Month: May 2024

May 15

Seeking a Classier Alternative to a Ford Mustang? Explore These GT Cars

 

Introduction to GT Cars

GT cars seamlessly blend practicality with style, offering a refined alternative to the robust Ford Mustang. While the Mustang is often celebrated for its grand touring credentials, including a spacious trunk, comfortable cabin, rear seats, powerful front-mounted engine, and rear-wheel drive, some luxury-focused travelers might seek a more prestigious badge. Fortunately, several posh grand tourers can fulfill this desire without significantly exceeding the cost of a new Mustang.

Affordable Luxury GT Alternatives

For those desiring a luxury grand tourer without a hefty price tag, several excellent options are available:

BMW 4 Series (F32 Generation) The F32 BMW 4 Series coupe is a solid alternative to the Mustang. While the 435i trim’s 300-horsepower 3.0L inline six-cylinder may not match the Mustang GT’s 480-horsepower 5.0L V8, its 4.5-second sprint to 60 mph ensures an exhilarating drive. Additionally, a 2015 BMW 435i xDrive is valued at around $17,000, making it an affordable choice.

Audi S5 (B8 Generation) The pre-2012 B8 Audi S5 features a naturally aspirated 4.2L FSI V8, providing a throaty V8 experience akin to the Mustang. With 354 horsepower and a price well under $15,000, the B8 S5 stands out as a cost-effective yet powerful alternative.

A Jaguar XK from the X150 generation shows off its GT car fascia.
An X150 Jaguar XK | National Motor Museum, Heritage Images via Getty Images

Opulent GT Choices

For those willing to invest a bit more, these grand tourers offer unmatched luxury and performance:

Jaguar XK (X150 Generation) The X150 Jaguar XK is perhaps the epitome of opulence, boasting a 4.2L V8 engine, with a supercharged variant available. Although it lacks a manual transmission, the post-facelift models feature 5.0L engines similar to those in Mustang GTs, combining power with elegance.

Maserati GranTurismo For the bold, the first-generation Maserati GranTurismo offers a thrilling drive with its 454-horsepower V8 and iconic trident badge. While maintenance costs can be high, the allure of owning a Maserati for less than the price of a new Mustang GT is undeniable.

Conclusion

While the Ford Mustang remains a strong contender in the GT segment, these alternatives offer luxury and performance for discerning drivers. Whether it’s the affordable elegance of the BMW 4 Series, the robust Audi S5, the luxurious Jaguar XK, or the daring Maserati GranTurismo, there’s a grand tourer to suit every taste and budget. Share your thoughts in the comments below on which GT car you’d choose as your classy Mustang alternative.

May 15

Guatemalan Teen Arrested for Possession of Stolen Gun and Illegally Killed Deer in SUV

Discovery and Initial Stop

A routine patrol by the Umatilla Police Department led to the arrest of a Guatemalan teenager after officers discovered a dead deer in his SUV along with a stolen firearm. Melvin Ruvein Lopez, 18, was stopped around 3 a.m. Saturday after an officer noticed his silver SUV leaving a Circle K without stopping. The vehicle was pulled over at Turtle Run and State Road 19, where the officer observed the suspicious circumstances.

Arrest and Charges

Upon questioning, it was revealed that Lopez did not have a valid driver’s license, nor did the four other occupants in the vehicle. Through the use of Google Translate, officers learned Lopez’s identity and confirmed he only possessed an ID card. Further inspection of the vehicle revealed a bloodied deer in the back, and a 9mm pistol, later identified as stolen from Jacksonville, was found in the center console. Lopez admitted to shooting the deer, using his vehicle’s headlights to aid in the hunt, about 20 miles north of the traffic stop location.

Legal Proceedings

Lopez was charged with grand theft of a firearm, driving without a valid license, and illegal possession and hunting of a deer out of season using a firearm and light. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) officer who responded read Lopez his rights in Spanish, to which Lopez agreed to speak. Lopez was subsequently taken to Lake County Jail and released after posting a $5,500 bond. The incident highlights the importance of routine patrols in uncovering illegal activities and ensuring community safety.

May 15

Americans have been driving these Chinese-built cars for years — and Biden’s tariffs likely won’t impact them

Chinese car brands are missing from the US market, but Chinese-made cars are still sold in the US.

Americans bought more than 104,000 Chinese-made cars in 2023 and nearly 28,000 in Q1 2024.

Buick, Lincoln, Polestar, and Volvo all sell cars in the US that are made in China.

Of the more than 15 million cars sold in the US last year, none wore the badge of a Chinese car brand.

Chinese EV heavy hitters like BYD and SAIC are conspicuously missing from US showrooms. With the government’s existing 27.5% tariffs on Chinese-made cars and Tuesday’s new 100% tariffs on Chinese-made EVs imported to the US, the situation isn’t likely to change anytime soon.

What some people might not realize, however, is that tens of thousands of cars manufactured in China are sold in the US every year.

Volvo’s S60L sedan was one of the first Chinese-made cars to be sold in the US starting in 2016, followed by Buick’s Envision SUV and Cadillac’s CT6 Hybrid.

According to Automotive News data, US consumers purchased more than 104,000 Chinese-made vehicles in 2023, up 45% from 2022.

Americans bought another 28,000 Chinese-made cars during the first quarter of 2024.

Currently, Buick, Lincoln, Polestar, and Volvo sell Chinese-made vehicles in the US. Of those, the only Chinese-made EVs come from Polestar, a brand co-owned by Volvo and its parent company, Geely Automotive. The EV brand imported just 2,217 cars in the first three months of 2024.

It is unclear how the new tariffs will affect Polestar’s future production plans. The company eventually plans to move some of its car production to South Carolina in 2024.

In a statement to Business Insider, a Polestar spokesperson said the company is evaluating the Biden Administration’s announcement.

Here’s a closer look at the Chinese-made cars on sale in the US.

Buick Envision

A 2024 Buick Envision Avenir. GM

When it launched in 2016, the Buick Envision compact SUV was one of the first Chinese-made vehicles sold in the US. The second generation Envision, which arrived in 2021, continues to be made in China at one of the plants GM operates in a joint venture with SAIC. The Envision was Buick’s second-best-selling model in 2023, with more than 44,000 vehicles sold.

Last year, Buick sold 167,000 vehicles across its entire lineup in the US, an impressive 61% increase over the previous year. However, this number pales in comparison to Buick’s sales in China, which totaled 517,000 units last year.

Lincoln Nautilus

A 2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV. Lincoln

The Lincoln Nautilus midsize luxury SUV was originally launched in 2019 as a mid-cycle refresh of the existing MKX model. This year, Lincoln launched the all-new second-generation 2024 Nautilus made at Ford’s Hangzhou factory operated in a joint venture with China’s Changan Automobile.

In past years, the Hangzhou plant produced the Nautilus for the Chinese market, with Ford’s Oakville, Ontario, Canada facility handling US versions. However, Hangzhou took on US market production when Ford decided to repurpose the Oakville facility to focus on EVs, CNN reported.

Polestar 2

The 2024 Polestar 2. Polestar

The Polestar 2 debuted in the US back in 2019. It was the first EV offering from Polestar, previously Volvo’s performance division that was spun off by Chinese parent company Geely Automotive and turned into a stand-alone company.

While designed in Sweden, The Polestar 2 is produced at its factory in Chengdu, China.

Polestar 3

The Polestar 3. Polestar

The Polestar 3 EV is all-new for 2024 and the brand’s first SUV. The new Polestar 3 began production in late 2023 at the company’s factory in Chengdu, China, alongside the Polestar 2.

Initial US market vehicles will be Chinese-made. However, production for US and European market Polestar 3s will switch over to Volvo’s Ridgeway, South Carolina factory this summer.

There’s also a Polestar 4 coming to the US, but Renault Korea will make US-market versions of that vehicle at its factory in Busan, South Korea.

Volvo S90

A Volvo S90 Recharge T8 AWD in Platinum Grey. Volvo

The S90, Volvo’s flagship luxury sedan, is produced at its Daqing Factory in Northern China. Volvo decided, shortly after its launch in 2016, to move S90 production from its factory in Torslanda, Sweden, to China. The wagon variant of the S90, the V90, is still made in Sweden.

May 15

Suzuki’s Jimny Heritage Is the Coolest Version of the Cult SUV Yet

As Americans, we lead a pretty privileged life. There’s really not a whole lot we can legitimately complain about without getting eye-rolls from many other corners of the world. But there are some aspects of being an American that are undoubtedly annoying. Depending on how into 4x4s you are, the fact that the Suzuki Jimny SUV is not available to U.S. consumers may rank at the top of the list.

The Jimny — a quirky yet endearing diminutive off-roader — left the U.S. market with the rest of Suzuki’s automotive lineup back in 2012, and its continued inaccessibility is a sore spot among a certain sect of car enthusiasts. Now, as if to taunt us further, Suzuki has launched what might just be the coolest and most desirable Jimny variant I’ve ever seen in the new Jimny XL Heritage.

Suzuki Jimny XL Heritage

Retro Cars Down Under

The new vehicle is a retro version of the Jimny XL, which itself is a bigger version of the standard Jimny that has a longer wheelbase and five doors instead of three. The special edition is called “Heritage” because of its old-school aesthetics inspired by the Jimnys of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, including orange-and-red striped decals, red mudflaps and a Heritage cargo tray.

Outside of the stylistic changes, it’s the same Jimny XL, which means you’re getting Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO 4×4 system, a 9″ touchscreen infotainment center with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 1.5L I4 engine tied to a five-speed manual transmission. (Unlike on the standard Jimny XL, there’s no automatic option on the Heritage.)

suzuki jimny suv seen from the sideSuzuki
May 15

Detroit Man Charged After Allegedly Running Over Cedar Point Employee

Incident Details

A man from Metro Detroit faces charges for allegedly driving over a Cedar Point employee with his SUV last week, according to Ohio police. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Friday in the main parking lot of the amusement park, as detailed in a report by the Sandusky Police Department. Witnesses reported hearing the employee shout at a Cadillac Escalade to stop, exclaiming that it was running him over.

Witness Accounts and Investigation

Witnesses observed the employee fall to the ground and the SUV subsequently run over both of his legs before continuing to drive away. One witness ran to the SUV’s window, shouting at the driver to stop and informing him that he had just run over someone. Despite the warnings, the driver did not stop or acknowledge the situation, according to the report.

Police Action and Charges

The injured employee was transported by the Sandusky Fire Department to Firelands Regional Medical Center for treatment. Witnesses provided police with a photograph of the SUV and its license plate, and Cedar Point reviewed surveillance footage to assist in the investigation. The vehicle was traced to Southgate, Michigan, where the driver, identified as 26-year-old Riley Brock, was arrested at his home. Brock has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident on private property, classified as a fourth-degree felony.

May 15

Is The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Still Fun To Drive?

Has the Highland’s softer suspension and different tire choice affected the Model 3’s appeal as one of the most fun-to-drive EVs?

Tesla has not only changed how the 2024 Model 3 looks but has also made significant changes under the skin, especially to the suspension. The refreshed Model 3 seems geared much more toward comfort than before, and with the standard tires, it doesn’t feel quite as connected to the road as it did before.

However, the new setup brings a welcome change for a daily driver. Ride comfort is vastly improved, even on the larger 19-inch wheels I had on the Model 3 Long Range I tested last week. The newfound comfort is elevated for everyday driving by the revised seats and the double-glazed side windows. They do a phenomenal job of keeping noise at bay and completely transforming the vehicle—for the better.

Tesla Model 3 on Twisty Road

It’s only when you take it to a twistier road and try stringing a few corners together spiritedly that you notice some of the negative effects of the softer suspension. The new Model 3 has a surprising amount of both body roll and pitch and dive, and while there is plenty of grip from this confidence-inspiring machine, you will feel like you have to hold on to the steering wheel to keep yourself fixed in the seat.

Tesla has equipped the revised Model 3 with frequency selective dampers, which can passively adjust the rebound rate to offer either comfort or stiffness depending on road conditions. You will most notice them working when going over washboard-type surfaces or over lots of small imperfections in the road when it will feel like the vehicle has softened its suspension. They are not powered like adaptive dampers, but you can feel their presence and they bring a notable improvement in comfort.

Tesla Model 3 on Twisty Road

The new Model 3 Performance has stiffer and lower springs and adaptive dampers that you can stiffen up, so it should address much of what I said above. It also gets body-hugging sports seats (a first for the Model 3), and their extra support should help improve the driving experience further.

The steering was one of the highlights of the Model 3 driving experience. It is quick and precise, and turning the wheel from lock to lock is easy and surprisingly fun. The new steering wheel has a sporty flat bottom and a rim of just the right thickness. It is also a delight to hold and use, even with the strangely placed indicator buttons.

Tesla Model 3 on Twisty Road

The steering helps the new Model 3 feel engaging on a twisty road and provides some feedback, which is impressive for a car like this. I suspect that if you upgrade the car’s standard Hankook Ion Evo tires, which are supposed to be EV-specific performance tires—their manufacturer says they provide low rolling resistance and noise but are supposed to retain the handling character of a performance tire; I don’t think they do.

Switching to a set of Ultra High Performance (UHP) Michelin, Continental, Goodyear or Bridgestone tires will improve grip and feel and mitigate some of the car’s tendency to wash wide when pushing through corners. These tires will negatively affect range, though.

Tesla Model 3 on Twisty Road

The excellent visibility you get from behind the wheel of a Model 3 is unmatched. There is no instrument binnacle in front of you, and while peering over to the middle screen to see your speed is not as good as having dials in front of you, it does give you a better view of the road.

The car’s nose is short, and it seems to dive away suddenly, a feeling I’ve only experienced in mid-engined cars. This further enhances the driver’s enjoyment—you feel like you can really place the car through corners with great precision.

Tesla Model 3 Long Range

One thing that unquestionably makes the Model 3 feel like a performance car is its acceleration. The new Dual Motor has a combined output just shy of 400 horsepower, and it launches itself at an alarming pace to reach sixty from a standstill in a little over four seconds. It feels really fast, enough to change the perspective of some of your EV-skeptic friends who still don’t think EVs can be fun in a straight line.

Tesla doesn’t provide a faux engine sound to accompany the acceleration, but as good as the fakery is in cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, feeling the completely silent surge as you step on the right pedal in a two-motor Model 3 is still hugely entertaining. You run the risk of going way past the speed limit if you’re not careful, as the car keeps pulling relentlessly to its top speed.

The choice of tire reportedly prompted Tesla to lower the top speed of the Model 3 Dual Motor from 145 mph to 125 mph. Nobody outside of Germany was going that fast in their Model 3, but for those select few Model 3 buyers who live near an unrestricted stretch of autobahn and have a short daily commute, blasting down the highway won’t be quite as satisfying in the new car.

Overall, the new Model 3 still feels sporty, but not as sporty as before. It is a much better and more comfortable daily, and it feels like a bigger step up from its predecessor than it would seem without actually trying one. I’m curious to see how big an improvement the Model 3 Performance is since it seems to address all the points I raised here, and it has the makings of one of the best performance EVs ever launched.

May 15

Authorities Seek Hit-and-Run SUV Driver After Motorcyclist’s Death on Katy Freeway in Houston

Fatal Incident on Katy Freeway

Houston police are actively searching for a hit-and-run driver following a fatal collision on the Katy Freeway late Tuesday evening, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist. The incident occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m. near the 3400 block of Katy Freeway (West Interstate Highway 10), where a 41-year-old male motorcyclist crashed into the rear of a dark-colored SUV, as reported by Houston authorities.

Tragic Consequences

The motorcyclist, riding a red Harley Davidson Softail, was thrown onto the freeway lanes after the collision. Subsequently, he was struck by a red Honda Accord traveling westbound. The driver of the SUV fled the scene without stopping to render aid, whereas the driver of the Honda Accord remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Paramedics from the Houston Fire Department arrived shortly and pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene.

Police Appeal for Public Assistance

Houston police are urging the public to assist in identifying and locating the hit-and-run driver of the dark-colored SUV involved in this tragic incident. Investigators from the HPD Vehicular Crimes Division, led by Sergeant D. Rose and Officer J. Best, are spearheading the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4065 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

May 15

Birmingham Mother of Four Found Dead in SUV After Kidnapping; Boyfriend Charged with Capital Murder

Tragic Discovery and Arrest

Birmingham mother Nakita Davidson was kidnapped and later found dead inside the trunk of her own SUV, having been shot eight times, as disclosed by police. Her boyfriend, 37-year-old Cedric Dewayne Robertson, now faces capital murder charges in her death. During a preliminary hearing, Jefferson County District Judge William Bell determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed, sending the case to a grand jury for indictment consideration.

Nakita Davidson Homicide

Nakita Davidson, 40, disappeared after a car wreck Thursday, April 12, 2024, in Birmingham. Her body was discovered Friday afternoon, and her boyfriend is facing charges.(Carol Robinson)

Evidence and Witness Testimonies

Birmingham police homicide Det. Justin Lane testified during the hearing, revealing that there was video footage capturing parts of the crime, although not the actual shooting, and that there were two eyewitnesses. The city’s Shot Spotter system detected 13 gunshots at the scene, first five at 1:37 a.m. and then eight at 1:38 a.m. Evidence collected included multiple shell casings, a pink Nike sneaker belonging to Davidson, and a pool of blood on the ground near the scene.

Nakita Davidson Homicide

Cedric Robertson, boyfriend of Nakita Davidson, was arrested by U.S. Marshals and Birmingham police on Northland Avenue in southwest Birmingham.(Photo contributed by Erica Carpenter)

Investigation and Family Impact

Davidson’s vehicle was discovered the next afternoon in a wooded area, with her body inside, near the home of Robertson’s uncle. Testimony indicated that Robertson and Davidson had been arguing on the night of the shooting, with Robertson wanting Davidson to leave with him, but she refused. Davidson’s family, deeply affected by the loss, described her as a loyal and loving person, leaving behind four young children. The prosecution team includes Chief Deputy District Attorney Joe Roberts and Deputy District Attorney Jessica Hebson, with Robertson’s defense handled by attorneys Dave Simpson and Maston Evans.

May 15

SUV rams bike from behind in Delhi, 65-year-old dead

 

According to police, a police control room call about the accident was received at 10am from commuters on the Ring Road

A 65-year-old man was killed by a speeding Ford SUV in Rajouri Garden, west Delhi, on Wednesday morning, police said, adding that two people have been arrested. The deceased, who worked at a private firm, was going to office on his bike when the suspect hit him, police added.

According to police, a police control room call about the accident was received at 10am from commuters on the Ring Road. Police said they rushed to the spot and found all three damaged vehicles.

“From our initial inquiry, a Ford Endeavour SUV rammed a bike from behind and then hit a BMW car which was in front of the bike. The bike was crushed between the two vehicles and the BMW was also damaged from the impact,” said deputy commissioner of police (west) Vichitra Veer.

Police said that the bike rider, identified as Kishan Lal, was severely injured, while a doctor from a private hospital, who was inside the BMW, and her driver, sustained minor injuries.

Commuters rushed Lal to DDU Hospital but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Police informed Lal’s family about the accident. He is survived by his mother who’s in her late 80s and his daughter. The family live in Khanpur.

“There were two people inside the Ford car. Both were arrested from the accident site,” said a police officer.

The suspects were identified as Gaurav Soni, 27, and Kunal Katyal, 34. Police said that the suspects were coming from a bar in Gurugram and were drunk. Their blood alcohol content was 105 (Soni) and 77(Katyal), which is above the permissible limit, said police.

Both have been booked for causing death by negligence and rash driving. Police said Soni, who runs a cafe in Model Town, was driving the car.