Lexus GS F Joins High Performance 'F' Line

Lexus GS F four-door performance sedan with a naturally-aspirated 467 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, that uses both Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles to maximize power and efficiency in given situations, is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual-shifting capabilities. Lexus GS F joins Lexus’ high-performance “F” line that includes the RC F coupe. Both have Torque Vectoring Differential with Standard, Slalom and Track settings. A full introduction is expected next week in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show.

December 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 274,483 vehicles last month for the company’s best December sales in seven years with total sales up 19 percent compared to a year ago. Retail sales were up 23 percent and fleet deliveries were up 6 percent. For 2014, GM sold 2,935,008 vehicles, a 5.3 percent increase over 2013.

Ford Motor Company’s U.S. sales totaled 2,480,942 vehicles in 2014, flat versus a year ago, primarily due to the all-new F-150 changeover and a planned 15 percent reduction in daily rental sales. Sales totaled 220,671 vehicles in December, up 1 percent from a year ago and the company’s best December sales since 2005.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported December 2014 sales of 215,057, an increase of 12.7 percent from December 2013. For the year TMS reported sales of 2,373,771 vehicles, a 6.2 percent increase. Toyota Division posted December 2014 sales of 175,178, up 12.2 percent and for the year, Toyota Division sales of 2,062,382 were up 5.1 percent. Lexus December sales were 39,879, up 14.7 percent, bringing the 2014 total to 311,389, a 13.7 percent gain over 2013.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram Truck and FIAT) reported U.S. sales of 193,261, a 20 percent increase compared with sales in December 2013 and the best December sales since 2004. For 2014, sales were 2,090,639, a 16 percent increase over 2013.

American Honda reported December sales of 137,281, a gain of 1 percent bringing overall 2014 vehicle sales of 1,540,872, the second-best result in company history and an increase of 1.0 percent for the year. Honda Division had record sales of 1,373,029 vehicles for 2014 and Acura Division sales were 167,843, a 1.5 percent rise.

Nissan announced total U.S. sales for December 2014 of 117,318 units, an increase of 6.9 percent compared to last year and a December record. For calendar year 2014, Nissan set an all-time record with 1,386,895 total U.S. sales, an increase of 11.1 percent over 2013.

Hyundai Motor America announced a record December sales month of 64,507, up 2.4 percent versus the record-setting period in 2013. This is the fifth consecutive year of record U.S. sales up over the previous year and totaling 725,718, up 0.7 percent from 2013.

Kia Motors America capped a record-setting year with best-ever December sales of 45,587 vehicles, up 35.6 percent over the same period in 2013 and the highest annual sales total in company history of 580,234 vehicles, up 8.4 percent year-over-year and 4.0 percent over the previous record set in 2012. 

Subaru of America reported sales for December 2014 of 49,923 vehicles, marking the best December ever for the company with an increase of 24 percent over December 2013 and Subaru reported record sales of 513,693 vehicles for the 2014 calendar year, an increase of 21 percent for the sixth consecutive record and the largest ever single-year increase in volume for the brand.

Volkswagen of America reported 34,058, up 0.1 percent delivered in December, with 366,970 delivered in 2014, down 10 percent. Separately, Audi reported that its U.S. sales in 2014 increased 15.2 percent from the previous annual record in 2013 to 182,011 vehicles sold. December 2014 sales increased 13.1 percent to 19,238 vehicles.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported December sales of 48,141 vehicles, an increase of 9.5 percent from the same month a year ago. At year end, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 5.3 percent on sales of 395,850 compared to 2013, a new record for the BMW Group U.S.

Mercedes-Benz delivered best-ever December sales of 34,009, up 3 percent compared to December 2013 for record-breaking 2014 sales of 330,391, up 5.7 percent from 2013. Adding, Sprinter and smart sales, Mercedes-Benz USA December sales totaled 38,270 for a best-ever year-to-date grand total of 366,589, a 6.7 percent rise from last year.  

Mazda North American Operations reported December U.S. sales of 24,808 vehicles, an increase of 8.0 percent versus last year bringing the 2014 U.S. total to 305,801, up 7.7 percent over 2013 and the best result since 1994.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported December sales of 6,545, a 1.9 percent increase from year ago December with total 2014 vehicle sales of 77,643, a 24.8 percent increase over 2013.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported December 2014 U.S. sales: Land Rover sales reached 5,754 flat versus December 2013; Jaguar sales were 1,683, up 9 percent from December 2013. Jaguar Land Rover North America December U.S. sales for both brands hit 7,437, a 2 percent increase from December 2013. For the full year 2104, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales were 67,238, a gain of 0.4 percent compared to 2013. For the full year 2014 the Land Rover brand established an all-time annual high for U.S. sales of 51,465.

Volvo Cars of North America reported December U.S. sales of 4,920, a 0.7 increase from December 2013. For the full year, VCNA sold 56,366, a 7.9 percent decrease from 2013.

Porsche Cars North America announced 3,275 vehicles were delivered in December for a 2014 total of 47,007, an increase of 11.1 percent over 2013.


Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Alfa Romeo 4C Launches Sexy Marketing Campaign

The new Alfa Romeo 4C launches sexy marketing campaign: Alfa Romeo USA | Experience the 4C .

The Alfa Romeo 4C, is rear wheel drive powered in a single carbon fiber body with a new, mid-engine 1750cc direct injection, 237 horsepower turbocharged I4 engine, entirely made of aluminum, with a peak torque of 258 lb-ft of torque mated to a 6-speed Twin-Clutch Transmission. This system works like two transmissions in parallel, each with its own clutch. The next gear is selected while the previous gear is still engaged, eliminating discontinuity of power. The Alfa Romeo 4C has a top speed of 160 mph and accelerates from 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe has a starting MSRP of $53,900 and the 4C Coupe Launch Edition has a starting MSRP of $68,400.

New MINI John Cooper Works To Debut In Detroit

The new MINI John Cooper Works with a powerful 4-cylinder turbo engine, a sports suspension including Brembo sports brake system and exclusive John Cooper Works light alloy wheels will make its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in mid-January.

2015 Audi RS 5 Coupe Sport Edition - 75 At $87,575 Each

The 2015 Audi RS 5 Coupe Sport edition has a 450 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 and a seven-speed S tronic transmission with launch control program taking it from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds amd to an electronically-governed top speed of 174 mph. The 2015 RS 5 Coupe Sport edition features 20’’ 5-V-spoke design wheels and red brake calipers, and is available in Daytona Gray pearl effect, Nardo gray and multiple optional paint colors with Crimson Red Fine Nappa leather interior accents. The sport-tuned suspension sits the body 0.8 inches lower than the Audi A5. A total of 75 will be produced with a starting MSRP of $87,575.

2016 Cadillac CTS-V On Sale In Late Summer

The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V, the third generation V-Series luxury sports sedan that launched a decade ago, gets 640 horsepower, delivers 630 lb-ft of torque, sprints from  0-60 in 3.7 seconds and hits a top speed of 200 mph from a new supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine mated to Cadillac’s paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission, featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shifting. The CTS-V shares the same 114.6-inch wheelbase as the CTS non-V-Series models, but has wider front and rear footprints that enhance grip, reduce body motion and contribute to more direct-feeling steering. The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V launches in late summer.

Acura NSX Production Version To Debut In January

Acura NSX Concept

The production version Acura NSX mid-engine supercar with three-motor, twin-turbocharged Sport Hybrid power will make its world debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12, 2015. The NSX comes back after being discontinued in 2005.

Check out the video.

New BMW 6 Series and BMW M6 Go On Sale In Q2 2015

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 6 Series and BMW M6 will make their world debuts at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in the form of the new BMW 6 Series Coupe, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, and the BMW M6 Convertible. The BMW 650i Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe are equipped with a BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 that produces 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque and mated to an 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission, accelerating from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The BMW 640i Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe use BMW’s TwinPower Turbo inline six, generating 315 horsepower, 330 lb-ft of torque mated to an 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission, accelerating from 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds. The M6 Coupe and Gran Coupe using a 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine which generates 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, will accelerate  from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds (4.3 seconds for the M6 Convertible). The BMW M6 transfers the engine’s power to the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. BMW 6 Series vehicles will arrive in US showrooms in the second quarter of 2015.

2016 Kia Sorento Goes On Sale In January

The all-new 2016 Kia Sorento, available in L, LX, EX, SX and SXL trim levels, is 3.1 inch longer with 109.4-inch wheelbase and is slightly wider at 74.4 inches than its predecessor model to help accommodate a third row of seats. The 2016 Sorento offers three engines, including a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder, a 3.3-liter V6 and an improved 185 horsepower 2.4-liter normally aspirated inline-4 engine with new Electronic Intake Continuously Variable Valve Timing. All three engines are mated to an electronically controlled six-speed automatic gearbox featuring Sportmatic® shifting.

The 2016 Sorento has available Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score.  The new UVO system, includes Siri® “Eyes Free”5 and Local Search powered by Google® for finding locations, addresses and points of interest. U.S. sales begin in January 2015. My 2007 Sorento is going strong with over 60,000 miles.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe with a 362 horsepower biturbo V6 engine that produces 384 lb-ft of torque is mated to a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and has 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. The GLE is formerly the M-Class, the SUV in the E-Class segment. The GLE sports coupe offers the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system, the Sports Direct-Steer system and the Driving Assistance package which includes DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS. The Parking package with 360° camera and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC guarantees an excellent overview and problem-free maneuvering into and out of parking spaces. The LED Intelligent Light System which is a standard feature on all models and MAGIC VISION CONTROL is the heated, adaptive windscreen wiper system for adverse weather conditions. The GLE Coupe and GLE AMG looks like Mercedes-Benz answer to the BMW X6 and X6 M.

Aston Martin DB10 - The Next James Bond Car - Nov. 6, 2015

James Bond will be driving an Aston Martin DB10, a model developed specifically for the next 007 film, Spectre, due for release on November 6, 2015.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Audi's Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg

The Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro concept is hydrogen fuel cell, plug-in electric hybrid vehicle with a range of 310.7 miles on one tank of fuel with an exhaust emission of a few drops of water. The Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro has 170 kilowatts of electric drive power driving two electric motors to drive all four wheels. The 2016 Audi TT also debuted at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi discusses the new TT sports car and the Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro concept vehicles.

November 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 225,818 vehicles last month for the company’s best November sales in seven years, up 6 percent compared to a year ago, with Cadillac November sales 13,148, down 18.7 percent.  Year-to-date sales of 2,660,525, is up 4.1 percent over 2013 while Cadillac is a 154,600, a drop of 5.9 percent from a year ago.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 187,000 vehicles in November, down 2 percent from a year ago. Lincoln sales of 8,113 vehicles provided a 21 percent gain and the brand’s best November in seven years. Year-to-date sales of 2,260,271, is a 0.7 percent drop from 2013 with Ford at 2,175,487, down 1.2 percent and Lincoln at 84,784, a 15 percent gain from last year.

Toyota, Scion and Lexus reported total November 2014 sales results of 183,346, an increase of 3 percent over November 2013.  Toyota division posted November 2014 sales of 155,874, up 2.3 percent. Lexus reported November sales of 27,472, a 7.3 percent increase year-over-year. Year-to-date sales of 2,158,714 is a 5.6 percent gain over 2013, with Toyota division sales of 1,887,204, up 4.5 percent and Lexus sales of 271,510, a 13.6 percent increase.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 170,839, a 20 percent increase compared with sales in November 2013 for its best November sales since 2001. Year-to-date sales of 1,897,378, is up 16 percent over a year ago.

American Honda reported a new November Honda and Acura vehicle sales record of 121,814, an increase of 4.6 percent versus November 2013. The Honda brand set a new November best, recording sales of 106,957 vehicles, an increase of 4.9 percent for the month. The Acura brand posted sales of 14,857 in November, increasing 2.0 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales for both brands of 1,403,591 is up 1 percent with Honda at 1,240,372, up 1.1 percent and Acura at 150,034, an 0.2 percent gain.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for November 2014 of 103,188, a 3.1 percent decline from a year ago. Nissan division November sales  of 91,790 is a 1.7 percent drop and Infiniti sales of 11,398 is a decline of 13.3 percent versus November 2013.  Year-to-date, Nissan has now set a record for most U.S. sales in a year in the company's history with 1,269,577, up 11.5 percent for the year with Nissan Division at 1,164,254, up 12.4 percent and Infiniti at 105,329 through November, a gain of 2 percent.

Hyundai Motor America announced November sales of 53,672, down 4 percent versus the record setting period in 2013. Year-to-date sales of 661,211, a gain of 0.5 percent from last year.

Kia Motors America announced November sales of 44,936, down 1 percent from last November. Year-to-date sales are 534,647, up6.6 percent from 2013.

Volkswagen of America reported 31,725 vehicles delivered in November, a 3.2 percent rise while year-to-date sales of 332,911 is a 10.9 percent decline from 2013. Separately, Audi reported November U.S. sales of 16,640 vehicles, a 22 percent increase and marking the 47th consecutive month of record U.S. sales for the brand. Audi U.S. sales year-to-date of 162,773 is 15.4 percent increase, setting a new annual sales record with one month to go in 2014.

Subaru of America November sales of 45,273 vehicles, a 24 percent increase over November 2013 continued the record-breaking run with the best November in the company’s history. Subaru’s year-to-date sales of 463,770 is up 21 percent from a year ago and surpassing 2013's record year.

Mercedes-Benz reported the highest monthly sales in its history with a best-ever November total of 34,578, up 1.6 percent compared to the same month last year. Sprinter sold 2,532 and smart 815 units to bring total November sales at Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) to a record 37,925. Year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz sales are 296,382, a 6 percent increase over last year, with 22,457 vehicles at Sprinter, up 18.3 percent, and 9,480 at smart, a gain of 12.7 percent, for an MBUSA year-to-date  total of 328,319, a gain of 7 percent vs. 2013.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported November sales of 36,028 vehicles, a decrease of 0.8 percent from the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 2.3 percent in November for a total of 31,019 compared to November 2013. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 9.7 percent on sales of 298,212. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 4.8 percent on sales of 347,709 in the first eleven months of 2014 compared to the same period of 2013.

Mazda North American Operations  reported November U.S. sales of 21,242 vehicles, representing an increase of 2.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through November are 280,993 vehicles sold, up 7.7 percent versus last year.  

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported November sales of 6,534, a 7.6 percent increase over the sales total from November 2013 and the best November in the last seven years. Year-to-date sales of 71,098 is a 27.4 percent increase over last year.

Porsche Cars North America announced November 2014 sales of 4,699 vehicles, up 18.5 percent from a year ago. For the year, PCNA has delivered 43,732 vehicles in the U.S., an increase of 11.9 percent over the same time period in 2013.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 3,623 for the month of November, a drop of 14.4 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales are 51,446, down 8.7 percent versus the first eleven months of 2013.

Maserati North America reported its strongest November sales performance with a record 1,235 vehicles sold.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Scion's Doug Murtha On iM Concept

The Scion iM Concept five-door compact hatchback with a price tag under $20,000 targets youthful customers featuring front and rear bumper overhangs, deep air intakes and fog lights, and 19-inch forged alloy wheels flush with the body while vented rotors with 4-piston front calipers work with the adjustable-height racing suspension. The Scion iM Concept will be coming to dealerships in 2015 with details at the New York International Auto Show in April and closer to launch.

Scion Vice President Doug Murtha discusses the iM and the Scion brand.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Fiat's Jason Stoicevich On 500X Coming Next Year

The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X, with seating for five, is the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, available with a 160 horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, or a 180 horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission on all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models. The Fiat 500X is available with features like Uconnect 6.5 radio with a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, Uconnect Access Via Mobile, a 3.5-inch color thin-film transistor cluster display, Keyless Enter-N-Go, and heated front seats and steering wheel. The 2016 Fiat 500X, available in five trim levels: Pop, Easy, Lounge, Trekking and Trekking Plus, will arrive in FIAT studios in North America in the first half of 2015.

Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, discusses he new 2016 Fiat 500X and the Fiat brand.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Lexus' Jeff Bracken On NX200, LF-C2 Concept

 
Lexus LF-C2 concept 2+2 roadster which made its global debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show is a vision into the future for Lexus. The brilliant, golden yellow is produced by a multi-layer paint process. The first coat is a primer, followed by silver, a clear coat, then the yellow that reflects off the silver to give the brilliant luster. A final top coat is then applied.


Jeff Bracken, Group Vice President and General Manager of Lexus, Toyota Motor Sales USA luxury division discusses the LF-C2, Lexus NX200 which hits showrooms December 1st and other Lexus vehicles coming to market.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Cadillac's Andrew Smith On 2016 ATS-V

The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V sedan and coupe (above) have a 455 horsepower 3.6L twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting and launch control or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift for a 0 - 60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of more than 185 mph. The ATS-V has 25-percent greater structural stiffness than non-V models, which contributes to more precise handling and more direct steering responsiveness. The ATS-V features a 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display incorporating CUE with Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition, text-to-voice that converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers, USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The Performance Data Recorder is controlled via CUE’s color touch screen and recordings can be reviewed on the screen when the vehicle is parked. 2016 Cadillac ATS-V sedan and coupe production begins in spring 2015.  

Andrew Smith, Executive Director, Global Cadillac Design discusses new ATS-V Sedan and Coupe.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Mazda's Jim O'Sullivan On New 2016 CX-3

The all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3 (above) compact crossover SUV will be powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine in North America mated to an automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel-drive. Output details and specifications will be revealed closer to launch in summer 2015.

The 2016 MX-5 Miata (right), with a curb weight approximately 200 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, is also powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine.

Mazda6 and CX-5 receive revised front and rear lights, LED lighting on certain trim levels, Mazda Connect, an electric parking brake and newly designed alloy wheels. Exclusive to Mazda6 is the addition of the edge-lit five-point grille on certain trim levels.

Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations discusses the new introductions.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Volvo's Thomas Andersson

The 2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country (above), with 2.6 inches more ground clearance compared to the V60, made its world premier and the all-new 2016 Volvo XC90 its North American debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Volvo V60 Cross Country, with All-Wheel Drive and new Cross Country 18” and 19” wheels, will launch in the US and Canada with Volvo’s five-cylinder 250 horsepower gasoline engine coupled to an automatic transmission delivering 23 mpg. The V60 Cross Country comes standard with Hill Descent Control, which controls the car's speed automatically when driving down steep inclines. The driver can control the speed with the brake pedal or the accelerator when Hill Descent Control is activated. Sports seats in black leather with distinctive brown stitching will be available from launch, while two new two-tone leather upholsteries will be offered in early 2015.

Thomas Andersson, Vice President of Global Marketing, Volvo Cars Group discusses the new vehicles and the brand's future.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: MINI's David Duncan

The MINI Hardtop 4 door has room for five with a wheelbase that's 2.9 inches longer than the  MINI Hardtop 2 door and a body that's lengthened by 6.3 inches. A 133 horsepower 3-cylinder engine powers the MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 door and a 188 horsepower 4-cylinder engine is in the MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4 door both mated to a newly developed 6-speed manual and 6-speed Steptronic transmissions.

Introduced to North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week, David Duncan, Vice President of MINI of the Americas discusses the vehicle and the brand.