Sunday, September 24, 2017

2018 Kia Rio Starts At $13,900 Early October


The all-new, fourth-generation 2018 Kia Rio sedan and 5-door hatchback, powered by a 130 horsepower 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine and offered in LX, S and EX trim levels, has been lengthened to 172.6 inches (from 172.0 inches) and the Rio 5-door is now 160.0 inches long (from 159.4 inches) on a longer wheelbase of 101.6 inches (from 101.2 inches) and more upright A-pillars. The sedan and 5-door are also lower and wider compared to the outgoing model with the rear now more upright thanks to shorter overhangs and thinner, more expressive taillights. Like the front-end, the rear view of the car is wider. The 2018 Kia Rio starts at $13,900 (excluding destination and handling) for the LX sedan and $14,200 for the LX hatchback and is expected to arrive in Kia retailers beginning early October.

2019 Mercedes-Benz S560e Coming Mid-2019


The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560e sedan's hybrid drive system combines the 362 horsepower V6 spark-ignition engine with an electric output of 90 kW and is mated to the third-generation hybrid transmission based on the 9G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with the torque converter, clutch and electric motor housed in the hybrid drive unit. The S560e has an approximate all-electric range of 25 miles and despite the battery size remaining unchanged, the new lithium-ion battery has an increased rated capacity of 13.5 kWh. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560e Sedan is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in mid-2019.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Genesis G70 Will Join Hyundai's Luxury Brand Next Year


The Genesis G70 luxury performance sedan, offered in ten exterior colors and powered by a choice of a 365 horsepower turbocharged 3.3-liter gasoline V6, a 249 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline I4, or a 199 horsepower 2.2-liter I4 diesel engine joins the G80 and G90 in Hyundai's luxury Genesis brand. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Blind spot Collision Warning and Driver Awareness Warning have been added as part of the ‘Genesis Active Safety Control’. When the driver’s body information is inputed into the smart posture control system, it automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, outside mirror and heads-up display to the optimal position. Overseas product specifications in markets including North America are planned to be announced in early 2018.

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf Starts At $31,315 With 125 mile Range


The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf fully-electric vehicle offers a longer EPA-estimated range of 125 miles on a single charge, 50% more than its predecessor and the starting price is $31,315 (including $820 destination charge). The 7.2 kW on-board charger is now standard on all trims, which enables the battery to be charged in less than six hours at a 240V charging station. The electric motor now develops 134 horsepower compared to 115 horsepower on the 2016 model. Overall fuel economy has improved to an EPA estimated 126 MPGe for city driving, 119 MPGe highway for a combined city/ highway at 119 MPGe. There's an e-Golf Limited Edition with DC Fast Charging capability, V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, and Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), with a new feature called Maneuver Braking (arriving late in the model year), which can help driver avoid or mitigate the effects of a collision with stationary objects while parking. The e-Golf SEL Premium offers an optional Driver Assistance package ($1,395), including the 12.3-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Lane Assist,  Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Park Assist and Light Assist. (Late availability for the Driver Assistance Package).

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Starts at $31,765 Now


The seven-passenger 2018 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $31,765 (including $975 destination and handling charge) topping out at nearly $45,000 and is offered in 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive configurations, and in S, SV, SL and Platinum grade levels. New features include standard Automatic Emergency Braking, an enhanced Midnight Edition appearance package and a Rear Door Alert system to help remind Nissan owners to check the rear seat by using a series of distinctive honks as the driver is walking away from the vehicle. The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is now on sale.

Hyundai i30 N - High Performance Sedan


The high performance Hyundai i30 N, built on the new generation i30, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine available with the standard 247 horsepower or the Performance Package  271 horsepower, is Hyundai Motor’s first high-performance car under the N line-up inspired by motorsport. The Hyundai i30 N made its debut at the 67th International Frankfurt Motor Show but will it come to the U.S.?

2018 Maserati Ghibli Offers New Trims


The new 2018 Maserati Ghibli with GranLusso (above) and GranSport trims are distinguished primarily by the restyling of the front and rear bumpers. The Ghibli GranLusso has an enhanced exterior finish and Ermenegildo Zegna silk upholstery while the Ghibli GranSport reflects Maserati’s racing heritage displaying sportier exterior design and interior contents. The top-range Ghibli S and S Q4 versions now deliver 424 horsepower. The new Ghibli has adopted the Integrated Vehicle Control system, which helps to prevent vehicle instability and the introduction of the Electric Power Steering improves the car’s handling and comfort. The new Advanced Driving Assistance Systems are available as an option in the Ghibli. In addition to the existing features, they now include active functions like Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.

2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo For $125,650 Next Fall


The 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, powered by a 550 horsepower twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 engine with Standard Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive that works with the new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, drives zero to 60 mph acceleration in as little as 3.7 seconds when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package toward a top track speed of 177 mph. The new lightweight chassis helps improve driving dynamics versus its predecessor and the combination of a new three-chamber air suspension with the Porsche Active Suspension Management active shock-absorbers extends the range considerably. By using three air chambers per spring strut, the chassis is able to map a wider range of spring rates than the previous system could, allowing for improvements in both comfort- and performance-focused settings. With six selectable height levels, the ground clearance can be manually adjusted to suit the off-road terrain.The new 2019 Cayenne Turbo will be available for ordering in the U.S. market in December, with arrival at dealers in Fall 2018. MSRP is $125,650 (including $1,050 for delivery and processing).

Land Rover Discovery SVX Goes Into Production Next Year



The Land Rover Discovery SVX, powered by a 518 horsepower supercharged 5.0 liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with twin-speed transfer box, is designed to reward off-road driving enthusiasts with suspension modifications and features including Hill Descent Control, Electronic Traction Control, Adaptive Dynamics, Dynamic Stability Control, All-Terrain Progress Control and variable ratio electric power-assisted steering. The Land Rover Discovery SVX is equipped with a Pistol Shifter for gear selection in off-road manoeuvres and active center and electronic rear locking differentials which work with the specially tuned Terrain Response 2 system to optimize traction on all surfaces. The Land Rover Discovery SVX will begin production next year.

2018 Nissan LEAF EV Coming Early Next Year


The 2018 Nissan LEAF EV with a 150-mile driving range will go on sale in all 50 states in early 2018 for $30,875 (including $885 destination charge), less than the 2017 model. New features include ProPILOT™ Assist, a "hands-on" system which reduces the amount of driver acceleration, steering and braking input under certain driving conditions. e-Pedal lets drivers start, accelerate, decelerate and stop by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied to the accelerator. When the accelerator is fully released, regenerative and friction brakes are applied automatically, bringing the LEAF to a complete stop, even on uphill slopes, until the accelerator is pressed again.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

812 Ferrari Superfast - Superdream


The 812 Ferrari Superfast powered by a front-engined 789 horsepower 6.5 liter V12 engine, 59 more horsepower than the predecessor F12berlinetta and mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 812 Ferrari Superfast has the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system which combines electric front-wheel steering assistance with the mechanical concept built around tire dimensions and the rear-wheel steering. Three pairs of curved dams were adopted on the underbody and are responsible for 30% of the increase in downforce compared to the F12berlinetta. The Brembo Extreme Design brakes combined with the Hi-Performance ABS of the 9.1 Premium ESP, improves the braking performance from 62 mph by 5.8% compare to the F12berlinetta. What a dream!

2018 BMW i3 and 2018 BMW i3s To Debut In Frankfurt


The 2018 BMW i3 has a 170 horsepower electric motor which accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds with an electronic top speed of 93 mph. The first ever BMW i3s has a high output 184 horsepower electric motor taking it from 0-60 in 6.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 100 mph. A two-cylinder range extender gasoline engine is available as an option for all BMW i3 models which extends the car’s overall range in everyday use by 87 miles, increasing it from around 97 miles to a maximum of 180 miles. Both come with the latest version of iDrive, which provides an intuitive interface for controlling numerous vehicle, infotainment, communications and navigation functions, specifically designed for BMW i. The 2018 BMW i3 and BMW i3s will debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt next month with pricing being announced closer to market launch.

Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet


The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet, designed as an electric car, has a drive system with four compact permanent magnet synchronous electric motors and a flat battery in the underbody producing an all-wheel drive output of 750 horsepower with acceleration from 0-60 mph in under four seconds to a top speed electronically governed at 155 mph and a range of over 200 miles. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet is limited to 300 worldwide.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

2018 BMW M5 Coming Next Spring


The 2018 BMW M5, in its 6th generation, powered by a 600 horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine mated to a new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, will have a first ever BMW M xDrive system with 2WD capability. The rear-biased set-up ensures that the front wheels only come into play when the rear wheels are not able to transmit any more torque to the road. With 40 more horsepower than the outgoing model its 0–60 mph acceleration is 3.2 seconds. The all-new 2018 BMW M5 will be available at certified BMW Centers in Spring 2018 with pricing to be announced closer to market launch.

Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ Coming In 2022


The Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ concept car, a fully electric vehicle, shown at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, will arrive at dealerships in 2022, after the compact four-door I.D. makes its debut. The production version of the I.D. BUZZ will incorporate many design ideas from the concept car, including multi-variable seating, interactive connectivity and highly automated driving. Volkswagen is mainly targeting markets in North America, Europe and China for the I.D. BUZZ.

New Hyundai Fuel Cell Vehicle Coming Next Year


Hyundai’s second commercially produced hydrogen model uses the company’s fourth generation of hydrogen fuel cell technology which boasts an efficiency level of 60%, or a 9% increase from the the predecessor Tucson Fuel Cell’s 55.3%. The new model targets a driving range of more than 360 miles on a single charge (based on Korean testing standards) with maximum output of 161 horsepower, a 20% increase compared to its predecessor. Hyundai will reveal the new hydrogen SUV early next year in Korea, followed by the North American and European markets.

BMW Concept 8 Series, A Preview Of Next Year's Model


After an eighteen year hiatus, the ‘8 Series’ name returns to the BMW portfolio with the BMW Concept 8 Series, a preview of a forthcoming BMW model slated for launch in 2018.

BMW Concept Z4 Roadster


BMW Concept Z4 Roadster

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Starts At $20,235, GT Sport At $24,135


The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT, powered by a 161 horsepower 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder engine with either a six-speed manual or available six-speed automatic transmission has a starting price of $20,235 (including $885 destination charge). Features include available wireless charging, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, heated and ventilated front seats, new generation eight-inch navigation system that features Blue Link with three-years of standard service and an Infinity premium audio system with seven speakers including a subwoofer and Clari-FiTM Music Restoration Technology.

The more powerful Elantra GT Sport has a 201 horsepower 1.6L Turbo GDI mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters. The manual transmission GT Sport has a starting MSRP of $24,135 (including $885 destination charge). Advanced Driver Assists are available on Elantra GT Sport through Automatic Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist and Smart Cruise Control that features stop/start capability. Driver Attention Alert analyzes driver inputs to determine attention level and provide both a visual and audible warning if it determines the driver’s attention level has become too low.

2018 Ford Mustang GT Coming This Fall


The new 2018 Ford Mustang GT, achieving 0-to-60-mph in less than four seconds, is powered by a redesigned 460 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine mated to an available 10-speed SelectShift® transmission. An all-new electronic control system features real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms engineered to help ensure the right gear is engaged at the right time, including skip-shift and direct downshift capability. The new Mustang is due to reach showrooms this Fall.