Thursday, November 21, 2019

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Compact SUV


The Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in hybrid compact SUV, first shown in March in Geneva, is on display at the Los Angeles Show now. "Dynamic" mode evolves into "Dual Power" mode and guarantees maximum output from the two engines while "Natural" mode continues to maintain the best performance optimization, and the compromise between using electric and internal combustion engines is managed automatically. The “Advance Efficiency” mode becomes “Advance E” for performance in full electric mode. The infotainment touch screen features an “E-mozione” button, which offers specific throttle settings, sharper braking and a more direct steering response.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Goes On Sale In The Spring


The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, made in Korea and fitting between the Trax and Equinox in the Chevy SUV, delivers up to 155 horsepower from either a 1.2L turbo or 1.3L turbo engine mated with a standard Continuously Variable Transmission with selectable stop/start capability. A nine-speed automatic transmission is also available on Trailblazers equipped with the 1.3L engine and all-wheel drive. Features include Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam Headlamps (Auto High Beam Assist), Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Vision Camera, Rear Seat Reminder, and OnStar. Additional optional features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, HD Rear Vision Camera, and ACTIV Tuned for Off-Road Use. The Trailblazer is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms in Spring 2020 with specific trim and option pricing details to be announced closer to launch.

Mustang Mach-E SUV Starts At $42,900 In Late 2020


The all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV, targeting 332 horsepower, will be available in both standard-range (75.7 kWh lithium-ion battery) and extended-range (98.8 kWh battery) with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive powered by permanent magnet motors which has a targeted EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles in rear-wheel-drive configuration. The standard-range Mustang Mach-E is estimated to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 38 minutes while charging on a DC fast charging station. Mustang Mach-E will start at $42,900 when it arrives in late 2020 and the 459 horsepower Mach-E GT deliveries start in Spring 2021.

2020 Mazda CX-30 Starts At $22,945


The all-new 2020 Mazda CX-30 five-seat crossover, powered by a 186 horsepower four-cylinder Skyactiv-G 2.5 paired with a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, size-wise seems to fit between the CX-3 and CX-5. Standard i-Activsense safety includes Driver Attention Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go function, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, Smart Brake Support and High Beam Control. The 2020 Mazda CX-30 goes on sale with a starting MSRP of $22,945 (including $1,045 for destination and handling).

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Coming Early Next Year


The new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, with a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, is powered by a 603 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine mated to a AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission equipped with an integrated EQ Boost starter-generator that unites a starter motor and an alternator in a single electric motor integrated between the engine and the transmission providing up to an additional 21 horsepower of output.

Mercedes-Benz EQC Coming Early Next Year


The all-new Mercedes-Benz EQC,  the first fully electric Mercedes-Benz vehicle to launch globally under the new EQ brand, has compact electric drivetrains at each axle for a total capacity of 80 kWh delivering 402 horsepower.  The battery is able to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes. The all-new EQC will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2020 with the EQC 400 4MATIC starting from $67,900.

2021 Kia Seltos Arrives In First Quarter


The all-new 2021 Kia Seltos, in LX, EX, S 2.0L, S 1.6T and SX trim levels, powered by either a 146 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder MPI engine managed by an Intelligent Variable Transmission (LX, S and EX) or a 175-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo engine paired with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (S and SX). The LX AWD will have a starting price below $22,000 and the S FWD will have a similar starting price when it goes on-sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2020.

Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Refreshed


The Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and Electric cars all receive refreshed exterior and interior designs, added infotainment technology and new Hyundai SmartSense™ active safety features and driving assistance systems. The new 2020 IONIQ Electric with 134 horsepower now has 170 miles of range thanks to an upgraded 38.3-kWh battery with 36% more energy capacity. IONIQ Hybrid Blue model still has an EPA-estimated 58 MPG combined rating, the highest rating of any non-plug-in vehicle sold in the U.S. market. Drivers choosing IONIQ Plug-in can safely rely on 29 miles of pure electric driving range powered by the 8.9 kWh battery pack. The IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid model delivers a total system output of 156 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The new IONIQ Hybrid, Plug-in and Electric, all with 6-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmissions w/ SHIFTRONIC®, start at $23,930 (including freight charges of $930), are available to customers now.

Audi RS Q8 SUV Coming Next Year


The all-new Audi RS Q8 SUV, the first RS-SUV from Audi in America, is powered by a 591 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission. The Audi RS Q8 is expected to arrive in the U.S. in 2020.

Hyundai Vision T Plug-in Hybrid SUV Concept


Hyundai Vision T Plug-in Hybrid SUV Concept 

2021 RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid Arrives Next Summer


The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 will add the 2021 RAV4 Prime in SE and XSE grades to the line-up next Summer with an estimated 302 horsepower all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid electric vehicle delivering a manufacturer-estimated 90 combined MPGe.

Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring Hybrid Coming Next Summer


The all-new Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring all-wheel drive SUV is powered by a hybrid powertrain pairing a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gas engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a combined targeted output of 266 horsepower delivering a targeted EPA-estimated all-electric range of more than 25 miles. Standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert, a Lane-Keeping System, rearview camera and auto high beam headlamps. An available upgrade, Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus, adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Reverse Brake Assist and Active Park Assist Plus. The all-new Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring will be available next Summer.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible


The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible, powered by a 471 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with the Direct-Shift 10-speed automatic transmission, will come with a 10.3-inch high-resolution split-screen multimedia display to provide immediate, simultaneous access to audio or climate controls and various systems, including the voice-activated navigation system. Also standard is the Lexus Safety System with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Intelligent High Beams, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible goes on sale next Summer.

Audi e-tron Sportback 55 Coming In The Spring


The Audi e-tron Sportback 55 electric all-wheel drive vehicle offers up to 402 horsepower with a range of up to 277 miles from a single battery charge with each axle fitted with an asynchronous electric motor. The Audi e-tron Sportback will go on sale in Europe is scheduled for the spring of 2020.

Aston Martin DBX Starts at $189,900 In 2020 Q2


The Aston Martin DBX 5-seat SUV is powered by a new version of the 542 horsepower 4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to a nine-speed torque convertor automatic transmission connected to an all-wheel drive system with active differentials featuring an active central differential and an electronic rear limited slip differential that propels DBX from 0 to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 181mph. The DBX is on sale now starting at $189,900, with first deliveries scheduled to begin Q2 2020.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Coming This Spring


The all-new 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, powered by two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain technology, is anticipated to achieve a 50 percent higher city fuel economy rating than the non-hybrid CR-V when it launches in the Spring of 2020. In addition to the new hybrid-electric variant, the entire 2020 CR-V lineup includes major upgrades: a freshened exterior design, new cabin appointments, and a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and standard Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technology, both previously standard only on EX and above trims. More to come this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

2020 Fiat 500X Sport Starts At $28,390 In First Quarter


New 2020 Fiat 500X Sport model, with new front and rear fascia designs, is powered by a 177 horsepower 1.3-liter turbocharged engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system with an automatic disconnecting rear axle for improved fuel economy. The 2020 Fiat 500X Sport model starts at $28,390 (including $1,495 destination charge). In addition to the new Fiat 500X Sport, the 2020 Fiat 500X lineup includes Pop, Trekking and Trekking Plus models that start at $26,085. Safety and security features now include Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Park Assist. The 500X Sport features latest generation Uconnect 4 with 7-inch display infotainment system, including satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 500X Sport model will be available in the first quarter of 2020 in FIAT studios and select Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram and FIAT stores.

2020 Jeep® Wrangler EcoDiesel Arrives Soon


The new 2020 Jeep® Wrangler EcoDiesel, offered in four-door models, is powered by a 260 horsepower 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine mated to the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission with engine stop-start technology standard. Jeep Wrangler Sport, Sahara and Rubicon EcoDiesel models feature third-generation Dana 44 front and rear heavy-duty axles and a 3.73 axle ratio. The 2020 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2019. Click here for more on the Wrangler. 

2020 Volkswagen Passat Starts At $23,915 By Year End


The new restyled 2020 Volkswagen Passat, powered by a 174 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic®, will start at $23,915 (including $920 destination charge).  A new, more contemporary instrument panel has been fitted, along with a new glass-covered infotainment touchscreen. Standard features include 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, full LED lighting, App-Connect, Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. The 2020 Volkswagen Passat will be available in S, SE,  R-Line and SEL trim levels and is expected to begin arriving at U.S. Volkswagen dealers by the end of this year.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

2020 Hyundai Sonata Starts At $24,330


The all-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata, powered by the all-new 191 horsepower Smartstream 2.5-liter engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and Shift-By-Wire selector, starts at $24,330 (including freight charges) for the entry-level SE model which comes with an 8-inch LCD monitor, Electronic Parking Brake, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Automatic high-beam assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.