March 2021

Toyota Untold podcast revs up for exciting relaunch



(March 11, 2021) PLANO, Texas — Toyota Motor North America has relaunched its original podcast, Toyota Untold, with a dual-episode release covering stories and subject matter representative of the show’s new elevated direction and mission. The relaunch of Toyota Untold goes deeper into the driver mindset, from dusting off retired classics to discussing the future of the driver/vehicle relationship.

National gas prices jump 31 cents in last month



(March 9, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — With a nickel increase on the week, the national gas price average has reached $2.77, which is a 31-cent jump in the last month. Every state average has climbed by double-digits since February resulting in 1 in 10 gas stations with pump prices that are $3 per gallon or more, according to statistics compiled by AAA.

Kia Sorento now offered as gas-saving hybrid model



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 8, 2021) Fully redesigned for 2021, the Kia Sorento gets a new look as it enters its fourth generation along with an upgraded, premium-like interior, and a new hybrid drivetrain for the fuel-conscious consumer. My model for the week, the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX, came packed with all kinds of features included in its $38,205 MSRP (including $1,170 for destination and delivery) while earning fuel mileage ratings of 39 miles-per-gallon city, 35 highway, and 37 combined.

2021 Mercedes AMG E63 S — A dazzling mix of performance and opulent luxury



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 7, 2021) It’s luxurious; and fast; and very, very good; and sounds absolutely magnificent. It also costs a lot, over $135k, about twice the price of the non-AMG E-Class five-passenger family sedan.  Armed with fire-breathing 603 twin-turbocharged horsepower from its 4.0-liter V-8 engine along with a maximum torque of 627 lb.-ft and paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive, the E63 S launches itself to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds from a standstill.

$3 gallon gas price average predicted as OPEC keeps production cuts



(March 5, 2021) BOSTON — GasBuddy is warning motorists today that the national gas price average may breach $3 a gallon by Memorial Day after OPEC closed its meeting this week with no meaningful increase in oil production. The group’s large cuts to oil production in 2020 will generally be extended, with just Russia and Kazakhstan granted small exemptions to raise oil production by 130,000 barrels a day and 20,000 barrels a day, respectively.

Kelly Blue Book names Toyota, Porsche resale value winners for 2021



(March 2, 2021) IRVINE, Calif. — Most new-vehicle shoppers have probably heard the phrase, "a car loses value the moment you drive it off the dealership lot." Yet the everyday car buyer may not be aware to what extent and how much this amount can vary from model to model. Understanding a car's resale value — what a vehicle will be worth down the line when going to sell or trade it in — can make the difference of hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long run.

March gas prices — In like a lion, but out like a lamb?



(March 2, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C.  — Gas prices continue to increase, with the national average up nine cents on the week to $2.72. That is a 30 cent increase from the beginning of February, 28 cents more than a year ago and the most expensive daily national average since August 2019.

2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport — Head turning good looks, but ready for update



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 1, 2021) Infiniti made a decision to up its performance game to compete with high-performance German sports sedans like the compact Mercedes AMG C43, BMW M3 and Audi S4 and S5. For the Infiniti brand, Red Sport is the name it gives to its highest performing cars including the Q50 with its 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 tested here.

Six winter driving tips from VW pro driver Tanner Foust



(March 1, 2021) Tanner Foust has some words of wisdom for any Volkswagen owner driving during the cold-weather months: “Respect the conditions.” As a professional racing driver for Volkswagen, and a stunt driver for film and television, he’s in a position to know. Among his many accomplishments, Tanner is a three-time U.S. champion in the sport of Rallycross and a two-time winner of the Formula Drift championship. He’s mastered the art of controlling cars through all types of slippery conditions, and in fact began his career as an ice driving instructor.