new cars

Here we have it — Tesla’s Model 3

It’s finally arrived! Tesla’s highly-anticipated Model 3 is here, and with over 130,000 preorders and counting, people are jumping on the Model 3 bandwagon.

At $35,000, Tesla’s Model 3 is meant to bring the company’s electric vehicle technology to the masses.

Tesla says the base vehicle will do 0-60 in less than 6 seconds, with versions that are able to go “much faster”. Range on the Model 3 is slated to be at least 215 miles, and will include support for Tesla’s high-speed Supercharging network, since “it’s about going where you want to go”, according to Musk. Tesla is hoping to have a total of 7,200 Superchargers by the end of 2017, when the Model 3 launches.

Speaking of production – the Model 3 is not expected to begin production until the later part of 2017, and the first Model 3 recipients will be on the West Coast of North America, with deliveries then moving to the East Coast, and finally, overseas.

A big change for Tesla is the touchscreen inside the Model 3 – the Model S has a 17-inch portrait touchscreen, while the Model 3 has a 15-inch landscape one. Autopilot hardware is standard, and all safety features will be active automatically, in addition to the Model 3’s 5-star safety rating all around.

For a small downpayment of $1,000, Tesla will take your preorder for the Model 3. To cope with the increased production numbers, Tesla is planning to more than double the size of their dealership and service network by the end of next year.

Tesla has certainly come a long way — founded in 2003, they first came out with the Tesla Roadster. At the time, the Roadster was the first highway-capable all-electric vehicle in production. In a 2006 blog post, Tesla cofounder Elon Musk wrote:

So, in short, the master plan is:

Build sports car

Use that money to build an affordable car

Use that money to build an even more affordable car

While doing above, also provide zero emission electric power generation options

Don’t tell anyone.

So, it looks like he’s well on his way with his master plan – we can’t wait to see the Model 3 on the roads!

Watch the full video of the Model 3 unveiling at teslamotors.com/model3.

Mercedes-Benz debuts from New York’s International Auto Show

We’re just a little under halfway through with the New York International Auto Show, but we’ll be here until the very end, giving you coverage on the latest and greatest from you favorite automotive brands.

Mercedes-Benz debuted several new cars at this year’s auto show, among them the GLC Coupe, as well as AMG division’s C43 Cabriolet, E43 and GLC43 — all new for 2017.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has stylistic features of a coupe with the proportions & practicality of an SUV, and just had its world premiere at the NYIAS. An aggressive, upright radiator grille and twin-blade louvers provide the first indication of Mercedes-Benz’s sporty philosophy behind the GLC coupe, while muscular lines, expansive greenhouse and large wheels complete the striking package. Standard equipment includes a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, sunroof and 19″ wheels. The GLC Coupe is expected to go on sale at US dealers by early 2017.

2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet pairs incredible performance and extremely dynamic driving characteristics with its expressive, stylishly honed design — all hallmarks of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet, which also made its world premiere at the show. A handcrafted AMG V8 bi-turbo engine produces 503 horses and 516 lb-ft of torque. The Cabriolet features an AIRSCARF neck-level heating system and AIRCAP automatic draft stop system to extend open top season from early spring well into the fall. The C63 Cabriolet will be on sale this fall.

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG E43

Mercedes-AMG’s E43 Sedan features a bi-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 396 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Numerous ground-breaking technical innovations made their world debut in the new E-Class in January, and the E43 now combines the safety and elegance of the E-Class with AMG driving performance. Standard features on the E43 include a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, AMG AIRMATIC adaptive sport suspension, dual 12.3″ high definition displays, LED headlamps, AMG bodystyling, 19″ wheels and 4MATIC all-wheel drive with a 31% front / 69% rear power bias. The E43 is expected to go on sale in early 2017.

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 features a 362 hp, 384 lb-ft of torque bi-turbo 3.0-liter engine, 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. With good sport utility vehicles looks with performance to match, the GLC43 comes standard with AMG AIRMATIC adaptive sport suspension, offering a comfortable ride when wanted, or sporty handling at a moment’s notice. AMG bodystyling and standard 20″ wheels set this SUV apart from the crowd. THE GLC43 will be on sale this fall.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Although not an all-new car, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA features a revised front fascia, new wheel options and redesigned rear bumper. Updated interior appointments include a slimline infotainment display, new trim options and standard on-board Wi-Fi. The CLA45 continues with their best-in-class hand-crafted 2.0-liter AMG inline-4 turbocharged engine with 375hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, delivering power to all four wheels. 2017 CLA’s will be on sale at US dealers this summer.

Stay tuned for additional coverage of the New York International Auto Show. Make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and right here on theautocracy.com.

All-New LC 500 & LC 500h from Lexus

The New York International Auto Show is back in town, running until April 3rd, and this year’s show may be the biggest one yet. Several new cars debuted from luxury car brands this year, including BMW, Mercedes, Maserati and Lexus, to name a few.

One of the big standouts from this year’s auto show is the new Lexus LC500 and LC500h luxury coupe. The New York Auto Show marks the LC 500h’s North American debut, as well as its first appearance together with the LC 500.

Styling, performance and craftsmanship of the LC mark it as the flagship coupe of the Lexus brand. The LC marks the beginning of a new phase for Lexus with its outstanding visual appeal, highlighted by an aerodynamic shape, its curves and wide, imposing stance.

The LC 500 has a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission — the first ever in a luxury automobile. The LC is the first Lexus to use the brand’s all-new, premium rear-wheel-drive luxury platform, which promises enhanced dynamic capability and performance.

The LC 500 Hybrid features the world’s first Multi Stage Hybrid System, the next generation of hybrid powertrains specifically designed for performance vehicles. The hybrid system aligns engine speed with throttle inputs, while also balancing power and fuel consumption.

Akio Toyoda, Chief Branding Officer and Master Driver for Lexus said that, “a few years ago, we decided to guide the future of the brand with products that had more passion and distinction in the luxury market. This flagship luxury coupe’s proportions, stunning design and performance make a strong statement about our brands’ emotional direction, and will grow the Lexus luxury appeal globally”.

The pulse of the LC 500 comes from a high-revving 5.0-liter V8, the same found in the the RC F and GS F. Selected for its smooth, linear throttle response and hearty engine sound, the all-aluminum V8 has 467hp and 389 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine in the LC 500 uses a dual intake inlet that helps improve breathing and allows the vehicle to achieve a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 4.5 seconds.

As of now, there’s not much known about the LC hybrid, other than its actual existence.

Other new models for Lexus featured at the show include the 2016 GS F, an elegant, yet aggressive, sedan which lends its 467 horsepower, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 to the LC 500, and Lexus’ 2016 RX which demonstrates that sophistication can, indeed, have an edge.