Author: fabcarsAdmin

Apr 21

2024’s Premier Manual Transmission Vehicles: A Fusion of Performance and Tradition

Shifting Gears: The Changing Role of Manual Transmissions

Manual transmissions have evolved from being standard to becoming a specialized choice in the contemporary auto market. These gearboxes are cherished for their engaging, hands-on driving experience, embodying a sporty feel. Yet, the rise of advanced automatic transmissions, known for superior acceleration and efficiency, has swayed the majority of drivers away from manuals.

Discovering Manual Options in Today’s Auto World

While fewer buyers opt for manual transmissions, several models still cater to enthusiasts. Basic trims of economy cars such as the Mazda 3, Mini Cooper, Nissan Versa, and Volkswagen Jetta retain the manual setup. Performance hatchbacks like the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf GTI, and sports sedans like the Subaru WRX and BMW M2, continue to champion the manual tradition, providing an immersive driving pleasure.

Manual Transmissions: Rare in SUVs and Performance Cars

The intersection of manual driving and SUV utility remains limited, with the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler standing as the few equipped choices. In the realm of high-performance cars, manual options are diminishing but persist in select models like Porsche’s 911 and Cayman. This scarcity underscores a unique appeal for aficionados, merging the excitement of manual control with a touch of automotive nostalgia.

Analytical Insights by iSeeCars

iSeeCars conducts an extensive analysis of these manual vehicles, ranking them by reliability, resale potential, and safety features. The analysis provides details such as transmission types—from five to seven-speed manuals—and essential metrics like fuel economy and price points. Such thorough evaluations equip buyers with crucial insights, enhancing the car-buying journey from a mere transaction to a memorable acquisition.

Apr 21

Cyberattack Spurns Another Stellantis Lawsuit Against Suppliers; This Is Getting Old

The most recent legal battle for Stellantis started with a cyberattack on the supplier.

Cyberattacks cause serious problems for many companies. Last year, one such attack caused a Stellantis supplier to halt operations and deliveries of some parts to auto plants in Detroit and Mexico. Stellantis claims this cost the automaker $26 million, which they promptly charged the supplier. This created the most recent legal battle for the automaker.

Yanfeng fights back in the courtroom

Yanfeng, the subject of Stellantis’ most recent legal ire, makes instrument panels, door panels, and center consoles for Ram and Jeep vehicles. On three different dates in January, Yanfeng halted the delivery of components to Stellantis. This spurned the automaker’s filing for an injunction against the supplier.

“Immediate injunction relief is necessary not just to prevent irreparable harm to [Stellantis] but also to avoid widespread disruption and catastrophic harm across the automotive industry if Yanfeng abandons its obligations under the parties’ contracts.”

– Stellantis Lawyers

In addition to the $26 million in claimed losses due to the cyberattack, Stellantis claims to have lost more than $300 million in revenue because of the halted deliveries and the inability to complete 6,000 Jeep and Ram vehicles.

The courtroom battles continue with a judge granting the injunction, but Yanfeng countersuing to have the suit dismissed. This countersuit is for damages incurred because Stellantis’:

“practice of systematically ordering components and effectively canceling its orders last minute including labor, storage, scrap, and raw material costs unnecessarily incurred by Yanfeng.”

2024 Ram 1500 TRX tackles an off-road trail.
2024 Ram 1500 TRX | Ram

Is a hard line the right line?

Since the creation of Stellantis, formerly FCA, the automaker has held a hard line with suppliers. This has led to court battles between the two sides. The cyberattack on Yanfeng is only the most recent issue to reach courts. The automaker is also in legal battles with Kamax and MacLean-Fogg. Kamax makes fasteners and MacLean-Fogg makes pinions and gears for transmissions. These two companies seem pretty important to Stellantis’ success.

Suppliers are becoming frustrated with the automaker no longer accepting claims for cost increases. The hard lines this automaker chooses to take with its suppliers cause tensions to boil over and could lead to canceled contracts, which isn’t the relationship any automaker desires with suppliers.

Apr 21

Annual Extravaganza: “Mugs & Motors” at Coffee for Good

Celebration on Wheels: Coffee for Good’s Vibrant Car Showcase

Mark your calendars for the “Mugs & Motors” extravaganza, proudly presented by the Coffee for Good Teen Board. Set for Saturday, May 18, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, this vibrant showcase will feature a diverse array of over 30 vehicles, from modern marvels to revered classics, each telling its own story of design and innovation.

Community Support at Coffee for Good’s Scenic Venue

The event will unfold in the expansive lower parking lot behind the Mead House, located at 48 Maple Avenue, Greenwich, CT. “Mugs & Motors” isn’t just a car show; it’s a community-centric initiative aimed at bolstering Coffee for Good’s vision. Everyone is invited, from auto aficionados to families, with no entry fee for spectators and exhibitors alike.

Empowering Neurodiversity with Every Cup Served

At its core, Coffee for Good operates as an impactful non-profit, utilizing its coffee shop as an employment training ground for neurodiverse adults. This initiative not only helps participants secure meaningful employment but also enhances community engagement. Open throughout the week, the shop delights visitors with its award-winning coffee, wholesome breakfasts, and lunches, reinforcing its reputation as Fairfield County’s top coffee destination.

Enhanced Factual and Beneficial Information:

Fostering Skills and Independence

Coffee for Good is dedicated to empowering neurodiverse adults, providing them with essential job skills within a supportive environment. Each purchase at the coffee shop contributes directly to this mission, aiding in the financial independence and professional growth of individuals often overlooked in the workforce.

Celebrating Community and Sustainable Impact

Recognized for its outstanding service and quality, Coffee for Good sets a standard for how enterprises can succeed commercially while making a significant social impact. The “Mugs & Motors” event showcases this commitment, offering a day of enjoyment and community connection, supporting a meaningful cause while savoring the best local cuisine and drinks in an inviting atmosphere.

Apr 21

2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS: Unveiling Luxury and Speed to Outpace Rivals

Introducing the Powerhouse: 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Set to arrive in Australia later this year, the Porsche Cayenne GTS SUV and Coupe are redefining luxury and performance. The latest iteration boasts a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, churning out an impressive 368KW and 660Nm of torque—an increase from its predecessors. This enhancement not only promises exhilarating power but also marks a significant advancement in the Cayenne lineup.

Peak Performance Meets Luxury

Achieving a 0-100 km/h dash in just 4.4 seconds, the Cayenne GTS sets a new standard with a top speed of 275 km/h. Despite fierce competition within its class, it surpasses the Cayenne S E-Hybrid in raw speed, although it trails behind the formidable Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Positioned competitively, the GTS models will hit the market at $209,600 for the SUV and $212,600 for the Coupe variant, promising both prestige and performance.

Sophisticated Enhancements for Optimal Experience

Porsche has meticulously equipped the Cayenne GTS with advanced features to enhance its dynamic capabilities and luxury feel. The model includes adaptive air suspension that adjusts to varying driving conditions, providing an agile and responsive ride. It also features a host of high-end finishes such as black “GTS” badges, large cooling intakes, and striking red brake calipers set against 21-inch alloy wheels with dark bronze sports exhaust tailpipes. Inside, occupants are treated to a lavish setting with synthetic suede and leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and cutting-edge technology including a Bose stereo system and a panoramic sunroof in the SUV model.

Added Factual and Beneficial Information:

Engineered for Excellence

The 2025 Cayenne GTS not only offers robust performance but also introduces eco-friendlier technology with its efficient engine design. This aligns with global trends towards more sustainable luxury vehicles, catering to the eco-conscious driver without compromising on power or prestige.

A New Era of Intelligent Luxury

The Cayenne GTS exemplifies Porsche’s commitment to innovation with its integrated technology features. The head-up display and ambient interior lighting are designed to enhance both driver convenience and comfort, creating an immersive experience that blends performance with luxury seamlessly.

Apr 21

7 Luxury Vehicle Features That Are Totally Over The Top

Being driven as you sit in the back of a Rolls-Royce is a benchmark of luxury for the privileged few. However, when the wealthy become accustomed to the fineries in life, where do you go from there? Rolls-Royce has addressed this problem by recreating the infinite depths of the universe in the leather roof lining of models like the Phantom, Ghost, or Wraith Eagle VIII with its optional Starlight Headlining feature.

The luxury brand achieves this by installing between 800 and 1,600 fiber optic lights, individually and painstakingly set at the correct depth in perforations to ensure just the right amount of twinkle. Prices depend on the number of lights and customizations that are opted for, but at this point, cost is likely irrelevant to the deep-pocketed consumer.

Once installed, the lights are activated and controlled from the car’s infotainment console and can be adjusted for brightness. The “stars” can be customized in different colors, depict the constellations as they were at any point in recent history, or create patterns, such as a family crest or company logo.

Rolls-Royce calls the resulting ambiance “magical,” although some might also see it as an over-the-top and ostentatious addition to an already impressive vehicle. Rolls-Royce’s motto is “Inspiring Greatness,” and whether the Starlight Headlining achieves this is subjective. It certainly helps to differentiate between those who value their vehicle for its performance and specifications and those who use it to project an image, though.

Apr 21

Good Samaritans pull driver from car engulfed in flames after crash on I-94 in Minnesota

A group of good Samaritans saved a driver in Minnesota after he crashed and became trapped inside his car as the vehicle burst into flames along I-94 on Thursday.

The crash happened around 6:30 p.m. near Snelling Avenue in St. Paul, when a Honda SUV went off the road and hit a light pole before catching fire, the Minnesota Highway Patrol said.

Kadir Tolla, one of the good Samaritans who ran toward the spurting flames to help, told FOX9 Minneapolis that he was on his way to meet clients when he passed the burning wreck.

“He was awake,” Tolla said of the driver. “He was saying pull me out, pull me out, pull me out.”

Investigation launched into cause of school bus fire on NJ’s Garden State Parkway

Tolla and several other good Samaritans were unable to open the car doors because they were being blocked by a guardrail. (Kadir Tolla via FOX9 Minneapolis KMSP)

Tolla described how the flames were “smacking us on our face” as he and several others tried to get the man out. The driver’s side doors, however, were blocked by the guardrail and unable to be fully opened.

Video captured by cameras on Tolla’s car shows him grabbing a piece of discarded plastic from the roadway and desperately trying to break the driver’s window without success.

good Samaritans pulling driver out window

Tolla and the other good Samaritans pulled the driver out of the driver’s side window after a highway worker shattered the glass. (Kadir Tolla via FOX9 Minneapolis KMSP)

As the flames continued to encroach on the trapped driver, a highway worker arrived and shattered the window, allowing the good Samaritans to pull the man out to safety.

Driver Dead After Fiery Crash Into Chicago-Area Toll Plaza

Tolla called the situation the “scariest moment” of his life, telling the station that he’ll never forget what unfolded that day.

fire engulfs Honda SUV

The car caught fire after going off the road and striking a light pole, according to authorities. (Kadir Tolla via FOX9 Minneapolis KMSP)

“That could be me one day,” he told FOX9. “What would happen if I was in that situation and my life was in the hands of strangers that I don’t even know.”

The driver did not suffer serious injury, though paramedics transported him to Regions Hospital for a medical evaluation, police said.

Apr 21

Mahindra XUV 3XO to get largest sunroof in India’s compact SUV segment: What we know so far

Mahindra’s highly-anticipated XUV 3XO, set to debut on April 29th, is going to get the largest sunroof in the compact SUV segment, the manufacturer has confirmed in a new teaser. The carmaker has been drip-teasing the changes that the facelifted XUV300 is going to get through teasers lately. After having teased its exterior and interior changes before, Mahindra has now shown the large sunroof in the latest video.

Mahindra is giving the XUV300 a thorough makeover, not just in appearance but also in features and nomenclature. It has been spotted undergoing testing multiple times recently. Now, the company has officially shared a teaser of the upcoming model, revealing a host of changes.

Mahindra XUV400 EL Pro: Brilliant New Features, Lower Price! | TOI Auto

The exterior changes on the compact SUV include a fresh grille, newly designed inverted L-shaped LED DRLs, and redesigned headlamp units positioned above the fog lights. At the rear, an angular tailgate and connected LED tail lamps will further add to the dynamic appearance. Mahindra has hinted at a slew of upgrades for the XUV 3XO’s interior and technology features. These include a larger infotainment system, an enhanced sound system, premium upholstery, and a set of new, aerodynamically-efficient, layered-spoke alloy wheels.

As for its powertrain options, the XUV 3XO is expected to retain the engines from its predecessor, namely the 1.5-litre diesel, 1.2-litre turbo petrol, and 1.2-litre TGDI. However, there’s also speculation of a new addition to the lineup in the form of a 1.2-litre TGDI petrol variant, paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

While the pricing remains under wraps, the XUV 3XO is poised to rival established contenders like the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and Hyundai Venue.

Apr 21

Decades of Excellence: The 1970s Mercedes W123 and Its Lasting Impact

Mercedes W123: Pioneering Endurance

Launched in 1973 and produced well into the 1980s, the Mercedes W123 series, including coupes, sedans, and wagons, redefined expectations for vehicle longevity. Owners could look forward to driving over 100,000 miles without the need for significant engine overhauls or costly repairs. Despite its higher initial price, the W123 was an investment in unmatched dependability.

Overcoming Cultural Barriers with Robust Engineering

At a time when American skepticism towards foreign cars was high, particularly those from Japan, the Mercedes W123 managed to shift perceptions. It carved a niche in the automotive landscape, renowned for reliability and setting standards that shaped the design and functionality of future models across the globe.

A Lasting Influence on Automotive Production

From 1976 to 1986, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world to over 2.7 million W123 vehicles, attesting to its massive appeal. The series not only captivated buyers with its aesthetic and mechanical prowess but also made a profound impact on the industry’s approach to build quality and customer satisfaction. Today, the W123 is celebrated as a classic, embodying style and substance that continues to attract collectors and enthusiasts.

Additional Factual and Beneficial Information:

Preservation of Value and Sustainability

The Mercedes W123 remains a standout model for its exceptional ability to maintain its value and reduce the frequency of repairs, factors that contribute significantly to its desirability among classic car enthusiasts today. Its durable construction ensures a lower lifetime cost and appeals to those looking for sustainable vehicle options.

Inspiring Automotive Sustainability

The Mercedes W123’s design principles have become a blueprint for modern car manufacturing, focusing on longevity and minimal environmental impact. This approach has spurred the industry to adopt more sustainable manufacturing techniques and develop vehicles that are both durable and eco-friendly, reducing the overall environmental footprint of the automotive sector.

Apr 21

1 GM Crossover Sold in America Is Actually Manufactured in China

General Motors is an icon of the U.S.A., but not all the cars it sells here are made here.

You might not know this, but GMC’s Buick division is one of its most popular brands in China. It sells many of its North American crossovers there, and has even designed some for the Chinese market specifically. The Buick Envision began life as the Buick Ang Ke Wei in China, only coming to North America later. Every Buick Envision sold in the U.S. is assembled in China and shipped here. But it is in good company, there are several other familiar vehicles sold in the U.S. that are built in China.

Buick first released a dramatic Envision concept car in 2011. It was a plug-in hybrid with scissor doors. The production version was a bit tamer, but it did incorporate the waterfall grille that later became the norm across the Buick lineup. It went on sale in China in 2014, but wouldn’t come to the U.S. until 2016.

The Chinese market gets both a long wheelbase Envision and a smaller turbocharged engine option (a 1.5-liter I4). In 2018, President Trump passed steep tariffs for any vehicle imported from China. GM’s president declared that the company couldn’t afford to offer the Envision in the U.S. without a tariff exemption. The White House refused an exemption, and Buick continued to sell the car here anyway. It kept the MSRP the same and absorbed the cost of the tariff.

Buick cars parked in a lot outside a Chinese dealership
Chinese Buick dealership | LIU JIN/AFP via Getty Images

The Envision is not the only luxury crossover available in the U.S. that is assembled in China. The second generation of the Lincoln Nautilus will be 100% assembled in China, starting with the 2024 model year. Lincoln announced it’s retooling its Ontario factory where the Nautilus is built, so it will try importing them to the U.S. from China.

Volvo is 78.7% owned by the Chinese “Geely Holding Group.” So it’s not especially surprising the automaker has Chinese factories. When you buy the Volvo S90 sedan or its upcoming EX30 electric crossover in the U.S., you’ll be getting a car assembled in China.

Next, read how the most popular midsize pickup truck in the U.S. just moved production to Mexico, or find out just how American made your car is in the video below:

Apr 21

Top Dash Cams for Ultimate Road Safety: Record Every Mile with Confidence

Secure Every Drive with High-Performance Dash Cams

A dash cam serves as a vigilant companion on the road, meticulously recording every detail in high resolution. This essential device is not just about capturing scenic drives; it provides crucial evidence in the unfortunate event of an accident. With a myriad of models available online, it’s critical to choose one that delivers both quality and value. The cost of dash cams varies based on features such as recording and display quality, connectivity options, and more, underscoring the importance of informed purchasing decisions.

Navigating Your Options: Selecting the Perfect Dash Cam

While some may underestimate the utility of a dash cam, its value becomes indisputable during traffic incidents. For example, imagine cruising along a highway within legal speed limits when suddenly, a vehicle swerves into your lane and causes a collision. In such scenarios, a dash cam provides irrefutable evidence to law enforcement and insurance companies, delineating fault clearly. However, the challenge lies in sifting through the vast online market to find a model that justifies its price with superior functionality and reliability.

Highlighting the Best Dash Cams Available

Here are several top-rated dash cams that combine performance with reliability, ensuring you make a sound investment:

  • CP Plus Car Dashcam: Known for its robust build and clear recording quality, this model offers 1080p resolution and a wide viewing angle. It features night vision capabilities and a G-sensor, making it an excellent choice for comprehensive road surveillance.
  • Qubo Car Dash Camera Pro: This device stands out with its extensive field of view and multiple sensors, ideal for larger vehicles. It ensures that everything ahead is captured clearly, enhancing safety and documentation.
  • 70mai Pro Plus+ A500S Dual Channel Car Dash Cam: Equipped with a dual-channel system, this cam offers detailed views both front and rear. The ADAS system adds an extra layer of safety by alerting drivers to road hazards.
  • Philips GoSure 3001 Car Dash Camera: Offering great value for its price, this camera is equipped with high-quality lenses and can withstand extreme temperatures, perfect for varied climates.

Additional Insightful Information:

The Importance of Dash Cams in Modern Driving

Installing a dash cam goes beyond mere documentation; it’s an investment in safety and security. These devices not only help in legal scenarios but also encourage more responsible driving. By providing a clear record of the events on the road, drivers are often more conscious of their driving habits.

Advancements in Dash Cam Technology

Today’s dash cams are more than simple recording devices; they incorporate advanced features like GPS tracking, high-definition video quality, and integration with mobile apps for easy management. These innovations not only enhance the functionality of dash cams but also contribute to a safer driving environment, making them indispensable for modern motorists.