Archive for the ‘First Look’ Category
New model meant to "radically transform the concept of comfort for luxury consumers."
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Apr.11, 2018
Lexus is pushing even further with the "spindle grille" design on the next ES sedan.
We’ve barely gotten past the New York Auto Show but halfway around the world, automakers are getting ready for the season’s next big event. That includes Lexus, which has dropped a partial teaser of what appears to be the next generation ES model.
While many folks think of the ES as a fairly base-level vehicle, Lexus clearly has more upscale ambitions for a model whose name, after all, is short for “Executive Sedan.” And while Toyota’s luxury brand isn’t saying much about what it will be showing in China, it appears buyers have something to look forward to.
Product News!
The new ES, Lexus hints, “aims to radically transform the concept of comfort for luxury consumers all over the world.” That may explain why the brand saved the new model for Beijing where luxury buyers have, indeed, become some of the world’s most demanding.
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Tags: 2019 lexus es, 2020 lexus es, auto news, beijing motor show, car news, executive sedan, lexus beijing motor show, lexus es, lexus news, lexus sedan, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau, toyota avalon
Posted in Auto Shows, Automakers, Automobiles, Beijing, China, Concept Cars, Detroit, Electrified Vehicles, First Look, Infotainment, Lexus, NAFTA, SUVs, Sales, Spy Shots, Technology, Toyota, Trends, U.S./North America | No Comments »
U.S. model remains under wraps.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Apr.10, 2018
Ford shows off the European line-up of the next-gen Focus. We'll have to wait to see U.S. versions.
Ford is lifting the kimono to give us a first look at its next-generation “global” Focus line-up – but it says it won’t reveal the U.S.-specific model until shortly before it goes on sale later next year.
The next version of the compact model will be offered in a range of body styles and trim levels, while adding a variety of tech features, including the new Ford CoPilot360 driver assistance suite. Expect roomier and more comfortable interiors, the automaker says, while adding that the next-gen Focus will feature new gas and diesel engines, as well as a new suspension.
Auto Show News!
“We’re evolving our successful One Ford strategy to find new ways to create a sporty-looking small car our customers will love,” said Jim Farley, president of Global Markets. “We’ll tailor which cars in the Focus line-up we offer in markets around the world to ensure we best meet customers’ different needs and preferences.”
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Tags: 2020 ford focus, Ford Focus, auto news, car news, compact car, compact wagon, first look ford focus, ford china, ford news, next ford focus, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau
Posted in China, Europe, First Look, Ford, NAFTA, Product Reveals, Safety, Sales, Technology, Trends, U.S./North America | Comments Off
Chevrolet adds mix of styling, performance enhancements.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Apr.09, 2018
The Camaro Turbo will get the high-performance Chevy 1LE package for the first time for 2019.
In a truck-centric market, it takes some work to keep sedans and coupes fresh, and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to high-performance muscle cars. With that in mind, Chevrolet is introducing a host of significant updates for the sixth-generation Camaro as it preps for the 2019 model-year.
That includes a distinctive front end for the SS model, as well as the first-ever pairing of Camaro’s optional turbo engine with the 1LE performance package. It joins existing V6, SS and ZL1 1LE combinations.
Performance News!
“The restyled 2019 Camaro reaches even higher with more of the design, technology and choices that customers want,” said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet’s marketing director for Cars and Crossovers. “It’s a performer with few competitors and a pillar of Chevrolet’s energized car lineup.”
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Tags: 2019 chevrolet camaro, 2019 chevy camaro, Camaro SS, auto news, camaro, camaro 1le, camaro turbo 1le, car news, chevrolet camaro, chevrolet news, chevy camaro, chevy camaro ss 1le, chevy news, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau
Posted in Automakers, Automobiles, Chevrolet, First Look, GM, Markets, Muscle Cars, U.S./North America | Comments Off
Malibu, Cruze and Spark get updates – but nada for slow-selling Sonic.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Apr.06, 2018
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu in Premier and RS trims.
We’ve been hearing a lot lately about the slow death of the passenger car. Depending on which source you trust there could be any number of sedans, coupes, hatchbacks and sports cars vanishing over the next couple years as motorists by the millions migrate to SUVs, CUVs and other light trucks.
That includes the Chevrolet Sonic, from some of the latest reports. But GM North America President Alan Batey this week insisted that the automaker isn’t about to get out of the passenger car game and, as if to ensure we take him seriously, Chevrolet has revealed the updates it plans for three key models: the Malibu, Spark and Cruze – though the Sonic is notably absent.
2019 Model News!
“We are committed to offering consumers a full lineup of products with fresh designs, new technologies and efficient powertrain options,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet. “The investments we have made in Spark, Cruze and Malibu will help position the brand for success in competitive segments that still make up a significant part of the total industry.”
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Tags: 2019 chevrolet cruze, 2019 chevrolet malibu, 2019 chevrolet spark, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevy Spark, auto news, car news, chevrolet news, chevy cruze, chevy malibu, chevy news, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau
Posted in Automakers, Automobiles, Chevrolet, First Look, GM, Markets, Sales, U.S./North America | 2 Comments »
Emphasis shifts from mileage.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Apr.02, 2018
The production Aviator's fastest powertrain package will pair a turbo-six with electric drive.
When the first hybrids came to market nearly two decades ago, the emphasis was on mileage, the original Honda Insight delivering as much as 70 miles per gallon, albeit at the expense of what might be described as the fun-to-drive factor.
That approach carried over as more advanced, battery-based models came to market – and as luxury brands started to plug in with vehicles like the Cadillac ELR. Based on the Mainstream Chevrolet Volt, Caddy’s first plug-in hybrid was lavishly equipped but took almost 10 seconds to get from 0 to 60.
Performance News!
A visit to this year’s New York Auto Show will reveal a wide array of PHEVs, and among mass market brands, like Chevy, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota, fuel economy is still the primary target. But it’s another matter entirely among luxury brands, such as BMW, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. There’s no question they’re also using battery power to boost mileage, but they’re also putting a premium on performance.
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Tags: audi plug-in, auto news, bmw plug-in, cadillac plug-in, car news, luxury phev, luxury plug-in hybrid, mercedes phev, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, phev, plug-in hybrid, porsche plug-in, thedetroitbureau, volvo t8, volvo twin engine
Posted in Aston Martin, Audi, Auto Shows, Automobiles, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Concept Cars, EVs, Electrified Vehicles, Environment, First Look, Hybrids, Lincoln, McLaren, Mercedes, New York, Porsche, SUVs, Sports Cars, Super Cars, Technology, Toyota, Volvo | 1 Comment »
Our favorites from an extensive assortment of cars, trucks, crossovers and concepts.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Apr.02, 2018
The turnstiles are spinning at the Javits Convention Center and for good reason. The 2018 New York International Auto Show is winning raves as the year’s most significant North American event, with dozens of significant debuts.
This year’s NAIAS covered plenty of ground: from long-range electric vehicles to high-powered performance cars – even some high-performance electric vehicles. Followers of automotive design will have plenty to talk about, too. The show underscores all the dramatic changes sweeping through the auto industry, even on the retail side, as more manufacturers announce new subscription programs.
Auto Show News!
Whether you’re heading down to the show or simply trying to check out from a distance the most significant, intriguing and unusual cars, trucks, crossovers and concepts on display, here’s a handy guide to our dozen favorites.
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Tags: auto news, best car, best concept car, best of 2018 ny auto show, best of 2018 nyias, best of NYIAS, best of ny auto show, best suv, car news, ny auto show, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau
Posted in Auto Shows, Automakers, Automobiles, Cadillac, Concept Cars, EVs, First Look, Genesis, Geneva, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Lincoln, Luxury Vehicles, Mercedes, Muscle Cars, New York, Nissan, Product Reveals, Ride-Sharing, Safety, Sports Cars, Subaru, Technology, Toyota, Volkswagen, Waymo, waymo | 2 Comments »
German marque adds another option to growing SUV line-up.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Mar.28, 2018
Volkswagen put a new spin on its fast-selling Atlas sport-ute at the NYIAS with the Sport Cross Concept.
According to ancient lore, Atlas carried the world on his shoulders. Not a bad metaphor when you consider the challenge the Volkswagen Atlas was tasked with when it came to market barely a year ago.
The three-row SUV has proven to be one of the most critical offerings the German automaker has brought to the U.S. market in decades and one of the key reasons why VW not only leveled off after years of declining sales but also has actually scored a 5.5% increase during the last 12 months despite the overall American market slowdown.
News Now!
Now, VW is set to create a “family” of Atlas offerings, with a new two-row, five-passenger version, dubbed the Atlas Sport Cross making its debut during a media preview ahead of the opening of the New York International Auto Show on Tuesday night. But, if the word, “family” connotes more than just two, well, you just might not be wrong. While Volkswagen officials aren’t ready to discuss what’s coming further down the line, still more variations on the Atlas theme could be in the works. (more…)
Tags: TheDetroitBureau.com., VW expanding Atlas family, VW likely to add EV version of Atlas, Volkswagen Atlas Sport Cross Concept, auto news, new VW Atlas ute, paul a. eisenstein, thedetroitbureau, volkswagen news, vw nyias
Posted in Auto Shows, Automakers, Automobiles, Concept Cars, EVs, First Look, Markets, New York, Product Reveals, SUVs, Sales, Trends, U.S./North America, Volkswagen | Comments Off
Midsize luxury ute will offer PHEV option.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Mar.28, 2018
The Lincoln Aviator Concept breaks ground ahead of the opening of the NY Auto Show.
When you’re struggling to gain some altitude it helps to have a good aviator on hand. Make that Aviator, the all-new version of what had been known as the Lincoln MKT. The new model, making its debut at the New York International Auto Show, is more than just a new name, however, getting an all but complete, ground-up makeover.
One of two new SUVs coming for the brand by 2020, the new Lincoln Aviator is part of an aggressive push aimed at rebuilding a once shining star in the American luxury firmament while also helping Lincoln gain ground in what has become its fastest-growing market, China.
Insight!
That’s where the new Aviator could see the strongest demand for its optional plug-in hybrid drive system, especially considering the tough new zero-emissions mandates Chinese regulators put in place late last year.
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Tags: 2018 ny auto show, 2018 nyias, auto news, car news, lincoln aviator, lincoln aviator concept, lincoln china, lincoln mkx, lincoln news, lincoln ny auto show, luxury suv, midsize SUV, midsize luxury suv, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau
Posted in Auto Shows, Automakers, Automobiles, China, EVs, Electrified Vehicles, Environment, First Look, Hybrids, Lincoln, Luxury Vehicles, Markets, New York, SUVs, Sales, Technology, Trends, U.S./North America | 2 Comments »
“The Cadillac rejuvenation is really taking root.”
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Mar.28, 2018
Cadillac is finally ready to play in one of the fastest growing and most competitive markets going: small luxury crossovers.
There’s been a big gap in the Cadillac line-up, and that’s been a major headache for the U.S. luxury brand, leaving it on the sidelines as key competitors, such as BMW, Mercedes and Lexus have been able to take advantage of the growing market for compact crossovers.
But the wait is over, declared Caddy President Johan de Nysschen, as he pulled the wraps off the long-awaited XT4 during a media preview ahead of the opening of the New York International Auto Show. Slotting in below the current Escalade and XT5 offerings, the Cadillac XT4 could become one of the brand’s most important additions since the original CT4 introduced the Art & Science design language.
Product News!
“The new vehicle is going to add to the impressive gains we’re making,” said de Nysschen, during an invitation-only event at Cadillac House, its Manhattan headquarters. With the launch of the XT4, he added, “The Cadillac rejuvenation is really taking root.” (more…)
Tags: Cadillac NYIAS, Cadillac unveils new crossover, Cadillac's crossover future, New Cadillac XT4, TheDetroitBureau.com., auto news, cadillac news, johan de nysschen, new compact Cadillac crossover, paul a. eisenstein, thedetroitbureau
Posted in Auto Shows, Automakers, Automobiles, Cadillac, China, Executives, First Look, Luxury Vehicles, Markets, New York, Personalities, SUVs, Sales, Trends, U.S./North America | Comments Off
Will 3rd-generation hybrid be the charm?
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Mar.26, 2018
The 2019 Insight is Honda's third attempt to market a mainstream, entry-level hybrid.
Try and try again, Honda is coming back with a third-generation Insight hybrid and hoping it finally has found the formula after widely missing the mark with two earlier versions.
The Japanese automakers offered a first look at a thinly disguised “concept” version of the ’19 Insight during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Now, the production model is rolling into the Big Apple. And the model making its debut at the New York International Auto Show adopts a much more conventional appearance – as well as the latest in Honda hybrid technology.
Product News!
“The Honda Insight shows consumers that the efficiency of a hybrid car doesn’t mean sacrificing style, refinement or performance,” said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The Insight is another symbol of a new era in the evolution of Honda electrified vehicles, where customers can have everything they want with no compromises.”
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Tags: 2018 ny auto show, 2019 Honda Insight, Honda Hybrid, Honda Insight, auto news, battery car, car news, honda news, honda ny auto show, honda nyias, hybrids, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau
Posted in Auto Shows, Automakers, Automobiles, Detroit, Electrified Vehicles, Environment, First Look, Honda, Hybrids, Markets, New York, Technology, Toyota, Trends, U.S./North America | 2 Comments »
