Monday, April 19, 2021

Toyota bZ4X BEV Concept SUV

Toyota bZ4X BEV concept includes new AWD system packaged in an SUV with plans to produce it in Japan and China. Toyota expects its electrified product portfolio to expand to around 70 models globally by 2025, including 15 new battery electric vehicles, of which, seven will carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. Toyota hopes to begin worldwide sales of the model by the middle of 2022 with U.S. product details will be shared at a later date.


Genesis Electrified G80 Debuts

Genesis Electrified G80, the brand's first electric vehicle coming standard with all-wheel drive accelerating from 0 to 60 mph just in 4.9 seconds, has an estimated range of 265 miles (based on the Korean EV certification system), and 350kW rapid charging enables the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes.

BMW M3 and M4 Competition Start At $77,895 In August

The new BMW M xDrive-equipped M3 and M4 Competition models, powered by a 503 horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, offers a choice of 4WD with rear-wheel biased torque distribution focused on traction, 4WD Sport that directs greater percentage of torque to the rear and 2WD for a pure rear-wheel drive experience without any system intervention. The M3 Competition xDrive Sedan starts at $77,895 (including $995 destination) for the M3 Competition xDrive Sedan and $79,795 for the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe with a market launch set for August 2021.

Thursday, April 15, 2021

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Arrives This Summer

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is powered by a standard estimated 190+ horsepower 2.5L direct-injected in-line four-cylinder engine coupled to an eight-speed hydraulic automatic transmission or an estimated 275+ horsepower 2.5L direct-injected turbocharged engine linked to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual shifting control by the driver. Both 2.5L four-cylinder and 2.5L four-cylinder turbo models offer HTRAC® all-wheel drive capability providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The towing capacity for the 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated at 3,500 lbs. and the 2.5L Turbo AWD model at 5,000 lbs. of towing capability. The Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle will be available for sale in Summer. 


Mercedes-EQS All-Electric Luxury Sedan

Mercedes-EQ introduces its first all-electric luxury sedan with ranges up to 478 miles. The first models to the U.S. market, close relatives of the new S-Class, will be the 329 horsepower EQS 450+ and the 516 horsepower EQS 580 4MATIC. A performance version with up to 630 horsepower is being planned. All EQS models have an electric powertrain at the rear axle, while the versions with 4MATIC also have an eATS at the front axle. The EQS can be charged with up to 200 kW at fast charging stations with direct current. Power for up to another 186 miles is recharged in just 15 minutes. The larger of the two batteries has a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh. Inside, the MBUX Hyperscreen is a large, curved screen unit sweeps almost from A-pillar to A-pillar with three screens that appear to merge into one as they sit under a single glass cover. The 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger gives them their own display and control area.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

2022 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron Coming By Yearend

The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron represent the fourth and fifth fully electric additions to Audi’s U.S. portfolio and contribute toward the brand’s goal of achieving a 30% electrified model portfolio globally by 2025, including fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The entry Q4 40 e-tron has an estimated output of 150 kW with a preliminary manufacturer’s estimated range of aproximately 250 miles based on approximation of EPA test cycles for a full charge, while the top-of-the-range Q4 50 e-tron quattro and Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro offer two electric motors with all-wheel drive delivering a maximum estimated output of 220 kW. The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are expected to arrive in the U.S. toward the end of 2021. Further details will be provided for pricing of trim level-specific packages closer to on-sale timing. Pricing for the Q4 e-tron model line is planned to start under $45,000 and it is anticipated that it may qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax incentives as well as possible local and state tax incentives, depending on the owner’s municipality.

Nissan GT-R NISMO Special Edition Coming This Fall

Nissan GT-R NISMO Special Edition, powered by a 600 horsepower 3.8-liter twin turbo V6, features a stealth gray exterior, 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels with red accents, and a clear-coated carbon fiber hood. A very limited number of the new model will be available in North America this Fall. Pricing for the GT-R NISMO Special Edition will be announced at a later date.

Mazda MX-30 EV Coming This Fall

The all-new Mazda MX-30, the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle with a 144 horsepower front-wheel drive electric motor, will come to the US market beginning in Fall 2021 with California dealerships. The 35.5 kWh battery can be charged to 80% within approximately 36 minutes using DC fast charging. Additional details on this partnership will be shared closer to the vehicles arriving in dealerships.

2022 INFINITI QX55 Arrives This Month

All-new 2022 INFINITI QX55, in LUXE, ESSENTIAL and SENSORY trim levels, is powered by a 268-horsepower VC-Turbo engine paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and manual mode and comes with standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, 20-inch wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility. 2022 INFINITI QX55 will start at $47,525 (including $1,025 destination and handling charge) when it arrives in U.S. and Canadian showrooms in coming weeks.


2022 Lexus LS 500h Coming This Fall

The 2022 Lexus LS 500h flagship luxury hybrid sedan will be equipped with Lexus Teammate on the LS 500h with AWD. The all-new partial hands-free functions include Advanced Drive designed to accurately detect driving conditions to plan and execute acceleration, braking, and steering commands to maintain the vehicle within the lane, follow other vehicles, change lanes, navigate certain interchanges and traffic jams and overtake slower vehicles and Advanced Park that assists the operations necessary for hands-free safe and parking by automatically controlling steering, acceleration, braking, and gear changes when parallel parking or backing into a parking space. The 2022 LS 500h AWD with Lexus Teammate and LS 500 are expected to arrive in dealerships later this Fall.

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC Arrives in Early 2022

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC is powered by a 362 horsepower 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine with an integrated second-generation starter-generator and 48-volt electrical system with an output of up to 21 hp and up to 184 lb-ft electric boost. As standard, the CLS has two large 12.3-inch screens arranged side by side for a widescreen look. The CLS features Active Brake Assist as standard, which can prevent a collision or reduce its severity in many situations with autonomous braking. Included with the available Driver Assistance Package is Active Speed Limit Assist, which reacts to speed limit changes using map data as well as input from Traffic Sign Assist and Active Stop-and-Go Assist can take over the task of keeping the vehicle in the lane and maintaining distance. Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and a 360° camera makes it possible to enter and leave parking spaces automatically. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early 2022.


Monday, April 5, 2021

All-New 2022 Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ Debut

Toyota's new GR 86 and Subaru's new BRZ, almost identical dimensions to the previous model, were jointly developed with the GR 86 powered by a new 232 horsepower 2.4L horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission achieving 0-62 mph acceleration in 6.3 seconds, down from the 7.4 seconds of the outgoing model. The new GR 86 is scheduled to launch in Japan this Fall.

The all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ with an all-new 228 horsepower 2.4-Liter Direct-Injection SUBARU BOXER Engine paired with a  6-speed manual shifter in the 2022 BRZ Limited or a  6-Speed Manual or Automatic with Paddle Shifters. The chassis and body of the BRZ have been reengineered for lighter weight, an even lower center of gravity, 50% increased torsional rigidity, and 60% increased front lateral rigidity. The 2022 BRZ now offers EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control for extra peace of mind and daily driving convenience. SUBARU STARLINK® Safety and Security features an array of services that can keep you and your BRZ connected to help, like Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Automatic Collision Notification. The BRZ now features a configurable, fully digital instrument cluster with a central tachometer and integrated g-force meter plus adaptive Sport and Track modes.


Thursday, April 1, 2021

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Starts At $162,350 This Fall

The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, powered by a 502 horsepower naturally aspirated 4.0-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine mated to a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission which is included as standard equipment, with an available a six-speed manual transmission, is now available for U.S. customers to configure and order for a starting MSRP of $162,350 (including a $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee). The Porsche 911 GT3 is expected to arrive in the U.S. as part of the 2022 model year, reaching dealers by Fall 2021. 

Genesis X Concept

The Genesis X Concept, an EV-based GT (Gran Turismo) concept car.

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness™ Coming Later This Year


The new 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness™, with elevated 9.5-inch ground clearance, is powered by a 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine rated at 22 city/26 highway with a 3,500-lb. towing capacity. A revised rear differential with a final drive ratio of 4.44:1 was fitted, and the Lineartronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) was modified to achieve an equivalent final drive ratio at the front wheels to improve available low-end torque at the wheels to climb grades up to 40 percent on a gravel surface. Standard dual-function X-MODE includes Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. Exclusive to Outback Wilderness, a new advanced feature for X-MODE allows the vehicle to switch automatically from low speed managed driving to speeds over 25 mph without interruption of power or performance. Pricing for the 2022 Outback Wilderness will be announced later this year.

Kia EV6 Fully Electric Vehicle

The new Kia EV6, the first BEV built on new dedicated EV platform, is powered a choice of multiple fully-electric, zero-emission powertrain configurations, including long-range (77.4 kWh) and standard-range (58.0 kWh) high-voltage battery packs. EV6 GT-line (pictured above) is available with both long-range and standard-range battery packs. The 2WD 77.4 kWh EV6 can travel over 316 miles on a single charge on the WLTP combined cycle. The 77.4 kWh battery pack is paired with a 226 horsepower electric motor powering the rear wheels, and for AWD models a 320 horsepower electric motor powers the front and rear wheels.


Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept

The Lexus LF-Z Electrified, a BEV Concept, is envisioned for realization by 2025 when Lexus plans to introduce 20 new or improved models, including more than 10 electrified models. The new four-wheel drive force control technology, DIRECT4, is controlled according to human senses and inputs. Artificial Intelligence learns the driver’s preferences and behavioral characteristics and the voice recognition system uses the latest AI to recognize, learn, and adapt to a driver’s habits and preferences, supporting with tasks such as determining driving routes and making restaurant reservations.  

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Video: Throwback Thursday - FNN AutoTrends



Financial News Network's AutoTrends program was a highly-rated weekly program hosted by Richard Saxton from 1989-1991 that covered new and collector cars as well as automotive personalities. Here are a few clips.

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Hyundai STARIA Debuts In First Half Of 2021

The Hyundai STARIA multi-purpose vehicle offers a number of seating arrangements, from 2-seater to 11-seater, making it suitable for both families and business use. Inspired by the lounge of a cruise ship, the 9-seater STARIA Premium has second-row seats with the added ability to swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row. The 11-seater STARIA Premium will only be available in Korea. STARIA, will have a digital world premiere slated for the first half of 2021.

BMW i4 Coming This Year

The BMW i4, a fully electric 4 door Gran Coupé with a power output of up to 530 horsepower, will be available in different versions covering ranges of up to 300 miles. The BMW i4 will enter the market during the course of 2021, including a BMW M Performance model. 

2021 Acura TLX Type S Starts In The Low $50,000s In May

The 2021 Acura TLX Type S, powered by an all-new 355 horsepower 3.0-liter Type S Turbo V6 engine mated to a Sport Tuned 10-speed AT, is equpped with a sport-tuned chassis with double wishbone front suspension and Brembo® brakes. When it arrives at showrooms in late May, the well-equipped 2021 Acura TLX Type S will carry a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starting in the low $50,000s.


2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line Coming This Spring

The 2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line is powered by a 300 horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-four-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters or a 368 horsepower 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine also paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Kia’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including Auto Emergency Braking Technology, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, and Lane Keeping Assist are now all standard. The 2022 Kia Stinger will arrive this Spring and be available in GT-Line, GT1, and GT2 trims, with a special edition Scorpion model released at a later date. 


2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid

The new 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid model features an estimated 261 horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected hybrid powertrain coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Plug-in Hybrid battery is larger than the hybrid battery, with 13.8 kWh of power, yielding an estimated all-electric range of 32 miles and estimated fuel economy of 70 MPGe. Plug-in Hybrid Level-II charging capability is well under two hours to recharge the system using a 7.2kW on-board charger. The Plug-in Hybrid powerplant delivers an estimated combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg with all-wheel drive and offers a tow rating of 2,000 lbs.

Volkswagen ID.4 Arriving This Month

The Volkswagen ID.4 long-range electric SUV, after more than two years of preparation, is arriving in dealers across America this month through a network of more than 600 dealers. The ID.4, Volkswagen’s first all-electric SUV, will be offered in four trims with an 82kWh (gross) battery and a rear-mounted AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor with 201 horsepower, 229 pound-feet of torque and an EPA-estimated 250 miles of range for the ID.4 Pro S and 1st Edition models. Pricing starts at an MSRP of $39,995, and offers a potential Federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Starting later in 2021, the ID.4 AWD Pro will be available with an MSRP of $43,675.

2022 Volkswagen Golf R Arrives Late This Year

The all-new 2022 Volkswagen Golf R has a 315 horsepower engine with a new 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system with rear-axle torque vectoring using a rear differential with two multiplate clutches can now distribute up to 100 percent of the rear torque to an individual rear wheel. The most powerful Golf R to date is expected to arrive late this year. 

Thursday, March 11, 2021

2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Arrive 2nd Half Of 2021

The all-new 2022 Jeep Wagoneer (right) is powered by a 392 horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 engine mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and fitted with the next generation of eTorque 48-volt hybrid with fuel-saving technologies, including cylinder deactivation and Variable Cam Timing as standard equipment. Quadra-Lift air suspension delivers up to 10 inches of ground clearance, towing capability is up to 10,000 lbs., and is available in Series I (late availability), Series II and Series III. Trailer Hitch Line-up Assist with active grid lines and camera zoom allows for connection to a trailer. Driver-assist technologies include head-up display, adaptive cruise control, Active Driving Assist, Hands-free Active Driving Assist, night vision, drowsy driver detection and Traffic Sign Recognition. The 2022 Grand Wagoneer (left), available in Series I, Series II, Series III and Obsidian, features a 471 horsepower 6.4-liter V-8 power with cylinder deactivation and VCT mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. A new standard 10.25-inch (12.3-inch on Grand Wagoneer models) frameless digital gauge cluster features nearly two dozen different menus that the user can select from. The 2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models offer a standard third row with available seating for up to eight passengers on all trims and are scheduled to arrive in showrooms in the second half of 2021.

Mercedes-Maybach S 580 Starts At $185,950 Mid-2021

The new-generation Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC, powered by a 496 horsepower electrified V8 biturbo engine with Mild Hybrid Drive and 48-volt technology, will be priced from $185,950 (includes $1,050 destination and delivery charge). Features include a new 12.8" OLED multimedia touchscreen display in the center console and five screens in the front and rear with the second generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with advanced Voice Control and 50% more processing power compared to the previous MBUX system and a 3D Instrument Cluster and Augmented Reality Head-Up Display. The Burmester® 4D surround sound system includes 30 speakers and eight resonators. The Maybach S 580 can also be equipped with electronically-operated comfort rear doors that can be controlled from the driver's seat, heated and cooled cupholders, a refrigerated compartment and custom champagne flutes and built-in holders. The Maybach S 580 will arrive in U.S. dealerships in mid-2021.

All-New Hyundai KONA N Shown In Korea

The all-new Hyundai KONA N revealed in Korea. 

McLaren Artura Hybrid Starts At $225,000

The all-new McLaren Artura supercar, available in a standard specification and Performance, TechLux, and Vision trim levels, is priced from $225,000 in the US, and powered by an all-new 577 horsepower twin turbocharged V6 engine, combined with the 94 horsepower E-Motor, delivering 671 horsepower. Fuel economy is 50+mpg with an electric power-only driving range of 19 miles. 

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Carroll Shelby 1994 Interview


Carroll Shelby (1923-2012), automotive designer and race driver who was the 1959 winning driver of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and designer of Shelby GT350 and GT500 based on the Ford Mustang and 1983 Dodge Shelby Charger, to name a few. His incredible legacy was most recently in the feature film Ford vs. Ferrari and documentary Shelby American. Shelby sits down for a brief interview at the opening of the Petersen Automotive Museum in 1994. 

Click to play video.


Thursday, March 4, 2021

2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Starts At $92,250 This Summer

The new 2021 Taycan Cross Turismo will start at $92,250 (including the $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee) when it arrives at U.S. dealerships this Summer. EPA range figures will be announced closer to market launch. 

The crossover version will launch with the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, and Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo. All variants will feature dual-motor all-wheel drive, two-speed rear transmission, Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management in conjunction with air suspension, Performance Battery Plus and its 800-volt battery architecture. The eight-member Taycan family can be ordered in over 21,000 combinations based solely on variant, wheel choice, exterior color, and interior selection. 


Honda SENSING® Elite Safety System Starts On Legend Hybrid EX

Honda has just launched the new Honda SENSING® Elite safety system on the Honda Legend Hybrid EX that's available for lease in Japan. Honda SENSING Elite features ‘Traffic Jam Pilot’ function, enabling the automated driving system to drive the vehicle, instead of the driver, under certain conditions such as when the vehicle is in congested traffic on an expressway. Other features are the first Level 3 automated technology to be approved by Japanese authorities with ‘Hands-off’ and ‘Emergency Stop Assist’. Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist System will assist the driving operations even while the driver has their hands off the steering wheel. Active Lane Change Assist with Hands-off Function provides throttle, braking and steering inputs necessary to accomplish the lane change.

2021 Kia Niro Hybrid LX Starts At $25,865

The 2021 Kia Niro Hybrid LX, powered by a 139 horsepower 1.6L GDI engine with an electric motor and a 1.56 kWh lithium ion polymer hybrid battery that gets 50-MPG combined EPA fuel economy rating, starts at $25,865 (including $1,175 destination). The 2021 Kia Niro PHEV, powered by a 139 horsepower 1.6L GDI engine with an electric motor and an 8.9 kWh lithium ion polymer PHEV battery, starts at $30,765. New for 2021 is a standard Rear Occupant Alert (door logic based). The 2021 Niro EV details will be released later this year.

Hyundai BAYON Crossover SUV For Europe

The all-new Hyundai BAYON, a B-segment crossover SUV specifically for Europe, is powered by a 99 or 118 horsepower 1.0-liter T-GDi engine combined with Hyundai’s 48-volt mild hybrid technology coupled with either the 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission  or a 7-speed dual clutch transmission or an 83 horsepower 1.2-liter MPi engine paired with a 5MT.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

2022 Kia Carnival Coming In The Second Quarter

The all-new 2022 Kia Carnival Multi-Purpose Vehicle, with removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats, replaces the outgoing Sedona and is powered by a 290 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission providing up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. The 2022 Carnival is underpinned by the same all-new 3rd generation “N3” platform as the Sorento and K5. The 2022 Carnival will be offered in LX, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige trim levels with standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning-Reverse, Lane Keeping Assist System with Lane Following Assist and Driver Attention Warning that senses inattentive driving patterns and sends an audible/visual warning to alert the driver. This all-new MPV is expected to go on sale in the second quarter of this year.

Monday, February 22, 2021

Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Coming This Fall


The Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance is powered by a 472-horsepower naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission that features drive mode select Sport S and Sport S+ making it capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds with a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg highway rating. The Lexus Safety System+ has a Pre-Collision System, which includes Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, Emergency Steering Assist and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control can be activated above 30 mph and is designed to perform vehicle-to-vehicle distance controls down to 0 mph and can resume from a stop. DRCC also includes a new feature that allows for smooth overtaking of slower vehicles. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) is designed to help notify the driver if it senses an inadvertent lane departure at speeds above 32 miles per hour via steering wheel vibrations or audible alert. The all-new 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance is expected to arrive in dealerships later this Fall.


Wednesday, February 17, 2021

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Starts At $26,990 In April

The all-new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander three-row crossover SUV, featuring a new design direction for both this vehicle and the brand, is powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with available Super All-Wheel Control system. Outlander, starting at $26,990 (including destination/handling charge of $1,195), gears up for sale in North America first in April 2021.


2022 Hyundai Kona Arrives This Spring

The new 2022 Hyundai Kona and Kona Electric SUVs, 1.6 inches longer than the previous model, receive a fresh design for the U.S. market, including an all-new sporty N Line trim. The standard powertrain is a 147 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine paired with a new Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission, while the N Line and Limited trims offer a 195 horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine coupled to a seven-speed EcoShift® dual-clutch transmission. The Kona Electric, freshened with a new front fascia design, has a 150 kW (201 horsepower) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor supplied by a high-voltage 64 kWh lithium-ion battery producing an estimated MPGe is 132 city, 108 highway, and 120 combined based on internal testing. The center-stack and center-cluster displays are all new for the Electric with large 10.25 screens. 2022 Kona gasoline and Electric SUVs will arrive in the Spring.



2022 INFINITI QX55 Starts At $46,500 In April

The 2022 INFINITI QX55 crossover coupe, with standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and available in LUXE, ESSENTIAL and SENSORY trim levels, is powered by a 268-horsepower VC-Turbo engine paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and manual mode. The 2022 INFINITI QX55 LUXE is equipped with a power-sliding tinted glass moonroof, heated front seats, Active Noise Cancellation, and safety features including Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and will start at $46,500 (excluding destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options) when it arrives in dealers in April across the U.S. An all-new INFINITI QX60 three-row crossover will join later in the year.

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV From $33,995 This Summer

The new, all-electric 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV electric vehicle will be the first Chevrolet vehicle to offer the Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system for more than 200,000 miles of enabled roads in the U.S. and Canada. It also has a Dual Level Charge Cord that allows a standard 120-volt three-prong outlet for Level 1 charging and a 240-volt outlet for Level 2 charging up to 7.2 kilowatts. The larger Bolt EUV gets a GM-estimated 250 mile range on a full charge and is priced from $33,995 (including destination freight charge), compared to the 2022 Bolt EV that achieves a GM-estimated 259 miles of range and starts at $31,995, before any available state, local or utility incentives. Both will be available this Summer.


2022 INFINITI QX60 Arrives Later This Year

The all-new 2022 INFINITI QX60 three-row crossover will be powered by a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission when it arrives to the U.S. and Canada later this year.

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Toyota To Add More Electrified Models

Toyota will introduce two BEVs and a PHEV electrified models in the U.S. market this year. By 2025, Toyota’s goal is to have 40% of new vehicle sales be electrified models, and by 2030 expects that to increase to nearly 70%.

2022 Audi e-tron GT Goes On Sale This Summer Starting At $99,900

The 2022 Audi e-tron GT produces up to 522 horsepower and the RS e-tron GT distributes up to 637 horsepower to all four wheels. Preliminary manufacturer’s estimated ranges based on approximation of EPA test cycles for a full charge are 238 miles for the e-tron GT and 232 miles for the RS e-tron GT.  With an 800-volt electrical architecture, the e-tron GT comes standard with the ability to charge at 270 kW using DC fast-chargers from 5-80% in just 22.5 minutes. The e-tron GT quattro Premium Plus starts at $99,900 and the RS e-tron GT at $139,900 (excluding destination charge, sales taxes, title, options, dealer charges and any available state or federal tax incentives). It is anticipated that 2022 Audi e-tron GT models may qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax incentives. Dealer sets actual price. The 2022 Audi e-tron GT is expected to go on sale in the U.S. this summer.

2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Starts At $24,590

The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, five inches longer overall at 178.9 inches on wheelbase that remains unchanged at 105.1 inches, is powered a 152 horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter direct-injection engine mated to an 8-speed CVT with Sport Mode transmission and starts at $24,590 (including $1,195 destination/handling charge) for the ES trim that a standard seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system. Driver and front passenger heated seats are standard on LE, SE and SEL trims. Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)2 all-wheel drive system can be added to any trim level for $1,600.

Thursday, February 4, 2021

All-New 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Goes On Sale This Summer

The all-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SUV, with seating for up to eight and a new captain's chairs option, is powered by a 284-horsepower 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 is matched with an all-new 9-speed transmission for smooth, direct response. Available all-new Intelligent 4WD with 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector for on- and-off-road driving with available 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity to haul boats and trailers. The all-new 2022 Pathfinder is offered in 2WD and 4WD and S, SV, SL and Platinum and SV Premium and SL Premium packages when it goes on sale this Summer.


All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier Goes On Sale This Summer

The all-new 2022 Nissan Frontier mid-size pickup is equipped with a 310 horsepower 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine matched to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Frontier 4WD models feature a shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes operated by an electronically controlled part-time transfer case. Frontier 4WD models are available with a 4-wheel limited-slip system. Hill Start Assist is standard on all models, and Hill Descent Control is standard on all 4WD models. The PRO-4X model adds an electronic locking differential, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and underbody skid plates for off-road driving. The 2022 Frontier King Cab is offered in 2WD and 4WD S and SV grades while the Crew Cab is available in 2WD and 4WD S, SV SWB (standard bed) and SV LWB (long bed), along with the Crew Cab PRO-4X (4WD only) and new-for-2022 PRO-X (2WD only). Seven option packages will be available. A 5-foot bed is standard on all Crew Cab models, with a 6-foot bed optional on Crew Cab SV Long Wheelbase models. A 6-foot bed is also standard on all King Cab models. The all-new 2022 Nissan Frontier goes on sale this Summer.


Wednesday, February 3, 2021

2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Coming This Summer

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor, fully redesigned, is powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission upgraded with next-generation controls bolted to a torque-on-demand transfer case. With a 36-gallon gas tank capacity, the Raptor delivers a projected EPA-estimated range of more than 500 miles on a full tank of gas. The reengineered all-new five-link rear suspension is designed to provide more control and power to the ground over rough terrain at high speeds. Raptor is available with either 35-inch or 37-inch tires. The larger 3.1-inch-diameter anodized aluminum shock bodies are filled with all-new low-friction shock fluid decreases frictional losses inside the damper for improved off and on-road comfort. Available in SuperCrew configuration on a 145-inch wheelbase, Raptor features a fully boxed high-strength steel frame with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy and composite body. The 2021 F-150 Raptor will be available in showrooms this Summer and the Raptor R is coming next year.

2022 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V Blackwings Coming This Summer

The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, powered by a 668 horsepower 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine, and CT4-V Blackwing (pictured), with a 472 horsepower 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 engine, represent Cadillac's performance brand. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with an available 10-speed automatic transmission. V-Series Blackwing models are built on Cadillac’s rear-wheel drive architecture and feature shock tower braces, an underside shear plate and thicker rear cross members to improve chassis rigidity. Tap Shift/Manual Mode allows the driver to use integrated magnesium paddle shifters to select a gear and hold it until selecting the next gear, up or down. Sport Mode provides real-time interpretation of driving conditions, adjusting the transmission to reduce shift busyness and improve performance, while retaining aggressive driving dynamics. Dynamic Performance Mode is calibrated to deliver track focused shift patterns and automatically activates when high-g forces are experienced in Sport or Track mode. Pricing begins at $59,990 (including $995 destination charge) for the CT4-V Blackwing and $84,990 for the CT5-V Blackwing. Reservations for both vehicles are open now with deliveries later this Summer.