Breaking News
Nissan Launches Electric Taxi Fleet in NYC
Apr 26th
The city of New York has been taking strides to ensure their city is energy efficient and environmentally friendly. In order to do this, they have teamed up with Nissan.
This Monday, NYC Mayor, Michael Bloomberg announced that six new all-electric Nissan Leaf taxis have been added to the streets. Bloomberg says his plans “will help the city answer important questions about incorporating electric taxis into the fleet, so that we can achieve the goal of a one-third electric taxi fleet by 2020.”
The city has already installed a number of different fast charging stations throughout Manhattan so that taxi drivers can quickly recharge to almost full capacity during their shift in 30 minutes or less.
Bloomberg plans to accomplish the city’s goal of having a one-third electric taxi fleet by also implementing the “Taxi of Tomorrow” program with the Nissan NV200 vehicle. Before launching the NV200 Bloomberg first wants to pilot the use of all-electric vehicles with the Nissan Leaf. As a result, we may not see the NV200 on NYC streets for a few more years until we can see how these electric vehicles can be integrated throughout the big city.
We had the opportunity to see the NV200 Nissan Taxi of Tomorrow at this year’s New York International Auto Show and got a few up close interior shots for you.
The NV200 is fully wheelchair accessible with a fold flat ramp in the rear as well as a restraint system to keep the wheelchair in place while the taxi is moving. To accomplish this, Nissan teamed up with BraunAbility, a company that makes wheelchair accessible vans.
If you are in the market for an all-electric vehicle, head over to Morrie’s Brooklyn Park Nissan and test drive a Nissan Leaf today!
The All-New 2014 Cadillac CTS
Apr 25th
Cadillac’s new midsize luxury sports sedan, the 2014 CTS, was unveiled at this year’s New York Auto Show. The redesign makes the vehicle noticeably lower, longer and lighter than last generation CTS. This all-new vehicle is packed with technology including the signature Cadillac CUE system, an 8inch color touch screen and a 12.3 inch gauge cluster in the center stack.
You can choose from three different engine options under the hood. A 2.0 liter 4 cylinder direct injection turbocharged engine that achieves 272 horsepower or a 3.6-liter direct injection with 321 horsepower, both connected to 6 speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddles for shifting.
The third option is the V Sport model equipped with a 3.6-liter twin turbocharged engine with 420 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic transmission. We will announce pricing information and arrival dates as soon as they become available.
Matthew’s Make-A-Wish Charger Restoration Featured on WCCO News
Feb 22nd
Yesterday we had the opportunity to meet with Aristea Brady from WCCO Channel 4 news and share the story of Matthew’s Charger restoration. Take a minute to watch the video below and get up to speed on all the latest details.
Matthew’s 1968 Charger Restoration – Update #2 Body Disassembly
Jan 31st
Since our last update there has been a flurry of activity on the 1968 Dodge Charger. To date the restoration has truly been a team effort. Upon arrival at Morrie’s Long Lake Bodyworks facility our team of 22 body technicians each enthusiastically volunteered to work on a particular body panel. In the images below you can actually see where each technician’s name has been written on the car to mark his territory. Each has been tasked with stripping, repairing, straightening and preparing their assigned part(s) for paint.
As they have dug deeper into it, the Charger is proving to be as clean as it originally looked. Rust has been almost wholly nonexistent and the dry California climate has really preserved the car nicely. This has certainly helped keep the schedule on track. In less than a week’s time much progress has been made and a number of panels are nearly ready for final paint. The team is shooting to have all the bodywork done and car delivered to our Brooklyn Park Bodyworks location by February 11th. From there the panels will be reattached and painting commence.
Stay tuned as the transformation process continues. We’re planning on getting some great photo and video footage of the painting and subsequent assembly processes.
Morrie’s Visits the 2013 Detroit Auto Show
Jan 18th
This week Morrie’s had the opportunity to attend the 2013 North American International Auto in Detroit. The show was marked by a number of vehicle debuts from domestic and overseas automakers. While C7 Corvette was the show’s media darling, Ford literarily dropped a big one on attendees with the unexpected display of their F150 Atlas Concept Vehicle. Other notable concept vehicles included the Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept, Nissan Resonance SUV concept, Lincoln MKC Concept, BMW 4 Series Coupe Concept, Toyota Corolla Furia concept, Acura NSX concept plus a few others. These concept vehicles all provide clues, some more accurate than others, as to how future production models might look. The production vehicle debuts were equally impressive, illustrating what will actually see on the roads in the near future. These included the 2014 Maserati Quattroporte, Audi RS7, Shelby Focus ST, Kia Cadenza, Nissan Versa Note, Cadillac ELR, Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible and C7 Corvette.
Please read along as we elaborate more fully on some of the more noteworthy vehicles that fall within Morrie’s portfolio of brands. Also be sure to check our YouTube and Facebook pages soon to see videos we put together for each vehicle highlighted below.
2012 LA Auto Show Highlights
Dec 2nd
California is widely known for its influence on car culture. With over 37 million residents, California ranks higher than many countries in terms of annual automotive purchases. Whereas the LA Auto Show was once just another mid-sized auto show, over the last few years it joined the ranks amongst the big three shows. And many argue that the LA Auto Show is the most important show for all but domestic manufacturers.
This past week we made the trip out to the show for press days and we are excited to give you a glimpse at the highlights. While we were sure to checkout all vehicles on display, our main goal was to see what our brands had to offer.
We will be piecing together our video footage shortly for each of our brands, but in the meantime we’ve put together the synopsis below to tide you over.
Bentley
Undoubtedly, the most noticeable vehicle at Bentley was the new GT3 concept. The Bentley GT3 Coupe and 2014 GT Speed made their North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto show. The GT3 racecar, first revealed at the Paris Auto Show, marks Bentley’s return to competitive GT sport car racing. While the car is still considered a concept, it is currently undergoing testing with the goal of participated in motorsports events towards the end of 2013.
One thing we do know is that the GT3 coupe is loosely based on the new 2014 Bentley GT Speed, which also debuted at the show. The 205 mpg GT Speed is Bentley’s fastest car ever. The reworked bi-turbo 6.0l W12 that propels it generates 616hp and reaches 60 miles per hour in 4 seconds. Bentley reports that the GT Speed can sprint from 0 to 60 in 4 seconds and I have no reason to doubt them. The GT Speed rolls on unique 21 inch wheels, which accompanied with the 10mm decrease in ride height, really make the GTSpeed pop. Stiffened springs and anti-roll bars reportedly sharpen handling and massive 16.5 inch carbon brakes with 8-piston calipers provide substantial stopping power.
Bentley also displayed the latest Mulliner driving specification on the Mulsanne, but the two GT models certainly garnered the most attention.
Ford
This year Ford’s emphasis was on the Fiesta. For 2014 the Fiesta gets a mild refresh, but the biggest news was what is to come under the hood. At the show, amidst much pomp and circumstance including a live outdoor Ken Block Gymkhana show, Ford confirmed that their 1.0 liter Ecoboost engine will join the Fiesta lineup. Ford expects the Ecoboost Fiesta to be the most fuel efficient non-hybrid vehicle on the market in the US. Despite exceeding the current 1.6 liter engines horsepower and torque figures, the 1.0liter turbocharged 3-cylinder is expected to deliver fuel economy in the neighborhood of 45 miles per gallon. This makes the Fiesta a legitimate competitor to more expensive, fuel sipping hybrids.
Ford also announced the addition of an ST model to the Fiesta range. The Fiesta ST massages the 1.6 liter Ecoboost engine to generate 197 horsepower and 214 lb./ft. of torque. Despite the cars elevated levels of performance, it is still projected to return up to 34 miles per gallon. This of course assumes that you’re not constantly flooring the loud pedal.
Overshadowed by all of the Fiesta fan-fare, Ford also debuted the new Transit Connect 7-seat van.
Who Has the “Best” Mobile Website?
Nov 16th
According to J.D. Powers and Associates, Kia’s mobile website ranked highest among its fellow automakers. This recent accolade follows a Triple Crown win in automotive marketing as Kia.com also received the award for “Best Mobile Website” from Dig Day’s Mobi Awards and “Top Mobile Website in North America” from the Mobile Marketing Association. The Triple Crown win for Kia’s Mobile website comes as Kia recorded its best ever annual sales and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the US. More >
2013 Mazda CX-9 Reveal
Nov 12th
In advance of its arrival at US dealers later this fall, Mazda posted this teaser of the redesigned 2013 Mazda CX-9. While the original CX-9 is a tough act to follow, the latest iteration employs Mazda’s bold KODO Design in Motion styling. Check out the video to see how Mazda has brought the 2013 CX-9 to the next level.
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ is a Visual Stunner
Oct 15th
Morrie’s Minnetonka Lincoln is excited to give you a sneak peek of the brand new 2013 Lincoln MKZ. In advance of its official arrival in November, we were able to spend a few minutes and film this beautiful MKZ when a Lincoln training representative stopped by our store.
Completely redesigned for 2013, the new MKZ is a visual stunner that is arguably the best integration of Lincoln’s signature split-wing grille. Further complemented by LED head and taillights the MKZ is sure to get your attention the first time you see one on the road. On the inside, the standard My Lincoln Touch controls a range of multi-media systems, while the large panoramic sunroof fills the cabin with an abundance of natural light.
The 2013 MKZ offers three powertrain options to suit a wide range of needs. This includes a 2.0 liter EcoBoost combining the best of turbocharging and direct injections technologies, a 3.7 liter V6 and 2.0 liter Atkinson Cycle Hybrid electric powertrain. Lincoln Drive Control offers the thrill of a performance car without sacrificing the smooth ride you come to expect from a Lincoln.
We are currently taking orders for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ and expect to see our first cars hit the lot in November.
Hyundai Hope on Wheels 2012
Oct 2nd
This month is Childhood Cancer Awareness month for Hyundai Hope on Wheels. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is the united effort of Hyundai America and its more than 800 dealers across the U.S. to help children fight cancer. Since its inception in 1998, this organization has donated more than $57 million to pediatric cancer research institutions nationwide.
Every September Hyundai dealerships in Minnesota donate funds to support children’s cancer research. This year local dealerships raised $250,000 that was later donated to the U of M Amplatz Center, which specializes in pediatric medicine. This donation was presented to the Center during a ceremony which also celebrated the lives of children by capturing their colorful handprints, which will later be applied to a actual vehicle for display.
Morrie’s was proud to be able to help raise awareness about childhood cancer and celebrate the lives of these brave children.
