VW LAUNCHES LIMITED ADDITION GOLF SPORTWAGEN

VOLKSWAGEN INTRODUCES GOLF SPORTWAGEN LIMITED EDITION AS VALUE MODEL IN LINEUP

• Slots into SportWagen range between S and SE models, starting at $24,995

• Includes an array of driver assistance features as standard

• Adds panoramic sunroof and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels over S model

• Golf SportWagen offers cargo space on par with compact

• SUVs for size and versatility

The PR department at Volkswagen of America,  announced today the release of the all-new Golf SportWagen Limited Edition, which is scheduled to arrive in dealerships later this month. Positioned in the sweet spot of the Golf SportWagen lineup, the vehicle will have a starting Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,995.

We have been driving Volkswagens since late 70’s and were impressed then and now. The quality is superb. Engineering has always been admired. 

The Golf SportWagen Limited Edition is loaded with popular equipment, including an array of standard driver assistance features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitor, and Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist). The Limited Edition model also features a number of exterior enhancements over the S model, such as 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, chrome window trim, and a “Limited” badge on the front fenders.

On the inside, the Golf SportWagen Limited Edition comes standard with leatherette seating surfaces and KESSY® keyless access with push-button start. Every vehicle is also equipped with heatable front seats and window washer nozzles, which were previously available only on the SE model.

The Golf SportWagen Limited Edition also features Volkswagen’s new MIB II infotainment system, which provides a comprehensive suite of connectivity features. The MIB II system offers USB and VW-Car Net® App-Connect, allowing owners with these systems to access select apps from their smartphones directly through the vehicle’s head unit. Volkswagen of America is one of the first in the industry to support all three available connected car systems: Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®. VW Car-Net’s connected vehicle services umbrella also includes connected car services, advanced telematics, and enhanced navigation available by subscription.

The Golf SportWagen Limited Edition is equipped with a 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. On the highway, the vehicle achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 35 mpg.

We have not driven this new model and when we do a complete review will be released with video and stills from our staff.

I love the safety features and that means more to me us than the wonderful navigation or telematics.

Volkswagen Sportwagens for 2016 have received so many awards including".

Volkswagen  Golf family models have earned the highest 5-star overall crash test rating from the government—providing further validation that Volkswagen produces some of the safest vehicles in the industry," said Joerg Sommer, Vice President Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

“Our vehicles have numerous safety and driver assistance technologies that work to help prevent collisions, and help protect occupants when an accident is unavoidable.” Just watch the advertisements on TV and you see what they are so pleased about.

Volkswagen stated in their PR that in addition to overall 5-star ratings from NHTSA, four Volkswagen models also earn TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2016 Volkswagen Golf 4-door (including the Golf SportWagen variant), Golf GTI 4-door, Jetta and Passat models have been awarded 2016 TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings by IIHS when equipped with the optional Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) system.

The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award is given to vehicles that have met TOP SAFETY PICK criteria—good ratings in the moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests—and have earned an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention system performance.

IIHS stated to the PR department that it launched its front crash prevention rating program in 2013 to help consumers sort through a maze of technologies and zero in on the most effective systems.

Under a three-tier rating program, models with optional or standard front crash prevention systems are rated as superior, advanced or basic. Ratings are determined by whether the vehicles have available front crash prevention systems, and, if so, how it performs in 12 and 25 mph autonomous emergency braking and forward collision warning tests. To assess the performance, points are awarded based on the braking and warning performance in the tests. Vehicles that have a warning system only earn a basic rating, provided the system meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration performance criteria. For details, visit www.iihs.org.

I love VW’s diesel engines and so many customers are still very loyal. I have interviewed over twenty diesel drivers for VW reviews in the past 15 years. So many are pleased with their VW diesels and once VW takes care of the diesels on the road I expect more and more loyal customers will demand those superb diesels.

Recently Volkswagens Bugatti introduced a remarkable luxurious Sports Car. The Bugatti Chiron was shown to the press and public.

Someday I expect to inspect and drive the newest entry from Bugatti. Here are a few photos to view.  

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

Detroit/Miami/Bradenton/Philadelphia
Bruce Hubbard
J.B. Hubbard
Bonnie Lynch

Look in the last month Range Rover, Jaguar  and BMW are introducing more vehicles that are offered in diesel. Nissan even showed another upgrade of their Nissan Titan XD diesel truck was introduced. Dealers at Nissan have customers awaiting the new diesel trucks. Nissan was smart and used Cummins to bring out the right diesel for the truck.

Volkswagen has so many amazing vehicles including    VOLKSWAGEN'S Bugatti is just getting better with the Chiron introduced in Geneva Switzerland earlier this week. 

  2017 Bugatti Chiron: The $2.6-Million, 1500-hp, 261-mph Image Booster
Power baller. 

The new Chiron, is even more of a record- and headline-grabbing Bugatti.  A 310-mph speedometer and Bugatti's claim that it’ll do 261 mph is certainly expected from the 1500 horses.

BMW GS RALLY IN JAPAN BRINGS OUT WOMEN AND MEN GS TEAMS

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As Roy Oliemuller of the BMW group stated as he and the group watch
the bivouac at Camp Salawin, the teams rode through scenic parkland trails before dropping down into a valley where, riding first-and-second gear single-track, they zig-zagged across mountain streams, tackled rocky sections, traversed footbridges over ditches and made their way to the first Special of the day – 'Heavy Rain'!

Naturally, this special involved water, and all the participants enjoyed the challenge of riding through the rivers as a team and then answering a series of questions, all against the clock. Miles later, they faced the second obstacle– 'Big Timber' – which delivered  logs, motorcycles and lifting.  With the engine off, the team had to haul one of their BMW bikes over a huge tree and then park it on its side-stand. Strong muscles helped, but technique was just as important and this was a defining moment for the ladies' team, who showed that 'practice makes perfect' by completing this exercise in good time and good shape. In Japan the sun was hot and many took a moment to jump into the water once the bike was over  the large log.  I am use to riding on sand and shale in Michigan,Pennsylvania and Colorado.  Much easier route than what BMW teams had to travel for days.    

The picturesque mountainous route then saw the competitors skirt the border between Thailand and Myanmar, just a stone's throw across a deep, fast-flowing river. The riverbanks and hillside villages, with houses on stilts so typical of this region, and bustling streetlife offered many opportunities for the teams to be entertaining and creative as they searched for the ideal picture location for the upcoming photo competition .  A long ascent into the mountains swiftly followed. The riders were treated to some fast, wider sandy tracks along the ridges that allowed them to really open their throttles for a change, and let their GS bikes breathe, while they took in the lovely vistas. A fast descent took them through valleys peppered with villages and then onto a final tar section for a travel-guide ride-in across verdant, cultivated fields back to Camp Salawin.  

On arrival, their odometers were reading around 140 kilometres for the day but everyone agreed that it felt more like 280. However, things weren't finished yet, as a third Special awaited the teams once the sun went down.

Entitled 'Camp Champ', this trials challenge was watched by all teams, organisation staff, event caterers and just about everyone associated with the GS Trophy 'circus', adding considerable pressure at the end of an exhausting day.

BMW’S  staff said  special mention must go to the brave trio of ladies who have made GS Trophy history by becoming the first ever female team to 'take on the boys' at this special event. This is what they had to say about their Trophy experience so far.

Morag Campbell, South Africa: “The support from the guys is phenomenal, they cheer for us, they call our names individually, it’s really nice. They’re behind us on every task and when we are out on the trails they are so much fun.”

Amy Harburg, Australia: “I'm surprised how the locals are interacting with us. When we stop they come to us and that is so nice, it gives an extra dimension. They probably wouldn’t be like this with tourists. And when we ride past, first they see the bikes, then they see Stephanie’s hair and they do a double-take!”

Stephanie Bouisson, France: “The whole event is fantastic, as it was in South Africa too. The reactions are interesting from all the locals. I offer them the Thai greeting and they love that too. It’s an amazing event, in an amazing country.”

On the conclusion of the final Special, all points were added up and revealed to the teams. After day four of seven, Team South Africa are still on top, with Team Germany and Team UK rounding out the top three.

The teams put a lot of work into preparing for this seven day race.

I envy each and every member of the teams that desired to compete. 

BMW’s staff is doing a great job ok letting fellow riders see the progress of the teams.

Bruce Hubbard

Auto Advisor Group

2015 Cadillac Escalade

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade will turn heads and those who step inside the cabin will see luxury equal to Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Lexus or Infiniti.  “Cadillac’s ongoing growth provides the ideal stage for the new Escalade to move forward” Uwe Ellinghaus who is Global Marketing Manager states.

When first introduced in 1999 people were impressed and GM did very well with the Escalade. Later eve extended versions filled our streets.  Over the years improvements have been made throughout the Escalade.  Denali is a sub Brand of GMC. The Escalade is Cadillac’s Sub Brand and with the new model will sell well.

Many state that Ford’s introduction of the LARGE NAVIGATOR SUV made GM run to the design boards and compete. And how they did. They won as far as I am concerned. Today with the  4^th generation  Escalade they must be very proud. My son again states they have the best SUV ever made. Lincoln is today lowering their price by $10,000.00 to entice buyers.

GM designers and engineers worked together to make upgrades without bean counters saying NO!   That is why the interior is like a Range Rover. 

Dynamic front styling cues are enhanced by a highly detailed Galvano chrome grille that has a unique, almost brushed appearance. It is accented by full light-emitting diode – LED – lighting in the front and rear that creates unique, razor-like vertical light signatures. LEDs provide even, steady and very bright illumination, while delivering longer life and using significantly less energy than conventional lighting.

The headlamps incorporate the industry’s first Total Internal Reflection LED high-beam function, which consists of four vertically stacked crystal lenses and LEDs. The low beam consists of five crystal lenses and LEDs that create the light pattern. The Cadillac script is branded in the headlamp bezel. Tall, thin vertical LED taillamps reach to the top of the Escalade and feature the brand’s wreath-and-crest insignia, which illuminates in the dark. No price to replace them have been given to me. Many replacement LED lighting systems coat a fortune to replace! I do not yet have pricing for front or rear LED replacements.

The 20 inch rims look great. But, Cadillac offers a 22 inch rim. I believe that most customers will be happy with either or as they did before this all-new model go to after market rim/tire suppliers.

Today no young kid could afford their dream Escalade.  But, some older folks can. If you go with  standard model you have plenty of room for six passengers. The extended version offers room for eight. I would never wish to take eight passengers on a ten hour drive. Shoot me first!

The extended version is longer but the third row is not very good for 6 footers or above. The leg room is superb in first two rows but not in the rear third row.  Both versions of the Escalade are now on new frames. No longer truck frames and that makes the drive superb on the higway or Rodeo or Worth Avenue.

To enhance the journey  rear passengers in the Cadillac have all the newest infotanement equipment including the 12.3” reconfigurable instrument cluster and the 8” touchscreen multi-media interface and entertainment center by way of CUE (Cadillac User Experience) telematics, innovation which brings intelligence to the interior. CUE incorporates OnStar with Automatic Crash Response, navigation, weather reports, Bluetooth, climate control, USB ports, and my favorite, Pandora Internet radio. The weather button is detailed and precise and lists temperature hourly, daily or by each 36-hour period just like your Weather Channel phone app. OnStar will also feature 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot in future models. CUE does need a bit of work such as a faster processor to make it a bit more user friendly. And we’re still mystified as to why GM continues to go with a roof mounted DVD package which is not only a relic, but takes space away for a potential sky roof.  Cadillac added a 16-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system that is one of the best in the industry and will leave you with an opera hall experience. “An exceptional level of craftsmanship is found in the 2015 Escalade, and it all centers on the premium, layered materials and extensive use of cut-and-sew live stitching – the way fine furniture is produced,” said Eric Clough, director of design, Cadillac Interiors.

Cadillac as always been far ahead of most competitors on safety.   Ten year ago I drove a Corvette in the winter with Stabilitrak. It worked! Today Tadge at Corvette states he uses Winter tires and he has no problem running the NAIAS CAR OF THE YEAR winner on the roads on snow or ice. So if a Corvette can traverse this last winter with all the system them and Cadillac have get serious the Escalade will move you around the USA with no problem.

I remember being at the GM test track and using their first magnetic ride control and also the first front end crash avoidance system. I met with some of the engineers that developed the systems and they were sure all future GM vehicles would benefit from the technology.

Cadillac’s Magnaride or Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension system, is standard, delivering precisely controlled driving performance. And at its core, Escalade is an SUV with the capabilities of a full-size truck, enabling a trailering rating of 8,300 pounds on the standard model and an 8,100-pound rating on Escalade ESV. That’s more than Mercedes-Benz GL550 (7,800 pounds), Lexus LX 570 (7,000 pounds) and Land Rover Range Rover (7,716 pounds).

They were right! Now GM has Driver Awareness Package and Drive Assist Package plus what I love adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, front and rear automatic braking and a lot more.

Cadillac’s small block produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, 17 more horses and 43 more lb-ft than its predecessor. Off the line the torque allows the driver to get to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. Amazing when the Escalade weighs in at 5,900-pound SUV. The new model Cadillac states is the most fuel-efficient Escalade since the Hybrid model was discontinued, thanks not only to the features mentioned above, but also active grille shutters and other aerodynamic tweaks. In the short-wheelbase, four-wheel-drive tester, EPA estimates sit at 14 miles per gallon in the city, 21 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg combined.

Cadillac expects pricing to begin at $72,690 for a 2WD Escalade and up to $86,790 for a 4WD Escalade ESV Premium. As my son states this is PRIMO! Pimp ride and all the stars will want to drive it. He is right but the safety technology make this one of the best vehicles outside GMC  Denali and Chevy Suburban.

At our Florida location Bruce Jr and I towed a lot of boats with every manufacturers vehicles for tow boat and other magazines.  On the flat lands of Florida many do well with gasoline enhanced engines. I believe that the newest Escalades will handle any towing we need from Bradenton to Key West.  I hope they will follow my suggestions for the last ten years and add as Fiat-Chrysler have done on Jeep and their RAM 1500 a diesel. Why diesel. Towing first. Torque and longevity. At Bosch we discussed the advantages and they are too log too detail today.Volkswagen and Audi have proven that Diesel is an alternative to hybrids and electric. They have been selling like hotcakes. For years I have praised Diesel and many companies who stated they would never enter in North America with a Diesel have now brought them here.

With all the technology and back up cameras and surround cameras the towing of trailers, boats has become safer and easier. The camera allows me to position the vehicle and trailer hitch so quickly and with safety to the vehicle it is remarkable.

Competitors in 4 wheel drive/all-wheel-drive would be the BMWx5 X drive,Infiniti Q70 AWD, Land Rover Ranger Rover Sport, Lexus GX460 AWD,Porsche Cayene S, Mercedes ML 550 4 Matic, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, and Lincoln Navigator.

Cadillac is winning more and more customers daily. Their vehicles are amazing!

Bruce Hubbard

Bonnie Lynch

Brad Hubbard

JB Hubbard

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

100 BEST DRIVES IN NORTH AMERICA

ROAD TRIPS

2015 MAZDA MX-5 2TH ANNIVERY EDITION SOLD OUT!

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IRVINE, Calif., May 20, 2014 MAZDA’S PR release: The microsite countdown was set to 10:25 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) today and within 10 minutes, all 100 of the 2015 MX-5 Miata 25^th Anniversary Edition models were dutifully reserved. The pre-order program was set to run through 11:25 AM PDT on May 31, 2014 or when 250 customers were registered, whichever came first. The extended end date proved unnecessary as the consumer anticipation and fervor with which the limited-edition model was sold was not entirely unexpected but a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

"It is no secret the MX-5 Miata 25^th Anniversary Edition is a specially-crafted 'Thank you' to every MX-5 fan – former, current and hopefully future," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "The enthusiasm surrounding the MX-5 since its debut in 1989 has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we sincerely appreciate every single person that has experienced the absolute joy of driving in an MX-5 – whether behind the wheel or as a passenger. Since day one, this vehicle has been a true driver's car and we hope to continue to build upon its dynamic legacy for generations to come."

Faster than the dial-up connections of yore, 250 registrants accessed the 25^th anniversary pre-order microsite. Registered customers will be contacted directly by MNAO, of which the first 100 verified will be given the opportunity to pre-order an anniversary model. Upon verification of purchase intent and transmission selection, the customer's information will then be forwarded to the dealership of their choosing to finalize the transaction. The anniversary model will arrive in dealerships beginning late summer, as will the rest of the 2015 model-year MX-5 Miata lineup.

Pricing for the MX-5 Miata 25^th Anniversary Edition starts at $32,205[1] MSRP vehicles equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and at $32,655 MSRP for those equipped with an automatic. There are no additional packages available and all anniversary models are equipped with a Power-Retractable Hard Top.

Additionally, MX-5 Miata 25^th Anniversary Edition owners each will receive a custom-crafted Tourneau watch and display winder box. The Swiss-made, stainless steel watch sports Italian-made genuine leather black straps with contrast Mazda-signature Soul Red stitching and a deployant buckle. At 42 millimeters in diameter, the watch features a genuine sapphire crystal face with an anti-glare coating, as well as a genuine sapphire crystal on the see-through case back to showcase the watch movement and rotor. The exhibition case back features a 25-jewel ETA 2824-2 movement with special two-tone Cotes de Geneve decor.  Each watch and display set also will feature MX-5 and 25^th Anniversary logos.

During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars offered nimble handling and free-spirited open-air motoring. In the 1980s, Mazda decided to resurrect this spirit with a new roadster for the modern age. Using the latest engineering techniques of the time, Mazda developed the MX-5 and announced it at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989 as a reminder that driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter safety and quality standards. Through a variety of product improvements and full-redesigns in 1998 and 2005, the body has been kept lightweight and weight distribution optimized in order to enhance driving, safety and environmental performance, while preserving the pure driving fun that is unique to a lightweight open-top sports car.

Total production volume of the Mazda MX-5 exceeded 920,000 units in December 2013, and the model continues to hold the Guinness World Record for the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car. To date the model has received more than 200 awards from around the world, including Car of the Year Japan 2005-2006.

BRUCE HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

BMW GROUP CAR SHARING EXPANDS IN SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco, CA – May 8, 2014… BMW Group subsidiary DriveNow, a flexible, premium car-sharing program, will expand to offer street parking in multiple neighborhoods in San Francisco, beginning in select areas of the Mission District and will add 80 electric BMW ActiveE vehicles to the existing fleet, increasing the total number of ActiveE vehicles in the San Francisco Bay Area to 150. DriveNow members will have the opportunity to name the 80 electric vehicles in a two-week social media challenge.

Later this month in the Mission District, members will be able to use the DriveNow app or website to locate, reserve and park cars on specific streets between Potrero Avenue and Folsom Street and between 16th Street and 26th Street. DriveNow members will be informed by the in-car screen and the DriveNow app which streets are in a “green zone,” or a DriveNow drop-off zone, designating that it is approved for parking. If a DriveNow member attempts to end a reservation in a non-sanctioned DriveNow drop-off zone, the in-car screen will alert the driver that the reservation cannot be ended, and if applicable, help identify the appropriate streets for parking.

“DriveNow with street parking is available in several cities across Europe, and it has been a very successful business model, so we are pleased to bring street parking to the U.S.,” said Richard Steinberg, CEO of DriveNow USA. “By expanding our offerings in San Francisco, our members will find it is more convenient than ever to find and park a DriveNow vehicle.”

The 80 vehicles, from members of BMW’s Electronaut program who previously leased the ActiveEs, will be available on San Francisco streets and at 17 DriveNow locations around the San Francisco Bay Area, including Palo Alto, the San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport. DriveNow is also working on additional station expansion around the Bay Area, including San Jose International Airport. DriveNow is a cost-effective solution for airport transfers.

The DriveNow community is invited to name the 80 additional ActiveE vehicles through a two-week challenge on Facebook and Twitter to help develop personalities for the new electric cars. Submissions for the new ActiveE names should follow this protocol:

• Use the letters “A” and “E,” as in “ActiveE”;
• Use the letters “E” and “V,” as in “electric vehicle”; or
• Use the letters “B,” “E” and “V,” as in “battery electric vehicle.”

The letters could be used consecutively or as first and last names, such as ArchiE, EVita, BEVerly or Escape Vehicle. The selected names will appear on the car sticker, in the DriveNow app and on the DriveNow website. The social media challenge is open May 9-23, 2014.

By the end of the year, DriveNow has committed to extending street parking to include areas of Bernal Heights, Haight Ashbury, Noe Valley, North Panhandle (NOPA), Alamo Square and Potrero Hill in San Francisco.

DriveNow members can pick up and return vehicles to any DriveNow station or delineated parking spot; the available DriveNow vehicles, along with their charging status, are displayed on an interactive map on the DriveNow website and in the DriveNow app on Apple App Store or Google Play.

BMW is committed to encouraging the development of mobility options that will reduce emissions and congestion and improve the quality of life in the San Francisco Bay Area, which remains the third most congested city in the U.S. The DriveNow car-sharing program provides drivers with access to BMW’s ActiveE electric cars with zero emission driving at 11 public stations locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, in addition to six corporate locations, dealerships and ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations.

Launched in Europe in 2011 and now available in Munich, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Cologne and Hamburg, DriveNow is a part of BMW i, a BMW brand focused on developing sustainable premium mobility solutions. DriveNow is a tool to introduce new customers to the BMW brand and electric mobility. It helps attract younger customers to the BMW brand before they own their own vehicle. Globally, the average DriveNow member is 10 years younger than the BMW Group’s young MINI customers.

 BRUCE HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP