2017 Cadillac Crossover Touring 5 - XT5 - Coming Late Spring 2016

2017 Cadillac Crossover Touring 5 (XT5), 278 pounds lighter than the current SRX, will be powered by the new 310 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine in the U.S. market mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift, an electronically controlled transmission shifter, and features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel-saving 4-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads. Rear-seat legroom is increased 3.2 inches in the XT5, compared to the SRX. There's an optional new advanced “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system. Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen, who as President of Infiniti decided to give all their vehicles the "Q" designation is giving Cadillac crossovers the "XT" nomenclature. XT5 production begins in the U.S. and China in Spring 2016.

2016 Honda Civic Sedan Starts At $19,520

The 2016 Honda Civic Sedan, the 10th generation, completely new-from-the-ground-up with a 1.2-inch-longer wheelbase yet 68 pounds lighter than before, starts at $19,520 (including $880 destination charge) for the LX trim, $150 more than the outgoing model. It features a new 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC™ engine in the LX and EX trims, while Civic EX-T, EX-L and new line-topping Touring models are powered by a 174-horspower 1.5-liter DOHC TURBO engine. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2016 Civic Sedan are 31/41/35 mpg(city/highway/combined) for 2.0-liter models with continuously variable transmission and 31/42/35 mpg for 1.5-liter TURBO models with CVT. New standard equipment includes automatic climate control, auto-up/down front-power windows, an electronic parking brake with Brake Hold and Walk-Away auto door locks. The Honda Sensing™ option includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Warning, and adds, for the first time, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible Coming In Mid-2016

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible, with a fully-automated roof that stows in 18 seconds, and can be raised in 21 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, is powered by 240 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible, shown as a concept at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, goes on sale from mid-2016 in more than 170 markets worldwide.

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Starts at $29,270

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the eighth Toyota hybrid model, comes in XLE and Limited premium grades, powered by a 194 system horsepower system that combines output from a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a small high-torque electric motor with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System as standard. A second, independent electric motor drives the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction. The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid goes from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds with expected EPA ratings are 34 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 33 mpg combined. The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid XLE starts at $29,270 and the Limited at $34,510 (including $900 Delivery, Processing, and Handling fee).

Hyundai Plans Six New Vehicles By 2020 For New Genesis Brand

Hyundai Motor has announced an all-new global luxury brand, Genesis, which means "new beginnings" and will carry the new wing-type emblem (above), redesigned from the version used on the current Genesis model. Rumored for sometime after the introduction of Hyundai's premium luxury Genesis and Equus vehicles, Genesis will be a stand-alone brand that operates alongside the Hyundai marque with plans to launch six new Genesis models by 2020 to compete with the world’s most renowned luxury car brands. Hyundai says the brand's ‘human-centered’ luxury will have "a complete focus on customers who want smart ownership experiences that save time and effort, with practical innovations that enhance satisfaction", according to Hyundai Motor Company Vice Chairman Euisun Chung. The Genesis brand will adopt a new alphanumeric naming structure. Future models will be named by combining the letter ‘G’ for Genesis with a number, 90, 80 or 70 etc., representing the segment. Hyundai Motor has created a Prestige Design Division to differentiate the new Genesis brand vehicles.

2016 Nissan LEAF Coming Soon With New Longer Range Battery

The 2016 Nissan LEAF, on sale soon, has a new a 30 kWh battery that provides an EPA-rated range of 107 miles, a 27 percent increase over the previous 24 kWh battery, and starts at $27,550 (including $850 Destination and Handling) after the federal tax credit of $7,500 for the SV model and $30,140 for LEAF SL after the federal tax credit. LEAF S models continue to be equipped with a 24 kWh battery with an EPA-rated range of 84 miles and its starting price remains at $22,360 after the federal tax incentive. The battery in LEAF SV and SL can be quick-charged to 80 percent (from the low battery charge warning) in about 30 minutes, providing about 22 percent more miles of range compared to a 30-minute quick charge on previous LEAF models. Charging on a normal home charging system (Level 2, 240V) is estimated to take about six hours.

The 2016 model year adds standard NissanConnect with Mobile Apps with 5.0-inch color display for LEAF S models. LEAF SV and SL grades add NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, featuring a 7.0-inch color display with multi-touch control and Nissan Voice Recognition.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS Coming In Late March

The new 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS seven passenger SUV is powered by a 362 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 bi-turbo engine in the GLS450 4MATIC, a 449 horsepower V8 bi-turbo engine in the GLS550 4MATIC, and a 577 horsepower powerplant in the Mercedes-AMG GLS63. The GLS350d 4MATIC offers 255 horsepower V6 diesel engine. All versions mated to the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard, except the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 which gets the revised AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission. With DYNAMIC SELECT, the new GLS provides COMFORT, SLIPPERY and SPORT transmission modes, in addition to INDIVIDUAL or an OFF-ROAD mode.

Standard driver assistance systems include COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST. Other systems available as standard on the GLS include: PRE-SAFE® system, Brake Assist BAS, electronic all- wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP®, and cruise control. The optional Driver Assistance Package has systems including 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 Speed Limit Assist. The GLS will be available to order from December, with deliveries in in the US market from late-March 2016.

2016 Cadillac Touring 6 Sedan Starts At $54,490 In March

The 2016 Cadillac Touring 6 sedan offers an all-new 400 horsepower Cadillac 3.0L Twin Turbo V-6 engine, an all-new 335-horsepower 3.6L V-6 and a 265 horsepower 2.0T four-cylinder engine all engines paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The CT6 2.0L Turbo starts at $54,490, the CT6 3.6L V6 with AWD starts at $56,490 and the CT6 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 with AWD starting at $65,390 (including $995 destination fees). The highest level 2016 Cadillac CT6 Platinum model starting at $84,460. The CT6 features active-on-demand all-wheel drive, active rear steering and Magnetic Ride Control on the available Active Chassis System and new technology includes Rear Camera Mirror, Enhanced Night Vision technology and a 34-speaker Bose® Panaray® audio system. Shipments to dealers begin in March.

October 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors’ Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands sold 262,993 vehicles in the United States in October 2015, up 15.9 percent from a year ago, with Chevrolet posting its best October sales since 2004. Year-to-date total GM sales of 2,562,840 is 5.3 percent higher than the first ten months of last year.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 213,938 vehicles last month, up 13.4 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 2,186,126 is a 5.4 percent increase over 2014.

Toyota U.S. October sales of 204,045 is a 13 percent increase over October 2014. Year-to-date sales of 2,071,446, up 4.9 percent. Toyota Division October sales of 177,609 is up 13 percent and Lexus sales of 273,881 is up 12.2 percent from October last year.

FCA US  (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 195,545 last month, a 15 percent increase compared with sales in October 2014 for the company’s best October sales since 2001. Year-to-date sales of 1,850,406 is a 7 percent gain over last year.

American Honda reported record-breaking October sales of 131,651 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 8.6 percent. Honda Division sales rose to an October record of 115,572, up 9.3 percent. Acura sales were 16,079, a rise of 4.2 percent. Year-to-date American Honda sales of 1,320,217 is up 3 percent over 2014.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for October 2015 of 116,047, an increase of 12.5 percent over the prior year. Year-to-date sales of 1,238,535 is a 6.2 percent increase over the first ten months of 2014.

Hyundai Motor America posted its best October ever, with sales of 60,005, up 19.8 percent compared with October 2014. Year-to-date sales are 638,195, a 5 percent rise over last year.

Kia Motors America announced best-ever October sales of 50,044 vehicles, a 12 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 526,024 is 7.4 percent higher than a year ago.

Subaru of America reported record sales for October 2015 totaling 51,629 vehicles, a 20 percent increase over the previous October record set in 2014. Year-to-date sales of 480,331 vehicles is a 14.8 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Volkswagen of America reported October sales of 30,387, a 0.24 percent increase over October 2014. Year-to-date sales of 294,602, a 2.2 percent drop from last year. Separately, Audi reported  October 2015 sales of 17,700, an increase of 16.8 percent. Year-to-date Audi sales of 165,103 is a 13 percent increase over last year.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported October sales of 33,526 vehicles, a decrease of 6.6 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are up 5.4 percent from the same period last year with 328,456 vehicles sold. Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 3.8 percent in October for a total of 29,439 compared to 30,602 vehicles sold in October, 2014. Year-to-date, BMW brand is up 4.6 percent from the same period last year with sales of 279,395 vehicles.

Mazda North American Operations reported October U.S. sales of 25,451 vehicles, representing an increase of 35.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 267,158 vehicles, up 2.9 percent.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported October 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of 8,187, a 76 percent increase from October 2014.  Land Rover sales reached 7,199, up 98 percent from  October 2014 while Jaguar sales were 998, down 2 percent from October 2014. Year-to-date Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales hit 67,806, an increase of 23 percent over 2014.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported October 2015 sales of 7,426, an increase of 19.8 percent from October 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 25 percent over the same period in 2014.

Mazda North American Operations reported October U.S. sales of 25,451 vehicles, representing an increase of 35.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 267,158 vehicles, up 2.9 percent.

Volvo Cars in the United States reported 7,422 retail sales in October. Year-to-date U.S. of 53,803 sales in the US, up 12.5 per cent.

Porsche Cars North America announced October 2015 sales of 4,070 vehicles, up 11 percent over October 2014.  This is the strongest October sales month in PCNA history. Year-to-date sales of 43,370 is 11.1 percent higher than a year ago.


Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Kia's SEMA A1A Optima

Kia's SEMA A1A Optima a convertible spin of the all-new 2016 Optima with a 245-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, takes inspiration from the iconic Florida A1A highway with its shortened windshield and room for four.  Reinforced steel tubes have been discretely hidden within the body so that the vehicle retains a rigid structure. The back doors of the A1A Optima swing open on rear-mounted hinges.

Crooks & Castles Scion iM 5-door Hatchback For SEMA

The Crooks & Castles Scion iM 5-door hatchback created by the clothing company is one entry for the 11th Annual SEMA Scion Tuner Challenge in Las Vegas. They received a Scion iM and a $15,000 build budget to put a unique spin on the car. Crooks & Castles features a black and white scheme, with an all-white leather wrapped rollcage and black rewrapped race seats for the interior. The car was finished off with custom white mesh wheels, mirroring the theme of his existing fleet of customized cars.

2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 Starts At $30,305

The 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0, a black and camel themed 1,000 vehicle offering with a 200 horsepower 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing rear wheel drive flat boxer engine, will come with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management® technology. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price will be $30,305 for the manual transmission and $31,405 for the automatic transmission (including the $795 delivery, processing and handling fee).

Lexus LF-FC Concept

The Lexus LF-FC all-wheel-drive flagship concept powered by a high output hydrogen fuel cell power system that energizes the rear wheels and also sends power to two in-wheel motors in the front, is an advanced human machine interface that can be operated by simple hand gestures, without the need to touch a panel or controls. A small holographic image on the center console indicates where the system can interpret your hand gestures to control the audio system and ventilation.

2017 Porsche Macan GTS Coming In March For $67,200

The new Porsche Macan GTS, powered by a 360 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is combined with Porsche's Traction Management system that actuates an electro-hydraulic, multi-plate clutch to variably engage the front axle depending on traction needs. The Macan GTS accelerates to 60 mph in as little as 4.8 seconds in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package and up to a top track speed of 159 mph. The 2017 Macan GTS goes on sale in March 2016, and is priced between the Macan S and Macan Turbo with a base MSRP of $67,200 excluding a destination change.

Nissan IDS Concept - A Self Driving EV

The Nissan IDS Concept, fitted with a high-capacity 60 kWh battery into a full-carbon-fiber body, represents the future of autonomous driving and zero emission EVs by integrating advanced vehicle control and safety technologies with artificial intelligence. The Nissan IDS Concept has Piloted Park that can be operated by a smartphone or tablet, coupled with wireless charging technologies that leave parking and charging to the car. Nissan says, by 202X, expect to see Nissan Intelligent Driving technology deployed on cars in cities around the world.

New MINI Convertible Is Larger Than Previous Model

The new MINI Convertible, larger than its predecessor model, is powered by a 136 horsepower 3-cylinder gas engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology in the MINI Cooper Convertible, a192 horsepower 4-cylinder gas engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology in the MINI Cooper S Convertible and a 116 horsepower 3-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology in the MINI Cooper D Convertible. The opening and closing of the soft top and side windows takes 18 seconds and can be done at speeds of up to 18 mph.

Mazda RX-VISION Sports Car Concept Brings Back The Rotary Engine

The Mazda RX-VISION front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car concept is powered by the next-generation rotary engine that has been named SKYACTIV-R. Mazda commercialized the rotary engine in the Cosmo Sport (known as Mazda 110S overseas) in 1967.

Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport Starts At $91,425

The Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport model powered by a 450 horsepower 4.0T twin turbo V8 engine is 15 horsepower more than the previous 4.0T model. Its sport style exterior has a completely new lower bumper and a reshaped rear bumper, more prominent side rocker panels and less chrome accents. The Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport has an MSRP of $91,425 (including destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges).

Aston Martin Rapide S Electric Concept

Aston Martin Rapide S fully electric concept developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering at its facility in Grove, Oxfordshire.

2016 Volkswagen Passat Starts At $22,440

The new 2016 Volkswagen Passat midsize sedan built in Chattanooga, Tennessee starts at $22,440 for the 1.8T S model with a 170 horsepower 1.8-liter TSI® turbocharged and direct-injection four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. For the first time, Volkswagen is offering an R-Line version of the Passat for the U.S. market with pricing starting at $23,975. The SE starts at $26,280, the SE w/Technology starts at $28,410, and the 1.8T SEL starts at $30,495. At the top of the 1.8T range, the SEL Premium starts at $34,270. The V6 SEL Premium, which features the 280 horsepower 3.6-liter VR6 engine has a starting MSRP of $36,835.