Automotive Reviews

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2023 LEXUS IS 500 F SPORT DEFINES SPORT SEDAN’S VERSATILITY

Now in its second year, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is a manufacturer outlier. The luxury brand extension of Toyota is geared toward upscale interiors and comfort on the open road. The 2023 edition of the V8 sedan is more focused on performance while maintaining the Lexus reputation. Without much change from its debut offering, the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport is available in Base and Premium trims. The Launch Edition is gone. Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 with 472 horsepower engine, the small luxury sedan’s engine ia paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It has Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom drive modes for customizing the driving feel. Gas mileage averages are underwhelming, with 17 miles

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GM’s Vision for a Bidirectional Electric Future: Powering Homes, Vehicles, and Beyond

In a groundbreaking announcement, General Motors (GM) has declared that by the model year 2026, all its electric vehicles (EVs) will be equipped with bidirectional vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging capabilities. This transformative move is set to redefine the relationship between vehicles and homes, turning cars into potential power sources during grid outages and peak demand periods. The Dawn of Bidirectional Charging Bidirectional charging, as the name suggests, allows for a two-way flow of electricity. Traditional unidirectional EV chargers draw power from the grid to charge the vehicle. In contrast, bidirectional chargers enable not just the charging of the EV but also the potential to feed electricity back into the home or even the grid. This essentially transforms high-capacity lithium-ion batteries in

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Porsche 911 S/T commemorates 60 years of 911

The Porsche 911 is among only a handful of vehicles on the product line for 60 years. Porsche commemorated the legendary sports car recently by unveiling the limited-edition 911 S/T. The S/T is best described as two cars in one. It combines fan-favorite elements from the 911 GT3 RS and 911 GT3 Touring models. For the first time, it marries a 992-generation 911 with a manual transmission to a GT3 RS engine as well. Only 1,963 of the S/T will be manufactured, paying respect to the first production year of the original 911 just as Porsche did with the 911 50th Anniversary edition. Designers and engineers at Porsche are able to make purists’ dreams realities by combining the practical usability

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2023 Toyota Prius Prime: Older Hybrid Good, New Better, No Stereotype

During the past two decades, the Toyota Prius has been as polarizing as any car in the United States. Many consumers associate the vehicle with liberalism and chastise its appearance. Sometimes lost is the significance of the carmaker’s advancement in the hybrid and electric marketplace. The Prius debuted in the United States in 2020, three years after it was unveiled in Japan. It arrived a few months after the Honda Insight, which had limited availability and in only a few states. Toyota’s innovative lineup had mainstream distribution. Approaching its mid-20s, it has surpassed 15 million in global sales. Key Takeaways Fifth-generation redesign silences critics: Gone are the polarizing looks, sluggish acceleration, and blocked rear window. The 2023 Prius Prime looks

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EV Cost Per Mile vs Gas: A Comprehensive Comparison for 2023

The debate over EV Cost Per Mile vs Gas continues to be a hot topic as the automotive landscape witnesses a pivotal shift. A recent study by Anderson Economic Group has shed light on the ongoing debate between electric vehicles (EVs) and their gas-powered counterparts. The findings reveal the cost of charging many electric cars is still not cheaper than fueling traditional gas vehicles. The automotive world is in a state of flux, with EVs gaining traction and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles facing new challenges. Anderson Economic Group’s latest report, released in July 2023, provides a detailed analysis of the real-world costs of fueling different types of vehicles. “A driver might pay 64% more to charge their entry-level

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The Return of a Legend: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is making a triumphant return, and it’s packed with features that off-road enthusiasts and luxury lovers alike will appreciate. With three distinct trim options (Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and Land Cruiser First Edition), this SUV offers a blend of rugged capability, innovative technology, and refined comfort. Whether you’re navigating rough trails or cruising city streets, the Land Cruiser’s range of options ensures there’s a model tailored to your needs. Explore the specifications, features, and unique characteristics of each trim to discover why the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is set to become a sought-after vehicle in the automotive market. This off-roader, known for its durability and ruggedness, is coming back with a heritage-inspired design and

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Volvo’s Electric Future With Tesla Superchargers and In-House Autonomous Driving

In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), strategic partnerships and technological advancements are key to staying ahead of the curve. Volvo Cars, renowned Swedish automaker, is making significant strides in this direction. The company recently announced a landmark agreement with Tesla, granting Volvo‘s EV drivers access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network across North America. While Volvo is leveraging Tesla’s charging infrastructure, it has chosen to develop its own autonomous driving technology, underlining its commitment to innovation and independence in the EV sector. A Strategic Partnership with Tesla Volvo Cars is the first European automaker to sign an agreement with Tesla, enabling current and future electric Volvo car drivers to access Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network across the United States,

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2024 Subaru BRZ tS unveiled as best of the best

If you own one of Subaru’s driver-focused BRZ’s, you know it packs a lot into a small and affordable package. The carmaker recently unveiled the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS at Subiefest in California featuring upgrades that instantly elevate it to the top of the sub-$50,000 sports car crop.  The lightweight tS takes an often top-rated and highly sought-after car and improves it via a top-level trim that sits above the Premium and Limited specifications. Unlike the previous generation, the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is not production limited to 500 units. tS stands for “Tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI),” Subaru’s performance division. “More” is the keyword surrounding the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS. New wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires

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Ford’s Removable Roof Battery: A Game-Changer in EV Range Solutions

In the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront. However, ‘range anxiety’ – the fear of running out of battery before reaching a charging station – has been a persistent concern for potential EV owners. Ford has proposed an innovative solution to this issue: a removable roof battery for EVs. “The techniques described relate to an electrified vehicle backup battery system, which includes a traction battery pack and a backup battery assembly that is removably mounted to the vehicle. This backup battery assembly can recharge the traction battery pack through a charge port of the vehicle.” Ford‘s patent application for this removable roof battery technology has been making waves in the industry. The proposed

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Toyota’s Solid-State Battery: A Game Changer for Electric Vehicles

Toyota, the world’s second-largest carmaker, has recently announced a significant breakthrough in battery technology that could revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The Japanese auto giant claims to have developed a solid-state battery with a range of 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) that could charge in 10 minutes or less, a feat that could potentially double the distance of vehicles running on conventional lithium-ion batteries under the same conditions. The solid-state battery, as its name implies, employs solid electrolytes, a departure from the liquid ones found in conventional lithium-ion batteries. This shift is more than just a technical nuance. It’s a potential revolution for EVs, promising to slash charging times, boost capacity, and mitigate the fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries.

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2024 Mazda CX-90 flagship: new, worthy SUV

The three-row sport utility vehicle segment is refreshingly competitive. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 debuts impressively in the field of all-stars including recent additions like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Volkswagen Atlas. The long-standing Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot have maintained their top rankings for decades. Mazda hadn’t offered a new generation of its flagship CX-9 since 2016. With competitors always improving, the CX-90 is the manufacturer’s new front-and-center offering. The CX-9 is gone. The new vehicle’s wheelbase is 7.5 inches longer and the engine has also grown and is more versatile. The carmaker’s planned infiltration into the marketplace is overt. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is available in 11 configurations, including the reviewed PHEV Premium Plus. Eight models are offered

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The Future of Luxury EVs: AEHRA Sedan and AEHRA SUV Unveiled

In the realm of luxury electric vehicles (EVs), a new player has emerged that is poised to redefine the automotive landscape. AEHRA, an Italian-American ultra-premium electric automotive brand, has recently unveiled its latest creations: the AEHRA Sedan and AEHRA SUV. These vehicles are the epitome of world-class engineering, Italian design, and American customer service, all wrapped in a sustainable, electric package. Earlier this month, AEHRA showcased the exterior design of its second model, the AEHRA Sedan, at the Milano Monza Motor Show. This follows the brand’s first model, the AEHRA SUV, which was revealed in December. Both vehicles are built on a 925-V platform, with battery assistance from Miba, offering a range of up to 800 km from a 120

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2023 Honda HR-V: new, not so special

The Honda HR-V debuted in the United States in 2015 as a sibling of the brisk-selling Honda CR-V. It was a good idea, a subcompact crossover for consumers seeking utility in a smaller dose. The 2023 edition, the seventh model year, is the debut of the third generation. The HR-V, which Honda says stands for “Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle,” remains a solid choice, as are all Honda offerings. The manufacturer builds reliable vehicles with strong resale values. But the carmaker’s smallest SUV has increasingly stiff competition. Once based on the Honda Fit, the nimble, scoot-around-town, five-door hatchback, the HR-V is now based on the Honda Civic platform since the Fit was discontinued after its 2020 model. Something is now different, although

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Genesis GV70: new EV SUV worthy of price

Seven models years into its legacy, Genesis added its Electrified Genesis GV70 for 2023. It’s the carmaker’s eighth vehicle and its first built outside of South Korea. With its origins and continuing heritage with Hyundai, the sport utility vehicle hails from Montgomery, Ala., and is available in two trims. The Advance trim is equipped as a base model but it includes more than other brands’ upgraded offerings, a healthy list of technology features. The reviewed Prestige trim adds $6,800 to the starting MSRP of $66,975 and offers, among other upgrades, a head-up display and a Lexicon premium audio system worthy of road symphonies. The top-end GV70 also includes active noise control, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel and Nappa

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Ferrari SF90 XX debuts as automaker’s most powerful road car

Ferrari’s SF90 XX Stradale and XX Spider supercars recently unveiled are a track-prepped spin on the standard SF90. They are the first double-X Ferrari to offer road-capability, making them the most powerful road-going vehicles the manufacturer has produced.  With three electric motors and a tuned version of the twin-turbocharged V8 in the standard SF90, the double-X Ferraris reach a combined 1,016 horsepower. Maranello engineers polished the engine’s inlet and exhaust ports, crafted new pistons and increased the compression ratio for a V8-only output of 786 hp, an increase of 17 versus the standard SF90’s engine.  This power let the SF90XX clock a 0-62mph time of 2.3 seconds — two-tenths quicker than the standard SF90. A new “Extra Boost” feature pushes

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Mercedes Vision One Eleven reimagines an icon

Mercedes-Benz has taken a big step back to the future in its unveiling of the Vision One-Eleven concept. The German auto manufacturer gives the nod to a previous iconic design, specifically the 1969 C111 concept, with the appearance of the Vision One-Eleven. Mercedes’ designers didn’t stray radically from the vintage lines of the C11. Retained were the two large, contrasting hood scoops, side vents and, most importantly, gullwing doors that made the C111 so iconic. However, the past ends and the future begins with the Vision One-Eleven’s augmented reality capabilities. Mercedes has integrated an augmented reality headset which can be used by occupants to enhance user experience, combining the car’s physical interior with a digital interface. For instance, AR makes

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