Buyers Say “No Thanks” to Useless Car Tech, J.D. Power Reports

By

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August 22, 2024

J.D. Power released its rankings from the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study today. Genesis took top honors for the fourth year in a row. Hyundai won for the fifth year in a row. Not GM with its giant digital screens and interfaces (although the GMC brand ranked 3rd). Not Jeep with its cabin-wide digital dash in the Wagoneer. And not Tesla with its push into self-driving and intuitive software. Instead, the annual J.D. Power results confirm that many global automakers that are sinking billions into software and technology to solve problems that the majority of drivers don’t have and don’t want. And we consumers pay the price in higher sticker prices on new vehicles.

The results come from a survey of new car buyers’ first 90 days of ownership. Now, some might think three months is too short a period to get a good feel for how a car works, but the limited time window does zero in on how intuitive a vehicle’s feature are, and whether or not they’re being used. The J.D. Power survey went granular as well, parsing the survey results to zero in on two of the most useless pieces of expensive tech in vehicles today.

Useless Car Tech #1 – Hands-Free Anything

Advanced Driver Assist Systems, which includes everything from hands-free driving, lane-keeping assist, facial recognition, motion-controlled systems that involve your hands were viewed as unnecessary and perceived as adding zero value to the driver’s experience. Tech that addresses very specific benefits, such as backup cameras and alerts do score high. The takeaway: Stop making driving more complicated than it should be with tech that adds zero benefit other than a “gee-whiz” factor.

Useless Car Tech #2 – Digital Screens for Passengers

The majority of respondents thought that those pricey displays for passengers were a useless waste of money and space. And it makes sense when you figure that the front passenger seat is only occupied 10% of the time according to J.D. Power. J.D. Power also made a point that many dealership salespeople have enough trouble guiding new buyers through the complexity of one screen, let alone two. The takeaway: The addition of a digital screen for passengers makes that first experience of operating the vehicle way more complex than it should be, and could even be a turn-off to a potential buyer/owner.

TFL’s Take – Just Drive!

Back in 2018 Nissan was experimenting with “Brain-to-Car” technology, and we were having none of it. “Keep It Simple, Stupid” is an adage that’s made perfect sense forever, yet in the chase for better margins and higher stock prices, automakers keep adding solutions to driving problems that don’t really exist, which is why both Genesis and Hyundai keep winning these tech awards. Industry-leading in-cabin tech is usually not top of mind with either brand, and that’s likely because they see what tech people actually use and want, and focus on delivering just that.

If you want a deep dive on the topic, check out TFLtalk’s video below:

How a Car Accident Lawyer in Pittsburgh Handles Different Types of Auto Accidents

By

Grant Davis

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August 22, 2024

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Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life, and Pittsburgh is no exception. With busy roads and unpredictable weather conditions, auto accidents can happen to anyone at any time. When they do, the expertise of a car accident lawyer becomes crucial. These professionals are well-versed in handling various types of auto accidents, each requiring a unique approach to ensure justice and fair compensation for the victims.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of auto accidents. They often occur due to distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops. In Pittsburgh, especially during rush hours, these accidents can happen frequently. A car accident lawyer handling such a case will first establish liability, which is usually straightforward as the driver who rear-ended the other vehicle is typically at fault. They will gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to build a strong case. Medical records are also crucial to prove the extent of injuries sustained by the victim.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are severe and often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents usually occur due to reckless driving, drunk driving, or adverse weather conditions. A Pittsburgh car accident lawyer dealing with a head-on collision will conduct a thorough investigation to determine fault. This may involve reconstructing the accident scene, consulting with experts, and analyzing vehicle damage. Given the severity of injuries, the lawyer will also work to secure substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents, or side-impact collisions, often happen at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right of way. A car accident lawyer will examine traffic signals, road signs, and witness testimonies to ascertain which driver was at fault. They will also look into any potential traffic violations and gather medical evidence to support the victim’s claim.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Multi-vehicle pileups are complex and can involve numerous parties, each with different levels of fault. These accidents are common on highways and can be triggered by sudden stops, poor weather conditions, or chain reactions from an initial collision. A car accident lawyer handling a multi-vehicle pileup must navigate through multiple insurance claims and potentially conflicting accounts of the incident. They will work to identify the primary cause of the accident and ensure that their client’s rights are protected amidst the confusion.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents are particularly challenging because the at-fault driver has fled the scene. In Pittsburgh, a car accident lawyer will collaborate with law enforcement to track down the driver. They will also explore other avenues for compensation, such as uninsured motorist coverage, to help the victim cover medical expenses and property damage. Gathering as much information as possible from the scene, including witness statements and surveillance footage, is critical in these cases.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Accidents caused by drunk drivers are often severe and carry significant legal implications. A car accident lawyer in Pittsburgh will pursue both civil and criminal avenues to hold the drunk driver accountable. They will gather evidence of intoxication, such as police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness testimonies. In addition to seeking compensation for the victim’s injuries, they may also pursue punitive damages to penalize the drunk driver and deter future misconduct.

Advocate for Yourself After an Accident

A car accident lawyer in Pittsburgh plays a vital role in helping victims navigate the aftermath of various types of auto accidents. Their expertise in gathering evidence, determining fault, and negotiating with insurance companies ensures that victims receive the compensation they deserve. Whether dealing with a straightforward rear-end collision or a more complex hit-and-run, a lawyer will be your car accident advocate in Pittsburgh.

This Is It: The Final Grand Tour Episode Will Premiere on September 13

By

Zach Butler

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August 22, 2024

A snapshot of the upcoming Grand Tour episode ‘One For The Road’. (Image: Amazon)

The last episode of The Grand Tour is upon us, and it looks like it’ll be quite the ride.

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that Top Gear played a huge role in my formative years as a car enthusiast, and a lot of that comes down to the trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. The rise and evolution of the show over the years — the hijinks and the drama — kept me and millions of others coming back for more, even when they guys left the show in 2015 to form the Grand Tour on Amazon the next year. Now, though, it’s nearly all over, as the final episode of The Grand Tour will debut on Amazon Prime Video September 13.

The trailer for ‘One For The Road’ brings us back to Africa (after ‘The Sand Job’ saw the trio head across the sun-blasted Sahara Desert in Mauritania): This time, Zimbabwe. Each of the guys brings a classic ’70s sports car, with the Lancia Montecarlo, the Triumph Stag and the original Ford Capri.

“So, for the last time, here we go…” is all the dialogue we get in the trailer, with a lot of short cuts of what we’ve come to expect from the show: laughs all around, arguments and James appearing to get into a spot of bother, again. Funnily enough, the journey (and especially the three-wide run across some salt flats shown above) is an homage to one of my favorite TG specials in Botswana. In that episode, James almost immediately took off in the wrong direction toward Zimbabwe, a country where the show wasn’t allowed, which always, always made me laugh right off the bat. That episode had a Lancia Beta in it too, come to think of it — some nice circularity there.

Of course, we knew this day was coming, as the guys actually wrapped up filming for this episode nearly a year ago. Nevertheless, seeing it actually around the corner hits differently. I’m not sure I’m ready for it, but here’s your warning that you have a few weeks to brace yourself for the last Grand Tour adventure with Clarkson, Hammond and May.

Normally, I’d say something along the lines of, “oh, if you’re interested, check it out on Amazon Prime on September 13…”, but no. You have to watch it. We’ve all been along for the ride for 22 years, a lot of us have grown up with these three guys, and this last episode is going to be an emotional roller coaster, and not just another car show. You have to watch it. Even if you just pick up a trial to watch it — and you can watch the trios’ other shows on the platform as well — go do it.

I’ll see you there.

Ford Cuts, Delays EVs from its EV Strategy and Pivots Toward Hybrids

By

Zach Butler

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August 21, 2024

Automakers continue to pivot resources away from EVs, with Ford canceling a previously announced model.

On the heels of new Ford EVs across the pond including an all-electric Explorer and resurrected Capri, we expected the rollout to continue stateside with a three-row SUV. That’s not going to happen, after all, as the Blue Oval announced altered plans for how it’s going to approach “electrified” models over the coming years — including a heavier shift toward hybrids.

“The electric vehicle market is rapidly evolving,” Ford says, “as Chinese competitors leverage advantaged cost structures including vertical integration, low-cost engineering, multi-energy advanced battery technology and digital experiences to expand their global market share.” Instead of contending with higher costs and, as a result, lower profit margins, it’s instead going to lean into hybrid vehicles as a cost-effective solution for customers and its own bottom line, extending the EV timeline to bring new models to market when lower-cost battery options factor into the equation.

One of the headline casualties of Ford’s strategy shift is the three-row electric SUV it announced earlier this year. That’s no longer happening, with the company instead focusing on hybrid vehicles, though it did not give a timeline for when such a model might emerge. Ford plans to take a $400 million tax write-down for manufacturing assets related to the SUVs it will no longer product. “These actions may also result in additional expenses and cash expenditures of $1.5 billion”, it said in its statement, and will reflect those expenses as a special item in future quarterly reports.

Ford also plans to delay its next-generation electric truck — a successor to the F-150 Lightning built on a dedicated EV platform — by about 18 months, or until late 2027. A midsize electric truck, under development by Ford’s “skunkworks” team in California, will also now launch in 2027.

For the time being, Ford says it plans to continue updating its existing Mach-E and F-150 Lightning EVs, while also pivoting toward more hybrid options. A new commercial van is also on the way in 2026, at the company’s Avon Lake, Ohio assembly plant. As a result of this shift, it will also pull back its annual capital expenditures dedicated to EVs from about 40% of the total investment mix to 30%.

2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet Celebrates 20 Years of Hemi V8s…With a Six-Figure Price Tag

By

Zach Butler

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August 21, 2024

While Hemi V8 engines are largely gone from Dodge and Ram trucks, you can still get it in the Durango — but it’ll cost you.

We’ve been covering the slow demise of Hemi-powered models from Stellantis’ vehicles over the past few years, but you can still get a slice of good-old V8 thunder in the Dodge Durango SUV. In fact, Dodge is rolling out a couple special editions to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first Hemi-powered Durango back in 2004: the R/T 20th Anniversary and the SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet.

The closest spiritual successor to the second-generation 5.7-liter Hemi, naturally, is the $68,565 R/T 20th Anniversary Edition. That’s about $12,000 higher than the standard Durango R/T Plus trim, and kicks off with the same list of features as that model, including heated and ventilated seats, a power sunroof, Alpine audio system and Trailer Tow Group with an 8,700-pound towing capacity. Under the hood, you still get the same 360-horsepower 5.7-liter “345” Hemi with 390 lb-ft of torque.

Special features for the R/T 20th Anniversary include a black Hemi hood graphic and 345 fender badging with Brass Monkey accents, for a start. Beyond that, you get 20-by-10-inch Brass Monkey wheels, SRT leather seats with embroidered seatbacks and bronze stitching, and a host of black exterior elements including black-painted Brembo brake calipers. Second-row captain’s chairs come as part of the package as well, while you also get access to the “SRT Track Experience” high-performance driving school for the first time with an R/T.

The Premium option for the R/T 20th Anniversary adds more features at a higher $72,065. The added cost brings in a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a suede headliner, black roof rails and more advanced driver assistance features.

If you’re gunning for the Hellcat, you’ll need to budget quite a bit more.

While the R/T is the nod to history, the SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet is the baddest Durango on the block. Fundamentally, it’s the same SUV that we’ve had for the past few years. You still get a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 with 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You still get Ebony Red nappa leather seats, a suede headliner and steering wheel, carbon fiber interior trim, and all that good stuff.

Again, this special edition trim focuses on aesthetic touches over the standard model. To start off, you get a new silver paint called Triple Nickel, as well as 20-inch “Lights Out” dark gray wheels. Other special touches include a satin black hood (a first for the Durango), red-painted six-piston Brembo brake calipers, and dual silver and sepia accent stitching throughout the interior.

And the price Dodge wants you to pay for the Silver Bullet? A cool $115,315. That’s more than $10,000 higher than last year’s Hellcat’s starting price, and if you’ll excuse me, I have to go find some heartburn medication.

If you’re interested in either model, especially as the V8 is set to bow out soon, you’ll be able to track one down to the Dodge Garage website‘s “Horsepower Locator”.

BMW Recalls More than 720,000 Vehicles Because Faulty Water Pump Connectors Could Start Fires

By

Zach Butler

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August 20, 2024

A problem with several BMWs’ water pump connector could lead to a short circuit, potentially causing a fire.

BMW has decided to recall 720,796 vehicles covering various models across its lineup between the 2012 and 2018 model years for a potentially faulty water pump electrical connector. Under certain conditions, the connector may short circuit, potentially starting a fire.

The automaker says it is recalling a wide range of vehicles to address the problem, including:

Model	Year Range	Number of Vehicles	Starting Build Date	Ending Build Date
2012-2015	X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i	62,954	March 8, 2011	June 30, 2015
2012-2016	Z4 xDrive28i	6,621	February 7, 2011	August 22, 2016
2012-2016	528i, 528i xDrive	110,102	April 6, 2011	October 27, 2016
2012-2016	328i, 328xi	236,702	June 9, 2011	July 14, 2016
2013-2017	X3 sDrive28i, xDrive28i	163,728	February 15, 2012	August 25, 2017
2014-2015	328i, 328xi Sportswagon	5,980	February 26, 2013	June 28, 2016
2014-2016	228i, 228xi Coupe	12,742	July 10, 2013	June 22, 2016
2014-2016	428i, 428i xDrive Coupe	29,693	March 12, 2013	June 28, 2016
2014-2016	428i, 428i xDrive Convertible	20,082	June 10, 2013	June 28, 2016
2014-2016	328xi GT	12,709	June 12, 2013	June 29, 2016
2015-2016	228i, 228xi Convertible	6,824	September 16, 2014	March 13, 2015
2015-2016	428i, 428xi Gran Coupe	23,790	February 28, 2014	July 1, 2016
2015-2018	X4 xDrive28i	14,061	March 6, 2014	March 6, 2018
2016-2018	X5 xDrive40e Hybrid	14,808	July 6, 2015	June 30, 2018

Volkswagen Announces 2025 ID.Buzz Pricing Between $61K and $71K

By

Zach Butler

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August 20, 2024

2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz - New and Classic hero shot — (Images: Volkswagen)

The new Volkswagen ID.Buzz will finally make its way to dealers in the coming months.

As much as time flies sometimes, the arrival of VW’s electric van has been a glacially slow process…but there’s some light at the end of the tunnel. The automaker officially announced U.S.-market pricing for the 2025 ID.Buzz Wednesday, and the Microbus’ spiritual successor will set you back between $61,545 and $71,455 (including $1,550 destination), depending on which model you go for.

I won’t insult you folks by saying that’s cheap — it’s certainly a cut above your everyday ID.4 — but that is more or less in the range we were expecting. The full 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz lineup brings three trims: Pro S, Pro S Plus and First Edition. No matter which model you get, though, EPA range estimates land around 231 to 234 miles on a charge. Not exactly class-leading, though this is more of a unique option against some of the crossovers folks would consider when shopping for their next (or first) EV.

Starting off, the rear-wheel drive, single-motor version of the ID.Buzz manages 282 horsepower. That brings slightly better range, though there’s naturally a dual-motor version if you’re looking for more gusto. The AWD models kick out 335 horsepower for an extra $4,500. All three models can be had with either RWD or AWD, so differences through the trim walk boil down to features.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Pro S comes fairly well-equipped out the gate. You get a 12.9-inch infotainment screen, 9-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, three-zone climate control, heated door mirrors, park distance control, enhanced park assist (with “memory parking”) and 20-inch wheels as standard equipment for the base $61,545 asking price.

Moving up a level to the Pro S Plus will set you back an additional $4,500 (keep in mind, you’ll pay that premium again if you want AWD). For the extra cash, you’ll get a 700-watt, 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a “Flexboard” with two fabric storage bins that will create a flat load floor with the rear seats folded, power-sliding rear doors, a head-up display and a manually retractable tow hitch. Bench seating for the second-row comes standard, while the AWD Pro S Plus gets captain’s chairs and a heated windshield.

VW’s limited-run ID.Buzz First Edition comes with all the features as the Pro S Plus, but with some other unique touches. Unique wheels and badging adorn the First Edition, for a start, while you also get “heritage” floor mats, roof-mounted cross bars and an electrochromic glass roof that will turn opaque when you press a button. That model starts at $67,045 for the rear-wheel drive version, or $71,545 if you want all-wheel drive.

Now that we have formal pricing, you can rest assured that the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz isn’t too far off, and we should see them make it to dealers this fall. Volkswagen builds the ID.Buzz at its Hanover, Germany facility, which means you won’t be able to get the $7,500 federal EV tax credit when you go to buy one.

2025 Nissan Rogue Pricing Creeps Up Slightly, With Rock Creek Right in the Middle

By

Zach Butler

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August 20, 2024

The 2025 Nissan Rogue is joining the rugged club with a more off-roadish flavor.

It’s been around for a few years now, but the Nissan Rogue is getting a few updates for the 2025 model year. Nissan decided to bring the Pathfinder’s Rock Creek trim level into its smaller SUV, and we now know how much it will cost (along with the rest of the lineup). On the whole, the 2025 Nissan Rogue gets a little bit more expensive this time around, though it stays pretty close to its competition including its chief rival, the Toyota RAV4.

Pricing for the 2025 Nissan Rogue S starts off at $30,620, including the brand’s $1,390 destination charge. That’s an increase of $380 for the front-wheel drive model, while others increase up to $430. All-wheel drive is a $1,400 premium on most trims, though it comes standard (naturally) on the Rock Creek.

Right above the S, the mid-range SV adds in some more creature comforts for $32,360. You can also get an SV Premium Package for another $2,000, that brings equipment offerings a bit closer to the SL, without having as much of a jump in price.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek sits right in the middle of the price band, at $36,810 with standard AWD. For that, you get unique styling touches including what look like red-painted recovery points (though that’s only for show), as well as special gloss-black exterior elements, wheels and Rock Creek badging. This trim, like the Adventures, XRTs and Wilderness trims on the market, give you slightly beefier Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, hill descent control, extra camera angles and a 12-volt power outlet in the rear.

If you’re looking for a more feature-rich environment, the $37,480 Rogue SL or $40,910 Rogue Platinum is where you’ll want to be. Each trim from the SV upward offers a Premium Package for more features, while the SL and Platinum specifically get access to a $2,000 Tech Package that adds ProPilot 2.1 semi-autonomous driving capability. Other trims either just get adaptive cruise control or a more basic (older) version of the ProPilot system.

Updated 2025 Nissan Rogue models should hit dealers in the coming weeks.

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek Edition Expands the Brand’s Ruggedized Offerings

Useless Car Tech #1 – Hands-Free Anything

Useless Car Tech #2 – Digital Screens for Passengers

TFL’s Take – Just Drive!

Rear-End Collisions

Head-On Collisions

T-Bone Accidents

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Drunk Driving Accidents

Advocate for Yourself After an Accident

The last episode of The Grand Tour is upon us, and it looks like it’ll be quite the ride.

Automakers continue to pivot resources away from EVs, with Ford canceling a previously announced model.

While Hemi V8 engines are largely gone from Dodge and Ram trucks, you can still get it in the Durango — but it’ll cost you.

If you’re gunning for the Hellcat, you’ll need to budget quite a bit more.

A problem with several BMWs’ water pump connector could lead to a short circuit, potentially causing a fire.

More specifics on the problem and the fix

The new Volkswagen ID.Buzz will finally make its way to dealers in the coming months.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue is joining the rugged club with a more off-roadish flavor.

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