USA - The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze, Hatch and Sedan, will be available in dealerships from the fall.

The all-new 2017 Cruze Hatchback will start at $22,190 when it arrives in dealerships this fall. The price includes the destination charge, but not tax, title and other dealer fees.

The Cruze Hatch is the latest addition to the expanding Cruze lineup, which was redesigned for 2016. It will be offered in LT and Premier trims, and with the RS package. 

Sharing the Ecotec 1.4L turbo and dynamic driving experience of the sedan, the Cruze Hatch offers increased cargo space of up to 42 cubic feet (1,189 L).  Along with the sedan, it is the most connected car on the road, with segment-exclusive technologies such as 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, Teen Driver and wireless charging. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility make the most of Cruze’s connectivity with a smartphone.

The New Astra takes yet another gong, gaining the Fleet News Lower Medium car Of The Year Award.

Vauxhall’s all-new Astra has been recognised in the Lower Medium category at the Fleet News Awards.

Announced at an awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the Astra topped its extremely competitive category. The judges, made up of influencial decision-makers and journalists within the fleet industry, praised the model for its efficiency, running costs and technology. 

This year has already proven to be a positive year for the model, with this award the latest in a list that also includes a Family Car category win at the What Car? Awards and being named European Car of the Year.

The Fleet News Awards judges commented: “The new Astra has made a huge leap forward over the previous model. Highly competitive on running costs, emissions and fuel efficiency, it is packed with technology that has been designed with fleet and driver needs in mind. It ticks all the rational boxes but will also attract drivers. It is Vauxhall’s most appealing model for a generation.”

“We’re delighted the Astra has been recognised at the Fleet News Awards, as the fleet market is an important sector for the all new Astra,” said James Taylor, Vauxhall’s Fleet Sales Director. “It’s great to see how well-received it has been so far by both our customers and the media.”

The all-new Astra is available with the new-generation IntelliLink infotainment system and OnStar, a comprehensive package, which includes a high-speed 4G LTE mobile network, emergency response notification and stolen vehicle recovery technology. OnStar has received plaudits of its own recently, winning the Auto Express Technology and the BusinessCar Techies Awards.

USA - Two new Mid-sized trucks from GM start shipping to dealers.

New midsize trucks making their way to dealerships nationwide

The two newest entries in the midsize truck segment are one step closer to being on the road, with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon shipping to dealers today.

Consumers have created more than 100,000 configurations of the trucks since the Colorado Build Your Ownand Canyon Build Your Own websites went live on Sept. 3.

“The Colorado was designed to meet the demands of the modern midsized truck buyer, and now we’re fulfilling the demand they’ve placed on us,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet. “Chevrolet and everyone at the Wentzville plant has worked hard to get the truck out on time to fulfill as soon as possible the orders our dealers have placed.”

Said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president of GMC: “We have heard our customers loud and clear – they want a modern midsize truck that’s refined and capable. We’re excited to introduce them to the Canyon. We’re confident the Canyon will redefine the segment, with the latest technologies and premium materials throughout.”

Both the Colorado and Canyon benefit from technologies like cabs and frames made with more than 72 percent high-strength steel, available active aero shutters to make the truck as aerodynamic as needed, and available OnStar with 4G LTE, creating a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven mobile devices to connect to the Internet.

The duo’s available 3.6L V-6 engines return 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway in 2wd form, making them the most fuel efficient V-6s in their class, offering three to five mpg better than their competitors.

For the 2016 model year, Colorado and Canyon will add a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel to the engine lineup. Technical details and EPA fuel economy estimates will be available closer to launch.

With the introduction of Colorado and Canyon, Chevrolet and GMC will offer customers more pickup choices than any other brand, including midsize, full-size light duty and heavy-duty pickups.

USA - AUDI announces pricing for all 2015 S3 sedan, A3 cabrio and A3 TDI Sedan.

- Additions to A3 line-up expand the compact luxury segment offering a variety of body styles and powertrains to satisfy customer’s preference

- All-new 2015 S3 Sedan, A3 Cabriolet and A3 TDI Sedan to begin arriving at dealerships late summer

- The A3 family sets new standards in the entry premium market, with impressive standard features and an available 4G LTE data connection

Audi today introduced pricing for the all-new 2015 S3 performance Sedan, A3 Cabriolet and A3 TDI clean diesel Sedan. These are the latest models to join the newly launched Audi A3 family, which went on sale in April and further expands the Audi S, Cabriolet, and TDI model lineups. The three new A3 variants all go on sale in the U.S. late summer of this year.

Suggested retail pricing for the all-new A3 TDI Sedan, S3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet:

• A3 Sedan 2.0 TDI FWD S tronic: $32,600
• S3 Sedan 2.0T q S tronic: $41,100
• A3 Cabriolet 1.8T FWD S tronic: $35,600
• A3 Cabriolet 2.0T q S tronic: $38,600

“Since its launch in April, the all new A3 Sedan has proven itself as a market share leader in the entry premium segment and is already one of the most popular models in the Audi lineup. In its infancy the A3 has established itself as a core contributor to the Audi U.S. success story,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “This growth will continue as we launch a variety of body styles and unique engines to suit a wide range of customer lifestyles and tastes.”

The all-new 2015 Audi A3 model line-up offers new innovative technologies and the detailed craftsmanship found in larger flagship Audi sedans. Premium standard features such as leather seating surfaces, power panoramic roof, Bluetooth® technology with audio streaming, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, HD radio, power driver’s seat, split folding rear seatback and Audi pre sense® basic. The A3 line-up will also come equipped standard with the Audi signature Singleframe® grille, bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights.

All A3 models offer available features including MMI® technology, 4G LTE connectivity, full LED headlights and a Bang & Olufsen® audio system. The new A3 family will feature the most advanced version of Audi connect®, including picture navigation, read-aloud news headlines, Facebook® and Twitter® alerts, access to more than 7,000 Web radio stations, personalized RSS news feeds and more. Also available in the A3 family is Audi drive select, this system allows the driver to adjust throttle response, shift points, and the electromechanical steering effort. Similar to other Audi models, Audi drive select has four settings that include Auto, Dynamic, Comfort, and Individual.

S3 Sedan

Now available for the first time in the U.S. the S3 Sedan expands upon the already sporty character of the A3 sedan, adding specific details that underscore the high-performance for which the Audi S lineup is known for. A powerful, high-output 2.0L TFSI® engine with quattro® all-wheel drive produces an impressive 292 horsepower. The S3 boasts a Singleframe® grille with aluminum-look, double horizontal bars and a chrome frame outline. Aluminum-look double ribs and honeycomb inserts fill the air inlets in the bumper and optional LED headlights add to an unmistakable look. The S3 will also come with a S3 specific sport suspension and unique S3 specific 18-inch wheels and optional S3 specific 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the S3 adds further character by offering instrument dials that are in an S specific dark gray metallic finish with the numbers and needles in white. The tachometer features a three-dimensional S3 logo and boost pressure indicator. A leather-covered, multifunction sport steering wheel with the rim flattened at the bottom and S3 badging and standard shift paddles with aluminum details are also standard on the S3.

A3 Cabriolet

Now offered for the first time in the U.S., the all-new A3 Cabriolet is available with either a 1.8T FWD or 2.0T quattro powertrain. The Cabriolet comes with a soft cloth top stretched over a lightweight kinematic mechanism made out of magnesium-steel, perfectly complementing the car’s sporty design. The top can be opened or closed electro-hydraulically in less than 18 seconds, even while driving up to 31 mph, all at the press of a button.

The A3 Cabriolet also offers an active rollover protection system that helps protect the occupants in case of a rollover accident, as well as a fully automatic acoustic top with a glass rear window and thick inner foam layer.

A3 TDI Sedan

The Audi A3 TDI® Sedan offers consumers the fuel efficiency of the iconic TDI clean diesel powertrain. A powerful yet efficient 2.0 TDI FWD engine produces 150 horsepower and 236 lb-ft torque. Audi has been at the forefront of clean diesel since the introduction of TDI technology in the U.S. in 2009.

Since then, more than 40,491 Audi TDI vehicles have been sold in the U.S., delivering an average of 30% better fuel economy and range than their gasoline counterparts (based on EPA fuel economy estimates).

Prices above exclude destination charges, taxes, title, optional equipment and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

USA - Audi of America introduces the all-new 2015 A3 Sedan

• The A3 Sedan sets new standards in the entry premium market, including the first-ever 4G LTE data connection
• Audi showcases progressive technology, craftsmanship and performance with
  the Audi A3 
• Over the next 16 months, Audi will roll out the complete A3 family, including the A3 Cabriolet, A3 TDI clean diesel, S3 and A3 e-tron® PHEV 

Audi of America introduces the all-new 2015 A3 Sedan with both the 1.8 TFSI® and 2.0 TFSI® powertrains. The premium compact sedan offers the latest in progressive technology at a competitive price, without compromising on luxury, design or performance. The base MSRP for the Audi A3 1.8 TFSI will start at $29,900 and the 2.0 TFSI® will start at $32,900.

The A3 Sedan will bring to the entry premium market new innovative technologies and the detailed craftsmanship found in larger flagship Audi sedans. The Audi A3 Sedan features standard leather seating surfaces and exceptional ergonomics, and offers the signature Singleframe® grille, ultra-thin retractable MMI® display, available Audi drive select, 4G LTE connectivity and Bang & Olufsen® audio. The A3 Sedan will also come equipped standard with a panorama glass sunroof and bi-xenon headlights. 

In addition to the base premium package, two iconic Audi luxury packages are offered on the A3 Sedan – Premium plus and Prestige. Premium plus will include exclusive 18" 10-spoke-design Audi wheels, an aluminum interior package, and keyless entry for an additional $2,550. The Prestige package will include everything that is offered in premium plus, and will give the A3 Sedan a sportier look with the S Line® exterior kit. It will also offer the Driver Assistance package, Bang & Olufsen Sound System, Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi connect®, Convenience package and full LED headlights for $8,450. 

The A3 Sedan will be joined later in 2014 by the recently announced Audi A3 Cabriolet, A3 TDI® clean diesel, the high-performance S3 Sedan and in early 2015, the A3 Sportback e-tron® gasoline electric hybrid (PHEV).

A3 Sedan highlights include:

Exterior

The exterior of the A3 Sedan has been completely redesigned and specifically tailored to meet the sedan preferences of the American market. 

• The Audi A3 Sedan stretches 175.5 inches in length and has a 103.4 inch wheelbase. Combined with its 70 inch width and 55.7 inch height, its proportions are compact but very sporty.
• The signature Singleframe® grille and available full-LED headlights.

Interior 

The athletic exterior of the A3 extends inside, where Audi maintains its leading role in automotive interior design and craftsmanship.

• The defining element is the “wraparound” dash design, which incorporates an innovative three-dimensional inlay concept surrounding the driver and front passenger. 
• The available LED interior lighting package highlights the immense craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Technology

The Audi A3 breaks the boundaries and raises the bar as to what is expected out of entry-level luxury vehicles. 

• The A3 marks the first time that an A-segment vehicle will offer MMI® technology, Audi drive select, 4G LTE connectivity and Bang & Olufsen® audio. 
• The MMI operating system has an electronically extending screen, its terminal housed in the console of the center dashboard. They now offer a touch pad incorporated into the rotary MMI control wheel, which offers an intuitively and simple operation typical of the brand with the four rings.
• NVIDIA graphics processing unit (GPU) – generates complex three-dimensional images used in all online, voice control, media navigation and telephone functions. 
• A 705 watt 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System is optional on the A3 Sedan.

Audi connect®

The modular infotainment platform in the Audi A3 also brings several upgrades to the industry leading Audi connect® service. Audi’s connected vehicle strategy targets features and services that enhance the experience for Audi drivers and their passengers by providing the benefits of access to information and content, when needed, through interfaces designed for the in-vehicle environment.

• Most advanced version of Audi connect® including read aloud Facebook® and Twitter® alerts, access to more than 7,000 Internet broadcast stations, RSS news feeds and more. 
• The MMI navigation plus uses 4G LTE to deliver the tailored services of Audi connect to the driver – from navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View to Audi and online traffic information.
• Audi connect® services, such as, text-to-speech function for e-mail and a dictation function for text messages (SMS). 
• An accompanying mobile app will allow advanced functionality between the MMI system and smartphones, passengers will be able to view high-definition videos and make video conference calls from the vehicle. 
• Audi and AT&T have teamed to offer U.S. Audi drivers the expected first-ever in-vehicle 4G LTE data connection.

Driver Assistance 

The Audi A3 will offer several advanced technology features which are new to the entry luxury segment, including:

• Standard Audi pre sense basic system which helps detect when an emergency maneuver is being made and prepares the vehicle and its occupant restraint systems in advance of a possible collision. 
• Optional advanced technology package, which includes Audi active lane assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go.

Performance

The A3 Sedan will offer impressive power and groundbreaking efficiency with two engine options including the 170 horsepower 1.8 TFSI® and 220 horsepower 2.0 TFSI. 

• Both engines are mated to the standard 6-speed S tronic® transmission, providing immense shifting flexibility and driving pleasure with smooth, dynamic acceleration and virtually no interruption to the power flow. 
• The optional Audi drive select system allows the driver to adjust throttle response, shift points, and the electromechanical steering effort. Similar to other Audi models, Audi drive select has four settings that include Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual. 

Chassis

The new platform allows the front wheels to move forward by roughly 1.5 inches (compared to the previous generation A3) to provide well-balanced proportions, supplemented by optimized interior space utilization, and an improved structure.

• Front suspension is a MacPherson strut design with A-arms and aluminum pivot bearings. It is joined to an aluminum subframe. 
• The electromechanically assisted steering system operates sensitively and efficiently together with various assistance systems, while reducing mechanical drag for greater efficiency.
• In the four-link rear suspension, which utilizes a steel crossmember, the springs and shock absorbers are mounted separately. 
• The electronic stability control (ESC) also includes an electronic differential lock. When driving through curves, it can brake the inside front wheel very slightly to help minimize understeer and improve traction. 

USA - Cadillac introduces the 2015 ATS

• Cadillac’s first compact luxury Coupe, infused with ATS sedan’s agility
• 2.0L Turbo model is segment’s lightest, with increased torque for faster acceleration
• Launching in summer 2014, continuing Cadillac’s ongoing expansion

Cadillac today introduced the all-new 2015 ATS Coupe, a quicker and more personal addition to the award-winning ATS product line. Designed to be lighter, more agile and more engaging than its competitors, it extends Cadillac’s product-driven growth and the brand’s tradition of dynamic luxury Coupes.

Cadillac’s first-ever compact luxury Coupe goes on sale this summer, offering drivers the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the power from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6L six-cylinder. In all combinations, ATS Coupe takes advantage of its lightweight and strong structure to deliver exhilarating performance with efficiency, with a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio.

“The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is a natural step in the brand's progression, and another fun-to-drive and technologically advanced product for a new generation of drivers extending our target groups,” said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Global Cadillac. “It is an exclusively distinctive American alternative, unique in its class, yet delivering a sporty and sophisticated driving experience rivaling the world's best.”

Like the sedan, the ATS Coupe’s driving dynamics are rooted in mass efficiency, which helps make it one of Cadillac’s lightest and most agile models ever – and the lightest car in the compact luxury Coupe segment. The 2.0L Turbo engine is upgraded from the current ATS sport sedan to deliver nearly 14 percent more torque, taking it to 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). This gives the standard ATS Coupe an advantage in power and weight over similarly equipped Coupes such as the BMW 428i.

Greater torque means greater pulling power, for a greater feeling of responsiveness at low speeds, and helps the ATS Coupe achieve an estimated 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds.

“More power with less weight is always a better combination for performance, and the ATS Coupe offers one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the segment, making it feel lighter, more direct and responsive,” said David Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer. “Engineers vetted the ATS’s performance on the track, and the Coupe benefits from that exhaustive validation – all matched with Cadillac’s trademark refinement.”

Elements that contribute to the ATS Coupe’s balanced performance and responsive characteristics include:

• Nearly perfect 50/50 weight balance and low center of gravity
• Five-link independent rear suspension featuring lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
• A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
• Underbody aerodynamic shields
• Premium, belt-driven electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
• Brembo front brakes
• Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels
• Available all-wheel drive.

A driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension is available and includes Magnetic Ride Control, a mechanical limited-slip differential, high-capacity engine cooling system and 18-inch summer-performance tires. Magnetic Ride Control is a real-time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control. It “reads” the road and can change damping every millisecond.

Design details

The 2015 ATS Coupe rides on the same 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase as the sedan, but features its own bodywork. The roof, doors, rear fenders and trunk lid are unique to the Coupe, along with a specific front fascia and front fenders that accommodate a wider track than the sedan. It is also the first production model to wear Cadillac’s revised crest.

The Coupe also has an aggressive stance, with wider front/rear tracks than the sedan, enhanced by short overhangs and sheet metal that wrap tautly around the tires. Standard 18-inch wheels are exclusive to the Coupe.

Bold lighting elements are a Cadillac signature feature and the ATS Coupe advances that tradition with available light-emitting diode, or LED, headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting. Base models feature projector-beam headlamps, while high-intensity-discharge headlamps and front vertical LED light signatures are included on all but the standard model. Illuminating outside door handles on Performance and Premium collections lend technologically advanced style and function to the distinctive Coupe. All models feature LED taillamps and rear-center stop lamp.

The ATS Coupe also includes capless fueling.

Inside, the sedan’s driver-focused cabin carries over to the Coupe, featuring handcrafted cut-and-sewn upholstered interior combinations, decorative stitching and authentic materials, including leather, aluminium, carbon fiber and wood, intended to enhance the emotional connection to the driving experience.

Choices of many interior color themes, each with unique accent trim materials, ranging from light, open and warm to dark and serious, to bold technical and sporty.

Available interior features include:

• OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
• Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity with natural voice recognition
• Text-to-voice that converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers
• USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription
• Reconfigurable 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display
• Full-color reconfigurable head-up display.

A Bose ® premium audio system with Active Noise Cancelation technology is standard on all models and includes electronic sound enhancement on models equipped with the available premium surround sound audio system. Exclusive to ATS Coupe and differing from other manufacturers’ systems that pipe recorded engine sounds through the audio system; Cadillac’s system enhances only the car’s authentic powertrain sounds to enhance the performance experience.

The 12-speaker surround sound upgrade is available on Standard and Luxury, and it is included with Performance and Premium collections. It includes Bose Audio Pilot, which continuously monitors ambient sounds and adjusts the music volume and program content to make the most of the listening experience.

Additionally, a navigation system is available on Luxury and Performance collections, and it is standard with the Premium Collection.

Enhanced Cadillac CUE leads technologies

Cadillac CUE is the centerpiece of the ATS Coupe’s comprehensive collection of technologies designed to enhance the driving experience and complement customers’ increasingly connected lifestyles. It is available on base models and standard on Luxury, Performance and Premium collections, with enhanced connectivity and convenience for 2015, including a new Text-to-Voice feature for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.) and Sire Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users to enhance connectivity and convenience. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity – and helps keep the driver’s hands on the wheel.

The heart of CUE is the eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen, integrated into the top of the central instrument panel and featuring a motorized, fully capacitive faceplate at the bottom concealing a 1.8L storage area. CUE’s vibrant liquid crystal display, or LCD, screen resembles a smartphone screen with large, easy-to-target icons to execute commands.

Complementing CUE is OnStar 4G LTE connectivity, featuring a new built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to seven devices at once. The new 4G LTE connection can also be used to power CUE Collection, a new in-car app marketplace coming to Cadillac vehicles this year.

Additional technologies that make life with the ATS Coupe more convenient include the capability to remotely start the engine or lower the windows with the key fob or the owner’s smartphone. EZ Key passive entry and push-button starting is standard, too, so the key never needs to leave the driver’s pocket or purse.

Power-dense powertrains

The engine lineup includes a standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and available 3.6L V-6. The award-winning 2.0L Turbo is rated at 272 horsepower (203 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). The award-winning 3.6L V-6 is rated at 321 horsepower (239 kW) and 275 lb-ft of torque (373 Nm).

At 136hp/L, the 2.0L Turbo is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry, topping engines from European competitors. It also delivers 90 percent of its peak torque from 2100 rpm to 5400 rpm and the full 295 lb-ft of peak torque (400 Nm) from 3000 to 4600 rpm. The broad torque band is supported by boost levels as high as 18 psi (1.26 bar) in the speed range, which is designed to give the lightweight ATS Coupe an exhilarating feeling of immediate power on demand.

Both engines feature direct injection and dual overhead camshafts with continuously variable valve timing, which help optimize power and efficiency, as well as reduce emissions. And each is matched with the Hydra-Matic 6L45 six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control. A six-speed manual is also available with the 2.0L Turbo.

Advanced safety features

ATS Coupe delivers the same safety technologies found in the ATS Sedan. Additionally, Cadillac provides available advanced safety based on Cadillac’s “control and alert” strategy, which employs up to two cameras, eight ultrasonic sensors and six radar signals to help prevent crashes.

The safety features bolster driver vision and awareness of road hazards, and can even help the driver avert potential crashes. In certain situations, Cadillac’s advanced crash-avoidance systems, such as automatic braking, can pre-fill and automatically apply braking in response to potential hazards.

Among the most sophisticated of the features is Front and Rear Automatic Braking. It relies on radar, camera and ultrasonic technology to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary.

Many of the advanced safety features are bundled in the Driver Awareness and Driver Assist Packages. The Driver Awareness package is available on Luxury and included in Performance and Premium Collections. It includes:

• Safety Alert Seat
• Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist – new to Cadillac for 2015
• Intellibeam ® high-beam control
• Front and rear park assist
• Rear-vision camera with dynamic guidelines.

The Driver Assist package is available on Performance and Premium collections and includes all of the Driver Awareness package content, plus:

• Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
• Automatic Collision Preparation
• Motorized safety belts
• Electronic Park Brake
• Front and Rear Automatic Braking
• Enhanced Side Blind Zone Alert – new to Cadillac for 2015
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Full-color head-up display.

The advanced technologies complement other ATS safety features, including eight standard air bags, safety belt pretensioners and load limiters, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with full-function traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS, patented rotor coating protection and auto-dry functionality.