Michael Kahn

Articles by Michael Kahn

FutureTech Studio at the 2025 SEMA Show: Hydrogen Racing, Flying Cars, and AI Mechanics

The 2025 SEMA Show promises to be the most innovative yet, with FutureTech Studio emerging as the epicenter of automotive evolution. Running November 4-7 in Las Vegas, this year’s interactive experience brings together over 45 cutting-edge displays, 30 vehicles, and breakthrough technologies that will define the future of mobility. Future Fuels Yamaha’s Hydrogen Golf Car Leading the hydrogen charge is Yamaha’s Drive H2 concept, a groundbreaking hydrogen-powered golf car that made headlines at the 2024 PGA Show. This innovative vehicle represents Yamaha’s first foray into hydrogen combustion engines for consumer applications. The Drive H2 utilizes two high-pressure hydrogen tanks (25L each) strategically positioned under the driver’s seat and behind the rear seat. Based on Yamaha’s popular Drive2 Concierge4 four-seater, this

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A Reality Check to EV Ownership: Ranking All 50 States + DC in 2025

This article has been updated for 2026 with new and updated date: EV Ownership in 2026: Ranking All 50 States + DC Vermont beats California. Wyoming outpaces New York. North Dakota ranks higher than Texas. In the geography of electric car ownership, nothing is quite as it seems. With 3.57 million electric vehicles now registered across America, choosing where to live has become one of the most important decisions for prospective EV owners. A state-by-state examination of charging infrastructure, electricity costs, government incentives, and market conditions reveals stark differences that can make or break the electric car experience. The Complete Rankings: Four Performance Tiers America’s EV landscape divides into four distinct performance categories, with 12 states achieving excellent conditions, 17

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Waymo Receives New York City’s First Autonomous Vehicle Testing Permit

New York City has granted Waymo its inaugural autonomous vehicle testing permit, marking a significant milestone in the deployment of self-driving technology in one of America’s most challenging urban environments. The announcement, made by Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on August 22, 2025, represents the first time the city has authorized autonomous vehicle testing within its boundaries. The permit allows Waymo to deploy up to eight Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in designated areas of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn through late September 2025. Under New York State law, each vehicle must maintain a trained safety specialist in the driver’s seat at all times, prepared to assume control when necessary. After the initial pilot period concludes, Waymo may

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Tensor Robocar: The First Level 4 Self-Driving Vehicle Designed for Private Ownership

Tensor emerges as the world’s first company to design and market a Level 4 autonomous vehicle specifically for private ownership. Unlike the robotaxi-focused approach that has dominated the industry, Tensor’s philosophy centers on “Own Your Autonomy,” a vision where individuals possess their own Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) agents rather than relying on fleet-based services. The company’s core mission extends beyond traditional automotive boundaries, positioning the Tensor Robocar as an embodied personal AGI that empowers owners with time, freedom, and autonomy. This approach challenges the prevailing industry assumption that autonomous vehicles must operate as shared fleet assets to achieve economic viability. Tensor’s origins trace back to AutoX, founded in August 2016 by Jianxiong Xiao, a former MIT PhD and Princeton University

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The Secret Experiences of Monterey Car Week 2025

While Monterey Car Week’s public events capture global attention, the automotive world’s most coveted experiences unfold behind gated driveways and within private estates scattered across the Peninsula. These invitation-only gatherings, whispered about on social media and accessible only to industry insiders and loyal customers of luxury car manufacturers represent the true pinnacle of automotive exclusivity. Beyond the manicured lawns of Pebble Beach lies a parallel universe of secret events that automotive journalists and social media accounts only hint at in cryptic posts. These gatherings operate on an unspoken hierarchy where access depends less on wealth and more on relationships within the collector community. From Range Rover’s hillside mansion transformations to Ferrari’s private villa celebrations, dubbed Casa Ferrari, the Peninsula becomes

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The 28th Annual Bonhams Quail Auction Returns to Carmel

The prestigious Bonhams Quail Auction arrives at Quail Lodge’s West Farm Field, marking the 28th year of this celebrated automotive event. Located at 27050 Rancho San Carlos Road in Carmel, the preview auction starts at 10:00 AM PDT August 13, and the live auction begins August 15, 2025. WHERE:  Quail Lodge’s West Farm Field27050 Rancho San Carlos RoadCarmel, CA 93923 LIVE AUCTION: Friday, August 15, 2025 at 10am PDT PREVIEWWednesday, August 13, 9am – 6pmThursday, August 14, 9am – 6pmFriday, August 15, 8:30am – 11am Photos: Michael Kahn. Modern Hypercars Lead the Sale The 2025 auction centers around The Future Classics Collection, a remarkable assembly of 24 modern vehicles valued at over $30 million, all offered without reserve. This unprecedented

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Automobilia Collectors Expo & Auction: A Must Visit for Monterey Car Week

The Automobilia Collectors Expo, held from August 11–13, 2025, during Monterey Car Week, marks a new chapter in automotive culture, blending rare collectibles, community, and a live auction that has quickly become a must-attend event for enthusiasts and industry leaders alike. Located at Embassy Suites Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA, the Expo is one of the largest event of its kind in North America, drawing collectors and vendors from around the world for an immersive celebration of automotive history and memorabilia. The Expo features more than 425 rare lots, ranging from vintage posters and scale models to original artwork, period rally plates, badges, and showroom displays. Over 27 top-tier dealers guarantee an authentic and eclectic mix curated for both seasoned

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Hot August Nights 2025: Reno’s Classic Car Show From Street Cruises to Rock ‘n’ Roll Vibes

As the high-desert summer ignites, Hot August Nights in Reno and Sparks draws thousands of meticulously restored automobiles, transforming the streets into a rolling tribute to America’s automotive golden age. Now in its 39th year, the event stretches from August 5 to 10, 2025, drawing collectors, families and casual observers to witness classics like 1957 Chevrolet Bel Airs and 1969 Dodge Chargers cruising beneath the iconic Reno Arch, or parked at one of the 12 venues from Sparks to Downtown Reno. What began as a modest fundraiser has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, blending the growl of V8 engines with the twang of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, offering a glimpse into the enduring romance between humans and their machines. As

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Monterey Car Week 2025: Events Schedule

Monterey Car Week returns August 8-17, 2025, with ten days of world class automotive events spanning the Monterey Peninsula. This events schedule and guide provides event listings with addresses, times, and pricing to help you navigate this legendary celebration of automotive excellence. Events by Date Friday, August 8 Saturday, August 9 Sunday, August 10 Monday, August 11 Tuesday, August 12 Wednesday, August 13 Thursday, August 14 Friday, August 15 Saturday, August 16 Sunday, August 17 Events by City Carmel Carmel Valley Monterey Pacific Grove Pebble Beach Salinas Seaside Free Events Only 14 Completely Free Events Paid Events by Price $89 – $400 Range $650 – $750 Range $800+ Premium Events Variable Pricing (TBD) Most auctions and specialty events have pricing

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Electrum and Nissan Launch NISSAN ENERGY Marketplace to Simplify EV and Solar Installations for Homeowners

Electrum, the home electrification marketplace behind platforms for major automakers, has partnered with Nissan to launch the NISSAN ENERGY Marketplace nationwide. The timing is critical: federal EV charger incentives expire September 30, 2025, and solar tax credits end December 31, 2025, a tightening deadline for homeowners nationwide. In an exclusive interview with Michael Kahn, publisher of The Weekly Driver, Electrum CEO Max Aram explained in-depth how the company’s new partnership with Nissan will help homeowners, and Nissan EV owners, simplify home electrification. “We are thrilled to bring our home electrification expertise to Nissan and support their EV owners on the path to a fully electrified lifestyle,” said Max Aram, CEO of Electrum. “Together, we are breaking down the barriers to

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2025 Ford Maverick XLT AWD Review: Built for Adventure

A Velocity Blue 2025 Ford Maverick XLT AWD pickup sits at the trailhead, splattered with the fine dust of a Foresthill Road descent. Behind it, 730 feet of air separates the Foresthill Bridge from the canyon floor below. This is exactly where a compact truck like the Ford Maverick XLT: not parked in a suburban driveway waiting for a Costco run, but pointed toward the next adventure, ready for whatever the road throws at it. Ford‘s smallest pickup has answered years of buyer demand with a single, significant upgrade for 2025: all-wheel drive is now available with the hybrid powertrain. Engine and Performance The Ford Maverick XLT AWD tested here runs the 2.5-liter hybrid engine paired with an electronic continuously

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2025 Subaru Forester Limited Review Along Northern California’s Back Roads

The 2025 Subaru Forester Limited, finished in Autumn Green Metallic, pulled into the parking lot of a Dry Creek Valley tasting room on a Friday afternoon. Early June in Northern California’s wine country arrives with warm afternoons and lingering daylight stretching late into the evening. For the last week. this compact SUV became my partner for exploring the roads most wine tourists never discover. Narrow mountain passes leading to small-production wineries, then deeper into Mendocino and Sierra National Forests where old logging roads climb toward views worth the dust and effort. Each drive confirmed what drivers who explore beyond interstate highways already know: the Forester remains the practical choice for those who refuse to choose between pavement and wilderness. Northern

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2025 Ford Explorer Platinum RWD Review: Continuing the American Manufacturing Heritage

The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum RWD starts at $57,865 as tested in this configuration. It represents the latest iteration of a nameplate that has sold more than 8 million units since 1991, making it America’s best-selling SUV. This particular vehicle tested combines the Platinum trim’s luxury appointments with the optional Ultimate Package, which adds a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, 21-inch wheels, and premium leather seating. The result is a three-row SUV that delivers genuine performance capability without sacrificing the comfort and technology features that families expect from a modern luxury SUV. Engine and Performance The tested vehicle features the optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, which produces 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 415 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm

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2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo Review: Delivering 190 HP Under $31,500

The 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo represents the flagship variant of Kia’s new compact sedan lineup, replacing the outgoing Forte with a vehicle that delivers substantially more power, technology, and refinement. Priced at $31,445 as tested with the Technology Package, this turbocharged sedan offers a compelling value proposition in a segment dominated by the Honda Civic and Mazda3. Engine and Performance The GT-Line Turbo distinguishes itself from lesser Kia K4 trims with a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque available from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. This represents a significant upgrade from the standard 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces just 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque found in LX

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Solid-State Batteries vs. Lithium-Ion in 2025: The Future of EV Sustainability

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are at the center of the most significant technological leap in electric vehicle (EV) energy storage as of 2025, promising to overcome the limitations of today’s lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with breakthroughs in range, charging speed, and safety. As of 2025, this is the current state of SSB science, global supply chain dynamics, and the environmental implications of sourcing critical materials like lithium and sulfur-a pivotal shift as the industry prioritizes Scope 2 and 3 emission reductions. Unlike conventional LIBs, which use flammable liquid electrolytes, SSBs employ solid ceramic or polymer electrolytes, enabling much higher energy density, rapid charging, and greater thermal stability. This is the current state of SSB science and technology, with a focus on Toyota’s

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2025 Subaru WRX tS Review: The Rally Legend Stands Alone

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS stands as the most capable and focused WRX ever sold in North America. Priced at $46,875 including destination, this “tuned by STI” variant combines STI-developed suspension, upgraded Brembo brakes, and aggressive summer tires with the WRX’s proven 271-horsepower turbocharged boxer engine. For enthusiasts who have been waiting for Subaru to deliver something closer to the discontinued WRX STI, this is not an STI. It does not have more power. But it might be exactly what you need. What tS Means The lowercase “t” and uppercase “S” stand for “tuned by STI,” referring to Subaru Tecnica International, the motorsport division founded in 1988 that brought Subaru three World Rally Championships and 47 WRC wins. This naming

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