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I have to say $36k is way too much for this. Regular Crosstrek gets 29mpg combined and hybrid is 35mpg with almost $10k premium price.

General Motors made a big deal about a new 2.7L turbo-four that would be available on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500. This engine promises more power, better towing, and improved fuel economy when compared to the 4.3L V6 engine. But when the official fuel economy figures came out, the engine became somewhat less impressive. The EPA rates the 2.7L turbo-four at 20 City/23 Highway/21 Combined for the 2WD variant and 19/22/20 for the 4WD variant. That isn't a huge improvement on the V6s found in the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. F-150 with 3.3L V6: 19/25/22 (2WD), 18/23/20 (4WD) F-150 with 2.7L EcoBoost V6: 20/26/22 (2WD), 19/24/21 (4WD) Ram 1500 with 3.6L V6: 20/25/22 (2WD), 19/24/21 (4WD) "If you're delivering on everything, and you're getting the same fuel economy, the question is, 'Why?' " explained Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst at IHS Markit. Officials at GM say the EPA ratings don't tell the whole story on the new engine. Like a diesel engine, " fuel economy will be better in the real world than its predecessor and will at least match comparable V-6 models from competitors," they said. "I don't think we're done with the fuel economy piece yet," said Tim Herrick, executive chief engineer of GM's full-size trucks to Automotive News. "Don't look at the label. We're as good or better than them in every step." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Last week, we reported on a CARB document providing some details about the upcoming Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid. The document said the model would return "an electric range at 25.650 miles based on the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule - replicates city driving conditions." This is similar to the Toyota Prius Prime which lends its hybrid system to the Crosstrek. But we found ourselves a bit skeptical considering the Crosstrek is heavier and uses an all-wheel drive system - things that reduce range. Hopefully, Subaru would provide some details on it when it arrived at the LA Auto Show next week. But Subaru has decided to surprise us by unveiling the Crosstrek Hybrid today. Let's get to that all important question, how far will the model travel on electric power alone? According to Subaru, it is 17 miles on a full charge. Slightly disappointing to say in the least since we were kind of hoping for at least 20. It does slightly better when it comes to fuel economy figures: 90 MPGe combined with the battery charged up and 35 MPG on the combined cycle with the gas engine only. The Crosstrek Hybrid's powertrain is comprised of a retuned version of the 2.0L boxer-four engine (137 horsepower and 134 pound-feet), two electric motors, and an 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Total output is rated at 148 horsepower and 149 pound-feet. One interesting tidbit is Subaru keeps the single multi-plate transfer clutch at the transmission output to keep power flowing to all wheels - no matter whether it is gas or electric. Recharging takes about two hours on a 240-Volt charger and five hours on a 120-Volt charger. Exterior changes for the Crosstrek Hybrid include a charging port on the opposite side of the gas filler, silver accents, and two-tone 18-inch wheels. Going hybrid on the Crosstrek is expensive. When it arrives at dealers towards the end of the year, the Crosstrek Hybrid will begin at $35,970 (includes a $975 destination charge). Gallery: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Source: Subaru All-New Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid To Debut At Los Angeles Auto Show First-ever Subaru plug-in hybrid vehicle New Subaru StarDrive Technology Standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Up to 90 MPGe Full range of 480 miles when using both gas and electric power EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology standard November 19, 2018 , Los Angeles, CA - Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced its first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid. The highly anticipated SUV offers real all-wheel drive capability in a hybrid package. Arriving at Subaru retailers near the end of this year, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid will also feature unique exterior and interior styling and new in-vehicle technology. The new SUV also qualifies for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) permits in many states, including CA, MD and NY. The Crosstrek has become the brand’s third-best-selling model in America since its debut six years ago. Priced at $34,995 plus $975 for destination and delivery*, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is the most powerful and most efficient version of the versatile compact SUV ever. The Hybrid features the new Subaru StarDrive Technology that uniquely integrates electric motors, a 2.0-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and a new Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Subaru StarDrive Technology employs two electric motors. One motor functions as an engine starter. Conversely, it can be powered by the engine to function as a generator for the hybrid battery. The second motor powers the vehicle for hybrid and electric driving modes. It also charges the hybrid battery during regenerative braking. The Crosstrek Hybrid is capable of speeds up to 65 mph when in full electric mode and is a full second faster from 0 to 60 mph than the standard Crosstrek. The new powertrain not only yields quicker acceleration, but up to 90 MPGe with a total range of 480 miles. The high-capacity lithium-ion battery, mounted beneath the cargo area, enables the Hybrid to achieve an EV range of 17 miles, which covers a variety of trips. An electronically controlled brake system has been developed. Braking control has been optimized to distribute braking force between the regenerative brakes and mechanical brakes, thereby maximizing the amount of power regeneration to improve fuel efficiency and extended battery life. Like the Crosstrek, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is built around the Subaru Global Platform that was designed to accommodate hybrid and electric powertrains. The standard Linerartronic CVT features X-MODE and Hill Descent Control for enhanced performance in low-friction and off-road conditions. The Crosstrek Hybrid’s 8.7-inches of ground clearance and 1,000 lb. towing capacity provide versatility in both off-road and city driving. The 60/40-split fold-down rear seats offer up to 43.1 cu.ft of cargo space, enough space for camping gear or luggage. The standard SI-DRIVE is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s throttle characteristics by choosing between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes. Standard Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX model line, applies light brake pressure to the inside front wheel while cornering for improved control and handling. Exclusive to the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is a striking new exterior color, Lagoon Blue Pearl, one of four available hues. The SUV is further distinguished by blue headlight projector rings and unique silver metallic finish on the front grille, lower front bumper and body cladding, and fog light accents. The low-profile roof rails and spoiler in black finish, along with unique 18-inch wheels in black with machine finish, accentuate this model’s sleek styling. A “Plug-In Hybrid” badge adorns the rear gate and fenders, and “Plug-In” text is imprinted in the charge port door. The Hybrid’s interior features exclusive new high-contrast Gray and Navy-Blue leather seats, door panels and armrests. The cabin is complemented with blue stitching and accent panels throughout. The fun-to-drive Crosstrek Hybrid comes with an array of standard features including the 8.0-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto; Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; Automatic Climate Control; Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure display; power windows with auto-up/auto-down on both driver and passenger sides; power door locks and side mirrors; LED fog lights and dual rear USB ports. The standard All-Weather Package includes heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors. The leather-wrapped steering wheel includes audio, Bluetooth® and SI-Drive control switches. For easy recognition while driving, the high-grade instrument panel includes a 4.2-inch color LCD as well as a power meter for real-time power output and regeneration. The high-grade multifunction display located above the center stack adds exclusive hybrid functions including driving and charging screens. With safety as a top priority, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid comes standard with a suite of driver-assist and safety features. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management; Adaptive Cruise Control; Lane Departure and Sway Warning; and Lane Keep Assist. For the first time in a Subaru vehicle, a Driver Assist Indicator has been installed at the top of the combination meter to increase visibility of EyeSight status or other warnings. Standard Steering Responsive Headlights illuminate curves as the vehicle steers into them. Reverse Automatic Braking can apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing. LED High Beam Assist encourages the driver to maximize the use of high beams without worry of impairing oncoming traffic. Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Cross Traffic Alert is also standard. Further, the Hybrid features a Pedestrian Alert System that provides an audible warning to pedestrians within the proximity of the vehicle when it is traveling below 20 mph. Like all 2019 Crosstrek models, the Hybrid comes standard with seven airbags including driver and front passenger frontal airbags, side curtain airbags, side pelvis/torso airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. An option package priced at $2,500 offers a power moonroof, heated steering wheel and STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation system with voice activated navigation powered by TomTom. Also included with the package is a Harman Kardon 8-speaker system with 432-watt equivalent amplifier. SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology provides hands-free connectivity and entertainment through the vehicle’s multimedia or navigation system. All STARLINK Multimedia systems offer a high-resolution touchscreen; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Aha™, and Pandora®; Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; and Rear Vision Camera as standard. The 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus includes a single-disc CD player and voice activated controls for phone and Near Field Communication to the list of features. The top-of-the-line 8.0-inch Multimedia with Navigation adds navigation powered by TomTom, voice activated navigation and over-the-air updates. New features for SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services, exclusive to Crosstrek Hybrid, include Remote Climate Control and Remote Battery Charging Timer. The vehicle’s climate control can function without starting the engine, so it can warm up or cool down even when garaged. The Remote Battery Charging Timer allows a user to manage the vehicle charging schedule and monitor its status. The Hybrid comes with a 10-year complimentary subscription to SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security Plus package, which includes Remote Climate Control and Remote Battery Charging Timer, SOS emergency assistance and automatic collision notification. It also features maintenance notifications, monthly vehicle health report and diagnostic alerts, stolen vehicle recovery service, vehicle security alarm notification, remote lock/unlock, remote horn and lights, and remote vehicle locator and parenting features including boundary, speed and curfew alerts. The STARLINK Concierge package is available and features in-vehicle assistance with restaurant and hotel reservations, purchasing tickets for sporting/theater events and scheduling service appointments. *Destination & Delivery is $975 and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT. D&D is $1,125 for retailers in Alaska. View full article

Their problems are 100% product and not any pairing with Alfa Romeo. Maserati cars have poor build quality, low rent interior plastics and their whole deal is supposed to be performance, and any of the Germans will sell a better performing car and at less money. Case in point, Levante Trofeo is $170,000 base and the GLE63 which is dated itself is just as fast at about $125,000. Or get a Cayenne Turbo or the new X5 M. The most powerful Ghibli has 424 hp, you can get more than that in an E53, and the top Quattroporte has 523 hp, you get 630 in the AMG GT 4-door and the AMG GT is your Nurburgring lap record holder for a 4 door car. Maserati is just a disaster, only way to fix it is better product, and clearly they don't have the money or resources or engineering know-how to do it.

Unfortunately for GM people do look at the label. And when ever people say "we beat the label" well maybe Ford or Ram beats their label too.

Honda creatively hid most of the Passport in a dust plume for one photo and zoomed out the vehicle in another. That said, we can make out that the Passport will share a number of design cues with the larger Pilot. The automaker touts the model will be built at their Lincoln, Alabama plant - home to the Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline. This likely means the Passport will be sharing the platform underpinning the Pilot and Ridgeline. "The new Passport is a more personal, powerful and off-road-capable SUV that hits the sweet spot between daily driving comfort and weekend off-road, all-weather adventure capability," said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. & General Manager, Honda Division. All-New 2019 Honda Passport Starts Adventure with Global Debut in Los Angeles Nov 15, 2018 - TORRANCE, Calif. Honda to expand light-truck lineup with new Passport, designed, developed and manufactured in America Passport positioned between CR-V and Pilot in Honda's light-truck line up Video teaser hints at Passport's on- and off-road capabilities With a video teasing its on- and off-road capabilities and adventuresome spirit, today Honda announced it will unveil the all-new 2019 Honda Passport on November 27, the day before making its auto show global debut the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The reveal will be livestreamed and available for viewing on Honda's YouTube channel (https://honda.us/PassportReveal) starting at 3:30 p.m. PST. The new Passport, launching early next year, expands on Honda's award-winning light-truck lineup, joining the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot as Honda's fourth SUV and its sixth light-truck model, including the Odyssey minivan and Ridgeline pickup. Passport was designed and developed in the U.S. by Honda R&D Americas and will be manufactured at Honda's Lincoln, Alabama plant. "The new Passport is a more personal, powerful and off-road-capable SUV that hits the sweet spot between daily driving comfort and weekend off-road, all-weather adventure capability," said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. & General Manager, Honda Division. "With customer demand for SUVs continuing to grow, the new adventure-ready Passport is going to further solidify our lineup, attracting new buyers and keeping existing customers in the Honda family." Honda brand light-truck sales are on track for a fourth-straight record year, on the way to top 700,000 units for the third year in a row and now accounting for more than half of the Honda brand's U.S. sales so far this year, with light-truck sales up 5.3 percent from year-ago results. Further strengthening its capacity to meet record demand for light trucks, in August Honda added production of the CR-V to a fourth North American plant, in Marysville, Ohio. The CR-V is now Honda's top-selling model and continues as the most popular SUV in America over the past 20 years. Earlier this year, Honda launched freshened versions of its Pilot and HR-V sport-utilities, with upgraded technology, expanded availability of Honda Sensing®, and more premium features. Strong demand for the Honda Pilot has sales up more than 41 percent for the first ten months of 2018. The Honda light truck lineup has been widely recognized for excellence in design, packaging, safety features and performance, with Honda named America's "Best SUV Brand" by U.S. News and World Report in 2018, for the second straight year. Reflecting Honda's commitment to local production, the Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline recently took three of the top 10 spots in Cars.com's 2018 American-Made Index. View full article

Yes, kind of pricey..that's in the upper Outback price range. I wouldn't buy one of these over an Outback at the price.

Unlike Ford, they understand what an adjustment is....

I took the B-59 high & low note seashells and combined 'em with the mid-range and trumpet from my '72 Riviera 4-note horn set up. Took a bit of fiddling with the horn adjustments, but they all came back to life (initially the B-59 horns were silent). Adds a nice, locomotive-y approach, don'cha tink? video-1542686782.mp4

Well, it's definitely not bland anymore. And in white w/ the black roof and red interior, it really stands out amongst the black, silver or white generic midsize appliances.

Given all the RAV4s and Highlanders they are selling, reducing Camry production makes a ton of sense. All of a sudden, Ford's call to eliminate (most) sedan production does not look so desperate.

You could say he is "Ghosn with the wind". I'll show myself out.

Put's arm around shoulder and gives a Hug!

Sounds like they may have a better Blazer than GM does...?