Top Story

Legendary performance, modern power — 2024 Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX

Tags:



Hybrid powered Tacoma produces
up to 326 hp, 465 lb.-ft. of torque
    
(April 25, 2024) PLANO, Texas — The Toyota Tacoma is shaking up the midsize truck segment again with the addition of the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. The i-FORCE MAX pairs a 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated exclusively into the 8-speed transmission for the most powerful powertrain ever offered on Tacoma. With a total system output of up to 326 horsepower and a whopping 465 lb.-ft. of torque, that’s a 75% increase in torque compared to the previous generation V-6 powered truck.

First Drive

2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Tags:



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

Tags:



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

Tags:



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 Hyundai Kona — New look in a larger package

Tags:


MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen
Editor, MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 21, 2024) The second-generation Hyundai Kona compact crossover is here and I found it improved in almost every aspect from the first generation including technology, interior size, and styling. The styling part is, of course, in the eye the beholder and it has garnered some negative reviews. There wasn't much — other than interior space — to gripe about with the first-generation Kona. Don't forget it was named North American Utility of the Year in 2019.

Here's the Thing

Washington state auto loan delinquency increasing fastest

Tags:



WalletHub study identifies
how states rank in delinquency

By Adam McCann
WalletHub financial writer

(April 25, 2024) Falling behind on debt payments can cause long-term credit score damage and cost you a lot of money. You'll rack up costly late fees even as your interest continues to build up. When it comes to auto loan debt, delinquency also has another dire consequence — after a long enough period of time, your car may even be repossessed.

Cox Automotive's five least expensive EVs in the first quarter

Tags:



(April 24, 2024) Big discounts to move electric vehicles off dealership lots means consumers have a selection of vehicles priced below $41,000, according to data compiled by Cox Automotive. Automakers and retailers offered huge incentives — sometimes five-digit discounts — to sell EVs that lingered on dealership lots for more than 100 days in the first quarter of 2024.

Beat the heat with Hyundai's innovative Nano Cooling Film

Tags:



Film blocks external heat energy
emitting internal heat to the outside


(April 23, 2024) SEOUL — Hyundai has launched the world’s first application of Nano Cooling Film, a revolutionary vehicle window tint that offers a significant improvement in interior cooling performance compared to conventional tint films. Nano Cooling Film maximizes heat dissipation by incorporating a nanostructure with excellent heat transfer characteristics. The innovative transparent film is expected to be more effective in hot and dry climates, as the cooling effect is optimized at higher outdoor temperatures.

More "Here's The Thing" Inside

Inside the Industry

Johnny Campbell to lead Honda True Adventure Tour

Tags:



(April 25, 2024) American Honda has announced that 11-time Baja 1000 winner Johnny Campbell will lead a hybrid influencer/demo-ride event—the Honda True Adventure Tour—next month. Based around an adventure motorcycle ride from Northern Washington to Southern California, the event will feature social-media influencers riding Transalp and Africa Twin adventure bikes, with the group making periodic stops at Honda powersports dealerships for public demo rides.

New electric Mini Aceman will initially be built in China

Tags:



No definite word if Mini's first
all-electric model will be sold in U.S.

(April 25, 2024) BEIJING — Mini has reinterpreted the original vision of company founder Alec Issigonis, combining maximum space utilization and a minimum footprint with the new Aceman, a premium small crossover. The Aceman replaces the slow-selling Clubman station wagon, giving Mini full coverage of the small premium segment with various body styles and powertrain options. It is the first Mini that will be sold only as a battery-electric vehicle.

Chrysler celebrates Pacifica as most awarded minivan

Tags:



New marketing campaign begins
with thee 30-second spots   

(April 24, 2024) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In celebration of the Chrysler Pacifica as the most awarded minivan seven years in row, Chrysler brand is launching a new multimedia advertising campaign “Thanking Our Parents,“ which dedicates the accolades and personally gives thanks to the many different types of parents who are the continuous inspiration for the brand to deliver innovative high-tech features, award-winning interior design and the most standard safety features and most advanced available all-wheel-drive system in its class.

More "Inside The Industry" Inside

Abandoned Car of the Week

Throw the top back

Tags:



This early circa 1970s Fiat 124 Spider was found in retirement in an Arizona salvage yard. It appears from the scrawling on the windshield that the owner thinks the relic is still worth $1,500. The original two-seater was built by the Italian company from 1966 through 1985. The first 124 was powered by an inline four-cylinder engine making 89 horsepower. (Photo by Jim Prueter)