APRIL 5, 2017

(Lexus)
Lexus will introduce the all-new LS F SPORT in New York ahead of the upcoming 2017 New York International Auto Show. The all-new LS "is based on an extended version of the brand’s premium global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA–L) platform – the stiffest that Lexus has ever developed – which offers enhanced handling, ride smoothness and cabin quietness," according to Lexus PR minions. Editor-In-Chief's Note: We also noticed the boilerplate copy at the bottom of the release which started with the words: "Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers." Uh, sure. Every auto manufacturer in the world could use those exact words, in fact, they use variations of this "surprise and delight" horseshit ad nauseam. We know Lexus is trying very hard and we do see some progress, but Lexus needs to be very careful of promising something that they can't deliver. The Lexus "MO" is still customer coddling at the dealer level. They wrote the book on it in fact. But the rest of the automotive world has caught on and for the most part caught up to that aspect of the business. And now Lexus is grasping at straws and throwing anything they can get their hands on at the wall to see what sticks. My take on Lexus is that the executive leadership is bankrupt and simply incapable of doing anything different on behalf of the brand, and that the so-called Lexus "culture" will never go beyond "amazing" in-dealer experiences. And that's perfectly fine, as long as they stop trying to be something that they will never be. -PMD

(Audi images)
The all-new 2018 Audi TT RS is the most powerful production TT model Audi has ever produced. With an all-new 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder TFSI® engine producing 400HP and 354 lb-ft of torque and with standard seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro® permanent all-wheel drive, the TT RS sprints from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Standard S sport seats, Audi Virtual Cockpit and a new multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles and satellite controls are part of the package. Other stuff? 19-inch, five-arm design Galvano silver wheels with summer performance tires or available 20-inch, seven-spoke-design, Galvano silver forged wheels with summer tires; available Black optic package includes 20-inch, seven-spoke design, high-gloss anthracite forged wheels with summer tires, high gloss black exterior mirror housings and a TT RS specific black optic exterior; standard full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights; Standard LED taillights with dynamic turn signals or available OLED taillights; standard Matte Alu-optic exterior styling package including matte Alu-optic exterior mirror housings, front blade, rear diffusor and Singleframe® grille surround; standard Aluminum race inlays or available carbon fiber decorative inlays and a fixed rear wing spoiler. Perpetually compared to the more nimble mid-engine Porsche 718 Coupe and Spyder, Audi is trying real hard to make a splash with its new TT RS. The 2018 TT RS will make its official U.S. debut at the 2017 New York International Auto Show.

(Buick images)
The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is a five-door hatchback that offers 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more than twice as much as the 2017 Regal. It is available with intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) with active twin-clutch. AWD models have an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive models have a nine-speed automatic. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces a GM-estimated 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque (FWD) and 295 lb-ft of torque (AWD). The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback will be available late next fall. Buick is doubling down on cars (see below).

(Buick images)
Buick is also introducing the all-new 2018 Regal TourX, which rides higher than its Sportback counterpart. It has standard roof rails, standard intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) with active twin-clutch and a functional cargo area. The Regal TourX has more overall cargo space than the Volvo V60 Cross Country, the Audi A4 Allroad, BMW 3-series Sport Wagon and the Subaru Outback, according to Buick PR minions, with up to 73.5 cubic feet behind the front seats. It will also arrive at Buick dealers in late fall.

(Mercedes-Benz images)
For the first time in the Mercedes-AMG lineup, a mid-size SUV will now be available with a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine producing 469HP in the GLC63 SUV and GLC63 Coupe; and 503HP in the GLC63 S Coupe. 0-60 mph takes 3.9 seconds in the GLC63 SUV and Coupe, 3.7 seconds in the GLC63 S Coupe. Each of these new performance models feature an air spring suspension with adaptive, adjustable damping, AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, a rear-axle limited-slip differential and a high-performance braking system. All new GLC63 models have the Mercedes-AMG Panamericana grille, which was previously reserved for the AMG GT family of sports cars. The new 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 SUV and Mercedes-AMG GLC63 Coupe will debut at the New York International Auto Show.

(Chevrolet)
Chevy has introduced yet another new special edition for the Tahoe and Suburban: the Rally Sport Truck, or RST. Tweaks and changes? All chrome trim has been eliminated; body-color grille surround and door handles; gloss-black grille and mirror caps; black roof rails, window trim, badging and Chevy bowties. RST also includes exclusive 22-inch wheels with Bridgestone P285/45R 22 tires. The Tahoe RST will also be offered with an exclusive Performance Package that includes Magnetic Ride Control with performance calibration, a 6.2L V-8 and the new 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission. This is the first time Tahoe will offer the direct injected 6.2L V-8, which delivers an estimated 420HP and 460 lb-ft of torque. The engine also features Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing. Based on preliminary manufacturer estimates, the Tahoe RST Performance Package will offer a towing capacity of 8,400 pounds and will be capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 6 seconds. Other available upgrades for Tahoe and Suburban RST include a Borla performance exhaust system that offers a 28 percent improvement in exhaust flow (a 7-10-horsepower gain at the rear wheels). An available brake package features Brembo six-piston, fixed aluminum front calipers (in red) with larger-than-stock 410 x 32mm (16.1 inch x 1.3 inch) Duralife rotors. “When you want to hustle, it is incredibly fast, with significantly higher levels of acceleration, braking and road-holding grip,” said Eric Stanczak, chief engineer for Chevrolet full-size trucks. “When you want to relax, it is very refined, with exceptional ride comfort and interior quietness.” The RST will be available on Tahoe and Suburban models in the fall of 2017.

(Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz USA has announced that the 2018 AMG GT R Coupe will start at $157,000. The Mercedes-AMG GT R features a front-mid-engine with a transaxle, handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with 577HP, extensively modified suspension, active aerodynamics, active rear-wheel steering, nine-way adjustable traction control and intelligent lightweight construction throughout. It will begin arriving at U.S. dealers this summer. Yee-hah.

(Lotus images) As order books open in the U.S. and Canada, Lotus has unveiled a unique Evora Sport 410 in one of the company’s most famous liveries, the Black/Gold John Player Special F1 cars. Available in the new GP Edition color scheme, as well as Lotus’ standard array of paint options, the new Lotus Evora Sport 410 for North America is the lightest and most focused iteration of the Evora yet. It is also the fastest road-going Lotus ever sold in the U.S., going 0-60 mph in 3.9 secs with a top speed of 190 mph. Adhering to Colin Chapman's "simplify then add lightness" manifesto, the new 2017 Evora Sport 410 has undergone considerable development to meet the specific demands of the North American market, while minimizing mass has remained a priority. Lotus’ famous Lightweight Laboratory has revisited every aspect of the car, to find new weight savings and, as a result, the Lotus Evora Sport 410 is a substantial 132 lbs (60 kg) lighter than the already impressive Evora 400 for North America. Production of the Evora Sport 410 is limited to just 150 examples a year worldwide, and it is available to order now from any of the 48 Lotus dealers in the U.S. and Canada.

(Audi images)                                        
Specifically developed for the U.S. market, the 2018 Audi RS 3 will be the first compact Audi sedan to wear the RS badge. The RS 3 features the all-new 2.5L TFSI® five-cylinder engine producing 400HP, which equates to 160HP per liter. The maximum torque of 354 lb-ft is available at engine speeds as low as 1,700 rpm and remains constant up to 5,850 rpm. Paired with a seven-speed S tronic® dual clutch transmission, the RS 3 can sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a top track speed of 155 mph (this can be increased to 174 mph with the optional Dynamic plus package). With the dual-clutch transmission, the RS 3 also now offers a launch control program that allows faster acceleration through precise engine speed and an automated clutch release. A limited number of 2017 RS 3 models will be produced. These will be the first vehicles arriving in the U.S. and will be pre-configured with carbon fiber inlays, Audi virtual cockpit with MMI® Navigation plus, Bang & Olufsen Sound System, 19-inch, five-arm-blade design wheels with titanium finish, red brake calipers and the RS sport exhaust system with black tips, for $54,300. The all-new 2018 RS 3 will be available later this summer, for $54,900. The 2018 Audi RS 3 will make its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show.