Many new cars no longer include spare tires to improve fuel efficiency and reduce costs, with options now including space-saving spares and run-flat tires, though these come with trade-offs like higher costs and potential safety concerns.
CD Projekt Red has released a surprise Update 2.2 for Cyberpunk 2077, developed with the support of Virtuous, a French studio. The update introduces 100 new character creator options, 10 new cars, enhanced photo mode features, and the ability to change car colors. It aims to enhance player expression within the game. Despite previous claims of moving on to other projects, CDPR continues to update Cyberpunk 2077, leaving fans curious about future patches.
Consumer Reports, in collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, has released a list of the best new cars for teen drivers in 2024. The criteria include safety features, reliability, ease of driving, and a price cap of $40,000. Notable models include the Subaru Impreza, Mazda 3, Toyota Prius, Honda Accord, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and several others, each offering a balance of safety, performance, and affordability.
Gran Turismo 7's update 1.44 introduces three new cars, additional Café Menu, and three World Circuit Events, including the return of the Toyota GT-One '99. The update also features new stickers, a TV animation series collaboration, and adds Fukushima as a featured Curation in Scapes. The patch goes live on March 27, and the game has received positive reviews since its launch in March 2022.
Consumer Reports has released its top new cars of 2024, with a focus on electrification. The list includes the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Highlander Hybrid, Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and redesigned Prius. For those interested in trucks, the Ford Maverick and Maverick Hybrid are recommended, while the Toyota Camry Hybrid is highlighted for reliability. The BMW X5 and X5 plug-in hybrid are top luxury SUV choices, and the Mazda3 is praised for its sporty drive. The Tesla Model Y is named the top pick for an all-electric vehicle.
Gran Turismo 7 is set to receive update 1.42 for PS5 and PS4, introducing three new cars, including the Suzuki Jimny XC ’18 and Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept, along with new race events and themed menus, expanding the game's content.
Gran Turismo 7's upcoming 1.42 update, arriving on January 25, will introduce three new cars including the Suzuki Jimny, Genesis X Gran Berlinetta, and Bulgari Aluminium Vision GT. The update will also feature new racing events such as the Jimny Cup and expansion to the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy series, along with additional Scapes and Extra Menu collections. Players can expect further details, including new races and car prices, with the release of the patch notes on Thursday.
Used car prices rose by 1% between August and September, while new car prices dropped $60 over the past month. The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike has not yet impacted new car prices, but changes are expected in October. Automakers built up a significant inventory of new cars in preparation for the strike, which has helped keep prices relatively stable. However, certain models like the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet Colorado may see price increases. The auto market is also dealing with higher interest rates on car loans, reaching the highest level in over 20 years. Despite these challenges, there are still significant discounts available on new cars in October 2023, with models like the Ram 1500 Tradesman and Kia EV6 Light Electric offering discounts of over 14%.
The 2023 Monterey Car Week showcased a range of spectacular new cars, including the Mercedes-AMG GT with AWD and a V8 engine, the Ford Mustang GTD supercar with 800 horsepower, the Lamborghini Lanzador electric concept car, the Zenvo Aurora hypercar with a V12 engine and electric motors, the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail bespoke creation, the Maserati MCXtrema track-only supercar, the Automobili Pininfarina B95 electric hypercar, the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Roadster with 1,817 horsepower, the Czinger 21C Blackbird Edition inspired by the Lockheed Martin SR-71 'Blackbird,' and three new cars from RUF.
According to J.D. Power's latest survey, customer satisfaction with new vehicles is declining, marking the first consecutive year-on-year decline in 28 years. The study reveals that consumers are particularly dissatisfied with the looks of new cars and the functionality of infotainment systems. Hyundai Motor Group won the most class victories, with Kia models dominating. Cars equipped with the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) and Google Automotive Services (GAS) scored well in terms of infotainment satisfaction. Jaguar and Dodge were the top performers in the premium and mass market sectors, respectively. Overall, automakers should take note of consumer preferences and work towards meeting their expectations.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the AM for Every Vehicle Act, which would require all new cars to include AM radio, as many manufacturers have been phasing it out. The legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a rule requiring automakers to keep AM broadcast radio in their vehicles with no additional payment, fee or surcharge required. The bill’s introduction came after reports indicated manufacturers like BMW, Volkswagen, Mazda and Tesla are removing AM radio from their vehicles because electric engines can interfere with the AM stations’ sound.
Americans are holding on to their cars longer than ever due to high car prices caused by a global shortage of automotive computer chips, which slowed down global assembly lines, making new vehicles scarce on dealer lots. The average age of a passenger vehicle on the road hit a record 12.5 years this year, and sedans are even older, on average, at 13.6 years. Used vehicle prices have surged 40% since the pandemic hit, and with an average loan rate of 11%, the typical monthly used-vehicle payment is now $563. More owners are choosing to stick with what they have, even if it means spending more on repairs and maintenance.
The average age of passenger vehicles on US roads has hit a record high of 12.5 years, with sedans averaging 13.6 years, due to the pandemic-induced global shortage of automotive computer chips that slowed global assembly lines, making new vehicles scarce on dealer lots just when consumers were increasingly eager to buy. The cost of buying either a new or used vehicle is leaving more people with essentially no choice but to keep the one they have, leading to a boom time for auto shops.
There are only three new cars available for less than $20,000 in the US market, and automakers are ignoring people who don't have a lot of money to spend on a car. The average price of a new car is down about $500, to $48,008, but there are still a tiny handful of affordable options out there, including the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio/Rio5, and Nissan Versa. However, none of these are selling particularly well, and it's hard to imagine a future for cheap subcompact cars like these in America.