Tag Archives: Study

Chevrolet Corvette Resale Value: Is It Worth The Investment?

The Corvette has been a prime performer within the resale marketplace for a while. In a 2018 research by iSeeCars.com, a 2013 C7 Corvette positioned third behind the VW Golf R and Subaru Impreza WRX for having the bottom common five-year depreciation amongst sports activities automobiles. The C8 Corvette additionally claimed the highest spot in Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards for 2021. With a predicted resale worth of 49.5% of the unique sticker worth after 60 months of possession, the C8 Corvette outperformed perennial rivals like the consistently high-resale-value Porsche 911, which might promote at 48.9% of its sticker worth after 5 years, and the 2021 Dodge Charger Scat Pack, which bought at 47.9%. 

Crucially, the upfront value of a Corvette can be considerably decrease than a few of its rivals. A base Porsche 911 Carrera bought for $91,100 in 2018. The 2018 ‘Vette value simply $55,495. With persistently low-cost buy-in and low depreciation, used Corvette patrons simply have to resolve which Corvette model is the coolest. Notably, for patrons whose tastes run to the traditional, old-school ‘Vettes could be much more rewarding. A mint 1953 C1 Corvette may fetch wherever from $50,000 to a mindblowing $700,000. Not dangerous for a automobile that bought new in 1953 for below $3,500, the equal of $40,000. 

Porsche 911 Resale Value: Is It Worth The Investment?

According to a research by the on-line auto market iSeeCars.com, the Porsche 911 (coupe) is value each penny, adopted by the Porsche 718 Cayman, which is one of the cheapest Porsches for those on a budget. Owners can count on their 911 to lose solely 9.3% of its unique worth after a five-year depreciation. The MSRP of a 911 base mannequin is $114,400, which solely will increase primarily based on choices. After 5 years, a base mannequin might fetch the proprietor roughly $103,760.

The coupe model is not the one 911 to rank within the high 25 of the research, both. Further down the rating, coming in at fifteenth, is the 911 convertible mannequin which solely depreciates 26% of its unique worth after 5 years. Two 911 fashions showing on the highest 25 autos for the bottom 5-year depreciation is a testomony to the standard of this high-performance automobile.

The Porche 911 would not solely retain its worth, it may possibly earn some revenue for an proprietor. In July 2023, a Porsche 911 Turbo S convertible bought at public sale for $288,000, with an unique price ticket of $281,000. Few luxurious automobiles will retain their worth like a Porsche 911, a lot much less earn their proprietor a revenue.

Don’t Trust Your Automatic Rear Braking System, Says AAA

Modern autos are geared up with a variety of driver-assist techniques, however a new study from AAA emphasizes these are designed to help drivers, not take the place of sensible, attentive conduct behind the wheel. That holds very true with reverse automated emergency braking techniques, which AAA discovered sorely missing within the capability to forestall collisions.

What does sorely missing imply? Out of 40 check runs utilizing 4 SUVs from totally different automakers, just one ended with no crash from cross visitors. Arguably extra shocking is the 50-percent failure fee for stationary folks standing behind the SUVs. 10 out of 20 checks ended with SUVs placing a child-sized pedestrian goal, and 5 of these instances the automated braking system by no means even activated.

AAA Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking Test

Those are the outcomes, however let’s take a deeper dive into the check and the autos concerned. AAA sourced a Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-30, and a Lexus RX 350, all 2023 fashions that AAA says are consultant of in style small-to-medium-sized SUVs in use immediately.

Two situations had been used for testing cross-traffic alerts and braking: reversing from perpendicular spots and from angled areas, each with a big car parked to the fitting. For the stationary pedestrian check, a human determine standing 45 inches tall was positioned roughly six toes behind the SUV on the car’s heart line.

For cross-traffic checks, a robotic soft-target car served because the visitors. In each situations, it approached at 15 mph. The SUVs started reversing when the goal was 200 toes out. No stress was utilized to both the accelerator or brake pedal, thus leaving every thing as much as the security system. Each SUV carried out the checks 5 instances, and the Volkswagen Tiguan is the one one which averted a crash, albeit simply as soon as within the perpendicular check.

Angled parking appears to be notably difficult for the techniques. None averted collisions and all SUVs didn’t even activate the brakes on some runs. Overall stats present brakes had been utilized on simply 45 p.c of the angled parking checks, versus 85 p.c for the perpendicular runs. The Lexus RX 350 was the one car that did not brake on any of the angled checks.

As for pedestrians, the research reveals a 50 p.c likelihood of hitting an individual standing instantly behind the car. The Tiguan, whereas being the one SUV to keep away from a cross-traffic collision, hit the simulated child in each check. It did not even apply the brakes on two of these checks, however the Mazda CX-30 was worse. It additionally hit the pedestrian each run and didn’t brake 3 times. Yikes.

“Drivers should not solely rely on these advanced driving systems to prevent collisions, but instead use them to enhance their awareness of their surroundings and support safe driving,” stated Greg Brannon, AAA director of automotive engineering. “Above all, vehicle testing requirements for these systems should be updated to be consistent, taking into consideration unusual objects and more realistic scenarios with the goal of achieving the greatest safety benefit to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.”

We reached out to the automakers talked about on this check for some perception into their security techniques. Lexus defined its Rear Cross Traffic Braking system alerts drivers first, then applies the brakes to assist keep away from or mitigate contact but it surely’s not designed to cease the car fully. Even if it does cease, the brakes can be launched after roughly two seconds. Lexus additionally echoed AAA’s ideas with the next assertion:

“Lexus vehicles are available with several different Parking Support technologies designed to help make the driver aware of potential obstacles around the vehicle, vehicles crossing behind the Lexus when in reverse, or pedestrians near the rear of the vehicle, alert the driver, and in the case of some systems, take action if they determine that a collision is likely. As they may not function correctly under certain conditions, the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary. The driver is solely responsible for safe driving.”

Volkswagen provided the same assertion relating to its rear auto brake system:

“The safety of our customers is a top priority for Volkswagen. Our driver assistance systems are designed to aid drivers, but are not substitutes for attentive driving. As the study recommends, drivers should be fully aware of their surroundings, utilize backup cameras to enhance their awareness, and back up cautiously.”

Hyundai did not remark particularly on the research, however did supply an announcement relating to its Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) system:

“Hyundai’s Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) can alert the driver of a potential hazard by providing an audible warning and applying light braking. RCCA is active when the vehicle is in reverse and operating at low speeds. Never rely exclusively on RCCA. RCCA cannot prevent all collisions and may not provide alerts or braking in all conditions. Always look over your shoulder and use your mirrors to confirm rear clearance. There are limitations to the function, detection, range and clarity of the system. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.”

We are awaiting an announcement from Mazda, which can be added as quickly because it’s out there.

The full AAA study provides a significantly deeper dive into the methodology and parameters of the check, however the takeaway is fairly easy. Reversing techniques that detect objects and have auto brake functionality supply a degree of help, however nothing extra. Drivers nonetheless have to train warning and be vigilant when backing up.

Paris Votes In Favor Of Tripling Parking Fees For Heavy Cars

The European Federation for Transport and Environment revealed a research earlier this 12 months that confirmed SUVs are becoming too large for European roads and parking areas. With air pollution from SUVs additionally a priority, local weather activists insist there ought to be restrictions in opposition to house owners of cumbersome automobiles.

The outcomes of a referendum held over the weekend in France’s capital present that some individuals are okay with making the lives of SUV house owners a bit more durable. Parisians have voted in favor of successfully tripling parking charges to €18 (almost $20) per hour within the metropolis heart and €12 (nearly $13) in the remainder of Paris. These modifications will not apply to residential parking.

It ought to be talked about that the choice will not solely impression crossovers and SUVs. Owners of standard vehicles weighing 1,600 kilograms (3,527 kilos) or extra should pony up the additional money. Electric automobiles tipping the scales at over 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) may even be affected. Those who stay or work in Paris will likely be exempt, as will these affected by disabilities. Additionally, taxi drivers, well being employees, and tradespeople will not be impacted by the result of the referendum.

Only round 5.7 % of voters, about 78,000 folks out of a complete of 1.3 million, went to one of many 39 voting cubicles. Parisians voted 54.55 % in favor of tripling parking charges for heavier vehicles. Despite the low turnout, the choice is anticipated to come back into impact as early as September 2024.

The referendum final 12 months in April to ban rental electrical scooters wasn’t in style both, with solely about 103,000 folks voting, accounting for simply seven % of registered voters. Despite the low turnout, rented electrical scooters had been subsequently banned within the City of Lights.

The new referendum held over the weekend is projected to impression about 10 % of automobiles in Paris, as said by the town’s deputy mayor answerable for transport, David Belliard. It’s protected to imagine that somebody who owns an enormous luxurious SUV reminiscent of a Mercedes GLE or a BMW X5 will not have a problem with paying an hourly fee of €18 as a substitute of €6.

That stated, the result of the voting may affect different capitals to take related motion. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo believes that some European cities will likely be inspired to take related measures, stating:

“Parisians have made a clear choice… other cities will follow. We’re proud of having posed an eminently environmental question at a time when the environment is presented as the source of all evil. It’s a form of resistance here in Paris to this very concerning movement.”

SUVs Are Getting Too Fat For European Roads

Perhaps we did not want a examine to inform us that automobiles are getting larger. SUVs, particularly, are the worst offenders in Europe, the place pickup vehicles usually are not as prevalent as within the United States. New analysis highlights the necessity for regulators to deal with the problem of more and more cumbersome automobiles.

The European Federation for Transport and Environment, a European umbrella for non-governmental organizations in accordance with Wikipedia, has examined the numbers. The information reveals that new passenger automobiles have gotten one centimeter (0.4 inches) wider each couple of years. Consequently, these more and more fatter automobiles have gotten too huge for roads and parking spots on the Old Continent.

Transport & Environment SUV study

The common new automobile now exceeds 180 centimeters (70.8 inches) in width, roughly the dimensions of a typical parking house on Europe’s streets. This successfully narrows the usable driving lane, posing a specific problem in historic cities with narrower streets. The examine highlights examples of notably huge automobiles, and unsurprisingly, they’re all SUVs. For occasion, the BMW X5, X6, X7, and XM all exceed 200 centimeters (78.7 inches) in width, whereas the Mercedes GLS, Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg are just under that threshold.

But common automobiles have gotten larger over the many years, too. A well-liked automobile in Europe, the Skoda Octavia is technically a compact automobile, but it surely stretches at 4.68 meters (184.6 inches) lengthy and 1.82 meters (72 in) huge. The best-selling car ever in Europe, the Volkswagen Golf, is 4.28 meters (168.7 inches) lengthy whereas the unique Golf was solely 3.7 meters (145.9 inches) lengthy.

The steady development is not solely as a result of demand for extra spacious automobiles; it is also influenced by growing security rules. One simply noticeable instance is the widened pillars in immediately’s automobiles in contrast to a couple many years in the past. With regulators mandating extra security options, automakers want the additional house to accommodate the mandatory {hardware}. With dimension going up, so is weight, which has adverse repercussions on the automobile’s effectivity by growing gasoline consumption and emissions, however that is a unique story.

One of the driving forces behind this regarding pattern is the SUV. People can not seem to get sufficient of them, and automakers fortunately oblige. Additionally, there’s a security concern, as a examine performed by the Belgian Institute for Road Safety revealed some worrying outcomes. Crash information recorded in Belgium from 2017 till 2021 confirmed that elevating a car’s entrance by 10 % elevated the chance of a pedestrian or bicyclist fatality by 30 %.

The resolution to cease this so-called “autobesity”? The European Federation for Transport and Environment believes the pattern is not going to finish until there will likely be regulatory motion by European lawmakers.

This Vibrating Capsule Could Assist In The Ways We Treat Obesity

The breakthrough weight problems management capsule was revealed in a research revealed within the Science Advances journal, the place a workforce of researchers led by Dr. Shriya Srinivasan, assistant professor of bioengineering at Harvard University, evaluated its efficacy on 10 Yorkshire pigs throughout 108 meals. The researchers declare to have recorded the identical hormonal launch patterns related to satiety as soon as the animals ingested the VIBES capsule 20 minutes earlier than meals.

The research additionally notes that the pigs who swallowed the capsule exhibited a 40% discount in meals consumption, adopted by a slower weight acquire price than the management group. While the efficacy claims are promising, figuring out the process’s security on animal check topics was the research’s major aim forward of the upcoming human trials.

Sized roughly like a multivitamin capsule, a single dose of VIBES handed by the gastrointestinal tract of the pigs inside a mean of 4.3 days. The capsule is powered by a silver oxide battery activated solely when the gastric juices dissolve the non-conductive gelatinous membrane separating the electrodes — very like the detachable plastic tab present in a brand-new TV distant designed to forestall the batteries from going flat prematurely in storage.

Just like there isn’t any swap to energy the vibration motor on, the capsule additionally stops vibrating after about half-hour. The analysis workforce is presently engaged on optimizing the working scale, supply, and cost-effectiveness for human trials sooner or later.

Singer ACS Off-Road Porsche 911 Bashes Through Sand, Steals Our Hearts

Back in 2021, Singer wowed the world with the All-Terrain Competition Study (ACS). Two have been constructed for an enthusiastic proprietor – one geared toward off-road enjoyable with the opposite designed for tarmac tomfoolery. Both have been radical interpretations of the 964-era 911, however Porsche executives apparently took issue with branding on these vehicles. Singer finally eliminated the ACS from its web site, and the vehicles slipped out of our minds. But they nonetheless exist, as evidenced by this new Top Gear video.

The proprietor of those two vehicles granted entry for a take a look at drive of the off-road variant, and by take a look at drive, we imply a full-on romp by the desert.

There’s no point out of an precise money worth for this automotive, however the time period hundreds of thousands is used just a few occasions. Despite the worth, the proprietor enjoys the hell out of this automotive by driving it arduous, usually. And now, we will get pleasure from it vicariously by the magic of YouTube.

Singer ACS
Singer ACS
Singer ACS

The ACS remains to be air-cooled, packing a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six that, based on the video, produces someplace between 450 and 600 horsepower. It sends that energy by a five-speed sequential transmission, turning all 4 wheels that mount to a dual-damper suspension setup. There are 11.8 inches of bump-soaking journey on the corners, and we see that put to excellent use on this 11-minute presentation of mud, jumps, and all-around rallytastic enjoyable.

The carbon fiber physique encompasses a rear clamshell design that lifts to disclose the engine. There’s a second spare tire again there (the primary spare is saved in entrance for straightforward entry) and naturally there is a full roll cage. It’s not constructed to compete in a selected racing collection, neither is it a promo automobile for somebody’s social media channels. It’s only a wild off-road 911 constructed to, nicely, be wild.

With all of the specialty automobiles we see relegated to collections in hermetically sealed garages, it is great to see one getting used precisely because it was supposed. Here’s hoping we get a second video that includes the tarmac-focused ACS someday quickly.

What An Electric Acura NSX Needs To Corner The Electric Supercar Market

In August, Acura debuted a brand-new concept car and dubbed it an “electrifying design study with thrilling performance proportions.” The future car, the Honda-owned company said, would help steer Acura toward its zero-emission future. It isn’t difficult to deduce what hovers on the horizon is an all-electric sports car. The brief sneak peek at the sleek and futuristic step forward looked a whole lot like Acura’s famed NSX.

Acura’s NSX stunned the auto world when it hit the market in the late 1980s in its first iteration. The car, inspired by Formula 1 tech and tested by motorsport legends, left its mark by offering one of the fastest drives on the Japanese Domestic Market. The second iteration’s latest launch included a decent performance at a steep price compared to rivals. With 2022 Acura NSX reviews in mind, there are a few things an electric version could improve on to revive the NSX’s reputation.

Related: 10 Electric Sports Cars We Can’t Wait To Drive In The Future

A High Top Speed Is The Key To Break Records

A front shot of a silver 2022 Acura NSX Type S driving on track
Acura

The hybrid 2022 Acura NSX reached a top speed of 191 MPH. The beloved car’s reaction time is quicker than some competitors, but not by much. The 2022 model has an acceleration rate of 2.9 seconds from 0 to 60 MPH. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT, in comparison, is said to reach 60 MPH in just under three seconds and the 2021 version hits a high speed of 202 MPH.

The second-generation of the NSX failed to live up to expectations for many. Although it had fast speed — both in acceleration and top speed — its competitors also had those exact numbers, if not better ones. With a previously stellar reputation synonymous with speed, the NSX’s name took a bit of a beating. Just now announcing the manufacturer’s first series of electric vehicles, Honda is a bit behind when it comes to introducing the latest and greatest in electric technology. That doesn’t mean it can’t repair the NSX’s fleeting reputation all while trying its hand at leading the electrification of the auto industry.

Once holding the title as the quickest car on the Japanese auto market in the 1990s, the early models of the sports car set the bar high. With its aerodynamic body, the NSX-like concept from Acura looks promising for performance. If it wants to stand out among the top-performing track cars today, though, it must not trade speed in for sustainability.

Related: 10 EVs That Can Outrun The World’s Best Supercars

The Electric NSX Needs A Competitive Price Tag

Acura Performance Electric Vision Concept
Acura

One of the biggest complaints from recent NSX models was the hefty price tag attached. The 2022 hybrid sports car came in at $171,495. Competitors, however, had similar price tags with both better stats and a luxury name attached. If an electric NSX wants a leg up on luxury names like McLaren, Mercedes, and Audi, a reasonable price is a necessity. The 2023 Audi R8, for example, starts at $161,395 and offers around the same acceleration time and a higher top speed.

How the 2022 Acura NSX’s Price Compared To Rivals

Model

2022 Acura NSX

2021 Mercedes-AMG GT

2023 Audi R8

Price

$171,495

$119,650

$161,395

Horsepower

600 horsepower

577 horsepower

562 horsepower

Torque

495 pound-feet

516 pound-feet

406 pound-feet

Top Speed

191 MPH

202 MPH

200-204 MPH

Acceleration

2.9 seconds

2.9 seconds

3.4-3.5 seconds

The electric car market has a range of prices. However, the electric sports car sector ranges from $45,000 to upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not soaring above the one million mark. The 2024 Rimac Nevera, for example, starts at a whopping $2,200,000. With this broad range in price and performance, an electric Acura NSX has some breathing room for pricing. That being said, there has been a significant push to bring down the cost of electric vehicles — and that isn’t just limited to everyday drives. The rumors swirling about a $25,000 Tesla would shake up everything previously assumed about the market. Although not built for peak performance, the potential for a Tesla in the affordable electric vehicle space means the value of luxury names may be reevaluated. Acura must situate an all-electric sports car strategically for it to fly off the shelves.

Related: How Electric Sports Cars Will Change The Automotive Landscape

A V-6 Sound Is Necessary To Satisfy Auto Aficionados

Acura Performance Electric Vision Concept
Acura

The 2022 Acura NSX had a hybrid powertrain going for it. That characteristic sound, however, will be missed in an all-electric version. While drivers of the 2022 model could switch back and forth — minimizing the sound in residential areas and ramping it up on the racetrack — an all-electric powertrain wouldn’t offer that loud roar.

Electric vehicle technology has thankfully evolved to suit all types of automotive enthusiasts, including those with a love for a blaring motor. Cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT come with added artificial noise to keep the tradition and driving experience alive. While non-auto fans may have raised an eyebrow at the addition, or even deemed it contradictory, it ultimately widens the reach of the electric vehicle industry. Traditionalists have long debated how the rapid electrification of the market will impact the engines of the past. Now, it seems the best of both worlds are at play.

Related: 10 Electric Cars We’ll Take Over A Lamborghini Any Day

It Needs To Boast At Least 300 Miles Of Range

Acura Performance Electric Vision Concept
Acura

While speed is a priority, electric vehicles available today don’t skimp on driving range. The 2024 Audi e-tron GT hits 240 miles. Although the GT is equipped with less speed than most EV sports cars, it also offers a less flashy price, starting at $107,995. In a similar vein, the Taycan was Porsche’s first luxury sports car to go all-electric. While the Taycan may perform well — featuring a 2.4-second 0-60 MPH acceleration rate — its biggest downfall was the 225 miles of range. With longevity giants like the Lucid Air — offering a groundbreaking 516 miles of range while still revving up to 60 MPH in three seconds — on the market, an all-electric Acura has to hit a sweet spot in top speed, acceleration, and range. A 300-mile range at the minimum would set an EV NSX up for success.

Acura’s first all-electric SUV is available starting in 2024. The ZDX is expected to run a total of 325 miles and fall within the $60,000 to $70,000 price range. The EV SUV debuted at Monterey Car Week along with the possible NSX concept design. The fleet of electric cars reflects not only Acura’s plans for the future, but the auto industry as a whole. More and more manufacturers have set lofty goals for going all green, or totally carbon-neutral by a range of dates: 2028 for some, 2030 for most, and 2035 for others. Acura fits right into Honda’s plans to sell only electric vehicles by a later date: 2040.

While that date may seem far off, it also will offer the automotive brand to experiment with the latest in electric vehicle technology and create a balance of pace, performance, price, and perseverance. Hopefully, the newest all-electric sports car to come off the factory line strikes that balance. With its sparkly display of unveiling the car concept at Car Week, Acura ushered in a new future for the brand — one that is sleek, speedy, and sustainable. As more details trickle out of Acura, gear heads wait in anticipation for what is likely a bright and eco future.

Electric Honda NSX Successor Revealed in Design Study

The highly anticipated successor to the Honda NSX has been previewed as an ‘Electric Vision Design Study’ at Monterey Car Week, according to Acura, Honda’s sibling brand. Three images released by Acura showcase a sleek and low-set coupé with a forward-cab design reminiscent of the mid-engined NSX. The car also features a rear light bar similar to that found on the original NSX. The design closely resembles the silhouette that was revealed in May 2022, when Honda announced its plans to develop a high-end, NSX-inspired model as part of its £31 billion electrification strategy.

Autocar reported in May 2023 that Honda is set to unveil a new sports car to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Tom Gardner, Vice President of Honda Europe, stated that the brand’s identity in Europe will revolve around two words: ‘advanced’ and ‘sporty’. He emphasized Honda’s commitment to incorporating technology that adds value to its customers and expressed enthusiasm for performance-focused vehicles such as the Type R. While Gardner didn’t share specific details about the positioning or powertrain of the new model, he hinted at its imminent reveal and hinted that it could have similar significance to the previous sports car released during a Honda anniversary, the S2000.

Dave Marek, Executive Creative Director of Acura, also confirmed Gardner’s statements by expressing excitement about the future of Acura Precision Crafted Performance in the electric vehicle era. He mentioned that the latest expression of an all-electric high-performance model has inspired their design team to push boundaries, and they wanted to share the excitement with Acura fans.

Acura Electric Vision Design Study silhouette

The Risks of Quiet Electric Cars: A Danger for Pedestrians

According to the “Headphone use and pedestrian injury and death in the United States: 2004–2011” study published in Injury Prevention, Richard Lichenstein et al provide alarming information about the dangers posed by silent electric cars. During the study period, 116 pedestrians wearing headphones were killed, with over half of them being hit by trains. Shockingly, 29% of these fatalities occurred even after an audible warning was given. This highlights the need to protect individuals who are deaf, hearing impaired, blind, or visually impaired from the risks of these quiet vehicles, as failure to sense approaching cars can have fatal consequences.

Various electric cars may not be completely silent while in motion, but compared to the noisy vehicles on our roads, they are significantly quieter. Recognizing this, lawmakers came up with a brilliant and life-saving solution: Just as natural gas is infused with a foul-smelling substance called mercaptan to quickly detect potential gas leaks, electric vehicles should be equipped with intentional sounds and sensors to make them more audible.

In response, the European Union implemented legislation in July 2019 to address this issue. Known as Uniform Provisions Concerning the Approval of Quiet Road Transport Vehicles with Regard to their Reduced Audibility, this regulation requires electric cars in the E.U. to have an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System. As reported by New Atlas, this system produces a continuous noise of at least 56 decibels when the vehicle is traveling at 20 km/h (12 mph) or slower.