September 2018

Genesis announces 2019 G70 pricing to start at $35,895

(September 20, 2018) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — The all-new 2019 Genesis G70 goes on sale this week with either a 2.0T inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine or a 3.3T V-6 twin-turbocharged engine. G70s equipped with the 2.0T engine are available in six generously equipped trim levels, including a special manual transmission Sport package, with a starting price of $35,895 including destination charge.

VW Jetta breaks speed record at 210 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats

(September 20, 2018) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen has announced that the 2019 Bonneville Jetta recorded a track speed of 210.16 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, near Wendover, Nev., at the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association’s (USFRA) World of Speed event. In the course of the run, the car broke the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) Blown Gas Coupe (G/BGC) class record of 208.472 mph.

All-new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE brings new design, innovations

(September 19, 2018) The new Mercedes- Benz GLE, which will celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October and will go on sale in the U.S. in 2019, brings a wealth of innovations. For example, E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL is a 48-volt active suspension system and a world first, while the driver assistance systems take another step forward with Active Stop-and-Go Assist.

The best compact hatchback you’re probably ignoring

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(Septermber 18, 2018) Volkswagen reported sales for August, and — as expected — SUVs are selling well while the car side of the ledger doesn’t look so hot. Unless we’re talking about the Beetle Coupe and Convertible, where sales are up for the month and down (Beetle Convertible) for the year-to-date. Golf R sales also are up — strongly — showing that, despite expectations, folks recognize a relative performance car bargain when they see it.

New Cadillac XT4 delivers dynamic driving experience

(September 18, 2018) Cadillac’s first-ever XT4 crossover SUV leverages the brand’s legacy of technology leadership to reward drivers and passengers with a responsive and refined driving experience. “The new Cadillac XT4 brings a new vitality to Cadillac, in one of the industry’s fastest-growing segments,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president. “It pairs the agility of our award-winning sports sedans with a youthful SUV character.”

2019 X2 M35i — BMW sports activity coupe infused wth M power

(September 18, 2018) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW has announced the newest member of the X2 Sports Activity Coupe family, the 2019 X2 M35i. The new BMW X2 has inspired a modern and young-at-heart target group following its premiere in March. With its extroverted design, the BMW X2 interprets the character of a premium SAC (Sports Activity Coupes) in an entirely new way.

Chevrolet puts towing experience at forefront of 2019 Silverado

(September 17, 2018) DETROIT — The all-new 2019 Silverado 1500 will introduce several levels of towing features to improve customers’ trailering experiences — all light-duty Silverado models have myChevrolet trailering phone app capability and customers can add the Advanced Trailering System, which includes access to the system in-vehicle.

The Trailering Camera Package works in conjunction with both of these technologies and provides a more comprehensive trailer view.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Veloster N compete for 'ultimate street car'

(September 17, 2018) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — As car buyers eagerly await the upcoming launch of the 2019 Veloster N, Hyundai is fueling the anticipation by grassroots racing the Veloster N and Ioniq electric in the annual OPTIMA Batteries “2018 Search for the Ultimate Street Car.”

The Ioniq electric returns to defend its 2017 National Championship in the new and exciting GTE class. Entering its first full year of competition, the Veloster N is challenging the top GTC class competitors.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 sets new speed record

(September 17, 2018) MONTEREY, Calif. — Jaguar has announced it has established a new track record for the fastest four-door production sedan at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with its XE SV Project 8. Professional racing driver and Motor Trend contributor, Randy Pobst piloted the 592 horsepower sedan around the 2.238 mile road course in 1minute, 37.54 second, besting the previous record held by the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V by almost a second.

Land Rover partners with Hulu to create futuristic Range Rover Sport

(September 16, 2018) MAHWAH, N.J. — Land Rover North America has revealed the futuristic Range Rover Sport that is featured in the new original drama series “The First,” available for streaming on Hulu now.

From “House of Cards” creator Beau Willimon and starring two-time Academy Award winner Sean Penn, “The First” is a near-future drama about a crew of astronauts attempting to become the first humans on Mars. The series features a custom-built, futurized Range Rover Sport that will be driven by visionary aerospace magnate Laz Ingram, played by Natascha McElhone.