Sunday, May 7, 2023

Test Drive: 2023 Toyota Sequoia Platinum

The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia in its third-generation hit the roads last summer in 5 trim levels  powered by a 437 horsepower twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX engine coupled with a 48 horsepower motor generator mated a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base SR5 trim starts at $59,860 (including $1,495 delivery, processing, and handling fee). Above the SR5 are the Limited starting at $66,260, Platinum (above) starting at $72,460, TRD Pro starting at $77,560 and the new top-of the line Capstone grade starting at $76,860. The all-new Sequoia offers up to a 9,520-pound maximum towing capacity, a 26 percent increase over the previous generation model. The Platinum 4X4 in this test drive review has a price of $79,000. Toyota has sold 6,192 Sequoias year-to-date through the end of April. 

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Lucid Air EV Sedans Starting From $87,400

Lucid Air luxury electric vehicles: Air Pure has 480 horsepower starting from $87,400, Air Touring with 620 horsepower starts at $107,400, Air Grand Touring, now being delivered, has 1,050 horsepower with a price from $138,000, while Air Sapphire for $249,000 with 1200+ horsepower is in pre-production and available to order. The range for Air Pure is 410 miles, Air Touring 425 miles, Air Grand Touring 516 miles, Air Grand Touring Performance 446 miles, Air Dream Edition Performance up to 471 miles, Air Dream Edition Range up to 520 miles and Air Sapphire TBA.

The Gravity SUV reservations are just starting for deliveries in 2024.

Produced at Lucid’s factory in Casa Grande, Arizona, deliveries of Lucid Air are currently underway to customers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.

2024 Honda HR-V Starts At $25,395 Now

The 2024 Honda HR-V, in its 2nd-generation HR-V, is based on the 11th generation Honda Civic and is larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and wider stance. The HR-V is powered by a 158 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission. It's on sale now with a starting MSRP of $25,395 for the HR-V LX (including $1,295 destination charge) and with Real Time All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control™ is $26,895. 

McLaren 750S Starts At $331,740

The new McLaren 750S, powered by a 730 horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine mated to a 7-speed transmission, is available to order now from McLaren retailers. Priced in the US market from $331,740 for the Coupe (including $5,500 transportation and port processing charges and $2,240 Americas Accessory Pack and $352,740 for the Spider.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coming Late This Year

The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with a 0.87 inches longer wheelbase than that of the preceding model, is powered by a 255 horsepower four cylinder turbocharged engine in the E 350 4MATIC and 375 horsepower turbocharged six cylinder powertrain in the E 450 4MATIC, both mated to the 9G-TRONIC transmission. In addition to turbocharging, an integrated starter-generator electric motor, a 48 volt on-board electrical system, adds 22 horsepower. At speeds below 37 mph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels and by up to 4.5° against the front steering angle when parking and at speeds above 37 mph, the rear wheels steer up to 2.5° in the same direction as the front wheels. The optional technology package includes the all-round AIRMATIC air suspension system with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping and rear-axle steering. Sales in the Unites States will start late 2023.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

2024 Porsche Cayenne Starts At $80,850 Arrive Summer 2023

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne, is powered by a 468 horsepower twin-turbo four-liter V8 engine that replaces the previous V6 engine in the new Cayenne S while the standard Cayenne comes with a 348 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 single-turbo engine which also also forms the basis for the powertrain of the Cayenne E-Hybrid which has a new 174 horsepower electric motor combining for 463 horsepower total system output. A new high-voltage battery features increased capacity from 17.9 kWh to 25.9 kWh. EPA range estimates will be available shortly before launch. The redesigned cockpit includes a digital 12.6-inch instrument cluster with a curved and freestanding design and variable display options. A head-up display is available as an option. The standard 12.3-inch central Porsche Communication Management display integrates into the new dashboard and provides access to all the relevant vehicle functions. A 10.9-inch display is now available for the first time for the passenger side with a special layer on the screen ensuring that the driver cannot see this display. The new Cayenne starts at $80,850 (including the $1,650 delivery, processing and handling fee). Coupé from $84,460), the Cayenne E-Hybrid starts at $93,350 (Coupé from $97,350) and the Cayenne S starts at $97,350 (Coupé from $103,750). The Cayenne Turbo GT has an MSRP of $197,950. The 2024 models are available to order now, with U.S. dealer arrival expected starting in the Summer of 2023.

2024 Lincoln Nautilus Arrives In Early 2024

The all-new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus® SUV, powered by a choice of the standard 250 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission or the 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission with a 100kW electric motor targeted to achieve a 310 total system horsepower. Nautilus arrives in early 2024 with available Lincoln BlueCruise 1.2 hands-free highway driver-assist system. Ordering for the new Nautilus SUV is now open and clients can visit www.lincoln.com for more.

Kia Stinger Tribute Limited Edition Starts At $54,565

The Kia Stinger Tribute Limited Edition, limited to 440 units in the U.S. and 1,000 worldwide, starts from $54,565 (including $1,175 destination) and builds on the Stinger GT2 with a 368-horsepower 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The Stinger Tribute Edition ends its six-year production run with existing Kia customers and hand raisers among the first to be notified of the Stinger Tribute’s availability at dealers.

Polestar 4 SUV Coupe Coming In Early 2024

The Polestar 4, an electric performance SUV coupé and the second SUV in the brand’s line-up, offers both dual- and single motor versions with single-motor versions featuring rear-wheel drive. The Long range Dual motor, fitted with a 102 kWh battery, has a maximum power output of 544 horsepower from permanent magnet, synchronous motors delivering a preliminary range target of up to 350 miles. A disconnect clutch allows the car to disengage the front electric motor when not needed, to maximize range and efficiency. Polestar 4 launches first in China, with production planned to begin in Hangzhou Bay, China, in November 2023. A full-scale launch for other markets, including in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, is planned for early 2024 with sales and production ramping up for these markets through the course of that year.

Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 full-size luxury SUV, its first all electric series model, has an output of 649 horsepower via its standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive delivering a range of up to 372 miles. In addition to the DYNAMIC SELECT driving program ECO, SPORT, OFFROAD and INDIVIDUAL, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV has the special MAYBACH drive program. It replaces the classic COMFORT program and is designed entirely for maximum driving comfort for the rear passengers. The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV contains Active Ambient Lighting with 253 individually controllable LEDs and 64 individually selectable colors. 


2024 Buick Envista Starts At $29,695 This Summer

The 2024 Buick Envista, a new nameplate offered in Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir models, is powered by a 136 horsepower 1.2L Turbo engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Envista will offer available safety and driver assistance technologies such as Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The 2024 Envista is expected to enter production next month and be available for customers this Summer. The Envista Preferred trim starts at just $23,495, with Sport Touring starting at $25,195 and Avenir starting at $29,695.

2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive Coming 2nd Half 2023

The 2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive, with two electric motors generating a maximum system output of 650 horsepower and an M-tuned chassis, is the third performance model to have an all-electric drive system. The motor powering the rear axle produces a peak output of 483 horsepower working in coordination with the 255 horsepower motor at the front axle. The new BMW i7 M70 xDrive features the updated version of the control/operation system BMW Operating System 8.5 with QuickSelect. Preliminary estimated EPA range is up to 295 miles and MSRP will be released closer to start of production in the second half of 2023.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 Coming This Fall

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2, the brand’s flagship heavy-duty off-roader, is offered exclusively in the 2500 Crew Cab configuration with the standard 6.6L gasoline engine or available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel. The max payload is 3,397 pounds (gas engine), while the max trailering rating is 18,500 pounds, when equipped with the available Duramax Turbo-Diesel. There's a 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment screen and 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center. Production of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison begins later this Summer. 

2024 Lexus UX 250h Starts At $37,640 This Spring

The 2024 Lexus UX 250h, only offered with a hybrid powertrain in the U.S., combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators in a hybrid transaxle delivering 181 total system horsepower and is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The 2024 Lexus UXh is offered in eight different models, including F SPORT Design and F SPORT Handling. There's a standard 8-inch or optional 12.3-inch touchscreen providing information to the driver and front-seat passengers. All 2024 UXh models come with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Low-light Pedestrian & Daytime Bicyclist Detection, Left Turn Vehicle Intersection Support, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beams, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist. The UX 250h starts at $37,640 (including $1,150 destination, processing and handling fee). The 2024 Lexus UX 250h goes on sale this Spring.

2024 BMW XM Label Red Hybrid Coming This Fall

The 2024 BMW XM Label Red brings together an M HYBRID drivetrain with a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the underbody and additional power to deliver a maximum system output of 738 horsepower to be the most powerful BMW M road vehicle ever made. The 4.4 liter V8 alone produces 577 horsepower, a 94-horsepower increase over the unit in the standard BMW XM and the electric motor contributes up to 194 horsepower. The BMW XM Label Red has standard Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Professional, which comprises Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, the Evasion Assistant, Alertness Assistant, the Speed Limit Info system, and Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function together with features such as the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, automatic Speed Limit Assist, and Active Navigation. BMW’s Highway Assistant allows attentive hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph on limited access highways. Production will begin in August 2023 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina.

Refreshed 2024 Kia Seltos Starts At $25,715

The refreshed 2024 Kia Seltos, available in LX, S, EX, SX, and new X-Line trim, offers a more powerful 195 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the outgoing 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Base models will continue to be powered by the 146 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with the Intelligent Variable Transmission. On the outside, the Seltos has a larger tiger nose grille and available projection LED headlamps and a new rear lighting design. Inside, is an available panoramic display that integrates the 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch center display. There's available Digital Key 2 Touch that requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. The entry SUV starts at an MSRP of $25,715 (including $1,325 destination fee).

Friday, April 7, 2023

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Starts At $29,305

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid All-Wheel Drive is powered by the new 196 horsepower fifth generation Toyota Hybrid System equipped with a Lithium-Ion battery, has an EPA-estimated 42 combined miles per gallon rating for all S, SE and XSE grades. All 2023 Corolla Cross models comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and the new Toyota Multimedia System, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and added USB-C charge ports. The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will have a starting MSRP of $29,305 (including $1,335 Delivery, Processing & Handling charge).

2024 Kia EV9 SUV Coming In The 4th Quarter

The all-electric 2024 Kia EV9 three-row SUV, slightly longer than the Telluride SUV with seating for up to seven passengers, a long wheelbase and flat floor, is powered by fourth-generation battery technology available with the standard 215 horsepower 160-kW motor combined with a 76.1-kWh battery that drives the rear wheels. Also, an optional 99.8-kWh battery will be available in a single-motor configuration targeting 300 miles of all-electric range or a 379 horsepower dual-motor torque vectoring all-wheel-drive configuration. The EV9’s standard 800V electrical architecture enables ultrafast recharging on high-speed DC chargers, designed to go from a 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 25 minutes. The EV9 is expected to debut in the U.S. in Q4 2023, with assembly beginning in 2024. 

Thursday, April 6, 2023

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Starts At $33,290

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, powered by a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine with a drivetrain engineered for better off-road performance with a revised differential gear ratio and retuned Lineartronic CVT, elevated 9.3-inch ground clearance and exclusive body cladding. Maximum towing capacity more than doubles to 3,500 lb. The Crosstrek Wilderness is equipped with Subaru’s driver-selectable dual-function X-MODE and comes standard with the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system. The system offers Snow / Dirt and Deep Snow / Mud modes. The starting price is $33,290 (including $1,295 destination and delivery).

2024 Jeep® Wrangler Arrives Later This Year

The new 2024 Jeep® Wrangler adds a full-float Dana rear axle, an available 100:1 crawl ratio, a new factory Warn winch and increased 5,000-pound tow capability. The powertrain options include a 375 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged PHEV 4xe, a 270 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine, a 285 horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 and a 470 horsepower 6.4-liter V-8. The 2.0- and 3.6-liter gas engines offer both a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A new interior features available power front seats, standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen radio and standard side curtain airbags in the first and second rows. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler will be available in Sport, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon and Rubicon 392 models. Ordering is open now and vehicles will start to arrive in U.S. Jeep dealerships later in 2023. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler will also be available in markets around the world.