Category Archives: new vehicle

First Look – 2024 Toyota Tacoma Pickup

Now in its fourth generation, Tacoma has a new high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame and an optional multi-link coil rear suspension. This system replaces the previous model’s leaf springs with coil springs. However, leaf springs remain standard on SR, SR5 XtraCab, and TRD PreRunner grades. Tacoma also adds new XtraCab long bed configuration. Continue reading

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First Look – 2024 Ford Ranger Pickup

The design of Ranger is defined by distinctive grilles and front-end appearances for XL, XLT and Lariat models. The Ford C-clamp headlight treatment and strong shoulder lines down the sides incorporate bigger wheel arches The rear end mirrors the front with C-clamp tail-lamps, with “RANGER” stamped across the tailgate. We guess it’s up to you to know if you’re coming or going. Continue reading

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Buick Envista Hatchback Debuts Billed as Crossover SUV

Buick today revealed the 2024 Envista, a new nameplate in the fast-growing small SUV segment. In marketing speak, Envista has the cargo space and utility of an SUV, packaged inside sporty and sleek proportions typically found in a sedan. Translation – in the Alice in Wonderland world of automotive marketing, Humpty Dumpty eschews using the hatchback word, which for generations of Americans meant cheap transportation. Continue reading

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Lancia Pu+Ra HPE – Concept Car or Furniture?

“Today Lancia presents Lancia Pu+Ra HPE, the brand vision for the next 10 years that takes the brand into the era of electric mobility and sums up our way of conceiving and experiencing the car. Starting with the new Ypsilon, our cars of the future will be inspired by the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE,” said Luca Napolitano, CEO of the Lancia brand. Continue reading

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First Look – 2025 Ram 1500 REV

As is the case with GM and Ford Motor EV pickup offerings now on sale,  vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid bi-directional charging thus far in theory provides the 1500 REV with the flexibility to charge another Stellantis battery-electric vehicle or send power back to the grid. The truck can also power a home during a storm, run a tailgate party, and provide power at a camp or jobsite. Continue reading

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Kia EV9 Joins the Three-Row SUV Parade

“The Kia EV9 transcends all aspects of traditional SUV thinking and represents the pinnacle of Kia’s design and engineering capabilities. Created to meet the needs of all family members, the EV9 also spearheads Kia’s rapid transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider, not just by its advanced EV architecture, but also through the numerous recycled and sustainable materials used in its creation,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO. Continue reading

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Ford Motor BlueOval City – 6000 Jobs go to Tennessee

BlueOval City will make Ford’s second-generation electric truck, code-named Project T3 with the capacity of  500,000 EV trucks a year at full production. Tennessee is a “right to work” (for less?) state, which means workers don’t have to be unionized. Tennessee sent at least $500 million in incentives from its taxpayers to close the deal announced back in September of 2021.

It’s ironic that the state of Michigan today repealed the state’s right to work law – the birthplace and longstanding home of Ford Motor. “Today, we are coming together to restore workers’ rights, protect Michiganders on the job, and grow Michigan’s middle class,” Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer said when signing the legislation. Continue reading

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Cadillac Debuts 2024 XT4 SUV Without Pricing

“The XT4 continues to be a top-selling vehicle in its class, year over year,” said Rory Harvey, Global Cadillac Vice President. “Its balance of dynamic style, drivability and luxury has made it a favorite for many new Cadillac customers. Now with enhancements including our 33-inch-diagonal LED Color Touchscreen Display and new safety features, it will further demand a second look,” Harvey hoped. Continue reading

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Subaru Crosstrek Gen 3 Debuts at Chicago Auto Show

The Base and Premium models come with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection engine rated at 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. The Sport and Limited have a 2.5-liter engine delivering a 182 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. Standard on all trim levels is a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Premium, Sport and Limited trims have a so-called manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios. Continue reading

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Toyota Joins Third Row Parade – First-Ever Grand Highlander

“A unique SUV with room for all and the ‘stuff’ we need, Grand Highlander is the active family cruiser fit for everything from short excursions to cross-country adventures. With a spacious third row with ample legroom for adults and children coupled with enough cargo space to fit seven pieces of luggage in the back – the freshly designed, three-row SUV is fully functional for the road ahead,” Toyota said. Continue reading

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Three Rows Have It – 2024 Mazda CX-90 Debuts

In a nod to US tastes and market reality, Mazda North American Operations today introduced the first-ever 2024 Mazda CX-90 due at dealers this spring. Built on Mazda’s new large platform, the three-row crossover with seating for up to eight passengers becomes the company’s new flagship vehicle that is wider and longer than any previous Mazda before after its long-standing hookup with a leading SUV maker, Ford Motor, which ultimately dissolved. Continue reading

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New 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA will be a Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz said today in Stuttgart that the new 2024 CLA Coupe has a revised front fascia, a radiator grille with star pattern and new rear diffuser. LED high performance headlamps will now be standard with the LED taillights. There are new paint colors Hyper Blue (exclusive to the CLA models) and Starling Blue, as well as three additional wheel designs in sizes up to 19 inches. The new 2024 CLA Coupe will arrive at U.S. dealerships later in 2023. FYI: Mercedes refers to the CLA as a coupe even though it has four-doors. Continue reading

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Marketing Annals – Chevy Trax Dream Chaser Contest Opens

Hyping the debut of the 2024 Trax this spring, Chevy is announcing a contest for a chance to become a “Lead Dream Chaser.” This is a three-month program will allow a person to pursue a lifelong dream or passion project. The Dream Chaser will share their journey on social media, get $100,000 and three months with the 2024 Trax. Continue reading

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Encore Performance – 2023 Toyota Prius

Development goals appear to be based on styling and marketing and not breakthrough jumps in technology at conservative Toyota. This approach has generally served Toyota and its customers well when it comes to quality and durability. It is however getting pushed by other makers in the technology race. Continue reading

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Honda Alabama Begins Making Largest Pilot SUV Ever

The largest Honda SUV ever, the new Pilot is longer and wider than its predecessor. It’s available in five trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, Elite and TrailSport**. The mid-sized, three-row SUV has a new, stronger and more capable platform that also provides more passenger and cargo space. With a new optional opening panoramic sunroof, the new Pilot is the only vehicle in its class to combine 8-passenger seating and this type of roof. Continue reading

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