Welcome to episode 10 of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. This week we talk to Jonny Lieberman about Rivians, Toyota GR Corollas, and more. We recap a review of an appealing small Mazda, a bunch of safety fails, and a cool Ford patent.

A 3,295-km road trip shows why electrification is crucial—and how far we still have to go.

The landscape of the used car market has recently shifted, leading to a decrease in vehicle prices. While this trend might initially appear beneficial for buyers, it introduces complications, especially for those aiming to trade in their current vehicles. Insights from Edmunds' Q4 Used Vehicle Report shed light on these complexities and the broader implications for the automotive market.

Nissan seems intent on reaffirming that the GT-R lineup holds the best array of colors this side of a Paint-to-Sample 911 with the debut of two special edition variants this week. The T-spec Takumi Edition and Skyline Edition pay homage to aspects of the GT-R’s history. Starting with the former, the Takume Edition pays respect to the people who have been building the GT-R’s twin-turbo V6 engine since the car’s relaunch in 2007. Because of that, the engine bay will feature a gold VIN plate and the car will be finished in Midnight Purple with Mori Green interior trimmings. There are some mechanical updates, including carbon ceramic brakes with gold Rays wheels, and slightly wider front fenders with NISMO-tuned traction control software.

When you think of automotive tools, you might think of socket sets or torque wrenches, but far and away the most popular tools on sale today are battery and electronics focused.

The global market for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) is poised for rapid growth, with expectations to reach a market value of around US$ 189.47 Billion by the year 2030. This surge is attributed to a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.82% from 2024 to 2030. The increasing urbanization and growing environmental concerns have heightened the demand for PHEVs, marking a significant shift towards sustainable transportation solutions.

The 2025 Kia K4 will be shown at the New York Auto Show during the week of March 27. To accompany the announcement, Kia showed off some teasers of the new sedan, which can be seen below. For one thing, it’s clear the K4 will be a departure from the vehicle it’s set to replace: the Forte.

As we delve into the landscape of global vehicle ownership, it becomes evident that the distribution and growth rates of car ownership vary significantly across countries. This variance is shaped by a multitude of factors, from economic development to government policies and consumer preferences.

Alfa's baby SUV brings something unique to the segment.

The Mazda CX-30 was the start of the brand's CX-labelled SUV onslaught.

Imagine for a moment, these three crossovers are characters in a mid-80s John Hughes film. You’d have the sporty kid dressed in track pants and a tank top, constantly flexing – that’s the Acura. There’d be the nerdy kid, obsessed with sci-fi – that’s clearly the hybrid Lexus. And then we’d have the handsome rich kid, all dignified and quiet, but with a hidden secret – that’s the Infiniti.

For 35 years, the Mazda MX-5 (Miata) has thrilled enthusiasts with its engaging, top-down, back-to-basics driving experience. Mazda’s formula has worked so well, the brand rarely needs to change much about the roadster. Over its lifespan, the MX-5 has only gone through four generations. The industry standard for replacing a vehicle with a successor is around 5 years. The MX-5 is currently averaging close to 9 years before getting replaced. 

Nissan has announced sweeping price cuts for the Ariya EV. MSRP is now set at $40,980 for the front-wheel drive Engage model with the 63 kWh battery. Nissan says that while the price for the Engage trim falls $3,600 with other trim levels seeing cuts up to $6,000. We’ve included a graph of the Ariya’s revised pricing below for full comparison, but the biggest discounts are reserved for the following trims (we’ve included last year’s pricing for comparison): Venture+ ( prev. $47,190) Evolve+ $50,190 Engage+ AWD ($51,190) Empower+ ($53,690) Evolve+ AWD ($54,190), and the Platinum+ AWD ($60,190).

Yes, There Will Also Be a 5-Door and Gas Versions As Well

Three years ago, it was apparent a styling trend was beginning to take over the auto industry. More and more vehicles, specifically SUVs, were adopting flat-sided, right angle, boxy designs. We even made a post about the top boxy-shaped vehicles currently on sale.

The electric vehicle (EV) market witnessed a significant leap in sales in 2023, marking a 50% increase compared to the previous year according to a study done by J.D. Power. This growth contributed substantially to the overall auto industry's expansion, which saw an 8% rise in sales and lease volumes, totalling approximately 13 million units. Electric vehicles, therefore, played a crucial role in the industry’s progress, particularly given their stark contrast to the modest 2% growth seen in gas-powered vehicle sales. Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz emerged as key drivers of this EV sales boom, collectively contributing to the majority of the sector's growth.

Infiniti has shared some powertrain specs for the upcoming QX80 redesign. The full-size, three-row SUV will be powered by an interaction of Nissan’s VR series of V6 engines, the very same that have powered cars like the Z for ages. This VR35DDT brings serious power increases over the previous QX80’s V8 powertrain- Infiniti says figures are up 50 horsepower and 102 lb-ft to a solid 450 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque.

Welcome to episode 8 of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. This week we drive an all-new crossover as well as two convertibles in the middle of winter. Mike and Kyle each pick their five choices for the best new car under $30,000. Dodge and Infiniti both drop teasers on new vehicles coming soon.

“Hydrogen is for people who can’t build engines,” or something like that. It's tough to tell if Enzo might be in any way displeased with an inline-six, twin-turbo, and supercharged hydrogen engine. On the surface, the patent filings discovered by AutoGuide certainly sound like sacrilege coming from a brand that prides itself on its naturally aspirated V12. Yet the filings don’t lie, and Ferrari SPA has filed patents for exactly that.

As the Formula 1 season prepares to launch with the much-anticipated Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, the motorsport world is abuzz with excitement and speculation. Interest has surged, as evidenced by a 200% increase in searches for the "2024 F1 schedule" over the last three months, signalling a keen anticipation for the high-octane drama and competition that Formula 1 uniquely delivers. This year, the season promises an exhilarating mix of strategic duels, technical prowess, and sheer speed, played out across some of the most legendary circuits in motorsport history.

For a good engineer, twin motor is better than mechanical. The mechanical AWD system automatically distributes torque. With electric, the engineers have to work more to make the system work together.

For 2024, Volkswagen has introduced a host of updates to the ID.4 electric crossover. Three trims will be available. A base model, followed by S and S Plus models, the latter of which tops out the range. Each trim is available with the choice between a 62 kWh battery and an 82kWh one, as well as rear or all-wheel drive. Arguably the biggest change comes to models equipped with the optional 82kWh battery pack.

The home EV charger market has changed significantly since I took delivery of my first EV (Tesla Model 3) in 2018. Back then, buying a Tesla made it simple and straightforward when it came time to choosing a home EV charger because of its (at the time) proprietary plug. I did, however, shop around for J1772 chargers in the chance that in the future I decided I no longer wanted a Tesla. Back then, there weren't too many options to choose from, which is why I ended up getting a Tesla Wall Connector since I really didn't want to use an adapter.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has been reviewed countless times by us, in countless ways. There have been summer tests, track tests, winter tests, and comparison tests. As a perennial favorite among the staff here, we never pass up an opportunity to drive it.

Lamborghini has a penchant for two things: V12s and acronyms. This patent filing, uncovered by CarBuzz and AutoGuide, is the latter and hints at some things to come for what is now the V10’s last stand, the Huracan. Filings with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) show the automaker has filed patents for the names Huracan STJ and STJ. What it stands for is more of a mystery. Some V10 Joy? Sayonara V10 Joy? Given Lambo’s previously mentioned love of all words (especially Italian ones) shortened, it’s actually not super hard to extrapolate what the letters might mean.

At the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance last year, Infiniti showed off its QX Monograph concept. It was essentially a preview of what was to come for the brand’s full-size QX80, which has for years been in desperate need of some updates. That time is almost here, and Infiniti has shown the first images of the new QX80, albeit one clad in camo.

This week Fiat announced its plans for the coming years with a series of concepts: a truck, a crossover, an SUV, a camper, and a city car. The truck caught our eye, largely for a single sentence in the automaker’s statement: “FIAT is the market leader in South America and the Strada pick-up is the bestselling vehicle on the Brazilian market. Moving forward, FIAT is certain that this type of vehicle can replicate its success at a global level, even in Europe.” If Fiat is indeed looking to flesh out its offerings here in North America or elsewhere, a truck seems a logical place to start.

In a noteworthy shake-up, Warner Bros. Discovery has unveiled significant shifts for MotorTrend+, the beloved automotive-focused channel that carries shows like "Top Gear America", "Wheeler Dealer", and many more. Starting on Friday, Feb. 23, the spotlight will move to Max and discovery+ in the United States and Canada. As part of this strategic move, the MotorTrend+ streaming service will bid farewell in March.

Welcome to episode 7 of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. This week we talk about three big first drives, the 2025 Ram 1500, 2025 Honda Prologue, and the 2025 Mini Countryman. Next we tackle Volvo changing the names of some of the brand's vehicles and does the color of your car factor into how likely you might crash?

Electric vehicle (EV) owners in the United States typically drive well within the range capacities of their vehicles, according to a comprehensive data analysis. The study, which examined anonymized data from over 18,850 vehicles, reveals that the average daily mileage does not surpass 45 miles, which is a fraction of the range provided by most modern EVs.

Land Rover has recently split the brand into three distinct sub-brands. There’s the posh Range Rover line, the more family-orientated Discovery duo, and of course the off-road ready Defender. Although the latter only includes a single model, the amount of choice the Defender offers is immense.

Subaru has filed a total of 12 trademark applications for various names with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for use with “automobiles and structural parts and fittings therefor.” Without more information, it's tough to say what the 12 names could be for. More than likely, Subaru filed such a large number of trademarks to cover some legal ground, protecting a dozen potential names for unknown items from use by others- just in case it decides to use its trademark for “ Uncharted” as it relates to Subaru’s vehicles.

The 2024 Fiat 500e, a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), has commenced production at the Mirafiori Assembly Plant in Turin, Italy. Unlike the old 500e from 10 years ago, the new model will be sold in more than two States for the North American market. The first allocation has already sold out.

Mazda's approach in car manufacturing is deeply rooted in its historical ties to Hiroshima. This region, known for its robust manufacturing sector, has been instrumental in Mazda's growth and innovation. The resilience and determination demonstrated by Hiroshima, especially after the devastation of World War II, have significantly influenced Mazda's ethos. This is evident in the company's unique endeavors, such as the development of the rotary engine.

When it last departed the US, the Toyota Land Cruiser was a range-topping luxury barge of an SUV with a sticker price kissing six figures, at $85,815. The new Land Cruiser brings with it a new ethos and new pricing, more importantly. This one starts at $57,445 including destination.

Recent research has shown that the color of a car can impact its likelihood of being involved in a collision. A study from Monash University’s Accident Research Centre discovered a notable difference in crash rates between cars of different colors. Specifically, white cars were found to be about 10% less likely to be involved in an accident during daylight hours compared to cars in darker hues like black, blue, gray, green, red, and pink. This finding emerged from an extensive analysis of crash data reported to the police in two Australian states.

As Spring approaches, millions of car owners will be looking to add a little shine to their wheels, giving their pride-and-joy some much-needed TLC. And whether you’re staring at the detailing aisle at your local auto shop/big box store, or going cross-eyed looking at Amazon listings, there’s no doubt that it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the increasing number of car care products available to purchase.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 starts at $41,820 including $1,375 for destination charges. While the CX-70 is basically a CX-90 sans its third row, the pricing doesn’t necessarily reflect that- at least at first. But the CX-70 will only be offered in higher-spec trim levels, and as such, its base price is actually a hair higher than the CX-90’s $40,970 base price.

Full-size luxury SUVs are the ultimate, multi-passenger, premium transport. This fact was reaffirmed in our minds after spending a week with the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC. No other segment can match the combination of towing, cargo capacity, comfort, and luxury.

As dealership lots are evaluated, certain models stand out for their swift sales, showing a trend of rapid turnover and high consumer demand. Data provided by CarEdge, which aggregates listings from approximately 90% of dealership websites, gives us a closer look at these sought-after vehicles:

A study by AutoPacific has provided valuable insights into what current and future electric vehicle (EV) owners seek in public charging facilities. It has been revealed that a majority, about 90%, of these consumers highly value having easy access to details about charging speeds and costs. This demand closely mirrors the expectations from conventional gas stations, emphasizing the need for transparent and convenient information at EV charging points.

In the name of “streamlining and standardizing its model names for fully electric cars,” Volvo has changed a bunch of its model names. For example, the XC40 and C40 Recharge models see new names: the EX40 and EC40, respectively. The changes only apply to electrified models, as gas ones will keep their names. Volvo has also decided to ditch the “Recharge” name from its plug-in hybrid lineup. Now, these will be denoted as T6 or T8 indicating their respective power output levels. Volvo says the move in nomenclature is supposed to make it easier for customers to figure out which models are electric and which are hybrids, as the “E” prefix implies.

Welcome to episode 6 of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. We take a look at Chrysler's new crazy concept car. We drive a small Italian SUV, and drive on the side of a mountain to test out some winter tires. We look at the choices for Canadian Car of the Year and ponder if a BMW M5 Wagon could ever arrive on our shores.

Dealerships across America are experiencing an oversupply of certain vehicle models, particularly from the Stellantis brand. Data from CarEdge, which monitors around 90% of dealership websites, highlights that models such as the Dodge Hornet, Charger, and Challenger, along with the Chrysler 300 and some Ram trucks, are in abundant supply. Here is the full list of vehicles:

This week, Lucid announced yet more price cuts to its Air sedan. The air has seen sweeping cuts over the last year as the company struggles to claw back ground lost to competitors like the Tesla Model S and Mercedes EQS. With this most recent round of cuts, Lucid has seen the price of its Air Pure model fall $12,500 since last year, with the Air Touring falling a staggering $17,100 from its previous MSRP.

On a recent episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by Ebay Motors, we sat down with Jon Leverett, project manager for launch strategy at Mazda USA. The topic of discussion was the brand’s newest product, the upcoming CX-70 SUV.

The 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study by J.D. Power presents a concerning trend in the automotive industry. Marking its 35th year, the study shows an increase in the number of problems experienced by vehicle owners over three years of ownership. This trend signifies a shift from previous years, impacting nearly two-thirds of the brands evaluated. The study's findings are critical for both consumers and manufacturers, highlighting the need for improved vehicle reliability.

The 2024 automotive market is uniquely positioned for buyers, marked by an oversupply of vehicles and slower sales. Data obtained from CarEdge reveals that this situation is most pronounced in certain 2024 models, which are remaining on dealership lots for extended periods, some for over 200 days. This surplus offers potential buyers a chance to secure significant discounts and appealing financing options.

Big SUV, big fun-in the right situation.

The Mazda CX-50 is a stylish, well-appointed compact SUV that blurs the lines between mainstream and luxury. It also offers a whole lot of choice. Currently, there are no fewer than eight trim levels available.

Research from Science Direct highlights the role of peppermint fragrance in promoting driver alertness. The scent has been shown to stimulate brain activity, thereby enhancing cognitive functions. This is particularly beneficial during long drives or in situations that demand high levels of concentration, as it helps keep drivers more alert, focused, and less fatigued.

BMW has spent some time putting out fires recently after an outlet claimed that BMW’s head of design Domagoj Dukec declared the upcoming M5 Touring would be coming to North America. Following the claim, various news outlets cited the story, but according to The Drive, BMW hasn’t actually said anything of consequence regarding the M5 Touring’s arrival in North America. In an email, the company said “BMW M has confirmed the production of the BMW M5 Touring. Details related to when and in which markets this car will be offered will follow at a later date.”

An OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) scanner can provide information about the status and health of various vehicular systems. This information can help inform the user as to what the source of a problem may be, which can in turn help lead to what needs to be repaired or replaced. In this article, we will dig into the types of information that an OBD2 scanner can retrieve from the vehicle and provide for your interpretation.

What good are winter tires if someone doesn’t know how to use them? That’s a question more drivers should be asking themselves. Being able to navigate winter conditions knowledgeably is just as important as having the right tires.

The days of the supercar horsepower arms race are largely over. Apparently, Aston Martin didn’t get the memo, because the new Vantage added 128 horsepower in its mid-cycle refresh. There are other changes, too, but the power bump means the 656-horsepower Vantage now makes more power than its biggest rival: the 911 Turbo S.

For over 20 years, I've managed to wash and detail my own cars, whether for weekly maintenance or getting them ready for a show. In my early years, I bought any and all car care products I could afford from my local Pep Boys, which made me familiar with the different brands available on the market. This trend continued into my 20s and 30s, where I began to develop brand loyalty and learned what to look for when choosing a product. Initially, it was always exciting when something new hit the market, but over time, it became clear that many products were similar in performance and price.

The latest findings from the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study have shed light on a notable downturn in the reliability of vehicles over a three-year ownership period. This year's report sees an uptick in reported problems, with the bottom ten brands showing particular susceptibility to issues that affect their dependability ratings. The average problem incidence has risen to 190 issues per 100 vehicles, indicating an industry-wide trend toward decreased reliability.

We had our suspicions, but now we know for sure.