Mercedes-Benz SLC Coming This Spring

The new Mercedes-Benz SLC, previously known as the SLK, comes in the SLC300 with a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter in-line 4 engine accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and the AMG SLC43 with a 362 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and has standard DYNAMIC SELECT which modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension with a choice of “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, “Eco” and “Individual” modes. On the SLC300, drivers can choose the Dynamic Handling package, which features an adaptive damping system and ESP® Dynamic Cornering Assist, and can also use DYNAMIC SELECT to specify the damping force in Comfort, Sport and Sport+ mode. The new Mercedes-Benz  SLC will launch in the Spring of 2016.

2017 Acura NSX Starts At $157,800 On Feb. 25, 2016

The 2017 Acura NSX will have an MSRP of $157,800 (including $1,800 destination charge) in the U.S. and will top out at $207,500 when equipped with all available factory features and options. Customers will be able to design their NSX by selecting one of eight exterior colors, four interior color schemes available in three different seating surface options and features including three wheel designs with painted or polished finish, carbon-ceramic brake options, a carbon fiber interior sport package, carbon fiber roof, and more. Customer order taking for the new NSX will begin on Feb. 25, 2016 at authorized NSX retailers, together with the launch of a vehicle configurator on Acura.com which will be the first engagement point for customers interested in ordering an NSX. Once customers have customized their NSX online, they can schedule an appointment with an authorized retailer to finalize the order.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Video: Nissan Titan XD

Michael Arbuckle, Marketing Manager for Nissan Titan XD discusses the new pickup truck coming this month. 

The 2016 Nissan TITAN XD, offered in S, SV, SL, Platinum Reserve and PRO-4X trim levels, will go after Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 truck buyers with standard off-road features such as 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-terrain off-road tires, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, electronic locking rear differential and skid plates. Three powertrain offerings include a 310 horsepower Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel with 555 lb-ft of torque mated to a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission. Following the launch of the 2016 TITAN XD Crew Cab this month, the new TITAN will be offered in three cab configurations and two frame sizes.

The all-new 2016 Nissan TITAN XD full-size pickup has been named one of three finalists for the 2016 North American Truck/Utility of the Year to be announced next month in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show. The TITAN XD was recently named "Truck of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association in their annual 2015 Texas Truck Rodeo.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Video: Hyundai

Michael Evanoff, Manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America discusses 2017 Hyundai Elantra and more at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Video: Alfa Romeo

Jason Francis, Head of Alfa Romeo Product and Operations North America discusses the all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Video: MINI

Patrick Mckenna, ‎Manager, Marketing Communications and Consumer Events at BMW of North America discusses the new MINI. 

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT Coming This Spring Starting At $28,645

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT, with an all-new Ecotec 1.8L hybrid optimized direct-injected engine mated with a two-motor electric drive unit, uses a slightly modified drive unit and electric motors used in the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid will get a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined when it goes on sale this Spring with a starting price of $28,645. The 2016 Malibu Hybrid with 10 airbags also offers Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking and Low Speed Front Automatic Braking for safety.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Hi-Tech Dash

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class all-new control and display aims to closely unite intuitiveness of use with functionally with a clearer menu structure and attractive design. It features a wide high-resolution dual 12.3 inch display and touch-sensitive control buttons on the steering wheel to operate the entire infotainment system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The new E-Class can also be controlled by direct buttons, such as for controlling the air-conditioning system or for simple activation/deactivation of certain driver assistance systems. Animated displays are used to show the mode of action of assistance systems, or of DYNAMIC SELECT. ECO display in the instrument cluster helps the driver to adopt an economical driving style in an easily understandable manner.

All-New Volvo S90 Luxury Flagship Sedan

The all-new Volvo S90 luxury sedan is powered by a choice of the four-cylinder, 2.0 liter turbocharged and supercharged T6 engine, the turbocharged T5 variant or the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. The Volvo S90, like the all-new Volvo XC90 SUV, introduces semi-autonomous features that take another step toward Volvo’s Vision 2020, which states "that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by the year 2020, through world first safety technologies and highly advanced semi-autonomous features."

November 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors’ Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands sold 229,296 vehicles in the United States in November 2015, up 1.5 percent year over year while year-to-date sales of 2,792,136 is a 4.9 percent increase.

Ford Motor Company November U.S. sales totaled 187,794 vehicles, up 0.4 percent compared to a year ago. Through November, overall Ford sales are 2,373,920, up 5 percent versus the same period a year ago.

Toyota Motor Sales reported November 2015 sales of 189,517, up 3.4 percent versus last year. Toyota Division posted November 2015 sales of 160,177, up 2.8 percent while Lexus sold 29,340, up 6.8 percent from November 2015. Year-to-date sales of 2,260,963, up 4.1 percent.

FCA US (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported its best November sales since 2000 of 175,974, a 3 percent increase compared with November 2014. Year-to-date sales of 2,026,380 is a 6.8 percent gain over 2014.

American Honda Motor reported November sales of 115,441 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 5.2 percent versus a record-setting November 2014. Honda Division sold 103,197 and Acura sales totaled 12,244. Year-to-date sales of 1,435,658, up 2.3 percent.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for November 2015 of 107,083, an increase of 3.8 percent over the prior year and a November record. Year-to-date sales of 1,345,618 is up 6 percent from a yea ago.

Hyundai Motor America posted its best November ever, with sales of 60,007, up 12 percent compared with one year ago. Year-to-date sales of 698,202 is up 5.6 percent from 2014.

Kia Motors America had best-ever November sales of 45,553 vehicles, a 1.4 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 571,577 is up 6.9 percent.

Subaru of America reported 46,070 vehicle sales for November 2015, a 2 percent increase over November 2014. Subaru reported year-to-date sales of 526,401 vehicles, a 14 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported November sales of 33,475, a decrease of 11.7 percent from the same month last year. Year-to-date sales of 341,543 is a 4 percent increase over 2014.

Sales of BMW brand sales of 32,003 vehicles was an increase 3.2 percent in November versus November 2014. Year-to-date, BMW brand is up 4.4 percent from the same period last year with sales of 311,398 vehicles.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 23,882 in November, down 24.7 percent from a year ago while year-to-date sales of 318,484 is a 4.3 percent drop from a year ago. Separately, Audi of America reported November 2015 sales increased of 16,700 vehicles, a 0.4 percent rise over last year. Year-to-date sales of 181,803, is up 11.7 percent from 2014.        

Mazda North American Operations reported November U.S. sales of 22,732 vehicles, representing an increase of 7 percent versus last year. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 289,890 vehicles, a 3.2 percent increase compared with last year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported November 2015 U.S. sales. Sales for both brands hit 7,604, a 55 percent increase from November 2014.  Land Rover sales were 6,539, up 79 percent from November 2014; Jaguar sales were 1,065, down 15 percent from November 2014. Year to date in 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales hit 75,410, an increase of 26 percent over 2014.

Volvo Cars sold 6,903 vehicles in November in the U.S., a 90.5 percent increase over 2014. Year-to-date sales of 60,706 is an 18 percent gain over a year ago.

Mitsubishi Motors North America had November 2015 sales of 6,722, an increase of 3.6 percent from November 2014. Year-to-date sales are 87,455, up 23 percent over the same period in 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced November 2015 sales of 4,450 vehicles. Year-to-date sales of 47,820 vehicles, a  9.3 percent rise, exceeds the 2014 record of 47,007 sold.

Volvo Concept 26 - A Preview of Autonomous Driving

Volvo Concept 26 is an interior design concept and innovation platform for autonomous driving vehicles built around a patented new seat design that cradles the driver at all times and through the transformation between the different modes. Together with a tablet interface in the center console, a foldable tray table and a 25-inch flat-screen monitor that flips up from the passenger side dashboard, Concept 26 provides three interior modes: Drive, Create and Relax. Create mode allows for a variety of configurations of the seat, table and screens enabling the driver to complete a range of activities, such as reading, working on your next big project, or consuming media and other online content while the car takes care of the driving. Relax mode transforms the seat into a comfortable reclining position. The vehicle can also curate and suggest content to the driver via the passenger dashboard mounted screen. Volvo Cars is working with several partners in creating the best space for consuming media, interacting with devices or relaxing.

Infiniti QX30 Coming This Summer

The Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover, shown as a concept in Geneva in March, is powered by a 208 horsepower 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine paired to 7-speed DCT transmission, and is equipped with an all-wheel drive system, able to send up to 50 percent of the engine’s power and torque to the rear axle to maintain traction on slippery surfaces and in inclement weather. The Infiniti QX30 will go on sale in selected markets in the middle of 2016 with pricing closer to the sale date.

2017 Lincoln MKZ Goes On Sale This Summer

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ powered by an all-wheel-drive system with a twin-turbocharged 400 horsepower 3.0-liter GTDI V6 engine which, in front-wheel drive models, is limited to 350 horsepower or a 245-horsepower hybrid 2.0-liter GTDI four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive.

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality that automatically can slow the car, resuming higher speeds when traffic clears and can activate the brakes automatically to bring the car to a complete stop if the driver fails to apply brakes in time. An auto hold feature keeps the car at a complete stop without the driver having to press and hold the brake pedal. Available enhanced park assist uses ultrasonic sensors to help Lincoln MKZ seamlessly steer itself into a parallel or perpendicular parking spot. The car can assist with park-out as needed. Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection is an available technology that can help avoid some frontal crashes or lessen the severity of such events.

The new Lincoln MKZ goes on sale in summer 2016.

2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Starts At $122,600

The 2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4S has 420 horsepower 3.0 liter six-cylinder twin-turbo engine mated to either a 7-speed manual transmission which starts at $122,600 or a PDK with Sport Chrono starting at $125,800.

2017 Buick LaCrosse Coming Early This Summer

The all-new 2017 Buick LaCrosse is longer, lower, wider and about 300 pounds lighter than the current model, and powered by a 305 horsepower 3.6L V-6 engine paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The LaCrosse goes on sale in early summer 2016,

2017 Hyundai Elantra Coming In January

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra, just under an inch longer and an inch wider than its predecessor, off ers the 147 horsepower 2.0-liter Nu MPI Atkinson four-cylinder engine on the base SE and Limited trim and is paired with either a standard six-speed manual transmission (available only on the SE trim) or Elantra's next generation six-speed automatic transmission for an anticipated 29 city / 38 highway / 33 combined mpg (internal estimate for 6-A/T). The second powertrain is an all-new 128 horsepower 1.4-liter Kappa turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine mated to an EcoShift seven-speed dual-clutch transmission equipped on the Elantra Eco trim, available in Spring 2016 and projected to achieve an estimated 35 mpg combined rating based on internal testing. Available options include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, and a rearview camera.The 2017 Elantra will arrive at Hyundai dealers in January.

Scion C-HR Concept

The Scion C-HR Concept, named for its Compact size and High Ride height, is an eye-catching stand-out at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Subaru Impreza Sedan Concept

The Subaru Impreza Sedan Concept is the first example of Subaru's next-generation vehicles using a new modular platform.

Mazda CX-9 Coming This Spring

The all-new Mazda CX-9 three-row midsized crossover SUV features the new 2.5-liter direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine, SKYACTIV-G 2.5T producing 250 horsepower on 93-octane gasoline and 227 horsepower on 87-octane gasoline. CX-9 is scheduled to go on sale in Spring of 2016 in the U.S.

2016 Honda Civic Coupe Coming In March

The 2016 Honda Civic Coupe, the second in a series of new 10th-generation Civic models, will launch with a new 158 horsepower 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC™ engine with anticipated EPA fuel-economy ratings of 31/41/35 mpg (city/highway/combined) for models equipped with CVT. This engine can also be equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission on the lowest trim. Civic Coupe mid to highest trims are powered by a new 174 horsepower 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected TURBO with anticipated EPA ratings of 31/42/35 mpg. The wheelbase is 2.9 inches longer and the body is 1.9 inches wider and the front overhang is 1.4 inches shorter. The 2016 Civic Coupe launches in March.