Thursday, December 21, 2023

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.






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.

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. 

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

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.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

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.

Friday, December 1, 2023

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.

2024 Acura TLX Starts At $51,195 Now

The refreshed 2024 Acura TLX, with a new front fascia, is powered by a 272 horsepower 2.0-liter Turbo engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission while the TLX Type S has a 355 horsepower 24-valve dual overhead cam 3.0-liter V6 engine with direct-injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger paired with a sport-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission. Now delivering more standard features, the simplified lineup includes the TLX with Technology Package starts at $46,195 , available A-Spec sport appearance package starts at $51,195 and line-topping high-performance TLX Type S at $58,195. 

2024 Porsche Panamera Starts At $101,550 In Spring 2024

The third generation of the 2024 Porsche Panamera offers four different E-Hybrid powertrains including the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid with a completely revamped 187 horsepower 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor powered by a 25.9 kWh battery mated to an updated 8-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission for 670 horsepower. At launch, Panamera and Panamera 4 models will have a  348 horsepower 2.9 liter V6 turbo engine. The third generation offers a two-valve, two-chamber air suspension, LED Matrix Design headlights, drive mode switch on the steering wheel, a cooled smartphone compartment with inductive charging and an improved air particulate filter with GPS-based automatic recirculation. The 2024 Porsche Panamera starts at $101,550 (including a $1,650 delivery processing and handling fee) while the Panamera 4 begins at $108,550. Both models are expected to reach U.S. Porsche Centers in Spring 2024. Specifics on the U.S. pricing and arrival timing of the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid will be announced at a later date.

MINI Countryman S ALL4 Starts At $39,895 In May 2024

The new MINI Countryman S ALL4, the largest MINI, is powered by a 241 horsepower two-liter four-cylinder turbo engine feeding the all-wheel drive system. A new feature of MINI is the option of semi-automated driving on multi-lane routes which allows the driver to take his hands off the steering wheel at speeds of up to 37 mph. When changing lanes, the assistant system helps by identifying the gaps in traffic that are necessary on the way to the exit. This then brings the vehicle to optimal speed and automatically initiates the lane change. US customers can choose Classic, Favoured, and John Cooper Works trim styles. The all-new MINI Countryman S ALL4 will have a starting base price in the US of $39,895 (including $995 destination and handing).  Production for the US market begins March 2024 with first units expected to arrive at dealers in early May 2024.

2024 Hyundai Elantra N Arrives In January

The refreshed 2024 Hyundai Elantra N, powered by a new 276 horsepower 2.0T direct-injected engine specially developed for N models and paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, gets redesigned front bumper fascia and grille, dual-projector LED headlamps, 19-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires and rear bumper fascia and diffuser. The refreshed Elantra N will arrive at dealers beginning in January 2024.

Saturday, November 18, 2023

2023 LA Auto Show: Vehicle Highlights

There were few introductions and many missing nameplates at the 2023 LA Auto Show, when in past years there could be as many as 20 World or North American debuts. Significant introductions were the Lucid Gravity, all-new 2025 Subaru Forester, all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and refreshed Kia Sorento. (Click on names or scroll down to posts for details).

Vehicles to check out: 

The all-new 2025 Ford Mustang® GTD (above) powered by a 5.2L V8 engine with 8-speed dual-clutch transmission targeting more than 800 horsepower. 

The 2024 Chevrolet E-Ray Corvette (above), as a 2 seater coupe or convertible, is powered by a 495 horsepower 6.2L V8 DI engine with 8-speed dual clutch transmission and comes in 1LZ Coupe starting at $106,295 (including $1,395 destination freight charge), 2LZ Coupe at $111,795 and 3LZ Coupe at $117,245. The 1LZ eAWD coupe starts at $107,990 with the convertible models starting at $114,990.


Click to read details: Kia EV9 EV

Among manufacturer vehicle displays missing from the 2023 LA Show are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Buick and GMC. All the Stellantis brands, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, not on display, apparently due to the costly UAW strike. Porsche, which has traditionally had its own exhibit hall because of its massive Southern California sales performance, skipped the LA Show this year apparently focused on its Rennsport Reunion 7 celebrating 75 years. 

2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2025 Lucid Gravity SUV

The 2025 Lucid Gravity all-electric SUV is expected to have a range of more than 440 miles range via a dual motor electric powertrain producing more than 800 horsepower with a starting price under $80,000. Lucid Group, Inc (NASDAQ ticker: LCID) is headquartered in Newark, California, with its manufacturing facility in Arizona.

Lucid Senior Vice President of Product & Chief Engineer Eric Bach discusses the new all-electric Lucid Gravity with Richard Saxton at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Click to watch interview.

2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2024 Kia Sorento

The refreshed 2024 Kia Sorento, available in FWD or AWD in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-P trims, is powered by a 191 horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 GDI engine matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission in the LX and S trims . The X-Line and X-Pro have a 281 horsepower a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 GDI matched to an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The 2024 Sorento is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2024 with the X-Line available on EX and above and X-Pro on SX-P. Sorento HEV and PHEV models are anticipated to hit dealerships later next year as 2025 models.

Kia Sorento Product Strategy Manager Mark Savino discusses 2024 Kia Sorento mid-cycle refresh and new EV3 and EV4 concepts introduced at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Click to watch interview.

2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2025 Subaru Forester

The sixth-generation all-new 2025 Subaru Forester SUV, available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trim levels, is powered by a 180 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine mated to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It features a 10% stiffer chassis, standard Advanced EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology on all trims, and available 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ and the debut of a kick sensor-activated hands-free power rear gate. The 2025 Forester arrives in Subaru retailers nationwide in Spring 2024.  

Subaru Car Line Planning Manager Bill Stokes discusses the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester with Richard Saxton at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Click to watch interview.

2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe


The all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by 277 horsepower 2.5-liter direct-injected, turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission or an eco-focused 232 horsepower 1.6-liter direct-injected, turbocharged hybrid linked with a six-speed automatic transmission. The new XRT, making its global debut, is an outdoor-focused sport model. The 2024 Santa Fe 2.5T model goes on sale in March 2024, with the Hybrid model on sale in Spring.

Hyundai Motor America Team Manager Mike Evanoff discusses the all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe with Richard Saxton at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2023 LA Auto Show: Honda Prelude Concept

The hybrid-electric Honda Prelude Concept two-door coupe is on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In early 2024, Honda will begin sales of the Honda Prologue, Honda's first all-electric SUV. Following the Prologue, in 2025, a mid- to large-size EV model based on Honda's own EV architecture will go on sale.

Cadillac OPTIQ EV Coming Next Year

The Cadillac OPTIQ luxury compact SUV, slotted in below LYRIQ, will be the fourth vehicle to join its expanding global electric vehicle portfolio. Additional details, as well as available features and pricing, will be unveiled next year.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

2024 Nissan Armada Starts At $57,345 Now

The 2024 Nissan Armada, in SV, SL and Platinum trims, offers rear-wheel drive or Nissan's advanced Intelligent 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case with power from a 400 horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 engine that has a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,500 pound. The 2024 Nissan Armada is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $57,345 (including $1,895 destination and handling charge).

2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe and GV80 Coming Next Year

The first-ever 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe and the new 2025 GV80 SUV will be equipped with a 300 horsepower gasoline 2.5L I-4 turbo engine or a gasoline 375 horsepower 3.5L twin turbo engine, which produces a maximum output of 375 horsepower. The GV80 Coupe will offer two engine choices, including the gasoline 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo with 48V electric supercharger delivering 409 horsepower. A 27-inch-wide OLED display integrates the multimedia screen, exemplifying the harmony in the combination of a high-tech device with details with its horizontal layout. Further details regarding the upcoming 2025 GV80 SUV and GV80 Coupe’s North American availability, specifications, and pricing will be announced in 2024.

2025 Toyota Camry Coming Next Spring

The 2025 Toyota Camry, in its ninth generation, is powered by a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine combined with the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System's two electric motors, for 225 net combined horsepower on Front Wheel Drive models and 232 horsepower on Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive equipped models. For the 2025 model, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard on LE and SE models, while a standard 12.3-in fully digital gauge cluster is found in the XLE and XSE grades. The XLE and XSE grades also come with an available 10-inch Head Up Display to allow drivers to check their speed, see warning indicators, and turn-by-turn navigation. The 2025 Toyota Camry is expected to arrive at Toyota Dealerships in the Spring of 2024.

2025 Toyota Crown Signia

The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia is the second entry in the U.S. Toyota Crown lineup available in XLE and Limited grades and powered by a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motor generators delivering 243 combined system net horsepower and a preliminary manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG rating. 

2024 Mercedes AMG GT Coupe Arrives First Half of 2024

The second-generation 2024 Mercedes AMG GT Coupe is powered by a 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine paired to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission with 577 horsepower for the AMG GT 63 Coupe and 469 horsepower for the AMG GT 55 Coupe when they arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2024. There are six AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs: "Slippery," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport +," "Individual" and "RACE".

Volvo EM90 EV

The Volvo EM90 fully electric premium MPV goes to China first and is now available for pre-orders for customers in China.

Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Has 386 Mile Range

The all-electric Volkswagen ID.7 Pro midsize sedan is powered by a 282 horsepower 82 kWh battery delivering a WLTP range of up to 386 miles. The ID.7 will be launched around the world starting in Europe where it can now be ordered.

2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Starts At $51,315

The 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, powered by a combination of a 1.6T Gas Direct Injection I-4 gas engine and 66.9 kw electric motor for 261 horsepower that mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission delivering 34 MPG combined (gas) and 79 MPGe combined. The 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX-P has an MSRP of $51,315 (including $1,325 destination charge).

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Maserati MC20 Notte Limited To 50 Units

The Maserati MC20 Notte, powered by a 621 horsepower 3.0L V6 Nettuno engine is the first limited edition of its super sports car MC20, with an exclusive run of 50 units globally is now available. 

2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid Starts At $38,015

The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid, in EX FWD, EX AWD and SX-P trim levels, is powered by a 227 horsepower 1.6T Gas Direct Injection  I-4 engine combined with a 44 kw motor paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission starts at $38,015 (including $1,325 destination). 

2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Arrives In 4th Quarter 2024

The all-new 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger has 663 system horsepower flowing in sequence from the 3.6-liter V-6 engine to the on-board 130-kW generator to 250-kilowatt front and 238 kW rear electric drive modules and a 92 kilowatt-hour battery with a targeted range of up to 690 miles. The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger has up to 14,000 pounds towing capacity with a class 5 hitch and a maximum payload of 2,625 pounds. An onboard power panel in the bed can provide up to 7.2 kW. The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger uses the all-new STLA Frame platform and is designed specifically for full-size electric vehicles featuring a body-on-frame design. The all-new Ram 1500 Ramcharger and all-electric 2025 Ram 1500 REV arrive in the fourth quarter of 2024.

All-New 2025 Ram 1500 Starts Arriving In First Quarter of 2024

The 2025 Ram 1500 is powered by either a 420 horsepower 3.0-liter Hurricane or a 540 horsepower 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output Straight-Six Turbo engine paired with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Ram 1500 models equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 eTorque engine can run the inverter while the truck is in motion. Maximum towing capacity is 11,580 pounds and maximum payload is 2,300 pounds and there's up to 24 inches of water fording. An all-new Tungsten model joins the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, which also includes Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn and Limited models. The all-new Ram 1500 Tungsten includes an all-new power tailgate, a premium LED taillight design and a contemporary R-A-M badge. There's an improved 12- inch touchscreen with higher resolution and new 14.5-inch reconfigurable touchscreen that feature split-screen capability for dual application operation. The 2025 Ram 1500 is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the first quarter of 2024 while the new 540-horsepower Ram 1500 RHO will join the lineup in the third quarter of 2024 and the all-electric 2025 Ram 1500 REV arrives in the fourth quarter of 2024. Pricing will be announced closer to when the 2025 Ram 1500 goes on sale.

2024 Honda Ridgeline Arriving This Winter

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline, available in Sport, RTL, the new TrailSport (above) with special off-road hardware, and the top-of-the-range Black Edition four all-wheel drive trim levels, is powered by a 280 horsepower 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC® V6 engine paired with a 9-Speed Automatic Transmission with Shift-By-Wire and Paddle Shifters. On Ridgeline, Honda Sensing® includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. A rear seat reminder are also standard across the lineup. Ridgeline can tow as much as 5,000 pounds. All 2024 Ridgeline models will begin arriving in dealers this Winter.

Monday, November 6, 2023

2024 Acura TLX Type S Almost Here

The 2024 Acura TLX Type S, with new front fascia, is powered by a 355 horsepower 24-valve dual overhead cam 3.0-liter V6 engine with direct-injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger paired with a sport-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission distributed through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system with true torque vectoring. The rear-biased system is capable of sending up to 70% of torque to the rear axle, and 100% of that to the outside rear wheel. New standard tech includes 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit™ Digital Instrument Cluster and 20-percent larger Center Display, ELS Studio Premium Audio and IconicDrive™ Ambient LED Lighting. The top-trim, high-performance Type S, which accounts for nearly 25% of all TLX sales. The 2024 TLX will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide in late November.

Sunday, November 5, 2023

2024 INFINITI QX55 Starts At $51,195 Now

The 2024 INFINITI QX55, in Luxe, Essential and Sensory grade levels, is powered by a 268 horsepower 2.0-liter engine paired with an XTRONIC transmission that features Downshift Rev Matching and standard paddle shifters. It comes standard with INFINITI InTouch™ with 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower screens featuring Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay® and 20-inch dark painted aluminum alloy wheels. INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is standard delivering 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. When slippage is detected, the AWD system can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels. The QX55 starts at $51,195 (including $ 1,195 destination and handling charge) now. 

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

2024 Subaru BRZ Starts At $31,315 Early Next Year

The 2024 Subaru BRZ rear-wheel drive sports car, powered by a 228 horsepower 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine paired with a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission or a six-speed electronic direct-control automatic transmission, arrives in Premium, Limited and tS trim levels early next year. Priced at $31,315 (including $1,120 destination and delivery), the 2024 Subaru BRZ comes equipped with Keyless Access with Push-Button Start, incline Start Assist, TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential and Vehicle Stability Control with Track Mode. New for 2024, BRZ tS comes equipped with STI-tuned front and rear Hitachi® dampers.