The all-new 2014 Kia Cadenza has just arrived here at Morrie’s and it is quite the luxurious addition to the lineup.  This full size sedan is available in one trim level at a base price of $35,100. The vehicle’s standard features include keyless entry, an advanced navigation system, leather-trimmed seats with heat and power adjustment in the front, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touch screen, 12-speaker audio system and rear camera display.

This 6-speed automatic transmission is equipped with a 3.3-liter v6 engine that generates 293 horsepower and 255 lb/ft of torque and utilizes gasoline direct injection technology, which helps to improve performance and maintain fuel efficiency. The Cadenza achieves 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway and is sure to provide safety with 8 standard air bags.

Kia has provided two package options for this vehicle, luxury and technology. The Luxury package brings the MSRP to $38,000 and includes a full-length panoramic sunroof and power retractable sunshade, nappa leather trim, heated seats and a ventilated 12-way adjustable drivers seat. HID headlamps also have an adaptive position memory setting for the drivers seat, outside mirrors and steering column.

If you choose to also go with the technology package, the cost of the Cadenza rounds out to around $41,000. With this package the vehicle will be equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking break, advanced smart cruise control, blind spot detection system and Kia’s first ever lane departure warning system.

“The all-new Cadenza is a world-class Kia for the emerging space between mainstream and luxury and will appeal to discerning shoppers in the market for an upscale sedan,” said Tom Loveless, executive vice president of sales.

The all-new Cadenza has finally arrived and you can stop by Morrie’s Minnetonka Kia today to check it out. For more information call us at (952) 543-7700 or visit us online at www.morriesminnetonkakia.com.

The interior in the ATS is also a step above the BMW. With a hand cut and sewn interior, the driver is able to see every single stitch in the leather giving it a beautiful appearance. The ATS also comes in 7 different interior combinations and many standard features that BMW doesn’t even offer. Some of these include remote vehicle start, active noise cancellation, and illuminated outside door handles. The ATS also comes with Cadillac’s signature touch screen infotainment system, CUE, which is designed to look and feel like personal electronics already on the market. Different features on the infotainment system include 3-D navigation, weather updates, Pandora, and phone pairing through Bluetooth. CUE can be accessed through the touch screen, steering wheel controls, and through natural voice recognition. With the purchase of any cue equipped ATS the driver also gets a free iPad 2, loaded with applications for the CUE system that helps to give the driver a feel for the system off the road.

The ATS’ versatility is unmatched.  With three different engines and four different trims levels, the driver can customize the driving characteristics of the ATS to exactly how they want it.  Three different engine options include a 2.5L four cylinder, 2.0L turbo four cylinder, and a 3.6L v6. The four different trim levels are Base, Luxury, Performance and Premium.

We directly compared the BMW 328i to the 2.0L Turbo Premium ATS and after driving both, the choice is obvious. Not only is the ATS faster, it also handles extraordinarily well and comes with more features than a similar equipped 328i.  Sweetening the deal, it all costs $5,000 less than the BMW. Although premium fuel is recommended, the ATS can also still use regular unleaded fuel so the vehicle will save you money on gas as well.

The ATS was named the North American Car of the Year for 2013 and with all the features and characteristics; we think the award is well deserved.

Stop by Morrie’s Cadillac today to test drive the 2013 ATS.

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 ELR luxury coupe was unveiled in production form at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. We were excited to see it also make an appearance at this year’s New York International Auto Show last month. The ELR combines style, luxury and energy efficient technologies to bring you one truly magnificent automobile. The styling of this up and coming plug-in hybrid is very similar to the Cadillac Converj concept that we saw at the 2009 North American Auto Show in Detroit.

Under the hood the vehicle is equipped with an electric motor and a small 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that serves as the backup generator for the system. The electric motor has a range of 35 miles then the engine kicks in for a maximum combined range of about 300 miles. The ELR takes about 12 hours to recharge on a standard 120-volt outlet and about 4 ½ hours using a 240-volt outlet. The turn signal indicators located on the side view mirrors also act as charge indicators when the vehicle is plugged in so you know when charging is complete.

The vehicle was built with aerodynamics in mind, which allow the vehicle to glide along the road with minimal resistance. The bottom of the front grille is equipped with active shutters that open and close depending on speed. The underbody panels and hidden door handles also help to cut down on turbulence.

The interior is stylishly designed with chrome, leather, wood, and microfiber suede accents. Most of which, come standard on the base model. The model that was displayed at the New York International Auto Show featured 2 seats in the front and 2 seats in the rear.

The vehicle also comes with Cadillac’s signature touch sensitive CUE infotainment system. 20” wheels and sweeping body lines make the outside of the ELR look sleek, stylish, and one to remember. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet on this exciting new Cadillac model, but we will be sure to update you as soon as more information becomes available. Expect to see this vehicle on showfloors later in the year.

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. 

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We started the first morning off with breakfast and industry award presentations before making our way to Kia’s press conference. During the industry award presentations, various brands and their ad agencies were recognized for their creative television spots and we had the opportunity to watch an array of different ads.

We made sure to get live coverage of all the brands Morrie’s offers and below we have provided a detailed overview of all the latest model updates.

Kia’s press conference was vibrant and exciting, just like their brand. Journalists, correspondents and other members of the press crowded around for what seemed to be one of the most anticipated reveals at the auto show. A team of New York style break-dancers and the Kia Hamstars introduced three exciting new models, the 2014 Kia Soul, the 2014 Kia Forte Koup, and the 2014 Kia Optima. Each vehicle receiving quite the upgrade.

2014 Kia Soul:

The all-new 2014 Soul was a highly anticipated reveal.  This model has received a refresh inside and out. The exterior sports an angled body and wider wheelbase with updates to the front fascia and head and tail lamps. The interior features a new steering wheel, center stack, and updated stitched leather seats.  This redesigned 2014 Soul is one to keep your eye on the next few months when it becomes available on show floors.

2014 Kia Forte Koup:

The 2014 Forte Koup was another one of Kia’s three debuts at the New York Auto Show. The exterior of the Forte Koup received integrated LED headlamps and wrap around tail lamps to give the vehicle a dramatic stylized look. The interior updates include an updated UVO infotainment system and a more driver-focused cockpit. This new model is available in two trim levels, the EX equipped with a 173 horsepower, 2-liter, four-cylinder six speed automatic transmission. And the SX gets a turbocharged 1.6 liter with either a standard six-speed manual or optional automatic transmission. Keep your eye out for pricing and a release date on this hot new vehicle.

2014 Kia Optima:

Kia’s third and final debut at this year’s New York Auto Show was the updated 2014 Kia Optima. The refresh included a revised front fascia, repositioned LED lighting above the headlights and upgraded LED taillights. The interior has been upgraded with more comfortable seating and two additional displays. The displays include a 4.3 inch TFT display in the gauge cluster and the 8-inch high res infotainment screen where navigation features reside. The 2.4 liter GDI four-cylinder and turbocharged 2.0 four cylinder engines carry over from the 2013 model, the SX Optima features a Drive Mode Select system that adjusts transmissions points and steering weight to create a more dynamic driving experience. Expect to see the 2014 Optima on show floors during the third quarter of this year.

Porsche 911 GT3:

Next, we made our way over to Porsche to check out the all-new 2014 911 GT3 and we weren’t the only ones looking to get coverage of this newly redesigned high performance sports car. The 911 celebrated 50 years in the U.S. by debuting here at the New York Auto Show. The GT3 is equipped with a 3.8-litre flat-six cylinder engine that generates 475 horsepower. The new 911 is quicker than its predecessor with an estimated 0-60 sprint of just 3.3 seconds. A new front splitter and fully functional rear wing elements provide significant aerodynamic down force. Keep your eye out for the GT3 in the US this fall with an expected base price around $130,000.

2014 Pathfinder Hybrid:

Nissan also had an exciting presence at the Auto Show with the release of their 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid crossover and the appearance the the NV200 Taxi of tomorrow. The Hybrid crossover model that we saw will be offered in two or four-wheel drive models that are supercharged with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and electric motor that is paired with a compact lithium-ion battery. This vehicle achieves 250 horsepower and performs almost the same as the gas-only model. The Dual Clutch System integrated into this vehicle helps to efficiently manage power from both the electric motor and the gas engine. The combined fuel economy of this attractive new hybrid is 26 mpg which is a 26% increase over the standard pathfinder. Keep your eye out for the arrival of this model in dealers later this summer.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur:

Another very exciting moment during the 2013 New York Auto Show was the North American debut of the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur. The completely refreshed vehicle was designed with comfort and luxury in mind and embraces styling cues from the Mulsanne as well as the Continental GT. Exterior updates include a lower roof profile, sharper lines, and rounded surfaces, which make this vehicle, appear lower and wider than its predecessor.  Under the hood, the Flying Spur features a twin-turbocharged 6.0 w-12 liter engine that allows the vehicle to achieve 0-60mph in just 4.3 seconds. This vehicle can reach top speeds of 200-mph. The interior is updated with over 600-new components including the latest in entertainment features.

2014 Hyundai Equus:

Hyundai also made an appearance at this year’s Auto Show with their 2014 Hyundai Equus. The 2014 model received updated styling, new interior features, and additional safety features. A new addition to the Equus is the card-type smart key that allows keyless entry into the vehicle as well as a shift-by-wire gear change inside the vehicle. Keep your eye out for this premium sedan in the coming months.

2014 Cadillac CTS:

Cadillac also brought something new to the table with their 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan. The new CTS has a classier, more avante-garde design in comparison to the older model. LED front accent lights help to give the model a more aggressive look. The interior of the new CTS applies wood and leather and the CUE infotainment system, similar to the XTS. The 2014 is expected to arrive this fall and will be available with three engines, a naturally aspirated 3.6 liter v6 rated at 321 horsepower, a turbocharges 2.0 liter four cylinder rated at 272 horsepower and a range topping 3.6 liter twin-turbo v6 packing 420 horsepower which will be the highest output v6 engine in GM history.

Subaru was also one to be talked about amongst those at the Auto Show this year. With the release of the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid and the WRX sports car concept, many people were anticipating the Subaru Press conference, which wasn’t held until Thursday afternoon.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid:

Many were thrilled that Subaru was finally releasing a hybrid version of their year-old XV Crosstrek crossover vehicle. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid is visually comparable to the gasoline-powered model and has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches.  With a combined fuel efficiency rating of 28-mpg, drivers receive astounding fuel efficiency. If you’re in the market for an eco-friendly-crossover alternative, look for the release of the XV Crossover Hybrid in Fall of 2013.

2014 Subaru WRX Concept:

Last but certainly not least came the reveal of the highly anticipated Subaru WRX concept. This hot new concept car drew quite the crowd. The high performance sports car brings added styling and design to the Subaru brand. The coupe-like vehicle adds two extra doors in the rear, an aggressive front grille and menacing headlights making this concept one to remember.

Morrie’s is proud to bring you live coverage from this exciting event. To check out our photo library click here.

The CUE system has an intuitive learning process which is designed to mimic the look and feel of personal electronics that are already on the market. With the purchase of select Cadillac ATS and XTS models, consumers will also receive an iPad3 that comes preloaded with the CUE system app. This helps users to become more familiar with the system before utilizing it on the road.

While driving, the CUE system displays a very simple screen with a select number of icons. When your hand gets closer to the CUE screen, the home menu will automatically pop up. This proximity sensing setting is an auto-industry first. Every time your finger touches the CUE screen you’ll feel a soft pulsing to confirm that you have selected one of the icons, this is designed to help the driver focus more on the road, and less on the screen.

CUE’s home screen gives you the option to customize and personalize the icons exactly how you would like them, similar to the home screen on a smart phone. You can also set up a list of 60 “favorites” which can include, radio stations, telephone contacts, destinations, and much more. The CUE system will also pull your most used applications and keep them in an application tray that sits at the top of every screen, making them easily accessible.

Similar to iPads and tablets already on the market, the CUE allows you to swipe, tap, flick and spread through homepages and customizable information. Another great feature on the CUE system is the natural voice recognition capability. Different from other voice recognition systems, CUE can actually recognize natural conversation commands instead of just specific, limited commands. CUE is also accessible through steering wheel controls, which also helps the driver to focus more on the road and less on the screen while driving. Voice command, touch screen, and steering control make three easy ways for users to control the system.

The CUE system is fully integrated with Bluetooth, which allows you to upload and pair all of your contacts, music, and even Pandora stations right from your mobile device. You are able to pair up to 10 different devices with your CUE system, but keep in mind, only one can be connected at a time.

The CUE system is equipped with 3-D navigation, which makes viewing your guided route much easier for the driver. This advanced navigation also makes it much easier to find a destination close to you.

To learn more about the CUE system, or to test drive a vehicle equipped with this breakthrough technology, stop by Morrie’s Cadillac today.

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.

Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

You can’t argue that Bentley builds great cars and you would be nuts not to add one to your Powerball jackpot shopping spree.  If for some reason the regular Bentley lineup just doesn’t do it for you, the new GT Speed Convertible will definitely convert you.  This car is the quickest 4-passenger convertible on the market today reaching 202 miles per hour thanks its 12-cylinder turbocharged engine.  It sprints to 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds, while delivering the solid feel and road handling you come to expect from Bentley.

 Cadillac ELR

 You could say that the Cadillac ELR is the younger, more luxurious brother of the Chevy volt.  Or, you could say that it is the lovechild of the Volt and the Cadillac ATS.  Regardless of how you look at it, the ELR is Cadillac’s stunning new hybrid vehicle that combines Cadillac elegance with hybrid efficiency.

Previewed by the Converj concept a few years back, the ELR remains very true to the concept’s design and features a bold grille, front and rear LED lights and strong design lines.  20-inch wheels complement the exterior.

The ELR borrows the Volts powertrain architecture, employing a 16.5-kilowatt hour lithium ion battery pack with a 1.4-liter gasoline powered generator.  On battery power alone expect a range of nearly 40 miles.  When coupled with the gas engine you can expect a range of approximately 300 miles.  Obviously range is variable on driving conditions, how heavy your right foot is, etc.

One innovative feature is driver selectable regenerative braking. Using paddle shifters the driver can select different levels of regenerative braking, similar to downshifting traditional manual transmission.

This 2+2 coupe will be built in limited number with production kicking off at the end of 2013.

In addition to the ELR, Cadillac brought back its Ciel concept vehicle and was showcasing the ATS’ winning of the North American Car of the Year title.

Ford F150 Atlas Concept Vehicle

 Not willing to let the competition to steal all of the limelight with their recent pickup unveilings, Ford’s F150 Atlas Concept vehicle made an unexpected appearance at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.  And while the new C7 corvette may have been the media darling, the debut of the F150 Atlas concept is bigger news for the North American Auto industry.

The F150 Atlas concept hints at what we might see in future F-series pickups and if you are not interested in pickups you are the minority.  Last year Ford sold over 645,000 F-series pickups, making the line the most widely vehicles sold nationwide.  The F150 is a bread and butter vehicle for Ford and as common as they might be, the Atlas concept brought a number of innovative features to the table.

The concept is powered by a next-generation Ecoboost engine that uses technologies such as engine start-stop to help improve fuel economy beyond the already impressive numbers seen on Ford’s existing Ecoboost engine.  More exciting is the usage of active aerodynamic drag reduction aids that include active grille shutter, active wheel shutters and a drop-down front air dam that lowers at highway speeds to smooth airflow around the truck.  Both features reduce fuel economy.

The Atlas concept also features numerous technology innovations, including a first on a Ford truck, the 360-degree point-of-view camera that provides a bird’s-eye view of the truck, assisting when parking in tight places.  Trailer park assist takes the pain out of hitching up your trailer.

Overall, the F150 Atlas Concept is an impressive vehicle.  We sincerely hope that many of its unique features make it into production on the next generation F150.

Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept

Hyundai’s HCD-14 Genesis concept provides a strong visual as to what the next generation Genesis might look like.

Hyundai North America’s chief designer noted that they “instilled HCD-14 with a premium-sport 4-door coupe road presence. Its sleek and lightweight silhouette does not punish the wind, but uses fluidic precision with dramatic surfacing that conveys natural restraint.”

On the inside, Hyundai hints at a unique control system utilizing 3-d hand gestures and eye movements to control infotainment and climate functions.  Complementing the vehicles sleek styling inside and out, the HCD-14 Genesis is powered by Hyundai’s 5.0 liter Tau V8, that when coupled with an 8-speed automatic should deliver more than adequate performance.

It will be interesting to see how many of the styling cues and unique features from the HCD-14 Genesis make it into production.

2014 Kia Cadenza

With the 2014 Kia Cadenza, Kia hopes to jump into the US premium sedan segment and grab a little bit of market share.  Based on looks alone, this should be an easy task.  If you include all of the vehicles other features and attributes, it appears even easier.

Positioned above the Kia Optima, the Cadenza, available with only one trim level, will come standard with navigation, Kia’s UVO connectivity system that integrates multimedia functions, a 12 speaker sound system and dual zone climate control.  As one might expect, additional premium and technology packages will be offered that include heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive HID headlights plus much more.

The 2014 Cadenza is the only Kia sedan in the US to offer a V6 engine.  The 3.3-liter mill produces 293 horsepower, and when coupled with the 6-speed automatic, shared with the Hyundai Azera, delivers a respectable 29-mpg on the highway.

From a design perspective, the Cadenza maintains Kia’s family grille, which is set off with LED headlight brows and a distinct character line running from the front doors to the rear taillights.

On sale in the second quarter of 2013, we expect pricing for the Cadenza to start out around $34,000.

Lincoln MKC Concept

Unless you’ve been under a rock for a while, you’ve inevitably noticed the Lincoln Motor Company’s assault on the luxury auto segment.  They are clearly spending a fortune on advertising.  Leveraging their reputation for iconic vehicles, Lincoln has let their rejuvenated design center loose with the MKC Concept.

The MKC is Lincoln’s first jump into the compact crossover segment.   Loosely based on the Ford Escape, The MKC is distinctly lower, longer and wider. The MKC also has a more mature and upscale look than it’s Ford counterpart, with unique elements such as its full length taillights, frameless windows, two piece tailgate and Lincoln’s signature panoramic roof.  You might say that this is Lincoln’s best implementation of the their new corporate grille.

We expect to see Ford’s 2.0 liter Ecoboost engine under the hood with the availability of front and all-wheel drive.  Whereas many concepts cars stray significantly from the production model that ensues, Ford VP Jim Farley, stated, “When you see the MKC, do not think concept.”  This is great news, since we feel that the MKC is a visually pleasing vehicle that could play a big role in Lincoln Motor Company’s rejuvenation.

Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati has ambitious plans to greatly increasing sales in the US, and the new 2014 Quattroporte will definitely help them achieve these plans.   Making its international debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the 2014 Maserati Quattroporte continues the tradition of Italian grand touring. Maintaining world-class performance matched with a functional, yet simplified interior, the new Quattroporte builds on past generations to deliver the best in style, space, comfort, and speed.

Having lost close to 200lbs over the outgoing model, the new Quattroporte is longer and a more luxurious vehicle.  It is also quite a bit faster than the outgoing model.  Not that this matters for most Maserati buyers, but there is a nice ring to it when you tell your friend that your grocery getter can hit 191 miles per hour.

While on the topic, Maserati has opened themselves up to additional markets with the inclusion of a V6 all-wheel drive option.  This combination will bring the Quattroporte into new territories where people prefer to eschew the V8 rear wheel drive configuration for all season surefootedness.

Wrapped in elegant and completely new sheet metal, the 2014 Quattroporte has a stunning refreshed look that will bring it back to the top of the segment.  We expect to see the 2014 Quattroporte in our showroom by late spring or early summer of this year.

Mazda6 Skyactiv-D Grand Am Racer

 If you read our LA Auto Show blog from December, you may remember that Mazda rolled out a brand new Mazda6 with the optional Skyactiv-D engine.  Mazda plans to prove the effectiveness and efficiency of this configuration when they run the car in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona later this month.  The car they plan to run was on display at the LA Auto Show.  Impressively, the engine in the tech-laden racecar keeps over 60% of the stock car’s engine internals.  Mazda has a storied past in endurance racing and we won’t be surprised if they fare well in Daytona’s endurance classic later this month.

Nissan Resonance Concept

Closely following the Hi-Cross Hybrid concept that debuted in LA, Nissan unveiled their Resonance concept vehicle at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.  Nissan suggests that the futuristic model signals the global styling direction of Nissan crossovers, inspired by what the automaker is calling the “innovation era.”

Like the Hi-Cross Hybrid concept, the Resonance concept is also powered by a hybrid drivetrain made up of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor.  This combination is coupled to Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission.   This hybrid arrangement benefits from increased efficiency thanks to its laminated lithium ion batteries that sets it apart from previous Nissan hybrids.

The Resonance’s muscular exterior is amplified by 20-inch wheels, a narrow, thinly raked a-pillars, sleek bodylines and unique flare orange paint.  Interior details are sparse, but Nissan’s general manager of product strategy and planning, Francois Bancon, noted, “The Resonance interior reflects the enlightened modernity of today’s crossover buyer, who values an amazing experience over traditional indulgence.”

As you might expect, the Resonance is not expected to reach production, but we are eager to see which elements trickle down to the next generation Murano and Rogue.

Nissan Versa Note

Nissan unveiled the 2014 Versa Note hatchback at the 2013 Detroit Auto show, which follows the redesign of the Versa sedan that we saw last year.  The Note name, which is new in our market, has been synonymous with Nissan hatchbacks in overseas markets for nearly a decade.

Nissan suggests that the Versa Note will have best-in-class cargo space and get up to 40 mpg on the highway with help from Nissan’s first active grille shutter. Available with Nissan’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, the car will generate 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque.  This power will be transmitted to the tires via a CVT automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.

The Versa note, which will be available to the public in June of this year, will come in three distinct trim levels with options that include a height-adjustable cargo floor, heated seats, Nissan Connect with navigation, hands-free texting, rear-view monitor and the Around-View monitor, which gives the driver a bird’s-eye view when parking.  The Versa Note is expected to start out at $14,900.

It seems like it was just yesterday that I bought my ’94 Miata. I thoroughly enjoyed driving the little Miata, driving it all over the Midwest and wringing out everything the chassis and engine had whenever I could. As much as I loved the car, it was taken away from me in September when a woman driving a 2012 VW Jetta ran a stop sign and t-boned my car right in the driver’s side door.

Luckily, I wasn’t injured aside from a few cuts and bruises but the car was a total loss. After sorting things out with insurance, I decided that this time around I’d get something a little more practical and comfortable to use as a daily driver and to carry around all of my camera gear. With the money I got from insurance, I had enough to cover about half the cost of something used that might fit what I was looking for, or I could use the money as a down payment on something newer. I decided that if I was going to be taking on debt to own a better daily driver, I should try to get something that fit as many of my needs as possible.

After a few weeks of searching the internet and weighing the pros and cons of a number of different cars from 2003-2006 BMW M3s, 2011 Ford Mustang GTs, early BMW 135is, and Subaru WRXs and STIs, I started test driving what I could find locally. While I liked everything I drove for different reasons, I decided that the maintenance costs of the M3 would be too expensive, the 412-hp of the Mustang would be a bit of a challenge to drive daily in the snow and insurance would be costly, and the 135i’s in my price range all had high mileage. I had a number of friends with Subarus but had never had a chance to drive one. After seeing a deal for financing on 2012 WRXs, I definitely thought that might be a good choice for me.

When I wanted to test drive one, I struggled to find any new 2012 models available in Minnesota, so I contacted Scott Putnam at Morrie’s Minnetonka Subaru about a 2010 Subaru WRX STI hatchback they’d just taken in on trade. It was a little more than I wanted to spend but had low mileage and was pretty clean. After driving it, I decided that the adjustable DCCD differential, Brembo brakes, and 6 speed manual weren’t worth the extra cost over the WRX. Scott was really knowledgeable about WRXs and STIs, being heavily involved in the rally world in the US so I figured he knew what he was talking about when he suggested that the WRX would be a better fit for me as a daily driver.

The WRX, especially in hatchback form, offered the best blend of fun, practicality, speed, and comfort. I liked the idea of being able to go anywhere, in any conditions and not have to worry about getting stuck somewhere. The added space of the hatchback was a real draw for me too and I hoped that I’d get better gas mileage than the other options I was looking at. While the WRX isn’t exactly sleek or sexy compared the Mustang or the BMWs, I liked the hunkered down stance and pumped-up look of the flared fenders.

After spending about a week looking for the right 2011-2012 WRX, I decided it would be more cost effective to just order a new 2013 WRX. I took the insurance money I got from my now-totaled Miata and placed my order for a dark gray metallic 5-door WRX at Morrie’s Minnetonka Subaru on September 10th and began the wait for my car to be built. I was originally told it’d be delivered in December but just over a month later, I got an email from Scott that my car had come in!

I ordered my base trim WRX with fog lights, all-weather mats, red footwell illumination kit, STI short shifter and a 110V outlet. As I photographer, I think I specced this car out perfectly to be a mobile photoshoot machine. I can charge camera batteries or power lights with the 110V outlet and the car came standard with a USB hub to listen to my iPod or charge my phone. When the seats are folded down, I’ve got more than enough room to carry around all of my camera gear, camping gear, and my 3 dogs.

The break-in procedure was 1000 miles of varying the engine speed as much as possible while keeping the tach needle below 4,000 RPM. Luckily, I had a 750 mile round trip to Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI the weekend after I bought the car. I had to downshift a lot on the highway to fluctuate the revs while breaking in the engine but I really enjoyed driving my WRX and put plenty of effortless miles on the car. I was also glad I ordered the front clear shield before picking up the car so that I didn’t have to worry about hitting bugs or rocks when I go on road trips.

I’ve really been enjoying driving the WRX and I love the rush when boost comes on. My sales guy, Scott Putnam, has been very helpful in answering my questions about the car and ordered the Subaru/Yakima roof rack for me. I’ve also added Rally Armor mud flaps and picked up some winter wheels and tires and I’m now definitely ready for winter! With the couple of snow falls we’ve had this year, I’ve loved being able to blast through the snow and not have any issues with traction.

I really enjoy exploring the highways of the US and look forward to packing up all of my gear in the back of the car and just driving it as much as I can. Now that the WRX is out of its break-in period, I can really enjoy spooling up the turbos and using some of the performance these cars are known for. I’m also looking forward to my first service for an oil change and making sure everything is working as it should. I know Morrie’s will treat me right.

This guest post was written by Alex Bellus, a notable Automotive Photographer in the Twin Cities area and recent Morrie’s Minnetonka Subaru customer. To learn more about Alex, head over to his website.