Author: J.Carter

Fiat 500X: A Relic Still Haunting Dealership Lots
Industry & Business, News, SUV & Crossovers

Fiat 500X: A Relic Still Haunting Dealership Lots

The Fiat 500X, a model that has long since been discontinued in the United States after the conclusion of the 2023 model year, continues to linger on dealership lots. This persistence is particularly evident at Criswell Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where ten new 500X models remain unsold despite significant discounts.Criswell's inventory includes a variety of 500X variants, with the entry-level Pop model originally priced at $33,785 now available for $20,999. This represents a discount of over $12,000, making it one of the most heavily discounted vehicles on the market today.The Sports variant, which initially retailed for $35,865, is also being offered at a steep discount of $14,116. This model can now be purchased for just $22,999, reflecting the desperate meas...
ChargePoint Expands Metro Detroit Charging Network with Over 40 New Ports
EV & Electric Cars, News

ChargePoint Expands Metro Detroit Charging Network with Over 40 New Ports

The metro Detroit area is set to receive a significant boost in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, with more than 40 new ChargePoint fast-charging ports scheduled to be installed across multiple sites owned by the Dabaja Brothers Development Group. The first ultra-fast charging station has already opened in Canton, Michigan, marking the beginning of a series of installations planned for Dearborn and Livonia.Yousef Dabaja, owner/operator at Dabaja Brothers, explained that the initiative was driven by an observed gap in EV charging options within Canton. “We saw a lack of charging stations across metro Detroit, especially in Canton,” said Dabaja. This sentiment echoes the growing demand for reliable and accessible EV infrastructure as more consumers opt for electric vehicles.Each...
Boring Company’s Prufrock TBM Embraces Reusability and Sustainability
EV & Electric Cars, News

Boring Company’s Prufrock TBM Embraces Reusability and Sustainability

The Boring Company, a relatively low-key venture of Elon Musk, has unveiled an intriguing feature of its latest tunnel boring machine (TBM), the Prufrock. Unlike conventional TBMs that are often abandoned underground after completing their projects due to the high costs associated with retrieval, the Prufrock is designed for reusability and continuous improvement. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also aligns with broader sustainability goals.Prufrock-5 recently emerged from The Boring Company's Bastrop, Texas facility, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious tunneling efforts. Elon Musk himself shared on X that Prufrock-5 will commence tunneling operations by December 1st, promising to deliver a notable increase in speed compared to previous iterations.The ...
Audi Q4 e-tron: A Practical and Stylish Electric SUV for the Budget-Conscious
EV & Electric Cars, News, SUV & Crossovers

Audi Q4 e-tron: A Practical and Stylish Electric SUV for the Budget-Conscious

The Audi Q4 e-tron, a relatively new entrant in the electric vehicle market since its debut in 2021, offers a compelling blend of comfort, practicality, and class. As an automotive journalist with two decades of experience, I've had the pleasure of driving numerous models over the years, from traditional gasoline-powered SUVs to today's cutting-edge EVs. The Q4 e-tron stands out not just for its electric drivetrain but also for its heritage within Audi’s lineup.One cannot discuss the Q4 e-tron without acknowledging its platform kinship with the Skoda Enyaq and VW ID 4, all of which share a common MQB Evo architecture. This shared DNA translates into a robust, reliable foundation that has been honed over years of development in other models within Volkswagen Group's portfolio.Financially sp...
Cupra Leon VZ and TCR: Limited Edition Hot Hatches
News

Cupra Leon VZ and TCR: Limited Edition Hot Hatches

The Cupra Leon VZ and VZ TCR are the latest additions to the Leon lineup, celebrating its success in global TCR touring car racing. Both models boast significant power upgrades over recent years, with a peak of 321bhp and 310lb ft of torque from Volkswagen's EA888 engine. The VZ model has a production run of 1500 units globally, while the more exclusive VZ TCR is limited to just 499 cars worldwide. Despite their high performance credentials, the VZ and VZ TCR models are not the most powerful Leons ever produced. The 2.0 TSI Leon 4Drive Estate still leads with a potent 329bhp output. Nonetheless, both new editions surpass their predecessor, the series-production Leon 300 hatch, in terms of power and torque. The VZ models come equipped with adaptively damped sport suspension and a VAQ ...
Mitsubishi-Fuso and REE Partner for SDV and XBW Tech in Commercial Vehicles
Industry & Business, News, Pickup Trucks

Mitsubishi-Fuso and REE Partner for SDV and XBW Tech in Commercial Vehicles

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Israeli automotive technology company, REE Automotive Ltd., to develop next-generation commercial vehicles. The collaboration aims to integrate Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) and X-By-Wire (XBW) technologies, which promise enhanced flexibility and scalability in vehicle architectures.SDVs represent the future direction for Mitsubishi Fuso as they offer greater design freedom through software control, extending vehicle lifespans and reducing total cost of ownership. XBW technology replaces traditional mechanical linkages with electronic controls, improving safety, operability, and fuel efficiency while facilitating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving features.Th...
EV & Electric Cars, News

Porsche Panamera Turbo: A Luxe Mobile Party Room

Porsche's Sonderwunsch division has once again pushed the boundaries of automotive luxury with a bespoke Panamera Turbo model that transforms every drive into an opulent affair. This one-of-a-kind build, unveiled two years after its initial conception, showcases Porsche’s commitment to personalized luxury in the modern era. The rear cabin is the focal point, featuring an illuminated champagne cooler and a cigar humidor, both of which cater to the discerning tastes of high-end clientele.The champagne cooler, strategically placed between the rear seats, ensures that guests can enjoy chilled beverages during their journey. Its illumination allows for easy identification of the contents even in low-light conditions, adding an element of sophistication and convenience. The cigar humidor, on the...
Tata Sierra Returns With Land Rover Vibe and Modern Tech
EV & Electric Cars, News

Tata Sierra Returns With Land Rover Vibe and Modern Tech

Tata Motors has brought back the Sierra with a bang, reviving an iconic nameplate that disappeared from India's SUV market over two decades ago. The reborn Sierra is not just a nostalgic nod to its predecessor but also a modern marvel in terms of design and technology.The new Sierra retains much of the concept car’s styling cues, including squared-off lines reminiscent of Land Rover models. This isn’t surprising given Tata's ownership stake in Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The strong B-pillar and wraparound rear glass are throwbacks to the original three-door Sierra from 1991, while modern elements like glossy black cladding and aluminum-effect skid plates add a contemporary touch.At first glance, the Sierra’s proportions place it squarely in the compact SUV segment. Its dimensions—4,340 mm len...
Gordon Murray S1 LM Breaks Records at $20 Million Sale
News, Supercars

Gordon Murray S1 LM Breaks Records at $20 Million Sale

The Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 was often touted as the spiritual successor to the McLaren F1, but now a new contender has emerged for that title: the Gordon Murray S1 LM. Recently sold at RM Sotheby’s in Las Vegas for an astounding $20 million (approximately R$ 120 million), this limited-edition hypercar marks itself firmly on the annals of automotive history.The S1 LM, conceived as a purist's ode to high-revving engines and lightweight construction, is powered by a Cosworth-developed V12 engine producing an impressive 710 horsepower. This motor not only boasts robust power figures but also an astonishing redline at the dizzying 12,100 rpm, a rarity in modern production cars.With just five units ever to be built and all initially purchased by a single collector before this recent sale, ...
Industry & Business, News, Tech & Autonomous

Uber Launches Driverless Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi with WeRide

Uber has expanded its autonomous vehicle footprint to the Middle East, launching driverless robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi through a partnership with Chinese AV company WeRide. This marks Uber's fourth market for fully automated rides, following Austin, Phoenix, and Atlanta in the U.S.The introduction of these vehicles in Yas Island represents a significant milestone as it is the first such service to operate without human oversight in the Middle East region. Previously, Uber had been testing autonomous technology with safety operators on board since December 2023 in Abu Dhabi, and similarly in Riyadh earlier this year.Riders can now book WeRide robotaxis through the Uber app by selecting the autonomous option when requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort ride. The service is currently limited ...