Thursday, April 29, 2021

All-New 2022 Honda Civic Sedan Has Arrived

The all-new 2022 Honda Civic Sedan, in its 11th-generation as Honda’s longest-running automotive nameplate since 1973, has a stiffer body structure with an additional 1.4-inches of wheelbase and will be powered by a naturally aspirated 158 horsepower 2.0-liter 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC® In-Line 4-Cylinder engine (in LX and Sport trims) or a 180 horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter 16-Valve DOHC VTEC® In-Line 4-Cylinder engine (in EX and Touring trims) paired with updated continuously variable automatic transmissions tuned for each engine. In addition to the standard Normal and Eco driving modes, 2.0L Sport and 1.5L Touring trims of the 2022 Civics now feature a user-selectable Sport mode. LX, Sport and EX grades are equipped with a 7-inch color LCD instrument display with an all-digital speedometer and tachometer are on the left side of the instrument panel, while a physical speedometer dial occupies the right side. Touring models have an all-digital, customizable from the steering wheel, LCD instrument display measuring 10.2 inches.


2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43, 63, 63 S Coming In The 4th Quarter


The 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S is powered by a 503 horsepower AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine and the 2022 AMG GLC 63 has a 469 horsepower AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, both mated tan AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-Speed transmission, while the 2022 AMG GLC 43 has a 385 horsepower AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo engine paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed transmission. Features include AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes, AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with adaptive damping adjustment, electronically controlled differential lock, AMG steering wheel with Touch Control buttons and steering wheel buttons, 12.3" Digital Instrument Cluster as well as the MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific functions and displays, touchscreen display and voice control. U.S. deliveries of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S SUV begin in the fourth quarter of 2021.


Wednesday, April 21, 2021

2023 Cadillac LYRIQ Starts At $59,990 In 2nd Quarter 2022

The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ with a 12-module, 100 kilowatt-hour battery pack and a rear-wheel-drive Ultium Platform will deliver a Cadillac-estimated 340 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque and a Cadillac-estimated over 300 miles of range with a full charge. LYRIQ also offers high-speed DC fast charging for public stations at 190 kW, enabling customers to add an estimated 76 miles of range in about 10 minutes of charging time. For home charging, LYRIQ offers a 19.2 kW charging module which can add up to 52 miles of range per hour of charge. The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ is expected to go into production in the first quarter of 2022, with pricing starting at $59,990. Customers may place order reservations beginning in September 2021.


2022 Volkswagen Taos Starts At $24,190 In June


The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, powered by 158 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while 4Motion models feature a 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, will start at $24,190 (including $1,195 destination fee). The Taos, coming in S, SE and SEL trim levels, is 175.8 inches long which is 9.3 inches shorter than the Tiguan and  is expected to reach U.S. dealers in June.

Mercedes-Benz EQB Comes To The U.S. Next Year

The new Mercedes-Benz EQB, the brand's third all-electric launch in 2021, will be offered in several models with front-wheel and all-wheel drive and various power ratings including some of which will exceed 268 horsepower plus batteries with usable capacities starting from 66.5 kWh. A specific long- range version is also planned. The EQB joins the EQA, electric luxury sedan EQE and the EQS from Mercedes-EQ and offers two seats in the third row that can be used by people up to 5 feet 4 inches tall, and child seats can also be fitted there. The European version will be launched in 2021 and will arrive in the U.S. market in 2022.


Monday, April 19, 2021

2022 Lexus ES Arrives With Updates This Fall

The 2022 Lexus ES, powered by a 302 horsepower 3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine mated to an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, receives multimedia, safety, style, and color updates and additional enhancements to F SPORT models that include a new Dynamic Handling Package. The ES 250 AWD and ES 350 will continue to be offered in F SPORT trim. A new ES 300h F SPORT variant will available in select regions. The Pre-Collision System, which include Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, features an enhancement to the lens camera and millimeter-wave radar elements to expand the response range. There's a new update to the PCS on LSS+ 2.5 includes Intersection Turning Assist. The 2022 ES is expected to arrive in dealerships later this Fall.

Toyota bZ4X BEV Concept SUV

Toyota bZ4X BEV concept includes new AWD system packaged in an SUV with plans to produce it in Japan and China. Toyota expects its electrified product portfolio to expand to around 70 models globally by 2025, including 15 new battery electric vehicles, of which, seven will carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. Toyota hopes to begin worldwide sales of the model by the middle of 2022 with U.S. product details will be shared at a later date.


Genesis Electrified G80 Debuts

Genesis Electrified G80, the brand's first electric vehicle coming standard with all-wheel drive accelerating from 0 to 60 mph just in 4.9 seconds, has an estimated range of 265 miles (based on the Korean EV certification system), and 350kW rapid charging enables the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes.

BMW M3 and M4 Competition Start At $77,895 In August

The new BMW M xDrive-equipped M3 and M4 Competition models, powered by a 503 horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, offers a choice of 4WD with rear-wheel biased torque distribution focused on traction, 4WD Sport that directs greater percentage of torque to the rear and 2WD for a pure rear-wheel drive experience without any system intervention. The M3 Competition xDrive Sedan starts at $77,895 (including $995 destination) for the M3 Competition xDrive Sedan and $79,795 for the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe with a market launch set for August 2021.

Thursday, April 15, 2021

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Arrives This Summer

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is powered by a standard estimated 190+ horsepower 2.5L direct-injected in-line four-cylinder engine coupled to an eight-speed hydraulic automatic transmission or an estimated 275+ horsepower 2.5L direct-injected turbocharged engine linked to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual shifting control by the driver. Both 2.5L four-cylinder and 2.5L four-cylinder turbo models offer HTRAC® all-wheel drive capability providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The towing capacity for the 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated at 3,500 lbs. and the 2.5L Turbo AWD model at 5,000 lbs. of towing capability. The Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle will be available for sale in Summer. 


Mercedes-EQS All-Electric Luxury Sedan

Mercedes-EQ introduces its first all-electric luxury sedan with ranges up to 478 miles. The first models to the U.S. market, close relatives of the new S-Class, will be the 329 horsepower EQS 450+ and the 516 horsepower EQS 580 4MATIC. A performance version with up to 630 horsepower is being planned. All EQS models have an electric powertrain at the rear axle, while the versions with 4MATIC also have an eATS at the front axle. The EQS can be charged with up to 200 kW at fast charging stations with direct current. Power for up to another 186 miles is recharged in just 15 minutes. The larger of the two batteries has a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh. Inside, the MBUX Hyperscreen is a large, curved screen unit sweeps almost from A-pillar to A-pillar with three screens that appear to merge into one as they sit under a single glass cover. The 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger gives them their own display and control area.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

2022 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron Coming By Yearend

The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron represent the fourth and fifth fully electric additions to Audi’s U.S. portfolio and contribute toward the brand’s goal of achieving a 30% electrified model portfolio globally by 2025, including fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The entry Q4 40 e-tron has an estimated output of 150 kW with a preliminary manufacturer’s estimated range of aproximately 250 miles based on approximation of EPA test cycles for a full charge, while the top-of-the-range Q4 50 e-tron quattro and Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro offer two electric motors with all-wheel drive delivering a maximum estimated output of 220 kW. The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are expected to arrive in the U.S. toward the end of 2021. Further details will be provided for pricing of trim level-specific packages closer to on-sale timing. Pricing for the Q4 e-tron model line is planned to start under $45,000 and it is anticipated that it may qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax incentives as well as possible local and state tax incentives, depending on the owner’s municipality.

Nissan GT-R NISMO Special Edition Coming This Fall

Nissan GT-R NISMO Special Edition, powered by a 600 horsepower 3.8-liter twin turbo V6, features a stealth gray exterior, 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels with red accents, and a clear-coated carbon fiber hood. A very limited number of the new model will be available in North America this Fall. Pricing for the GT-R NISMO Special Edition will be announced at a later date.

Mazda MX-30 EV Coming This Fall

The all-new Mazda MX-30, the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle with a 144 horsepower front-wheel drive electric motor, will come to the US market beginning in Fall 2021 with California dealerships. The 35.5 kWh battery can be charged to 80% within approximately 36 minutes using DC fast charging. Additional details on this partnership will be shared closer to the vehicles arriving in dealerships.

2022 INFINITI QX55 Arrives This Month

All-new 2022 INFINITI QX55, in LUXE, ESSENTIAL and SENSORY trim levels, is powered by a 268-horsepower VC-Turbo engine paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and manual mode and comes with standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, 20-inch wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility. 2022 INFINITI QX55 will start at $47,525 (including $1,025 destination and handling charge) when it arrives in U.S. and Canadian showrooms in coming weeks.


2022 Lexus LS 500h Coming This Fall

The 2022 Lexus LS 500h flagship luxury hybrid sedan will be equipped with Lexus Teammate on the LS 500h with AWD. The all-new partial hands-free functions include Advanced Drive designed to accurately detect driving conditions to plan and execute acceleration, braking, and steering commands to maintain the vehicle within the lane, follow other vehicles, change lanes, navigate certain interchanges and traffic jams and overtake slower vehicles and Advanced Park that assists the operations necessary for hands-free safe and parking by automatically controlling steering, acceleration, braking, and gear changes when parallel parking or backing into a parking space. The 2022 LS 500h AWD with Lexus Teammate and LS 500 are expected to arrive in dealerships later this Fall.

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC Arrives in Early 2022

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC is powered by a 362 horsepower 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine with an integrated second-generation starter-generator and 48-volt electrical system with an output of up to 21 hp and up to 184 lb-ft electric boost. As standard, the CLS has two large 12.3-inch screens arranged side by side for a widescreen look. The CLS features Active Brake Assist as standard, which can prevent a collision or reduce its severity in many situations with autonomous braking. Included with the available Driver Assistance Package is Active Speed Limit Assist, which reacts to speed limit changes using map data as well as input from Traffic Sign Assist and Active Stop-and-Go Assist can take over the task of keeping the vehicle in the lane and maintaining distance. Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and a 360° camera makes it possible to enter and leave parking spaces automatically. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early 2022.


Monday, April 5, 2021

All-New 2022 Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ Debut

Toyota's new GR 86 and Subaru's new BRZ, almost identical dimensions to the previous model, were jointly developed with the GR 86 powered by a new 232 horsepower 2.4L horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission achieving 0-62 mph acceleration in 6.3 seconds, down from the 7.4 seconds of the outgoing model. The new GR 86 is scheduled to launch in Japan this Fall.

The all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ with an all-new 228 horsepower 2.4-Liter Direct-Injection SUBARU BOXER Engine paired with a  6-speed manual shifter in the 2022 BRZ Limited or a  6-Speed Manual or Automatic with Paddle Shifters. The chassis and body of the BRZ have been reengineered for lighter weight, an even lower center of gravity, 50% increased torsional rigidity, and 60% increased front lateral rigidity. The 2022 BRZ now offers EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control for extra peace of mind and daily driving convenience. SUBARU STARLINK® Safety and Security features an array of services that can keep you and your BRZ connected to help, like Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Automatic Collision Notification. The BRZ now features a configurable, fully digital instrument cluster with a central tachometer and integrated g-force meter plus adaptive Sport and Track modes.


Thursday, April 1, 2021

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Starts At $162,350 This Fall

The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, powered by a 502 horsepower naturally aspirated 4.0-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine mated to a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission which is included as standard equipment, with an available a six-speed manual transmission, is now available for U.S. customers to configure and order for a starting MSRP of $162,350 (including a $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee). The Porsche 911 GT3 is expected to arrive in the U.S. as part of the 2022 model year, reaching dealers by Fall 2021. 

Genesis X Concept

The Genesis X Concept, an EV-based GT (Gran Turismo) concept car.

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness™ Coming Later This Year


The new 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness™, with elevated 9.5-inch ground clearance, is powered by a 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine rated at 22 city/26 highway with a 3,500-lb. towing capacity. A revised rear differential with a final drive ratio of 4.44:1 was fitted, and the Lineartronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) was modified to achieve an equivalent final drive ratio at the front wheels to improve available low-end torque at the wheels to climb grades up to 40 percent on a gravel surface. Standard dual-function X-MODE includes Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. Exclusive to Outback Wilderness, a new advanced feature for X-MODE allows the vehicle to switch automatically from low speed managed driving to speeds over 25 mph without interruption of power or performance. Pricing for the 2022 Outback Wilderness will be announced later this year.

Kia EV6 Fully Electric Vehicle

The new Kia EV6, the first BEV built on new dedicated EV platform, is powered a choice of multiple fully-electric, zero-emission powertrain configurations, including long-range (77.4 kWh) and standard-range (58.0 kWh) high-voltage battery packs. EV6 GT-line (pictured above) is available with both long-range and standard-range battery packs. The 2WD 77.4 kWh EV6 can travel over 316 miles on a single charge on the WLTP combined cycle. The 77.4 kWh battery pack is paired with a 226 horsepower electric motor powering the rear wheels, and for AWD models a 320 horsepower electric motor powers the front and rear wheels.


Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept

The Lexus LF-Z Electrified, a BEV Concept, is envisioned for realization by 2025 when Lexus plans to introduce 20 new or improved models, including more than 10 electrified models. The new four-wheel drive force control technology, DIRECT4, is controlled according to human senses and inputs. Artificial Intelligence learns the driver’s preferences and behavioral characteristics and the voice recognition system uses the latest AI to recognize, learn, and adapt to a driver’s habits and preferences, supporting with tasks such as determining driving routes and making restaurant reservations.