Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Video: Toyota Group Vice President Jack Hollis


Jack Hollis, Group Vice President and General Manager - Toyota Division, Toyota Motor North America discusses the recently introduced new 2019 Toyota Rav4. 2019 Toyota Avalon and 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback models, consumers and the auto industry from the 2018 Milken Global Conference in Beverly Hills.

(click here to watch)

Video: Bryan Arnett On Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Telematics


Bryan Arnett, Senior Manager, Telematics & Accessory Planning, Mitsubishi Motors North America discusses infotainment and telematics on the new Eclipse Cross. (click here to watch)

The all-new 2018 Eclipse Cross, in ES, LE, SE and SEL trim levels, is powered by a 152 horsepower 1.5-liter direct-injection turbo engine, and has a dual-pane, power-sliding panoramic roof, 7-inch smartphone link thin display audio with touchpad controller, Head-Up Display, heated rear seats and MITSUBISHI CONNECT. The starting MSRP for the Eclipse Cross is $23,295 (excluding destination & handling charges). The Eclipse Cross is equipped with Mitsubishi's S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system. The Eclipse Cross will arrive in dealerships in March 2018.

Video: Nissan Product Specialist Chad Fishburne On 2018 Nissan Leaf


Nissan Product Specialist Chad Fishburne, discusses new 2018 Nissan Leaf features focusing on infotainment and telematics. (click to watch)

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, May 15, 2018

2019 Hyundai Veloster Starts At $19,385 In 2nd Quarter


The all-new 2019 Hyundai Veloster powered by either a 147 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine coupled with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission or a 201 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, starts at $19,385 (including $885 freight charge) for the 2.0 manual-transmission model and starts at $23,785 for the Veloster Turbo manual-transmission model. U.S. market availability will be in the second quarter of 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.