February 2018

Only 300 copies of BMW M4 special edition to be sold worldwide

(February 26, 2018) MUNICH, Germany —  Thirty years ago, the BMW M GmbH complemented its model range for the first time with an open-top high-performance automobile. Just in time for the beginning of the summer of 1988, the BMW M3 Convertible offered motorsport fans the possibility to enjoy also in the open air the fascination of a sports car designed for everyday use, but with racetrack-proven engine and suspension technology.

Hyundai hits the mark with 2018 Elantra GT Sport hatchback

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 25, 2018) A staple in the Hyundai lineup going on three decades, the Elantra ranks as the South Korean automaker’s best seller and, in fact, is one of the top sellers in the U.S., checking in at the No. 20 spot for 2017 despite a slight dip of 4.9 percent over 2016 numbers.

It was first introduced as an economy sedan and since 2013 also has been offered in hatchback form under the label Elantra GT.

Sales hit $9 million at Mecum Los Angeles auction

(February 25, 2018) WALWORTH, Wis.— Mecum’s Los Angeles 2018 collector-car auction held earlier this month in California at Fairplex at Pomona achieved $9 million in overall sales totals, with the top 10 highest sellers heavily populated by modern supercars and a handful of classic beauties.

A 2006 Ford GT in white with blue racing stripes topped all sales at $327,250, followed by a menacing matte-black 2016 Lamborghini Huracan boasting a Vorsteiner Novara Kit that brought $236,500.

Mercedes rethinks the Sprinter

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(February 25, 2018) Mercedes’ latest Sprinter is a clean-sheet design with increased load capacity, new connectivity solutions and driver assistance systems, and more. However, it’s most impressive change is the addition of a front-drive version to complement the current rear- and all-wheel drive models.

BMW’s sporty line extension: The 2019 X4

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(February 24, 2018) BMW’s second generation X4 follows its stablemate, the X3, out of the starting gate, featuring a bluff-fronted fastback body that is longer, lower and only marginally wider than its predecessor. It also borrows the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four and 3.0-liter six from that SUV, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai reveals all-new 2019 Santa Fe

(February 23, 2018) SEOUL — Hyundai has introduced the fourth-generation Santa Fe at its Motorstudio Goyang. As the best-selling SUV in the brand’s 32-year history in America — with sales of more than 1.5 million units — the Santa Fe represents Hyundai’s strong SUV heritage and continues its success story. Going on sale in the U.S. in this summer, the fourth generation 2019 model builds on this success using its family-oriented interior, loaded with practical cutting edge technologies and bold exterior looks.

BMW Motorrad, M&C Saatchi LA team to produce 'Someday Ride' film

(February 23, 2018) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Young and old, aspiring and experienced, female and male — everyone has an adventure that they dream of taking someday. To inspire people to seize the moment, BMW Motorrad USA and M&C Saatchi LA have captured the freedom and joy of the open road in the short film The Someday Ride.  It debuted on social and digital channels in January.

Riding two BMW motorcycles, a sister and brother embark on a journey through the winding roads and striking vistas of Southern and Central California, and into the Eastern Sierras.

Mecum Auctions returns to Kansas City March 16-17

(February 23, 2018) WALWORTH, Wis. — Mecum Auctions is gearing up for its return to the Kansas City Convention Center this March 16-17 to continue one of the company’s longest-running annual auctions. Mecum Kansas City 2018 will mark the company’s 25th year of collector-car auctions in Kansas City, Mo., and the event is slated to present an estimated 700 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, Hot Rods, Resto Mods and more for auction. 

All-new 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross arrives in U.S.

(February 23, 2018) CYPRESS, Calif. — Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) has received the first shipment of 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross CUVs at Port Hueneme on the West Coast. The units in the first shipment will be delivered to Mitsubishi Motors dealerships nationwide. The Eclipse Cross goes on sale in early March starting at $23,295.

BMW Group plans joint venture for Mini electric vehicles in China

(February 23, 2018) MUNICH —  The BMW Group is in advanced discussions to ramp up the global success of its Mini brand through a new joint venture in China. A key element of the brand’s continued strategic development will be local production of future battery-electric Mini vehicles in the world’s largest market for electromobility.