What is new in automotive for 2027 – Part 2

Part two of What’s New For 2027 starts with a touch of luxury. Soon, new models will begin appearing at Napleton Auto Group dealerships. Some are new, and some are refreshed. But they are all exciting. Come along with Napleton News as we take a look at New Models for 2027.

Lexus TZ:

The new Lexus TZ is the latest all-electric SUV from Lexus. It’s a three-row, aerodynamically-designed SUV that has been chiseled so that it slips through the wind with a silent cabin and extended range. It’s filled with distinctive features that help distinguish it from other also-rans. These include twin-L headlamps, with available 22-inch alloy wheels and aerodynamic covers.

Power comes from a low center of gravity DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system. Available Dynamic Rear Wheel Steering helps to squeeze into tight spots and helps to increase cornering speed. Also new in the TZ: Available Rear Comfort Drive to help this SUV provide a comfortable ride for rear seat passengers. Lexus predicts a range of up to 300 miles per charge depending on trim level and equipment.

Charging of the new Lexus TZ includes the now standard North American Charging System (NACS) charge port and a new battery preconditioning feature, which shortens charging times by adjusting battery temperatures to an optimal level before charging begins.

Maserati Grecale:

The 2027 Maserati Grecale was gifted with a major update this year, with a new shark-nose, a more subtle, upgraded interior and a new Nettuno V6 engine. This new mill replaces the outgoing base and mid-level engines of the previous generation models.

The powertrain consists of an in-house designed Maserati 3.0-liter 385-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 that delivers 369 lb-ft of torque. The Maserati Grecale Trofeo is the top-tier model featuring a 530-hp twin-turbo V6 with a top speed of 177 mph.

The exterior has taken some refinement as well, with a new front fascia that is inspired by the Maserati MC20 supercar. Inside it features a new octagonally-shaped steering wheel with Alcantara or leather depending on trim level.

Best of all, for 2027, the Maserati comes with a $20,000 price reduction. There’s never been a better reason to buy.

Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio: 

Seducing you with standout design and style, as well as dynamic drive characteristics, the Maserati Gran Turismo and GranCabrio are fresh off a revision for 2027. New this year, along with a restyled front and rear ends, is their conversion to electric vehicles instead of the Twin-turbo V6 engines found in the last generation.

Both versions (the GranCabrio is a convertible) are powered by three electric motors that combine to produce 818 horsepower when in full Corsa mode. When running in normal mode, you’ll get a measly 751 horsepower. All-wheel drive with torque vectoring is standard throughout.

Driving the GranCabrio Convertible finds a powerful, balanced ride with extremely fast acceleration, and relatively normal braking characteristics. There are four different stages of brake regeneration available. Sadly, one-pedal driving is not one of those modes.

Mazda CX5:

New this year, the Mazda CX5 is now in its third generation. Featuring standard all-wheel drive, a newly available 15.6-inch touchscreen and Google built-in. Power comes from Mazda’s familiar 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. While others are using 8 and 10-speed automatics, this tried and true gearbox is well suited to this application.

Shortly after the beginning of the year, there is a Hybrid CX5 scheduled to be released in early 2027.

On paper, the Mazda CX5 ticks most boxes but comes in short in terms of power but in reality, the CX5 is one of those cars that has what many others don’t: An exciting, fun and spritely ride. Zoom-zoom lives!

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Vehicle:

The new 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will include an 800-volt architecture along with a two-speed rear transmission. Also in the mix: up to 350 miles of range. The new C-class EV is distinctly different from the gas burning version.

This new four-door C-Class now has a longer wheelbase than the model it replaces. (The gas-engined model will continue) The exterior features a swept-back sedan profile with proper hips.

The C400 4Matic is powered by two electric motors producing a combined 482 horsepower. With this package, the C-Class can achieve 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. With its 800-volt architecture, charging times are faster and will only get better when the EPA releases its findings.

There’s a range of normal to one pedal braking as you need it. Also available: Mercedes-Benz’s Airmatic air suspension with intelligent dampers and rear-axle steering. Trust us, you’ll want these features, especially the rear-axle steering,  which helps to shorten a turn or even help you squeeze into a tight parking spot. But that’s not all: The intelligent damping features Car to X technology that gets info from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles alerting your car there is a bad spot of road ahead and prepares for it accordingly.

Mercedes CLA Class EV:

Now into its third generation, the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV is newly refreshed as of 2026. It is now a compact luxury sedan with electric power. It’s available in several trim levels ranging from CLA 250+ or the range-topping CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology

The CLA 250+ brings 268 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. The more powerful CLA 350 4Matic makes 349 hp and has a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. The CLA EV is built on an 800-volt architecture with an 85 kWh battery.

By the numbers, the CLA 250+ features a single rear-mounted electric motor delivering 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Next is the CLA 350 4MATIC with two motors for all-wheel drive, it brings 349-hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the high-performance AMG CLA 45 with its revolutionary three-motor setup that makes over 680 hp and has a 0-60 time of just under 3.0 seconds.

Mercedes S Class refresh:

Extensively refreshed for the 2027 model year, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class features updates to the exterior such as a 20% wider grille, revised twin-star headlamps, a new illuminated hood ornament. Also new: the all-new MBOS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System) with an MBUX superscreen setup and an AI virtual assistant.

The interior will include new features like heated seatbelts (!) and a redesigned rear-seat entertainment system based around smartphone connectivity. Best of all, there are new multicontour front seats with heating, ventilation and massage.

Powerplants range from a new 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine with mild-hybrid and a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, also with a mild-hybrid. All versions use a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

 Mercedes GLS:

Fresh off a “deep-facelift,” the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS features over 3,000 new parts. These include an illuminated star grille, vertical headlights with star motifs and an illuminated hood ornament. Inside, there’s a new MBUX superscreen, an AI-driven operating system and a new and improved engine lineup.

Outside, one of the first things you’ll notice is a larger grille with restyled bumper. The rear now features taillights now feature 3D LED starts. There are also newly available 22-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the Superscreen swaps two old screens for a single screen that stretches from the driver’s information center all the way to the passenger side of the car. The passenger side screen is perfect for Streaming and web browsing.

Engines include the GLS 450 and its 3.0-liter inline turbocharged six-cylinder engine or a GLS 580 with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV:

Based on its Corporate cousin, the Nissan Leaf, the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV sports a chunky bumper, triangular wheels and a good look! Not many details are available but expect its power ratings, and specifications to be similar to the Nissan Leaf.  

Mitsubishi Montero:

Sold around the world as the Mitsubishi Pajero, the Mitsubishi Montero will return as a body-on-frame adventure vehicle. In the past, the Montero was known as a crossover. It now says “enough of that” and returns to its roots.

It now rides on a ladder-frame platform it shares with the Triton pickup truck. Along with that is a specially-tuned suspension designed for comfort on the highway and compliance on the trails. Rumors say the Montero will sport a turbocharged V6 engine with an advanced hybrid system for the North American market.

Inside will be a large widescreen display for the infotainment system and digital gauge display. The exact time of arrival is still to be determined.

Nissan Rogue Hybrid:

a potential giant-killer, the Nissan Rogue Hybrid is ready to bring it big to the likes of the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. Powered by Nissan’s e-Power system that is made of two electric motors (one on each axle) along with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gas engine. The interesting fact is the electric motors are what drives the car while the internal combustion engine is along for the ride as a generator. That way, as long as there is fuel in the tank, there is no reason for range anxiety.

Initial test drives show the refinement that is part of this new Rogue Hybrid. Acceleration is instantaneous and the supportive seats and quiet cabin clearly place this SUV in a class-above state. A cool feature not normally found in traditional hybrid vehicles is the ability to go into one pedal driving. Using this technique, you simply lift your foot from the accelerator anytime you want to slow. It actually works and is an engaging form of driving!     

Porsche 911 GT3 S/C:

Right out of the box this is one of the most costly Porsche cars ever. But it’s race-ready to set a new track record wherever you decide to run it. Sebring? Sure! The Nurburgring? Check. Watkins Glen? Yup. With the 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C, the World’s race tracks are your oyster. Or something like that.

Through a combination of engineering excellence, precise building and driving excitement all intersect. Power comes from a 502-HP 4.0-liter flat six engine that’s mated to a choice of of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmissions. It’s one of the best examples of the Porsche experience.

A new S/C convertible model is now part of the mix. Think of the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C as a high-speed tanning bed.   

Ram 1500 Rumble Bee:

Stellantis and its RAM division is already known for its high-horsepower prowess when it comes to their V8 powerplants. The latest is a yellowjacketed RAM 1500 Crew Cab known as the Rumble Bee. You may say it’s just another pickup truck. Au contraire! This is a best in class 777 horsepower, 680 lb-ft torque fire-breather that will peel paint at 100 yards.

And, does it scoot. Well, does it? How about a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.4 seconds. Or a quarter-mile jaunt in 11.6 seconds to the tune of 170 mph? It’s all here and more.

 Subaru Getaway:

The Subaru Getaway is their newest EV that hits the street with 420 horses of electric power thanks to a motor at each end. Expect about 300 miles of range per charge. The charging architecture allows it to go from 10-to-80-percent charge in about 30 minutes. It has the ability to help you plan long trips from charger to charger, in an effort to kill any range anxiety that may remain. And the new Getaway has great bones, sharing platforms with Toyota’s Highlander

Front row heated seats come standard with second and third-row heaters an available option. All rows have have other amenities like cupholders and cellphone chargers; It’s like being in an executive jet rather than an SUV. In front, there is a 14-inch touchscreen and other premium fitments. The new Subaru Getaway will be available in Touring, Limited and Premium trim levels.

The question we have been asked most is “why is it called the Getaway? Because there is plenty of room for you to stash your stuff to, uh, Getaway.

Toyota Highlander EV:

Now in its fifth generation, this new Toyota Highlander EV is the three-row variant of Toyota’s venerable family hauler. A little bit larger, longer and wider than the model it replaces. It features “hammerhead” lighting across the front, so-called because of its lighting shape. The front is devoid of a grille because it is electric with no need for a radiator.

On the sides, clean body-color type cladding, and flush door handles help clean up the look. Inside there’s a 14-inch screen that sets up a contemporary interior complete with squarish steering wheel. There’s plenty of legroom in the second-row, not to mention tablet and cupholders and USB-C charge ports.

Power comes from front- or all-wheel drive using one or two motors wrapped around the axles. The single motor brings 221 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque. The dual motor version available on the XLE and standard on the Limited version brings two motors with up to 338 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque. Two choices of batteries are available and charging is by the NACS/Tesla charger.

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ:

The spiritual successor to the FJ Cruiser, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is the upcoming on- and off-road SUV that pairs retro styling with a rugged platform. It will get its power from a 2.7-liter gasoline engine making roughly 163 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a part-time 4WD system and quite impressive wheel articulation allows it to tackle the roughest of terrain.

There’s a locking rear differential, a limited slip differential, and other features that help take you off-road and back again when you are all done.

The Land Cruiser FJ does not have the longest wheelbase in the business but it is one that will take you where you want to go. That includes through streams that cover the wheel hubs, and more. New this year is the four-door layout (Five if you count the rear hatch). The result is an FJ that is much more premium than the model it replaces.