Tuesday, May 15, 2018

2018 Honda Clarity Electric Has Arrived


The 2018 Honda Clarity Electric has arrived at select California and Oregon Honda dealerships with a lease price of $199 per month (plus tax) for 36 months, which includes an allowance of 20,000 miles per year and 24/7 roadside assistance. The lease, which reflects a built-in federal tax credit, requires $1,499 due at signing (not including tax, registration or additional fees). In addition, consumers from California or Oregon may qualify for state rebates of $2,500. The Clarity Electric is eligible for California-issued Clean Air Vehicle Stickers that provide single occupant HOV access. The Clarity Electric gets up to an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes with DC Fast Charging (SAE combo). Level 2 charging gives Clarity Electric drivers the flexibility to charge their battery in just 3.5 hours at home, office or anywhere there's a 240-volt charger. The Clarity Electric has an EPA fuel economy rating of 126/103/114 MPGe (city/highway/combined)4 and an 89 mile EPA range rating on a full charge.

2019 BMW M5 Competition Sedan


The new 2019 BMW M5 Competition Sedan is powered by a 617 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive delivering a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 3.1 seconds and hitting the 124 mph mark from a standing start in 10.8 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than in the standard version of the new BMW M5.

2018 Aston Martin V12 Vantage V600 Coming In 3rd Quarter


The 2018 Aston Martin V12 Vantage V600, powered by a 608 horsepower 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine mated to a 7-speed manual transmission, will offer a limited run of 14 cars split between seven coupes and seven roadsters. The 2018 Aston Martin V12 Vantage V600 is available on request with deliveries taking place in Q3 2018.

2018 Nissan Kicks Starts At $18,965 Soon


The all-new 2018 Nissan Kicks, equipped with a standard 125 horsepower 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System goes on sale later this Spring at Nissan dealerships nationwide starting at $18,965 (including $975 destination and handling fee) for well-equipped Kicks S model.

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Edition 1 Coming Next Year


The new 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Edition 1 model is available exclusively for the top-of-the-range Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe, which features the most powerful version of the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with an output of 630 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque to a top speed of 195 mph. Sales release of the first four-door AMG GT in the U.S. market is in early 2019 for the AMG GT 63 and 63 S and in mid-2019 for the AMG GT 53.

2018 Nissan Rogue Hybrid Starts At $27,995 Now


The 2018 Nissan Rogue Hybrid crossover powered by a 2.0-liter engine and 30kW electric motor producing net system horsepower of 176 horsepower, more than the 170 horsepower 2.5-liter internal combustion engine in the standard Rogue model. Both powertrains are matched with an advanced Xtronic transmission with Sport and Eco Mode switches. The 2018 Rogue Hybrid is available with an intuitive All-Wheel Drive system or front-wheel drive starts at $27,995 (including $975 destination and handling).

2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Starts At $80,950 In Early 2019


The 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid combines a 335 horsepower three-liter mono-turbo V6 engine with a 134 horsepower electric motor that creates total system output of 455 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Using a 230-volt, 32 amp connection and the optional 7.2 kW onboard charger, it is possible to recharge a fully depleted battery in 2.3 hours. Using a 230-volt connection with 10 amps and the standard 3.6 kW on-board charger, replenishing a fully depleted battery requires 7.8 hours. On electricity alone, the Cayenne E-Hybrid can travel up to 83 miles per hour and up to 27.3 miles. EPA fuel economy figures and electric range are unannounced at this time. New features include massaging seats, a heated windshield, a heads-up display, and 22-inch wheels. The new Cayenne E-Hybrid is expected to begin arriving at U.S. dealers in early 2019 with a base MSRP of $80,950 (including the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee).

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Video: Hyundai NEXO Fuel Cell EV Infotainment


Gil Castillo
The all-new, Hyundai NEXO hydrogen fuel cell EV is Hyundai’s second-generation of commercialized fuel cell electric vehicles and the first of 38 eco-friendly models that Hyundai plans to introduce by 2025. Following the Tucson hydrogen FCEV, the NEXO, which fits between the Tucson and Santa Fe in size, has an estimated driving range of 370 miles, 105 more than its predecessor. The Nexo has Blind-spot View Monitor that uses cameras while changing lanes in either direction, Lane Following Assist that automatically adjusts steering to help keep NEXO centered in its lane of travel, and Remote Smart Parking Assist enables NEXO to autonomously park or retrieve itself from a parking space with or without a driver in the car. The RSPA system can back a NEXO into a parking spot by itself with a touch of a button from the driver. Hyundai NEXO Fuel Cell EV arrives in the U.S. in the 4th quarter of 2018. Click on link below to watch video.

Gil Castillo, Senior Group Manager for Alternative Vehicle Strategy, Hyundai Motor America, explains the infotainment display on the NEXO hydrogen fuel cell EV.

BMW Concept iX3


The BMW Concept iX3 is an electric powered Sports Activity Vehicle using fifth generation BMW eDrive technology with a more than 270 horsepower electric motor for a range of 249 miles.

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury


The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury, based on a high-end sedan and an SUV and intended primarily for chauffeur-driven use, is a 750 horsepower electric car with four compact permanent-magnet synchronous motors and fully variable all-wheel drive. The range is over 200 miles with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. In just five minutes, enough power can be charged to achieve an additional range of around 60 miles.

Volvo Cars S90 Ambience Concept


Volvo Cars S90 Ambience Concept, based on Volvo’s top-of-the-line S90 Excellence three-seater executive sedan focuses on chauffeured passengers in the rear seat and allows passengers to personalise the car’s atmosphere by using the intuitive smartphone app to choose one of seven visual themes synchronised with audio and scent.

2019 Toyota Avalon Starts At $36,395 In May


The 2019 Toyota Avalon, in its fifth generation comes in XLE, XSE, Limited and Touring trims, and is powered by a 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an all-new TNGA 8-speed Direct Shift-8AT automatic transaxle transmission or, for the Avalon HV, a 215-net-horsepower 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder Toyota Hybrid System II with 650-volt electric motor and Continuously-Variable Transmission. The Avalon comes with Entune 3.0 with Wi-Fi Connect and a new 9-inch capacitive touchscreen that can be pinched and flicked, Toyota Remote Connect with Smartwatch, Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay Compatibility. The starting MSRP is $36,395 (including Delivery, Processing, and Handling Fee of $895) when it goes on sale next month.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Buick Enspire All-Electric Concept SUV


 The Buick Enspire all-electric concept SUV, making its global debut in China, is powered by electric propulsion technology that generates a maximum power of 410 kW for a range of up to 370 miles on a single charge and enabling a 0-60 mph time of 4 seconds. The battery can be charged to 80 percent of capacity within 40 minutes. 

All-New Ford Focus Coming to North America Next Year


The all-new Ford Focus, redesigned from the wheels up with more interior space and cargo area, will be offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door estate/wagon and 5-door hatchback body styles depending on the market. In China, there will be a range of gasoline engines offered, including a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and an all-new 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine. In Europe, Focus adds a 1.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline and 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel. North American powertrain options will be announced closer to its launch next year. The all-new Focus goes on sale in Europe and China this year and North America in 2019.

2019 Chevrolet Camaro Gets Refreshed


 The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro, with a new front-end styling and rear facia to differentiate between LS/LT, RS and SS models, now offers a 275 horsepower 2.0L turbo engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The Camaro SS is now offered with 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. Standard Rear Camera Mirror on 2SS and ZL1 models offers a wider, less obstructed field of view using a camera display that eliminates potential obstructions such as rear body pillars or seat headrests and there's an improved standard rear-vision camera system* with a new, digital high-definition camera. Forward Collision Alert is an available safety feature. The 2019 Camaro joins Cruze, Malibu and Spark as part of a revitalized 2019 lineup.

Saturday, April 7, 2018

2019 Volkswagen Jetta Starts At $19,395 In 2nd Quarter


The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, powered by a 147 horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine mated to a new standard six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic transmission optional on the base model and standard on higher trims, starts lower than the outgoing model at $19,395 (including $850 destination fee). The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta will be available in S, SE, R-Line®, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels and is expected to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers in the second quarter of 2018.

2019 Acura TLX On Sale Now Staring At $33,965


The 2019 Acura TLX, powered by a 206-horsepower 2.4-liter i-VTEC® engine mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission and a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6® paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission just started landing in Acura dealerships nationwide with a starting price of $33,965 up to $46,915. 2.4-liter TLX models come equipped with Acura Precision All-Wheel SteerTM featuring independent left- and right-rear-wheel toe angle control to enhance overall handling precision, low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. V6 models are offered in both two- and all-wheel drive configurations.

A new 2.4-liter A-Spec sport appearance variant is added to lineup. A-Spec V6 models are equipped with SH-AWD, a quicker steering ratio for increased response along with a stiffer spring rate and rear stabilizer bar for improved body control. Acura offers A-Spec sporty package variants with exclusive design elements inside and out for the ILX, TLX, all-new 2019 Acura RDX and the 2019 Acura MDX.

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Hybrid Concept Coming Next Year


The new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport concept five-seater coupe-like SUV, 7.5 inches shorter than the Atlas on the same wheelbase, is powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with 355 horsepower and an anticipated 26 miles of all-electric range. The same 276 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 FSI® engine as in the Atlas is boosted by a 54 horsepower front electric motor and a 114 horsepower electric rear motor enabling the Cross Sport concept to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds to a top speed of 130 mph. The concept vehicle is 190.8 inches long, 68.3 inches tall and 79.9 inches wide. The actual production vehicle is scheduled to be launched in the U.S. market starting in 2019.

2019 Nissan Altima On Sale This Fall


The all-new sixth generation 2019 Nissan Altima, offered in S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum trim levels, is powered by a new 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct-injection engine, and for the first time available with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The Altima SR and Platinum grades are available with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine in front-wheel drive only. ProPILOT Assist is standard on the 2019 Altima SV, SL and Platinum grades. Also new for 2019 is Rear Automatic Braking, which helps the driver detect stationary objects when backing up, and if necessary applies the brakes to help avoid a collision. That's in addition to features including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, radar-based Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The 2019 Altima goes on sale in the U.S. in the Fall, followed by other global markets at later dates.

Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept Pickup Truck


Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak concept dual-cab short-bed pickup truck, named after a tall tree found on the U.S. Pacific Coast, is powered by a 276 horsepower V6 FSI® gasoline engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system. The Tanoak concept, based on the production SUV, is completely redesigned at 214.1 inches long, 15.8 inches longer than the Atlas, which makes it a large midsize pickup by U.S. standards. The concept vehicle is 79.9 inches wide and 72.6 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 128.3 inches, 11 inches longer than the Atlas seven-seater. Although there are currently no production plans for the Atlas Tanoak, Volkswagen is keen to gauge the reactions of buyers and media, since pickup trucks are one of the biggest volume segments in the U.S.