Category Archives: Cars

Cars, Reviews

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance Review: Excessive Technology

Lexus has made significant improvements in their recent models, moving away from confusing controls and towards a more modern approach. The new RX model now features a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, bringing it up to speed with the rest of the automotive industry. Additionally, the RX has an impressive head-up display, which is especially notable due to its compact size. The display highlights important information related to adaptive cruise control, drive modes, speaker volume, and song selection.

However, the head-up display does have a drawback. When looking at the main gauge cluster, it can make the steering wheel buttons difficult to understand. Furthermore, adjusting drive modes or climate control settings through the center console involves navigating through numerous menu pages, which can be cumbersome.

Overall, the RX overwhelms with its excessive use of technology, sometimes reinventing basic functions that were once intuitive. For example, the exterior door handle is replaced by a small electronic button, rather than the traditional pull-out handle. Inside the car, a small door handle can be pushed inward as an electronic button or pulled outward in case of an emergency. While this is an elegant solution, it is a direct result of using a tiny electronic door handle in the first place.

Cars

Top 5 Reliable and Affordable Used Hondas to Consider

The Honda Element may not be visually appealing for some drivers due to its boxy design, but if you prioritize reliability and are not concerned about aesthetics (or actually like the look), it can be a great option for a used SUV. This is especially true if you enjoy outdoor activities like biking, camping, surfing, hiking, where the Element’s unique layout and bi-parting side doors make it perfect for carrying bulky equipment such as surfboards, skis, and mountain bikes.

According to consumer feedback from J.D. Power, the 2011 model, along with the previous models, is considered the most reliable version of the Element. The 2011 Honda Element received high ratings of 81 for quality and reliability and 80 for driving experience, with particular praise for its excellent forward visibility and spacious interior. However, some owners reported issues with the interior quality, slow acceleration, and difficulty in handling curves.

Despite these drawbacks, the 2011 Honda Element offers four-wheel drive and comes with a five-speed automatic transmission, as well as front and side airbags. Compared to other used Honda models, the Element is reasonably priced and definitely worth considering if you are looking for a cheap, reliable, and spacious pre-owned Honda.

Cars, News

Koenigsegg Gemera: A 2,300 Horsepower Hybrid V8 Monster

The Koenigsegg Gemera HV8 is set to become the most powerful and extreme production car on the planet, according to Christian von Koenigsegg, the founder and CEO of the company. While it’s yet to be seen if it can live up to those claims, on paper, the Gemera is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. Koenigsegg plans to start production of the Gemera next year at its Griper Atelier facility, with shipments expected to begin in 2025.

Unsurprisingly, upgrading to the V8 model comes at a price. The Egg Registry reports that Koenigsegg will charge $400,000 for this trim. However, for those not seeking the power of a V8 “mega car” for their daily errands and groceries, Koenigsegg offers a more modest triple-cylinder configuration that still packs an impressive 1,400hp.

Koenigsegg aims to produce 300 units of the Gemera, which is a relatively generous number considering the brand’s history. The Gemera will feature a four-wheel drive system and a nine-speed gearbox, regardless of the engine configuration chosen. Koenigsegg will also provide a Ghost Package for those who prefer a sportier appearance. While the price for this package is unknown, rumors suggest that the Gemera will start at $1.7 million.

Cars

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV First Drive: Enhancing Performance

The AMG EQE SUV maintains the tradition of concealing its enhanced performance, with only a few distinct features setting it apart from the standard EQE SUV.

Since the EQE SUV is an electric vehicle, it doesn’t have a traditional grille. However, it does have vertical bars in the area where the grille would be, giving the impression of a chrome growth medium between the headlights. This design choice aims to maintain consistency with gasoline-powered AMG models, which feature functional grilles with similar vertical bars.

In terms of appearance, the AMG-specific front splitter and rear diffuser are the main distinguishing factors, although they are only noticeable when compared to the standard EQE SUV. Depending on the chosen wheel design (AMG models offer 21-inch or 22-inch wheels, which are optional on the base EQE SUV), the gold AMG brake calipers may be visible, providing a better indication of the car’s performance than the slightly modified bodywork.

The overall body shape of the EQE SUV was primarily designed to minimize aerodynamic drag, an essential consideration for electric vehicles to maximize their range. While it is not clear whether the AMG modifications have improved the standard EQE SUV’s impressive drag coefficient of 0.25, the emphasis on aerodynamics does not result in the most aesthetically pleasing shape. In the color white, it resembles an asymmetrical dollop of whipped cream.

Cars

The Top 5 Cars Ideal for a V8 Engine Swap

When it first came out, the Porsche 944 was positioned as an entry-level option and the most affordable way to join the Porsche brand. Now, 40 years later, the same idea still holds true in the secondary market. However, it’s worth noting that collectors have discovered the 944 over time, so it’s no longer the amazing deal it used to be. According to classic.com, a valuation site, the average selling price for a base model 944 in the past year is $13,310. However, if you search carefully, you can still find rougher examples in the $5,000 range.

The 944 has always been commended for its balanced handling and weight distribution. It features a rear-mounted transaxle connected to the engine via a “torque tube,” which is basically a solid and vibration-free driveshaft licensed from Mitsubishi, of all places.

From the factory, the 944 came with a compact inline four-cylinder engine that took it from 0-60 MPH in a leisurely 8.5 seconds. While some later models offered turbocharging and four valves per cylinder (16V), even those improvements couldn’t compare to a modern LS engine, especially one that has been customized.

If you needed another reason to replace the original Porsche engine, it’s worth mentioning that it had a rubber timing belt that, if it failed, could potentially ruin the entire engine. Some may argue that installing a V8 engine will affect the perfect weight distribution, but if you opt for an aluminum LS engine instead of an iron block, the weight gain over the Porsche four-cylinder is only around 25-30 pounds.

Cars

This New Report Reveals the Surprising Impact of Paint Color on Resale Value

According to a recent report, the choice of paint color can have a significant effect on the resale value of a vehicle. Surprisingly, gold-colored vehicles experience the highest depreciation, losing 25.9% of their value over three years. This translates to a substantial difference of $11,546, which is over 1.2 times the average depreciation rate. Brown is ranked as the second worst color in terms of depreciating value, while black comes in third. It might be surprising to some, considering the prevalence of black cars, but this is largely due to their popularity rather than consumer preference.

Similarly, silver performs poorly in terms of retaining value among minivans, drop-tops, and off-road trucks. “Safe” colors like silver and black, which are widely accepted, actually rank near the bottom of the list. It appears that their commonality in the market undermines their ability to maintain value.

The supply and demand dynamics of color preferences may change over time, potentially altering the rankings in future reports. Even if people’s aesthetic preferences remain constant, the availability of certain colors can easily shift, and this could impact the resale value. It is feasible that a future analysis, such as one in 2024, may find a new color surpassing yellow as the most sought-after paint option for pre-owned vehicles.

Cars

Why Saab’s 9-7x SUV Failed For General Motors

The Saab 9-7x was provided on the market from 2005 to 2009, a comparatively quick time period, contemplating it was Saab’s first SUV. It could also be straightforward to level the finger at Trailblazer underpinnings and pretty uninspired styling for the 9-7x’s demise, however the story is deeper than that. To perceive the dying of the PathSaab Blazer9-7x, you’ll want to see what monetary form General Motors was in in the course of the SUV’s ultimate years. To put it in technical phrases, General Motors’ normal financial outlook in 2008 and 2009 was “not good” and “historically bad.” According to SEC filings in 2009, General Motors had managed to report a lack of a full six billion {dollars} over the primary quarter of the yr. It was like General Motors had out of the blue forgotten learn how to become profitable. The reality is, regardless of how good the Saab 9-7x may be, it probably wasn’t going to be round very lengthy anyway.

As one would anticipate, Saab was closely concerned within the monetary foibles. If your filings to the federal authorities have a separate line merchandise titled “Saab Related,” you realize issues may be dangerous. Looking on the gross sales numbers offers slightly extra credence to the very fact the 9-7 wasn’t right here to remain. In 2008, the final yr that full gross sales numbers can be found, Saab bought a complete of three,150 9-7xs. Comparatively, GMC bought 21,864 Envoys and Chevy bought 68,235 Trailblazers. Sales had been downright shameful. The remainder of Saab solely bought 16,187 automobiles. 

Cars, Technology

What Does an FAA Certification Mean for Flying Cars?

The FAA certification is an important milestone for Alef as it strives to bring its flying car concept to reality. However, there is still much work to be done before the car becomes practical. The Model A, which is the company’s first prototype, is expected to have a payload capacity of only 200 pounds, enough for one passenger and some baggage. Alef plans to increase the capacity in future models. The vehicle is designed to function as both a car on the road and a drone-like aircraft in the sky. It has a driving range of 200 miles and a flying range of 110 miles. The range is expected to be higher in a different prototype that will utilize hydrogen fuel cells instead of electric batteries.

Jim Dukhovny, the CEO of Alef, emphasizes that the FAA’s certification brings them closer to providing people with an environmentally friendly and time-saving commute. He believes this achievement is a significant leap forward in the integration of planes and cars. Despite the hefty price tag of $300,000, Alef has already received pre-orders for its flying car. The company plans to bring the vehicle to market by 2025. With FAA approval in hand, the production and supply of the flying car could follow suit in the near future.

The car features a unique design with a passenger bubble surrounded by eight propellers, akin to a drone. This configuration enables vertical take-off. As the car transitions to forward flight, one side of its body becomes the top wing of the aircraft, while the other side becomes the bottom wing. Testing for this transition with a human passenger has yet to be conducted, but with the FAA’s certification and the likelihood of securing additional funding, Alef will likely proceed with such tests in due course.

Cars

2023 Aston Martin DB12 First Drive: A New Beginning for the Brand

When trying to cater to different driving situations and incorporating complex technology, there is a risk that the essence of a car can be overshadowed. There is also a paradox that the closer a car gets to perfection, the more it may lose its personality. However, the Aston Martin DB12 manages to embody both excellence and the spirit of the brand.

During a test drive in Southern France, Aston Martin showcased the efforts of its engineers, focusing on the power curve and transmission of the DB12. When you press the gas pedal, there’s a brief pause that creates anticipation before the car propels forward with enthusiasm.

DB12 engine badgeChris Davies/SlashGear

In terms of the gearbox, Aston Martin purposely made it shift with noticeable force rather than silently. This intentional aggression adds to the experience of driving aggressively. While it is possible to exceed the speed limit without realizing, the DB12 does a great job of reminding you that you are driving fast.

Cars

10 Of The Strangest Cars Ever Built By Chrysler

The Norseman is considered one of Chrysler’s biggest mysteries. Although there is proof of its existence, very few people outside of the brand’s development team actually saw it. Unfortunately, it now rests at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, deteriorating over time. Divers have reported that only the tires are recognizable. The car was a collaboration between Chrysler and Ghia, an Italian studio, and it was being shipped back to the United States after initial testing. The plan was to have a grand unveiling once it reached American shores. However, tragedy struck when the ship it was on, the “SS Andrea Doria,” collided with another ship, resulting in the loss of 51 lives.

With the sinking of the Andrea Doria, the Norseman, along with all of its cargo, went with it. Just like the recent Titan submersible disaster, the shipwreck of the Andrea Doria became a popular site for exploration dives but proved to be dangerous, resulting in over two dozen divers losing their lives. The Norseman was known for its innovative features, one of which was its pillarless roof. It was engineered to hold several times the weight of the car, making it safer than many other cars of its time. Additionally, it had a futuristic appearance that impressed many. The car had undergone extensive research, accumulating approximately 50,000 hours of work. Unfortunately, much of this valuable research was lost forever when the Norseman sank. Overall, the Chrysler Norseman was an advanced vehicle that, despite its significant potential, remained unseen by the public.