Adam's Autos

Welcome to Adam's Autos! "Where I rate autos to help YOU find an A-Rate ride!" Adam’s Autos is a creative medium dedicated to providing consumers with the appropriate information to make an informed new or used automotive purchase. Additionally, Adam’s Autos highlights and promotes local businesses, alongside a variety of today’s latest automotive trends and topics. I also discuss my own personal cars and projects. So fasten your seat belts! We're going for a ride!

Friday, March 31, 2023

Show Me the Car Facts #FactFridays

Did you know: The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV has a slightly smaller battery pack than the Hummer EV SUT. This is because the SUV’s wheelbase 8.9-inches shorter (126.7 inches total), which also reduces cargo and packaging space – but not passenger space, interestingly. So, while the truck has 24 Ultium battery modules, the SUV has 20. As a result, we can expect that its max driving range will be slightly less than the truck and its 0-60 MPH time will also likely be a little slower – though still crazy fast at just over 3 seconds. Additionally, the Hummer EV truck can have a max of 1000 HP, but the SUV will have a max of 830 HP.

Thursday, March 30, 2023

2024 Lamborghini Revuelto: Super Power Super Hybrid!

The Aventador is on its way out, but in its place, we’re getting the Lamborghini Revuelto! This new generation of Lambo is embracing electrification, while also keeping ties to the past. Powering this new super car is a plug-in hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 6.5L V12 engine and triple electric motors paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Combined power output will be 1001 HP. A 3.8 m-kWh battery pack is positioned between the front seats and makes a max 187 HP, but this output can be sent to the three previously mentioned electric motors as needed.

To recharge, you’ll have to access the port from the frunk - or the “front trunk” for those of you that are unfamiliar with this term. Keeping things inside, Lambo has designed the Revuelto with more passenger space and storage space. Also, there’s three digital displays, which includes the 12.3-inch display that houses the vehicle’s gauges. You can choose from 4 different drive modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa, and new Cittá mode, which keeps the car in EV mode. Corsa mode unleashes all 1,001 HP while the calmer Cittá mode limits the car to 178 HP. When in full-power mode, Lambo estimates that 0-60 MPH will happen in about 2.5 seconds.

How do you like the Revuelto? I say I’m adding it to my “Dream Car Highlights” list! A PHEV Lambo in my favorite color (blue) with 1000+ HO just rocks - now I just need a small loan of a million dollars hahaha.

Monday, March 27, 2023

2024 Hyundai Sonata - One Last Hail Mary

Sedan sales continue to circle the drain vs. SUVs... But Hyundai is preparing one final push for
relevance with the 2024 Sonata.

Sedans sales are still sliding, and rumors are swirling that Hyundai and Kia might discontinue the Sonata and K5, respectively, after the 2025 model year. This would leave only the Japanese sedans (Camry, Accord, Altima, Legacy) as the sole competitors in the midsized segment. Although the Malibu could get a surprise 10th generation as well…

Until these answers all become clearer, what we do have some certainty on is that there is going to be a refresh for the 2024 Sonata, and it draws inspiration from the redesigned Kona with a full width light bar up front as part of its lighting signature. The overall look for me seems like something out of a Star Wars cartoon/movie now – I worked in product planning a Hyundai/Kia when the current Sonata generation launched and I remember how the LED running lights running up the fender was so dynamic looking the first time I saw it on the pre-facelift. On the inside, there’s now a new steering wheel design complimented by a curved display comprised of two 12.3-inch screens, as we’ve seen gradually creeping its way into other Hyundai/Kia/Genesis products. The powertrain lineup is expected to remain the same: that consists of a base 2.5L inline four-cylinder, a 1.6L turbocharged inline four-cylinder, and a 2.5L turbo inline four-cylinder in the N-Line trims. The hybrid models will also likely carryover, but no PHEV.

First Impressions Matter

How do you like the refreshed Sonata? It looks like they left everything that matters most intact (powertrain, comfort, etc.), while changing the bits that will enhance style the most. I believe I like the non-N-Line look the best this time around (the silver car in the middle picture), it’s very sharp. I see some Lucid Air influence! Also, I think it would be great if Hyundai went ahead and offered AWD on the Sonata like its sibling, the Kia K5. As many of you are aware, I have a Kia K5 AWD with the 1.6T engine and I find it to be a great car – the 1.6T from Hyundai/Kia is one of my favorite powertrains. Pair it with the corporate hybrid system and AWD, like in the Tucson SUV, and I feel like you would have something special for a midsize sedan.

While I doubt that this refresh will move the bar overall for the Sonata in terms of its popularity vs. its SUV counterparts, I do hope it inspires Hyundai to stay in the sedan market a little longer. I’m also looking forward to seeing what the Kia K5 refresh looks like. Although Kia’s refreshes have been a little less endearing to me, as I think their vehicles are as aesthetically perfect as they can get right now.

Here's a look at the front of the pre-refresh Sonata.

And a look at the facelifted rear end - I like the "racing flag" matrix pattern in the taillights, where the outgoing model just had a continuous LED lightbar without any sort of pattern.

#sedanapocolypse

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Used Cars to Avoid?

I’ve been seeing this list of “Used Cars to Avoid” circulating on social media the last several days, and I just wanted to provide some commentary of my own. This list is put out each year by Consumer Reports, which I generally consider reliable, as I have been reading their publications and formulating my analysis of various models off of their reports (along with a few others) since I was a kid. That said:

Its always important to perform a test drive before you buy ANY vehicle, new or used, so you know if there are any imperfections that need to be addressed and if it fits your personal lifestyle. One thing that has saved me in my car buying experience is I’ve never bought a car I didn’t want and that I couldn’t afford. So don’t be afraid to “wheel and deal” with your dealer based on what you experience on your drive.

Its equally as important to do your research on the models you’re interested in. This is where publications such as Consumer Reports, but also sites such as Car Complaints can provide useful info on problematic model years of vehicles. It’s also important to remember that just because a particular model has a lot of issues, doesn’t mean you necessarily will. Your quality results will vary largely due to the fact that how well you maintain your car will determine its longevity. Make sure you check your owner’s manual for recommended tune up cycles.

Some of these models on the list I’m actually quite aware DO have particular issues. For example, you’re going to want to avoid early-to-mid 2010 Hyundai and Kia vehicles with a “Theta” four-cylinder engine. Or if you do get one, make sure that you take it to your local dealer and make sure the recalls are addressed for engine failure and fires. Also, any Chrysler/Dodge vehicle with the 2.7L V6 engine, which was used through the early 2010s in some vehicles, are prone to engine knock and sludge issues – do avoid these. European vehicles are known for having higher maintenance than Asian branded vehicles, for example, so if you’re trying to get a durable and long-lasting vehicle, I would steer clear of older BMWs and Mercedes models, since while they may be cheap to purchase, any saving will be wiped out in fuel and repair costs.

For as much smack as people talk about Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Jeep Compasses, there are few to none of those cars on this list. This is likely because very few Fiats and Alfas are sold in the U.S., and also because quality DOES actually improve over time. I had my 2018 Compass and while it wasn’t the fastest car on the road, it was far, far and away from unreliable or a lemon like the 2011 Chevy Equinox we had years ago. I quite enjoyed having it. So again, it pays to have your own experience with a car and do your own research, as I’ve mentioned.

There are no Toyota, Lexus or Acura vehicles on this list. This is a testimony to their durability I say – its very hard to deny that Toyota and Lexus in particular have built a reputation for building a reliable car!

Do your research and happy shopping – roll on!

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

EV Battery Manufacturing - U.S. States That Will Be EV Leaders

As EVs grow in popularity, batteries will need to be manufactured to meet demand. Some states are already gearing up to become leaders.

Battery manufacturing is going to be key to EV adoption, especially since the revised requirements for EV tax credits stipulate that in order to qualify, an EV must have its components and materials for batteries sourced from within North America. Because of that, you can expect several states within the United States to strive to become a leader in the EV business, in particular battery production. All that said, let’s discuss briefly which states are projected to become leaders in the EV space.

Georgia, Kentucky and Michigan are all projected to dominate EV battery manufacturing by 2030. The reason these states in particular are projected to be production leaders because they will be able to manufacture between 97 and 136 gigawatt hours of EV batteries. Additionally, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee will also be able to manufacture EV batteries according to outlined plans – between 46- and 97-gigawatt hours’ worth of EV batteries to be specific. Ford has already invested over $11 billion in Tennessee and Kentucky for its “BlueOval City” manufacturing facilities, where both batteries and EV trucks will be built. VW is also planning to now invest in a battery cell factory in North America instead of Europe due to the potential incentives it could bring – over $10.6 billion. Unlike Ford, however, the German automaker has not decided on a location for its factory.

Going Green

By 2030, its predicted that U.S. battery manufacturing capacity will be able to support the production of 10 to 13 million EVs per year, which puts the country in line to meet the Biden Administration’s goal of 50% EV sales by 2030 as well. While this goal might sound slightly lofty to some, its very plausible that states such as Michigan could be come poised to be leaders in the EV race. Automakers such as GM already have some manufacturing sites in the state, i.e., Factory Zero, and Michigan is part of a Midwest state alliance to expand EV charging infrastructure. Personally, I feel like if you have strong desires to “go green” right now, your best bets are to check into a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle, which offers a reduced fuel consumption driving experience without the worries of range anxiety that EVs have.

Are you following the EV revolution? Let’s see where things go. See the links below for more information on this topic.

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Solar Power

I've had this solar panel for quite some time now, but since winter hasn't been letting up here and my car batteries need to remain charged, I decided to set it up and use it as need be. According to the instructions, this solar panel can also charge and power other small appliances, so it would be interesting to see how many car batteries or appliances you can power if you had two or three of these in tandem.

The sun in the summertime will provide the most power and the greatest temperature efficiency to use this solar panel, I'm looking forward to trying it out. You can get these at your local Harbor Freight and Tools store - mine was $50 several years ago, so they will likely be more these days. Get a voltage reader as well so you can see how many volts the solar panel is producing when its charged. #cleanenergy