Lexus has announced that it will be releasing its first all-electric car, and it will be a small hatchback. It will debut at the Tokyo Auto Show this year. Lexus has categorized the new vehicle as “an ultra-compact sub-B segment” vehicle. Let’s get a closer look at the first Lexus all-electric car.

New from Lexus

Lexus is not sacrificing certain elements that are unique to the brand. One such feature is the spindle grille, which is a standard feature on Lexus vehicles. We haven’t received a lot of details, but we do know this.

The new all-electric vehicle is the first of 10 EV’s the company plans to release in the next few years (along with the Toyota brand). These will be built out on a dedicated electric platform. Lexus has been funneling a lot of money into solid-state batteries and in-wheel motors. This first model, however, will not be equipped with these features.

An advanced infotainment center, split into two screens on each side of the steering wheel, will also be included. We expect all of the latest technological innovations in this model. The EV hatchback is expected to have similar technological designs as the 2020 Lexus RX.

These enhancements include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Alexa integration to the Lexus Remote Touch interface. As these screens are a touchscreen. That’s why we assume that the all-electric variant has the same capability. Additionally, the technology should include a more user-friendly voice control interaction.

Lexus All-Electric Car Coming Soon

The all-electric Lexus should be in competition with several vehicles. These include other compacts, such as the BMW I and the upcoming Honda E.

It is about time that Lexus joins the all-electric vehicle pool. There will be stiff competition soon for EV’s. This hatchback is sure to be a favorite among enthusiasts.

Recently, GM released the first images of the new Chevrolet Menlo EV electric car. The expectation is that the EV will be the utility version of the Chevy Bolt EV. Let’s get a closer look.

New Chevrolet Menlo EV

In 2017, GM announced a massive push towards electric vehicles. Twenty all-electric vehicles are expected to roll out by 2023.

Additionally, two electric vehicles based around the Bolt EV were expected by the end of 2018. They still haven’t arrived.

However, it does look like GM is making progress. Signs are pointing towards the release of an electric vehicle based on the Bolt EV. GM applied for a Bolt EUV trademark. The released images seem to match up with a Chinese iteration of the Bolt EUV.

Initial reports indicate it has an electric motor, putting out 174 horsepower with a top speed of 93 mph. The expected dimensions on the Menlo EV are 184 inches by 71 inches and 60 inches with a 105-inch wheelbase.

The Chevy Menlo EV is likely to offer the same powertrain as the Bolt EV.

The hope, though, is that GM upgrades the current powertrain that is in the Bolt EV. It has not had an upgrade since 2016.

The style and form of the Menlo EV is also worth mentioning. Based on the released images, the Menlo EV should compete against the Kona EV and the Niro EV.

A common complaint with the Bolt EV is that its DC battery charges too slowly. It would be a considerable upgrade to equip the Menlo EV with a faster-charging DC charger.

What’s to Come?

We still do not know too much about the Menlo EV. The images we have do look appealing, though. Hopefully, those essential features are upgraded in the new Menlo EV. What are your thoughts on this new electric vehicle? Do you think it’s worth investing in or would you rather drive something else?

The new 2020 Subaru WRX is packed with updates. The performance should be much better, as should the safety modifications.

2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 WRX will come standard with the EyeSight safety suite of features. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology has a comprehensive set of safety features. It monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control and lets drivers know if they drift out of their lane. The Pre-Collision braking system installed for 2020 will force the car to apply full emergency braking to minimize front impacts.

The price increases slightly in the new Subaru, up $315 from last year’s model. The MSRP is expected to be $28,395. It will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Upgrades available include CVT, Brembo brakes and Recaro eight-way power-adjustable sport seats.

WRX Options

The only available engine option for the new WRX is a 268-hp 2.0L turbo-four.

Inside a six-inch touchscreen comes standard. It will now feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim of the WRX upgrades the infotainment screen to seven inches and smartphone integration.

Subaru is also offering a limited edition of the WRX, The BRZ “Series.Gray,” with several new enhancements. It has a Cool Gray Khaki exterior with Crystal Black Silica badges and folding exterior mirrors. This new edition will add an extra $3100 to the price of the WRX.

There will be a wide variety among the different trims of the 2020 WRX. In the WRX Premium trim, the price will be around $30,080. That extra cost will get you features that the base trim does not have. These will include LED steering-responsive headlights and 10-way power driver seats. The Premium package with CVT transmission will ratchet the price up to $34,580.

The Subaru WRX looks like a solid addition to next year’s lineup. If you are a fan of the Outback instead, make sure you check out the 2020 Subaru Outback First Look.

Plans for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado allow the same design as the current model, except for some minor updating. A mid-cycle refresh includes a minor facelift and doesn’t contain enough change to become a mid-cycle enhancement. We expect the following with an update to the 2021 Colorado.

Powertrain

The new Chevrolet Colorado refresh comes with an updated powertrain, possibly through introduction of a new engine: the GM 2.7L L3B TriPower engine. This would be an upgrade from the 2.5L I-4 LCV engine available in the 2020 Colorado.

Body Styles

The 2021 Colorado will continue to offer these cab and bed options:

• extended cab, long box
• crew cab, short box
• crew cab, long box

We currently see all of these options with the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado as well.

Additional 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Updates

We expect a revised exterior, with a style similar to the Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV concept. The interior should be refreshed throughout. There will most likely be changes to the equipment group structure in the Colorado. Additionally, another trim – the ZR2 Colorado Bison – may be introduced above the ZR2.

Some other features that are rumored to be introduced include the addition of a sunroof, as well as having a push-button start unit. We also plan on some changes to the High Country or LTZ trim levels. The engine choices would include not only the new GM 2.7L Turbo L3B inline four-cylinder, but also the existing 3.6L V-6 LGY gasoline engine and the 2.8L I-4 Duramax LWN diesel engine. It will also have the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission on specific models and trims.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the changes to the 2021 Chevy Colorado won’t result in a dramatically different looking truck. However, it all works together to improve the vehicle’s comfort and performance. If you want to see more new Chevy vehicles hitting the marketplace, make sure you check out the 2020 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima just rolled off the production lines and is available now. It includes a refresh midyear, and as a result, the changes for 2020 are relatively minor. Many features come standard on the new Nissan Maxima.

2020 Nissan Maxima Exterior Features

Many of the features found on the 2019 Maxima are still found on the 2020 iteration. Those features include full LED headlights and quad pipes. The bumper is also staying the same, with fog lights in blacked-out faux air intakes. The overall look is stylish and sporty, with a twist of luxury.

2020 Maxima Engine Specifications & Performance

The 2020 Maxima boasts of a 3.5L VQ-series V-6 engine that pumps out 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft. of torque. It comes equipped with an Xtronic CVT transmission. The newest Maxima comes with 4-wheel independent suspension and monotube rear shock absorbers.

Additionally, a set of features known as the Nissan Safety Shield 360 enhances safety throughout the vehicle. This includes blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, high beam assist and rear automatic braking. The GR model also offers unique suspension damper tuning, a front stabilizer bar, and 19-inch wheels and tires.

New Maxima Interior Features

There is plenty of room and comfort to be found inside the Maxima. Additionally, this year’s model includes standard Dual Panel Panoramic Moon roof and Intelligent Around View Monitor. The safety features outlined above are all displayed centrally and conveniently in the center console.

With five trims to choose from in the 2020 Maxima lineup, there is a significant range in pricing. The base model, the Maxima S, starts at $34,250, while the premium model, the Maxima Platinum costs $41,540.

Although there have been very few dramatic changes in the latest Maxima, it still remains a solid value with improved safety features.

If you are a fan of this automaker, you might also want to know that the Nissan Rogue Hybrid is officially dead.

The first thing you might notice about the 2020 Acura NSX is the color. Acura is bringing back a color that hearkens back to the original NSX: yellow. This new shade is called Indy Yellow Pearl. Much of the interior features and engine specifications remain the same, which is a good thing. The performance and handling of the NSX are legendary.

Exterior Features

Besides Indy Yellow Pearl, other offerings include Thermal Orange Metallic, Source Silver and Casino White Pearl. Each of these upgraded colors will cost an additional $1,000. There will also be two premium colors, costing $6,000 extra: Valencia Red Pearl and Nouveau Pearl.

2020 Acura NSX Engine & Performance

To racing and high-performance drivers, the most impressive feature of the 2020 Acura NSX is what lies underneath the hood. The NSX comes equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine that includes 500 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque. It comes with a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 2020 NSX will be able to accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in an astounding 2.7 seconds!

Interior Features

The 2020 NSX will feature ergonomic leather seats with Alcantara at the center of the sports seat. It also contains a steering wheel that is designed in a race car style, along with other modifications in the dash and rearview mirror to maximize driver visibility. The sound system is ELS Studio Premium Audio, complete with nine speakers. In addition, the center-based infotainment center has all of the navigation and entertainment features that you may need. There are also three different driving modes to choose: Quiet, Sport and Sport+Track.

The new Acura NSX is a beast. It is a high-performance speed demon, with many of the design features found in race cars, but with the comfort of a luxury vehicle. It will be available for delivery in November. This vehicle may just make our next best supercars list.

There’s a lot to love about there new Acura lineup. We look forward to having this automaker plans to release.

The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is set to impress. It features 670 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. That enables it to reach 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds. Can you say WOW?

2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Performance

The Turbo S E-Hybrid borrows the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 and supplements it with a 134 horsepower electric motor. There’s also a bunch of performance enhancements as optional equipment. Consider the ceramic-composite brakes and Dynamic Chassis Control. There are even active roll stabilization and electromechanical stabilizer bars in the front and rear.

Of course, this is all going to cost you. Expect to spend $161,900 on the Cayenne or $164,400 on the Cayenne Coupe.

High-Class Luxury

While it’s easy to focus on the performance of this Porsche, we must also take a moment and look at the luxury. Both Cayenne models feature 18-way adaptive sport seats and 21-inch wheels. The Lightweight Sport Package comes with a carbon-fiber roof, 22-inch wheels, side skirt extensions, Sport Design bumper and an Alcantara steering wheel.

There’s also a Cayenne E-Hybrid model available. It comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with some electric features. This system outputs 455 horsepower plus 516 lb-ft of torque. With this power, it hits 60 mph in under five seconds. It comes standard with a panoramic sunroof. This model has a lower price tag at just $86,400 when it arrives early in 2020.

Another impressive vehicle in the works is the 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo. While it’s not a hybrid model, it offers a lot of pep worth talking about. If you are a fan of hybrid vehicles, don’t forget to catch up with our  2019 Hybrid SUV & Crossover Lineup and the 2019 Hybrid Car Lineup.

Let us know your thoughts on the latest Porsche developments. Are these SUVs you would splurge on, or is the price simply too high for the product? Leave a comment.

It wasn’t that long ago that GM announced the arrival of the 2020 Buick Encore GX, but just recently we’ve received some new information. Let’s look at what this SUV will offer.

2020 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX comes with two engine options. Both of these are new, turbocharged, inline three-cylinder motors from GM. The first option is a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder LIH that pumps out 137 horsepower. The second option is a 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder L3T that outputs 155 horsepower.

If you compare this to the 2019 Buick Encore, you see it’s a significant upgrade from the four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 138 horsepower. There was also an optional 1.4-liter turbo which outputs 153 horsepower.

We saw the GX launch in China a month ago, but that market had a higher rated engine that we won’t see. The subcompact model sits comfortably between the Buick Encore and the Buick Envision. When looking at it compared to the regular model, we see an extra five cubic-feet of cargo space.

New models also come with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Standard features include Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning. It also has an available rear camera mirror and high-definition surround vision camera system.

2020 Buick Lineup

There will be a lot to love about the 2020 Buick vehicles. We love the way they are redesigning the brand and look forward to see what’s to come. Some models to keep your eyes on include the 2020 Enspire and the 2020 Envision. At this time, we aren’t quite as excited about the  2020 LaCrosse, 2020 Enclave, 2020 Regal and the 2020 Cascada.

As far as SUVs go, we still think that several other companies have a lot more to offer. One vehicle we have our eyes on for next year is the 2020 Toyota 4Runner. But we would like to hear from you. What are you excited about?

Among the many new models hitting dealerships this fall, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner is also set for September. This compact, mid-size SUV comes with some safety and tech upgrades. The base price starts at $37,140, making it slightly more than the previous edition, but the updates make up for it.

2020 Toyota 4Runner

We show the 4Runner SR5 Premium with a price of $40,355 while the TRD Off-Road and Off-Road Premium models come at $1,280 to $2,100 more. The range-topping 4Runner TRD Pro also jumps in price to $50,885.

The TRD Pro features a TRD exhaust, Safety Sense-P suite and updated infotainment center. Standard safety tech in this suite includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure warning and a pre-collision system.

We also see a new instrument cluster in the 4Runner. It comes with a 4.2-inch screen, smart key featuring push-button start plus some additional USB ports in the rear. New models feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well.

4Runner History

The 4Runner remains one of the Japanese automaker’s long-standing models. It first hit the scene in 1984 as a compact SUV. It resembled a pickup with a shell over its bed. Since then, it had many upgrades to make it what it is today. It’s often regarded as one of the most durable SUVs.

We do several other updates across the 2020 Toyota lineup this year. Make sure you check out the information on the 2020 Toyota Supra, 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and 2020 Toyota Prius Prime. We also have some data on the 2020 Toyota Highlander, 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid and the 2020 Toyota RAV4.

There’s a lot to love about the upcoming Toyota lineup. What vehicle are you most excited about? Do you see yourself behind the wheel of a hybrid like the Corolla or do you want to enjoy the off-road capability of a 4Runner TRD Pro instead?

Up until recently, the Cadillac brand focused heavily on coupes and sedans. Now, with the recent surge of SUV popularity, the luxury automaker needed to step up its game. First, the company launched the Escalade, followed by a compact XT4. Then, we saw the three-row XT6. However, Cadillac’s best-selling SUV has been the XT5, which receives a nice upgrade for 2020. Let’s take a first look at the 2020 Cadillac XT5 and see what this compact SUV has to offer.

2020 Cadillac XT5

Typically we see some style mods and a handful of feature upgrades with a refresh, but not with the XT5. The automaker plans to do much more than expected. To start, visual enhancements include an updated grille and larger wheels. Inside the cabin, there are more colors to choose from, further increasing the customizability.

We also see a new engine option for the 2020 model year, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 237 horsepower. This is the same engine on a 2020 Blazer. It’s also available with the 3.6-liter V6 that outputs 310 horsepower. Both of these pair to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

For the new model year, expect a base price of $45,090. There are also options to add all-wheel drive, a new transmission and upgraded suspension system. We also anticipate some new tech features which include the latest infotainment system, LED headlamps, lane departure warning, front auto-braking, lane-keeping assist plus blind-spot detection.

New Cadillac Lineup

Among the future Cadillac lineup, we also expect to see the XT4 with a base price of $35,695 and the XT6 starting at $52,695. There’s no doubt that the XT5 will remain the company’s bestselling model, possibly even competing with the Audi Q5 or the Acura RDX.

Let us know your thoughts on the latest updates to the new Cadillac SUV. Is this a vehicle you could see yourself driving?