All-New 2014 BMW X5 Starts At $53,725 In 4th Quarter

The all-new BMW X5 is set to enter its third generation with a newly available rear drive model, the 2014 X5 sDrive35i, that will start at $53,725. The 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35i is priced at $56,025. The 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d price is $57,525 and the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive50i will start at $69,125 (all prices include $925 destination and handling). The all-new BMW X5 sDrive35i rear-wheel drive model and X5 xDrive35i will be powered by the 300 horsepower 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine. The V8-powered X5 xDrive50i will use BMW’s latest 445 horsepower 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8. All models will be equipped with BMW’s latest 8-speed automatic transmission. Newly-standard equipment for the X5 includes BMW’s Auto Start-Stop system, BMW’s iDrive4.2 Navigation System with Touchpad, 10 years of BMW Assist eCall service, 10 years of BMW TeleService, BMW Apps, 40-20-40 split-folding rear seat, and now standard Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering. 

The all-new 3rd-generation BMW X5, manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina, will arrive in US showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year as the TwinPower Turbo inline six X5 sDrive35i and X5 xDrive35i as well as the TwinPower Turbo V8 X5 xDrive50i. The BMW Advanced Diesel X5 xDrive35d will follow in early 2014.

2014 Ram Heavy Duty Gets All-New 410 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V-8

2014 Ram Heavy Duty line of pickup trucks gets the all-new 410 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine along with the standard 383 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and available 385 horsepower 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel engines. The 2014 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty starts at $30,695 (including $1,095 destination) with the new 6.4-liter HEMI option priced $1,495 greater than similarly equipped 5.7-liter HEMI-powered Ram. Beginning in the 2014 model year, the Ram 2500 will offer a range of new 18- and 20-inch wheels, a cargo-view camera, a flat-load floor option with fold-out panels that create a flat surface across the floor of the rear seating area and a rear air suspension system where an air bag replaces the coil spring much like the Ram 1500. Start of production of the 2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty is scheduled for the third quarter of 2013 at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.

2014 Cadillac XTS Gets 410 Horsepower Twin Turbo Engine In August

The all-new 410 horsepower Cadillac Twin Turbo V6 engine producing 369 lb-ft of torque will go into production in August as an optional engine for the 2014 XTS and will be in the upcoming all-new 2014 CTS sedan. The 2014 Cadillac XTS starts at $45,525, including destination fees, unchanged from 2013, and comes with the 306 horsepower 3.6L dual overhead cam V6 that is standard in the XTS in the U.S. market.

All-New 2014 Mazda3 Goes On Sale In The U.S. This Fall

The all-new 2014 Mazda3 is completely redesigned for its third-generation model with a choice of the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter and SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gas engines. There's an all-new in-car infotainment system and several all-new safety systems known as i-ACTIVSENSE using sensing devices such as milliwave radars and cameras to support the driver in recognizing hazards. Also coming with the 2014 Mazda3 is a Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Obstruction Warning, Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Smart City Brake Support. The all-new 2014 Mazda3 goes on sale in the United States this fall.

J.D. Power 2013 Initial Quality Study

Nearly two-thirds of issues experienced by owners in the first 90 days of ownership are design-related problems like driver interface, which includes voice recognition or hands-free technology, Bluetooth pairing for mobile phones, and the navigation system, according to the J.D. Power 2013 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). Overall initial quality for the industry averages 113 problems per 100 vehicles. Porsche ranks highest among nameplates listed below, averaging 80 PP100. followed by GMC with 90 PP100, Lexus with 94 PP100, Infiniti with 95 PP100 and Chevrolet with 97 PP100 accounting for five highest-ranked positions.

Among the 26 model-level segment awards, Chevrolet receives five, while Honda, Kia, Mazda and Porsche each receive two. Chevrolet models receiving an award are the Avalanche (tie), Camaro (tie), Impala, Silverado HD and Tahoe. Honda receives awards for the Civic and CR-V; Kia for the Soul and Sportage (tie); Mazda for the MAZDA2 and MX-5 Miata; and Porsche for the Boxster and 911. The Lexus LS ranks highest in the Large Premium Car segment and achieves 59 PP100, the lowest average problem level among all models in the study. Also receiving segment awards are Acura TL; Buick Encore (tie); Cadillac Escalade; Chrysler Town & Country; Ford Mustang (tie); GMC Sierra LD (tie); Hyundai Genesis Sedan; Infiniti FX; Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class; Nissan Murano; smart fortwo; and Toyota Camry.

Source: JDPA.com

2013 Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive Concours

Beverly Hills most famous street was closed down to traffic for displays of collector vintage and exotic cars from the early 1900's to present day. The popular attractions included the McLaren P1, the variety of models of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserarti vehicles spanning decades, plenty of Cadillacs, and, yes, even a corporate jet - Bombardier's new Learjet 85 fuselage representing the latest, largest aircraft in the 50 year history of Lear which will have a price tag of nearly $19 million and can take 9 people about 3,000 miles non-stop at mach 8.2. To make it more affordable, Flexjet offers fractional ownership which means 16 people can own one plane for $1.1 million each and $6,800 a month for 50 flying hours per year.

2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe Starts At $41,425 This Summer

The all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe will be offered as a 428i with a 240 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine carrying a base MSRP of $41,425, and a 435i Coupe with a 300 horsepower Twin Power Turbo 3.0-liter inline six with a starting price of $46,925 for the rear wheel drive models. Both will be available with a standard 8-speed sport automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The 2014 428i xDrive Coupe will start from $43,425 and the 435i xDrive Coupe from $48,925. The chassis construction is based on the latest BMW 3 Series Sedan so the all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe has a longer wheelbase, wider track and lower ride height than the previous-generation BMW 3 Series Coupe. All four variants of the BMW 4 Series Coupe will arrive in US showrooms late this summer.

2014 All-New Nissan Versa Note Starts At $14,780 This Month

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note, the second generation Versa hatchback, with a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTCS starts at $14,780 (including $790 Destination and handling) for the entry S trim level. The S Plus starts at $16,030 and SV at $16,780, with available SV Convenience Package ($540 USD), SL Package ($1,700 USD), Sport Value Package ($760 USD) and SL Tech Package ($800 USD). The front-wheel drive Versa Note gets 40 mpg highway, 31 mpg city for a combined 35 mpg for CVT-equipped models - so this Note goes for a song with fuel economy that is music to our ears.

2014 Jeep® Cherokee Starts At $23,990 In 3rd Quarter

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee, available in Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk trim levels with either 2 or 4 wheel-drive, starts at $400 less than the outgoing 2012 Liberty model and is powered by a new 184 horsepower 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine and mated to a nine-speed automatic transmissionwith fuel economy of up to 31 miles per gallon. The Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk offer an optional new 271 horsepower 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4x2 starts at $23,990 (including $995 destination), the Jeep Cherokee Sport 4x4 starts at $25,990, the Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4x2 at $25,490, the Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4x4 at $27,490, the Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x2 at: $28,990, the Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 at $30,990, and the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4 at $30,490.

The Cherokee Sport model standard equipment includes a Uconnect 5.0-inch touchscreen media center with Bluetooth, a new 3.5-inch full-color, thin-film transistor (TFT) LED center cluster, 10 air bags, LED tail lamps and daytime running lamps, halogen projector headlamps, Hill-start Assist. Optional equipment includes Jeep Active Drive I 4x4 system, Selec-Terrain drive mode selector (standard equipment with 4x4 equipped vehicles), SiriusXM Radio andParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines.

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude, the volume model for the Cherokee lineup, adds body color power mirrors and door handles, bright daylight opening (DLO) molding and roof rails, deep tint sunscreen glass, fog lamps, power windows with one-touch up and down, front passenger fold-flat seat with in-seat storage space, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient LED interior lighting, new 17-inch aluminum wheels, air conditioning with integrated center stack controls, 115-volt outlet and compact spare tire.

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited model has leather heated power seats, heated steering wheel, Keyless Enter-N-Go, an 8.4-inch touchscreen radio, SiriusXM Radio, USB in instrument panel media center for iPod, ParkView rear backup camera and remote start. The 2014 Cherokee Trailhawk includes off-road front and rear fascias, off-road wheel flares, red tow hooks, skid plates, off-road suspension, one-inch increased ride height, heavy-duty engine cooling and auxiliary transmission oil cooler, Jeep Active Drive Lock 4x4 system with low range and locking rear axle, Selec-Terrain drive mode selector, new Selec-Speed Control with Hill-ascent Control and Hill-descent Control.

The new Cherokee could grab a nice share of the popular compact SUV market. I'm looking forward to a full test drive.

May 2013 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors sold 252,894 vehicles in the United States in May, up 3 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales increased 9 percent, fleet sales were down 10 percent and the fleet mix was 26 percent of total sales. Year-to-date General Motors has sold 1,155,503 vehicles a 9.9 percent increase over last year. 

Ford's U.S. May sales of 246,585 was a 14 percent rise, with car volume up 9 percent, utility vehicle sales advancing 15 percent and truck deliveries jumping 18 percent. Year-to-date sales of 1,057,652 is a 13 percent increase over 2012.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported monthly sales of 207,952 in May 2013, up 2.5 percent from May 2012.Toyota Division posted May 2013 sales of 185,723, up 2.3 percent year-over-year while Lexus reported May 2013 sales of 22,229, up 3.6 percent compared to 2012. Year-to-date Toyota sales are 913,556, up 5.2 percent from 2012.

Chrysler Group  reported U.S. sales of 166,596, an 11 percent increase compared with sales in May 2012, and the group's best May sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales are 751,646, up 9 percent from a year ago.

American Honda reported May 2013 U.S. sales of 140,013, up 4.5 percent compared with May 2012. The Honda brand posted May 2013 sales of 125,649, an increase of 5.2 percent compared with May 2012.  Acura brand U.S. May sales of 14,364 units decreased 1.5 percent compared with May 2012.

Nissan North America set a new May U.S. sales record with 114,457 deliveries, an increase of 24.7 percent over May 2012. The Nissan division also set a new May record, with 106,558 sales, up 31.2 percent over last year. Infiniti sales in May totaled 7,899, down 25.4 percent from last May.  Year-to-date Infiniti sales are 42,119, a 4.1 percent decline from a year ago.

Hyundai Motor America May sales of 68,358, up two percent versus the same period in 2012 and up about eight percent over a very strong April. It was the company's second-best sales month of all-time, second only to March 2012, and the fastest daily-selling rate ever. Year-to-date sales are 296,003, up one percent over 2011.

Kia Motors America reported best-ever May sales of 52,327, a one percent gain over last year. Year-to-date Kia sales are 226,815, a 4.4 percent decline from last year.

Volkswagen of America reported May sales of 38,013, a 1.7 percent decrease over prior year sales. Year-to-date sales of 169,835 is a decline of 0.4 percent from 2012. Separately, Audi reported May 2013 sales of 13,228 vehicles, a 15 percent increase over the previous May record set last year. Year-to-date Audi sales are 60,571, a 15.4 percent gain over 2012.

Subaru of America reported historic-high vehicle sales of 39,892 for May 2013, shattering previous monthly sales records.  May 2013 sales represent a 34 percent increase over May 2012 and the best sales month in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 165,362, a 21 percent increase over the same period in 2012.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported May sales of 31,174 vehicles, an increase of 10.1 percent from the 28,321 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 6.3 percent on sales of 139,142 in the first five months of 2013 compared to 130,843 in the same period in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported another month of record highs with sales reaching 27,359, an 8.3 percent increase over May 2012.  Sales volumes at Mercedes-Benz jumped 9.8 percent last month, bringing year-to-date totals for the brand to a record high of 117,535.  Sprinter Van year-to-date sales increased 5.3 percent from the same time last year to 7,517, combining with steady momentum from smart at 3,678 to round out MBUSA's year-to-date totals of 128,730.

Mazda North American Operations reported May U.S. sales of 24,270 vehicles, an increase of 19.2 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales are 122,447, down 1.2 percent from last year.

Porsche Cars North America announced May 2013 sales of 3,928 vehicles. This is the best May sales month – and second best month ever – in PCNA history and compares to 2,852 vehicles sold in May 2012, an increase of 38 percent. For the year, PCNA has delivered 17,609 vehicles in the U.S., up 31 percent over last year's all-time record sales year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu Goes On Sale This Fall

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has a new 196 horsepower Ecotec 2.5L Intake Valve Lift Control DOHC four-cylinder engine with direct injection and start/stop technology that helps deliver an estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 35 highway. The 2014 Malibu also has an available 259 horsepower 2.0L turbo engine that delivers nearly 14 percent more torque than its predecessor. The all-new Malibu, influenced by the Impala, has a revised front-end appearance, new chassis and suspension. A roomier rear seat creates 1.25 inches more knee room.

Malibu has 10 standard air bags and offers New Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features and rearview camera system. The Malibu’s redesigned center console has a longer armrest with a pair of cup holders and dedicated storage for two cell phones.

All-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon At $54,400

The all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, powered by a 3.5 liter 302 horsepower V6 engine, starts at $54,400 and features eleven new or optimized "intelligent drive" systems adapted from the future S-Class set to debut later this year, including technologies that can help prevent accidents with pedestrians or vehicles crossing in front, Active Lane Keeping Assist for avoiding collisions with oncoming traffic and anti-glare continuous high-beam headlamps. The E350 Wagon which gets 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway arrived in showrooms last month.

2014 BMW 5 Series, With New Diesel, Arrive In August

The 2014 BMW 5 Series offers 13 different variants with standard Xenon Adaptive headlights, including x-drive power and Gran Turismo design. The 2014 BMW 5 Series receives redesigned lower air intakes, standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a new inline-6 diesel engine for the Sedan. The BMW 528i Sedan, with a TwinPower turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine, starts at $50,425 (including $925 Destination and Handling). Powered by a 300 horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, the 2014 BMW 535i Sedan starts at $56,025 and 535i Gran Turismo at $60,925. 

The 5 Series Gran Turismo receives a modified front apron exuding presence and solidity and comes with standard air suspension, including automatic self-leveling rear suspension. Its redesigned rear end makes it look longer and lower. The 535i sedan can be fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission as a no cost option while the 8-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment with a new coasting function and can also be ordered with Sport Automatic shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The BMW 535d, with a 255 horsepower TwinPower Turbo inline-6 BMW Advanced Diesel engine, starts at $57,525. Add $2,300 for the x-drive models and $4,000 for the Gran Turismo editions of the 535i and 550i. The new BMW 550i Sedan with an updated 445 horsepower BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 with Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology starts at $64,825. The Sport Automatic option is standard for the 2014 BMW 550i Sedan models and now includes Launch Control.

The iDrive controller comes standard with the Navigation system featuring a touchpad surface allowing character recognition. An optional Comfort Access system allows the tailgate or trunk to be opened hands-free, and has been extended to include a closing mechanism, which means that a movement of the foot under the rear apron can now be used to prompt the tailgate to close as well as open.

Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start-Stop functionality, and ECO PRO mode, the suite of standard-fitted BMW EfficientDynamics technologies now also includes a coasting mode (which disengages the powertrain while coasting), and the ECO PRO Route function, which can be selected via the Navigation system. Additionally, updated aerodynamics is a key factor headlights are fitted as standard on all 5 Series models, while Adaptive LED Headlights are an option. The side indicator lights are now integrated into the exterior mirrors. Also new in the BMW 5 Series are the Luxury Line and Modern Line, in addition to the M Sport choice, each containing select design and equipment features. All variants of the new BMW 5 Series can also be ordered M Sport Package, which now features a new M steering wheel, LED fog lights, and no-charge Nappa Leather upholstery to further increasing the scope for individualization.

The updated 2014 BMW 5 Series Sedan and Gran Turismo will arrive in August.

2014 Fiat 500L Goes On Sale In June Starting At $19,990

The all-new 2014 Fiat 500L, L as in long, has 42 percent extra interior space with seating for five, powered by a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with two six-speed transmissions. The 2014 Fiat 500L Pop model has a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,900 (including $800 destination). Check out the Fiat 500L debut interview at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the 2014 Fiat 500L website.

The 2014 Fiat 500L Easy model adds standard 16-inch aluminum wheels, deep-tint rear glass, body-color exterior mirror caps, front-seat center console with armrest, leather-wrapped square-in-circle designed steering wheel, premium leather-wrapped shift knob with chrome accent, vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in three colors, unique cloth seat fabric and six-speaker FIAT premium audio system with 520-watt amplifier. The 2014 Fiat 500L Easy model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $20,995 (including $800 destination charge).

The all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking model adds to the Fiat 500L Easy model with aggressively designed two-piece front and rear fascias with Grigio Chiaro (graphite) inserts, fog lamps, satin-finished "whiskers," door handles and unique lower front- and rear-fascia accents, Grigio Chiaro wheel arch and body-side sill moldings, Grigio Chiaro recessed license plate area and lower left- and right-side reflector surrounds, and larger 17 x 7-inch aluminum wheels with wider 225/45R17 all-season tires. Inside, the Fiat 500L Trekking features a painted instrument panel bezel and a unique two-tone Nero/Marrone (black/brown) interior environment that carries through on its leather-wrapped steering wheel, door and door-panel armrest bolsters, low-back bucket premium cloth seats and floor mats. The 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $21,995 (including $800 destination charge).

The all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge model adds on to the Fiat 500L Easy model with an innovative Euro Twin Clutch six-speed transmission, 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, chrome body-side moldings and mirror caps, dual sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, premium vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in two colors, premium heated leather front seats with power four-way adjust, two-way power driver's side lumbar, 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks with segment-exclusive fore-aft adjustment, recline and tumble feature; integrated armrest with cup holders, automatic dual-zone climate control and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass. The 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $24,995 (including $800 destination charge).

During the first year of Fiat 500L production, a no-charge Premier Package will be included with Easy, Trekking and Lounge models including ParkSense rear-park assist, ParkView rear back-up camera and Uconnect 6.5 with a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen and navigation. The Uconnect 6.5 features voice operation of navigation, AM/FM and mobile phones; handsfree phone and Bluetooth-streaming audio, text message reader, personalization settings, premium media hub with SD card reader, auxiliary jack and USB inputs.

The Fiat 500L Easy and Trekking models have an available Premier Package +Beats/SiriusXM adding SiriusXM and Beats Audio studio-quality sound system with six premium speakers, 6.5-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk-mounted enclosure and eight-channel amplifier with Beats Audio digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm.

2013 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - Top Safety Pick+

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 5-passenger compact crossover vehicle was named a small SUV 2013 "Top Safety Pick+" award winner by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Outlander Sport sales in 2013 through the end of April are 7,547 so the IIHS recognition is a big positive for a brand that has been struggling with sales while celebrating 30 years of sales in the U.S. and 25 years of production in Normal, Illinois. The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, known as the RVR in Canada (pictured above) has a 148 horsepower 4-cylinder engine that achieves an EPA-rated 31 mpg highway with starting MSRP of $19,170.

The only other small SUV receiving the designation is the 2014 Subaru Forester. To earn Top Safety Pick+ vehicles must receive good ratings in at least 4 of 5 tests and no less than acceptable in the fifth test.

2013 "Top Safety Pick+" award winners in all other categories are:
Acura TL
Chrysler 200 (4-door models)
Dodge Avenger
Ford Fusion built after December 2012
Honda Accord 2-door, Honda Accord 4-door
Honda Civic 2-door, Honda Civic 4-door
Kia Optima
Lincoln MKZ
Mazda 6 - 2014 models
Nissan Altima (4-door models) built after November 2012
Subaru Legacy built after August 2012
Subaru Outback built after August 2012
Suzuki Kizashi
Volkswagen Passat - built after October 2012
Volvo S60
Volvo XC60

IIHS five tests: 
Moderate overlap front test - Assesses occupant protection and vehicles' structural designs when part of the front crumple zone is engaged
Small overlap front test - Assesses occupant protection and vehicles' structural designs when most of the front crumple zone is bypassed
Side test - Assesses occupant protection when vehicles are struck in the side by SUVs or pickups
Rollover test - Assesses vehicle roof strength for protection in rollover crashes 
Rear test - Focuses on how well seat/head restraint combinations protect against whiplash injuries

Information from www.IIHS.org

BMW 6 Series M Sport Edition Coming In July

The new BMW 6 Series M Sport Edition is available on all models and engine variants of the BMW 6 Series range (including xDrive models) adding $4,600 to the base MSRP of the 6 Series Convertible, $4,800 to the 6 Series Coupe, and $5,300 to the 6 Series Gran Coupe. The M Sport Edition models of the BMW 6 Series are based on the traditional M Sport package, comprised of a model-specific M aerodynamics package, 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, LED foglamps, the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim, black-painted brake calipers and exhaust tail pipes in dark chrome. The interior features an M leather steering wheel, M door sill finishers, M driver’s footrest, and sport seats in nappa leather.

The BMW 6 Series M Sport Edition adds the new Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster, Full LED Adaptive Headlights, and the Executive Package. 650i and 650i xDrive models have the Driver Assistance Package. The M Sport Edition will be available starting with July production.

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coming Soon

 
The new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with two body lengths to choose from, is longer and wider than its predecessor models and comes as an S 400 HYBRID with a 306 horsepower V6, an S 500 with a 455 horsepower V8, an S 350 BlueTEC with a 258 horsepower V6 and an S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID with a 204 horsepower inline-4 cylinder engine. All powerplants take the S-Class to a top speed of more than 150 miles per hour.

The new S-Class has features that include a larger radiator grille, an LED-lit interior and exterior without using a single light bulb, brake lights that reduce their intensity at night or while waiting at traffic lights, Road Surface Scan that detects road unevenness with a stereo camera and Magic Body Control that instantaneously sets up the suspension to deal with the new situation. Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot takes the burden off the driver when it comes to lane guidance and is also able to follow vehicles in traffic jams automatically.

There are two high-resolution TFT color displays in 8:3 format with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches form the new information center in the S-Class. The left-hand display for the instrument cluster and the right-hand display for infotainment and comfort functions. The new Pre-Safe  functions can help to prevent collisions with pedestrians and vehicles in front in city traffic, defuse dangerous situations caused by traffic behind and enhance the protection offered by the seat belts. Pre-Safe Plus can recognize an imminent rear-end collision and warn the following traffic by activating the rear hazard warning lights at a high frequency.

The Energizing massage function is based on the hot-stone principle and the active seat ventilation has reversing fans and 14 separately actuated air cushions in the backrest, as well as an integrated warming function. There is a choice of six massage programs, two of them using the warming function. The function is also available for the rear seats. The rear seats have four different variants including an Executive seat with a backrest angle adjustable by up to 43.5 degrees, allowing occupants in the rear to concentrate on work or relax in comfort.

The new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is due in showrooms this Fall.

Test Drive: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is fun, roomy and intuitive to operate - the same impression I had when I drove the VW Beetle in 1998 when it was reincarnated.

A classic key ignition (not a faub sensor tied to a push to start/stop button) and a quick 8 second roof drop time with a simple push of a button. My mission, driving through the ritzy affluent Chastain Park area of Atlanta, was to find the perfect spot to shoot some photos. Little did I know that the 13,000 square foot mansion I decided to use as a backdrop would also come with a full endorsement of the VW Beetle Convertible. I pulled in front of this magnificent home and then began to put the roof cover over the convertible top.

A lady walking her dog came out of the driveway of this monstosity and we struck up a conversation that led to her saying, "my Beetle Convertible is more practical than my SUV for going to Home Depot because with the roof down I can load plants and trees in the back seat." Turns out she's had her VW Beetle for two years and loves it. So I stumbled on a credible testimonial in a most unsuspecting neighborhood by pure accident. Her husband then came to check on our conversation and explained "the roof cover goes on much quicker and more easily (over the retracted roof) once you've done it a few times." Good advice from an executive who probably offered his wife a choice of any vehicle on the market and she chose the VW Beetle Convertible.

A great sound system and no telematics nightmare in this peppy, solid handling all purpose convertible that I used to commute from a community north of Atlanta to a movie set in downtown Atlanta daily for almost a week. The front seat easily slides forward to let rear passengers enter and exit with ease and sit in comfort. When you're in a certain vehicle, similar vehicles seem to jump out at you, and that was the case with this Beetle which seemed plentiful in Atlanta, including original vintage '70's model Beetles or "VW bugs" with drivers who acknowledged my taste for being behind the wheel in one. This test drive experience brought memories of my girlfriend, now wife, who drove a 1972 Beetle when we were dating - maybe that explains some of my affection for this iconic vehicle, which in it's contemporary rebirth has a lot to offer including practically and affordability.

Bottom line: The VW Beetle Convertible is versatile, practical, fuel efficient, affordable with solid handling and an easy-to-operate power retractable soft-top. Former VW Marketing Chief Tim Mahoney (now at GM) told me that more men are buying the Beetle despite a traditionally strong female buying history, now I know why - I felt great behind the wheel.

CODA Files For Bankruptcy

CODA is filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy "to complete a sale, confirm a Plan and emerge from bankruptcy in a stronger position to execute its new business plan.  The Company expects the sale process to take 45 days to complete."

In a statement posted on its website: "After concluding a comprehensive review of our strategic options, the Board of Directors, management team and senior lending group have concluded that focusing on the Company’s energy storage business presents the best opportunity moving forward,” said Phil Murtaugh, Chief Executive Officer, CODA Holdings, Inc.  “We believe the restructuring process that we have entered into today will enable the Company to complete a sale and confirm a Plan that maximizes the value of its assets, serving the best interests of our stakeholders.”

CODA formed CODA Energy two years ago and says that it is focusing its business strategy on the growing energy storage market. CODA's bankruptcy filing comes just weeks after Fisker's failure.

April 2013 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors sold 237,646 vehicles in the United States in April, up 11.4 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales increased 10 percent, fleet sales were up 16 percent and the fleet mix was 28 percent of total sales. GM's year-to-date total sales of 902,609 is a 9.8 percent gain over 2012.

Ford Motor Company April U.S. sales of 212,584 was a 17.9 percent gain over April 2012 and year-to-date Ford has sold 811,067 vehicles, up 12.7 percent for its best April sales since 2007. The Lincoln Brand April sales of 7,615 was a 20.7 percent increase but year-to-date Lincoln sales are 23,514, a 13.4 percent drop from the first four months of 2012.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., reported monthly sales of 176,160 in April 2013, down 1.1 percent on an unadjusted raw volume basis.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 156,698 units, an 11 percent increase compared with sales in April 2012 for its best April sales since 2007. Year-to-date Chrysler sales are 585,050, a 9 percent rise over last year.

American Honda reported April 2013 U.S. sales of 130,999 units, an increase of 7.4 percent compared with April 2012. The Honda brand posted April 2013 sales of 117,100 units, an increase of 6.6 percent compared with April 2012.  Acura U.S. April sales of 13,899 units increased 14.2 percent compared with April 2012. Year-to-date total Honda sales are 468,650, up 6 percent over 2012.

Nissan North America reported April U.S. sales of 87,847, up 23.2 percent.  Nissan Division sales were 80,003, up 24.6 percent while Infiniti sales of 7,844 vehicles were up 10 percent over the prior year. Year-to-date sales of 406,128, is a 3.2 percent gain over 2012.

Hyundai Motor America announced sales of 63,315, up two percent versus the same period in 2012. Year-to-date sales are 227,645, up 0.8 percent from last year.

Kia Motors America reported best-ever April sales of 47,556, selling 6 more vehicles than April 2012. Year-to-date Kia sales are 174,488, down 6 percent from last year.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 33,644 in April, a 10.3 percent decrease over prior year sales. Year-to-date sales of 131,822 is just 0.1 percent lower than a year ago's 131,898 sales through April. Separately Audi reported April 2013 sales of 13,157 vehicles, a 14.2 percent increase over the previous April record set last year. Year-to-date sales of 47,343 is a 15.5 percent gain over 2012.

Subaru of America reported 32,943 vehicle sales for April 2013, which represents a 25 percent increase over April 2012 and the best-ever April sales month in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 125,470, a 17 percent increase over the same period in 2012.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported April sales of 29,011, an increase of 8.3 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 5.3 percent on sales of 107,968 in the first four months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.   

Mercedes-Benz USA reported the highest second quarter start in its history with record April sales of 26,157, a 4.4 percent increase over April 2012. Mercedes-Benz models alone saw a 5.8 percent gain in sales volume at 23,635 bringing year-to-date totals for the brand to 92,822.  Combined with monthly sales from smart (667) and Sprinter Vans (1,855) MBUSA saw a year-to-date total of 101,371, a 10.2 percent increase over the previous year, making this April the earliest month ever to break 100,000 units.

Mazda North American Operations reported April U.S. sales of 19,894 vehicles, representing a decrease of 7.5 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through April are down 5.2 percent versus last year, with 98,177 vehicles sold.

Porsche Cars North America announced April 2013 sales of 4,032 vehicles,  an increase of 17 percent, marking the highest sales month in PCNA history. For the year, PCNA has delivered 13,681 vehicles in the U.S., up 29 percent over last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.