Automotive News

2024 Lexus RX 450h+: versatile, luxurious SUV debuts in stellar lineup

The Lexus RX, the first and enduring luxury sport utility vehicle, has reached its mid-20s. It debuted as a compact crossover but is now considered midsized. It’s as versatile as any vehicle in the carmaker’s expanding SUV lineup. Lexus has three distinct SUVs, with the RX flanked by the smaller NX and the larger three-row LX and new TX models. The RX series has several options, including gasoline and hybrid systems. The 2024 Lexus RX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid, is new this year. It’s the upgraded version of the 350h and has 304 horsepower and a larger battery. Lexus estimates the 450h+ has a 37-mile electric-only range that can be recharged in 2 1/2 hours at 240 volts with the

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2024 Honda Odyssey: most versatile vehicle on the road?

The Honda Odyssey defies the stigma of minivan collections of automotive boredom on wheels. It may still be driven often by overprotective youth parents late for youth soccer practice or a swim meet. But the enduring Odyssey should be more fairly recognized. It’s among the industry’s most versatile vehicles. Largely unchanged since the current generation debuted in 2018, the Odyssey is ideal for a family of one seeking a high-sitting, confident vehicle with plenty of space for friends, work equipment or leisure stuff. The three-row van also drives like a car and has a cavernous interior for a large family or even a sizable youth team. Unveiled 30 years ago, the Odyssey is now in its fifth generation and is

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2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6: worthy EV underdog

The Hyundai Ioniq debuted in 2016 as a newcomer sedan with an odd name. The all-electric variant, the Ioniq 6, arrived last year. It joined an impressive lineup answering to the fusion of the words ion and unique. It’s also given the floundering sedan segment hope. Offered in SE Standard Range, SE, SEL and Limited trims, the 2024 Ioniq 6 throughout its lineup is the same as the vehicles’ debut models. The SE Standard Range is the value leader, with a 53-kWh battery pack and a single motor (149 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) driving the rear wheels. At its top end, the reviewed Limited edition is far less known, but the strongest challenger for a Tesla Model 3. It

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2024 Subaru Ascent SUV plays it safe

Subaru buyers rely on value, versatility and dependability. Its wagons and sport utility vehicles are geared toward active families with recreation equipment (and perhaps a dog) to tow. The Subaru Ascent expands the ability to haul stuff or animals. Unveiled in late 2018, the mid-sized crossover SUV is the carmaker’s only three-row vehicle. It continues with the brand’s reputation, including its standard all-wheel drive. Available in base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Limited, Limited and Touring, all Ascents are equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. All variants also feature 260 horsepower matched with a continuously variable transmission. Gas mileage averages are 21 mpg in city driving, 25 mpg on the highway. The low tallies are the vehicle’s primary downfall

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VinFast VF 8 Dominates ASEAN NCAP Safety Awards, Showcases Cutting-Edge Electric SUV Capabilities

In a significant win for VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker’s VF 8 SUV has captured five major safety accolades at the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards in Bangkok, held on May 28, 2024. This recognition places the all-electric VF 8 at the forefront of vehicle safety in Southeast Asia. The VF 8 distinguished itself among contenders from over 15 global automakers, securing top honors in “Best Child Occupant Protection,” “Best Safety Assist,” “Best Overall,” “Best Motorcyclist Safety,” and “Best SUV.” These awards highlight VinFast‘s commitment to safety and its successful integration of advanced protective technologies in its vehicles. The SUV earned perfect scores in the rigorous frontal and side impact tests, leading to its win in the “Best Child Occupant Protection”

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2023 Mercedes-Benz EV SUV: new but not iconic carmaker’s best

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ is the new and least expensive electric sport utility vehicle in the German manufacturer’s lineup. It joins the EQB 300 4Matic EQB and 350 4Matic as the brand expands its EV focus. All of the models have Premium, Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels, opening the configurations to a wider audience, particularly with EQB 250 debut. It’s a financially attractive way to enter the EV market with the enduring carmaker. The EQB 250+ features 188 horsepower and is powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor. With its more powerful relatives, the EQB 250 uses a 70-kWh battery pack. The manufacturer promotes the battery charges from 10 to 80 percent in 32 minutes while using a DC

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Top-line 2024 BMW X5 SUV: too much of a good thing

Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) is a few years away from its centenary as an automaker. It introduced its first sports utility vehicle 25 years ago as the industry continued its dominating switch from family sedans to sport utility vehicles. The 2024 BMW X5 M Competition and its rivals take the SUV saturation to another level. It’s a luxury family hauler with track-level performance. It’s needed for the high speeds necessary when visiting the local nursery, hauling lumber and groceries or transporting youth soccer players. In other words, it’s a vehicle that defines automotive excess. Yes, the X5 M Competition is a descendant of the original. But it’s as far removed as feasible from Merriam-Webster’s original definition of an SUV: “a

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Behind the Scenes of the 2024 Kia EV9 Super Bowl Commercial

This Super Bowl season, Kia is set to enchant viewers with a 60-second commercial for the all-new 2024 Kia EV9. The commercial is designed to showcase the EV9 as a beacon of hope and a source of power to illuminate the lives around us. To examine the making of the commercial, Michael Kahn, Publisher at The Weekly Driver conducted an exclusive telephone interview with Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing at Kia America. Wager shared behind-the-scenes insights, revealing the creative process and strategic thinking that went into the making of the “Perfect 10” commercial. Featuring the collaborative track “Wish I Was Here” by Cat Power and Coldplay, the ad tells the heartwarming tale of a young figure skater, her father,

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#281, Automotive legend: Ralph Teetor

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:00 — 73.2MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreA strong argument could be made that Ralph Teetor is responsible for what is now called autonomous driving. Blind since he was a young boy, Teetor invented cruise control in the 1940s. It was one of more than 40 patents granted to a native of Indiana who died in 1982. Teetor will be inducted posthumously into the National Inventors Hall of Fame on May 9 in Washington, D.C. Jack Teetor, the inventor’s great-nephew, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Teetor the family legacy and the fascinating life of his great-uncle. Teetor has

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2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 defines luxury SUV with a hefty price

Big and bold and wearing a front-grille badge the size of a serving platter, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 sport utility vehicle is all about luxury, power and excess all in no uncertain terms. The biggest SUV from the manufacturer’s high-performance subsidiary, the three-row family hauler does nothing subtle. It features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with hybrid assistance and delivers 603 horsepower. It generates another 21 horsepower from the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). It’s a 48-volt auxiliary on-board motor that operates an electrical system giving a boost power to several systems. Operated via a nine nine-speed automatic transmission, the SUV advances from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is pegged at 174 miles per hour and the

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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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