Michael Kahn

Articles by Michael Kahn

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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2026 Chevrolet Corvettes Redefine the Driver-Centric Cockpit Experience

The entire lineup of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvettes introduces a thoroughly reimagined interior that marries cutting-edge technology with elevated craftsmanship, effectively addressing one of the most controversial elements of the C8 generation while maintaining the vehicle’s driver-focused DNA. This significant refresh affects the entire Corvette family-Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, and ZR1-bringing larger displays, fresh colorways, and improved ergonomics that promise to cement the iconic American sports car’s leadership position for years to come. For the 2026 model year, Chevrolet has completely redesigned the Corvette’s cabin, addressing driver and passenger needs with an emphasis on both functionality and luxury. Most notably, designers have eliminated the controversial “button wall” that divided the driver and passenger compartments since the C8’s introduction in 2019. This

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Sony Honda Mobility AFEELA 1 EV – Behind the Wheel

The highly anticipated Sony Honda Mobility AFEELA 1 EV represents a watershed moment in automotive partnerships, merging Sony’s technological prowess with Honda’s manufacturing expertise. I was invited down to the popup showroom to experience the AFEELA 1 firsthand. After seeing the development over the years at CES in Las Vegas, I was excited for some dedicated time with the production version. I was taken through the Signature trim level of the AFEELA 1 by Shay at Corte Madera, who went over the infotainment system and customization features. Additional information and talking points were provided by Adre Rodriguez, Public Relations Manager, and Monica Matsuda, Marketing and PR. The Signature is slated to begin deliveries in 2026, with Origin beginning in 2027.

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2025 Subaru Forester Limited Hybrid Review: Proving Substance Wins

The 2025 Subaru Forester Limited Hybrid arrived with Autumn Green Metallic paint, a color that blends naturally with pine trees, granite shorelines, and the blue expanse of mountain lakes. Over the course of a week, I loaded this compact SUV with paddle boards, coolers, and camping gear for day trips to California’s network of reservoirs and lakes. Each drive reinforced why the Forester remains a top choice among outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize capability and reliability over flashy performance numbers. Exterior Adventure The sixth-generation Subaru Forester receives a significant redesign for 2025, and the new hybrid powertrain represents the most substantial change. The exterior presents a cleaner, more contemporary look while preserving the practical proportions that define this nameplate. At 183.3

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2025 RAM 2500 Laramie Sport Crew Cab 4×4 Review Combines Luxury and Functionality

The 2025 RAM 2500 Laramie Sport Crew Cab 4×4 is a heavy-duty truck designed for those who demand both rugged capability and refined luxury. Built to cater to professionals, towing enthusiasts, and adventurous drivers, this model combines cutting-edge technology, exceptional performance, and premium comfort. Vehicle Specifications The 2025 RAM 2500 Laramie Sport Crew Cab 4×4 is a heavy-duty truck packed with impressive features and capabilities. Below are its detailed specifications of the vehicle I drove: Pricing Exterior Interior Engine & Transmission Fuel Tank Performance Ratings Standard Safety Features Optional Safety Features Infotainment & Technology Convenience Features Optional Equipment Environmental Ratings (California Air Resources Board) Warranty Coverage Assembly Information Exterior Design The 2025 RAM 2500 Laramie Sport Crew Cab 4×4 features

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The Best Electric Trucks of 2025: Longest Range and Top Features

Electric trucks have become increasingly popular, offering impressive range, utility, and performance. Below is a detailed breakdown of the best electric trucks available in 2025, in order of range (miles). Electric trucks now span a wide range of categories: 2025 Electric Trucks with Longest Range Year Make & Model Range (miles) Battery Capacity (kWh) Price (USD) 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck 492 205 $77,795 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Max Range 460 205 $97,895 2025 Rivian R1T Max 420 ~180 $85,000+ 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV LT Extended Range 408 170 $75,195 2025 Tesla Cybertruck Tri-Motor ~400 Est. ~200 $79,990+ 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV LT Premium Package 390 170 $81,995 2025 Ram 1500 REV 350 168 $60,000+ 2025 Ford F-150

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NVIDIA’s Automotive Platform Could Transform the Future of Robotic Vehicles

In a bold vision for the future of transportation, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang predicts a world where one billion robotic cars will roam the streets. This ambitious forecast, shared at the GPU Technology Conference, underscores NVIDIA’s commitment to revolutionizing the automotive industry through advanced artificial intelligence and computing technologies. NVIDIA, traditionally known for its graphics processing units (GPUs), has pivoted to become a major player in the autonomous vehicle sector. The company’s DRIVE AGX platform has emerged as a cornerstone for carmakers aiming to achieve various levels of autonomy, from advanced driver assistance systems to fully driverless vehicles. At CES 2025, Huang unveiled the NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion AV platform, built on the new NVIDIA AGX Thor system-on-a-chip (SoC). This platform

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Secret Jeep Easter Eggs

A tiny spider greets you in Italian when you open the fuel door. Flip-flops honor a journalist who refused to wear proper shoes. A dinosaur skull hides under your floor mat. Jeep Easter eggs are small hidden designs that Jeep designers incorporate into every vehicle model. These range from tiny animal silhouettes to Morse code messages to tributes honoring the brand’s 1941 military origins. The tradition spans nearly three decades and includes every current Jeep: Wrangler, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and Compass. Some owners drive for years without noticing them. Others make finding every last one a personal mission. The tradition started with a single designer who wanted to leave his mark on an icon. According to Motor Authority’s

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The Story Behind Kendrick Lamar’s Buick GNX for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance featured a prominent automotive centerpiece: a black 1987 Buick GNX. The vehicle, which played a key role in the show’s opening moments, holds significant personal and artistic meaning for the rapper. The GNX, or Grand National Experimental, was a limited-edition performance car produced by Buick in 1987. Only 547 units were manufactured, making it a rare and sought-after collector’s item. Lamar, born in 1987, has a personal connection to the vehicle. His father reportedly drove him home from the hospital in a Buick Regal, the base model for the GNX. The car’s appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show coincides with Lamar’s latest album, titled “GNX,” released in November 2024. Throughout the album,

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