Thursday, August 31, 2023

2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Starts At $148,550 In Q2 of 2024

The new 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is powered by an electric motor generating 174 horsepower combined with a 591 horsepower four-liter V8 twin-turbo engine delivers total system output of 729 horsepower. Compared to its predecessor, the new Cayenne E-Hybrid models have a significantly larger 25.9 kWh high-voltage battery and the new 11-kW on-board charger can reduce the charging time to less than 2.5 hours using a suitable wall charger, even with the increased battery capacity. The new Turbo E-Hybrid Cayenne variant is the second of three hybrid models for the Cayenne that Porsche will introduce this year. The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid has an MSRP of $148,550 (including the $1,650 delivery, processing and handling fee), while the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupe has an MSRP of $153,050. The Turbo E-Hybrid models can be ordered now and are expected to reach U.S. dealers in Q2 of next year. 

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB Coming With Updates 1st Half of 2024

The updated the all-electric 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ delivers 188 horsepower with a range of 271 to 333 miles, the EQB 300 4Matic has 225 horsepower with a range of 246 to 278 miles and the EQB 350 4Matic with 288 horsepower has the same range of 246 to 278 miles. When the charging cable is plugged in, the charging process starts automatically and customers do not need to additionally authenticate themselves. The vehicle and charging station communicate directly via the charging cable. As an optional seven-seater, the two third row seats can fit people up to 5.4 ft. tall or child seats. With three display styles (classic/sporty/discreet), three modes (navigation/assistance/service) and the 10 color worlds of ambient light, the graphics of the screens can be individualized. The 2024 EQB will arrive at U.S. dealerships first half of 2024. The current model EQB starts around $54,000.

Rolls-Royce Amethyst and La Rose Noire Droptail Roadsters

Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail (above), a roadster body type with removeable hardtop, is one of four from Rolls-Royce Coachbuild that began in 2017 with Sweptail, a two-door coupé, followed by the Boat Tail in 2021, and La Rose Noire Droptail (below). Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BMW Group and is a completely separate, unrelated company from Rolls-Royce plc, the manufacturer of aircraft engines and propulsion systems.



2024 Volkswagen Atlas Starts At $39,075

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, powered by a 269 horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, comes in SE, SE w/ Technology, Peak Edition SE w/ Technology, SEL, Peak Edition SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line trim levels starting at $39,075 (including the $1,350 destination charge). MSRP for the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport 2.0-liter starts at $38,065. The seven-seater Atlas lineup adds the Atlas Peak Edition trimline for 2024. Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available across the model lineup.

Lamborghini Lanzador Concept Previews 2028 Vehicle

The Lamborghini Lanzador concept has a power electric motor on each axle delivering a peak power of over one megawatt. The all-wheel drive offers active e-torque vectoring on the rear axle for cornering. Lamborghini calls their fourth model concept, the Ultra GT, in a new car segment. The Lanzador gives an insight into the series model to be built from 2028.

Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Mulliner

The Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Mulliner, Bentley's new luxury flagship, is powered by a 550 horsepower 32-valve dual twin-scroll turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission powering all four wheels. At speeds below 37 mph the All Wheel Steering has the effect of ‘shortening’ the wheelbase, reducing the turning circle, and increasing agility in tight urban environments making parking noticeably easier. The rear compartment, available in 4+1 and 4-seat configurations, features the Bentley Airline Seat specification with 22-ways of adjustment. The auto climate seat technology senses occupant temperature and surface humidity and then determines whether to apply heat, ventilation or both simultaneously to keep the occupant at optimum thermal wellbeing. The new Bentayga EWB Mulliner joins the Flying Spur Mulliner, Continental GT Mulliner and Continental GT Convertible Mulliner.

Sunday, August 27, 2023

2025 Ford Mustang® GTD For $300,000 Late 2024, Early 2025

The all-new 2025 Ford Mustang® GTD, inspired by the Mustang GT3, in a carbon fiber Mustang body, is powered by an estimated 800 horsepower supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine sent to the rear wheels through a carbon fiber driveshaft connected to an 8-speed rear transaxle for near 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear. Production of Mustang GTD will be limited, and pricing is expected to begin at approximately $300,000 and will be available in late 2024, early 2025.

New All-electric 2024 Acura ZDX Coming Early Next Year

The new all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX, offered as the ZDX A-Spec in both single-motor (rear-wheel-drive) and dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) configurations, is expected to start in the $60,000 range. The ZDX Type S, with an estimated 500-horsepower with an EPA range rating of 325 zero-emission miles with a dual-motor AWD powertrain is expected to start in the $70,000 range. ZDX features a combined 22-inches of high-definition digital screen real estate with a standard Precision Cockpit Driver Information Cluster (11-inches) and Center Information Screen (11.3 inches) with an intuitive touchscreen interface and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Pre-sale activities for ZDX will start later this year, with first client deliveries slated for early 2024. 

2024 Toyota GR Supra Starts At $46,635 This Fall

The 2024 Toyota GR Supra is powered by a choice of a 255 horsepower 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine or a 382 horsepower 3.0-liter twin scroll turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission. A 45th Anniversary Edition, available in a choice of fiery orange Mikan Blast or icy white Absolute Zero, is equipped with an elevated gloss black rear spoiler, 19-inch matte black wheels and is available in a choice of Manual or Automatic Transmission. All models have a double joint-type MacPherson front and multi-link independent rear suspension, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes, sport calibrated electronic power steering, and dual rear exhaust outlets. The 2024 GR Supra is expected to arrive on dealer lots this Fall starting at $46,635 (including $1,095 dealer processing and handling) for the GR Supra 2.0 model and $55,595 for the GR Supra 3.0 model.

2024 Nissan Altima Starts At $26,825 Now

The 2024 Nissan Altima, restyled for the 2023 model year, is powered by either a 188 horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct-injection engine mated to a Xtronic transmission for front-wheel-drive models (182 horsepower with AWD) delivering 27 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive S and SV grades, and 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive SR and SL models, or an available an 248 horsepower 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo engine. Nissan Safety Shield® 360 which includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking is standard on every Altima. The 2024 Nissan Altima, on sale now, starts at $26,825 (including $1,095 destination and handling).

Monday, August 14, 2023

Test Drive: 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition $48,515

Richard Saxton test drives and reviews the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition. The Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 270-horsepower DOHC 4.0-liter V6 engine with 278 lb.-ft. of peak torque mated to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission, has reached the 40-year mark with the 2023 model year and, to celebrate, Toyota is offering a 4WD-only 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition with a limited production of 4,040 vehicle available for the U.S. market. On sale now starting at $48,515 (including $1,395 delivery, processing, and handling fee). As of mid-August 2023, about 2,600 have been sold. Based on the SR5 Premium grade 4Runner, the 40th Anniversary Edition is available in White, Midnight Black Metallic and this Barcelona Red Metallic exterior color. 

Click to watch video

Sunday, August 13, 2023

2023 Jeep® Gladiator Rubicon FarOut For $71,790 In Q3

The limited-edition 2023 Jeep® Gladiator Rubicon FarOut edition, powered by a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine mated to the TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission, marks the the end of Gladiator EcoDiesel production with 1,000 vehicles for the 2023 model year. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon FarOut edition is priced at $71,790 (including $1,795 destination), and available for ordering through the end of September 2023, with deliveries beginning in the third quarter of 2023.

2024 Subaru Forester Starts At $28,190 This Fall

The 2024 Subaru Forester, offered in Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited and Touring trims, is powered by a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive engine paired to a Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) delivering an EPA-estimated 33 mpg on highways. The compact SUV will begin arriving in Subaru retailers this Fall with a starting price of $28,190 ( including $1,295 destination & delivery).

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Starts At $37,145 Now

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder, offered in  S, SV, Rock Creek, SL and Platinum trims, is powered by a 284 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine on the S, SV, SL, Platinum and 295 horsepower on the Rock Creek, mated to a 9-speed automatic with manual shift mode paddle shifters and electronic shift-by-wire drive selector. The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $37,145 (including $1,335 destination and handling charge). Every Pathfinder features standard Nissan Safety Shield 360®, NissanConnect® with an 8-inch touchscreen (9-inch available). Available advanced technology includes a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, a 10.8-inch head-up display and class-exclusive Intelligent Around View® Monitor.

2024 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L

The 2024 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L three-row SUV, available in Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit trims, is powered by a Pentastar 290 horsepower 3.6-liter V-6-engine that tows up to 6,200 pounds or an available 357 horsepower 5.7-liter V-8, both mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers driver-assist systems, 360-degree surround view and night vision cameras, 10-inch digital screens, Uconnect 5, windshield Head-up Display, digital rearview mirror, rear-seat monitoring camera and a premium 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. Grand Cherokee L Limited gets new standard 18-inch polished / painted aluminum wheels.

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

All-electric 2025 Cadillac ESCALADE IQ Starts At $130,000 Next Summer

The first-ever all-electric 2025 Cadillac ESCALADE IQ, with up to 750 horsepower (with driver-selectable Velocity Max, Cadillac estimate) offers a Cadillac-estimated 450 miles of range from a 24-module Ultium battery producing more than 200 kWh of available energy. A 800-volt DC fast charger provides up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes of charge time. The 2025 ESCALADE IQ offers up to 8,000 pounds of towing capability (Cadillac estimate) There are 2 drive units with 1 motor each that produces 680 horsepower / 505 kW in Normal Mode and 750 horsepower / 560 kW in Velocity Max. There's a 55-inch-total-diagonal LED display powered by a next generation Snapdragon®12 Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies. An available Executive Second-Row Seating package includes stowable tray tables, 12.6-inch-diagonal personal screens, a rear command center screen, dual wireless phone charging pads, USB-C and HDMI ports, massaging seats and headrest speakers. Regular production of the ESCALADE IQ begins next Summer at GM’s Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center in Michigan, with domestic and globally sourced components. Pricing starts at around $130,000 including destination charges.

2024 Kia Sportage Starts At $28,415

The 2024 Kia Sportage, powered by a 187 horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder 16V DOHC CVVT with Hydraulic Lash Adjuster gasoline direct injection engine mated to an 8-speed Automatic transmission, receives rear (second row, seat-mounted) airbags and LED (projection type) headlights as standard. The SX AWD trim level is no longer available and the line-up includes the X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige. Towing capacity is 2,500 lbs. with trailer brakes. The starting MSRP for the LX trim is $28,415 (including $1,325 destination) and goes up to $39,215 for the X-Pro Prestige. The LX trim has remote keyless entry with alarm and panic function and an immobilizer but does not have Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go or spare tire. The EX, which starts at $30,415, has those features. 

2024 Lexus RX 350 Starts At $49,950

The 2024 Lexus RX 350, offered in Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance grade levels starting at $49,950 (including $1,350 destination, preparation and handling fee), is powered by a 275 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an eight-speed Direct Shift-8AT automatic transmission in the RX 350 (FWD/AWD). The RX 350h (AWD), starting at $51,800, has a hybrid motor coupled with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with 246 total system horsepower. The RX 450h+ Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle, starting at $70,080, is powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery paired with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (shared with NX), delivering a manufacturer-estimated combined 83 MPGe rating and an EPA-estimated 35-mile driving range rating on electric power only. RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD, starting at $63,800, has a 271 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and integrated Power Control Unit. An 80-kW eAxle consisting of an inverter and motor provides power to the rear wheels for a DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system of 366 horsepower.

2024 Nissan TITAN Pickup Starts At $47,665

The 2024 Nissan TITAN, powered by a 400 horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 gasoline engine, is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $47,665 (including $1,895 destination and handling) for the TITAN SV Crew Cab 4x2. TITAN adds the $2,980.SV Bronze Edition Package with black and bronze visual enhancements, including bronze 20-inch wheels, a gloss-black front grille surround and black front bumper, a sport bar and Bronze Edition floor mats. TITAN XD is built on a frame and chassis with an extended 151.6-inch wheelbase, about 12 inches longer than TITAN models, and features a 6.5-foot bed, and is available only with four-wheel drive with a starting price of $53,825 and going up to $67,735 for the TITAN XD Platinum Reserve Crew Cab 4x4. Nissan Safety Shield® 3604, a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems, is also standard on every TITAN.

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Coming In Spring 2024

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, powered by a 326 horsepower i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, is making its return to the U.S. market after a three-year hiatus. Land Cruiser’s new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain comes standard on all grades and pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an eight-speed transmission feeding off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. The new Land Cruiser is 4.4 inches narrower and 1.2 inches shorter with an approach angle up to 31.0 degrees and max departure to 22.0 degrees while breakover angle reaches 25.0 degrees. Ground clearance is up to 8.7 inches. Limited to 5,000 units for the first two months of production, Land Cruiser will be offered in a First Edition grade that includes two new two-tone paint colors and additional off-road equipment and will be built in Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara and Hino plants in Japan and arrive in the U.S. in the Spring of 2024. Manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing will start in the mid-$50,000 range and be announced closer to its on-sale date.

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE Starts At $110,450 Now

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV, with two dynamic electric motors producing up to 677 horsepower to a fully variable all-wheel drive, has AMG air suspension, rear-axle steering and AMG-specific roll bar stabilization. AMG Night Package and AMG Night Package Plus are available exterior design packages with exterior accents finished in gloss black and black chrome. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE is now available in U.S. dealerships and starts at $110,450 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge).

2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Starts At $70,080 Late 2023

The 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ is powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery paired with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (shared with NX) for a manufacturer-estimated combined 83 MPGe rating and 35-mile driving range rating on electric power only. Using the maximum charging current of 240V and under ideal conditions, the Lexus RX 450h+ can be fully charged in approximately two-and-a-half hours using the standard 6.6 kW Onboard Charger. The 2024 Lexus RX 450h+comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and an available driver monitor system. The starting MSRP is $70,080 (including Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee) and will be available by the end of 2023.

2024 Mazda CX-5 Starts At $30,675 This Fall

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S., is powered by the 187 horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and sport mode and coupled with G-Vectoring Control Plus continuously monitoring weight distribution and shifting power to the appropriate wheels. New for 2024 is the inclusion of i-Stop technology, which improves EPA estimated fuel economy to 26 mpg city, 31 mpg freeway and 28 mpg combined, a two-mpg combined improvement. The CX-5 is now available with new colors including Platinum Quartz or Zircon Sand Metallic exterior premium paint color when opting for the newly available Carbon Turbo. All 2024 CX-5 models will retain standard i-Activ all-wheel drive in the U.S. when they arrive in dealerships nationwide this Fall with a starting MSRP of $30,675 (including $1,375 for destination and handling).