Tag Archives: historic

Judge Voids Elon Musk’s Record-Setting Tesla Pay Package

A compensation value $55 billion was a historic one, and it might have made Musk even richer regardless of already main the world’s richest particular person listing for a wholesome portion of time up to now couple of years. But now that the grant has been voided by the court docket as a result of it was deemed unfair, Musk has one final alternative left within the type of an enchantment. If that fails, the board must give you a brand new plan to pay him for the previous 5 years of his service. 

“Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware,” Musk shared on X, previously generally known as Twitter, quickly after the decision was introduced. “Was the plan even necessary for Tesla to retain Musk and achieve its goals?” Delaware Chancery Court Chief Judge Kathaleen St. J. McCormick requested. Without the compensation factored into his cumulative wealth, Bloomberg estimates that Musk’s web value would drop right down to roughly $154.3 billion, placing him third on the listing of the world’s richest people. 

It’s additionally value noting {that a} majority of Musk’s wealth is tied to Tesla, the place he owns near a 13% share. Musk, alternatively, has currently been eyeing as much as a 25% stake in Tesla in hopes of touchdown extra significant voting rights on the board. During a previous trial over the compensation plan in 2022, Musk informed the court docket that it could assist fund his plans for putting mankind on Mars and attaining interplanetary journey. 

Florida Could Name Its Most Famous Highway After Jimmy Buffett

Come Monday, Florida’s historic State Road A1A might have a brand new title: Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway. Two payments handed within the Florida Legislature over the weekend had been unanimously authorized by the state Senate honoring the music legend, who handed away final 12 months on the age of 76.

The first of the 2 payments would rename parts of the 340-mile stretch of freeway, which runs south from Jimmy’s former residence in Key West north to Fernandina Beach close to Jacksonville. Parts of A1A in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe Counties would bear the title Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, which, paradoxically, was the title of his fifth studio album.

The second invoice authorized a brand new Buffett-inspired Florida license plate design with the phrase “Margaritaville,” named after his hottest tune and his chain of eating places, shops, and accommodations. All proceeds from the license plates would go towards a charity based by Jimmy known as Singing for Change, which helps victims of hurricanes.

“Margaritaville is just what Florida is all about,” Republican state Senator Gayle Harrell advised the Associated Press. “No one represents the open sun, beaches, and music more than Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville.”

Republican Chuck Clemons initially filed the invoice in October of 2023 following Jimmy’s dying, and now it appears prefer it might come to fruition if the payments are authorized within the Florida House of Representatives. Residents are even pushing to rename the Key West International Airport after Buffett – which can quickly be situated off of Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway.

Before The Honda Prelude Returns, Here’s A Classic Review Of The Fourth Gen

The Honda Prelude Concept has sparked excitement for the iconic nameplate, although the company has not officially confirmed where a production version will be available. Motorweek has seized on the renewed interest in this sports coupe by revisiting the TV show’s review of the fourth-gen model from March 13, 1992. Host John Davis starts by expressing his frustration with the homogeneous look of many new cars, but he makes an exception for the fourth-gen Prelude, praising its distinctive design features.

The model was lauded for its wedge-shaped crease on the hood leading to the center of the nose, and the rear was likened to a Jaguar XJS. The up-level Prelude Si, which MotorWeek tested, was equipped with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 160 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, with a four-speed automatic transmission.

In comparison, a 1992 Toyota Celica GT-S made 135 hp and 145 lb-ft from a 2.2-liter four-cylinder, while a 1993 Mazda MX-6 with a 2.5-liter V6 produced 164 hp and 160 lb-ft. On MotorWeek’s track test, the Prelude achieved a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds, placing it on par with its competitors at the time.

Here’s What’s Hurting U.S. Auto Sales Today

Summary

  • The recent UAW strike has resulted in higher pressure on the automotive market, potentially leading to price hikes across all brands and a less favorable market for buyers.
  • The strike has had a ripple effect on all automakers, as they attempt to compete with higher wages, potentially leading to increased prices for all brands.
  • The market is still recovering from the pandemic, which impacted supply shortages and profit losses for automakers. Brands may focus more on profitable models to make up for these losses, leaving cheaper options behind and increasing prices.

The automotive market has seen significant changes in the past decade, driven by the widespread growth of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as the increasing popularity of crossovers and SUVs in the U.S. This has led to a shift in focus for manufacturers towards more profitable models, leaving cheaper options behind due to their lower returns.

This trend is concerning for most buyers, as SUVs and crossovers typically come with higher costs of ownership, while electric vehicles often have higher price tags compared to gas vehicles. There are also fewer affordable options available, and the remaining cheap models, including used options, are subject to year-round price hikes due to various reasons such as added premium features, supply shortages, market demand, and new car exclusivity.

In addition to explanations from automotive manufacturers’ spokespersons, the recent worker’s strike has added significant stress to the automotive market. The UAW strike, which lasted six weeks, has impacted the U.S. automotive market, leading to a surge in prices.

This article’s data was sourced from various manufacturer websites, CNN, KBB, Experian Automotive, and AAA to provide accurate and up-to-date information.

UAW Strike Puts Upward Pressure On The Market

The strike, involving around 150,000 workers at GM, Ford, and Stellantis plants, significantly impacted productivity for these American automakers. The six-week strike forced the brands to increase compensation, pension funding, and cost-of-living wages, which will likely have a lasting effect on the entire automotive industry.

Automakers are now seeking ways to recover profits after meeting the UAW strike demands. This could lead to brand-wide price hikes, reduced production of less profitable models, and higher interest rates, resulting in a less accommodating market. The impact of the historic 2023 strike is expected to be felt in the coming years as the market strives to stabilize.

Strike Puts Pressure On All Brands

While the UAW focused on the big three American brands, other manufacturers are also experiencing pressure due to competitive wages. As industry standards rise, competitors are compelled to meet these standards or risk losing skilled workers to other manufacturers, potentially leading to higher prices for all automakers as they strive to maintain productivity and profitability.

Market Still Recovering From The Pandemic

The global pandemic in 2020 forced factories to halt or slow down production, leading to a significant impact on the market. This resulted in average new and used car prices rising due to supply shortages, company profit losses, and a largely quarantined workforce.

Similarly to the UAW strike, the disruptions in productivity have affected automakers’ profits. To compensate for these losses, brands may prioritize profitable models or premium trim options, leaving cheaper offerings behind.

Leading Causes Of Rising Automotive Prices

  • Limited supply
  • Industry advancements including tech and features
  • Manufacturing setbacks
  • Corporate greed

Supply And Demand

The automotive industry struggled with product scarcity, particularly evident in the semiconductor shortage that affected many automakers. The resulting supply shortage initially drove prices up in 2022, with prices briefly dipping in February 2023 before surging again.

AAA’s 2023 study reported a 4.7-percent increase in new car prices from 2022, alongside a doubling of the average annual finance charge. The increased cost of owning a new car, combined with a rise in new car depreciation, reflects the effects of inflation on the industry.

Experts Weigh In On The Future Of The American Automotive Market

Major brands are shifting towards hybrid and electric vehicles, making affordable gas models scarcer. Brands are also pricing their crossover, SUV, and hybrid models competitively, which, although good news, still places them in a higher cost bracket than bargain gas sedans and smaller options, raising the average market price.

Furthermore, the used car market has seen price surges, making it difficult for many buyers to find affordable transportation. Although sticker prices on used vehicles have moderated, the increased interest rates make them ultimately more expensive to own. The average interest rate for a used car loan rose from 8.84 percent to 11.38 percent, while the average monthly payment also increased.

Used Car Loan Statistics

2021

2022

2023

Avg. Amount Financed

$24,059

$28,607

$26,863

Avg. Monthly Payment

$440

$519

$528

Avg. Interest Rate

8.59%

8.84%

11.38%

(Source: Experian Automotive)

These challenges facing the American auto market highlight the continued uncertainty due to the pandemic, UAW strikes, supply shortages, profit inflation, and other related factors, making it difficult for the market to stabilize.

Here’s What’s Hurting U.S. Auto Sales Today

Summary

  • The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike in 2023 has impacted the automotive market, leading to potential brand-wide price increases and a less favorable market for buyers.
  • The strike has also affected all automakers as they struggle to compete with higher wages, potentially resulting in higher prices for all brands.
  • The market is still recovering from the pandemic, which caused supply shortages and profit losses for automakers. To compensate for these losses, brands may prioritize profitable models, leading to higher prices and leaving cheaper options behind.

The automotive market has experienced significant changes in the past decade, with the widespread growth of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as the increasing popularity of crossovers and SUVs. As manufacturers assess their profit margins, cheaper models are being phased out due to their lower returns.

This trend is concerning for most buyers, as SUVs and crossovers generally have higher ownership and operating costs, while electric vehicles often come with higher price tags than gas vehicles. Not only are there fewer affordable options available, but the remaining cheap models, including used options, have seen price increases throughout the year. Price hikes can be attributed to various factors such as added premium features, supply shortages, market demand, and the exclusivity of new car models.

Aside from information provided by spokespersons for major automotive manufacturers, factory workers have also significantly impacted the automotive market through a worker’s strike. The recent six-week UAW strike has greatly affected the U.S. automotive market, disrupting productivity and exacerbating price surges.

RELATED: 10 Used Family Cars That Are Worth Every Penny In 2023

In order to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information, data for this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including CNN, KBB, Experian Automotive, and AAA.

UAW Strike Puts Upward Pressure On The Market

A ford pickup in the assembly line at Rouge Electric Vehicle Center
Ford

The six-week strike by approximately 150,000 workers in GM, Ford, and Stellantis plants significantly impacted the big three American automakers. The strike led to increased compensation, pension funding, and cost-of-living wages, which will likely result in brand-wide price increases, reduced production of less profitable models, and higher interest rates.

This historic strike is expected to have a lasting effect on the automotive industry, as it seeks to stabilize following the significant disruption caused by the strike.

Strike Puts Pressure On All Brands

While the UAW focused on the big three American brands, other manufacturers are also feeling the pressure of competitive wages. As industry standards rise, competitors are forced to match these standards or risk losing skilled workers. This could ultimately lead to higher prices for all automakers as they strive to maintain productivity and profitability.

RELATED: The Real Reason Why Thousands Of Brand New GM Pickups Are Still Sitting In Vacant Lots

Market Still Recovering From The Pandemic

Honda

The global pandemic in 2020 led to factory closures, supply shortages, and profit losses for automakers. This had a significant impact on the market, as average new and used car prices rose due to the disruptions in production and workforce quarantines.

Similar to the UAW strike, these productivity disruptions have affected automaker profits. To make up for these losses, brands may focus more on profitable models or premium options, neglecting their cheaper offerings.

Leading Causes Of Rising Automotive Prices

  • Limited supply
  • Industry advancements including tech and features
  • Manufacturing setbacks
  • Corporate greed

Supply And Demand

The automotive industry has been affected by product scarcity, particularly the semiconductor shortage that impacted many automakers in 2022. This shortage initially led to price increases, and although prices briefly declined in February 2023, they soon surged again.

AAA’s 2023 study reports a 4.7-percent increase in new car prices from 2022, along with a doubling of the average annual finance charge. Ownership costs have also increased, revealing the effects of inflation on the market.

RELATED: 10 Things You Need To Know About GM’s EV Strategy

Experts Weigh In On The Future Of The American Automotive Market

2023 Subaru Impreza Sedan
Subaru

Major brands are shifting towards hybrid and electric-powered vehicles, making cheap gas models less common. In addition to phasing out bargain options, brands are pricing their crossover, SUV, and hybrid models competitively, contributing to a higher average market cost.

The used car market has also experienced price surges, making it difficult for average buyers to find affordable transportation. Although sticker prices on used vehicles have moderated, interest rates have increased, making them more expensive to own.

Used Car Loan Statistics

2021

2022

2023

Avg. Amount Financed

$24,059

$28,607

$26,863

Avg. Monthly Payment

$440

$519

$528

Avg. Interest Rate

8.59%

8.84%

11.38%

(Source: Experian Automotive)

The American auto market continues to face challenges in stabilizing, attributed to the ongoing uncertainty from the pandemic, UAW strikes, supply shortages, profit pressures, and inflation.

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a big step forward for the historic and iconic Italian manufacturer because it is its first subcompact crossover. Admittedly, it is a bit late for this already massively competitive segment, but the new and exciting option introduces some innovative drivetrains to the fray, among other distinctive features. The niche and stylish crossover is a pleasant addition to the market, but it is up against some stiff and compelling foes that benefit from a better reputation compared to Alfa Romeo’s historically unreliable past. Stellantis assures that the new range of products will stand the test of time and usher in a new era of dependability for the Italian marque, but many skeptical consumers remain cautious.

Globally, the Tonale has aided in raising the brand’s sales figures by 60 percent year-on-year. The Tonale achieved a commendable six percent market share in the European region this year, having sold 12,000 units since the beginning of 2023. Now introducing the model into the American market, experts expect its success to skyrocket. This all depends on how well the brand markets and prices the car locally. Hurting the model’s chance for success is the fact that it is not locally produced and only available with the flagship PHEV drivetrain, resulting in a higher starting price. Thankfully, the Tonale has many redeemable qualities that could see it rise to the higher echelons of the compact crossover arena.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including fueleconomy.gov, Euro NCAP, and Car and Driver.

What’s New For 2024?

2024 is the Alfa Romeo Tonale’s inaugural year in the USA, having been introduced to the European market in 2023. It’s available with one drivetrain configuration, but three trim levels, including the base Sprint, Ti, and flagship Veloce. The brand has not confirmed whether it will be introducing the base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine option, but this configuration is available in the Dodge Hornet, which shares the same mechanical components as the Alfa Romeo. This is the first plug-in hybrid and compact crossover produced by the brand, marking a significant step forward. Alfa Romeo will follow the Tonale with a series of electrified products, but currently, it stands as a completely unique proposition from the brand.

2024 Highlights

  • A new 1.3-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 285 horsepower.
  • Dual-zone climate control.
  • Electronically adjustable heated front seats.
  • 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by uConnect 5.0.
  • Front and rear parking sensors

Exterior Dimensions

Dimensions

Length

178.3 Inches

Width

72.4 Inches

Height

63.2 Inches

Wheelbase

103.8 Inches

Front Track

61.6 Inches

Rear Track

60.7 Inches

Curb Weight

4,133 Pounds

Engine Specifications And Performance

Tonale engine bay
Alfa Romeo

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is only available in the USA with the gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid option. The ICE is a turbocharged 1.3-liter based on FCA’s GSE design, which debuted in 2016 for the Brazilian Fiat Uno as a naturally aspirated three-cylinder, before being extended to the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X, among other compact cars from the group.

The engine features an inline-four configuration with single overhead cams and a brand-new high-pressure direct injection system. The innovative engine operates on the Miller cycle, which claims to be more efficient than the Atkinson cycle, by using a turbocharger to offset any mechanical loss. In isolation, it produces 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

A compact eMotor producing 121 horsepower and 184 pound-feet powers the rear axle. This sources energy from a 306-volt, 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. These two means of propulsion, forming the revolutionary Q4 all-wheel drive system, work together to generate a combined 285 horsepower and 347 pound-feet, resulting in a claimed 6.0-second 0-60 MPH time. Expert car testers have lowered this figure down to 5.5 seconds. Alfa Romeo claims a top speed of 125 MPH.

Performance Specifications

Specifications

Horsepower

285 HP @ 5,500 RPM

Torque

347 LB-FT @ 1,850 RPM

Motor EVs/Hybrids only

FCA eMotor

Battery EVs/Hybrids only

15.5 kWh net

Transmission

Six-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel Economy (CMB)

77 MPGe

0-60 MPH

6.0 Seconds

Top Speed

125 MPH

Interior Technology And Comfort

Alfa Romeo Tonale interior
Alfa Romeo

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale

  • 10.25 touchscreen infotainment system with uConnetc 5.0.
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
  • Front heated electrically adjustable seats.
  • Dual-zone climate control.
  • Six-speaker audio system.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale features a chic, sophisticated, and clean cabin setting. The tight interior has a driver-centric layout, with a three-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and physical controls for the HVAC and drive selector. A conventional automatic gear selector also remains. All of these controls, together with the touchscreen infotainment system, are slightly angled towards the driver, marginally inhibiting use from the passenger seat.

While the interior may be sleek, the color-scheme is predominately dark with the base trim, which features black cloth upholstery with biscotto stitching. The Ti adopts a black and tan cloth combination, while the Veloce adorns a vibrant black and red combination Alcantara fabric for the seats. Perforated real leather is available via the Premium Interior Package for both the Ti and Veloce.

The Tonale’s cabin packaging isn’t class-leading, but it puts up a decent enough fight against some key rivals. The front row offers 41.7-inches of legroom and 38.8-inches of headroom, which is enough for those standing six-feet tall, but it will be a squeeze for those who are any taller. The rear bench is not as accommodating, with its 38-inches of legroom and 38.2-inches of headroom. 22.9 cubic-feet of cargo space will be enough to carry two to three medium suitcases with some room to spare for other items. It will accommodate the average grocery or school run just fine, but weekends away may require intelligent packing.

Technology

Alfa Romeo Tonale Interior
Alfa Romeo

All Tonale trims come standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. These cover most of the car’s safety, comfort, and entertainment features. All cars come with a basic six-speaker audio system, but you can fit the Ti and Veloce with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system through a Sound Package if you specify it with the Premium Interior Package.

The Tonale’s digital displays are a big drawing card as they are considered to be some of the best in the segment. They both offer crisp and easy-to-use interfaces, impressive responsiveness, and satisfying graphics. All trims come standard with voice control, navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a series of connectivity subscriptions ranging from three to 10 years.

Interior Dimensions

Front

Rear

Headroom

38.8 Inches

38.2 Inches

Legroom

41.7 Inches

38.0 Inches

Shoulder Room

55.7 Inches

54.8 Inches

Cargo Capacity

50.5 Cu.Ft.

22.9 Cu.Ft.

Safety And Reliability

The Alfa Romeo Tonale offers a reasonable number of standard safety features as it comes fitted with six airbags covering the driver, front passenger, sides, and overheads. A basic assist system and some advanced driver assist features bolster its safety criteria. The IIHS and NHTSA are yet to crash test the Tonale range, but the compact crossover performed well in its Euro NCAP test, earning an impressive five-star rating. Considering Europe’s specifications and safety legislation are vastly different to America’s, this is merely a reference point.

While the Alfa Romeo Tonale has been awarded a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, this in no way represents or suggests any rating from the NHTSA or IIHS, nor should you consider it a representation of how safe the Tonale is according to U.S. standards.

The Tonale and its all-new drivetrain are far too young to rate on the reliability front, so it has not been rated by J.D. Power as yet. However, the range has been slapped with a concerning recall relating to loose battery cables that can lead to a fire when parked as well as a disconnected pedestrian alert siren connection issue.

Driver Assistance Features

The base Tonale ships with very few advanced driver assist systems, but you do get a blind spot detection system and forward collision alert, and mitigation. ABS, traction control, and stability control with anti-roll are also included. Alfa Romeo makes its $1,850 Advanced Assist package available to all trims, which will add adaptive cruise control, an auto-dimming function for the driver-side door mirror, and a 360-degree park assist and surround-view camera system.

Notable Safety Equipment

  • ABS with electronic brake distribution and brake assist.
  • Traction and stability control with anti-roll.
  • Blind-spot warning.
  • Forward collision warning and mitigation.
  • Optional Advanced Assist package.

Euro NCAP Crash Testing

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Rating

TBC

Overall Front Crash Rating

TBC

Overall Side Crash Rating

TBC

Rollover Rating

TBC

  • Recalls (NHTSA): 2
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
  • Awards: N/A

Warranties

The Alfa Romeo Tonale ships standard with the brand’s limited warranty package, which includes a 48-month or 50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty. A 60-month and unlimited mile warranty covers corrosion, while roadside assistance is included for 48 months with unlimited miles.

Type

Length

Full Warranty

48 Months/50,000 Miles

Powertrain Warranty

48 Months/50,000 Miles

Maintenance Warranty

Not Included

Roadside Warranty

48 Months/Unlimited Miles

Corrosion Warranty

60 Months/Unlimited Miles

Federal Emissions Performance

24 Months/24,000 Miles

Federal Emissions Defect

36 Months/36,000 Miles

Seat Belt And Airbags

120 Months/Unlimited Miles

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Versus Its Competitors

The Alfa Romeo Tonale’s main rivals in the premium compact crossover segment are the Volvo XC40 B5 all-wheel drive and Lexus UX 250h, both of which are hybrid electric vehicles without plug ports. Both of these cars approach the segment uniquely, with Volvo opting for a clean and svelte approach, while the Lexus opts for a dynamic and energetic aesthetic. The Tonale seriously has its work cut out for it, as these two companies and models are far more established in the USA. The Tonale has a significant edge with its PHEV drivetrain and more competitive starting price.

How The Alfa Romeo Tonale Compares To The Volvo XC40

  • 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale 2024 Volvo XC40 B5 AWD
    Model Alfa Romeo Tonale Volvo XC40 B5 AWD
    Engine: Turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
    Torque 347 pound-feet 258 pound-feet
    Range 360 miles 369 miles
    Transmission Six-speed dual-clutch automatic Eight-speed automatic
    Driveline All-wheel drive All-wheel drive
    MSRP $42,995 $42,495
    0-60 MPH 6.0 seconds 6.1 seconds
    Horsepower 285 horsepower 247 horsepower

The Volvo XC40 B5 AWD puts up a considerably tough fight against the Italian newcomer thanks to an attractive and sleek interior and exterior design, a comprehensive suite of safety features, and a spacious interior. The Tonale gains some ground on the performance and fuel consumption fronts, but these are the only areas where it excels next to the Swede. The Tonale’s smaller downsized hybrid engine results in a better 29 MPG figure compared to the XC40’s 26 MPG estimate. It consequently covers more range despite its gas tank being smaller. The Tonale produces 38 more horsepower than the XC40, but only manages a 0-60 MPH sprint time that’s one-tenth of a second faster.

Interior dimensions are where the Tonale shines against the Volvo despite accommodating a fairly sizable battery pack. The XC40’s cargo space measures in at 16 cubic-feet, which is significantly smaller than the 22.9 cubic-feet offered by the Alfa Romeo. There are fractional differences in front and rear headroom and legroom figures, but the Volvo’s shoulder room is a full inch wider at the front and two inches wider at the rear.

How The Alfa Romeo Tonale Compares To The Lexus UX 250h

  • 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale 2024 Lexus UX 250h
    Model Alfa Romeo Tonale Lexus UX 250h
    Engine: Turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder 2.0-liter four-cylinder
    Torque 347 pound-feet 149 pound-feet
    Range 360 miles 413 miles
    Transmission Six-speed dual-clutch automatic eCVT
    Driveline All-wheel drive Front or all-wheel drive
    MSRP $42,995 $36,690
    0-60 MPH 6.0 seconds 8.6 seconds
    Fuel Economy 77 MPGe 39 MPG
    Horsepower 285 horsepower 181 horsepower

The last-generation Toyota Prius drivetrain, criticized for being lethargic, puts the Lexus UX at a significant performance disadvantage. Despite its lower output, it doesn’t even put up much of a fight with its 39 MPG EPA-estimated consumption. This is admittedly better than the Tonale’s 29 MPG estimate when running on its turobocharged ICE, but it doesn’t come close to the hybrid system’s 77 MPGe estimate. The UX has been praised for fairly inviting handling characteristics, thanks to the sharp TNGA chassis, but the Tonale’s performance-inspired architecture provides better driver satisfaction.

The Lexus UX further disappoints on the interior packaging front as it only offers 17.1 cubic-feet of trunk space, compared to the Tonale-s 22.9 cubic-feet of space. The UX falls short on all front and rear head- and legroom comparisons by just under an inch. The UX gains some points on the pricing front with its lower $36,660 starting price, but it comes at the cost of some crucial standard features. The $39,150 Premium trim resolves these shortcomings, while still undercutting the Tonale.

How Much Does A 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Cost?

The Alfa Romeo Tonale range starts with the Sprint trim at $42,995. The $46,115 Ti and the flagship Veloce, priced at $50,195, follow the base model. All trims come with exactly the same hybrid drivetrain all-wheel drive system. These prices exclude the brand’s $1,595 destination fee.

Trim Level

AWD

Sprint

$42,995

Ti

$46,115

Veloce

$50,195

Fuel Economy

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is one of the most efficient compact crossovers currently available to the American market. The EPA estimates its hybrid powertrain to consume an impressive 77 MPGe, while the gasoline engine returns a respectable 29 MPG combined estimate. The total system will return a 393-mile range from its 11.2 gallon tank and 15.5 kWh battery. The ICE will cover 360 miles without assistance from the electric motor. The electrical system will carry the Tonale for 33 miles.

Alfa Romeo Tonale

Range

393 Miles

MPGe

77 MPG

Is It Worth Buying the Alfa Romeo Tonale?

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a costly car considering its compact dimensions, but there’s a lot of benefits to be had. It is a very attractively designed car both inside and out, so it will provide daily aesthetic pleasures if the cabin quality can hold up over the years. The powertrain is its biggest highlight as it provides a pleasant blend of performance and efficiency.

There is great variety to be had across the range, as all trims come fitted with an impressive level of specification. The brand could improve on this by introducing a more comprehensive safety suite as standard, as this package significantly raises the overall price. Despite being a compact crossover, the Tonale will be an accommodating small family car suited for urban commutes, but users may find it to be too compact for long-distance journeys. The electric system offers just about enough range for daily urban commutes.

Corvette Shines At Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion With 53,000 Spectators

Rolling hills echoed with the revs of historic race cars at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, a part of the iconic Monterey Car Week. Held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the event paid homage to America’s racing jewel, Corvette. Packed with 14 racing groups, the event thrilled 53,851 spectators who were treated to a Corvette Anniversary display featuring rare and unique models from the GM Heritage Museum. Among the jaw-droppers were the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning C8.R and the CERV I, II, and III advanced prototypes. As fans circled the Corvette SS prototype and snapped photos of Roger Penske’s 1966 Daytona and Sebring class-winning Corvette, Corvette racing legend Ron Fellows served as Grand Marshal. Fellows didn’t just wave the green flag; he also raced the 1987 Profab Corvette, proving his racing prowess in the 1981-1991 GTO/Trans Am class.

But the Corvette wasn’t the only star. The second annual Corkscrew Hillclimb event saw cars like the 1995 Porsche Gunther Werks Turbo make impressive runs. Additionally, Thomas Merrill set a new Hillclimb record for electric vehicles in the 2023 Drako GTE. Monterey Car Week and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion have yet again proven that when it comes to the celebration of automotive history and racing culture, few events compare. This year, the spotlight was on Corvette, highlighting not just its past glories but also signaling exciting future events. View all Chevrolet Corvette examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.

View All Chevrolet Corvette For Sale

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2023 BUDDS CREEK NATIONAL MX RESULTS

The Lawrence brothers showcased their skills once again at Budds Creek in Maryland. Despite a poor start in moto one, Jett Lawrence dominated the 450 class with a 1-1 finish. Chase Sexton struggled with multiple crashes throughout the day, showing that he can match Jett’s speed but lacking consistency. In the 250 class, Hunter Lawrence had a fierce battle with Justin Cooper, resulting in a tie in moto wins. However, Hunter emerged as the overall winner due to his victory in the second moto. The 250 title will be decided in the final round in Indiana next week, and Haiden Deegan has been officially eliminated from contention. Deegan had a challenging weekend, as he was leading moto one when a red flag forced a restart, and he crashed before reaching the first turn. For more coverage of the 2023 Pro Motocross season, click here.

450 OVERALL

1 Jett Lawrence 1 / 1
2 Aaron Plessinger 4 / 3
3 Jason Anderson 2 / 5
4 Chase Sexton 9 / 2
5 Justin Barcia 5 / 4
6 Dylan Ferrandis 3 / 9
7 Adam Cianciarulo 7 / 6
8 Garrett Marchbanks 6 / 8
9 Ty Masterpool 8 / 7
10 Phillip Nicoletti 10 / 11
11 Fredrik Noren 13 / 10
12 Harri Kullas 12 / 12
13 Grant Harlan 11 / 14
14 Stephen Rubini 16 / 13
15 Anton Gole 15 / 15
16 Jay Wilson 14 / 16
17 Jace Kessler 17 / 18
18 Jose Butron 22 / 17
19 Romain Pape 20 / 19
20 Luca Marsalisi 18 / 25
21 Justin Rodbell 19 / 22
22 Jakub Teresak 25 / 20
23 John Adamson 24 / 23
24 Derek Drake 21 / 28
25 Zack Williams 27 / 26
26 Vincent Luhovey 31 / 27
27 Charlie Putnam 29 / 29
28 Crockett Myers 26 / 34
29 Jeremy Hand 40 / 21
30 Luke Renzland 23 / 38
31 Kyle Chisholm 39 / 24
32 Scott Meshey 33 / 32
33 Jeremy Smith 32 / 33
34 Cody Groves 36 / 30
35 Max Miller 30 / 37
36 Sebastian Balbuena 28 / 39
37 Adrien Malaval 34 / 36
38 Cory Carsten – / 31
39 Raimundo Trasolini 38 / 35
40 Dylan Wright 35 /-
41 Dominique Thury 37 / 40

250 OVERALL

1 Hunter Lawrence 2 / 1
2 Justin Cooper 1 / 2
3 Jo Shimoda 7 / 3
4 Austin Forkner 8 / 4
5 Tom Vialle 5 / 6
6 Jalek Swoll 3 / 12
7 Daxton Bennick 4 / 11
8 Carson Mumford 12 / 8
9 Julien Beaumer 11 / 9
10 Seth Hammaker 6 / 14
11 Haiden Deegan 16 / 5
12 Stilez Robertson 10 / 13
13 Levi Kitchen 14 / 10
14 Maximus Vohland 9 / 16
15 Ryder DiFrancesco 21 / 7
16 Dilan Schwartz 13 / 18
17 Joshua Varize 18 / 15
18 Pierce Brown 15 / 24
19 Jorgen Talviku 24 / 17
20 Talon Hawkins 17 / 21
21 Preston Kilroy 22 / 19
22 Casey Cochran 19 / 23
23 Derek Kelley 23 / 20
24 Mark Fineis 20 / 38
25 Caden Braswell 26 / 22
26 Vincent Varola 27 / 25
27 Gage Stine 29 / 27
28 Marcus Phelps 31 / 26
29 Ricci Randanella 30 / 31
30 Joseph Tait 32 / 32
31 Brock Bennett 25 / 39
32 Jack Rogers 38 / 29
33 Slade Smith 37 / 30
34 Cameron Durow / 28
35 Hunter Cross 35 / 33
36 Keegan Rowley 33 / 35
37 Maxwell Sanford 28 / 40
38 Travis Mecking 34 / 37
39 Ethan Day 36 / 36
40 Brantley Schnell / 34
41 Hardy Munoz 39 /-
42 Mitchell Harrison 40 /-

Italian Brand Malaguti Updates Madison 125 With Styling Revisions

Malaguti, the historic Italian brand, continues to operate under a joint venture between Piaggio and Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Zongshen. The brand primarily focuses on the European market and offers small displacement motorcycles and scooters that comply with beginner and entry-level regulations in the region.

One of Malaguti’s latest offerings is the Madison 125, a sporty maxi-scooter designed to provide a convenient and practical riding experience in the city. For the 2023 model-year, Malaguti has implemented several updates to the scooter. The Madison 125 still adheres to A1 regulations, positioning it as both an entry-level scooter for first-time riders and a practical urban mobility option for riders of all backgrounds.

Italian Brand Malaguti Updates Madison 125 Scooter With Styling Revisions

One of the significant updates to the Madison 125 is its restyled bodywork featuring more rounded lines, giving it a sleeker and more elegant appearance. It now includes a small tinted windscreen and gold-painted alloy wheels for a sportier aesthetic. The scooter also receives restyled LED headlights, further enhancing its overall look. It is available in three color options: Snow White, Toro Black, and Albero Green.

Italian Brand Malaguti Updates Madison 125 Scooter With Styling Revisions

In addition to the cosmetic updates, the Madison 125 retains its approachable underpinnings. It is powered by a 125cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine equipped with Bosch’s EFI technology. The engine produces 12 horsepower and 11 Newton-meters of torque. A conventional CVT sends power to the rear wheel, as commonly found in scooters of this specification.

Italian Brand Malaguti Updates Madison 125 Scooter With Styling Revisions

The Malaguti Madison 125 features standard telescopic forks at the front and a pair of shock absorbers at the back. It is equipped with a 250-millimeter disc at the front and a 220-millimeter disc at the rear for braking. The maxi-style scooter weighs only 147 kilograms, making it beginner-friendly and easy to handle. It is priced at 3,399 Euros or approximately $3,715 USD.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport returns to historic Imola circuit with the WorldSBK – Leon Haslam on the second BMW M 1000 RR of the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

Munich. BMW Motorrad Motorsport is making a comeback at the historic Imola circuit in Italy with the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK). The seventh round of the 2023 WorldSBK season will be held at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari from 14th to 16th July. Imola has been a regular stop for the WorldSBK in the past, with the most recent visit in 2019. Leon Haslam from the UK will join Scott Redding in the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, riding the second BMW M 1000 RR.

Haslam is no stranger to BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the WorldSBK. Between 2003 and 2022, the 40-year-old British rider has competed in a total of 316 WorldSBK races and finished as the championship runner-up in 2010. Haslam raced as a BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory rider with the BMW S 1000 RR in 2011 and 2012, achieving eight podium finishes. Currently, Haslam is competing in the British Superbike Championship (BSB) with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad British Superbike Team aboard the BMW M 1000 RR, where he has already secured six podium finishes in the 2023 season, including two at the recent round at Snetterton.

Imola is a track with a rich tradition, but it hasn’t been on the WorldSBK calendar in recent years, making it unfamiliar to some teams and riders. The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, Haslam, and Loris Baz (FRA) have experience at the circuit. However, Redding and Garrett Gerloff (USA), as well as the Bonovo Action BMW Racing Team, will be making their debut at Imola.

Quotes ahead of the Imola round.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “First of all, many thanks to Leon for being available at short notice to be with us at Imola. We know each other well from the past, where we celebrated success together, and this season he has returned to the BMW Motorrad family in BSB and is familiar with the new BMW M 1000 RR. He also has a lot of WorldSBK experience, and we are confident that he will quickly get back up to speed at Imola. After his crash at Donington, Tom Sykes is on the road to recovery and was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after a week, and we all send him our best wishes. Michael participated in a track day last week, however a return for Imola would still be too early, and we have jointly decided that he will sit out this weekend, and then we will reassess the situation. Now we are excited about Imola. Scott showed a clear upward trend in Donington, which was confirmed by his fourth-place finish in the second race. Garrett was also fast and consistently strong there, and we want to continue that at Imola. However, a major topic will be the high heat expected over the weekend which can be challenging for humans, machines, and tires.”

Garrett Gerloff, #31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo Action BMW Racing Team: “It’s going to be an interesting weekend, I think. It’s a track that I’ve never been to, and it looks like it could be technical. But I feel good learning new layouts, and this circuit, being mainly left-hand corner dominant with some elevation changes and tighter corners, reminds me of the tracks I raced in America. I’m hoping this connection helps me learn it faster, but I think there will be a few people who haven’t been there or haven’t been there in a while. I just hope it will be a good weekend, and we can keep improving like we did at Donington.”

Scott Redding, #45 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “Imola is a new track for me, so it’s another element to the weekend. I always like new tracks! I hope for a good weekend and to maintain the momentum from Donington.”

Loris Baz, #76 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo Action BMW Racing Team: “It has been a tough season and tough couple of weekends with no luck unfortunately at the last two rounds, which is a shame because I feel strong again on the bike. I just need to have a calm weekend, so I hope Imola will be that one. I’m sending my best wishes again to Tom Sykes and Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who were involved in the crash at Donington, and I hope they can come back soon. For me, I’m really happy to come back to Imola. It’s a track that I always loved and have good memories of. It’s an old school circuit with a different atmosphere compared to other venues. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m sure we can be fast there. I know the layout and everything. I just hope we can put all our bad luck behind us and have a nice and calm weekend on the BMW M 1000 RR. I know the guys on this team never stop working incredibly hard, and I feel it’s definitely time to get our normal mojo back and rediscover the pace we had at the beginning of this season.”

Leon Haslam, #91 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It’s a fantastic opportunity. Obviously, I have a lot of history with Imola. We took the championship down to the last round here in 2010. I have a lot of history from this circuit, and it’s fantastic to ride again for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. We are riding the BMW M 1000 RR in the UK, so I’m looking forward to working with Shaun Muir and all the guys from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. I have no real big expectations; I just want to try to enjoy it and hopefully get some good information and results.”

Track Facts Imola.

Circuit length

4.936 km – anti-clockwise

Corners

22 – 9 right-handers, 13 left-handers

Pole position

Left

Longest straight

358 meters (start-finish straight)

Track layout

Stop&Go track with slow and fast chicanes, many changes in elevation, challenging changes of direction.