Volvo XC40 compact SUV will start at $35,200 for the T5 Momentum trim and later in 2018, a T4 front-wheel drive configuration will be introduced starting at $33,200. Additional powertrain options, including hybridized and pure electric propulsion systems, will be added later. The new Volvo XC40 will begin arriving in Volvo’s nearly 300 U.S. showrooms in early Spring 2018 as a model year 2019.

Lennart Odhner, Volvo Car Corporation Product Manager New Cars discusses the new XC40 at its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. 

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Will Go On Sale Late Next Year


The new larger Mercedes-Benz G-Class luxury off-road vehicle features touch-sensitive Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel that respond to swiping motions in the same way as the surface of a smartphone. Two 12.3-inch displays blend visually into a wide-screen cockpit that allow drivers a choice of "Classic," "Sport" and "Progressive" styles for the displays along with customized configuration views. The standard audio system features seven loudspeakers and the optional Burmester® surround sound system has 16 speakers and a 590 watt amplifier with Digital Sound Processing. The new G-Class will be make its world premiere at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and go on sale in the U.S. by late 2018.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado To Debut In January


The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is all new from the ground up with more engine/transmission combinations, more technology features and the new Silverado LT Trailboss as one of eight models. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado will make its public debut in mid-January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

2019 Jeep Cherokee To Debut Next Month


The 2019 Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in mid-January.

2019 Honda Insight Coming Early Next Year


All-new 2019 Honda Insight five-passenger sedan, powered by Honda's two-motor hybrid system, is positioned above the Civic in Honda's passenger car lineup. The Honda Insight Prototype will make its world debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in mid-January The Insight will be manufactured at Honda's Greensburg, Indiana plant, alongside Civic and CR-V using domestic and globally sourced parts and will join the Clarity series (Clarity Fuel Cell, Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid) and the all-new 2018 Accord Hybrid, arriving at dealerships nationwide early next year.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

2019 Volkswagen Jetta To Debut In Mid-January


The all-new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta will debut in Detroit in mid-January.

McLaren Senna - Million Dollar Road Legal Supercar


The McLaren Senna powered by a 789 horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is the most powerful McLaren road car internal combustion engine ever, designed, engineered and developed for the road. A dual-clutch, seven-speed transmission delivers power to the rear wheels and a fully automatic mode is the default, with steering wheel mounted carbon fiber paddles for the driver to choose full manual control of gear shifting. The Active Dynamics Panel has a choice of Comfort, Sport or Track powertrain modes. Priced at £750,000 including taxes (UK) or about $1,007,415, production is limited to 500 units. The McLaren Senna will make its public debut in March, at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show.

Monday, December 4, 2017

LA Auto Show: Volkswagen I.D. CROZZ Concept


The all-electric Volkswagen I.D. CROZZ compact SUV, expected to launch in 2020 ahead of the 2022 revival of the I.D. BUZZ, carries the future of transportation technology, from its voice-activated doors and trunk to its planned self-driving technology. Sized similarly to the 2018 Tiguan in a four-door coupe shape, the I.D.CROZZ combines an 83-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a pair of electric motors, one on each axle. The front motor generates 101 horsepower and the rear 201 horsepower, for a combined system output of 302 horsepower. This concept vehicle will offer an anticipated range of up to 300 miles. Volkswagen has a goal to build 15 different VW EVs globally by 2025.

LA Auto Show: 2018 BMW i3s


The 2018 BMW i3s, has a sports suspension with specially developed springs, dampers and anti-roll bars and features a high output 184 horsepower electric motor which can also be equipped with a two-cylinder range extender gasoline engine extending the overall range in everyday use from around 97 miles to a maximum of 180 miles. The 170 horsepower BMW i3 and the more powerful BMW i3s draw their energy from the lithium-ion high-voltage battery with a cell capacity of 94-ampere hours. SPORT mode initiates more direct accelerator response and tighter steering characteristics. Zero to 60 mph time is 6.8 seconds to a top speed of 100 mph. The BMW i3s will go on sale early next year for $47,650.

LA Auto Show: 2018 BMW M3 CS


The first-ever 2018 BMW M3 CS is a special-edition model powered by a 453 horsepower 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder inline engine mated to a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. Orders can be placed starting May, 2018 with production limited to approximately 1,200 worldwide, with approximately 550 coming to the U.S. Pricing will be upwards of $100,000 and announced closer to market launch next year.

2018 Subaru BRZ Starts At $26,455 Next Month


The 2018 Subaru BRZ, in Premium and Limited trims and powered by a 205 horsepower 2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine mated to a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission and TORSEN® limited-slip differential (optional automatic transmission model has 200 horsepower) starts at $26,455 (including $860 destination & delivery) for the BRZ Premium, an increase of $100 from the 2017 model year. The BRZ Performance Package is $1,195. The BRZ is designed with 2+2 seating and fold-down rear seatback. The 2018 BRZ models will arrive in Subaru retailers in January 2018.

Lamborghini Urus SUV Coming Next Year


The Lamborghini Urus is powered by a 650 horsepower 4.0 liter V8 twin-turbo engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission combined with 4-wheel-steering, 4-wheel-drive system with active rear torque vectoring, adaptive air suspension with active dampers, a roll stabilization system with continuous and immediate response, and carbon ceramic brakes. There are two ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) packages. Off-road modes are NEVE for slippery surfaces, TERRA for off-road conditions and SABBIA for sandy surfaces. The Urus has a 1700 Watt 3D surround Bang & Olufsen sound system with 21 speakers. The price is expected to start at $200,000.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

LA Auto Show: 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible Starts At $123,995


The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible, the first ZR1 drop-top since the original 1970 model-year ZR1, is powered by a 755 horsepower LT5 6.2L supercharged engine mated to a choice of a seven-speed manual transmission or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission delivering a 0-60 mph in under 3.0 seconds and quarter mile in the high 10-second range when the engine is equipped with the eight-speed automatic. The Corvette ZR1’s aero package is central to the coupe’s 212-mph top speed. It features Stealth, Tour, Sport and Track modes and sound levels. An adjustable High Wing is part of the new $2,995 ZTK Performance Package. Four new radiators also help manage cooling in the ZR1, which features 13 radiators in all, including circuits for engine oil, transmission and differential cooling. On sale next spring alongside the Corvette ZR1 coupe, the ZR1 coupe will carry a suggested retail price of $119,995, while the ZR1 convertible will start at $123,995 (prices include destination charge, but exclude tax, title and other dealer fees).

LA Auto Show: 2018 Hyundai Kona


2018 Hyundai Kona crossover, on an all-new CUV platform, is powered by a choice of a 147 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC™ manual-shifting mode and the Limited and Ultimate trims offer the 175 horsepower Gamma 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine. Differentiated rear suspension design has been developed for 2WD and AWD models. Kona offers Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning. Kona radar systems also assist with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collison Warning. Advanced connectivity features include standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™, SiriusXM® Radio, HD Radio and next-generation Blue Link® LTE-powered connectivity. 2018 Kona models will be available at Hyundai dealers in the first quarter of 2018.

LA Auto Show: 2019 Kia Sorento


The refreshed 2019 Kia Sorento SUV, in L, LX, EX, SX and SXL trim levels, is powered by a choice of a 185 horsepower 2.4-liter inline-4 GDI mated to a revised electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission or a 290 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Sorento offers standard 40/20/40 second-row folding seats and 50/50 third-row folding seats now comes standard on all trims, providing space for up to seven passengers. The new Smart Shift & Drive feature across all trim levels automatically activates the optimum Eco, Sport or Smart drive mode based on driving style or may be set by driver preference. Aside from new front and rear fascias and a new engine choice,  newly-added technology includes Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keep Assist and QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound. And for 2019, Sorento now offers 2-way powered lumbar support for the front passenger on SX and SXL trims.

LA Auto Show: Jaguar E-PACE Compact SUV


The Jaguar E-PACE five-seat permanent AWD compact SUV features two four-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine options producing 246 horsepower and 296 horsepower, each mated to a ZF® 9-speed automatic transmission. The E-PACE and E-PACE R-Dynamic are available in Standard, S, SE and HSE specifications. Mode selections are Normal for regular journeys, Dynamic for steering, throttle response, Adaptive Dynamics, AWD/Active Driveline, transmission shift strategy, Dynamic Stability Control and Torque Vectoring by Braking, while ECO modifies settings to optimize fuel economy and Rain, Ice and Snow enhances stability in low-grip conditions. The Jaguar E-PACE will go on sale beginning in early 2018 priced from $39,995 (including $995 destination/handling charge).

LA Auto Show: 2018 Mazda6


The re-engineered 2018 Mazda6, powered by either the four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G 2.5 naturally aspirated engine or, for higher-grade models, also available with the 250 horsepower (on 93-octane) or 227 horsepower (with 87-octane) SKYACTIV-G 2.5T gasoline turbo engine paired to the six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission. Mazda6’s front seats are wider, with high-density, vibration-absorbing urethane foam designed to help keep front passengers’ spines in the natural S-shape humans use when standing. Available are ventilated front seats, 360⁰ View Monitor, a reconfigurable 7.0-inch TFT gauge display in higher-trim models and a new 8.0-inch MAZDA CONNECT infotainment display with sharper color contrast. The re-engineered, refined Mazda6 is expected to go on sale in Spring 2018.

Saturday, December 2, 2017

LA Auto Show: BMW Concept X7 iPerformance


The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance, a six-person luxury-class BMW plug-in hybrid SAV, is a look ahead to the future production model set to make its debut in 2018.

LA Auto Show: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Coming This Summer


The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus midsize SUV, successor to Lincoln MKX, is powered by either a standard estimated 245-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 335 horsepower 2.7-liter engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Lincoln Nautilus includes a lane-centering feature, evasive steer assist, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Information System, active park assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping aid and an auto-hold feature, which relieves the driver from having to hold the brakes in stop-and-go traffic. The three Lincoln Black Label themes for the new Nautilus are Chalet, Thoroughbred and all-new Gala. The new 2019 Lincoln Nautilus will be available at Lincoln dealers this Summer.

LA Auto Show: 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid Coming Soon


The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), Kia’s third plug-in model with an estimated 26-miles of all-electric range, pairs an all-aluminum, efficient 1.6-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) four-cylinder engine with an 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack and a powerful 60 horsepower electric motor. The Niro PHEV has an MPGe rating of 105, its EPA-estimated MPG ratings of 48 mpg city, 44 mpg highway and 46 mpg/combined are similar to those of Niro hybrid. The estimated driving range when both electric and gasoline systems work together is up to 560 miles. A full charge can be achieved in approximately 2.5 hours via a 240V (Level 2) charger, and under 9 hours via a 120V (Level 1) charger. The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid anticipated in retailer showrooms by the end of this year.

LA Auto Show: Toyota FT-AC Concept


The Future Toyota Adventure Concept, or FT-AC, represents the next level in Toyota’s adventure-loving lineup of concept vehicles.

LA Auto Show: 2018 Eclipse Cross Arrives In March


The all-new 2018 Eclipse Cross, in ES, LE, SE and SEL trim levels, is powered by a 152 horsepower 1.5-liter direct-injection turbo engine, and has a dual-pane, power-sliding panoramic roof, 7-inch smartphone link thin display audio with touchpad controller, Head-Up Display, heated rear seats and MITSUBISHI CONNECT. The starting MSRP for the Eclipse Cross is $23,295 (excluding destination & handling charges). The Eclipse Cross is equipped with Mitsubishi's S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system. The Eclipse Cross will arrive in dealerships in March 2018.

LA Auto Show: 2018 Nissan Kicks Coming In June



The all-new 2018 Nissan Kicks, a front-wheel drive compact crossover comes in Kicks S, Kicks SV and Kicks SR trim levels, and is powered by a standard 125 horsepower 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System mated to an Xtronic transmission and expected to have a fuel economy rating 33 mpg combined. Kicks hits Nissan U.S. dealerships in June 2018.

LA Auto Show: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 Cabriolet


The redesigned 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 Cabriolet is powered by a new 463 horsepower 4.0L V8 biturbo engine mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and will go on sale in the U.S. in mid-2018.

LA Auto Show: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coming Next Fall


The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is an all-new four-door coupe that seats 5 passengers powered by a completely new 362 horsepower in-line six-cylinder engine in the CLS450 and CLS450 4MATIC with a 21 horsepower boost from the integrated starter-generator known as EQ Boost that assists the combustion engine when accelerating. The optional Driver Assistance Package consists of Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, PRE-SAFE® PLUS and PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side. The speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of bends or junctions. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS will go on sale in the U.S. by Fall 2018.

LA Auto Show: 2018 Jeep® Wrangler


The all-new 2018 Jeep® Wrangler 2-door model is available in three different trim configurations: Sport, Sport S and Rubicon and the Wrangler 4-door models are available in four different trim configurations: Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon. The 260 horsepower 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 and all-new 270 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines join the Wrangler lineup, while the 285 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is upgraded for 2018. An all-new six-speed manual transmission is standard on all Wrangler models and a new-to-Wrangler eight-speed automatic transmission is optional.

LA Auto Show: 2018 Saleen1 Coming Next Year


The 2018 Saleen1, built in Corona, California, is powered by a 450 horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds to a top speed of 180 mph. The Saleen1 is expected to be on sale late next summer for $100,000 and the company is now taking orders with a $1,000 deposit.

LA Auto Show: 2019 Subaru Ascent Coming This Summer


The all-new 2019 Subaru Ascent three-row SUV, the biggest Subaru ever built with a 113.8-in. wheelbase, is powered by an all-new 260 horsepower 2.4-liter BOXER engine with a new version of Subaru’s high-torque Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The 2019 Ascent comes standard with 19 standard cup and bottle holders, EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology that includes Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and new EyeSight Assist Monitor (EAM) which provides a heads-up display of the EyeSight system warnings as well as system status information on the windshield of the vehicle. Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available. The 2019 Ascent also offers available Reverse Automatic Braking that apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing. The new U.S.-built Ascent will be available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trim lines when it arrives in Subaru retailers in early Summer.

LA Auto Show: 2018 Lexus RX 350L, RX 450L


The 2018 Lexus RX 350L, powered by a 290 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission, and RX 450hL with the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine paired with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators producing 308 combined system horsepower, will now have the option of a third row with the seven-seat version having a 40/20/40 split bench-type second row seat and full-length side curtain airbags covering all three rows. The available six-seat configuration features second-row captain’s chairs that make third-row ingress/egress easier with “walk-in” convenience. RX L models include a flat load floor behind the folded third-row, two third-row cupholders, an easily stowable tonneau and covered slide rails. The RX 350L will have a starting MSRP of $48,665 (FWD) and $50,065 (AWD) (including a delivery, processing and handling fee of $995) when they go on sale before yearend.

LA Auto Show: 2019 Infiniti QX50


The all-new 2019 Infiniti QX50 luxury, front-engine, front-wheel-drive-based mid-size crossover powered by a 268 horsepower 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine that adjusts its compression ratio to optimize power and efficiency with comined city/highway fuel economy of 27 mpg and 26 mpg for the all-wheel drive. The engine is paired with INFINITI’s new XTRONIC continuously-variable transmission, a ‘shift-by-wire’ system which eliminates the need for traditional gears. QX50’s ProPILOT Assist system include Direct Adaptive Steering and Intelligent Cruise Control along with Distance Control Assist, Back-up Collision Intervention, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, and Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection. The all-new 2019 Infiniti QX50 will go on sale in the first quarter of 2018.

Friday, December 1, 2017

LA Auto Show: Porsche 718 Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS


The new Porsche 718 Cayman GTS starts at $80,850 and Porsche 718 Boxster GTS starts at $82,950 (including the $1,050 delivery, processing, and handling fee) and are powered by a 365 horsepower 2.5 liter flat-four cylinder turbo engine mated to a 6 speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds to a top track speed of 180 mph. The new 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS will start arriving in February.

L.A. Auto Show: 2019 BMW i8 Roadster World Debut


The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster two-seater is powered by a 369 horsepower hybrid-specific all-wheel drive, with a combustion engine driving the rear wheels and the electric motor driving the front wheels producing 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster can cover up to 18 miles in purely electric driving and has a full electric convertible top that opens in under 16 seconds. The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is expected to cost more than $150,000 when sales commence in the Spring.