Automotive News

All-Electric 2024 Porsche Macan SUV Takes On Bold New Direction

A decade after its initial launch, Porsche‘s Macan is taking a bold leap into the future with its 2024 all-electric model. This new chapter in the Macan’s story is marked by a blend of progressive design, Porsche‘s signature performance, and everyday practicality. The Macan 4 and Macan Turbo are set to meet and exceed the expectations of SUV enthusiasts, according to Jörg Kerner, Vice President of the Macan Product Line. The 2024 Macan models are powered by the latest generation of permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM) on both axles, a move that ensures high efficiency and consistent power delivery. The Macan 4, with its 300 kW (402 hp) output, and the Macan Turbo, boasting 470 kW (630 hp), set new

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The Apple Car: From Vision to Reality in 2028

In 2028, the automotive world is poised for a monumental shift with the launch of the Apple Car, Apple Inc.’s highly anticipated foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Dubbed Project Titan, this venture represents Apple’s bold step into an entirely new product category, blending their renowned innovation in technology with the dynamics of automotive design. As the countdown to 2028 continues, the Apple Car is generating buzz for its promise to redefine autonomous driving with its Level 2+ system, a pivot from its initial vision of full autonomy. From its conception to its upcoming launch, the Apple Car is set to be not just a vehicle, but a symbol of futuristic design and cutting-edge technology, poised to reshape our

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Navigating Flooding in an Emergency

Driving through flooded streets can be incredibly hazardous, even if you have a vehicle that is well-equipped for handling extreme road conditions. Rising water levels and compromised roads pose serious risks, so it’s vital to know how to safely deal with the situation while prioritizing your own well-being. By taking proactive measures, employing safe driving practices, and responding effectively to the situation at hand, you can keep yourself and your passengers safe. If a dangerous road or vehicle defect causes a bad-weather crash, speak to a car accident lawyer in Charleston, SC for assistance.  Preparing for Potential Flooding in Advance It’s a given that you should keep an eye on weather forecasts if you expect an imminent storm or heavy

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Honda Pilot once ruled but no more

The Honda Pilot debuted 21 years ago as the Japanese carmaker’s largest sport utility vehicle. It succeeded quickly as an alternative to its seven-year older and smaller sibling, the Honda CR-V. The Honda HR-V, the smallest of an SUV foursome, arrived in North America in 2015. The Honda Passport, positioned between the HR-V and the Pilot debuted in 1993. Without exceptions, the vehicles provide customers Honda at its best: value, dependability and strong resale marks. But other manufacturers have infiltrated the marketplace which makes the 2023 Honda Pilot not quite the front-runner it once was. Kia, Hyundai and Mazda, among other manufacturers, offer formidable competition. Still, the Honda Pilot, newly designed for 2023, is far from a slacker. It’s a

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Liberty Walk Autozam AZ-1 is a Ferrari Fan’s Dream Come True

A $40,000 Ferrari F40 would be any auto enthusiast’s dream, and Japanese tuner Liberty Walk is making it a reality — almost. Liberty Walk took the wraps off of a heavily modified F40 lookalike, based on an Autozam AZ-1, at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon last Friday. The kit is officially titled the LB Works LB40 AZ-1 and buyers can pick one up for $36,960, a fraction of an F40’s $2M price tag. Liberty Walk has been on the car scene since 1993 and is renowned for taking unassuming sports cars and turning them into something of their own. This often includes almost cartoonish designs shaped by extremes: the widest fenders, largest wings, and lowest suspension. Enthusiasts of this Japanese

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Hybrid Cars Make a Comeback Amidst Electric Vehicle Sales Slowdown

The battle between electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids represents more than just a trend; it’s a pivotal shift that heralds a new chapter in transportation. Competition between electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars is intensifying, presenting a complex array of challenges and opportunities that are reshaping the industry. As automakers like Ford, Kia, and Toyota adapt to shifting consumer preferences and navigate through political, economic, and infrastructural complexities, the nuances of the burgeoning EV market, along with an unexpected resurgence of hybrids, lead to strategic recalibrations being undertaken by automotive companies. Hybrids, once overshadowed by the allure of fully electric vehicles, are experiencing a renaissance. This shift is driven by consumers’ reluctance to fully commit to electric vehicles, deterred by

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Little Lexus leads value hybrid SUV luxury corps

The 2024 Lexus UX 250h continues the now six-year run for the uniquely positioned vehicle. It’s arguably the country’s best-valued, most fuel-efficient luxury subcompact sport utility vehicle. It’s a long title and worthy of it. The least inexpensive Lexus starts at $35,340. The Premium and F Sport Design trims both start at $37,800. The top F Sport Handling model begins at $42,770. All-wheel-drive is a $1,400 option on every trim. The top-line choice costs about the same as the average price of a new vehicle in the United States, which makes the little-but-not-so-little SUV additionally attractive. When it debuted, the UX (Urban eXplorer) lineup was offered in gas and hybrid options. The former was discarded in 2023, leaving four hybrid

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2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: built, billed right

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is marketed as an inexpensive small sport utility vehicle with superior fuel economy. It’s an enticing description for a family needing solid transportation, reliability, efficiency and strong brand resale value. New with last year’s model, the hybrid joins the Corolla family. Its pedigree stands alone as the best-selling car in history. The Cross debuted in 2022, with the new hybrid, of course, substantially boosting gas mileage. In its debut model year, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is available in S, SE and XSE trims. All versions are powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a hybrid system for a combined 196 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. As

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2024 Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar inspired by upcoming rally-raid

The start of the 2024 Dakar Rally is just about upon us and Audi spotlighted its participation Wednesday by unveiling an electric SUV inspired by the desert race. The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar features plenty of horsepower, heightened off road capabilities, and a limited decal package. The Dakar Rally kicks off January 5 2024. Originally run from Paris, France to Dakar, Senegal, the Dakar Rally as of 2020 is held as a 3,100-mile, two-week race entirely within Saudi Arabia. Audi has participated in the fastest class, T1 Car Class, of this physical, mental, and mechanical endurance test since 2022. Each Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is based upon the Q8 55 e-tron and is propelled by a 402-horsepower, 490

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The 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL63 S E: Many horses from two sources

Mercedes-AMG is keeping the V8-powered sports car alive and not quietly. The SL63 S E Performance debuted last week. It’s not just a hybrid V8 supercar, but the most powerful SL ever conceived. It has more than 800 horsepower and four digits of torque pumped out of the biturbo engine. Its performance makes this a potential titan on the tarmac. Engineers at Mercedes-AMG made this possible by combining a handmade, 4.0-liter V8 with a Formula 1-inspired hybrid system. The engine produces 600 horsepower which exceeds the Porsche 911 Turbo or a Bentley Continental V8. Paired with the hybrid system, the horsepower increases to 805. It’s astounding for the car’s size and class. A 200-horsepower electric powertrain Mercedes says was developed

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2023 Genesis G90: Large luxury sedan class

The automotive industry is fixated on gas mileage averages, emission efficiency and alternative fuels that may one day make internal combustion engines the outliers. It’s all fine. Until then, here’s to the open road and full-size luxury sedans represented well by the six-year-old Genesis G90. Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo are the aging stalwarts with loyalist buyers. Genesis is a confident newcomer, comfortable for its occupants and confident transporting them. It’s the young automotive endurance athlete, respectful of its European elders but perfectly capable of leading the pack if the opportunity arises. Offered as the 3.5T and 3.5T E-Supercharger, the 2023 Genesis in both trims is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The base trim V6

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Hello, Goodbye: Next-generation Porsche Panamera Unveiled

Porsche’s unveiling of the new, third-generation Panamera says hello to a new appearance and engineering and goodbye to the Sport Turismo wagon models. The new sedan’s online debut saw the release of a redesigned Panamera and Panamera 4, as well as the current flagship Turbo E-Hybrid. No Sport Turismo models were present as poor sales and a only marginal increase in practicality over its sedan counterpart forced the automaker to cease production. Upon first glance, the Panamera’s most significant change is its appearance. A new front end utilizes enlarged intakes and a sharpened profile but otherwise maintains the original slick styling of the previous generation. Center-lock wheels, a first for four-door Porsches, and a full-length lightbar punctuate the rear end.

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Strike A Pose at the 2023 LA Auto Show

There are many ways to explore the new cars, reveals and concepts at the 2023 LA Auto Show, running from November 17 to 26. One way yet to be evaluated was how auto manufacturers would show off their best car pose. As the reader, you are requested to determine your favorites and leave a comment. I visited different manufacturers’ displays and asked for their best representative to give me a car pose. Some took it seriously, some embraced the weird and knew exactly how to show off their poses and the car. Asking someone to pose with the cars resulted in a whole new experience for the show. These photos were challenging to achieve, with people opening doors, getting in

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Lucid Motors announces first SUV, defines Gravity

Lucid Motors, the upstart electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Northern California, has unveiled the Lucid Gravity, a full-sized, luxury sport utility vehicle with a projected range of 440 miles. The third-year company’s first SUV was announced on the eve of the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s scheduled for production in late 2024 with an expected starting MSRP of less than $80,000. According to the carmaker, “Lucid’s commitment to design excellence, spacious interiors and versatility further sets Gravity apart from the competition.” The exterior design is a combination of aesthetics and utility. A focus on efficiency has led to a target coefficient of drag of less than 0.243. The Gravity’s presence is supported by a substantial frunk, sleek profile, elongated

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2023 Lucid Air Pure: fledgling, worthy luxury sedan

It’s difficult to consider the 2023 Lucid Air Pure the entry-level vehicle of the young carmaker’s five trims. It’s the brand’s least expensive and least powerful sedan. But it would be many manufacturers’ flagship offering. The 2023 Lucid Air Pure is a continuation of the car’s debut in late 2021 as a 2022 model. Its starting price is $77,400, with Lucid‘s latest, the top-line Sapphire, priced at $249,000 (no options). Performance is the key for all trims, a “meager” 430 horsepower to the highest in the mainstream car industry, the Sapphire’s 1,234 horsepower. With its single-motor, rear-wheel drive layout, the Air Pure is exemplary for daily driving requirements. If it were the only trim, Lucid enthusiasts would be satisfied. But

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Driver’s dozen provides new car review challenge, South Korean EVs take honors

Automotive journalists often drive new vehicles for a week and then write reviews about their experiences. It’s rare one vehicle in a manufacturer’s lineup can be quickly compared to a more modest or a higher-end trim of the same car. Also unusual is promptly testing two diverse cars or trucks from the same carmaker. The novel approach was one idea presented at the recent Best of the Bay, a 2 1/2-day gathering of the Western Auto Journalists (WAJ). It’s the 30-year-old Bay Area community of automotive content creators and industry representatives. Nine manufacturers showcased 13 cars at Vintner’s Resort in Santa Rosa for testing, including two from Genesis, Hyundai, Kia and Toyota. Acura, Honda, Lexus, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz (AMG) presented

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