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As wildfires engulf the West, the non-profit Car Care Council reminds car owners to have their cabin air filters and engine air filters inspected and changed regularly to ensure they are providing maximum protection from smoke and debris. “Cabin air filters are the first line of defense against contaminants that reduce vehicle cabin air quality for vehicle owners and their passengers,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “The Car Care Council recommends that motorists in areas impacted by wildfires and those in surrounding states have their cabin air filters replaced. This simple, yet important, service will help ensure vehicle longevity as well as clean air inside the car.” The cabin air filter is responsible for cleaning the air entering the passenger compartment. Under normal circumstances, it helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into a vehicle’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, compromising interior air quality and damaging the system. The filter also prevents leaves, bugs and other debris from entering the HVAC system, which could also cause problems. Most cabin air filters are accessed through the panel in the HVAC housing, which may be under the hood or placed within the interior of the vehicle. A cabin air filter should not be cleaned and reinstalled. Instead, it should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or per the owner’s manual.  In areas with heavy airborne contaminants, such as soot, smoke and debris from wildfires, it should be changed more frequently. “It’s important not to overlook the engine air filter,” continued Perrine. “Engine air filters trap dirt particles, including soot, which can cause costly engine damage. They also plays a critical role in keeping smoke and debris from contaminating the airflow sensor on fuel-injected cars. As a rule of thumb, air filters should be inspected at each oil change and replaced annually or when showing other signs of contamination.” To learn more about vehicle air filters, visit www.carcare.org and view the “Air Filter Maintenance” video on the Car Care Council’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/carcaretips. The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.  The post Wildfires a Serious Concern for Vehicles, Passengers appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

Winter is quickly approaching and that means fewer hours of daylight. To be sure you can be seen by others and your visibility is not compromised, check your vehicle’s lights and wipers, says the non-profit Car Care Council. “The days are getting shorter, so it is a good time to check that your vehicle’s wipers and lighting are working properly because the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “From the driver’s seat you may not notice a light that isn’t working, so check all of your car’s lights and replace those that are out. Also, be sure to inspect and replace wiper blades so you can see clearly when wet weather hits.” The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow and dirt from building up on the windshield, maintaining clear visibility. Many factors can accelerate the replacement interval of wipers, including operating conditions (winter conditions are tough on wiper blades), frequency of use, material and type of wipers and sunny weather. In fact, wiper blades can deteriorate faster and need more frequent replacement in desert states. Lights are normal wear items that require periodic inspection and replacement. The lighting system provides nighttime visibility; signals and alerts other drivers; and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. In addition to replacing dimming, rapidly blinking and non-functioning lights, the following tips can help keep you safe:  If there is any doubt on whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on. Lights not only help you see better in early twilight, they also make it easier for other drivers to see you.Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights from being seen by others.Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.Don’t overdrive your headlights; you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area, otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle. For more information about keeping your vehicle in safe, dependable operating condition, visit the Car Care Council website at www.carcare.org. The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.  The post As Days Get Shorter, Check Vehicle Lights, Wipers appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

One way to avoid a turkey of a Thanksgiving road trip is to make sure the vehicle you will be driving is running well. A 10-minute pre-trip check is a quick and easy way to help avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown many miles away from home, says the non-profit Car Care Council. The Car Care Council suggests the following pre-trip check to help ensure safety and reliability on the road: Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.Check the hoses and belts that can become loose, cracked, brittle, frayed or showing signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.Check lighting to identify any problems with exterior and interior lighting as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen.Check wipers. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months. Make sure the windshield wipers are working properly and keep the reservoir filled with solvent. “A pre-trip vehicle check provides peace of mind,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “Taking proper precautions provides an opportunity to have any repairs performed by one’s own trusted technician before hitting the road, reducing the chance of costly car trouble away from home.” To save on fuel costs during the trip, the Car Care Council suggests that motorists avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit and avoid excessive idling. Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating. The council also recommends that car owners restock their roadside emergency kit. The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.  The post Don’t Let Your Thanksgiving Road Trip be a Turkey appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

The 2024 Nissan Kicks could be the last model of the first-generation series that debuted in 2018. We heard through the grapevine that Nissan is updating the second-generation Kicks with a roomier and redesigned body, an optional all-wheel drivetrain, and turbocharged or hybridized powertrains. However, nothing is official in terms of changes for the Kicks, at least not for the 2024 model year anyway. As it stands, the 2024 Nissan Kicks offers good fuel economy, abundant safety tech, and a generous array of features at an affordable MSRP. 2024 Nissan Kicks: What’s New? The Kicks will enter the 2024 model year with a single change: a three-year trial of NissanConnect Services, which was a three-month trial for the 2023 model year Kicks. NissanConnect is a telematics feature that works by syncing with the MyNISSAN smartphone app. It includes remote engine start/stop, remote door lock/unlock, emergency calling, vehicle health reports, and more. Powertrain & Fuel Economy All 2024 Nissan Kicks models have a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with double overhead camshafts (DOHC). It produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft. of torque, decent numbers for a mini crossover. However, the standard Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) saps any potential fun out of the engine’s already meager output. Every Nissan Kicks model has a front-wheel drivetrain. All-wheel drive is not available. Despite lacking in grunt, the Nissan Kicks will reward drivers with outstanding fuel economy. It delivers an EPA-rated 31 in the city, 36 on the highway, and 33 combined, making it the fuel miser of small crossovers. Interior Volume & Cargo Capacity The Nissan Kicks’ compact footprint sacrifices rear legroom, but it still manages to deliver 92.6 cubic feet of interior room. Meanwhile, it offers 25.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. Folding the back chairs reveals up to 53.1 cubic feet of room. If you need to carry longer (or bulkier) items like bicycles or skis, the Kicks SV and SR have standard roof rails. 2024 Nissan Kicks Starting MSRP The 2024 Nissan Kicks is available in S, SV, and SR trim variants. Below is a breakdown of each model and the corresponding starting MSRP. The figures below include the $1,365 destination charge. If you have questions about new vehicle financing, this auto loans 101 guide will point you in the right direction. S The base Nissan Kicks S starts at $22,155. The standard features include 16-inch wheels, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three USB ports, and cruise control. SV The midtier Kicks SV starts at $24,015. It has 17-inch alloy wheels, silver roof rails, intelligent cruise control, a smart key, a seven-inch driver-assist display, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, four USB charging ports, remote engine start, automatic climate control, satellite radio, and an electronic parking brake. SR The range-topping Nissan Kicks SR starts at $24,715. It has a sportier-themed exterior with black roof rails and mirror caps, a roof-mounted rear spoiler, a dark chrome front grille, LED headlights, LED fog lamps, bespoke upholstery, a surround-view monitor, and more. The Kicks SR has a Premium Package that adds Prima-Tex heated front seats, a heated tiller, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, a cargo cover, and a security alarm. 2024 Nissan Kicks. Photo: Nissan North America. Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings & Features The 2024 Nissan Kicks, as of late October 2023, has not received its safety ratings from NHTSA. However, the 2023 model earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA. The 2023 Nissan Kicks also earned Good scores from the IIHS in crashworthiness. All Kicks models come with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a collection of advanced driving aids that includes automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. 2024 Nissan Kicks Warranty The Nissan Kicks leaves the factory with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. There are options to extend the warranty on any new Nissan vehicle, including the Kicks crossover. Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. Photos & Source: Nissan North America. Original article: 2024 Nissan Kicks: New Connectivity Options, Efficient Gasoline Powertrain & Affordable MSRP

The 2024 Subaru BRZ is one of the few 2+2 sports cars that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. It’s not a conventional Subaru with its standard rear-wheel drivetrain and somewhat sane styling elements. Then again, the BRZ delivers more smiles per mile with its nifty handling, lightweight architecture, and naturally aspirated Boxer engine paired with a traditional manual stick – merits it shares with its Toyota GR86 platform-mate. Subaru gave the BRZ a makeover for the 2022 model year, which included a more substantial 2.4-liter Boxer-four motor. For 2024, the BRZ gains a new range-topping tS trim model that fulfills the checklist for aftermarket tuning enthusiasts. Moreover, manual-equipped BRZ models now receive the EyeSight driver assist package. 2024 Subaru BRZ tS: Precursor to STI? New for the 2024 model year is the Subaru BRZ tS or “tuned by STI.” For the uninitiated, STI or Subaru Tecnica International is the brand’s famed motorsports division that brings to mind hardcore, fire-breathing AWD compacts that ruled the rally stages of the World Rally Championship (WRC). If the names Petter Solberg and the late Colin McRae ring a bell, having an STI badge on any Subaru is a good sign. Despite not being a full-bore STI model, the BRZ tS is a taste of the tuning arm’s rallying pedigree. It has STI-tuned Hitachi front and rear shock absorbers, four-piston gold-painted Brembo brakes, bespoke 18-inch dark gray wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, specialized tS badges, and black wing mirrors. Standard Boxer Engine & Manual Transmission Sports car purists will have plenty to love in the 2024 Subaru BRZ. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated horizontally-opposed Boxer four-cylinder with 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque, a welcome improvement from the first-gen BRZ’s gutless 2.0-liter Boxer motor. The 2.4-liter plant connects to a standard six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic with paddle shifters, turning the rear wheels like a true sports car should. Pleasantly Practical The 2024 Subaru BRZ is no bigger than the first-gen model, but it remains surprisingly practical for its petite, 2+2 interior. Taller adults might find the tight rear quarters unthinkable, but kids can join the fun. Furthermore, the BRZ offers 6.3 cubic feet of trunk room, more than enough for some groceries and shopping bags. However, Subaru claims folding the rear seats reveals room for four wheels and tires, which is handy for those occasional track days. It’s something you can’t do in a Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2024 Subaru BRZ interior layout. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc. 2024 Subaru BRZ Starting MSRP The 2024 Subaru BRZ is available in Premium, Limited, and tS trim models. Below is a breakdown of each variant and the corresponding MSRPs. The price figures include the $1,120 destination charge. If you have questions about new vehicle financing, this auto loans 101 video guide will point you in the right direction. Premium The base BRZ Premium trim starts at $31,315 and is exclusively available with a six-speed manual gearbox. It has 17-inch dark gray wheels, keyless entry with push-button start, LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, welcome lighting, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, a six-speaker audio system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. In addition, the BRZ Premium has a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, vehicle stability control with track mode, active sound control, and a unique TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) that allows two sets of wheels to be ID-registered (street and racing wheels). Limited The Limited starts $33,815 (manual) and $34,765 (automatic). It’s the only BRZ with an optional automatic gearbox. Standard equipment includes 18-inch matte gray alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires, heated seats, Ultrasuede upholstery, heated wing mirrors, and a stereo upgrade with two more speakers and a two-channel amplifier, among other features. BRZ tS The top-of-the-line 2024 Subaru BRZ tS starts at $36,465. Apart from the visual and performance upgrades, the tS adds black upholstery, blue stitching, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, an STI logo on the red starter button, and more safety features on top of all the standard kits from the Limited grade. 2024 Subaru BRZ tS. Photos: Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru BRZ Safety Ratings & Features The Subaru BRZ is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ but has yet to be rated by NHTSA as of late October 2023. All BRZ grades receive Subaru EyeSight, a collection of advanced driving assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, pre-collision braking, sway warning, lead vehicle start alert, blind-spot warnings, lane keeping assist, rear-cross traffic alert, and high beam assist. Subaru BRZ Warranty Every Subaru BRZ that leaves the Gunma, Japan, manufacturing facility has a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Extending the factory warranty on any Subaru is possible, including the BRZ. Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc. Original article: 2024 Subaru BRZ: Exciting New tS Variant, Standard Manual Gearbox, EyeSight Driver Assist Tech & Starting MSRP

When to Change Your Tires? Summary Points: AAA research finds our tires may need replacing sooner than we realize.Currently, the standards for replacement are either vague or non-existent. There are a few home methods you can employ to keep tabs on your tires. Tires can be an “out of sight, out of mind” item on your vehicle, but aging tires can be hazardous, especially during rainy weather. AAA research finds that driving with worn tires on wet surfaces at highway speeds can increase stopping distances by nearly 90 feet. That’s more than the length of an eighteen-wheeler! Tread Depth & Wet Pavement In partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, AAA conducted testing to understand performance differences at highway speeds between new, all-season tires and those worn to a depth of 4/32″ on wet pavement. The study examined both passenger cars and light trucks (a summary PDF of the study is available here). Testing was conducted at the Michelin Laurens Proving Grounds in Mountville, South Carolina. During AAA’s testing, the passenger car exhibited an average increased stopping distance of 87 feet versus 86 feet for a light truck. The study also found a 33 percent reduction in handling for a passenger car and 28 percent for a light truck. When decelerating from 60 to zero mph, the worn tires were still moving at nearly 40 mph at the point when the new tires had already stopped. “Tires are what keep a car connected to the road,” AAA said in a statement about its research. “Even the most advanced safety systems rely on a tire’s basic ability to maintain traction, and AAA’s testing shows that wear has a significant impact on how quickly a vehicle can come to a stop in wet conditions to avoid a crash.” “Traction is your last line of defense,” added Brandon Grade, Service Advisor at Findlay Toyota in Henderson, Nevada, near Las Vegas. “Even the latest traction control systems can only do so much when the mechanical grip has been removed.” https://www.automoblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Tire-Testing-r1.mp4 When To Change Your Tires? Current industry guidelines and state regulations often recommend tire replacement at 2/32″ depth (about 1.6 millimeters), although AAA’s research found such recommendations can vary from state to state, with some states having few, if any, guidelines at all. Some dealerships and service shops will use 3/32″ as a precaution, encouraging customers to avoid dropping into the “legally worn” area of 2/32″ tread depth. Replacement at 3/32″ is preferable to 2/23″, but AAA’s research found that at 4/32″, stopping performance has already decreased, especially on wet pavement. “AAA’s testing demonstrates the impact that tire tread has on safety,” said Megan McKernan, Manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. “If tested side-by-side at 60 mph, vehicles with worn tires would still be traveling at an alarming 40 mph when reaching the same distance it takes for vehicles with new tires to make a complete stop.” “As far as when to change your tires, if you can replace them at 4/32″, it’s a good idea, but the absolute lowest threshold should be at 3/32″ tread depth,” Grade said. “At that point, your tires cannot effectively remove water or keep traction.” Newer vehicles today go significantly longer between oil changes, which opens up the possibility that drivers may not become alerted to worn tires until later than usual. In the past, when oil change intervals were between 3,000 and 5,000 miles, mechanics and technicians had more opportunities to advise their customers on the condition of their vehicle, including safety critical components like tires. “Even if you are not due for an oil change, it’s okay to bring your vehicle into your mechanic or local service shop and have them inspect the tires if you are unsure of the tread depth,” Grade said. “That will give you a more up-to-date picture of your tires between oil changes, especially if you have a newer vehicle with longer service intervals.” Selecting The Right Tire While AAA’s research determined tire performance fluctuates by brand, price is not necessarily an indicator of quality, which might come as a relief to some consumers. According to AAA, once worn, performance for all tires tested deteriorated significantly, even those priced higher. AAA says to research tires carefully and never buy one brand based solely on price. The Automoblog research team looked at the affordability, industry reputation, reliability, and tread-life warranties of major tire manufacturers and came up with a list of the best tire brands. As part of that list, our research team goes over different tire types, industry grading standards, proper tire maintenance, and how to choose the right tires based on your needs. Our research team also evaluated budget tire brands, coming up with this list of the best inexpensive tires.  If you are looking for a set of snow tires, this helpful guide on the best winter tires will point you in the right direction.  “Your vehicle might require a certain kind of tire,” Grade said. “Specifically, the Toyota Prius uses tires designed to have less rolling resistance, so those are things you will want to keep in mind when looking for new tires.” Regarding when to change your tires, AAA research finds that at 4/32″ tread depth, stopping distances increase, especially on wet surfaces. Tips & Advice To reduce the chances of a collision during bad weather, regardless of your tire tread depth, AAA recommends reducing your speed and avoiding sharp turns. Drivers should also keep their distance between vehicles in front of them and resist the urge to use cruise control. If you start to hydroplane, gently ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction the vehicle should go until traction is regained. Do not brake forcefully. No matter the season, there are a few DIY home remedies you can employ to stay on top of your tires. “Buy a tread depth gauge the next time you are out and keep it in your glove box,” Grade said. “Take measurements on the outside edge, center, and

The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid occupies a unique niche in the hybrid crossover segment, much like its Niro EV sibling. It offers midsize levels of space despite a relatively compact footprint and remains a lower-cost alternative to some family sedans. Although the Niro’s hybridized 1.6-liter gas engine is not the last word in performance, it delivers an EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined, making it among the most efficient hybrids in the segment. 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid: What’s New? The latest Kia Niro Hybrid remains part of the all-new, second-generation Niro family that debuted in 2023 and will enter the 2024 model year with a dual-level cargo floor. Moreover, Kia has omitted the Fire Orange Metallic paint option for the 2024 Niro Hybrid. All Niros have a rather wheezy 1.6-liter direct-injected gas engine and a hybrid electric motor to produce 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque. Power goes exclusively to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. We like the thought of a performance-oriented gearbox in an economy vehicle, but the Niro Hybrid is not about outright performance despite its go-fast styling vibes. 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid Fuel Economy The LX, EX, and SX trim levels achieve an EPA-estimated 53 in the city, 54 on the highway, and 53 combined. Meanwhile, the Niro Hybrid EX Touring and SX Touring could return up to 53/45 city/highway and 49 combined. Cargo Capacity & Legroom The Kia Niro Hybrid has up to 23 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, which expands to 63.7 cubic feet when folded down. Meanwhile, the Niro Hybrid offers 39.8 inches of legroom, slightly more than what you get in a Toyota RAV4 Prime. 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid: Starting MSRP & Trim Levels The Kia Niro Hybrid has five trim levels: LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring. Below is a breakdown of each model and the corresponding MSRPs. The price figures include the $1,325 destination charge. If you have questions about new vehicle financing, this auto loans 101 video guide will point you in the right direction. LX The base LX starts at $28,165. It’s not as barebones as expected, with keyless entry, cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone connectivity, five USB ports, automatic high beams, and 16-inch alloy wheels. EX The Kia Niro Hybrid EX starts at $30,865. It adds interior ambient lighting, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, unique faux leather upholstery, push-button start, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, and roof rails. EX Touring The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid EX Touring starts at $30,865. It has LED foglamps, 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, bespoke exterior claddings, and aluminum pedals on top of all the standard features from the EX trim. SX The SX starts at $34,265. It includes all the standard amenities of the EX but with a few upgrades like a hands-free tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear spoiler, a seven-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, black body claddings, faux leather seats, and more. SX Touring The top-of-the-line Hybrid SX Touring starts at $36,565. It adds LED headlamps, perforated synthetic cowhide seats, and custom 18-inch wheels on top of all the standard features from the SX trim. 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid Safety Features All 2024 Kia Niro Hybrids leave the factory with the Drive Wise package of advanced driver assistance systems. It includes forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot warnings, driver attention warnings, high beam assist, lane departure warning, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, safe exit assist, and rear occupant alert. Kia Niro Hybrid Warranty The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid has a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, including the hybrid components and battery. Despite having the industry’s most comprehensive new car warranty, there are options to extend the coverage on any Kia vehicle, including the Niro Hybrid. Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. Photos & Source: Kia Motors America. Original article: 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid: Strong Fuel Economy, Standard Safety Features, Starting MSRP & More

The 2015 film A Faster Horse, directed by David Gelb, chronicles the story of the 2015 Ford Mustang and the automaker’s decision to commit to a redesign despite a nationwide economic downturn. Gelb and his film crew follow then-Chief Engineer Dave Pericak and his team as they work around the clock to design and build what would become the 50th anniversary of the iconic pony car. While it’s a must-see for any Mustang enthusiast, the film offers an insider’s look at the automotive engineering and design process.  History Repeats Itself It’s a similar story for the Mustang in 2024. Despite the continued trend in the automotive industry toward electrification, and with competitors like the Camaro riding off into the sunset, Ford has given petrol heads a reason to celebrate. Although Dodge is going electrified in a big way with its Charger Daytona SRT Concept, the 2024 Mustang stays true to its original form under the hood. Like many of the world’s automakers, Ford is also moving toward EVs, but the Mustang is a different story, at least for now.   “Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. “Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars – all in the Ford Blue family – on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.” 5.0 V8 & Performance Pack The 5.0-liter V8 returns for 2024, an engine that surfaced again in 2011 when the Mustang underwent a significant weight reduction. Also available is a 2.4-liter turbocharged EcoBoost plant with port fuel and direct injection. Both are available with an optional Performance Pack, which adds a front tower brace, Torsen limited-slip differential, and an optional MagneRide suspension with wider rear wheels and tires and larger Brembo brakes (390 millimeters, front and 355 millimeters, rear). “This is the most athletic and confidence-inspiring Mustang EcoBoost and GT to drive yet,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “Whether driving an automatic or manual transmission, thanks to driving modes combined with fine-tuned digital engine, suspension, and steering controls, we’re now able to give drivers peak performance everywhere, from their favorite roads to their local track.” 2024 Ford Mustang Design Sketches Before the 2024 Mustang became an internal combustion powerhouse, it started as a series of drawings. Below are some of those sketches from the Ford Motor Company archives. The exterior drawings, while showcasing the Mustang’s modern appeal, take inspiration from the original designs in the mid to late 1960s. The interior sketches are intended to lay the foundation for what would become the most tech-focused Mustang to date. Ford’s interior designers modeled the curved display after fighter jet cockpits and wanted an array that drivers could personalize. “We’re taking advantage of every pixel,” said Craig Sandvig, Ford Mustang interaction design manager. “We can be creative in showing necessary driving information and give the driver control of selecting colors, classic Mustang gauges, or even a ‘calm screen’ where only minimal details are displayed.” The design sketches and drawings are below. Enjoy! Original article: Enjoy These Stunning 2024 Ford Mustang Design Sketches

With auto loan rates at historic highs, rising payments, and mounting consumer debt, the auto lending industry is facing an inflection point. With lenders continuing to tighten restrictions and some even deciding to leave the consumer auto loans market, the stage is set for what could become a full-blown auto loan debt crisis. But how impactful such a crisis would be and how the industry can navigate its way out remains to be seen. The Auto Loans Industry Is Showing Serious Signs of Trouble Automotive finance loans are one of the most popular loan products in the country and a staple of most major lending institutions’ portfolios. In a stable market, they are a fairly safe bet for lenders, as they are backed by the vehicle being purchased as collateral, and a relatively small amount compared to mortgages and some other types of loans.  However, the auto loans market has been anything but stable recently. Following a series of increases to the federal funds rate from the Federal Reserve, auto finance interest rates have skyrocketed. Higher rates don’t necessarily spell trouble for the industry on their own, but along with several other significant red flags, the combination of factors currently present in the market paints a worrisome picture. Auto Loan Debt Has Surpassed Student Loan Debt In the first quarter of 2023, more than 43 million people in the U.S. were holding federal and private student loan debt, totaling more than $1.77 trillion overall. The staggering statistics around student loan debt have made the topic a fixture of news headlines and a recurring point of discussion in the halls of government. However, in September, the Wall Street Journal reported that auto loan debt had surpassed student loan debt in total amount. At the end of Q2 2023, auto loan debt reached $1.58 trillion compared to $1.57 trillion in student loan debt.  The issue of student loan debt has been recognized in the national conversation and among lawmakers as one that poses an existential threat to borrowers and the economy at large. With the auto loan debt now exceeding student loan debt, will authorities and the general public recognize this development as a major warning sign for the future of the automotive finance industry? Auto Finance Delinquencies Are Still on the Rise At the same time that total auto loan debt is increasing, so is the number of Americans who are failing to meet their auto loan payments. According to the Federal Reserve, auto loans delinquent for 60 days or more increased again in September for the fifth month in a row, and up 13.3% on the year. Delinquencies among subprime borrowers reached a nearly-30-year high in September of 6.1% – the highest rate since 1994. But while delinquencies increased between August and September, auto loan defaults – in which a lender formally terminates a loan agreement after failure to pay – actually decreased. However, even with the slight decrease, the default rate in September was still 31.7% higher than one year earlier. High delinquency and default rates mean that lenders could face significant losses as they have a harder time recouping funds they lent out. But while these numbers may look alarming, Experian Head of Automotive Financial Insights Melinda Zabritski told Automoblog that the increase in people failing to meet loan obligations doesn’t come as a surprise. “While delinquencies are slightly above pre-pandemic levels, we must keep in mind the increase was expected, particularly over the past few years,” said Zabritski. “2020 to 2022 was a bit of an anomaly. Keeping a close eye on these trends over the coming quarters will be paramount.” People Are Paying More Each Month Towards Auto Loans Another notable trend is the rise in average car payments. According to an industry report from Edmunds, the average new car payment in Q3 2023 reached $736 per month – a 4.6% increase over a year earlier.  In addition to the rise in the average payment, there has also been a significant increase in car payments that far exceed that average. In July, Experian reported that three times as many people were paying more than $1,000 per month towards an auto loan in April 2023 than were doing so in 2019. The dramatic surge in annual percentage rates (APRs) since 2022 has played a substantial role in increasing car payments. However, Zabritski explained that another factor influencing this trend is a similar rise in the price of new cars since 2020. “Perhaps the biggest factor contributing to auto loan debt is vehicle prices,” she said. “Inventory shortages led to an uptick in vehicle pricing, resulting in car shoppers having to take out larger loans.” After remaining relatively flat throughout the 2010s, new car prices increased sharply beginning in 2020. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the new car consumer price index (CPI) rose only 6.1% from 2010 to 2020. Then, between January 2020 and September 2023, the new car CPI increased by 22%. Much of this increase happened at the same time as interest rates began to climb, leaving car buyers paying higher interest rates on top of higher prices. Zabritski said that in addition to external factors causing an increase in the average price of new cars, buyers have also been opting for pricier vehicles – which also factors into the rise in auto loan payments. “While we’ve seen that trend level out a bit, consumers are also financing more expensive vehicles,” she said. “For instance, SUVs made up more than 60% of new vehicles financed in Q2 2023.” Lenders Are Making Major Changes to Their Auto Finance Programs While the trends that have contributed to the current situation have developed quickly, they have not gone unnoticed by lending institutions. Since interest rates began to climb in March 2022, many lenders have made significant changes to their automotive finance businesses. Lenders Have Tightened Restrictions on Auto Financing Auto loans have gotten more expensive over the last several years due to