Category Archives: new vehicle

First Look – 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL EV

Posted on 6 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Cadillac is expanding the Escalade lineup with the introduction of the all-electric 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL. The Escalade IQL build off the Escalade IQ, but adds additional passenger and cargo capacity to meet the lifestyle needs of customers who require extra space. Escalade IQL will be sold globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, with production starting in mid-2025 at General Motors’ Factory ZERO plant in Detroit. Since its launch, the Cadillac Escalade has dominated the full-size luxury SUV segment for more than 25 years, selling more than 1 million units globally. Continue reading →

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Annals of  Off-Road Marketing – Silverado EV ZR2

Posted on 5 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) today unveiled the Silverado EV ZR2 off-road race truck “concept” at the Mint 400 off-road race, where the truck will also compete as part of the Hall Racing team’s lineup. The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept joins the team’s Silverado ZR2 and Colorado ZR2 race trucks. Chad Hall will drive the all-electric off-road race truck in the Open Production EV class.

“There is no better proving ground to test the limits of our vehicles than competitive racing,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept, which uses 98% GM production parts, showcases some of the best of Chevrolet to produce a beyond-capable pickup to tackle a challenging race of the Mint 400’s magnitude.” Continue reading →

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First Look – All-Electric Volvo ES90 Hatchback

Posted on 5 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO) today debuted an all-new, fully electric ES90. With order-books open now in some markets, the ES90 is the latest addition to  Volvo cars. It is the sixth fully electric model in the line, joining the EX90, EM90, EX40, EC40 and EX30 as Volvo continues to covert to full electrification.

“The ES90 combines the refined elegance of a sedan, the adaptability of a fastback, and the spacious interior and higher ground clearance associated with SUVs. It’s a versatile car that does not compromise on comfort or space. A car that allows for bigger adventures and families, striking the perfect balance between your professional and private life, and allowing you to embrace the special moments in life,” Chinese-owned Volvo Cars said. Continue reading →

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Honda Alabama Starts Production of the 2026 Passport

Posted on 28 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Associates at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) today celebrated the start of production of the all-new 2026 Honda Passport and Passport TrailSport, American Honda Motor Company said today.* The fourth-generation Passport lineup includes the Passport TrailSport, promoted as “the ultimate Honda adventure SUV with authentic off-road capability and versatility, together with exceptional on-road performance.” It has a 3.5-liter DOHC V-6  built at the engine plant in Lincoln . Moreover it has Passport’s first 10-speed automatic transmission., the 2026 Passport offers a number of new rugged features to improve  off-road driving.

“Honda associates in Alabama worked with ingenuity and determination to bring to market the most rugged Honda SUV ever for our customers, the all-new 2026 Honda Passport,” said Lamar Whitaker, plant leader of the Alabama Auto Plant. Continue reading →

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AC GT Roadster Debut at ModaMiami Tomorrow

Posted on 28 February 2025 by Ken Zino

AC Cars* said today that it is debuting the AC GT Roadster at ModaMiami at the start of March before it kicks off its first client test drives and viewing appointments in the United States. Britain’s oldest active vehicles manufacturer said “it will be showing the iconically styled, but highly advanced, modern sports car to guests at The Biltmore Hotel luxury show, ahead if its initial client engagement events in the US over the following weeks. With the first two years of production already sold, AC cars will also host reception appointments in Miami for the exclusive roadster as it allocates the next round of limited production spaces.” Continue reading →

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First Glance – 800-Volt Volvo ES90

Posted on 26 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo (VOLCAR B:STO) said today that its new, fully electric car – the impending Volvo ES90 sedan – has new 800-volt technology in its latest electric model offering. The ES90 will be revealed globally on 5 March 2025.

“Our 800V technology marks another significant technological upgrade for our customers as we move towards full electrification,” said Anders Bell, chief engineering and technology officer. “It makes our electric cars even more efficient, helps you charge your electric Volvo faster and go further on a single charge.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Honda Dream Up Anything

Posted on 24 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda said today that its all-new 2026 Passport makes its television debut today as part of a new model launch campaign. The multi-channel campaign, led by the 2026 Passport TrailSport, introduces what’s said to be the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever to take weekend explorers further off the beaten path where their next adventure awaits.

“Dream Up Anything uses a series of animated brush strokes to mirror the slope and shape of rugged terrains to draw a connection between the all-new adventure vehicle Honda engineers dreamed up and the challenging roads Passport owners will strive to conquer. The spot is set to a soundtrack by Good People, a single by Mumford & Sons and Pharrell Williams,” Honda said. Continue reading →

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MINI Oxford Edition – Rerun for 2025

Posted on 20 February 2025 by Ken Zino

MINI USA is bringing back the Oxford Edition for the 2025 model year MINI lineup, the BMW Group USA said today. It claimed that that premium design and innovative features can come in a compact, city-friendly package. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Oxford Edition 2 Door starts at $24,950 and the 4 Door at $25,950, plus a destination and handling fee of, gulp, $1175. This makes the total price $26,125 for the 2 Door and $27,125 for the 4 Door.

“The Oxford Edition includes all the standard features of the MINI Cooper models, plus exclusive options at no additional cost. Customers can choose from three stunning exterior paint options: Sunny Side Yellow, Nanuq White Metallic, and Blazing Blue Metallic. The Oxford Edition also comes with 18″ Slide Spoke 2-Tone wheels with summer tires, adding a sporty touch to its iconic design,” said MINI. Continue reading →

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Corvette ZR1 Sets Five Records on U.S. Track Tour

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Ken Zino

The Corvette ZR1* (NYSE: GM) set five new production car lap records during a U.S. track tour Chevrolet said today. The runs occurred at Road America, Road Atlanta, Virginia International Raceway Full Course, Virginia International Raceway Grand Course, and Watkins Glen Long Course.

“Corvette ZR1 continues to showcase how this nameplate elevates at every corner,” Corvette executive chief engineer Tony Roma said. “From design, engineering, development, validation, to driving and setting incredible lap records like these – we do it all in house.” Continue reading →

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First Look – New Volvo EX30 Cross Country

Posted on 10 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (Nasdaq Stockholm VOLCAR B)* at a literal fireside chat in the North of Sweden revealed today the new EX30 Cross Country SUV. Outdoors equipment brand Fjällräven was part of the show. The EX30 Cross Country is a compact fully-electric SUV. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is available to order now in selected markets, with deliveries starting later this spring. It will eventually appear in North America.**

“We launched our first Cross Country car over 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO. “In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.” Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Blazer EV SS to Pace Daytona 500 on Sunday

Posted on 10 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet said this morning that a 2025 Blazer EV SS, the fastest SS model Chevrolet ever, will pace the 67th DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway this Sunday in box stock form. The Blazer EV SS, set to go on sale late in Q1, is equipped with Wide Open Watts (WOW), which propels the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with 615 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. torque. The pace car is a production vehicle with no performance upgrades, but has custom graphics and embedded strobe lighting. It’s the first EV to ever pace the race. Continue reading →

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Suzuki, Daihatsu, Toyota to Release EV Mini-Commercial Vans

Posted on 29 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Suzuki Motor Corporation, Daihatsu Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation said today that they have decided to aim for the release of their mini-commercial van electric vehicles (BEVs) respectively in fiscal 2025.*

“This mini-commercial van BEV, jointly developed by the three companies, combines Suzuki and Daihatsu’s expertise in creating small-size cars with Toyota’s electrification technology and is equipped with a BEV system suitable for mini-commercial vehicles. Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation also participated in the planning to achieve a vehicle with optimal specifications for efficient last-mile logistics,” the companies said in a joint release. Continue reading →

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Corvette 2025 ZR1 VIN 001 at Barrett-Jackson Auction

Posted on 27 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Last Saturday the first retail production 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, VIN 001, sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction for $3.7 million. All of the hammer price – 100% – of this Barrett-Jackson charity auction on 25 January, goes to the American Red Cross. Chevrolet said today that selected the Red Cross to benefit disaster relief efforts in areas impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as general relief to help people affected by disasters big and small, including wildfires, storms and countless other crises. (Read AutoInformed on Chevrolet 2025 Corvette ZR1 Starts at $185,995) Continue reading →

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First Look – 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Posted on 16 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America today announced the new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The third-generation Subaru Crosstrek returns with a hybrid model for 2026 in the fall of 2025, equipped with a next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid system, a high-capacity lithium-ion battery and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive. Continue reading →

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Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV Protypes Debut

Posted on 7 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda today held the world premiere of the first two models in the company’s new 0 Series line of battery electric vehicles at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show. The so called Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon(sedan in U.S. car speak)  use the 0 as a reference to emissions levels and their SAE Level 3 eyes-off autonomous driving – not as seems appropriate here to the amount of styling that went into the boxes. Production models based on both prototypes will launch in North America in 2026 followed by global markets. Both will initially be built at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. Continue reading →

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