Nissan releases more info regarding all-new 2023 Ariya EV crossover and opens for reservations

Nissan is getting close with the new Ariya EV crossover. Nissan has opened the doors for Ariya reservations with deliveries beginning next year (the top-end Platinum e-Force model won't be available until late Fall 2022). In the beginning, the Ariya will be available in four trim levels: Venture + (fwd), Evolve + (fwd), Premiere (fwd, limited availability), and Platinum + e-4orce (awd). The first three trim levels come with a single-motor drive system that produces 238 hp and 221 lb./ft. of torque and an 87 kWH battery pack with an estimated range of 300 miles (final EPA-certified range figures not yet available),  The Platinum + e-4orce model features a dual-motor system that produces 389 hp, 442 lb./ft. of torques, all-wheel drive, and an 87 kWH battery pack that should be good for a 265 mile range. Prices start at $45,950 (+ taxes, license, fees, options, and minus any federal, state, and local rebates) for the Venture + trim to $58,950+/- for the top-of-the-line Platinum + e-4orce trim. The dash pic appears to be of one of the lower trim levels. To reserve your Ariya or to check out the various colors and trim levels go to NissanUSA.com/ariya/reserve. To view the media release, a spec chart, and two videos, click on "read more" below. More choices!

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics, and videos (2)

Mercedes Benz unveils the EQE EV at IAA auto show in Munich

Mercedes took the wraps off of its latest EV salvo, the middling (E-Class size) EQE. The EQE doesn't look mid-sized but it is smaller than the luxury EQS with which it shares Mercedes' new EV platform. The EQE continues the sleek, rounded styling and low stance first seen on the EQS which is a big improvement over Mercedes' ICE (internal-combustion engine) models. The interior can features Mercedes' MBUX curved display which is a knock-out (see right) and allows for OTA (over the air) tech updates and pretty much all of their safety and infotainment equipment as either standard or optional. The EQE is, as Mercedes calls it, the "business avant-garde sedan." No specifics are available yet, but preliminary figures show the range should be 300+ miles with such extras as rear-axle steering and more available. The EQE will hit the road in 2022 after a staggered introduction with the EQS with most models built in Germany except for those vehicles destined for China which will be sourced locally. Can't wait to see this one. More to come. Click on "read more" below to view the media release, an "interesting facts" section, a couple of pics, and two videos. Enjoy.

Source: Mercedes Benz - Media release, pics, and videos (2)

Redesigned 2022 Nissan Frontier mid-size pickup breaks cover before Summer on sale date

Nissan's Frontier is utilized around the world in far-flung areas of the globe where it is more of a workhorse than a boulevard cruiser with style. And finally, it has some. Style that is. Luckily, Nissan didn't burden the new Frontier with the beaver-tooth grille like pretty much every other vehicle in their lineup. This is a design more in line with it's contemporaries like the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger. But, it is still unique with fender bulges and unique lighting giving a somewhat more muscular design. The interior has been massively updated and is a much nicer place to be. The 3.8-liter V6 has been reworked to produce 310 hp and is mated to a nine-speed automatic. Also on hand is Apple Carplay and Android Auto, not to mention available Wi-Fi and wireless charging. The 2022 Frontier King Cab is offered in 2WD and 4WD S and SV grades. The 2022 Frontier Crew Cab is available in 2WD and 4WD S, SV SWB (standard bed) and SV LWB (long bed), along with the Crew Cab PRO-4X (4WD only) and new-for-2022 PRO-X (2WD only). The PRO-X grade provides the same rugged design touches as PRO-4X but does not include certain 4WD-related content (electronic locking differential, underbody skid plates). Seven option packages will be available. A 5-foot bed is standard on all Crew Cab models, with a 6-foot bed optional on Crew Cab SV Long Wheelbase models. A 6-foot bed is also standard on all King Cab models. Nissan has been building trucks (in multiple sizes) for many decades and the new 2022 Frontier reflects Nissan's latest and greatest mid-size truck. To view a few more pics, the media release and two videos, click on "read more" below. Nissan has delivered a competitive truck, but the top players from Ford and Toyota are due for redesigns so we shall see. But the most important thing is that buyers now have an additional and compelling choice in the mid-size truck market. The 2022 Frontier began production this week so the trucks should be arriving at dealers soon. Check with your local Nissan provider regarding availability and details such as pricing. Too bad Nissan didn't take parts from the Leaf EV and introduce a Frontier battery-electric truck and get a jump on the competition.

Source: Nissan - Media Release, pics, and videos

Lincoln upgrades 2021 Nautilus mid-size crossover/SUV

For 2021, Lincoln has refreshed the Nautilus mid-size crossover/SUV with updated styling and a new interior that echoes larger Lincoln vehicles. Yes folks, you can expect mega luxury and loads of safety equipment and the latest Lincoln technology in a nice-sized vehicle. Not everyone needs a Navigator. The updates are good-looking and the interior looks to be a "serene" place to be. The Nautilus comes in many portfolio trims that in "Black Label" trim offer specific environments to uplift your driving experience. Ford's new Sync 4 handles the infotainment duties along with Lincoln's safety and technology suite (including Co-Pilot 360) befitting the Nautilus's stature (see media release for specifics). Two engines will be available depending on trim level chosen: a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four that produces 250 hp and 280 lb/ft. of torque and a 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 that makes 335 hp and 380 lb/ft. of torque both mated to an eight-speed automatic. That's where my problem with the new Nautilus lies. Where's the plug-in hybrid or the EV? The Nautilus appears to be similarly sized to Ford's Mustang Mach-e EV, so why not make the leap and make the Nautilus Lincoln's first EV? Could be supply issues or dealer resistance, but Ford/Lincoln missed an opportunity here. What do you think? For more info and two videos (one at the end of the release) make the jump and enjoy!

Source: Lincoln - Media release, digital experience, pics and videos (YouTube, 2) after the "read moire" jump.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid: Our (their) Best Accord Yet

Source: Honda/YouTube

The Redesigned 2021 Honda Ridgeline: Powerfully Reimagined

Source: Honda/YouTube

Ford hits the (off) road with the 2021 Ranger Tremor - Update

Some of you may remember that this isn't Ford's first Tremor. A few years ago, the Tremor was an F-159 shortcab, with the smallest available bed, 2 bucket seats with console, and the performance version of the Ecoboost V-6. Due to it's size and (relatively) light weight, the F-150 Tremor was one of the quickest trucks Ford made at the time. Switch to 2021 and the Tremor becomes an off-road package on the mid-size Ranger XLT or Lariat pickup. The sub $5k Tremor Off-Road package adds Fox dampers, increased approach and departure angles, increased ride height, special 17-inch wheels and tires (32-inch General Grabber tires), a special interior, increased suspension articulation, and more. The Tremor features Ford's 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine with 270 horsepower and a torque rating of 310 lb.-ft., paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4x4 with an electronic locking rear differential. A graphics package is available (see pic after the "read more" jump) if you want your truck to scream Tremor. The Tremor package is more accomplished that Ford's FX4 Off-Road Package and answers the requests of off-road customers for something more. If this looks and sounds like your idea of the "perfect" mid-size, off-road truck, then contact your dealer for Tremor package availability. See the Ranger Tremor video in the next post. Update, There is a Tremor package available for Ford's F-Series trucks as well.

Source: Ford - Pics and media release

Goodbye Kia Optima, Hello all-new Kia K5 mid-size sedan

Kia's Optima was a stand-out in the mid-size sedan marketplace. Everyone I knew who drove or owned the Optima loved it. I knew of one guy who rented cars for business trips and the Optima was always his first choice. Now comes 2020 and the Optima is dead, and for 2021 the Kia K5 takes its place. As you can tell from the GT-line model in these pics, the all-new K5 is aggressively styled and features body sculpting, the best use of Kia's bow-tie grille so far, a lower stance, and a fastback roofline. All these things make the K5 a very sporty mid-size sedan. What's under the hood backs up the car's looks. all engines are turbocharged for improved power and efficiency with a new 2.5-liter four that produces 290 hp that will be optional. An eight-speed automatic is standard with an eight-speed, wet dual-clutch transmission available in sportier models. All-wheel drive is available with the smaller engine choice. The new K5 will be available in five trim levels; LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT (available later this year). GT-Line models give the appearance of the GT model without the larger engine and dual-clutch transmission. Kia's complete suite of safety equipment and tech are available (see media release after the jump) so that you can fulfill your K5 desires and match the size of your wallet. However you spec it, the new K5 is a good-looking sedan that will impress your neighbors (at least). For more info and a couple of pics, check out the media release after the "read more" jump. The new Optima, er, K5 sedan is at your local Kia retailer now. Check out the current K5 spot cruising the airwaves in the next post. Now where are the hybrid and EV versions?

Source: Kia - Pics and media release

The All-New Turbocharged 2021 Kia K5 Sedan

K5 intro commercial. Very good stuff.

Source Kia/Youtube