Author: Lawrence K. Jacobs

FYI: The Chevrolet Corvette continues to surprise with numerous off-road conversions gaining popularity. Enthusiasts are pushing the boundaries, turning this sports car icon into formidable trail machines. Chevrolet Corvette’s Off-Road Transformation The Chevrolet Corvette’s transformation into an off-road beast is capturing significant attention. While this might sound unconventional, it’s a trend that’s been steadily gaining momentum. In a recent Road & Track magazine feature, a Corvette developer acknowledged that the idea of an off-road Corvette is frequently discussed. The developer candidly remarked, "We have one guy on the team who always brings it up. Of course, we look at what…

FYI: Wireless charging pads for front and rear seat passengers top the list of the most desired features in new vehicles this year, highlighting a shift towards comfort and convenience amongst car buyers. Most Desired Features in New Cars Shift Towards Wireless Convenience When purchasing a new car, buyers are increasingly prioritizing comfort and practical features over luxury gadgets like sunroofs or paddle shifters. According to AutoPacific’s latest Future Attribute Demand Study (FADS), the most sought-after feature on new car buyers’ lists is a wireless charging pad for phones that is easily accessible to front-seat passengers. Interestingly, a similar charging…

FYI: Tesla is witnessing a significant decline in vehicle registrations in California, indicative of rising competition and potential broader issues. Tesla’s California Dilemma: Declining Registrations Amidst Rising Competition Tesla is facing dwindling enthusiasm in California as new vehicle registrations plummet. According to the California New Car Dealers Association, Tesla’s vehicle registrations in the state dropped by a substantial 24% in the second quarter. This marks the third consecutive quarter of declines, adding pressure on the company led by Elon Musk. California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted this trend by noting Tesla’s diminishing dominance is due to increasing competition from other electric…

FYI: Volvo raises EX90 prices by $3,300 across all trims, surprise notifications about feature omissions add to preorder woes. Volvo Surprises Customers with Unannounced EX90 Price Hike and Feature Omissions In a surprising move, Volvo has quietly increased the prices of all trim levels of its much-anticipated EX90 electric SUV by $3,300. This price adjustment, which took place on May 1, 2023, a month before the vehicle went into production following a nearly year-long delay, was only communicated to dealer groups and preorderers on June 26, the same day they were informed that their vehicles would be missing certain features…

FYI: The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona has finally arrived with official pricing and a slew of options, promising to electrify the muscle car market. 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona: Pricing and Packages Unveiled In anticipation of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona’s battery-electric debut, Dodge has officially revealed pricing details, dispelling numerous rumors that had been swirling around. Starting with the significant figures, the MSRP for the Charger Daytona R/T begins at $59,995, excluding a $1,995 destination charge. This brings the price to $61,990 without additional options, considerably undercutting earlier speculations by $8,575. The performance-oriented Charger Daytona Scat Pack is priced at…

FYI: The 2025 Hyundai Kona Gets Exciting Updates Across All Models Hyundai continues to refine its popular Kona lineup with fresh updates for the 2025 model year. Following the major refresh of the second-generation Kona, the latest enhancements span both the gasoline and electric variants. Here’s a look at what’s new, how it affects your buying options, and the latest pricing details. Gasoline Models: New Trims and Feature Updates The 2025 Hyundai Kona gasoline models see the introduction of two new trims that aim to simplify the buying process. Instead of configuring the SEL trim with a separate $2,200 Convenience…

FYI: The 2025 Mazda CX-90 Refines Trims and Pricing with Exciting New Features Mazda’s three-row SUV, the CX-90, enters 2025 with several updates designed to enhance its appeal and maintain competitive pricing. Following an overhaul from the previous model year, Mazda has revamped its trim offerings for the CX-90, streamlined the lineup, and introduced new features without significant price hikes. Refreshed Trims and Updated Features For 2025, the Mazda CX-90 lineup now includes six mild-hybrid trims, reducing from eight in 2024. The Preferred Plus, Premium, and S Premium trims have been discontinued. In their place, Mazda has introduced the Premium…

FYI: The 2025 Ford Mustang offers a distinct blend of big power, modern technology, and classic charm, despite a few drawbacks like a rigid ride in some versions and the absence of a high-performance package for its EcoBoost engine. Pros and Cons of the 2025 Ford Mustang Pros: High output from all engine options Wide variety of flavors to suit different tastes Convertible model available Fun features like drift brakes and customizable displays Spacious trunk for a coupe Cons: 10-speed automatic transmission isn’t very performance-oriented Limited customizable drive mode settings Performance package can reduce ride quality Convertible suffers from cowl…

FYI: Ford halts new retail orders for the 2024 F-150 gasoline and hybrid models due to production delays, impacting buyers who want custom configurations. ### Ford Halts New Retail Orders for 2024 F-150 Models Amid Delays Ford Motor Company has recently announced a suspension of new retail orders for the 2024 Ford F-150 gasoline and hybrid models, starting from August 2, 2024. This holds significance for enthusiasts and potential buyers, as the F-150 lineup faces the same production challenges previously seen with the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, albeit on a larger scale. ### Immediate Action Required for Custom Orders For…

FYI: The Jeep Compass gets an update with a new turbocharged engine, price drops, and an upcoming hybrid variant. As the Jeep Compass heads into its third model year, it undergoes significant enhancements, including a power-packed turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Additionally, Jeep has decided to lower the MSRP across its lineup for the second consecutive year. This move reduces the price tags by four digits, translating into a more budget-friendly Compass for 2023 and continuing into 2024. The base Sport trim now has an entry price of $27,495, a rate that will be maintained for 2025. While the Compass trims…