Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Bentley Bentayga SUV Coming Early Next Year


The Bentley Bentayga SUV with an all-new 600 horsepower 12-cylinder engine that uses both direct and indirect fuel injection delivering a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph will start being delivered in early 2016.

Features include a full-length panoramic sunroof, up to eight modes of Drive Dynamics for any surface or road condition, Bentley Dynamic Ride (electrically activated 48V active roll control) and Electric Power-Assisted Steering, Adaptive Cruise Control including Stop & Go, predictive ACC and Traffic Assist that enables the driver to maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. Traffic Sign Recognition detects a wide variety of traffic signs and displays information to the driver. Rear Crossing Traffic Warning uses radar technology to detect crossing traffic when reversing out of a parking space. Top View uses four cameras to display an overall picture of the vehicle’s surroundings. Park Assist detects suitable parking spaces (both parallel and perpendicular) before autonomous steering takes over to support parking manoeuvres, even in narrow and tricky spaces.
Electronic Night Vision uses infra-red technology identifies potential obstacles ahead, and a Head-Up Display reduces driver distraction and increases safety.

Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible


The new Rolls-Royce Dawn four-seater convertible is powered by a 563 horsepower twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 powertrain and mated to an 8-speed ZF transmission. The fabric roof takes 22 seconds to move up or down at a cruising speed of up to 30 mph.

Porsche 911 Carrera Enhanced For March 2016 U.S. Delivery


The new Porsche 911 Carrera gets new turbocharged engines with a 20 horsepower increase with the 3.0 liter engine in the standard Carrera now 370 horsepower and the 911 Carrera S 420 horsepower and for the first time, rear-axle steering is available as an option for the Carrera S. Also new are headlights with four-point daytime running lights to integrated door handle recesses, a redesigned rear deck lid with vertical louvers, and new rear lights including four-point brake lights.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera models will be launched in the United States in March of 2016 with an MSRP for the 911 Carrera at $89,400, Carrera S $102,400, Carrera Cabriolet $101,700 and the Carrera S Cabriolet $115,700.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Concept To Be At Frankfurt Auto Show


Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo concept developed with Polyphony Digital, creator of the Gran Turismo video game franchise, as a real show car for Bugatti fans, car enthusiasts and gamers will be on display at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Jaguar F-PACE Compact SUV Goes On Sale In The Spring In U.S.


The all-new 2017 Jaguar F-PACE, a five seater luxury SUV, with a ground clearance of 8.4-inches and choice of a 3.0l 340 horsepower supercharged gasoline V6 engine priced from $42,390 or, exclusive to the F-PACE S model, a 380 horsepower supercharged gasoline V6 engine priced from $56,700. Both V6 engines are mated to an 8-speed transmission with power being routed to all four wheels via a torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system. Later in 2016, a 180 horsepower four cylinder Ingenium diesel engine will be added to the model lineup priced from $40,990. The all-new F-PACE range will consist of: F-PACE, F-PACE Premium, F-PACE Prestige, F-PACE R-Sport, F-PACE S and F-PACE First Edition (available in limited numbers, in the first year of production only). F-PACE offers 18-inch wheels to 22-inch wheels which were developed for the F-PACE by the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations division from forged aluminum to make them lighter and stiffer. The all-new 2017 Jaguar F-PACE goes on sale in the U.S. beginning Spring 2016.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Tesla Model X SUV Starts At $133,200 On Sept. 29

From Tesla Motors Club

From @elonmusk tweet

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

August 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors' Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands sold 270,480 vehicles in the United States in August 2015, a drop of 0.7 percent from August 2014. Year-to-date sales of 2,048,537 is a 3.2 percent gain. Cadillac sales of 15,738 is a 5.5 percent decline while year-to-date sales of 100,094 is a 5 percent drop from a year ago.

Ford Motor Company delivered its best August U.S. sales in nine years with sales of 234,237 vehicles, a 5.4 percent increase while year-to-date sales 1,750,589, a 2.7 percent gain. Lincoln sold 8,636 vehicle in August a 6 percent gain and for the year 65,284 is up 7.9 percent over 2014.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported August 2015 sales of 224,381, a decrease of 8.8 percent from August 2014. Toyota Division posted August 2015 sales of 190,894, down 10.5 percent. Lexus reported August sales of 33,487, up 2.1 percent from August 2014 and year-to-date sales of 222,151 is 11.7 percent higher than last year.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 201,672, a 2 percent increase compared with sales in August 2014 for the best August sales since 2002. Year-to-date sales of 1,461,842, up 5 percent from last year.

American Honda reported August 2015 sales of 155,491 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 6.9 percent over August 2014, when the industry had one additional selling day and an early Labor Day weekend. The Honda Division sold a total of 140,178, a 7.5 percent drop from last August while Acura reported 15,313 vehicles sold in August, a 1.1 percent decline. Year-to-date American Honda sales of 1,054,816 is a 1.2 percent rise over 2014.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for August 2015 of 133,351, a decrease of 1 percent over the prior year. Year-to-date Nissan Group sales of 1,000,706 is a 4.2 percent gain over last year. Nissan division sales of 122,716 is a 2 percent drop from a year ago and year-to-date sales of  915,358 is a 3.6 percent gain over 2014. Infinti August sales of 10,635 is a 16.1 percent jump over August 2014 and year-to-date Infiniti sales of 85,348 is 10.8 percent higher versus eight months of 2014.

Hyundai Motor America posted its best August ever, with 72,012 vehicles sold, up 2.9 percent compared to August 2014. Year-to-date sales of 514,175 is 2.5 percent higher than 2014 through August.

Kia Motors America reported best-ever August sales of 58,897 vehicles, a 7.7-percent increase over the same period last year and the brand’s fourth straight monthly sales record. Year-to-date Kia sales are 426,160, up 5.4 percent.

Subaru of America reported 52,679 vehicle sales for August 2015, a 4.9 percent increase over August 2014, the best-ever sales month in company history, breaking the previous record set in July 2015. Subaru also reported year-to-date sales of 375,632 vehicles, a 12.5 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 32,332 in August 2015, 8.1 percent lower than a year ago while year-to-date sales of 238,074 is a 2.8 percent drop from 2014. Separately, Audi achieved its best-ever August sales in the U.S. with 17,101 vehicles sold. Through the first eight months of 2015, Audi U.S. sales are 116,066 vehicles, up 12.1 percent from last year.

BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported August sales of 32,864 vehicles, an increase of 2.0 percent from the 32,219 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are 263,908 vehicles, a 7.3 percent increase from the same period last year. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 2.0 percent in August for a total of 27,755, a new August record, compared to August, 2014. Year-to-date, BMW brand sales are 223,348 vehicles, a 5.9 percent increase from the same period last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported all-time record August sales of 31,250, an increase of 3.2 percent from the same month last year. The Mercedes-Benz brand tallied 28,373, a 4.8 percent increase over August 2014. Sprinter delivered 2,260 sales for the month of August, up 15.3 percent for the year, while smart recorded sales of  617 in August. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz retails totaled 220,870, up 7.3 percent. Adding year-to-date sales of 17,957 for Sprinter Vans and 4,682 for smart, MBUSA posted grand total sales of 243,509 through August.

Mazda North American Operations reported August U.S. sales of 29,938 vehicles, representing a decrease of 4.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 216,091 vehicles, down 0.4 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported August 2015 sales of 8,289, an increase of 22.1 percent from August 2014 for the brand's 18th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases. Year-to-date sales of 65,701 are up 24.4 percent over the same period in 2014.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported August 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of 6,368, a 12 percent increase from August 2014. Land Rover sales reached 5,225, up 16 percent and Jaguar sales were 1,143, down 3 percent from August 2014. Year-to-date 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales hit 52,769, an increase of 15 percent over 2014.

Volvo U.S. sales of 5,870 represents a 18.3 per cent increase versus the same month last year. Year-to-date sales of 40,854 is a 4.2 percent gain over last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Friday, August 28, 2015

Hyundai To Showcase High Performance N Sub-Brand In Frankfurt


Hyundai will showcase its high performance sub-brand N at the Frankfurt Auto Show September 15th with the New Generation i20 WRC (World Rally Championship) car, the first prototype for the vehicle. The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept highlights sustainable technology and race car design.


Hyundai RM15 concept car represents how the Hyundai N driver-focused technologies could come into production. The mid-engine concept, with a 296 horsepower 2.0-liter engine. Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept is a new project by Hyundai coming exclusively to PlayStation®’s Gran Turismo video game series.

smart fortwo cabrio Coming To U.S. Early Next Summer


The new smart fortwo cabrio, with the same 89 horsepower three- cylinder engine as the coupe, can be combined with the five-speed manual transmission or the fully automatic twinamic dual clutch transmission. At the touch of a button its 19.4 sq-ft sliding canvas sunroof soft top completely opens in twelve seconds and removable roof bars can be stowed on the inside of the tailgate. With the 3-button key the soft top can also be opened from outside the car by remote control. The rear windscreen is heated and is made of glass. The torsional strength has been improved by around 15 percent compared with the predecessor. The open-top two-seater in pure (standard), passion, prime and proxy trim levels, will make its world premiere in a few weeks at the Frankfurt Auto Show and will launch in the U.S. in early summer of 2016.

2016 Hyundai Accent Sedan and Hatchback Starts At $15,570 This Month


The 2016 Hyundai Accent Sedan and Hatchback (above), powered by an all-aluminum 137 horsepower 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission gets up to 27 mpg city and up to 38 mpg highway EPA-estimated fuel economy. The Accent, which also offers a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®, receives minor changes, including trim name changes from GLS and GS to Accent SE Sedan and Accent SE Hatchback. Accent Hatchback continues to offer a Sport trim, with sportier visual cues and driving dynamics over the SE trim. Accent offers a standard 6-speaker, 172-watt audio system. The 2016 Accent arrives in dealerships this month at a starting price of $15,570 (includes freight charge of $825).

2016 Subaru BRZ Starting At $26,190 This Fall


The 2016 Subaru BRZ starting at $26,190 (including $795 destination & delivery), powered by a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, comes standard with a rear vision camera and is available in Premium or Limited trims with either a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed Electronic Direct-Control automatic transmission. The BRZ receives the SUBARU STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia System with a 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display. The 2016 BRZ models will begin arriving in dealerships this Fall.

2016 Lincoln MKX Starts At $38,995 With Two 300HP+ Engine Choices


The all-new 2016 Lincoln MKX, starting at $38,995 (including destination and delivery charges) comes standard with a 303 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and has an available 335 horsepower 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 engine, both mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with push-button shift and SelectShift®. Front-wheel drive is standard, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive optional. Available options are Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection that activates at speeds above 3 mph. Other features include, Auto Hold which releases the brakes when the accelerator pedal is pressed, a camera system that offers a 180-degree split viewand a 360-degree view shows up to 7 feet all around the vehicle. The 12-sensor ultrasonic system enables the full range of available parking-assist features: front rear side sensing, perpendicular and parallel parking and park out.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Coming Next Summer


The new 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe is powered by a 469 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine in standard trim or 503 horsepower in the C63 S, closely related to the engine in the Mercedes-AMG GT, featuring two turbochargers positioned in-between the engine's cylinder banks, otherwise known as a "hot inside V" and mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission. The C63 S Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds to a top speed of 180 mph, and the C63 Coupe in 3.9 seconds reaching a top speed of 155 mph. The AMG C63 Coupe comes standard with ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers with adjustable damping in three stages for sportiness and long-distance comfort. The new 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe will be available at U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealers in the summer of 2016.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Audi e-tron quattro Concept With A Range Of More Than 310 Miles


The Audi e-tron quattro concept is an electric SUV positioned between the Audi Q5 and the Q7 in size, so a Q6 on that metric, and borrows from the Audi R8 e-tron sports car for the drive system, with a predicted range of more than 310 miles. Audi will show the e-tron quattro SUV concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month. This will compete with Tesla's Model X electric SUV coming soon for those already in line and early next year for new reservations. Currently the maximum posted range for Tesla is 270 miles.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

2016 Honda Accord Gets Mid-Cycle Refresh - On Sale Tomorrow


The 2016 Honda Accord gets a mid-cycle refresh offered with the direct-injected 2.4-liter inline i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine in LX/LX-S, Sport, EX and EX-L trims and the 3.5-liter VTEC™ V-6 in EX-L and Touring trims and mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) for the 4-cylinder engines, 6-speed manuals for the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, and a 6-speed automatic for V-6 models. The MSRP for the 2016 Accord Sedan LX with 6-speed manual transmission remains at $22,925 (including $820 destination charge) and $23,725 for the Sedan LX with continuously variable transmission.


The Accord Coupe LX-S is also unchanged at $24,595 for the 6-MT and $25,445 for the CVT. All 2016 Accords feature a standard Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and Expanded View Driver's Mirror and on Touring trim models, new auto high-beam headlights. The Accord sedan goes on sale tomorrow and the Accord Coupe on August 26.

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser - New and Fully Loaded


The 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser, new from the A-pillar forward, with a full-time 4WD system powered by a 381 horsepower 5.7-liter DOHC V8 engine featuring Variable Valve Timing with intelligence mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, comes fully equipped and with seating for eight. Downhill Assist Control helps hold the vehicle to a target speed with minimal driver intervention and Hill-start Assist Control helps prevent roll-back when stopping and then starting again on a steep incline or slippery surface. The new Toyota Safety Sense-P system includes Frontal Collision Avoidance, at speeds below 24 mph (including pedestrian protection), Frontal Collision Mitigation (also for speeds below 24 mph); Lane Departure Alert; Auto High Beams and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. There's a new Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a backup camera. EPA fuel efficiency is 13 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway and 15 combined. Land Cruiser’s rear-seat DVD entertainment system features two individual 11.6-inch display monitors, RCA jacks and separate HDMI input for individual playback.

Monday, August 17, 2015

Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster For $530,075


The new Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster featuring a two-piece carbon fiber hardtop, with only 500 available worldwide, has a 750 horsepower 6.5-liter V12 engine mated to a 7-speed ISR transmission driving all four wheels producing 0-62 mph acceleration of 2.9 seconds to a a top speed of more than 217 mph. Deliveries of the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster begin in early 2016 with base MSRP pricing of $530,075.

2016 Toyota Tacoma Starts At $24,200


The all-new 2016 Toyota Tacoma (Access cab above) will feature a 159 horsepower 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with VVT-i that gets EPA estimated 19 city/23 highway/ 21 combined mpg for the 4x2 with an automatic transmission and Tacoma also offers an all-new 278 horsepower V6 with a 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle with VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligent Wider Intake) equipped with Toyota’s D-4S technology, featuring both direct and port fuel injection getting an estimated 19 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg for the 4x2 automatic. Both engines will be paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift and the V6 can also be mated to a new six-speed manual transmission and the four-cylinder to a five-speed manual.


The MSRP for the 2016 Tacoma 4x2 will range from $24,200 (including $900 delivery, processing, and handling fee) for the SR Access Cab with a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission to $35,645 for the Double Cab Limited 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission. The MSRP for the 2016 Tacoma 4x4 will range from $25,725 for the SR 4-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission to $38,720 for the V6 Limited with the six-speed automatic. (Double cab pictured above)

The Tacoma comes in Access cab or Double cab in SR, SR5, TRD, TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, Limited (double cab only) trims in either two-wheel and four wheel drive with two engine options and mated to a six-speed automatic or new six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed manual for the four-cylinder engine.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

2016 Lexus GS 200t, 350, 450h Debut


The 2016 Lexus GS 200t rear-wheel drive sedan with a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission gets an estimated of 33 mpg highway as the newest member of GS line-up. The GS 350 has a 311 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The GS 450h, with an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine and a water-cooled permanent-magnet electric motor for 338 total system horsepower, has EPA estimated 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined fuel economy ratings.

BMW Concept M4 GTS World Premiere


The BMW Concept M4 GTS, in frozen dark grey metallic, with the acid orange accent, with manually adjustable front splitter and rear wing is powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder in-line engine with a water injection system to increase output and torque. More details on the production version will be revealed at a later date.