2024 MIAMI AUTO SHOW

ELECTRIC VEHICLES HIGHLIGHT THE WEEK AS MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW OPENS

Auto shows, even the giants of the genre like those in Detroit, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles may be facing an uncertain future as many automakers, particularly those based in Europe, begin to look for other ways to promote their products in the post-COVID era, but the Miami International Auto Show soldiers on this week in Miami Beach.

The show opened Friday (Aug. 30) with at the Miami Beach Convention Center with press day activities in the morning and continues through Sunday, Sept. 8.

Nissan Z Heritage Edition

Nissan has brought a collection of new models that include several making their auto show debuts, including its all-new Kicks subcompact SUV that also serves as the event’s Official Show Car.

Newest versions of its best-selling Rogue SUV and iconic Z sports car bowed in with the Rogue Rock Creek edition and the Z Heritage Edition, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary. Nissan also has on display a refreshed Frontier pickup. 

Camp Jeep

In addition to giving show goers a taste of off-road experience with the Camp Jeep exhibit, Stellantis displayed the debuts of the new Jeep Wagoneer S, the Dodge Charger Daytona, the Fiat 500e production model, and RAM 1500 pickup truck.

The Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA), a collection of journalists who cover the industry and report for newspapers and radio, television, and internet outlets, capped a busy week with the presentation of its annual awards recognizing top vehicles at the show.

Ford Mustang GTD

A select panel of judges selected four vehicles for recognition. Three of the four trophies went to all-electric products, but the top award, Star of the Show, was a gasoline-powered Ford Mustang GTD limited edition sports car.

Inspired by the Mustang GT3 race car that competes in endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the track-ready but street legal GTD sports a supercharged 5.8-literV8 engine that pumps out over 800 horsepower.

Lucid Air

Among the EVs (or more accurately BEVs for Battery Electric Vehicle) honored were the Lucid Air as Sedan of the Show, the Dodge Charger Daytona as Coupe of the Show, and the Chevrolet Silverado EV as Pickup Truck of the Show. Check it out here: https://tinyurl.com/5n7y379v.

Chevyrolet Silverado EV

The Charger reverts back to its original coupe configuration with its introduction as an EV. The new power train won’t upset performance enthusiasts much.

A Dodge spokesman emphasized that the Charger remains a Muscle Car first and an electric vehicle second. Engineers even gave it a fake exhaust tone it calls "Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust" to mimic sounds you get from the usual V8 engine.

Dodge Charter Daytona

SAMA has singled out the top vehicles at the Miami show annually since the organization’s founding in 2007 with the exception of 2017 and 2020 when the show itself was cancelled, first because of a hurricane and then three years later because of the COVID pandemic.

Earlier in the week, members rated the Lucid Air as the top EV in SAMA’s inaugural ChargedUP Miami competition bringing together traditional gas-electric hybrids (HEVs) and Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

The Lucid is an all-electric sedan that offers over 500 miles of driving range between charges with as much as 1,234 horsepower depending on the trim, resulting in.a zero-to-60 mph clocking of 1.89 seconds.

South Korean products earned the other two awards from ChargedUp. Journalists rated the Hyundai Sonata as the top HEV and the Kia Sorento as the top PHEV.

In a class by itself was the Rolls Royce Spectre EV, the only one of the competing vehicle with an MSRP over $100,000. Actually, well over at a starting price of $420,000.

Rolls Royce Spectre

2024 CHEVROLET EQUINOX EV

CHEVY TAKES ON ISSUE OF COST OF EV

 WITH ELECTRIC VERSION OF EQUINOX SUV

Want to turn a $30,000 SUV into a $40,000 vehicle? Easy. Just yank whatever gasoline engine is under the hood and stick in an all-electric drivetrain.

That price increase is an issue that remains with electric vehicle (known as EVs or BEVs with the B for battery) as they hit showrooms with more driving range and quicker charging times than earlier models.

Even with up to a $7,500 tax credit you’re likely going to pay more up front than with a traditional gasoline model.

Chevrolet is taking on that issue with plans for a 1LT version of its 2024 Equinox that would start at just under $35,000 and dropping it to well under $30,000 with the tax credit include. But it isn’t scheduled for arrival until later this year.

That leaves the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT to serve as the base model, and it carries a starting MSRP of just under $42,000, which makes it competitive in the electric SUV segment but not quite the bargain anticipated for the 1LT base model.

Easy come, easy go.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT doesn’t boast quite the torquey punch of many electric vehicles with the single electric motor in front-wheel drive models rated at 213 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque but it makes up for that with an estimated range of 315 miles between charges.

All-wheel drive versions get a dual motor that ups those figures to 288 hp and 333 lb.-ft while adding $3,300 to the bottom line and trimming range to 285 miles on a full charge. The extra power from the dual motor cuts zero-to-60 mph time from 7.7 seconds for FWD models to 5.8 for those with AWD, according to clockings from zeroto60times.com.

The strength of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT lies in its spacious cabin and overall standard features. Among the latter are a huge, 17.7-inch touchscreen that dominates the front and gives off a wide, clear screen for the navigation map. It’s almost like you could chart a trip abound the world with it alone.

The 11-inch digital instrument display also provides a quick glance at how the vehicle is running. The 8-way power driver’s seat features 4-way lumbar support, and both front seats are heated. Seating surfaces feature Chevy’s synthetic Evotex materials and feel like leather.

Two things you won’t find among tech features, however, are ApplePlay and Android  Auto as GM is eliminating them from its EV fleet.

A power liftgate, LED head and taillights, and roof rails are among standard exterior features.

Safety features include enhanced emergency braking, forward collision alert, pedestrian and cyclist braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot alert, and adaptive cruise control.

All that is covered by the $41,900 starting MSRP. In addition to AWD, my test 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT added Chevy’s hands-free driving Super /Cruise system, running the final total to $49,295 including the $1,395 destination and delivery fee.

Upgraded 3LT, 2RS, and 3RS trims start at just under $45,000 and run to just under $47,000.

What I liked about the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT; The cabin is roomy and nicely done. Infotainment features are operated via a large, user-friendly touchscreen. A push of a button activates Auto Hold, which prevents creeping when waiting at an intersection. Though competitors offer more in the way of space for cargo, storage (26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place) is more than adequate for most chores. 

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT: If you use either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto you’re out of luck. GM is not including either feature in its electric vehicles. Built-in features like Google Maps, Google Assistant, Audible, Spotify, and others are activated via the touchscreen. There is no storage area up front (i.e., frunk). The driver starts the motor by closing the door and pressing the brake pedal, which is kind of odd. You have to press two different places on the dash panel to stop the motor.

Would I buy the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT? No. The range is impressive but that doesn’t solve the issue of finding a higher level charging outlet when you need a boost, and there still aren’t enough of them around to get me to invest in an EV. If that doesn’t bother you, however, the Equinox is a nice riding and versatile SUV.

2025 MBW Z4 M40i

 

MANUAL TRANSMISSION ADDS TO FUN DRIVING EXPERIENCE BUT NOT FOR ALL

If you are looking for a way to stump drivers from Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012), here is a good one.

Put them behind the wheel of a manual transmission car and hand them an instruction sheet written in cursive.

Odds are they won’t be able to handle it.

Of course, it’s not really their fault. When it comes to the latter, fewer than half of the country currently requires some sort of instruction in cursive writing since Common Core State Standards did not include it in guidelines determined in 2010.

And manual gearboxes? You can still find them, but you’ve got to do some digging. According to figures from J.D. Power, a company that collects such automotive data, only 1.7 percent of new cars sold in 2023 came with a manual transmission, leaving over 98 percent of the market to vehicles with an automatic transmission.

Different sources give out different totals, but the number of models offering a manual transmission today varies between 32 and 40. Four of them are from BMW, including the new 2025 BMW Z4 M40i that is the subject of this review. (M2, M3, and M4 offered manual shifters on 2024 models.)

After sticking an 8-speed automatic transmission in the Z4 for 2024, the German manufacturer indicated that a manual option would be offered in 2025 models. It is, but in bucking the usual tradition, it is not standard but an option as part of the optional Handschalter package available on M40i models with an inline 6-cylinder engine.

The Handschalter (German for hand shift) package also adds unique suspension tuning, wheels, paint colors, an d premium leather seats to the 2025 BMW Z4 and adds $3,500 to the starting MSRP of $65,450.

The 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine in the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i bumps horsepower up to 382 ponies and 369 pound-feet of torque over the 255/295 for the turbo 4-banger in the base 2025 Z4 sDrive 30i. BMW says that will move the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i from zero-to-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.

The 6-cylinder in the M40i is not all that much thirstier than the smaller engine in the sDrive 30i with EPA ratings of 23 miles-per-gallon city, 31 highway and 26 combined on premium fuel. Figures for the 4-cylinder are 25/33/28 also on premium gasoline.

While the 6-speed manual transmission is the big addition for 2025, it is not the only thing working in the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i’s favor.

Once you get in (see more in dislikes below), it is comfortable with plenty of room with an interior offering convenient features like a rear shield to deflect buffering when riding with the top lowered and lumbar support for the driver. Even with the top in place there is not a cramped feel to the cabin.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, BMW’s ConnectedDrive services, and BMW’s Dynamic Cruise Control which adjusts your set speed for curves and road conditions are standard along with heated M sport seats, variable sport steering, and advanced M suspension.

Standard safety features include a rollover protection system, side impact airbags, and frontal collision warning.

My test BMW Z4 M40 included its starting MSRP such niceties as a heated steering wheel (it gets real heated after sitting in the summer sun), dual zone climate control, an eye-catching San Remo Green exterior paint, and keyless entry with push-button start.

In addition to the Handschalter package, other options in my test BMW Z4 M40i included a Premium Package that offered parking assist, and a Harmon Kardon premium sound system, running the final bottom line to $74,520 including the $995 destination and delivery charge.

The 2025 BMW Z4 sDrive30i starts at $55,225.

What I liked about the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i: The manual transmission offers a fun driving experience and makes good use of  the punch from the inline-6 engine. Shifts for the manual gearbox are really smooth. It is worth the cost of the optional Handschalter package. The ride is fairly quiet at highway speeds with the top up. Raising and lowering the roof is a one-touch operation. The trunk 9.9 cubic feet) is good for its class. 

 

What I didn’t like about the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i: It’s a bear to get in and out of. If the power driver’s seat would automatically slide back when the ignition is turned off it wounld ease the way to get in and out, especially for the driver. For the driver getting out without moving the seat back is like re-enacting your birth. A flat bottom steering wheel also would be a big help. The cupholders are placed in the console storage bin and awkward to get to. Operation of the infotainment features has a bit of a learning curve. Rear visibility isn’t the greatest with the top up.

Would I buy the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i? A hard yes here. With the new model and manual transmission, you get the fun and feel of the traditional roadster but with the benefit of modern tech features. You’ll look forward to your commute to work with this baby.

2024 INFINITI Q50

SECOND-QUARTER SALES LAGGING 

FOR ONLY SEDAN IN INFINITI PORTFOLIO 

It doesn’t happen often but on occasion a reviewer gets a second look at a vehicle and such as the case with me recently with the 2024 Infiniti  Q50.

My review of the 2024 Infiniti Q50 appeared in April and included the information that sales for the only sedan in the Japanese automaker’s SUV-dominated fleet had shown a slight increase of 2.3 percent for the first quarter of 2024 over the numbers Infiniti reported for 2023.

Alas, things slowed over the second quarter (the company reports sales by quarters of the year instead of months). Infiniti reports that 1,442 Q50s were sold from April through June this year, a decline of 21.2 percent from a similar stretch in 2023 (1,829).

In year-to-date figures through June, Infiniti Q50 sales are down 11.1 percent.

No doubt, those numbers reflect an apparent decline in interest by consumers in the sedan segment itself in recent years. In the second quarter of this year only three of the Top 10 selling sedans showed an increase over numbers for the same period in 2023, according to the website goodcarbadcar.net.

An update, especially of an infotainment system with a dual-screen setup that many critics decry as clumsy to operate, might help the Q50 regain its footing. Infiniti sold over 24,000 in 2018 and over 19,100 as recently as 2021, but a report at Edmonds.com shows no changes are in store for the 2025 Infiniti Q50, the third consecutive year the company has made no significant changes.

The 2024 Infiniti Q50 is in its first generation after its 2014 debut. Only a guess here, but perhaps the company is considering converting the V6 powertrain that is its strongest asset to all-electric drive.

We’ll just have to wait. Frankly, it would be a shame to see this vehicle follow in the path of its coupe cousin, the Q60, and go out of production,

If you want my overall take on the 2024 Infiniti Q50 you can to to http://paul-borden.blogspot.com/2024/04/infiniti-q50.html.

My test model was the 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport AWD and had a starting MSRP of $58,900 that included a surround-view camera. Options like a carbon fiber package that included a deck-lid spoiler, welcome lighting, a cargo package, and premium paint that ran the total to $64,375 including the $1,150 destination fee.

Luxe and Sensory models start at $43,050 and $48,750, respectively.

What I liked about the 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport: The interior has an upscale aura befitting its luxury status and the exterior is sleek as well. Some critics don’t like the dual screen but I do. The V6 in the Red Sport  trim provides extra punch (400 horsepower, 350 pound-feet of torque).

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport: More trunk room (13.5 cubic feet) would be nice. Android Auto requires wired hookup. 

Would I buy the 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport? Though the segment is shrinking, competition is still pretty vibrant among midsize luxury sedans. The Q50 isn’t the “latest thing” in the market, but it is still worth a look. It would be high on my list of sedans to consider.

2024 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE

 

NEW Z71 TRIM ADDS MORE OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY TO CHEVY’S TRAVERSE SUV

After going nearly a decade between the first and second generation with only a mild facelift in 2013 following its debut in 2009, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse embarks on its third generation just six years after entering its second in 2018.

It gains a more off-road capable trim with the addition of the Z71 model, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine replaces the V6 of previous models.

Premier and High Country models give way to RS at the top of the portfolio while LS and LT serve as base and mid-range trims. This review is based on the new 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71.

Though classed as a mid-sized SUV, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is big enough to accommodate three rows of seating and still leave plenty of storage space even with that last row in place. 

The first two rows offer over 40 inches of legroom each and the back row provides riders with 32.1 inches, leaving 22.9 cubic feet for storage space.

Fold that back row and cargo capacity increases to more than twice that (56.2 cubic feet) behind the second row. Max capacity is just over 144 cubic feet. (If you need more, buy a truck.)

The turbo-4 engine may be smaller than the 3.6-liter V6 in the 2023 model but it packs a slightly bigger punch and is slightly more fuel efficient. The 4-banger produces 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque to the 310/266 from the V6.

An 8-speed automatic transmission replaces the 9-speed in the previous generation.

Fuel economy in the turbo-4 is rated at 20 miles-per-gallon city, 27 highway and 23 combined with front-wheel drive to the 18/27/21 for the V6 with FWD. All-wheel drive drops the figures to 19/24/21 for the 4-banger compared to the V6’s 17/25/20.

With an optional towing package that features a “hitch view” for the rear-view camera and is available on all but the base LS trim, towing capacity is listed at 5,000 pounds.

The cabin of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 features captain’s chairs for the second row that reduce seating to seven. The driver and front passenger get heated seats, and a heated steering wheel is included as well.

A new 17.7-inch touchscreens dominates the dash with Google-based software capability. A wireless Smartphone charger and onboard Wi-Fi connectivity are among standard tech features. Z71 and LT models get premium Evotex synthetic seating surfaces while the top-of-the-line RS trim comes with leather seats for the first and second rows.

With families very much in mind, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 gets as standard safety equipment like automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, lane-keeping assist with lane departure warning, blind-spot alert, adaptive cruise control, and front pedestrian braking.

Chevy’s hands-free driving system Super Cruise is available as an option on the 2024 Traverse Z71 and LT and standard on the RS trim.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 rides on 18-inch wheels shod with all-terrain tires to enhance off-road ventures. Ground clearance also has been increased an inch, but that doesn’t intrude on getting in or out.

The 2024 Chevy Traverse Z71 starts at $48,400. My test model included the Enhanced Driving Package (Super Cruise, enhanced parking assist, driver attention assist, Bose audio, and rear-camera mirror), a panoramic sunroof, and jet-black Evotex trim with red accents for the seats) that ran the final total to $54,040 including the $1,395 destination and delivery fee.

What I liked about the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71: The spacious interior is easy to get in an out of and has nice storage room behind the third row. That third row also can handle adult occupants. The huge touchscreen offers user-friendly access to tech features. The surround-view camera is a big aid in parking.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71: The engine has enough power to move its considerable heft (2,043 pounds FWD, 4,703 AWD), but it does so somewhat under protest with a noticeable engine drone when pressed. Desirable feature like Super Cruise and a panoramic sunroof quickly push the base MSRP over the $50,000 mark.. 

Would I buy the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71? Too big for me. It may be classed a mid-size but it has the feel of a large SUV and with all the issues (such as parking) of dealing with a larger vehicle.