Auto News for April 30

Mercedes has announced pricing for its first electric offering in the U.S. The all electric B-Class will start at $41,450 and that includes delivery. Of course, with all electrics there may be some tax credits. The car will launch this summer with an 8-year, 100,000 mile warranty on the battery and, the maker claims, a 0-60 run of just 7.9 seconds. It has an estimated range of 85 miles.

The mayor of Torrance, California fears his state will turn into a retirement community. The folks in Texas say the shift of Toyota’s headquarters out of California to Plano in the Lone Star State is a huge win for their area. Said the Dallas Morning News, “A move of 4,000 people is nothing to scoff about. That’s huge.”

Still want a Pontiac, some four years after production ceased? A dealer in Cedarville, Illinois, claims to have “an abundance” of the G6 model used. Pontiac buffs can find the dealer at:

barkeu.com

At the famed Goodwood Motor Circuit there will be almost a half million horsepower on display on May 4^th for the circuits announced Supercar Sunday. About all the high performance brands that your mind can conjure up will be at the facility in Great Britain along with powerful motorcycles. You can see more at:

http://www.facebook.com/goodwoodmotorcircuit

 

 

 

Auto News for April 28

Nissan’s GT-R is one heck of a car and now it will take on one of the world’s most challenging race tracks and one of its most challenging races – the 2014 Nurburgring 24 hour to be exact. A GT-R recently lapped the course in 7 minutes 8.679 seconds and that was a record time for a volume production car.

And Nissan is expected to post the biggest gain when it comes to April sales. Kelley Blue Book says Nissan sales should be up 19.5 percent year over year thanks to strong demand for the Rogue and Sentra. Chrysler is also predicted to have a good month thanks to the Jeep and RAM brands.

The last Oldsmobile rolled off the assembly line 10 years ago today, according to the Detroit Free Press. It was an Alero sedan that brought an end to the brand known over the years for the 98, 88, and 442.

Kia reported that worldwide sales rose 5.2 percent in the first quarter. Sales here in the U.S. were up 4.8 percent with strong demand for its crossovers.

 

Saturday Road Test 2014 MB CLA250

 

 

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

The Entry Level Benz

By Ron Amadon

DAMASCUS, MD – The idea is to bring in younger buyers to the Mercedes brand, get them hooked, and then move up the model lineup as fame and fortune builds over a lifetime. Mercedes is hardly the first car builder to do that.

Rival BMW prices range from $32,100 up to $74,000 base prices for the 2-Series to the 7-Series. Lexus sedans roughly cover the same price range.

In a lot of ways, the least expensive Mercedes has its enticing features. A sexy exterior body design turned heads from ritzy Maryland suburbs to more rural areas. People stopped and gazed approvingly at the test car.

Inside, the Sierra Beige trim with stitching and comfortable multi adjustable and heated “MD Tex” upholstered seats were comfortable and required little adjustment on long trips. The interior design was appealing and very familiar to those who have been in MB’s models before. The 7” high resolution LCD screen did look like a late addition, but its size and placement did make it easy for quick checks by the operator. The Harman Kardon audio system was mid pack in its sound quality but easy enough to program and command.

Under the hood was a responsive 2.0-liter turbo 4 that was rated at 208 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. It produces 258 lb-ft of torque, Mercedes claims, from idle to 4,000 rpm and it felt more than adequate for the needs and desires of the expected buyer. MB claims a 0-60 run of 6.9 seconds and I have no argument with that.

The test car also came equipped with paddle shifts that put in a fine performance and should appeal to do it yourselfers. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic was quick to react when the driver’s right foot pushed for all the CLA had to offer. While the test model was front wheel drive, all-wheel drive is available in an upscale model

The test car was EPA rated at 26-39 mpg and in mostly country and interstate driving for the week I came away with an overall 28 mpg. The CLA lives on the premium blend.

Downsides? There were two that stood out. Mercedes decided that all CLA250’s sent to these shores would carry the “Sport” suspension. It is a very rigid set up that sent noise and vibration into the dash panel when I encountered the many potholes and other road blemishes left over from the record winter we experienced here in Mary-land.

On the rare smooth road the ride was fine and the handling excellent. But even on the interstates, bridge expansion strips and other bumps that aren’t going away had me looking for an adjustment for the “Comfort” suspension setting that didn’t exist.

The second setback was caused by the swept back styling that made entry to the rear seats a test of one’s agility. Once inside there was not much headroom for those 6’ tall or more. A reminder: put the boss in the front seat!

You may have seen ads that the car is priced at less than $30K. Well that is without the $925 Destination and Delivery fee so you are really looking at $30,825.

Add in 18-inch wheels, Blind Spot Detector, Black Ash Wood trim that was very attractive, a $2,300 Premium Package and a $2,700 Multimedia Package and that bumped the test car’s bottom line to $36,870.

Here’s my take. Eliminate the “Sport” suspension and I can live with the tight confines of the rear seat. The exterior style, comfort up front, charming interior, good power and handling, and with most of the desirable options this rig still comes in under $40K. All of which makes this an attractive choice for those who are seeking entry into the three pointed star.

Just match the ride with other models in the lineup.

 

Auto News for April 25

A victim of the harsh winter weather across much of the country, Ford sales fell 3 percent in the first quarter and the company missed Wall Street earnings expectations. Forecasters were looking for 31 cents a share and the Blue Oval came in at 25 cents. Yet revenues topped expectations as global sales increased 6 percent with sales gains in China and Europe. Ford plans to launch 23 vehicles around the globe this year including the much talked about aluminum bodied F-150 pickup.

Honda, meanwhile, reported strong quarterly earnings in its fourth quarter thanks to robust sales and a weak yen. Its $1.6 billion profit is more than double the figure rung up a year earlier.

J.D. Power thinks auto sales will increase 8.5 percent this month as winter slowly ebbs and customers turn out at dealers to shop for new wheels. We will get the official figures early next month.

The car wash industry won’t like this, but Nissan said it is testing a paint it says will repel dirt. It is being looked at in Europe on its Note small car. So far, there is no indication it will be offered on its production models.

On this day in 1901, New York became the first state to require license plates on motor vehicles. They may not have been hot sellers, since the Census Bureau reports there was only about 15,000 autos in the entire country at the time.

 

 

 

Auto News for April 24

On the one hand, GM said earnings fell 85 percent in the first quarter when compared to the same period in 2013. One the other hand, earnings per share topped Wall Street analyst estimates and the company earned $125 million in the period for the 17^th consecutive profitable quarter. All this despite a charge of $1.3 billion for the recalls you might have heard about. Like so many car makers, the General posted another loss from its European operations.

Don’t be surprised to see GM CEO Mary Barra on the cover of Time Magazine. She made the magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The magazine hits newsstands, if there are any left, on Friday.

The Detroit News reports that IBM has won the task of integrating the computer systems of Chrysler with those of owner Fiat.

The under $30,000 CLA 250 Mercedes – You probably have seen the ads, but what is it like to live with? Some answers coming up right here in the Saturday Road Test.

 

Auto News for April 23

There are some very interesting concept vehicles at the Beijing Auto show such as a light duty off road hybrid Audi TT. It is a plug-in with two electric motors for performance purposes and a range of 31 miles just on the juice. Audi said it will accelerate from 0-62 in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Backing up the electric drive is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with a six speed transmission.

There’s also a couple of interesting safety features that I had not heard of before. The Junction Assist uses radar sensors and a wide angle video camera to scan zones to the front and sides of the vehicle at intersections. If it detects a vehicle approaching from the side and thinks the situation is critical, graduated warnings are displayed in the cockpit. Another system will tell the driver what speed to drive in order to reach the next traffic light while it is still green. It will also count down the time remaining when waiting for the light to turn green. Nifty stuff, all in all.

Making its world debut was the Bentley Hybrid Concept based on the top of the line Mulsanne. It has an all-electric driving range of 50 miles and the company said it will introduce a plug-in hybrid SUV in 2017 and by the end of the decade at least 90 percent of Bentley cars will be available as a plug-in hybrid.

Toyota says it sold more vehicles worldwide than anyone else in the first quarter – A total of 2.5 million topping GM and VW. For the quarter Toyota said sales rose 6 percent.

Cars.com says car shoppers in California continue to be the most eco-conscious based on searches for hybrid and electric cars. The San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose area topped the list followed by Charlottesville, Virginia and Los Angeles.

Auto News for April 22

 

This time it appears for real that Alan Mulally will step down as CEO at Ford. Various reports say he will be succeeded by COO Mark Fields later this year. Fields has widely been expected to be the new man at the top. While no date has been announced for the change, it could come on May 8 when Ford holds its annual meeting in Delaware. For now, all Ford spokespeople are saying is they will not comment on “speculation.” Mulally and Fields are pictured.

The Detroit News noted that Field’s first car, long before he caught on at Ford, was a 1983 Datsun 280ZX and he now owns a bunch of Mustangs. Mulally, of course, is well known for guiding Ford through some rough times, rejecting any government bailout, and restructuring the company helped by $23.6 billion in bank loans. Bill Ford will remain as executive chairman when the changes are announced.

It is also interesting to note that when Mulally took over at Ford many were wondering if an official from Boeing could possibly run a car company. I think the answer is now obvious.

With sales up 3 percent in the U.S. and 10.9 percent worldwide, Harley Davidson reported a good first quarter.

While not strictly an auto story, you might like to know that in the American Customer Satisfaction Index, the airlines rated just ahead of the IRS.

Mercedes calls it a “Concept Coupe SUV.” It is a four door, all-wheel drive vehicle with a 333 horsepower V6 and a nine speed automatic transmission. MB hints that it might be up for some off road work.

 

Auto News for April 21

Lexus has unveiled the NX, a new smaller sport utility that is five inches shorter than the RX. When it goes on sale here in the U.S., it will sport the first turbo in a Lexus. The 2.0-liter four will be rated at 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and will be married to a six speed automatic. There will also be a hybrid model when the NX hits showrooms later this year.

Also thinking smaller is Honda with the release of some information on the HR-V. This compact SUV will hit the market next, and I’m sorry to use this word, winter. It will be built on the same global platform as the Fit and will be positioned below the CR-V in both price and size.

BMW meanwhile unveiled a very high lux four door at the auto show in Beijing that some believe might one day become a 9-Series. The Detroit Free Press says the car incorporates ever technology engineers could dream up. Such as tablet computers for the two rear seat passengers that will be wi-fi connected and allow them to send messages to those up front – “Step on it Jeeves.” Of course, there will be all kinds of carbon fiber, wood, aluminum, and fine grade leather throughout and rear hinged rear doors with a pared-down B-pillar. It carries the name BMW Vision Future Luxury.

 

 

Saturday Road Test BMW 328d

 

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sedan

You Will Forget It’s a Diesel

By Ron Amadon

DAMASCUS, MD. – Look at the sales charts and it is very clear that drivers here are not in love with diesel engines unlike buyers in Europe.

But I am here to tell you that after a joyous week behind the wheel of BMW’s 3-series diesel you can put aside all the negative feelings you may have about Rudolph Diesel’s wondrous invention.

In the 328d, it is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 180 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm mated to an eight-speed automatic that was smooth and quick. It was, in fact, one of the most delightful transmissions I have experienced and there were paddles for those who want to make their own decisions.

BMW claims a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds with 136 mph as its top speed from the first 4-cylinder diesel that BMW has offered in the U.S. Like all modern diesels, it doesn’t smell and it doesn’t stink – at all. In fact, I will wager that if you don’t tell your seat mate that it’s a diesel they would never guess. Michael Phelps comeback should be this successful.

This gem of an engine and tranny is packed into a sedan that is 182 inches long, or about the size of a VW Jetta. The 382d is available with rear wheel drive, or the all-wheel drive of the test car. A “Sport Wagon” is also a part of the lineup.

Here is the key to transforming the car into the BMW that you always dreamed about. On the center console there is a switch and you want to push it forward into sport mode. That tightens things up, quickens the shift, and allows that 280 lb-ft of diesel torque to flex its muscles. It really did feel faster than the numbers indicate, and the handling brought back memories of the old 2002tii that I had the joy of driving on the Autobahn and on twisty farm roads in upper Bavaria too many years ago.

Here’s another reason that drivers who love responsive cars should be drawn to this model. It was the $3,500 M Sport Package, the $1,000 Dynamic Handling Package, and the $500 Sport automatic transmission. Inside those packages is the Adaptive M Suspension, Variable Sport Steering, the grip your bod like your Mama Sport seats, and some other bits and pieces that brighten things up appearance wise.

Okay, what about economy? The tested model was EPA rated at 31-43 mpg and I did see touches of 40 on interstate trips. I ended up with an overall 38 mpg. The fuel filler pipe appeared to be choosy about what diesel pump nozzles it would accept even at brand name stations. I did find one that slipped right in at a Sunoco.

There are two filler caps. The one to the left is for the urea fluid that is required by the EPA for emission purposes. BMW promises that you will see ample notice when it needs replenishment usually with the oil change. Handy because when it runs out you will go nowhere, the government has mandated.

The rear seat was a bit snug on knee room without front seat passengers moving forward a bit and I was not a fan of the unique BMW shift pattern but will admit that familiarity will breed acceptance.

What makes you forget about all this is the grand time you have on back country roads in an extremely responsive machine. There’s little body roll, it goes where you point it, while at the same time not beating up your bod when it meets up with potholes the country hasn’t got around to patching up yet.

It was quite and comfortable on the interstate, but watch your speed if you’re in the “Polizei’s” favorite radar trips. It was easy to cruise at 80 plus and not realize it.

Forget about it being a diesel, except for the excellent gas mileage of course, slip into “Sport” and take it out for a test drive. I guarantee smiles.

Price:

Base: $40,600

Options Total: $5,000

Delivery: $925

Total MSRP: $47,0975

 

 

Auto News for April 18

A panel of design experts has named the BMW I3 as the World Car Design of the Year. They said the interior “marks (a) radical leap of car design and it spreads as calm yet rich feeling as a modern living room.” The boxy electric that looks nothing like anything else in the BMW lineup was also named World Green Car of the Year.

The I3 is rated at 70 to 110 miles per charge, can be recharged in about 3.5 hours and starts at $41,350. It features a carbon fiber body, 170 horsepower, and will make the run from a standing start to 60 mph in about second seconds.

Mazda is recalling model year 2001-04 Tribute SUV’s that are driven in states where salt is used to clear roadways. It wants to fix a possibly rusting frame and wheel control arm that could result in a loss of steering control.

A federal judge has ruled that GM does not have to advise owners with those faulty ignition switches to park their cars. The judge said, in essence, that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is “far better equipped” than the courts to handle the issue. The Detroit News reported that NHTSA has the power to order a recall, but not to force unsafe cars off the road.

Bloomberg reports that Toyota will breathe some life into the Scion brand. A top official said Scion will introduce three new vehicles, starting with the L-A auto show in the fall. All three are expected to hit the market over a 15 month period, but that’s about all we know for now.