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Category Archives: new vehicle
First Look – 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Sedan
As the first model in the new Lexus F SPORT Performance line, the IS 500 engine is larger in displacement and performance compared the IS 350’s 3.5-liter V6. (see AutoInformed on 2019 Lexus ES 350 in Production at Georgetown Kentucky) The IS 500 has a maximum output of 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Naturally it’s heavier at 3,891 pounds, gaining 143 pounds of additional curb weight over the standard IS 350 F SPORT. The IS 500 on paper is capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph elapsed time of 4.5 seconds and has a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg highway rating. Continue reading
First Look – 2021 Buick Envision Mid-Size SUV
Envision is between the smaller Encore and Encore GX and the larger Enclave, with 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind first-row seats and 25.2 cubic feet behind the second-row seats. Whether the small 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is a luxury engine is debatable even with 228 horsepower (170 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm) and direct injection and Stop/Start technology. It’s coupled to a nine-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control. On paper absent test drives, Auto informed thinks this is roughly a 25-mpg set-up. Continue reading
Alexa Voice Now Available on FCA’s New Fiat 500 EV
The launch Alexa on the Fiat 500 continues a global collaboration between FCA and Amazon. FCA customers were initially introduced to Alexa through FCA’s custom Alexa Connected Car Skills, including MyJeep and MyAlfa, which allows customers with Alexa-enabled devices at home to easily ask Alexa to check the battery level of the car, lock/unlock doors, among other trifles. The integration of Alexa on the Uconnect Services suite “deepens the experience by bringing Alexa into the vehicle itself” claims FCA. Continue reading
Fisker Ocean to Be Made by Magna in Europe
Fisker claimed that interest in the Ocean continues “to build at an encouraging pace, with global paid reservations now standing at more than 10,400. Fisker plans to unveil a production-intent prototype of the Ocean in the summer of 2021. Production of the all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV is projected to commence in Q4 20 Continue reading
Hendrick Motorsports Making Chrome-Moly Steel Roll Bars for New GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle
A key supplier is North Carolina-based Hendrick Motorsports, which brings its extensive experience developing race cars in NASCAR’s high-load, high-risk environments. Hendrick is responsible for providing the chrome-moly steel exoskeleton of the vehicle frame, including the ISV rollover protection system. Continue reading
Cadillac to Have Manual Transmission V-Series Blackwings?
Whether there is any market for what used to favored among older driving enthusiasts remains to be seen. Cadillac says that two-thirds of American adults know how to drive a stick shift, and more are interested in learning. Continue reading
Truck Wars – 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 470hp V8
Whether this beast is the better choice for off-roading will likely be debated for some time. It has a 2-inch factory lift. True to the trend among performance truck makers, capability is there with larger approach and departure angles (approach, breakover and departure angles of 44.5, 22.6 and 37.5 degrees, respectively), more suspension articulation, and water traversing up to 32.5 inches. Marketing babble alert – a Tri-level Hydro-Guide air intake system can channel up to 15 gallons of water a minute away from engine. A secondary air path built into the hood allows engine breathing up to top speed even if the hood scoop is completely clogged by mud, snow or debris. Continue reading
GMC 2021 Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition
The profitable and relatively new performance pickup truck segment continues to expand with fresh offerings. Latest is the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition, an upsell/upgrade of the Canyon AT4. Continue reading
Europe’s F-Series – All-Electric Ford E-Transit Revealed
E-Transit, which starts arriving with European customers in early 2022, is part of Ford’s more than $11.5 billion global investment in electrification through 2022. The all-new, all-electric Mustang Mach-E will be in European dealerships from early next year and the fully electric F‑150 appears at North American dealers in mid-2022. Continue reading
Cadillac V-Series Blackwing to Get Magnesium Wheels
One of the longstanding weaknesses of OE engineering and marketing led to a thriving aftermarket wheel and tire business. Cadillac was among the front-runners ignoring wheels – notably chrome – as its customers customized their rides. Continue reading
GM Defense Delivers First Infantry Squad Vehicle to US Army
The ISV is based off the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 mid-size truck architecture and use 90% commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts, including Chevrolet Performance race components. The 5,000-pound ISV was engineered to fulfill military requirements and designed to provide rapid ground mobility. The expeditionary ISV is light enough to be sling loaded from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and compact enough to fit inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for air transportability. The parts, combined with the ISV’s Rollover Protection System, should provide agile transportability on the battlefield. Continue reading
First Look – 2021 Mazda CX-9 Crossover SUV
The badly named Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine equipped on all CX-9 models is rated at 320 lb.-ft. of torque and 250 horsepower on premium (93 octane) gasoline or 310 lb.-ft. of torque and 227 horsepower on 87 octane gasoline. Continue reading
Posted in marketing, new vehicle
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, Crossover SUVs, Ken Zino, Mazda CX-9
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Petersen Museum Reveals Latest Ford GT Sunday
The Ford GT reveal marks the final day of Petersen Car Week, which started airing Wednesday on the Petersen Museum’s YouTube channel. Continue reading
Posted in marketing, new vehicle
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, ford gt, Ken Zino, Petersen Car Week
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GMC Adds Hummer SUV EV. Direct Selling Without Dealers?
Perhaps even bigger news is that the Hummer will be sold by GM online, with dealers playing only a supporting role at the introduction. Customers who reserve a vehicle can choose the dealer where they would like the vehicle to be delivered. That dealer will then complete the sale/transaction. It’s clearly part of the strong US retail trend – accelerating from Covid – that consumers are becoming more comfortable and more apt to us computers and phones to buy goods and services. Ultimately, we think traditional dealers will play a diminishing role. Continue reading →