New restyled Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati has launched additional choice of two unique trims options of their Quattroporte model. The two models are the GranLusso and GranSport.

The two distinct trims are available as an upgrade for all Quattroporte V6 powertrain versions (Quattroporte diesel, Quattroporte, Quattroporte S, Quattroporte S Q4) with same price levels.

The GranLusso or GranSport trims will be included exclusively as part of the standard equipment for the Quattroporte GTS powered by  the twin-turbo V8.

The GranLusso features bespoke silk interiors designed by Ermenegildo Zegna as well as wood and leather steering wheel, wood trim, power foot pedals, a power rear sunblind, four-zone climate control, and heated rear seats.

GranLusso 

The GranSport features carbon fibres trims for both exterior and interior including a carbon fibre steering wheel.

GranSport.

Restyled Maserati grille 

Go over to the Quattroporte site for more info.

Aston Martin DB11

 Once again, Aston Martin does not disappoint.
This is a stunning looking car. As it should be.

Not sure about the specs yet, but we are talking about a 5.4 Liter V12. So, plenty of power.
And cachet.

They took a few chances with the design, like their version of the currently popular "floating roof".
But it seems to be working.

A true Aston Martin for the 21st Century.

Looking at this picture, I can't help wondering about this non existent front bumper.
I mean, the hood part sticks out more than the lower "bumper" part.
Have regulations changed that much?

Same thing with the rear where the trunk opening seems to stick out further than than the rest of the car. (Which I have seen in countless SUVs over here. And even some hatchbacks)

So they don't need any bumpers anymore?

More pictures of the all new 2017 Kia Cadenza/K7

Looking really nice on these pictures.

The main problem is, no matter how great it is, it is still a $35 000 Kia (2016 model)
And most people aren't ready for that, still.

But for the non-snobs who can forget about brand image for a minute, this seems great.
I mean, it seems as luxurious as anything for the price.

The current model has been getting good reviews, and this one is supposed to be even better.
Of course it won't compete with BMW or Mercedes. But I could see this as a less sporty alternative to the Maxima.
Even going against the Lexus ES (Which starts at $39 000)

And I do like the fact that it's not trying to be sporty.
Most people don't want "sporty". An a large sedan they want quiet, solid and luxurious .
This already has a much, much nicer interior than the jaguar XE and XF I saw a few weeks ago.

I wish people could give this car a chance, really.

Now that Hyundai will stop selling the Azera in the US, maybe they'll spend a bit more advertising money on this...

P.S: Notice how far forward the front seats are (3rd pic).
Giving the fake impression of a ridiculous amount of rear leg room...

Also, the current model is now available for a low $300 a month lease.
A great deal in my opinion...

All new 2017 Mercedes E-Class

Finally we see the real thing (After discovering the interior a few weeks ago)

And it is exactly what was excepted. A larger C-class. Or a smaller S-class.
Although the design seems a bit simpler than these other models.

I think it does work very well. And will age pretty nicely too. Which is a great selling point for the E-class. Very tasteful, nothing obnoxious.

No one besides current Mercedes owners and car nerds will really notice this car.
Which is just fine. All it needs to do is say "Mercedes".

And it does...

All new Hyundai EQ900/Genesis G90

The one pictured here is the Korean Version, the EQ900.
So there might still be some small differences with our Genesis G90.

It looks OK. Maybe it's more impressive in person.
But it still has that "a few years ago" feeling to it. A few steps behind the best.
It does look better than the current one, but not as great as that 2 door concept we saw just a few months ago. Not even close.

Of course, it is quite cheaper than the German rivals. But really, not a true competition since a Mercedes or BMW owner will never consider this. No matter what.

More engines are available now. A V6, V6 Turbo and the usual V8.

The interior especially, seems a bit behind in style. Especially after seeing the new Volvo S90 and Mercedes E Class.

I wonder if they will sell many more of this one than the current version.
It's biggest competition is actually the Lexus LS. Which is all new in just a few months.

That should be interesting...

2017 Mercedes E-Class

First official picture of the all new E-class.

As predicted, it is a mix of C and S-class. The wide screen seems better integrated than in the C-class.
As it doesn't feel so much like a tablet anymore.

The current model starts at about $52 000 in the US. So this sits on top of the mid size luxury segment. (As a Mercedes should)

This looks really, really luxurious. Pretty much at the level of the S-Class.
And much nicer than the competition. There is a new 5 Series around the corner, but I'm not sure they can match this level of opulence.
And from what I've seen from Audi's new A4 and Q7, the next A6 won't even be competing with this. At all..


And look at this!

I mean really, more than ever, a smaller "cheaper" S-Class.

Volvo S90 VS.Jaguar XF

 I keep comparing the 2 cars. I know...

But, to me, they are both shocking in their own way.
The S90 interior is shocking because it is so great. And coming from such a "blah brand" like Volvo. A brand that most people had written off. A brand that is not associate with style.

The XF is also shocking. Because how bad it looks.
 And that is coming from a very prestigious brand with a huge history of style and elegance.
The Volvo interior is so good looking. And even original.
It is truly competing with the best in its class.

And,Volvo is saying it will be priced under the $50 000 XC90.
While the Jag starts at $52 000!

Meanwhile, at Jaguar, things are flat and boring. Almost sad.
I mean look at this!

Basically devoid of any style. A coldness that was never associated with British cars before.
( I sat in it, and I can tell you, it's not better in person)
And while Volvo has found an amazing way to display wood, Jaguar seems to be doing its best to hide it.

We have officially entered the "Bizarro World".

Super grainy pictures of the all new Genesis G90

I know, these are not very flattering.
I am sure the actual thing is much more impressive than this...

Still. These are probably some of the last spy shots of the big Hyundai/Genesis before we see the
official stuff. So why not...

2017 Volvo S90

 Here it is, finally. The new "big" Volvo sedan, after 10 years of the current S80.
(Which, i must say, aged quite well)
Lower and sportier, It looks much better than the XC90 it is based on.
The interior is even better. Closer to the concept we saw last year.

In real life, the XC-90 interior is superb. It feels like a cocoon in a tank.

Otherwise, nothing crazy here, just very elegant. (Although the rear view seems a bit "heavy")
And still much more original than an Audi A6.
BMW and Mercedes owners will probably stick to their choices, as they usually do.

And it should be priced bellow the $50 000 XC-90 (?)

And look at this!
I posted earlier this door picture from the all new Jaguar XF. (A car that starts at $52 000)
Above it is the new S90.

I mean really. the difference is so amazing that it could be funny.
Or we could be crying about what Jaguar has become...

All new 2016/17 Mercedes E Class

We will see the real thing very soon.
But so far, even with all that pixelated stuff, this is the best picture of the new interior I've seen.
And, as expected, it looks exactly like a cross between the C-Class and the S-Class.
No surprises here...

Also, the mix of a wide angle lens and this huge BFG type human driving the car makes the new E-Class seem like a tiny clown car.

Just saying...

Genesis G90

This is the replacement for the Hyundai Equus.

And, so far, looking the part of an expensive sedan. Unlike the new Cadillac CT6.
(Which is such a huge disappointment in real life)

They claim it will cost the same as the current model. So figure around $62 000.
(although it might actually be cheaper since the base model will now be a V6)

They still say it is a competitor to the BMW 7 series and the Mercedes S Class. Which is it not. Since BMW and Mercedes buyers (especially high end) almost never look at anything else.

But now that is is its own brand (kind of) and not sold as a Hyundai, it might actually have a much better chance against Lexus and Cadillac.
Plus, it will (hopefully) get all the advertising money that comes with launching a new brand.

I think this could repeat what Lexus did with the original LS sedan .
An attractive, less expensive,  alternative to some of the established players. (Lexus was also brand new then)

The current LS sedan starts at around $73 000.
The poor CT6 starts at $54 000. But that's for a 2.0 Liter Turbo.
Otherwise you pay $56 000 for the V6. Or $65 000 for the V6 Turbo AWD.

As for leasing, (Since most of these big sedans are leased anyway, Lexus offers the LS for $799 a month with $5000 due at signing.
While the current Equus is $669 a month with $2500 due at signing.
Not that huge of a difference. (Although again, the V6 would be less.)

The G90 V6 might be priced at around the same, or even less, than the CT6 V6.
While looking 100 times more like the luxury car it is supposed to be.


This could be interesting...