Top Story

2024 Nissan Z NISMO — Return of the samurai

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By David Boldt
MyCarData

(April 28, 2024) It was some 20 years ago when Nissan invited me (and many, many others) to its Nissan 360 press event, which brought together — in and around San Francisco — Nissan’s global fleet for, if you will, a fleet meet-and-greet. There were dozens of highlights, including the chance to both see and drive many of the Nissan models not available in these United States. But my personal best was driving a NISMO-modified 350Z on a winding route into Northern California’s Marin County.

First Drive

2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia

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PHOENIX — The Genesis of Alfa Romeo is a sporty 115 years old, centenary automotive brand that checks all the boxes of what one would expect of an Alfa Romeo: Aesthetically beautiful, comfortable, thrilling driving dynamics, reassuring behavior with a sense it can inflict at least a mild case of Stendhal Syndrome — a psychosomatic condition that can trigger a rapid heartbeat, fainting, even hallucinations when individuals become exposed to objects of art, great beauty or lust.

2024 Mercedes GLC Coupe

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PHOENIX — Like the standard issue compact GLC SUV from which it's based upon, the second generation GLC Coupe tested here as a 2024 model is basically a smaller, sportier version that's grown a bit larger length and height, yet remains the same width. So slight is the visual change between the old and new would require them to be parked side by side to see the grille now favors the AMG variants along with the stylized propeller on either side and of course the enormous trim-star moniker.

2024 Subaru Impreza

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PASO ROBLES, Calif. — Spring has finally come to California wine country and I’m clipping through tight two-lane roads through vineyards and wineries around Paso Robles.  I’m doing my best to keep eyes on the road, but the greenery and mountains are simply magical.  Yet, the roads and this car demand attention lest I end up a visitor center lawn ornament.  As invigorating is the drive, this little hatchback could just as easily take Miles and Maisey to cello lessons.  I’m driving the completely redesigned 2024 Subaru Impreza RS.

Vehicle of the Week

2024 Toyota Crown — Redefining the great American sedan

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By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(April 28, 2024) All automakers are facing the challenge of  how to keep their sedans relevant.  It’s a crossover world, ya’all.  So, to stand out from the boring three-box masses, they must innovate without squandering the handling and comfort for which sedans are known.  When Toyota replaced its long-standing Avalon full-size sedan, it could have just given us another.  Instead, we drive the 2024 Toyota Crown Platinum.

Here's the Thing

Hyundai Tucson gets major power boost with hybrid drivetrain

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By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 27, 2024) Hyundai continues to add to the top-selling vehicle in its fleet by putting a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain in the N Line trim of the 2024 Tucson. The HEV setup gives the Tucson a significant boost in power over gasoline-powered models while eliminating the need to plug it in for charging. Sure, you don’t get the 33 miles or so of all-electric driving that the PHEV offers, but that is a small price to pay for not having to dilly-dally around with charging sessions.

Small SUVs struggle with new IIHS front crash prevention test

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(April 26, 2024) The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is updating its vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test to address crashes that occur at higher speeds and those in which the struck vehicle is a motorcycle or large truck. Only one of the first 10 small SUVs evaluated earns a good rating.

National average gas price dips two cents

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(April 26, 2024) With domestic gasoline demand decidedly in the doldrums and the cost of oil retreating, the national average dipped two cents since last week to $3.65.

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Inside the Industry

BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe refreshed for 2025 model year

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4 and 6-cylinder engines updated
with 48V mild hybrid technology

(April 27, 2024) Already innovators in the premium midsize class in terms of aesthetic appeal, driving pleasure, electrification, and digitalization, the new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe are building further on their unique status in the marketplace with updates in all these areas.

Toyota charges up investment and jobs in U.S. manufacturing

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$1.4 billion for Indiana plant
brings production of all-new BEV

(April 27, 2024) PRINCETON, Ind.  — Toyota will prepare for assembly of an all-new, three row battery electric SUV in the U.S. as part of a new $1.4 billion investment in its Princeton facility, affirming Toyota’s commitment to reinvesting profits in its U.S. operations and bringing total investment in Toyota Indiana to $8 billion. This also brings the addition of up to 340 new, high-quality jobs with long-term stability.

Led by new 1500 RHO, Ram announces new off-road truck lineup

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(April 26, 2024) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Today marks a new milestone in the continued evolution of Ram with the arrival of "the most capable, most affordable off-road truck lineup in the industry." The most off-road models Ram has offered spans both the light- and heavy-duty lineup, including the all-new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel, 2025 Ram 1500 Warlock, 2024 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and 2024 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel.

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Abandoned Car of the Week

A Ford work truck

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This fifth-generation 1971 Ford F-Series truck was found in northern Florida minus a few necessities such as headlights, bumpers and side trim. The 1971 F-Series had a variety of six and-eight cylinder engines. Transmissions included 3 and 4-speed manuals and a 4-speed automatic. (Photo by Jim Meachen)