Here's the Thing

Average new-vehicle transaction price hits $48,528



(June 13, 2023) ATLANTA — The average price Americans paid for a new vehicle in May remained below the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the fifth consecutive month, according to data released this week by Kelley Blue Book. The average transaction price (ATP) of a new vehicle in the U.S. increased in May to $48,528, a month-over-month increase of 0.5% ($251) from an upwardly revised April reading of $48,277.

Range anxiety? Not a problem with redesigned Outlander plug-in hybrid


Photos by Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 11, 2023) The plug-in version of the Mitsubishi Outlander SUV has been around since coming to the U.S. for 2018 after its unveiling at the Paris Auto Show six years earlier, but a significant redesign makes the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid) a much-more compelling option for those shopping for a compact SUV. The Outlander is a roomy, comfortable vehicle with an attractive exterior, a refined and upgraded interior that has the ambiance of a luxury level vehicle, and a powertrain that delivers a snappy, fuel-efficient performance.

Gas prices on hold for now



(June 9, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C.  — For the first time since 2021, domestic gasoline demand was over 9 million barrels daily for a third straight week. Yet despite the robust numbers, pump prices barely budged as the low cost of oil is countering a spike for now. The national average for a gallon of gas dipped a penny since last week to $3.56.

EV trucks — The heavier the load, the shorter the trip



AAA research finds F-150 Lightning
range declines with heavy loads

(June 8, 2023) ORLANDO, Fla.  — When drivers load an electric pickup with heavy cargo, they make the vehicle work harder, significantly reducing the truck’s range. But by how much? AAA Automotive Engineering researchers recently tested the Ford F-150 Lightning, the electric version of the iconic best-selling American pickup, to determine the impact of payload on the range. When loaded with 1,400 pounds of sandbags, 110 pounds shy of its maximum capacity, the Lightning’s range dropped from 278 miles to 210 miles, a reduction of 24.5%.

Subaru’s bicyclist detection shows positive results



(June 7, 2023) Early versions of Subaru’s EyeSight crash avoidance system prevented real-world crashes with bicyclists traveling parallel to the road, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. However, they were only modestly successful in reducing crashes with bicyclists overall.

2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE Sedan — With peak 677 horsepower



Staggering performance
and an impressive Interior


By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com
 
(June 7, 2023) All-new to the Mercedes lineup for 2023 the EQE sedan tested here is the electrified version of the brand’s traditional E-class sedan. The EQE, albeit smaller, looks basically like the larger EQS Mercedes sedan with basically similar and equally impressive features and appointments.

Autotrader names 10 Best Cars for recent college graduates in 2023



(June 5, 2023) ATLANTA — May officially kicked off graduation season, with a fresh new crop of college graduates accepting their diplomas and heading off into the world in the market for a new vehicle to take them down their chosen path. To help new grads sort out their vehicle choices as they embark upon the journey called "real life," Autotrader has named the 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates.

2023 Land Rover Defender 130 is a big, comfortable, capable trail wagon



By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(June 4, 2023) Land Rover makes an array of fancy and capable SUVs from the entry-level Defender Sport to the Billionaire class Range Rover.  But, the one that traces its roots to 1948 and gained popularity after World War II is the classic Defender that first appeared as Britain’s take on the Jeep.  Aluminum bodied and loaded for bear, it could assault trails like a soldier in hiking boots.  A couple of redesigns since brings us to the current generation, available in two-door 90 series, four-door 110 series, and this giant broadside, the three-row 2023 Defender 130.

Traveling across the U.S. on ‘America’s Rudest Road Trip’



(June 2,2023) Drivers looking for a laugh have been told how to take the rudest road trip across America as the glorious summer weather approaches. From Poopdeck Street in Alaska to Hanky Panky Street in Las Vegas, vacation car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have researched the most offensive road names in the country to create the ultimate route for brazen travelers.
 

Gas prices remain in neutral through Memorial Day weekend


AAA photo

(June 2, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite the surge in travel over the long Memorial Day weekend, the national average for a gallon of gas didn’t flinch and is still $3.57, the same as a week ago. AAA forecast that more than 37 million Americans drove to their holiday destinations.