Michael Kahn

Articles by Michael Kahn

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2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE Rubicon X Review: Take Luxury Plug-In Hybrid Capabilities Off-Road

Navigating the winding roads of the Sierra Nevada foothills, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X hummed quietly beneath me, a stark contrast to the rugged terrain towering around forgotten logging roads. This latest iteration of the iconic off-roader represents a significant evolution, blending Jeep‘s legendary capability with modern electrification. This plug-in hybrid off-roader combines Jeep‘s legendary 4×4 capabilities with electrification amongst the iconic Wrangler lineup. With 375 horsepower and 21 miles of all-electric range, the Rubicon X is ready to deliver unparalleled performance both on and off the beaten path. But does this $78,995 trail-ready hybrid live up to its hefty price tag? I put it to the test in challenging terrain to find out. Performance and Powertrain The heart

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Here’s How the Honda-Nissan Merger Could Reshape the Global Automotive Industry

Japanese automotive giants Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. have set the industry abuzz with their announcement of potential merger talks, a move that could reshape the global automotive landscape. On December 23, 2024, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the creation of a new holding company, potentially forming the world’s third-largest automaker by vehicle sales. The proposed merger, which also includes discussions with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, aims to pool resources and technological expertise to better position the combined entity in the face of industry-wide challenges. This groundbreaking development comes as Japanese automakers face mounting pressure to compete in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market, where they have struggled to keep

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2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige 2.5T AWD Review: A Refined Adventure Machine

Settling into the driver’s seat of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. This wasn’t just any test drive; I was about to embark on a 400-mile journey from Sacramento to Los Angeles for the 2024 LA Auto Show. It was the perfect opportunity to put Kia‘s refreshed midsize SUV through its paces. The 2024 Sorento has undergone a significant facelift, and it’s immediately apparent. The front fascia sports a bolder grille, flanked by redesigned LED headlights with striking amber daytime running lights. These changes give the Sorento a more commanding presence on the road, reminiscent of its larger sibling, the Telluride. The X-Pro package adds a rugged touch with 17-inch wheels

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The Lightship AE.1 vs Pebble Flow – Comparing Electric Smart Camping for 2025

The recreational vehicle industry is experiencing a significant shift towards electrification, with two leading the charge: the Lightship AE.1 vs Pebble Flow. Both of these electric travel trailers are set to redefine the RV market with their advanced Smart technologies and eco-friendly designs. These are the notable differences in their approaches and specifications. Lightship AE.1 Lightship, an American electric RV manufacturer, has unveiled its production model AE.1 Cosmos Edition. Originally introduced as the L1 at the 2023 SXSW show, this “aero-electric” travel trailer is designed and manufactured in Broomfield, Colorado. Features of the AE.1 Cosmos Edition include: The AE.1 Cosmos Edition is limited to 50 units and priced at $250,000 (or $239,900 after available tax credits). Production is scheduled to

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2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige Review Redefines the Minivan with Family Luxury

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige marks a significant evolution in the minivan segment, seamlessly blending practicality with luxury and improved fuel efficiency. The vehicle’s interior exudes an upscale ambiance that rivals European luxury vehicles, departing from the utilitarian design typically associated with family haulers. The SX Prestige trim elevates the Carnival’s interior with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. Soft-touch surfaces adorn the dashboard and door panels, while genuine leather upholstery covers the seats. The cabin features ambient lighting with customizable color options, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. I opted for teal, which looks great alongside the rest of the trim. Brushed aluminum accents and wood-grain trim pieces further enhance the luxurious feel, strategically placed throughout the interior.

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From Smartphones to Smart Cars: The Digital Transformation of Our Daily Commute

As I slide into the driver’s seat of my newly delivered 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV SX-Prestige AWD, I’m struck by the array of screens and connectivity options surrounding me. Gone are the days of fumbling with a smartphone mount; now, my device seamlessly integrates with the car’s infotainment system through Apple CarPlay, alongside with Kia’s very own Kia Access app. This personal experience mirrors a broader trend sweeping the automotive industry. By 2028, Insider Intelligence predicts that 84% of new vehicles sold in the United States will feature connected car technology. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a glimpse into the automotive future. The global connected car market is accelerating faster than a sports car on an open highway. Precedence Research

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2024 Subaru BRZ tS Review – Track Tuned and Driver Ready

The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is Subaru‘s wild child, the one that decided to ditch the all-wheel drive and head to the gym instead. We’re talking rear-wheel drive, a punchy boxer engine, and handling that’ll make you grin like a kid on Christmas morning. As the flagship of the BRZ lineup, the tS model is engineered to satisfy purists who crave nimble handling, precision control, and a driver-focused interior. I was excited to experience first-hand what sets this performance variant apart. Distance driven: 656 miles. Driving conditions: Sunny weather, rain storms, windy mountain roads through Sierra Nevada and Pope/Chiles Valley, Napa. The Experience The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS in WR Blue Pearl, offers a focused driving experience that comes with

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#286, James Raia Behind the Wheel: Seven Years of Stories, Cars, and Conversations

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:43 — 51.9MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreIn this special The Weekly Driver podcast episode, Michael Kahn takes the reins from longtime hosts James Raia and Bruce Aldrich in an interview with Raia, who reflects on the journey in automotive journalism and podcasting over the past seven years. Raia leans forward and with a bit of a journalistic tone, he casually shares, “After reviewing cars every week for 21 years, I still find myself asking, ‘What’s the story behind this car?’” With candid humor and heartfelt anecdotes, Raia shares the story of how he and Aldrich built the podcast from scratch, interviewing everyone from car enthusiasts next door to industry giants

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2024 Best of the Bay: Top Vehicles Showcase Tech and Comfort

2024 Best of the Bay is an annual awards event judged by members of the Western Automotive Journalists (WAJ), a non-profit association of automotive writers and content creators based in the Bay Area. I had the unique opportunity to personally test drive each of the vehicles featured in the 2024 Best of the Bay awards. Given 30 minutes with each vehicle, I navigated a series of carefully suggested routes that allowed me to experience their full range of capabilities. From winding coastal highways to steep hills and forested backroads around Santa Cruz, the diverse landscape provided the perfect canvas to put these cars through their paces. Each drive offered something new—whether it was the roar of a performance engine or

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The Untold Challenge of Electric Vehicles: What Happens to the Batteries?

The rapid electrification of the global automotive industry has made electric vehicles (EVs) a central piece of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While the shift to EVs brings the promise of cleaner transportation, the supply chain and lifecycle of EV batteries introduce complex environmental challenges. The creation of a circular economy around EV batteries—a system that minimizes waste by reusing and recycling materials—is seen as a solution to these challenges. Building this system from scratch requires innovation, regulatory support, and technological advancements. Beyond merely reducing emissions, it aims to optimize resource use, limit reliance on virgin materials, and create a sustainable infrastructure for handling millions of EV batteries over the coming decades. EV Battery Boom: Critical Infrastructure The surge

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GM Energy PowerBank: Bringing Home Energy Storage and Backup Alongside Ultium

General Motors is not just making strides in electric vehicle (EV) technology; it’s now making a significant impact in home energy solutions. With the launch of GM Energy’s PowerBank, the company aims to provide homeowners with a robust, reliable backup energy storage system that integrates seamlessly with its Ultium platform. The PowerBank is designed to offer backup power for homes during outages and peak demand periods, while also enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. This marks a major step forward in GM’s broader strategy to establish itself as a leader in renewable energy solutions. With the PowerBank, GM Energy is delivering more than just a simple energy storage solution—it’s offering homeowners the ability to control, manage, and optimize their energy usage

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Elon Musk Unveils Tesla Robovan, the 20-Seat Electric Van Set to Transform City Transit

Tesla has made waves yet again with the unveiling of its latest innovation: the Tesla Robovan. Introduced at the 2024 ‘We, Robot’ event, the Robovan is designed to be both a passenger and cargo vehicle, capable of fully autonomous operation. Much like the recently revealed Cybercab, the Robovan is set to revolutionize how we think about urban transportation, offering solutions for logistics, public transit, and mobility as a service. A Van Like No Other The Tesla Robovan isn’t just a larger version of Tesla’s other vehicles—it’s an entirely new concept. Elon Musk described it as “a Swiss army knife of transportation” during its reveal, highlighting its versatility for both passenger and cargo applications. Whether it’s transporting commuters or delivering packages,

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Elon Musk Introduces Tesla Cybercab at We, Robot with Full Self-Driving Autonomous Technology

In an era where autonomous vehicles are no longer a distant dream, Tesla has taken yet another leap forward with its highly anticipated Cybercab—an all-electric, fully autonomous robotaxi designed to transform urban mobility. Unveiled by Elon Musk at Tesla event ‘We, Robot’ on October 10, 2024, the Tesla Cybercab is more than just a vehicle; it’s a glimpse into a future where human drivers may become obsolete. But what does this mean for city transportation, and how does the Cybercab compare to Tesla’s other innovations? The Concept Behind the Cybercab Elon Musk’s vision for Tesla has always included a future where vehicles operate without human intervention. Tesla‘s Cybercab is the embodiment of that vision—a purpose-built, driverless taxi designed to ferry

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Automakers Reassess Electric Goals as Costs Outpace Expectations

Electric vehicles (EVs) were once heralded as the inevitable future of the automotive industry, with automakers rushing to announce bold plans to electrify their lineups. But as 2024 unfolds, it’s becoming clear that this future may not arrive as quickly as once expected. The last few months have seen a significant pullback from several major automakers, including Ford, General Motors (GM), Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, and Volvo. Economic headwinds, rising costs, and supply chain issues are forcing these companies to reassess their once-lofty EV ambitions. While consumer demand for electric vehicles remains strong, the reality of scaling EV production has proven far more complicated than anticipated. Ford’s Battery Plant Delay and Mixed Results Ford has been one of the most vocal advocates

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The Renault 17 Returns: A Look at Ora Ïto’s Restomod and Its 1970s Legacy

The Renault 17, a distinctive French coupe from the 1970s, may not be a household name, but it’s one that invokes nostalgia for a generation of auto enthusiasts. Born from a decade defined by daring designs, disco, and social change, the Renault 17 has been revived as a modern restomod by French designer Ora Ïto. This sleek reinterpretation blends retro charm with contemporary automotive advancements, giving new life to a car that helped define an era. The Renault 17: A Snapshot of 1970s Style and Culture Renault launched the 17 in 1971, aiming to carve a niche in the competitive European market for sporty coupes. The 1970s were a time when the auto industry was pivoting from pure muscle to

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Volkswagen and ORNL Break New Ground with 270 kW Wireless Charging for EVs

Volkswagen, in collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), has taken a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicle (EV) technology by achieving the first-ever 270 kW wireless power transfer. This landmark development represents a leap in wireless charging capabilities, setting the stage for faster and more efficient EV charging without the need for cumbersome plug-in systems. For drivers and the industry alike, this advancement could be a game-changer in how electric vehicles are charged, bringing us closer to a future where EVs can charge rapidly and seamlessly. The Breakthrough in Wireless Charging The 270 kW wireless charging system developed by Volkswagen and ORNL employs high-frequency magnetic fields to transfer energy between a transmitter and a receiver.

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