Here's the Thing

Gas prices cool off as Labor Day approaches



Experts predict prices under
$3 per gallon coming this fall


(August 28, 2024) DALLAS — GasBuddy, a fuel savings platform, has released its annual Labor Day travel forecast, predicting the average price of gas will continue its recent downward trend, falling to $3.27 per gallon on Labor Day, the lowest Labor Day price since 2021. At $3.27 per gallon, this Labor Day’s national average would be 50 cents per gallon, or 13% below last year’s $3.77 tally, saving Americans a combined $750 million over the Friday-through-Monday travel period.

Lexus, Toyota top list of Consumer Reports most reliable used car brands



(August 27, 2024) Consumer Reports has revealed its first-ever used car brand reliability analysis. Additionally, CR is revealing its inaugural 10 Top Picks in Used Cars list. Consumer Reports’ first-ever brand ranking for used cars is based on the reliability of 5-to 10-year-old cars as informed by CR’s exclusive Annual Auto Surveys.

Genesis ranks highest in overall tech innovation in J.D. Power study



Study finds automakers may not
have best advanced tech strategy


(August 26, 2024) TROY, Mich. — Are vehicle owners becoming overwhelmed with technology features that don’t solve a problem, don’t work, are difficult to use or are just too limited in functionality? The results of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study suggest that could be the case. The study, which focuses on the user experience with advanced vehicle technologies as they come to market, finds that while owners offer praise for some advanced features, others are found to be lackluster.

Pump prices plunge, falling six cents since last week



(August 23, 2024) — Reaching a price point last seen on March 6, the national average for a gallon of gas fell six cents to $3.38 since last week. “The clouds of war overseas are less dark at the moment and the Atlantic is quiet now too, which is taking pressure off of oil prices,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “More retail locations east of the Rockies are selling gas below $3 a gallon.  Will this trend continue through the end of the year?"

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ — Big and bold with 750 horsepower



New flagship EV screams
luxury, power and wealth

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 21, 2024) All new for the 2025 model year, the Cadillac Escalade IQ is a fully electric supersized opulent SUV that joins the brands Lyric SUV and ultra luxe Celestiq and set to compete with competitors Mercedes-Benz EQS, Range Rover EV, Rivian R1S and BMW iX.

2025 BMW Z4 M40i — Manual transmission adds to driving experience



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 20, 2024) If you are looking for a way to stump drivers from Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012), here is a good one. Put them behind the wheel of a manual transmission car and hand them an instruction sheet written in cursive. Odds are they won’t be able to handle it.

Kelley Blue Book names Best Family Cars of 2024



(August 19, 2024) ATLANTA — In the hustle of everyday life, the family car is more than just a vehicle—it's a daily gathering place, a safe haven where some of the family's best conversations and stories unfold. Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive brand, understands that every family is unique with a different journey to find the perfect car for their specific needs.

Porsche 911 Speedster built as a Sonderwunsch Factory one-off



Porsche Speedster collector
Luca Trazzi realizes his dream


(August 17, 2024) MONTEREY, Calif. — Since 1954, Speedster variants have been part of the Porsche company history. They combine open driving pleasure with particularly expressive driving dynamics. The car is characterized by a two-seat layout, a unique cowl and shortened windshield. But there is a gap in the model history of the 911.

Gas prices hold steady as summer fades away



(August 16, 2024) WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 15, 2024)—The national average for a gallon of gas hit $3.44, falling by just a penny since last week. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand edged higher last week from 8.96 million barrels a day to 9.04.

New-vehicle sales incentives climb higher in July



Edmunds finds incentives in July
reached 7% of transaction price


(August 16, 2024) ATLANTA — New-vehicle prices were lower year over year for the 10th consecutive month in July. Higher inventory levels and higher incentives have shifted the U.S. auto market to favor buyers, but high loan rates and tight credit conditions continue to hold industry sales below potential.