Saturday, November 18, 2023

2023 LA Auto Show: Vehicle Highlights

There were few introductions and many missing nameplates at the 2023 LA Auto Show, when in past years there could be as many as 20 World or North American debuts. Significant introductions were the Lucid Gravity, all-new 2025 Subaru Forester, all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and refreshed Kia Sorento. (Click on names or scroll down to posts for details).

Vehicles to check out: 

The all-new 2025 Ford Mustang® GTD (above) powered by a 5.2L V8 engine with 8-speed dual-clutch transmission targeting more than 800 horsepower. 

The 2024 Chevrolet E-Ray Corvette (above), as a 2 seater coupe or convertible, is powered by a 495 horsepower 6.2L V8 DI engine with 8-speed dual clutch transmission and comes in 1LZ Coupe starting at $106,295 (including $1,395 destination freight charge), 2LZ Coupe at $111,795 and 3LZ Coupe at $117,245. The 1LZ eAWD coupe starts at $107,990 with the convertible models starting at $114,990.


Click to read details: Kia EV9 EV

Among manufacturer vehicle displays missing from the 2023 LA Show are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Buick and GMC. All the Stellantis brands, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, not on display, apparently due to the costly UAW strike. Porsche, which has traditionally had its own exhibit hall because of its massive Southern California sales performance, skipped the LA Show this year apparently focused on its Rennsport Reunion 7 celebrating 75 years. 

2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2025 Lucid Gravity SUV

The 2025 Lucid Gravity all-electric SUV is expected to have a range of more than 440 miles range via a dual motor electric powertrain producing more than 800 horsepower with a starting price under $80,000. Lucid Group, Inc (NASDAQ ticker: LCID) is headquartered in Newark, California, with its manufacturing facility in Arizona.

Lucid Senior Vice President of Product & Chief Engineer Eric Bach discusses the new all-electric Lucid Gravity with Richard Saxton at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Click to watch interview.

2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2024 Kia Sorento

The refreshed 2024 Kia Sorento, available in FWD or AWD in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-P trims, is powered by a 191 horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 GDI engine matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission in the LX and S trims . The X-Line and X-Pro have a 281 horsepower a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 GDI matched to an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The 2024 Sorento is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2024 with the X-Line available on EX and above and X-Pro on SX-P. Sorento HEV and PHEV models are anticipated to hit dealerships later next year as 2025 models.

Kia Sorento Product Strategy Manager Mark Savino discusses 2024 Kia Sorento mid-cycle refresh and new EV3 and EV4 concepts introduced at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Click to watch interview.

2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2025 Subaru Forester

The sixth-generation all-new 2025 Subaru Forester SUV, available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trim levels, is powered by a 180 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine mated to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It features a 10% stiffer chassis, standard Advanced EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology on all trims, and available 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ and the debut of a kick sensor-activated hands-free power rear gate. The 2025 Forester arrives in Subaru retailers nationwide in Spring 2024.  

Subaru Car Line Planning Manager Bill Stokes discusses the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester with Richard Saxton at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Click to watch interview.

2023 LA Auto Show Interview: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe


The all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by 277 horsepower 2.5-liter direct-injected, turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission or an eco-focused 232 horsepower 1.6-liter direct-injected, turbocharged hybrid linked with a six-speed automatic transmission. The new XRT, making its global debut, is an outdoor-focused sport model. The 2024 Santa Fe 2.5T model goes on sale in March 2024, with the Hybrid model on sale in Spring.

Hyundai Motor America Team Manager Mike Evanoff discusses the all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe with Richard Saxton at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2023 LA Auto Show: Honda Prelude Concept

The hybrid-electric Honda Prelude Concept two-door coupe is on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In early 2024, Honda will begin sales of the Honda Prologue, Honda's first all-electric SUV. Following the Prologue, in 2025, a mid- to large-size EV model based on Honda's own EV architecture will go on sale.

Cadillac OPTIQ EV Coming Next Year

The Cadillac OPTIQ luxury compact SUV, slotted in below LYRIQ, will be the fourth vehicle to join its expanding global electric vehicle portfolio. Additional details, as well as available features and pricing, will be unveiled next year.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

2024 Nissan Armada Starts At $57,345 Now

The 2024 Nissan Armada, in SV, SL and Platinum trims, offers rear-wheel drive or Nissan's advanced Intelligent 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case with power from a 400 horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 engine that has a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,500 pound. The 2024 Nissan Armada is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $57,345 (including $1,895 destination and handling charge).

2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe and GV80 Coming Next Year

The first-ever 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe and the new 2025 GV80 SUV will be equipped with a 300 horsepower gasoline 2.5L I-4 turbo engine or a gasoline 375 horsepower 3.5L twin turbo engine, which produces a maximum output of 375 horsepower. The GV80 Coupe will offer two engine choices, including the gasoline 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo with 48V electric supercharger delivering 409 horsepower. A 27-inch-wide OLED display integrates the multimedia screen, exemplifying the harmony in the combination of a high-tech device with details with its horizontal layout. Further details regarding the upcoming 2025 GV80 SUV and GV80 Coupe’s North American availability, specifications, and pricing will be announced in 2024.

2025 Toyota Camry Coming Next Spring

The 2025 Toyota Camry, in its ninth generation, is powered by a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine combined with the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System's two electric motors, for 225 net combined horsepower on Front Wheel Drive models and 232 horsepower on Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive equipped models. For the 2025 model, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard on LE and SE models, while a standard 12.3-in fully digital gauge cluster is found in the XLE and XSE grades. The XLE and XSE grades also come with an available 10-inch Head Up Display to allow drivers to check their speed, see warning indicators, and turn-by-turn navigation. The 2025 Toyota Camry is expected to arrive at Toyota Dealerships in the Spring of 2024.

2025 Toyota Crown Signia

The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia is the second entry in the U.S. Toyota Crown lineup available in XLE and Limited grades and powered by a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motor generators delivering 243 combined system net horsepower and a preliminary manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG rating. 

2024 Mercedes AMG GT Coupe Arrives First Half of 2024

The second-generation 2024 Mercedes AMG GT Coupe is powered by a 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine paired to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission with 577 horsepower for the AMG GT 63 Coupe and 469 horsepower for the AMG GT 55 Coupe when they arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2024. There are six AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs: "Slippery," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport +," "Individual" and "RACE".

Volvo EM90 EV

The Volvo EM90 fully electric premium MPV goes to China first and is now available for pre-orders for customers in China.

Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Has 386 Mile Range

The all-electric Volkswagen ID.7 Pro midsize sedan is powered by a 282 horsepower 82 kWh battery delivering a WLTP range of up to 386 miles. The ID.7 will be launched around the world starting in Europe where it can now be ordered.

2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Starts At $51,315

The 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, powered by a combination of a 1.6T Gas Direct Injection I-4 gas engine and 66.9 kw electric motor for 261 horsepower that mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission delivering 34 MPG combined (gas) and 79 MPGe combined. The 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX-P has an MSRP of $51,315 (including $1,325 destination charge).

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Maserati MC20 Notte Limited To 50 Units

The Maserati MC20 Notte, powered by a 621 horsepower 3.0L V6 Nettuno engine is the first limited edition of its super sports car MC20, with an exclusive run of 50 units globally is now available. 

2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid Starts At $38,015

The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid, in EX FWD, EX AWD and SX-P trim levels, is powered by a 227 horsepower 1.6T Gas Direct Injection  I-4 engine combined with a 44 kw motor paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission starts at $38,015 (including $1,325 destination). 

2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Arrives In 4th Quarter 2024

The all-new 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger has 663 system horsepower flowing in sequence from the 3.6-liter V-6 engine to the on-board 130-kW generator to 250-kilowatt front and 238 kW rear electric drive modules and a 92 kilowatt-hour battery with a targeted range of up to 690 miles. The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger has up to 14,000 pounds towing capacity with a class 5 hitch and a maximum payload of 2,625 pounds. An onboard power panel in the bed can provide up to 7.2 kW. The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger uses the all-new STLA Frame platform and is designed specifically for full-size electric vehicles featuring a body-on-frame design. The all-new Ram 1500 Ramcharger and all-electric 2025 Ram 1500 REV arrive in the fourth quarter of 2024.

All-New 2025 Ram 1500 Starts Arriving In First Quarter of 2024

The 2025 Ram 1500 is powered by either a 420 horsepower 3.0-liter Hurricane or a 540 horsepower 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output Straight-Six Turbo engine paired with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Ram 1500 models equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 eTorque engine can run the inverter while the truck is in motion. Maximum towing capacity is 11,580 pounds and maximum payload is 2,300 pounds and there's up to 24 inches of water fording. An all-new Tungsten model joins the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, which also includes Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn and Limited models. The all-new Ram 1500 Tungsten includes an all-new power tailgate, a premium LED taillight design and a contemporary R-A-M badge. There's an improved 12- inch touchscreen with higher resolution and new 14.5-inch reconfigurable touchscreen that feature split-screen capability for dual application operation. The 2025 Ram 1500 is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the first quarter of 2024 while the new 540-horsepower Ram 1500 RHO will join the lineup in the third quarter of 2024 and the all-electric 2025 Ram 1500 REV arrives in the fourth quarter of 2024. Pricing will be announced closer to when the 2025 Ram 1500 goes on sale.

2024 Honda Ridgeline Arriving This Winter

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline, available in Sport, RTL, the new TrailSport (above) with special off-road hardware, and the top-of-the-range Black Edition four all-wheel drive trim levels, is powered by a 280 horsepower 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC® V6 engine paired with a 9-Speed Automatic Transmission with Shift-By-Wire and Paddle Shifters. On Ridgeline, Honda Sensing® includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. A rear seat reminder are also standard across the lineup. Ridgeline can tow as much as 5,000 pounds. All 2024 Ridgeline models will begin arriving in dealers this Winter.

Monday, November 6, 2023

2024 Acura TLX Type S Almost Here

The 2024 Acura TLX Type S, with new front fascia, is powered by a 355 horsepower 24-valve dual overhead cam 3.0-liter V6 engine with direct-injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger paired with a sport-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission distributed through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system with true torque vectoring. The rear-biased system is capable of sending up to 70% of torque to the rear axle, and 100% of that to the outside rear wheel. New standard tech includes 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit™ Digital Instrument Cluster and 20-percent larger Center Display, ELS Studio Premium Audio and IconicDrive™ Ambient LED Lighting. The top-trim, high-performance Type S, which accounts for nearly 25% of all TLX sales. The 2024 TLX will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide in late November.

Sunday, November 5, 2023

2024 INFINITI QX55 Starts At $51,195 Now

The 2024 INFINITI QX55, in Luxe, Essential and Sensory grade levels, is powered by a 268 horsepower 2.0-liter engine paired with an XTRONIC transmission that features Downshift Rev Matching and standard paddle shifters. It comes standard with INFINITI InTouch™ with 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower screens featuring Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay® and 20-inch dark painted aluminum alloy wheels. INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is standard delivering 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. When slippage is detected, the AWD system can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels. The QX55 starts at $51,195 (including $ 1,195 destination and handling charge) now. 

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

2024 Subaru BRZ Starts At $31,315 Early Next Year

The 2024 Subaru BRZ rear-wheel drive sports car, powered by a 228 horsepower 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine paired with a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission or a six-speed electronic direct-control automatic transmission, arrives in Premium, Limited and tS trim levels early next year. Priced at $31,315 (including $1,120 destination and delivery), the 2024 Subaru BRZ comes equipped with Keyless Access with Push-Button Start, incline Start Assist, TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential and Vehicle Stability Control with Track Mode. New for 2024, BRZ tS comes equipped with STI-tuned front and rear Hitachi® dampers. 

Thursday, October 26, 2023

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe Starts At $58,150 Soon

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe is powered by a 255 horsepower  turbo-4 engine with its mild hybrid 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator mated to a 9G-TRONIC transmission. The panoramic sunroof is 2.4 inches longer than its predecessor. There's a 12.3-inch high-resolution driver display and a 11.9-inch central portrait display. Pricing for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe starts at $58,150 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge) when they begin arriving in U.S. dealerships in late Fall 2023. 

2024 Lexus LS 500 Starts At $80,685 Soon

The 2024 Lexus LS 500, powered by a 416 horsepower 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, will start at $80,685 (including $1,350 DPH fee) and the 2024 LS 500h will have an MSRP of $115,560 when they arrive in dealerships later this year. A standard 12.3-inch, high-definition touchscreen provides easy-to-use controls. 2024 Lexus LS gas models come standard with LSS+ 3.0, an integrated suite of active safety equipment and convenience features. All 2024 LS hybrid models come with LSS+ 2.5, which includes PCS with Pedestrian Detection, Low-light Pedestrian and Daytime Bicyclist Detection, Left Turn Vehicle Intersection Support, LDA w/ SA, Intelligent High Beams, DRCC, LTA, and RSA.

Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV Starts At $181,050

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV, the first all-electric Maybach, is powered by 649 horsepower Dual Permanently Synchronous Electric Motors with 484 kW output. Standard equipment also includes front and rear Executive seats equipped with ventilation, massage function and neck and shoulder heating, as well as available calf massage included as part of the Executive Rear Seat Package Plus. There are two 11.6" MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment displays on the backrest of the front seats and the MBUX rear tablet in the center console. Other highlights include AIRMATIC Air Suspension with Adaptive Damping System, MBUX Hyperscreen with 17.7" OLED Central Display, 12.3" OLED Passenger Display, and 12.3" instrument cluster, Burmester 4D sound system with Dolby Atmos, fingerprint scanner for MBUX profile authentication, parking package with Surround View System and PARKTRONIC GUARD 360 Vehicle Protection Plus, folding rear tables, heated/cooled rear cupholders, and rear heated armrest. It is available to order at U.S. dealerships now starting at $181,050 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge).

2024 Audi Q8 Starts At $74,895 1st Quarter 2024

The 2024 Audi Q8, which receives an updated exterior design, is powered by a 335 horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged TFSI® V6 engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission and standard quattro® all-wheel drive, while the SQ8 has a 500 horsepower4.0-liter twin-turbocharged TFSI® V8 and features an on-demand cylinder deactivation system. Standard on the 2024 Q8 are high-intensity Matrix-design LED headlights, with the digital daytime running lights now positioned on the upper horizontal edge. The updated Q8 starts at $74,895 (including $1,195 delivery fee) and the SQ8 starts at $97,795 when they begin arriving in U.S. showrooms in the first quarter of 2024.

2024 Lexus LX 600 Starts At $90,515 At Yearend

The 2024 Lexus LX 600, which  maintains the GA-F platform introduced in 2022, is powered by a 409 horsepower 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine paired with a Direct Shift-10AT. The AHC suspension allows the ride height to be adjusted according to the driving environment and Adaptive Variable Suspension provide improved grip, traction and control. The upper 12.3-inch display shows navigation, audio controls and the Multi-Terrain Monitor during off-road driving. The lower 7-inch touch display shows the climate control screen and serves as a driving-support screen for Multi-Terrain Select which allows the driver to select from Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock modes. The LX comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 including a Pre-Collision System which has Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection. The 2024 LX 600 will go on sale by the end of 2023 starting at $90,515 (including $1,350 DPH fee).

2026 AMG GLE 53 HYBRID Arrives Late 2025

The 2026 AMG GLE 53 HYBRID, available in SUV and Coupe body styles, is powered by an AMG-enhanced 443 horsepower 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine specially tuned for the GLE 53 HYBRID combined with a 134 horsepower electric motor and 31.2 kWh capacity battery delivering peak system total output of 536 horsepower with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. All-electric driving at speeds up to 87 mph is also possible under certain conditions. The 2026 AMG GLE 53 HYBRID arrives at U.S. dealerships later in 2025.

2024 Honda Passport Starts At $43,275 Now

The updated 2024 Honda Passport, powered by a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring i-VTM4® all-wheel drive, starts at $43,275 (including $1,375 destination charge) for the Passport EX-L.

2024 Genesis G70 Gets More Power

The 2024 Genesis G70 sport sedan offers a newly enhanced 300 horsepower 2.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine as standard in addition to the available 3.3L twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine. A high-performance Brembo braking system also comes as standard equipment. Details regarding the 2024 G70’s North American availability and pricing will be announced in late 2023.

2024 Kia EV6 Starts At $43,925 This Fall

The all-electric 2024 Kia EV6, priced from $43,925 (including $1,325 destination fee) and entering its third model year, introduces the 77.4-kWh battery to the EV6 Light, with two new trim designations in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. For 2024, the EV6 GT is now rated at an EPA-estimated 218 miles of all-electric range, an improvement of 12 miles over the 2023 EV6 GT. The 2024 EV6 is expected to go on sale this Fall.

GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE SUV

The new GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE SUV combines the 469 horsepower AMG 2.0-liter turbo engine with a 201 horsepower electric motor on the rear axle to deliver a 671 horsepower combined system output. The high-performance battery in the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE offers a capacity of 6.1 kWh, 107 horsepower continuous power and 201 horsepower peak power for ten seconds. The standard active rear-axle steering, AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive and AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission with wet start-off clutch. "Electric" mode is all-electric driving from a standstill up to 78 mph, while the combustion engine remains switched off. "Comfort" takes place mostly in electric mode and the combustion engine and electric motor then run as the situation demands with electric drive at low speeds. "Battery Hold" has the combustion engine and electric motor running as the situation demands with a maximum boost of approximately 25 percent, as in the "Comfort" drive program. Other drive modes are "Sport", "Sport+", "RACE", "Slippery" and "Individual". Standard equipment is the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension, active rear-axle steering, active roll stabilization and fully variable all-wheel drive.

Monday, October 16, 2023

2024 Nissan Rogue Adds New Looks and Features in Early 2024

The 2024 Nissan Rogue, in S, SV, SL and Platinum grades available with front- or all-wheel drive, receives an exterior refresh and available technology upgrades. Rogue is powered by a standard 201 horsepower 1.5-liter Variable Compression Turbo engine paired with a Xtronic CVT and Idle Stop/Start engine shut off. Using a 12.3-inch HD color touchscreen, the new infotainment system integrates Google Assistant, Google Maps and more on Google Play into Rogue's dashboard (SL, Platinum grades). The 2024 Nissan Rogue goes on sale at U.S. dealerships in early 2024 with pricing to be announced at a later date.

2024 Toyota Crown Starts At $41,145

The 2024 Toyota Crown, in XLE, Limited and Platinum trims, is powered by a standard AWD hybrid powertrain with a choice of Hybrid MAX or Toyota Hybrid System. The XLE and Limited grades are equipped with the fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid system that pairs front and rear electric motors with a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with eCVT that shifts gears electronically delivering an EPA-estimated 41 MPG combined city/highway rating. Exclusive to the Platinum grade, Hybrid MAX pairs front and rear electric motors with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and direct shift 6-speed automatic transmission for 340 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined city/highway fuel economy rating. The XLE and Limited grades come standard with Toyota’s Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive and the Platinum grade comes with Full-time Electronic All-Wheel Drive. 

All Crown grades will come with Toyota’s new Audio Multimedia System and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard with an available 12.3-inch touchscreen that includes Over-the-Air updates. Users can interact with the system through touch and voice activation. The 2024 Toyota Crown starts $41,145 (including $1,095 DHP).

Thursday, October 12, 2023

2024 Lexus TX Starts At $55,050 Now

The first-ever 2024 Lexus TX three-row SUV comes in Standard, Premium, Luxury, F SPORT Performance Premium, and F SPORT Performance Luxury grades, and like the RX and NX, rides on the GA-K platform. The TX 350 (FWD/AWD) has the 275 horsepower 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 engine, also seen on the RX and NX, with an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. The TX 500h F SPORT Performance (DIRECT4 AWD only) is powered by the 2.4L turbocharged Parallel Hybrid system providing 366 total system horsepower matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. The TX 350 and 500h are on sale now with a starting MSRP of $55,050 (including DPH). The TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid (DIRECT4 AWD only and available only in the Luxury grade) combines a two-motor transaxle and 3.5 VL V6 engine with DIRECT4 for a 404 total system horsepower and a manufacturer projected estimated EV range rating of 33 miles. All three powertrains can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The TX 550h+ is expected to go on sale at the beginning of 2024. Pricing for the TX 550h+ will be available closer to the on-sale date.

2024 Lexus RC 300, RC 350 Starts At $45,920 Later This Year

The 2024 Lexus RC 300 is powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter, twin-scroll turbocharged and intercooled in-line four-cylinder engine with direct injection paired to a rear-wheel drive system and an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission. The RC 300 AWD pairs a six-speed automatic transmission with a 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The Variable Valve Timing with intelligence is designed to provide added torque at lower speeds and greater horsepower at higher speeds. The RC 350 and RC 350 AWD’s 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with the all-wheel drive RC 350 paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and the rear-wheel drive model equipped with an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission. The rear-wheel drive F SPORT offers an available Torsen® limited-slip rear differential helps maximize drivers’ ability to power out of corners. The starting MSRP will be $45,920 (including DPH) when the 2024 Lexus RC and RC F models arrive in dealerships later this year.

2024 BMW X2 Starts At $42,995 In March 2024

The 2024 BMW X2, 7.6 inches in length over its predecessor to 179.8 inches and now 2.6 inches longer than the new BMW X1 with overall height up 2.5 inches compared with the previous generation, is powered by the 241 horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine in the X2 xDrive28i while the all-new BMW X2 M35i xDrive 2.0-liter unit is 312 horsepower, both paired with a 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission. The standard BMW Curved Display is formed by a 10.25-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches merged into a single unit behind a continuous glass surface that curves towards the driver. The newly developed seats in the X2 offer a lateral support in quick transitions and optimized comfort over long distances and the rear seat backrests can be folded in a 40:20:40 split. Standard features include Active Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Active Park Distance Control and BMW Navigation. MSRP for X2 xDrive28i is $42,995 (including $995 destination) and for the X2 M35i is $52,395 when they launch in the U.S. in March 2024.

Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser Concept

The Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser concept, built to conquer rugged terrain on Earth and beyond, draws design cues from the original FJ40 Land Cruiser and the real Lunar Cruiser and propelled by in-wheel electric motors and controlled by dual joysticks with a full array of cameras and lidar/radar sensors, and a split tailgate configuration in back. Highly adjustable spaceframe seats and M.O.L.L.E. panels throughout give the interior the flexibility to adapt to any kind of adventure.

2024 Nissan Sentra Starts At $21,745 Now

The 2024 Nissan Sentra, powered by a 149 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four engine and offered in S, SV and SR grades, gets new front fascia, updated headlights and new available 16-inch alloy wheels. Sentra S and SV are EPA-rated for 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined, while Sentra SR is rated 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined. It has the Nissan Safety Shield® 360 on all grades and that comprises Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. The 2024 Nissan Sentra is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $21,745 (including $1,115 destination and handling).

2024 Toyota Prius Starts At $28,745 Next Month

The 2024 Toyota Prius hybrid, offered in LE, XLE and Limited grades, is powered by the fifth generation Toyota Hybrid System with 196 net horsepower 2.0L engine on Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive equipped models and 194 net horsepower on Front-Wheel Drive equipped models which delivers a manufacturer-estimated 57 MPG combined rating while the e-AWD system gets a manufacturer-estimated 54 MPG combined rating. It comes with an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia Screen on the LE and XLE grades, and an available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen standard on the Limited grade (12.3-inch screen available as an option on the XLE grades). The 2024 Prius will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense generation 3.0 which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, Proactive Driving Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is standard on all grades. The starting MSRP will start at $28,745 (including $1,095 Dealer Processing and Handling) for the LE grade when they start arriving at Toyota Dealerships in November.

Friday, October 6, 2023

Video: OC Auto Show On Now Through Sunday




The Orange County California Auto Show (OC Auto Show) is on now through Sunday October 8 at the Anaheim Convention Center. John Sackrison, Executive Director, Orange County Automobile Dealers Association (OCADA) discusses the show, sales and trends with Richard Saxton.



Click to watch interview.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

2024 Genesis GV60 Starts At $53,195

The 2024 Genesis GV60, with a standard with a 168kW rear electric motor and rear-wheel drive, adds up to 46 miles or 19% more estimated range up to 294 miles on a full charge. The GV60 RWD starts at an MSRP of $53,195 (including $1,195 freight). The 2024 GV60 Advanced AWD’s has an MSRP of $61,745, and the 2024 GV60 Performance AWD has an MSRP of $70,745. Additional new standard features include a Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Genesis Digital Key 2, Highway Driving Assist II, and Advanced Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist. Genesis has increased the number of airbags and adding a seatbelt pretensioner, load limiter, and seat belt reminder for the rear seats. The 2024 GV60 Standard RWD and Advanced AWD are now available at select retailers in 23 states and the 2024 GV60 Performance AWD availability will be announced at a later date. 

2024 Honda Passport Arrives This Fall

The 2024 Honda Passport, powered by a 280 horsepower 3.5L V-6 engine paired with a i-VTM4®All-Wheel-Drive System, becomes more off-road capable with new trail-ready all-terrain tires and off-road tuned suspension and there's a new wider center console with a large, newly-integrated armrest and expanded storage. Also for 2024, a new, top-of-the-line Passport Black Edition. Passport offers 8.1 inches of ground clearance and 5,000-pound towing capacity. The 2024 Passport arrives in dealerships this Fall.

Nissan Hyper Urban Concept

The Nissan Hyper Urban concept, boasts V2G capability, enabling owners to contribute surplus power to the grid to support their local community and earn money in the process. The Intelligent Charging Management System features AI that can autonomously charge vehicles and power buildings, providing efficient management of power. Further announcements are planned this month. 

Ford F-150® Lightning® Flash™ Starts At $71,990 In Early 2024

The new Ford F-150® Lightning® Flash™, expanding the XLT model line, adds an extended-range battery with a targeted EPA-estimated range of 320 miles, available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and a standard 15.5-inch touchscreen for an MSRP sticker of $71,990 (including $1,995 destination charges). Online orders on Ford.com open early 2024 for the Flash™ along with the F-150 Lightning Pro with standard range starting at $51,990, XLT with standard range at $59,490, Lariat with extended range at $79,490, Platinum with extended range at $91,990, and the limited-edition F-150 Lightning Platinum Black with extended range will be available for order at $99,990. 

Volvo EX30 EV Starts At $36,245

The Volvo EX30 SUV, unveiled this past June as Volvo's 4th all-electric model, will have up to 275 miles of EPA-estimated fully electric range with a starting price of $36,245 (including $1,295 destination charge). The Single Motor Extended Range variant of the Volvo EX30 will be offered in Core, Plus and Ultra equipment levels. The Twin Motor Performance model comes in Plus and Ultra trims. Standard on every Volvo EX30 is Google built-in, featuring native Google Maps and Google Assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay, Driver Alert System, Blind Spot Information System, Door Opening Alert and Front & Rear Collision Mitigation.