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If You Were Waiting To Buy Or Lease An EV, Now Is The Right Time

Summary

  • Now is the right time to purchase an EV with costs dropping and incentives obtainable, making them extra reasonably priced and enticing to patrons.
  • EV costs are lowering because of a market shift, leading to extra stock and shorter promoting occasions, benefitting customers on the lookout for a deal.
  • Falling battery prices are contributing to a drop in EV costs, making it doable for electrical vehicles to succeed in value parity with gas-powered autos quickly.

From automakers with an extended historical past available in the market to startup electrical car producers, there is a hunch in electric vehicle demand that’s placing a dent in EV recognition. Due to this lack of demand, many automakers and automotive dealerships are bettering promotions and offers on EVs, making now one of the best time to get your fingers on an electrical car. Factors reminiscent of elevated costs in comparison with gas-powered options, larger financing prices, and lack of charging spots, amongst different challenges, are hindering EV growth throughout the country.

However, now could be a particularly advantageous time for anybody seeking to purchase or lease an electrical car. Year over 12 months, EV transaction prices are dropping by a big quantity, and the variety of days an EV stays available on the market is rising whereas gas-powered vehicles’ occasions are lowering.

As a end result, this makes it a good time to buy an EV earlier than the market normalizes and costs rise once more. Using particulars of varied EV incentives, sharing the impression of particular components on costs, and going over present offers, you may get a great understanding of why you must transfer now to get an electrical car as a substitute of ready till it is too late.

In order to provide the most recent and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources like CarEdge, iSeeCars, and EPA.

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12 Cheapest EVs In 2024: Budget-Friendly Electric Car Prices

It should not value an arm and a leg to go inexperienced, and because of these reasonably priced choices, it does not anymore.

EV Deals Are Getting Better

New EVs are coming to the market on a regular basis now, regardless that producers are coming to phrases with various demand and always altering tax credit score guidelines. The excellent news about all that is that costs are falling as stock ranges are rising. Also, as electrical autos develop into extra mainstream, their costs usually tend to go down. The excellent news is that many analysts consider the market has reached this level in 2023. This is when the EV market share climbed to a report excessive of 8.1-percent of all new car sales in the U.S. – so the electrical revolution is slowly however absolutely occurring.

Available EV Incentives

Federal electric vehicle tax credits for brand spanking new EVs prime out at $7,500 and $4,000 for used EVs in 2024, and your financial institution or the automotive producer’s finance firm can take a $7,500 tax credit score for EV leases, and so they would possibly low cost your lease accordingly. To unlock tax credit for a brand new EV, the automotive’s last meeting should happen in North America – passing this check will assist you get two electrical automotive tax credit for $3,750 every in case you meet particular standards.

For the primary credit score, a sure share of the car’s important battery supplies have to be equipped by the U.S. or a rustic with a free-trade settlement with the U.S. The second credit score requires a particular share of battery elements to be manufactured or assembled within the U.S. or the identical free-trade settlement nations.

Current EVs And PHEVs That Qualify For Federal Tax Credits

Make

Model

Year

Credit Amount

MSRP Limit

Acura

ZDX

2024

$7,500

$80,000

Audi

Q5 PHEV 55 TFSI e Quattro, Q5 S Line 55 TFSI e Quattro

2023 – 2024

$3,750

$80,000

Cadillac

LYRIQ

2024

$7,500

$80,000

Chevrolet

Blazer EV

2024

$7,500

$80,000

Chevrolet

Bolt EUV

2022 – 2023

$7,500

$55,000

Chevrolet

Bolt EV

2022 – 2023

$7,500

$55,000

Chevrolet

Equinox EV

2024

$7,500

$80,000

Chrysler

Pacifica PHEV

2022 – 2024

$7,500

$80,000

Ford

Escape Plug-in Hybrid

2022 – 2024

$3.750

$80,000

Ford

F-150 Lightning (Extended And Standard Range Battery)

2022 – 2024

$7,500

$80,000

Honda

Prologue

2024

$7,500

$80,000

Jeep

Grand Cherokee PHEV 4xe

2022 – 2024

$3,750

$80,000

Jeep

Wrangler PHEV 4xe

2022 – 2024

$3,750

$80,000

Lincoln

Corsair Grand Touring

2022 – 2024

$3,750

$80,000

Nissan

Leaf S, Leaf SV PLUS

2024

$3,750

$55,000

Rivian

R1S Dual Large, R1S Quad Large (2022 – 2024)

2023 – 2024

$3,750

$80,000

Rivian

R1T Dual Large, R1T Dual Max, R1T Quad Large (2022-2024)

2023 – 2024

$3,750

$80,000

Tesla

Model 3 Performance

2023 – 2024

$7,500

$55,000

Tesla

Model X Long Range

2023 – 2024

$7,500

$80,000

Tesla

Model Y All-Wheel Drive. Model Y Performance, Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (2024)

2023 – 2024

$7,500

$80,000

Volkswagen

ID.4 AWD PRO, ID.4 AWD PRO S, ID.4 AWD PRO S PLUS, ID.4 PRO, ID.4 PRO S. ID.4 PRO S PLUS, ID.4 S, ID.4 S STANDARD

2023 – 2024

$7,500

$80,000

(Source: EPA)

Related

10 Things You Need To Know About The Federal Tax Credit For Electric Cars In 2023 And 2024

The EV tax credit score has incentivized the acquisition of EVs, encouraging the general public to undertake clear and sustainable transportation choices.

New EV Prices Are Dropping

Tesla Model 3
Tesla

Many EV fashions have decreased in value since Tesla and Ford began a value struggle. Since making an entrance into the automotive market, Tesla has kept cutting prices, which has resulted within the competitors doing the identical with their EVs. The auto producer’s discount of its widespread Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan prompted the common for all-electric automotive costs to drop since Tesla makes up half of all EV market share within the U.S.

Many dealerships are additionally promoting electrical autos at a lower cost as a result of they’ve an excessive amount of stock of their heaps, and extra EVs are piling up of their restricted areas. The common variety of days to promote an EV in at this time’s market is roughly 100 days. This is considerably greater than the industry average of 60 days, which suggests dealerships and automakers are pressured to scale back costs to encourage extra gross sales.

Related

25 Cheapest Electric Vehicles To Consider In 2024, Ranked Based On Range And Price

These are 25 electrical car choices that supply one of the best worth with out compromising vary skills.

Used EV Prices Are Dropping

Chevrolet Bolt EV front-quarter
Chevrolet

Used EVs are additionally turning into extra reasonably priced if a brand new electrical car is out of your funds. Used EVs are eligible for a federal tax credit score like new EVs – however the most tax credit score for used EVs is $4,000. Also, the worth of used electric vehicles has been down 31.8-percent since last year. For instance, the common value for a used Tesla Model 3 is $30,466, which is down $9,681 from final 12 months. This equates to a 24.1-percent discount in pricing.

Top 10 Used EVs With Most Significant Year-over-year Price Drop (February 2023 – 2024)

Make and Model

Average Used Price

Year-over-Year Difference (Price)

Year-over-Year Difference (Percent)

Chevrolet Bolt EV

$17,981

-$7,847

-30.4%

Nissan LEAF

$17,895

-$7,329

-29.1%

Kia Niro EV

$24,802

-$9,236

-27.1%

Hyundai Kona Electric

$23,474

-$7,710

-24.7%

Tesla Model X

$60,943

-$19,919

-24.6%

Tesla Model 3

$30,466

-$9,681

-24.1%

Tesla Model S

$58,875

-$15,144

-20.5%

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

$28,965

-$4,958

-16.0%

Jaguar E-PACE

$28,965

-$4,958

-14.6%

Mercedes-Benz CLS

$48,362

-$8,238

-14.6%

(Source: iSeeCars.com)

Battery Cell Costs Are Impacting EV Prices

rav4ev motor
Toyota

The latest drops in EV costs are additionally a results of falling battery costs. EV batteries are almost 90-percent less expensive than they had been in 2008. Electric car batteries make up roughly 40-percent of the price of EVs, and as battery costs proceed to say no, the price of making new electrical vehicles can fall to the identical value level as gas-powered options as soon as 2027 because of extra environment friendly manufacturing.

Related

Why It Makes Sense To Buy A Lightly Used EV Over A New Electric Car

In at this time’s market circumstances, shopping for a second-hand EV is perhaps one of the best monetary choice you may make.

Current EV Deals

To provide you with an concept of what pricing you may discover throughout your seek for an EV, we have discovered some present offers available on the market as of this writing:

Hyundai IONIQ 5

A 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N driving around the track
Hyundai

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a well-received EV with a retro-futuristic look. It is analogous to the VW Golf GTI and provides a great quantity of area for drivers. For added utility, the IONIQ 5 gives a hatchback cargo space and a snug and classy inside.

A big downside to the IONIQ 5 is that it is not eligible for the federal tax credit score, however Hyundai has stepped in with its personal incentive. Buyers can obtain Hyundai’s cash offer of up to $7,500 in total savings, dropping the worth to $34,300. Hyundai additionally provides extra potential financial savings of $500 by its Military program and $400 by way of its College Grad program.

Tesla Model Y

Silver Tesla Model Y front-quarter
Tesla

You might discover there are increasingly more Tesla Model Ys on the street, and there is a motive for that. It’s a quick crossover-type EV with an optionally available third row. The Model Y has a tech-focused interior, fast steering, and a strong journey to provide drivers a novel driving dynamic. This EV additionally has a set of cellular connectivity instruments and the easiest-to-use automotive charging infrastructure. So it is simple to see why it is the best-selling EV worldwide.

The Tesla Model Y’s beginning value continues to drop recurrently and stands proud as a wonderful choice in a crowded EV SUV market. The Model Y qualifies for the $7,500 federal electrical car tax credit score, dropping the worth to $35,490. Tesla additionally estimates that house owners of the Model Y may have an estimated gasoline financial savings of $6,000, making the final price after five years $29,490.

Kia EV9

Front three-quarters blue 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line shot
Cory Fourniquet / TopPace

Hyundai’s subsidiary model, Kia, made an impression on the EV market when it revealed its full-size, three-row SUV. It’s an enormous deal, actually – it is barely bigger than Kia’s reigning measurement champion, the Telluride. However, the EV9 is figuratively massive, spacious, and a helpful household EV SUV.

But similar to the IONIQ 5, the Kia EV9 does not qualify for federal tax credit. To assist clients, Kia’s elevated its Customer Cash low cost to $5,000 from $3,750, a 33% enhance. The automotive model additionally provides a $1,000 EV9 loyalty discount and a $1,000 EV9 supplier money low cost, which is barely obtainable in particular circumstances. This all provides as much as a doable $7,000 off the beginning value. EV9 leases is perhaps extra enticing to potential patrons since they will reap the benefits of lease money totaling $7,500.

Lucid Air Pure

Lucid Air Touring on a desert road
Lucid

With excessive straight-line pace and energy that activates easily and progressively, the Lucid Air not solely appears to be like like an alien car, but it surely performs like it’s out of this world. When trying by its specs, you possibly can see that Lucid took its time dialing within the setup to supply drivers with a mix of sport and luxurious.

Lucid Motors has just lately diminished prices, and now the Air Pure begins from $69,900. The Lucid Air does not qualify for federal EV tax credit due to its excessive beginning value. To fight this, Lucid launched a $5,000 on-site bonus for all in-stock Air fashions. Those dwelling in Los Angeles are additionally eligible for an Air Credit for up to $15,000 and a Pro Credit for as much as $9,650 in the event that they’re shopping for or leasing, and so they can stack these reductions with the $5,000 bonus.

Fisker Ocean

2023 Fisker Ocean
Fisker 

The Fisker Ocean is a small five-passenger all-electric SUV from automotive designer Henrik Fisker. He’s identified for sports activities automotive creations such because the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9, and the short-lived Fisker Karma hybrid sedan. The Fisker Ocean provides roomy seating and sufficient cargo area for house owners to run errands or have the occasional street journey.

Recently, Fisker diminished the worth of all 2023 Fisker Ocean trims to place itself as a extra reasonably priced, convincing EV choice. The 2023 Fisker Ocean Sport is priced at $24,999, down from $38,999, and the 2023 Ultra trim is priced at $34,999, down from $52,999. Additionally, the 2023 Ocean Extreme trim is reduced by $24,000 to $37,499 from its unique beginning value of $61,499.

Aston Martin DBX features touchscreen and goes 707-only

The Aston Martin DBX has gained a touchscreen and is now obtainable completely in top-rung 707 guise, dropping the lower-powered 542bhp model of its twin-turbo V8.

The transfer to a one-engine providing is available in response to the success of the 697bhp range-topper, which accounted for round two-thirds of DBX gross sales in 2023 and is working at about 90% thus far in 2024.

Aston Martin has additionally eliminated the mild-hybrid straight-six DBX from sale within the Chinese market, citing fast shifts in market demand for such powertrains. It has no quick plans to supply an electrified variant globally.

Due to start deliveries in May with a 5-10% worth uplift taking it to round £210,000, the revised DBX now has primarily the identical cockpit association because the DB12 and Vantage, taking out the dated Mercedes-based set-up that it has had since 2020.

In its place is a brand new 10.25in touchscreen sited in the midst of the ‘waterfall’- formed centre stack. It runs Aston’s bespoke infotainment platform, with smartphone mirroring included as customary and a collection of SUV-specific options added, resembling hill descent management.

The revamp does away with the 4 particular person drive choose buttons atop the dashboard in favour of a toggle-style shifter within the centre console.

It additionally swaps the digital gauge cluster for a bigger, 12.3in display. Buttons and switches abound, although, which head of product administration Neil Hughes advised Autocar is in a bid to keep away from drivers “fumbling around” to regulate sure settings on the transfer and to offer fast entry to essentially the most generally used options.

Hughes mentioned Aston Martin has reached “peak touchscreen” and maintaining a variety of bodily controls will stay necessary as a result of that method “lends itself to craftsmanship”. A raft of extra delicate tweaks spherical off the inside overhaul.

Dodge Charger drops V8 for straight-six and electrical energy

The eighth-generation Dodge Charger has been unveiled, dropping its long-running Hemi V8 engine for a alternative of straight-six or battery-electric energy.

The new Charger Daytona’s combustion providing is the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre Hurricane straight six from the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Dubbed the Sixpack, it sends 420bhp (‘standard output’) or 550bhp (‘high output’) by all 4 wheels.

Dodge has but to offer detailed efficiency statistics for the Sixpack muscle vehicles. What the American model has elaborated on, nevertheless, is the potential of the Charger Daytona EV.

The range-topping Scat Pack options twin permanent-magnet synchronous motors with silicon-carbide inverters, producing a mixed 630bhp and 627lb ft as commonplace.

Using the Powershot, a 15.0sec overboost mode whose title references the normal shot of nitrous oxide in drag racers, output is boosted to 670bhp – almost as a lot as within the wild 707bhp V8 Charger Hellcat.

This allows the Scat Pack to dispatch the 0-60mph dash in 3.3sec, regardless of weighing all of 2648kg. Covering a quarter-mile is alleged to take 11.5sec and high pace is rated at 134mph.

For reference, the Tesla Model S Plaid electrical saloon’s tri-motor set-up produces 1020bhp, giving it a 0-60mph time of two.4sec and a claimed quarter-mile time of 9.2sec.

Dodge Charger Daytona cornering – side

Scat Pack vehicles can optionally be geared up with the Track Pack, which goals to spice up cornering efficiency. The springs are stiffened and the monotube dampers are swapped for adaptive models, whereas the disc brakes are swapped for Brembo models with a diameter of 410mm. It additionally features a staggered tyre set-up, carrying Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 rubber that measures 305mm vast up entrance and 325mm vast on the rear.

In the entry-level Charger Daytona R/T, the dual-motor system’s outputs are diminished to 456bhp (496bhp utilizing Powershot) and 404lb ft.

Alfa Romeo Confirms Its New Brennero SUV In The Nerdiest Way

Alfa Romeo has been usually dropping cryptic teasers for its small new crossover, however that is the most important trace but. Alfa took to social media to share a brief clip with the next caption: “Maybe we’ve known it all along.” It references rumors concerning the B-segment SUV being known as “Brennero.” As for the video itself, it features a few GPS coordinates, certainly one of which additional alludes to the mannequin’s identify.

While among the GPS coordinates level to the Arese Museum, the Balocco circuit, and the Stelvio Pass, the fourth is for the Brenner Pass. A little bit over 30 miles lengthy, this is among the lowest passes within the Alps and runs from Sterzing (in South Tyrol in northern Italy) to Innsbruck (capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol). Alfa Romeo’s larger Tonale and Stelvio are additionally named after mountain passes within the Alps, so it is smart for the brand new member to observe the identical technique.

 

Scheduled to debut in early 2024, the brand new child crossover will basically be Alfa Romeo’s model of the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600. Those two fashions are primarily offered as EVs however they’re additionally accessible with a mild-hybrid, three-cylinder gasoline engine. Brennero is about to grow to be Alfa’s first-ever EV, and we have taken a crack at rendering its exterior design. The Photoshop job takes after leaked pictures of the actual factor, so we wager it ought to be pretty correct.

Brennero would be the first of a number of fashions with out a combustion engine because the Stellantis model has already confirmed the next-gen Giulia and Stelvio will each be EVs. A giant electrical car can be being developed specifically for North America and is about to take the form of an SUV with an aero-focused design. Lest we neglect the gorgeous 33 Stradale supercar can be had in zero-emission guise as a substitute for the V6 variant.

The Easy Way To Reset Service On Your Android Phone If It’s Spotty

When your Android phone starts dropping bars, a quick solution is to turn on airplane mode and then turn it off again. This can help refresh the connection and allow your phone to connect to the strongest signal available in your current location, especially if it’s connected to a weak or suboptimal signal point.

To access airplane mode on Android, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade, then swipe down again to access the quick settings panel. On some models, you can also access the quick settings by swiping down with two fingers. Look for the airplane mode toggle, which should be turned off. Tap it to activate airplane mode, wait 15 to 30 seconds, and then tap it again to turn off airplane mode. After a few moments, your phone should reconnect to the network with a stronger connection.

If toggling airplane mode does not resolve the issue, you can also try restarting your phone to fix minor bugs, including connection issues. Press and hold the sleep/wake button, then tap the restart option if it appears in the power menu. If a different menu appears, try holding down the sleep/wake and volume up key (on Google Pixel devices) or the sleep/wake and volume down key (on Samsung Galaxy devices).

How The Escalade Saved Cadillac From Sinking Into The Grave

In the late 1990s, General Motors (GM) was facing serious financial difficulties and decided to eliminate certain models and brands from its lineup. In 1996, the GM North American Strategy Board adopted a vehicle market and brand positioning assessment called BrandScape in order to address the issue. According to Smith, a member of the board, BrandScape was necessary to eliminate overlapping between divisions, optimize the use of GM’s resources, and hopefully create more unique and profitable products.

However, as BrandScape reduced GM’s offerings, it also narrowed the company’s overall vision. Luckily, the growing demand for SUVs in the American market provided an opportunity for Smith to create a vehicle that would save the struggling Cadillac brand. Smith, along with his colleague Terry Henline, started their work by using the GMC Yukon as a starting point for the new vehicle’s exterior and interior design. They made a few small changes, such as replacing the GMC logo on the front grille with the Cadillac wreath and crest, but the first Escalade was essentially just a rebranded version of the Yukon.

3 Best German Roadsters For Summer

There’s nothing better than letting in some fresh air and taking in the sunshine by dropping the top on a roadster. A car enthusiast’s dream is made of summer weekend drives on curvy roads with a sweet car in which to do it in. The roadster format was made for these types of drives. They aren’t out to set world lap records or change history. No, they have a much more difficult job, and that’s putting a smile on your face from the start of the drive, your journey along the way, and until you kill the ignition. The roadster must entertain in a way that other cars simply cannot. They aren’t complicated, but you’ll know a good one when you drive one.

As it happens, Germany has taken care of the roadster segment and gives us three strong offerings. From Porsche, we have the ever-popular Boxster. BMW continues to refine the Z4. Do not forget about the Mercedes-Benz SLK/SLC. We have seen four-cylinders to eight, manual transmissions, autos, and lightning-fast dual clutches. From hard-tops, soft-tops, and some in-between weird solutions, these three have explored the limits of the two-seat roadster, and they’ve made the world a little more pleasant for it. These are undoubtedly three of the best German roadsters for your summer weekend drives.

Roadsters must include:

  • Convertible Top
  • Two Seats
  • Entertaining Engine
  • Interesting Design
  • A Unique Driving Character

RELATED: BMW And Roadsters: The Unholy Combo That Never Went BMW’s Way

BMW’s Fabulous Roadster

To arrive at the Z4 we know today, we have to go all the way back to 1988, with the original BMW roadster, the Z1. That car was a feat of engineering providing an open air solution never seen before. With doors, windows and all, folding down into the floor like a magic trick, drivers were left with a door-less driving experience not unlike removing the doors from a jeep.

This brought BMW a ton of attention, but when they were ready to launch their next roadster, they focused not on nifty tricks, but rather a more driver focused vehicle. That vehicle was to be called Z3. Launched as a roadster the Z3 became a popular option with an M version coming later. Although not a roadster, the coupe version with its funky proportions has become desirable, particularly in M form.

Eventually the M Coupe (known as the clown shoe) and M Roadster received BMW M’s highly sought after S54 engine which was an inline-six that revved past 8,000 rpm turning your open top BMW into a piston-filled concert hall. That S54 inline-six carried over into the next generation car which was to be the first Z4, a car that firmly put the Boxster of its time in its place. No clown shoe this time, however the E85 generation Z4 M Coupe and Z4 M Roadster continued on as more driver focused sports cars.

Today’s BMW Z4

2023 purple BMW Z4
BMW
Front view of 2023 purple BMW Z4 parked. 

The current generation Z4 has not been well received by fans of the classic roadster. It is often criticized for being less exciting than its Toyota Supra cousin, but at a higher price. The truth is that both cars offer a different experience despite having similar powertrains and chassis. The BMW is more suiting to a grand touring style roadster experience, which, compared with the boy-racer attitude of the Supra, makes them both very appropriate for their respective demographic.

The Z4 might be a bit softer-edged, but the very strong B58 straight-six engine that lurks beneath is no slouch. BMW claims 382 horsepower, but these numbers are almost always sandbagged. It’s a fast car, straight up. The Z4’s seats strike a perfect balance of comfort and support for the twisties.

Clearly BMW hasn’t forgotten its Z roots, and now available in their luxurious shade of purple called, “thunder night metallic”, or a strong blue called, “Misano” you can have your German Summer roadster in fun colors along with that sweet straight-six soundtrack. Unfortunately there is no dedicated M variant of the current Z4, but for now, it soldiers on as a top-tier German roadster, ready for weekend cruises, or technical canyon driving.

RELATED: 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Roadster Review: A Star Is Reborn

The Classy Mercedes-Benz SLK

Not to be out-roadster’ed by BMW, Mercedes wanted to offer their own two-seat sporty compact. The SL was a much more sophisticated, larger, and expensive machine, and so, the SLK was born. SLK started out as a very compact two-seater, the original R170 SLK entered the market in 1996 with the 134 horsepower SLK 200, and was manufactured all the way through to 2004.

Supercharged “Kompressor” variants brought some much-needed power to the SLK, and in 2001 an AMG version called the SLK 32 emerged with a 3.2 liter supercharged V-6 putting out a very respectable 349 horsepower. For the second generation SLK, Mercedes-Benz really brought the heat with the 360 horsepower V-8 flagship SLK 55.

The Black Series that followed packed 400 horsepower and an exhaust note that was more muscle car than anything. For the final generation, the SLK became the SLC and eventually Mercedes dropped the V-8, and stuck with the 3.0 liter twin-turbo V-6 pushing 385 horsepower in its final form. In 2020, we said goodbye to the SLC, but its strong presence as a German roadster will always be remembered.

The Mercedes SLK Is No More, But That’s OKAY

2023 gray Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz
Front view of 2023 gray Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG parked. 

The SLK/SLC may have died off, but the SL still exists, and that has become the drivers car no one expected. Despite a weight gain, the SL now embodies a new character, one more reminiscent of its Roadster past. The new SL might not be cheap, but a sports car/roadster experience these days, is a dying breed. It’s an experience that must be savored, and with its tried and true twin-turbo V-8 spitting out up to 577 horsepower, for a little while at least, the two-ish seat roadster from Mercedes-Benz lives on.

RELATED: 1996 – 2004 Porsche Boxster (986)

Porsche’s Mid-Engine Masterpiece, The Boxster

Porsche had a different mission for the Boxster. This car was never put into production to compete with the others, although it did, and now dominates the segment. The original (986 generation) Boxster appeared in 1996 the same year as BMW’s then-new Z3.

Porsche had played with the idea of going with a mid-engine architecture as both a departure from the rear-engined 911 (which was often difficult to manage), and have an entry level model. The Boxster solved both of these problems and quickly became a hit for Porsche. In truth, the Boxster, until the 718 came to be, rarely deviated from a winning recipe, and has continued to garner attention throughout the generations.

From Boxster To 718

2020 green Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0
Porsche
Front view of 2020 green Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 parked. 

The sweet little Boxster of yesteryear is gone. Today the 718 takes its place and for good reason. Although the architecture remains mid-engined, the 718 Boxster range now starts off with a four-cylinder, and you have the option to ask Porsche if they will sell you a 718 Spyder RS with a 911 GT3 engined shoehorned into it.

This is a far cry from the humble Boxster that debuted in 1996. The 718 GT4 RS and accompanying 718 Spyder RS both posses the savage 493 horsepower variant of the 4.0 flat-six that enthusiasts lust after from Porsche. Available only with Porsche’s lightning-fast PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, these are the ingredients for a near-perfect sports car.

The Spyder RS combines the mechanics of the GT4 RS with the special open-top experience of Porsche Spyder vehicles. Not only is it the ultimate roadster, German or not, it’s one of the most visceral vehicles on sale today. The 718 Boxster is expected to go all-electric for the next generation, so if possible, take advantage of the magical 982 generation while it’s still available. That being said, used Porsches are typically reliable second-hand sports cars.

Specifications And Price

Horsepower

Torque

Weight

Original MSRP

1988 BMW Z1

170

164-pound feet

2,760 pounds

$25,000

1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200

134

181-pound feet

2,755 pounds

$15,000

1996 Porsche Boxster

204

140-pound feet

2,755 pounds

$39,900

2023 BMW Z4

382

369-pound feet

3,457 pounds

$65,300

2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC 43

385

384-pound feet

3,527 pounds

$65,645

2023 Porsche 718 Spyder RS

493

331-pound feet

3,214 pounds

$162,150

The Kawasaki Z900RS To Get A Yellow Ball Edition In Japan

A special edition of the Z900RS will be released on July 15, 2023. Kawasaki, the Japanese brand, is paying homage to its Z1 model with a yellow and black paint job, which is showcased in this edition.

The Kawasaki Z900RS is known for its traditional style of motorcycle building and is a popular choice in the heavy-middleweight category. It features an inline-four engine, attractive looks, and is a reliable bike with a close-to-a-liter engine that carries a heritage.

In terms of specifications, the special edition will be similar to the standard Z900RS, equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), Kawasaki traction control 2.0 (ETC 2.0), and a 948cc inline-four engine that produces 106 horsepower and 70 pound-feet of torque. The suspension, brakes, and wheels will remain unchanged from the standard model.

However, what sets this bike apart is the Yellow Ball colorway. Kawasaki describes the Yellow Ball Edition as having vibrant yellow balls arranged on a deep candy green base with a special layer coating technique that creates a glossy and heavy texture. The tank mark features a heritage Kawasaki emblem that enhances the Z1 image. The Z900RS Yellow Ball Edition pays attention to detail, from bolts and wheels to instruments, fuel tanks, seats, and tail covers. Kawasaki has taken great care in developing this special edition Z900RS.

The price of the special edition Z900RS will be 1,420,000 yen with a consumption tax of 142,000 yen, which is approximately $11,000 USD based on current exchange rates.

The Yellow Ball Edition will only be available at Kawasaki Plaza dealerships in Japan, with locations in Akita, Morioka, Koriyama, Sendai 6-chome, and Yamagata.

Italian Brand Eleveit Introduces the X-Privilege WP Enduro Boots

When riding off-road, dropping your bike is a normal occurrence, especially in muddy or sandy conditions. To protect ourselves, we invest in high-end gear, including boots and knee braces. Italian motorcycle footwear specialist Eleveit has released a new product called the X-Privilege WP Enduro boots, designed for use on both adventure bikes and enduro machines.

Italian Brand Eleveit Presents The X-Privilege WP Enduro Boots

Made of lightweight and flexible microfiber, the X-Privilege WP Enduro boots offer maximum protection while ensuring comfort for road use. These boots feature an E-Dry waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry during rainy adventures.

The boots come equipped with ankle protection that allows for controlled flexion, ensuring an adequate range of motion. They also have a sturdy shin protector, protecting this vulnerable area from branches, tree stumps, and foot pegs. Additionally, the top of the boot is reinforced to withstand gear shifting. The X-Privilege WP Enduro boots are CE certified according to the EN 13634 standard.

The X-Privilege WP Enduro boots offer comfort and a great fit. They have a non-slip panel on the inside and comfort gussets on the front and rear, providing extra mobility for braking and shifting gears. The boots are secured with four micrometric levers for precise adjustment. The glued, non-slip rubber sole ensures a waterproof finish.

Eleveit offers the X-Privilege WP boots in a brown color, suitable for all types of adventure bikes, including neo-retro scrambler models. The boots are available in sizes ranging from 39 to 48 and are priced at 299.90 Euros (approximately $327 USD).