The new Volvo XC60 (left) delivers an electric range of up to 78 miles on a single charge and the seven-seater XC90 (right) provides up to 73 miles, more than twice the range as the existing plug-in hybrid variants (based on EPA testing standards obtained under specific testing conditions). The new XC60 and XC90 will benefit from regular over-the-air updates and will enter production later this Fall, with customer deliveries expected to commence in early 2027.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung: Track Focused
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, powered by a 637 horsepower AMG 4.0‑liter V8 biturbo engine paired with a standard AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission, will have an open two-seat configuration without a roof or windscreen and joins the series as a road-legal vehicle limited to only 30 examples with a focus on racetrack performance. Each vehicle is hand-built in Affalterbach based on a CLE 53 platform.
Volvo XC40 Arrives In Early 2027
The Volvo XC40, powered by either a 194 horsepower FWD or 247 horsepower AWD mild hybrid powertrains, gets a refreshed exterior design featuring new LED rear lights, an upgraded tailgate, and a redesigned rear bumper. The XC40 also comes with new 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch diamond-cut wheels. The interior is upgraded with a new, larger 11.2-inch screen and new front and corner radars, a new front camera, new rear corner radars, 12 new ultrasonic sensors and new parking cameras deliver a more comprehensive view of its surroundings. Like all new Volvo cars, the XC40 benefits from regular over-the-air updates that bring new software and features to cars already on the road. The new XC40 will enter production later this fall, with customer deliveries expected to commence in early 2027.
2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Coming Soon
The 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport, with a reengineered suspension which has 9.65 inches of ground clearance to enhance off-road capability, is powered by a 285 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-Speed Automatic Transmission with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and Paddle Shifters. A total of 28 suspension and related chassis parts have been redesigned, reengineered or are otherwise new for the 2027 Passport TrailSport. The 2027 Passport TrailSport models that will begin arriving at dealerships later this month.
All-New Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC
The all-new electric Mercedes-Benz GLC, with a 3.3-inch longer wheelbase compared to the combustion engine-powered GLC SUV, will arrive at market launch as the GLC 400 4MATIC Electric with 483 horsepower delivering up to 350 miles of range (EPA). The GLC 400 4MATIC Electric features a lithium-ion battery with a 94-kWh usable capacity. The new GLC is the first model to bear the new grille with a wide chrome frame and smoked glass-look mesh structure. In addition to the ECO, COMFORT, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL drive programs, the GLC 400 4MATIC Electric also features a Terrain drive program for dirt or gravel roads. The new GLC is equipped with up to ten external cameras, five radar sensors and twelve ultrasonic sensors to offer first-class driver and parking assistance technologies. The new GLC features the new fourth generation MBUX infotainment system that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) from ChatGPT, Microsoft and Google and combines multiple AI agents within a single system.
Thursday, September 3, 2026
TEST DRIVE: 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor
The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor, built on the same rear drive platform as the Lincoln Aviator, is powered by a 300 horsepower 2.3 liter turbocharged EcoBoost® 4-cylinder engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission or the optional 3.0 liter turbo EcoBoost® V6 engine also paired with the 10-speed transmission has either 385 or 400 horsepower depending on manufacturing date. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional and standard on the Tremor model. There's a 10 speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system including a subwoofer or an optional 14 speaker 980 watt Bang & Olufsen sound setup also including a subwoofer. There's a tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control with a rear auxiliary climate control. The Tremor starts at $51,490 (including $1,795 destination handling charge) compared to the Lincoln Aviator which has a $59,190 starting MSRP.
My test drive around Vancouver, Canada, found the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor has plenty of power and good handling, especially in heavy traffic. The Tremor was easy to park, has plenty of passenger and cargo space with a luxury interior that includes many amenities such as the intuitive telematics on the 13.2 inch center display, a massage seat, an excellent Bang & Olufsen audio system, customizable driver display with a variety of choices, charging ports throughout, 2nd-row heated seats and a power-folding third-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat, to name a few. In conclusion, the Ford Explorer is a good family vehicle. The Tremor's V6 engine was thirsty at the pump especially when running air conditioning.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
2027 Lexus NX Hybrids Coming By Year End
The new 2027 Lexus NX, only available in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains, will have the NX 450h+ equipped with a newly developed Lithium-ion battery that delivers an 8% increase in output and a 30% increase in capacity. PHEV grades also now come standard with DC fast charging and the addition of a Power Charge Port Door. The other expected NX trims are the NX 350h Premium FWD, NX 350h Premium, NX 350h Premium+ FWD, NX 350h Premium+, NX 350h F SPORT, NX 350h Luxury, NX 450h+ Premium, NX 450h+ Premium+, NX 450h+ F SPORT and NX 450h+ Luxury with additional grade details and pricing info available closer to the on-sale date. The Lexus Interface 14-inch screen is standard across all grades for navigation, entertainment, vehicle information, and connected technologies. The new NX offers an E-Four electronic all-wheel-drive system featuring revised rear motor control that enables continuous AWD operation not only during launch, wheel slip and cornering, but also in straight-line driving. This extensively updated new model is expected to be made available across global markets by the end of 2026.
2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package Arriving Later This Year
The 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package, with only 350 to be assembled for the North American market, is powered by a 311 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine in rear-wheel drive, paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, or all-wheel drive, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Special Appearance Package comes standard with F SPORT perforated NuLuxe-trimmed seating with green stitching, 19-inch black BBS forged alloy wheels, Handling Package, including a sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, Drive Mode Select (ECO, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom), and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential (RWD only). The Technology Package has Traffic Jam Assist capability, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross-Traffic Alert. The 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package is scheduled to arrive at Lexus dealerships later this year with pricing and full specs to be shared at a later date.
Thursday, August 27, 2026
2027 Kia Niro Hybrid Starts At $31,385
The refreshed 2027 Kia Niro, offered exclusively as a hybrid, is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and six-speed dual-clutch transmission producing a combined 139 horsepower. The 2027 Niro lineup adds a new S trim alongside the LX, EX, and SX models. Now available are driver assistance technologies including Highway Driving Assist, 360-degree Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Niro LX FWD strats at $31,385 (including $1,495 destination).
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
2027 Kia Sportage Starts At $30,485
The 2027 Kia Sportage gas-powered LX FWD, powered by a 187 horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine paired with an 8-speed Automatic transmission, starts at $30,485 (including $1,495 destination).
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Genesis GV90 Seven Seat SUV
The Genesis GV90 full-size flagship SUV, on a 127.8 inch wheelbase measuring 208.1 inches overall, has a combined maximum output of 657 horsepower from the front and rear motors and will be available in the GV90 Neolun, featuring the Neolun Arch Gate hidden B-pillar coach doors and the standard GV90 with conventional swing doors. On a single charge, the GV90 (7-seater) achieves an estimated range of approximately 310 miles (based on internal R&D tests) and when using a 350-kilowatt fast charger, the battery charges from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes. It will also be equipped with a roof airbag, a 123.5 kilowatt-hour large-capacity high-voltage battery, dual electronic limited slip differential, multi-chamber air suspension, a new power control system, a pop-up center OLED Cinematic Display, Pleos Connect, Remote Smart Parking Assist 3, Bang & Olufsen’s Premier 3D sound system with 25 speakers and Dolby Atmos®, Ambient Glow mood lighting, Smart Vision Roof and a heated windshield. In normal driving situations, the wide 23.6-inch screen seamlessly integrates the instrument cluster, navigation, and media. When the vehicle is parked, pressing the display extension button on the center fascia raises the screen by 90mm, transforming it into a 24.6-inch display, approximately 1.7 times larger than when retracted for occupants to enjoy a wide variety of multimedia content.
2027 Nissan Murano Starts At $45,535 Now
The 2027 Nissan Murano, available in SL, Dark Armor and Platinum grades, is powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) powertrain rated for up to 27 mpg highway. Features include dual 12.3-inch displays with available Google built-in2 (Dark Armor, Platinum grades), integrated camera technologies that include invisible hood view and Around View® Monitor, standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360, with driver assistance and safety technologies that include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Standard ProPILOT Assist combines Cruise Control with Steering Assist and ProPILOT Assist 2.1 (Platinum Technology package) allows attentive drivers to go hands-off in freeway driving situations, using cameras, radar sensors and other technology to make road trips more comfortable. The 2027 Nissan Murano is on sale now from $45,535 (including $1,545 destination and handling).
New Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class Coming First Half of 2027
The new Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class is powered by a new 255 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the second-generation integrated starter-generator that supports the combustion engine at lower engine speeds with up to 23 horsepower while the 48-volt electrical system also enables functions such as coasting and recuperation to help maximize efficiency. There's a 12.3-inch high-resolution driver display and portrait-oriented 11.9-inch central multimedia display that features a floating design and provides access to all key vehicle functions. The latest generation MBUX introduces the AI-based MBUX Virtual Assistant to the C‑Class. The optional AMG Line Plus is available on the new C‑Class for the first time. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class arrives at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2027.
Aston Martin Valen Arrives 2027 2nd Quarter
The Aston Martin Valen is powered by an 838 horsepower 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine paired with an 8-speed ZF transmission with top speed electronically limited to 214mph. Production of Aston Martin’s most powerful front-engine V12 supercar is strictly limited to 150 examples with first deliveries scheduled for Q2 2027.
McLaren McL 6GT Concept Becoming Reality In 2028
The McLaren McL 6GT Concept, with lightweight carbon-fiber construction, precedes a production model coming in 2028. McL 6GT sits exceptionally low and wide with a low nose, echoing the stance of the M6A Can-Am racer upon which the M6GT was based.
Acura NEXERA Vision Concept
The Acura NEXERA Vision Concept, with dual-hinge butterfly doors, introduces a new exterior and interior design language for the brand and shows off a new Acura lighting signature that will debut on the next-generation Acura models, beginning with 4th-generation RDX Hybrid arriving in the coming years.
2027 Kia EV3 Starts At $31,385
The all-new 2027 Kia EV3, with up to 321 miles of all-electric range for the Wind FWD and Land FWD trims, starts at $31,385 MSRP (including $1,495 destination charge). There's an available dual-motor AWD 288-horsepower GT model.
Audi Nuvolari - Fastest Audi Ever
The Audi Nuvolari, on a new Audi Space Frame with full carbon fiber body powered by a 987 horsepower high-performance plug-in hybrid supercar powertrain with a top speed of more than 217mph, will be limited to 499 units globally.
2027 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Starts At $41,515 Later This Year
The 2027 Jeep® Grand Cherokee is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine on Grand Cherokee Laredo and Laredo X trims and a 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 turbocharged four-cylinder on the Laredo Altitude and higher trim levels. For 2027, the lineup expands with the new Trailhawk, Overland and Upland trims with a focus on capability and the premium features. The Grand Cherokee Overland starts at $57,895 (including a $1,995 destination charge), Grand Cherokee Trailhawk starts at $54,995, Grand Cherokee Upland starts at $49,990 and entry-level Grand Cherokee starts at $41,515. They are available to order now and arriving at dealerships in late 2026.
2027 Lexus ES 350h Hybrid and 2027 Lexus ESe BEV Coming Soon
The 2027 Lexus ES 350h hybrid incorporates the sixth-generation 244 horsepower hybrid system with a 2.5 liter four-cylinder gas engine, an electric starter-generator, and a motor-generator integrated into an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission powering the front wheels to deliver an EPA-estimated 46 MPG combined fuel economy rating. The 2027 Lexus ES 350h hybrid joins the battery-electric ES 350E, ES 500E in the eighth-generation ES lineup. The all-wheel drive option adds an additional electric motor mounted at the rear axle that exclusively powers the rear wheels. The 2027 ES HEVs are on a 3.1-inch-longer wheelbase, are 2.2 inches wider, 6.5 inches longer in total length, and 4.5 inches higher increasing most interior space measurements. Every 2027 ES includes a new 12.3-inch driver Multi-Information Display, as well as the latest Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 14.0-inch touchscreen. The ES also upgrades to the newest Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 active safety and convenience feature suite which is again standard on the 2027 ES. The 2027 ES 350h is expected to arrive in dealerships in September with $49,805 Base MSRP ( including $1,395 delivery, processing, and handling fee).
The 2027 Lexus ES Battery-Electric (BEV) models return with up to 307 miles of EPA-estimated total range. The ES 350e has a 307-mile EPA-estimated total driving range rating per full charge with the standard 19-inch wheels. With the available 21-inch wheels, the ES 350e has a 292-mile EPA-estimated total driving range rating. The ES 500e has a 276-mile EPA-estimated total driving range rating per full charge with the standard 19-inch wheels and, with the available 21-inch wheels, the ES 500e has a 272-mile EPA-estimated total driving range rating per full charge. The 2027 ES 350e is expected to arrive in dealerships in September with a $47,610 base MSRP.







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