Official: 2014 Nissan Altima gets updated equipment, prices

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Nissan

The 2014 Nissan Altima Sedan is available in seven well-equipped models ? the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL featuring a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and the 3.5 S, 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL with a standard 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine.  Every 2014 Altima is equipped with a standard Xtronic CVT? (Continuously Variable Transmission).

The fifth-generation Nissan Altima is heading into its second year, and to mark the occasion, it’s getting updated pricing, some visual and tactile enhancements and new option packages. First up are the physical changes: All 2014 Altima models will have chrome exhaust tips, revised seat cloth (when not fitted with leather) and better noise isolation. Check the option box for the new Sport Value Package, and the Altima also will come equipped with 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and remote engine start.

But those aren’t the most important updates for 2014. Nissan is showcasing the expanded functionality of its NissanConnect system, which works with Android and iPhone handsets. Applications will be introduced in the fall and launch with Google search and Facebook, later to be joined by iHeartRadio and Pandora. NissanConnect with navigation system (separate from NissanConnect applications) will be capable of running SiriusXM Travel Link for data including weather, fuel prices and movie times. In addition, there are changes to other option groups, including a revised Technology Package and a new Display Audio Package, the specifics of which can be found in the official release.

As for pricing, the changes are pretty minimal, with the base 2.5 CVT starting at $21,860 and the full-boat 3.5 SL CVT topping out at $30,660 before options and a $790 destination fee. You can compare those figures with 2013 pricing here, and see the full rundown of all the trim level prices by scrolling below.

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2014 Nissan Altima gets updated equipment, prices originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Volvo prices revamped 2014 lineup

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Crossover, Volvo

2014 Volvo XC60 R-Design

Volvo has made quite a few changes to its US lineup for the 2014 model year. The C30 hatchback and C70 convertible are gone; the S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 have all been reschnozzed; and in a few months, Volvo will bring its V60 wagon across the pond for Stateside consumption. Only the range-topping XC90 carries on unchanged, though a brand new version is expected to launch sometime next year.

The S60 starts as low as $32,400 for the entry level T5 model, and reaches as high as $45,700 for the T6 R-Design Platinum trim. The larger S80 sedan starts at $39,900, with its range-topping T6 Platinum version commanding $48,150. XC70 pricing ranges anywhere from $34,500 for the 3.2 FWD to $45,650 for the T6 Platinum, XC60 numbers span from $34,850 to $49,800, and XC90 prices start as low as $39,700 and as high as $45,400. None of these prices include $895 for destination, and pricing for the swoopy V60 wagon has not been released just yet.

While the majority of Volvo’s 2014 model year enhancements are visual, some neat updates have been made mechanically, as well. There’s a new Advanced Quick Shift mode for the six-speed automatic transmission that’s paired with the turbocharged six-cylinder engine, and Volvo says that the S60 R-Design will now scoot to 60 miles per hour two-tenths of a second quicker (5.3 versus 5.5). In the XC60 R-Design, AQS improves 0-60 acceleration by four-tenths of a second, down to 6.2 from 6.6 seconds.

Volvo will continue to offer three engines for its full range: a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter V6 with 240 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five with 250 horsepower, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 300 horsepower. R-Design versions of the S60 and XC60 get a slight bump in power, up to 325 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The T5 engine can only be had on the S60; the S80, XC60 and XC70 use both the NA V6 and the T6; and the aging XC90 can only be had with the 3.2-liter mill.

Have a look at the full list of changes and pricing information in Volvo’s press blast, below.

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Volvo prices revamped 2014 lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Infiniti prices renamed 2014 QX50 and QX80 crossovers

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

2014 Infiniti QX80 SUV - front three-quarter view

2014 Infiniti QX50 - dead on front dynamic view, tiltedEarlier this week, Infiniti revealed the pricing for its two midsize crossovers, but now it has announced the pricing for its renamed bookend utility vehicles, the compact QX50 crossover and the fullsize QX80 SUV. Those looking for a smaller luxury crossover will be glad to learn that the 2014 QX50 now starts at $34,400* (a price drop of $2,500 compared to the 2013 EX), while pricing for the 2014 QX80 will remain the same as the 2013 QX56, starting at $61,350* (*prices do not include $995 for destination).

In terms of packaging, the QX50 will carry over unchanged, but the QX80 gets a new Backup Collision Intervention system as a part of its optional Technology Package. All of Infiniti’s 2014 QX utility vehicles are on sale now, but for more details about the QX50 and QX80, scroll down for the official press release.

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Infiniti prices renamed 2014 QX50 and QX80 crossovers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Cadillac prices 410-hp XTS Vsport from $63,020*

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Cadillac, Luxury

2014 Cadillac XTS in black - dynamic drive image

Cadillac has officially released pricing for the 2014 XTS Vsport. Buyers can expect to pay $63,020 for the fleet four-door, including destination and handling fees. That kind of coin will snag you a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 good for 410 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. As you likely already know, engineers have done a lot more than simply bolt a pair of turbos onto the company’s tried and true naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6. The engine uses an all-new block, strengthened connecting rods and domed aluminum pistons and is fed through a revised direct-injection fuel system. Combined, the tweaks allow the V6 to suck down 12 psi of boost.

The price tag puts the 2014 Cadillac XTS Vsport well under potential (if ambitious) competitors like the Audi S6 at $71,900, plus destination fees. A base BMW 550i will set you back $62,700, excluding destination charges, but throwing options at the German sedan will quickly see that number climb higher. You can check out the full press release below for more information.

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Cadillac prices 410-hp XTS Vsport from $63,020* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jun 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Used car prices highest in 16 years, but might not stay that way

Filed under: Car Buying, Earnings/Financials

Car buyers

If you’re looking to purchase a used car or truck, you may have noticed that the prices have been a bit higher than you may have expected. Maybe the salesman in the used car lot isn’t willing to dicker as much as you may have expected. According to USA Today, the reason for this phenomenon is that pre-owned vehicle prices are at a 16-year high.

The national paper claims that the average transaction price for a used vehicle is $11,660; up 30 percent since 2008. If that total still seems palatable, consider that four-year-old Honda Accord sedans are selling for $16,175, or about $373 per month with the typical four-year loan and five percent interest. While it’s not the same as buying, USA Today notes that a brand-new Accord can lease for about $250 plus taxes, title and plates.

And while we’re on the subject of leasing, the U.S. recession and the sharp decrease in leasing has helped cut down on the used vehicles available, further depleting stock while demand remains strong. The price hikes are also being felt at the auction houses, where prices have soared to levels not seen in over a decade. Owners are keeping their vehicles longer as well, as the typical vehicle is now 10.6 year old, up from 9.8 years in 2007.

But while the used vehicle market is strong, many feel that the trend can’t last forever. Car buyers are leasing more now. 21 percent of all vehicles moved off of new car lots are being leased – up from 11 percent in 2009. That means more vehicles will become available once those leases run their course. Credit has loosened a bit as well, so potential new car buyers with less-than-perfect credit are now more likely to find themselves in a new vehicle.

Used car prices highest in 16 years, but might not stay that way originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Kia prices 2011 Soul Hamstar special edition at $20,295*

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Kia

2011 kia soul hamstar special edition

2011 Kia Soul Hamstar special edition – Click above for high-res image

You can get with this… for $20,295. Kia has officially announced that you’ll need that much dough (*plus $695 for delivery) if you want to purchase a 2011 Soul Hamstar special edition. An ode to the award-winning hip-hop hamsters seen in Kia commercials, the four-speed auto-equipped Hamstar becomes the sixth special edition Soul that Kia has offered up for sale.

The limited-production box on wheels wears Molten Red pain, which is offset with a pair of black stripes across the front doors and black trim. Black is also the color of choice for the 18-inch wheels, fender vents and fuel-filler cap. A Hamstar logo sits on the hood, and can also be seen throughout the interior.

That interior space can be filled with music thanks to the Audio Upgrade Package. A 315-watt amp pumps sound out through the speakers, but it’s kicked up a notch thanks to the center speaker and subwoofer.

The full press release on the Soul Hamstar is posted after the jump. You can check out the concept version shown off at the 2010 SEMA show, by clicking through the gallery below.

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Kia prices 2011 Soul Hamstar special edition at $20,295* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study: Are gas prices changing home buying habits?

Filed under: Etc., Earnings/Financials

gas station

Rising gas prices have an affect over many aspects of our lives. Besides increasing the cost of operating automobiles, more expensive fuel leads to an increase in the cost of shipped goods, food and airline tickets. Can gas prices also create changing attitudes amongst home shoppers?

Coldwell Bankers Real Estate recently conducted a survey of real estate professionals, and it found that 75 percent reported clients reevaluating where they search for homes. Home shoppers are looking to reduce commuting distance in order to reduce fuel consumption. The survey found that 77 percent of real estate professionals saw an increase in the number of folks looking for home offices and 68 percent of that pool believe the surge is attributable to rising fuel costs.

The folks at Nielsen have a different take on the matter, however, and believe U.S. consumers have adjusted to a new “spending reality.” Folks are adjusting their spending habits to conserve where possible, but Nielsen doesn’t believe it’s on the level of the 2008 economic freakout.

So now we’re going to turn to you, dear Autoblog reader. If you’re in the market for a house, have rising gas prices shaped your search in any way? Sound off in Comments.

Are gas prices changing home buying habits? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reuters: Gasoline prices begin falling, may be past 2011 peak

Filed under: Etc.

gas prices chart

The price of a gallon of crude may have dropped by $16 in the past month, but for the most part, gas prices haven’t followed suit. In fact, the nationwide average hit $4 per gallon just last week, or $1.10 higher than it was at this time in 2010.

But while relief at the pump feels far from fruition, Reuters reports that the worst may be behind us. Gas prices have dropped to a national average of $3.96, the first decrease in eight weeks. Diesel fuel is cheaper as well, down 4.3 cents to $4.03 per gallon.

Phil Flynn of PFGBest Research in Chicago reportedly told Reuters, “I think we’ve turned the corner and we should expect to see substantial price drops in the coming weeks.” Flynn adds that we should see a national price of $3.50 per gallon at some point in the summer. Guy Caruso of the Center for Strategic and International Studies goes a step further, speculating that we may have already seen the peak gas price for 2011.

It’s hard to believe that we’re looking forward to $3.50 per gallon gasoline, but even a cut of 50 cents per gallon can be a big relief on the family budget. If, for example, you drive 15,000 miles per year and your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon in mixed driving, a per-gallon drop of 50 cents could result in another $300 in your pocket at the end of the year.

It’s still early, but we’re thinking that the downward trend of oil prices means that relief at the pump is relatively close. Of course, we’re not likely to pay $2.50 per gallon again anytime soon, but we’ll take whatever we can get.

Reuters: Gasoline prices begin falling, may be past 2011 peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz officially prices CLS from $71,000*

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS – Click above for high-res image gallery

With such a broad (and ever-expanding) range of products, Mercedes-Benz is always bound to be introducing something new at any given moment. And in this case, the German automaker has officially confirmed pricing for its new CLS.

Joining the Three-Pointed Star is the swoopy new 2012 CLS. Mercedes will offer the second-generation four-door coupe as both the CLS550 (with 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8) and CLS63 AMG (with 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8) guise at $71,300 and $94,900, respectively (*plus $875 in destination charges). Follow the jump for the official announcement that also details how much cash you’ll need to secure your own 2012 SLK roadster, whose pricing we revealed last week at the New York Auto Show.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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Mercedes-Benz officially prices CLS from $71,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford bumping prices on 2011 model vehicles

Filed under: Car Buying, Ford, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

ford logo 2011 edge

When a barrel of oil soars past $100, it affects all of us in more ways than just the gas pump. That counts for auto production as well, as Toyota’s recent price increase clearly shows. And Toyota isn’t alone, as Automotive News reports that Ford has raised prices on its vehicles by an average of .4 percent across its lineup. That adds up to about $117, which won’t break the bank, but at the same won’t make any of consumers’ weary wallets any happier, either.

Ford analyst George Pipas tells AW that the price adjustment had been planned, adding “If you read the headlines, prices for food, energy, airline tickets are going up across the board.” We’re reading, George, and we’ve noticed.

Ford hasn’t detailed which vehicles will receive price increases, though we’re thinking not all models will be affected by the bump. Several automakers have intimated that rising commodity costs would eat into profits this year

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: Ford bumping prices on 2011 model vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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