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On a livestream previously thought to be an announcement for a new 6C, Alfa Romeo unveiled, well, something not that far off. Based on the old 33 Stradale from the ’60s, which itself was based on the Tipo 33 Alfa racing prototype, the 2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is a mid-engine, two-seat Italian supercar that’s also available as an EV, making it the first true Alfa Romeo electric car, for the purists who don’t count plug-in hybrids.

I know what you’re thinking, “Hell yeah, brother! Sign me up!” However, I regret to inform you the new Stradale sold out before it was even announced. Oh, and only 33 of them will be made. Ever. Then again, if you think about it glass half full, that’s a 3200% increase over the production volume of the single Giulia SWB Zagato Alfa sold to a German car collector in late 2022. But unlike the Giulia Zagato, all 33 customers who purchased the 2024 Stradale were pre-selected by Alfa Romeo to create their own personalized renditions of the car in collaboration with an internal team of designers. For that reason, no two Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale will be exactly alike. Because consistency is the enemy of Italian engineering.

While the novelty of reviving a classic sports car from half a century ago with today’s tech is an attractive premise, the 33 Stradale is little more than a concept car for billionaires to hold hostage in a garage and never drive. Or maybe I’m just jealous. Who can say? Whatever the case may be, Alfa says more like this is on the way. I can only hope that means more high-performance sports coupes with timeless interiors, mid-mounted engine layouts, and a low center of gravity – not just more limited-run special editions for the uber-rich and SUVs for everyone else. At least with the proliferation of EVs, those last two bits are all but guaranteed.

2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale price and release date

Prior to the reveal of the 33 Stradale, Alfa confirmed in an email to Acceleramota that all 33 units had already been sold. To be more precise, they were sold at the end of 2022. The affluent 33 Stradale customers paid more than €1.5 million (roughly $1.6 million USD) apiece, according to Automotive News Europe. Alfa says 2-3 units will be produced every month, with the first delivery slated for December 17, 2024. That just so happens to be the 57th anniversary of the 1967 car of the same name.

See Alfa Romeo inventory near you on CarGurus

Model	Starting price
2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio	$81,855 USD
2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio	$87,770 USD
2024 Maserati GranTurismo Modena	$174,000 USD
2024 Maserati GranTurismo Folgore	$205,000 – $215,000 USD (estimated)
2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (ICE)	$1.6 million USD (estimated)
2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (EV)	$1.6 million USD (estimated)

2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale specs and performance

If we’re being honest, though, the purpose of the Stradale isn’t to profit from its sales directly but to raise Alfa Romeo’s profile and sell more cars at the dealership. It’s a glorified concept car for a select few members of the wealthy elite, so that you, too, will covet an Alfa Romeo. The Giulia, Stelvio, and Tonale – the only three Alfa Romeo sells in the United States – share similar styling to the 33 Stradale, and the Quadrifoglio (QV) models even have a more potent version of the same engine.

While, in many other ways, the 33 Stradale has a lot more in common with the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo, the Stradale powertrain is based on the Giulia QV’s Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6, according to Motor1.com, as opposed to Maserati’s Nettuno engine. Still, the displacement is about the same and both twin-turbo V6 engines are found in supercars from Italian brands owned by the same company. The comparable spec sheets are no strange coincidence.

Model	Powertrain	Performance output	Transmission	0-60	Top speed	Weight / Dimensions	Chassis	Wheels
2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio	2.9L twin-turbocharged V6	505 hp, 443 lb-ft torque	8-speed automatic (ZF)	3.8 seconds	191 mph	182.6x 73.8x 56.1″ (LWH); 3,806 lbs	Double wishbone suspension (front), five-link suspension (rear), anti-roll bars, anti-roll bars (front and rear), cast iron Brembo brakes	245/35ZR19 (front), 285/30ZR19 (rear); 111.0″ wheelbase
2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio	2.9L twin-turbocharged V6	505 hp, 443 lb-ft torque	8-speed automatic (ZF)	3.6 seconds	191 mph	110.9×77.0x66.3″ (LWH); 4,309 lbs	Double wishbone suspension (front), five-link suspension (rear), anti-roll bars, anti-roll bars (front and rear), cast steel Brembo brakes	255/40ZR20 (front), 285/35ZR20 (rear); 110.9″ wheelbase
2024 Maserati GranTurismo	3.0L twin-turbocharged V6	542 hp, 538 lb-ft torque	8-speed DCT automatic transmission (ZF)	3.8 seconds	202 mph	195.2–195.5×77.0x53.3″ (LWH); 3,844 lbs	Double wishbone suspension (front, five-link suspension (rear), anti-roll bars (front and rear), steel Brembo brakes	245/35ZR20 (front), 285/35ZR20 (rear); 115.3″ wheelbase
2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (ICE)	2.9L twin-turbocharged V6	612 hp, torque TBD	8-speed DCT automatic transmission (ZF)	<3 seconds	206 mph	<3,307 lbs	Full double wishbone suspension, virtual steering axle, anti-roll bars, carbon ceramic Brembo brakes	245/35R20 (front), 305/30R20 (rear); 106.3″ wheelbase

The same goes for the battery-electric version of the 33 Stradale, which houses the same tri-motor configuration as the GranTurismo Folgore while making about the same power. At any rate, if you’ve got deep pockets but not, like, $1.9 million deep, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore is right around the corner – for a lot less money if the $205,000 – $215,000 estimates turn out to be true.

Model	Powertrain	Performance output	0-60	Top speed	Electric range	Battery capacity	Weight	Dimensions	Chassis
2024 Maserati GranTurismo Folgore	3 electric motors	761 hp, 995.7 lb-ft torque	2.7 seconds	202 mph	240 miles (est.)	83 kWh	4,982 lb	195.2-195.5 x 77.0 x 53.3 in (LWH);	255/35ZR20 (front), 295/30ZR20 (rear)
2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (EV)	3 electric motors	750 hp, torque TBD	<3 seconds	192+ mph	280 miles	90 kWh	<4,630 lbs	182.6 x 77.4-85.5 x 49.8 inches (LWH)	245/35R20 (front), 305/30R20 (rear); 106.3″ wheelbase

2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale design

As I noted earlier, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale takes us back to a simpler time, 1967, when the world treated our global fuel supply as if it were endless. Gas prices were of no concern, and we didn’t yet fully understand the environmental impact of slapping a naturally aspirated V8 on just about anything with a chassis.

Nevertheless, on the outside, the 33 Stradale stays true to its roots, with sharp yet functional styling, minimal body lines, and an Italian design ethos that is distinctly Alfa Romeo. And it wouldn’t be an Alfa without the scudetto grille prominently on display, as every model has done since the 6C 2500 in the late 1930s. Because of its low center of gravity and wide stance, it should be able to cut through wind, generating enough downforce to corner at speeds that would lift most cars off the ground. Thanks to its active shock absorbers, the 2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale’s double-arm suspension automatically adjusts to the terrain, making it as comfortable to drive on the road as it is on the track. In fact, that’s where its name comes from: ‘stradale’ translates from Italian to ‘road-going’ or ‘street-legal’.

Although the original Stradale weighed merely 1,543 pounds, modern safety and CAFE standards, as well as the inclusion of electronic luxuries in every vehicle have seen to it that even the lightest sports cars exceed 3,000 pounds. It’s probably for the best, though. Imagine pushing 612 horses in a 0.75-ton car with no modern safety features. No thanks!

Known for its unique, vibrant paint colors, it comes as no surprise that Alfa gave 2024 Stradale customers a decent-sized palette to choose from, most of which won’t be found on Alfa’s other current cars. The three standard options are Villa d’Este (tinted clearcoat red), a refashioned Royal Blue, and the classic Rosso Alfa (Alfa Red). Alternatively, nostalgic 33 Stradale buyers had the choice to outfit their ride in a white and red livery, a retro throwback to the Tipo 33 design.

2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale interior and tech

Here’s where the Stradale will be polarizing among people who weren’t the target demographic anyway: the interior isn’t quite as high-tech as many consumers have grown accustomed to. You won’t find a giant tablet in the center stack as you would in a Tesla Model X, nor does it claim any sort of ‘auto-pilot’ mode. Inside, it’s more Bugatti Chiron than Mercedes EQS.

As I’ve quoted countless times, and I’ll continue to quote countless times more, Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato has gone on record saying, “I don’t sell an iPad with a car around it, I sell an Alfa Romeo.” Still one of the most badass things the head of a car company has said since Enzo Ferrari argued, “The client is not always right.” (Although, Fiat discontinuing the color gray because it’s boring is a strong contender.)

The Stradale is intended as a true driver’s car, unencumbered by a dizzying array of touch screens and scroll wheels. There’s a digital instrument cluster behind the wheel, a small UConnect-based infotainment display, and an aluminum control panel in the center console. Above the rotary gear shift are a mishmash of knobs and dials for changing drive modes, adjusting the suspension, and even controlling the sound of the exhaust – you know, so you can tone it down a bit while your neighbors are sleeping. From the photos, you’ll notice a set of extra physical controls positioned along the center of the car’s interior roof. Unfortunately, the only one I can see is the hazard light switch. I’ve reached out to Alfa Romeo for clarification on the other overhead inputs.

The best Alfa Romeo cars you can actually buy, used and new

Don’t have $2 million and a time machine?

Because it’s impossible to buy a Stradale, not to mention prohibitively expensive for most people to begin with, those interested in driving a modern Alfa Romeo might want to take a peek at used listings on CarGurus. While the 2024 Giulia‘s 505-horsepower Quadrifoglio (QV) trim sells for north of $80K, you can pick up a lightly driven one for less than $50,000 if you’re willing to travel for it. I should know – back in May, I drove six hours each way to trade in my BMW 4 Series for a 2018 Alfa Red Giulia QV and haven’t looked back.

After putting another 5,000 miles on the odometer, so far the only major problem I’ve had was when one of my blinkers went out and I had to replace the headlight. Granted, that was an expensive and time-consuming fix that resulted in me taking it to the dealer, but so long as you opt for a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty, you’re golden (I recommend Mopar Maximum Care, which covers my Gabagiulia for up to 96,000 miles).

Though it’s not quite the same as pushing a relatively lightweight-for-2023, four-door super sedan with a low center of gravity, you can squeeze the about same power out of a Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV, the only way to get a QV with all-wheel-drive. In some cases, the Stelvio is even cheaper. Even if it still handles more like an SUV than a sports car, it’s just as fast off the line as the Giulia QV – both can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds.

Not all Alfas are equal, though. Some models are less about performance and more about making that timeless Alfista style and handling to the everyday driver. Maybe you don’t need 505 horsepower and you’d rather have better fuel mileage and save some money on your lease. In that case, you can find a secondhand Alfa Romeo Giulia without the Ferrari V6 for less than a new Nissan Altima, and it’s probably just as reliable, if not more so because CVT. Plus, unlike the Quadrifoglio trim, which is built for the track, the

You can also get an Alfa Romeo Stelvio with a 2-liter turbocharged four-banger. It’s basically the same thing as the four-cylinder Giulia except it’s an SUV. Not to sound like a broken record, but if you are considering a new Stelvio, I strongly encourage you to at least test drive an Alfa Romeo Tonale. I know it’s a lame mom car or whatever and the Dodge Hornet is the same thing but cheaper if you don’t buy the PHEV and make false equivalencies between trim levels – but trust me on this! The torque hits different in a hybrid.

Why do Alfa Romeos depreciate so much?

Truth be told, the answer is complicated. No, they’re not as unreliable as the haters make them out to be. Or at least no less reliable than their German counterparts. Before 2014, when the mid-engine 4C was released, Alfa Romeo had been absent in the United States since 1995. Sure, there was the Alfa 8C in 2008, but between the Competizione grand tourer and the Spider convertible, only 125 units made it stateside. So even though Alfa led the pack in JD Power’s initial quality survey in June 2023, repairs and maintenance are mostly relegated to a limited network of dealers.

Although its sales and service presence has grown 40% since its reintroduction to the States almost a decade ago, there are still only 130 dealerships open across the entire country, according to ScrapeHero, an online data collection and aggregation service. That includes the 107 Fiat and three Maserati dealerships that also sell Alfas. All 130 are spread across just nine states, the vast majority of which are concentrated in major metropolitan areas in states like Florida, California, and Texas. 18 of these locations are within 100 miles of where I live in New York City.

See Alfa Romeo inventory near you on CarGurus

Regardless of badge or nameplate, cars today are more difficult than ever to service yourself. This is due in part to the sheer number of components required to increase performance while simultaneously reducing emissions. As a result, carmakers are forced to get creative with the engine bay layout, adding things like turbochargers to keep improving performance despite housing fewer (or no) cylinders. Moreover, the technology we now take for granted – built-in navigation, backup cameras, parking sensors, and heated seats – are all nice to have, but it also means more parts to break… parts that can obstruct other parts, making it harder to replace them yourself.

Take your Alfa to an independent repair shop, and most mechanics will look at you puzzled for a minute before sending you back to the dealership. And when you only have 130 to choose from, chances are you’ll have to travel. Even here in Manhattan, the Maserati dealership where I would’ve gotten my Alfas serviced closed the same month I bought the Giulia. Fortunately, there are about eight others I can reach in an hour or less by car. But I’m in the minority. The next time you see a suspiciously good deal on a Giulia in Nebraska, bear in mind that in a state with 1.9 million people scattered across nearly 80,000 square miles, there is only one Alfa Romeo dealer.

Back to the question, for those asking whether an Alfa Romeo is worth it after seeing the 33 Stradale in all its glory, remember, you can’t be a “true petrolhead” without having owned one. Just kidding.

Earlier this week, Ford invited Acceleramota down to Brooklyn for an early look at a blacked-out special edition of the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum trim. Naturally, it’s called the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black, and it offers little more over the regular Platinum model than a few edgier styling choices, including a matte black wrap, standard 22-inch black wheels, black badges, 10 black Bang & Olufsen speakers – you get the idea.

When deliveries start in early 2024, the Lightning Platinum Black will be first production truck with a matte black wrap in Ford’s history. Special edition ‘Blacked-out’ trims of existing models are nothing new for car companies, or even trucks for that matter. Stellantis sells a ‘Night Edition’ Ram 1500, GM has ‘Midnight’ versions of both the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra Denali, and there’s even a ‘Midnight Edition’ Nissan Frontier.

2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum vs Lightning Platinum Black

Feature	2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum (w/ no additional options)	2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black
Exterior paint	Oxford White	Matte Black
Wheels	20-inch polished aluminum	22-inch polished aluminum
Badging	Platinum	Platinum Black
Interior	Light Slate Gray leather	Black Onyx leather
Other features	Panoramic sunroof, Bang & Olufsen 8-speaker audio system, 360-degree camera system, Panoramic sunroof, Bang & Olufsen audio system, 360-degree camera system	Exclusive Platinum Black interior accents, Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker audio system w/ subwoofer

Ford F-150 Lightning: see inventory near you

The overlap between well-to-do pickup truck drivers and goths, I imagine, is pretty small. Still, Ford believes enough exist to make 2,000 of ’em at $99,990 apiece – nearly six grand more than the Lightning Platinum without the brooding blackout accouterments. Not counting the base “Pro” model, which is “currently unavailable” on the Ford website and has been since before I launched Acceleramota. The average MSRP of an F-150 Lightning across trim levels is $79, 243 – nearly $30K more than that of the mid-size Ford Ranger pickup; the Lightning is $12,000 more than the gas-powered F-150 as well.

As our own Nathan Meyer reported in his must-read coverage of the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq, the average price of a new electric vehicle (roughly $67K) is much closer to that of a luxury car ($74K) than new vehicles overall ($48K). For The American Prospect last month, columnist Harold Meyerson argued, that the reason Ford’s bleeding money on EVs is not because Americans aren’t interested, but because car companies have strategically positioned EVs as a “premium” option.

“The big problem for EVs from a price standpoint is that the whole industry has decided that the only way to cater to American tastes is to make their EV fleet out of trucks and SUVs, eliminating the economical sedans that might be affordable.”

Harold Meyerson, The American Prospect

Unlike the Lightning, the base model internal combustion engine (ICE) F-150 XL starts at $33,835. Not only will Ford dot com tell you where you can get one, but you can order your truck piecemeal, allowing you to choose your creature comforts – and forego the features you don’t need. In the case of the F-150, up until 2023, the base model was about as barebones as you could get: seat adjustments, locks, and even windows all lacked electronic power inputs. (Yes, manual windows were only discontinued this year!) While it does have an infotainment system, the display was less prominent than that of higher trims.

Sure, I imagine most Americans want a vehicle with power windows and locks. But, believe me when I say that some don’t. My grandfather, for example, literally lives on his farm. Where he lives, in the rural sprawl of the Eastern Shore, Maryland, you have to drive about half a mile down the street to make a phone call. Ostensibly, he is the target audience for a new pickup. Even the Lightning, which Ford describes as a “true, purpose-built work truck.”

Yet, rather than shell out for inessential frills, my grandfather owns a current-generation base model F-150 with rear-wheel drive (RWD), and I think that’s great! In fact, most workers you see on farms today are still rocking old Chevy C/Ks, F-150s, and Toyota Pickups from the 90s and early 2000s, back when they were small! While Ford’s marketing will have you convinced the F-150 Lightning is built for the American working class, the real starting price tells a different story, and the new, even more prohibitively expensive Platinum Black raises the ceiling without lowering the floor. Putting aside for a moment Ford is a corporation that values high margins over affordability, this fun little side project is a waste of resources when lower-cost trims are still hard to find. Not to mention it makes Forcd seem out of touch with its intended base.

Naturally, the choice to luxury-wash EVs only intensifies the air of skepticism felt by half the U.S. population. Of course, as emission regulations tighten and states like California – if it were a country, the fifth largest economy in the world – pledge to ban gas-powered cars by 2035, affordable EVs aren’t a matter of if but when. In the meantime, color-swapping an EV version of America’s favorite truck that costs damn-near-$100K isn’t the flex Ford thinks it is. If anything, publicity stunts like the Platinum Black (let’s be honest, that’s what this is) further sour the blue-collar ethos it claims to uphold.

Ford isn’t the only, or even the worst, offender when it comes to the “luxification” of EVs. As with many trends in this segment, Tesla started it with the Model S and everyone else followed suit. But, knowing I could buy a slightly used Ferrari California for around the same price as the F-150 Lightning Platinum Black, I have two words of advice for the Ford executive looking down at this blog from their ivory tower: crank windows.

Earlier this month, we were somehow entrusted with media credentials for Electrify Expo at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, just East of New York City (not too far from where we hold NYCars & Coffee each week). This little EV-focused festival was less New York International Auto Show and more CES, minus all the boring stuff from CES that doesn’t sit on four wheels. Unlike a traditional media expo full of idle concept cars designed to drum up headlines, Electrify Expo gave us the chance to drive cars that are already out, but without the anxiety-inducing pressures that come with test-driving at a dealer.

Although we didn’t have time to take every car on display out for a spin, we at least had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a few notable models from top carmakers like Lexus, Ford, Volvo, and Tesla. Without getting too in the weeds, I do have Some Opinions on the cars we saw. No, that doesn’t include the Ford Lightning. I did drive it, but I’ll save those thoughts for another day. Maybe when I’ve moved on mentally from the Fisker Alaska.

1. Mustang Mach-E GT

I unabashedly love the GT version of the Mach-E. The base Mach-E is whatever, but Electrify Expo flawlessly demonstrated why the Mach-E GT deserves a second look. For one, they hired a professional drifter to burn those tires bald, and that was a feat to behold. My car can do 0-60 in about 3.5 seconds, but 3.8 hits different when you’ve got instant torque. That it can handle like this while looking like that is a testament to the potential for fun driving in EVs and crossover SUVs alike when a carmaker cares about delivering an engaging experience for the driver rather than another cookie-cutter commuter car.

Whenever Ford is inevitably forced to turn off the lights on the Dark Horse, the Mach-E GT has established a solid enough baseline for what we can expect from the next generation of Mustang sports coupes.

Mustang Mach-E GT: see local prices near you

2. Lexus RZ

The Lexus RZ has stirred up controversy recently, not only for its steer-by-wire system but Toyota’s also taken a page out of Tesla’s book and decided normal people need F1-style steering yokes. While I sadly didn’t get the chance to drive the yoke-equipped model, I did drive an RZ with a regular steering wheel and it was just as unremarkable as I anticipated given its shared DNA with the underwhelming Toyota bZ4X. Just get a Prius, and if that’s not lavish enough, meet the Toyota Crown.

Lexus RZ: see local prices near you

3. BMW i5

I said it in the newsletter, and it’s even truer now that I’ve seen it showcased next to the repulsive BMW iX: the new 5 Series looks fire, and the BMW i5 M60 is the best of the bunch. I’ve gone on record saying the BMW i4 M50 is the best EV I’ve driven, and that still holds true today.

At least as far as design goes, the electric 5 Series M takes all the positive qualities of the i4 M50 – 500+ horsepower with a sub-4 second 0-60 speed on a rear-biased AWD platform – and pairs them with a front end I hate a little less. It also helps that on its other side was the BMW i7, which I lamented as my worst driving experience in recent memory.

BMW i5: see local prices near you

4. Volvo EX30

Mark my words: No matter how this little crossover SUV turns out, the Volvo EX30 will print money. I came this close (imagine my thumb and pointer finger very close together) to reserving one before my wife told me not to because she wanted the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

She made the right call, however, since 1) We needed a car and the EX30 doesn’t come out until next summer and 2) I don’t fully trust Geely with a Chinese-made Volvo. Not necessarily because it’s made in China – hell, the MacBook Pro I’m typing on was, too – but because most other Volvo models are still manufactured in Sweden. This was clearly a move to cut costs. Whether that means cutting corners remains to be seen.

Volvo EX30: see our full preview

5. Ford Eluminator concept truck

Did you know you can buy a Mach-E motor from Ford’s website and swap it into any vehicle it fits? I didn’t either until I saw the Ford Eluminator concept truck, which is less of a truck and more of an overarching concept. For a little over four grand, Ford is saying you can put an electric motor with 480-horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque in a 1978 F-Series pickup, sure. But you can also do your best RDJ impression and get a little more creative. For instance, if you’re mad about the Mach-E because it’s an SUV and not a proper Mustang, why not build your own electric muscle car? Show Ford how it’s done.

Browse local new and used inventory at CarGurus

Honorable mention: Tesla Model X

“It’s not a recession,” they say. Stop blowing your paychecks on avocado toast and someday you, too, can afford to live in a Tesla Model X.

Tesla Model X: see local inventory near you

The U.S. electric pickup truck market is the latest automotive gold rush, and Fisker – whose Ocean SUV has only reached 22 customers so far – wants in. But even with a sharp focus on sustainability (similar to the Polestar 4), practical power, and the world’s biggest cupholder, the Fisker Alaska EV pickup has its work cut out for it.

Seriously, the competition is fierce. The 2024 Chevy Silverado EV is around the corner and the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T are just waiting for another unworthy rival to overshadow. Then again, judging by its exterior styling in the high-quality renderings Fisker provided to Acceleramota, the Fisker Alaska wants to be more Huracan Sterrato than Silverado.

Don’t be fooled by its exotic appearance, though. The Fisker Alaska is being manufactured from the in the U.S. of A. There’s still a chance to beat Tesla to the punch. After all, the Fisker Alaska has reached the same number of customers as the long-delayed Cybertruck.

What’s even better than all that though? Everything about it was built in the U.S. of A. The Fisker Alaska will be built right in the country of its namesake. Fisker is also committed to producing this one at scale, so you won’t have to wait three years to buy it, allegedly.

2025 Fisker Alaska price and specs

Pricing for the 2025 Fisker Alaska starts at $45,400 before tax incentives. The real kicker here is that you get large pickup storage in a mid-size truck.

• Price: $45,400
• Battery capacity: 75 kWh and 113 kWh
• Electric range: 230 to 340 miles
• 0-60 speed: 3.9–7.2 seconds (depending on trim)
• HP: horsepower and other performance metrics TBA

2025 Fisker Alaska interior and tech

The Fisker Alaska appears to be full of character, inside and out. Suede inserts with noir leather give it hunting-trip-with-dad vibes. A big cowboy hat holder on the roof in the rear is stunning and brave, and the flat rear glass not only improves rear visibility, but it also helps the cabin feel roomier. This cozy lounge feel carries over to the front with wood inserts, a giant center screen, and soft-touch surfaces.

The longest bed in its class

What would you do with a 9.2-foot truck bed? That’s what you’ll get when the powered liftgate is down on the 2025 Fisker Alaska. The rear wall and window come down in what Fisker calls the “Houdini door,” allowing the whole rear cabin space to be used for larger items. If you’re a camper, this means more sleeping space, and for surfers, a lot more room for your buds and boards.

The world’s biggest cupholder

Americans like BIG things. BIG Gulps, BIG trucks, and even BIGGER hospital bills. So a massive cup holder is a no-brainer. The largest Mcdonald’s cup is 32 ounces. Venturing even further into soft drink heaven, the Team Gulp from 7-Eleven is 128 oz. Henrik Fisker drank from what looked to be a 128-ounce water bottle. That said, this mega cupholder can be removed if you want to use smaller cups, like a chud.

Practical storage

Fisker looks to be taking a page out of the Rivian handbook when it comes to cargo space. The Alaska has cockpit storage for work gloves, a large center armrest for flashlights and pens, and a passenger tray with a tablet holder. If the mega cupholder is any indication, plenty of optional accessories and Fisker-themed doo-dads will be sold alongside the Alaska.

2025 Fisker Alaska range and charging

Data on the charging capabilities of the Fisker Alaska has yet to be announced. For some reference, you can look at our EV explainer to get an idea of what you can realistically expect based on present standards.

Fisker is currently partnering with CATL to supply its Ocean SUV batteries. We expect similar usage of the NMC cells for the lower spec Alaska and the LiFePO4 cells for the top trim. CATL are world-leaders in EV battery tech and works with most of the top EV makers.

The Fisker Alaska will be manufactured in the U.S.

Details are scarce, but Fisker says it will manufacture U.S. models of the Alaska domestically in its home country. Magna Steyr will partner with Fisker to produce Euro-spec models. The Alaska is being produced alongside the Pear, its other electric SUV, at its refurbished Lordstown, Ohio plant.

Polestar, the Volvo performance brand turned EV super-company, is at it again. This time, it’s back at it with the Polestar 4 – a full-electric performance-SUV with pizazz.

You could randomly pick an automaker from a hat and be guaranteed that the company has mentioned “the climate” in one of its recent press statements. Polestar’s focus is on supply chain tracing to prevent conflict minerals.

2024 is around the corner. The Polestar 4 awaits you!

Polestar 4 price and specs

Although data on the Polestar 4 is preliminary, we got some interesting spec and info on the car at the Shanghai motor show. If you need to get clued up on some EV terminology, check our EV explainer out before continuing.

• Price (MSRP): $60,000
• Battery capacity: 94 kWh
• Charging: 200 kW DC (28 min), 22 kW AC (5h15m)
• Range: 315 miles

2023 Polestar 4 interior and tech

The Polestar 4 takes the Scandinavian design approach of function over form. Simple body lines, a sleek shape and open cabin all make for a serene passenger-or-pilot experience. Although the design is pleasing to the eye, it’s centered on improving aerodynamics and range. A lowered front apron, retractable door handles, and rear aero blades all help reduce air resistance. Even the rear-light bar maxes out aero points.

If you like screens, it’s got a 14.7-inch Head-Up Display, and a 10.2-inch driver display.

No rear window? No Problem!

It’s got a top-mounted rear view camera and a panoramic roof that stretches all the way to the back – a first for any production car.

Interior dimensions

• Front storage capacity: 0.5 cubic feet
• Rear luggage capacity: 17.7 cubic feet
• Rear cargo capacity: 52.3 cubic feet
• Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs

Exterior dimensions

• Height: 190.5”
• Length: 84.2″ 
• Width: 60.7″
• Wheelbase: 118” (including mirrors) 

Usability

A sports-SUV needs a big trunk. You need to be able to carry all your gold bars from one office to the next (S/O to SavageGeese on YouTube). The Polestar 4 has 17 cubic feet of trunk space and 52 cubic feet with the seats folded down. In real-world terms, that’s 5 large suitcases or 14 with the seats folded down.

The frunk (front trunk), on the other hand, carries all your charging gear.

Tech

Polestar has all the sensors! The Polestar 4 has 12 cameras, a driver monitoring camera, 12 ultrasonic sensors and radar. This is part of the Mobileye SuperVision system, meant to allow advanced driving assistance like Self-driving.

It’s also got vehicle-to-load capability (bi-directional charging). Essentially, you can power your house appliances from the main battery, or feed power back into the grid. It also allows you to camp without having an external power-system or massive overlanding rig. So, it’s useful if you’re the type to enjoy the outdoors.

Polestar 4 range and charging times

This is where the Polestar 4 comes into its own. It does around 315 miles on a full charge and has 200 kW DC fast charging. That is, if you find a fast charging station that isn’t occupied. Overnight charging at home is 22 kW AC, double that of the competitors in the same class.

Home charging is type 2. Fast charging is CCS and both use the SAE J1772 connector most commonly found in North America. This is pretty much standard in modern EVs, so it’s nice to know Polestar aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel here.

• Battery capacity: 94 kWh
• Charging capacity (AC): 22 kW
• Charging time (AC): 0-100% in 5.5 hours
• Charging capacity (DC): 200 kW
• Charging time (DC): 5-80% in 32 min (200 kW)

400-volt architecture

400 volt is so last year! Porsche were the first to make the jump to 800V with the Taycan. Hyundai followed suit with the Ioniq 6. In fact, the Polestar 5, which is still in development, will also use an 800V architecture.

So, why is the Polestar 4 stuck with the tired old 400V?

The Geely SEA platform supports both 400V and 800V battery and charging architectures. It makes sense to share resources between lines, instead of throwing every vehicle on to 800v. It’s in tune with Polestar’s sustainability goals. But, it means that the Polestar 4 has half the charging speed, is heavier and costs more to make.

2023 Polestar 4 engine and performance

The dual motor version offers 400kW and 638 Nm. That gives you a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds. If you opt for the rear single motor option, you’ll get 200kW and 253 lb-ft of torque and a 0- 62 mph time of 7.4 sec. 

Of course, the Polestar 4 isn’t a track car. You might want to hold on for the Polestar 5 if the track is where you get your kicks.

Polestar 4 Long range Single motor

• Electric motor power: 200 kW (272 hp)
• Torque: 253 lb-ft (343 Nm)
• Top speed 180 km/h (112 mph)
• Acceleration: 7.4 seconds
• Drivetrain: Permanent magnet synchronous motors

Polestar 4 Long range Dual motor

• Electric motor power: 400 kW (544 hp)
• Torque: 506 lb-ft (686 Nm)
• Top speed: 124 mph (200 km/h)
• Acceleration: 3.8 seconds
• Drivetrain: Permanent magnet synchronous motors

Polestar 3 vs 4

The Polestar 3 is more-akin to a traditional SUV. Where the Polestar 4 is built on the SEA platform (Volvo EX30), the Polestar 3 is on the previous gen SPA2 platform (Volvo XC40 Recharge).

Range and charging are slightly improved with the Polestar 4. The Polestar 3 does 305 miles on a full charge and fast-charges from 10-80% in 32 min.

Polestar’s commitment to sustainability

“Sustainable Experience Architecture” is Geely’s new name for their open-source modular electric vehicle platform. The plan is to supply automakers with a frame, components and batteries. This will reduce costs, reduce waste and minimize the automakers impact on the planet.

Polestar being Polestar, took it a step further with a “Mono Material Approach.” The aim of this is to have all interior materials 100% recyclable, without extra sorting. The carpets are from recycled fishing nets (ECONYL) and the vinyl uses pine oil instead of crude oil (MicroTech).

It’s nice to see a company commit to sustainable manufacturing and materials in a meaningful way.

Is the Polestar 4 fun to drive?

Semi-active suspension means that you can switch between comfort and performance on the fly. According to Polestar, steering and handling are sharp and the car is thrilling to drive. Further details will trickle in closer to the release date.

Pre-order, buy, or skip

This is definitely a “buy” for now. Your best bet is to wait for Polestar to release the full details. 

The current specs, range and charging are class-leading. It looks pretty cool too. Somehow the Polestar 4 manages to use Nordic design and not look like a Tesla or a generic SUV. There’s not much to dislike here. So, if you’re in the market for a performance-SUV, this should be near the top of your list.

[1] All charging/range numbers are approximate as weather, battery temperature, battery degradation and location affect charging speeds.

[2] Pricing of the Polestar 4 is not final.

GM is going all out with electric vehicles in the next few model years. As proven by the exciting Hummer EV SUV, massive Chevy Silverado EV, and (uhh…) elusive Cadillac Lyriq, the American auto giant fully intends on making its Ultium battery platform the gold standard for EVs. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is GM’s latest Ultium EV SUV, and it promises to make a splash — with experts and auto-spies across the internet speculating about its design and features.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade IQ was announced at a grand event in New York City on August 9, 2023. Like the Hummer EV SUV and Chevy Silverado EV, the Escalade IQ will be assembled at GM’s Factory Zero Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center. For some reason, GM is promoting this event with the tagline “Built in Detroit. Revealed in New York City,” which, let’s be honest, doesn’t really mean anything.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ price and release date

• Price: $130,000 – $175,000 minimum
• Release date: Summer 2024

As is expected from the EV version of an already pricey full-size luxury SUV, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ starts at a cool $130,000. While we don’t know much about the pricing apart from that, GM has shown off one configuration that adds up to around $175,000.

There will seemingly be four trim levels including Luxury 1, Sport 1, Luxury 2, and Sport 2. Based on what we’ve seen from Caddy models, we suspect these names will change to something a little less generic as we get closer to the Escalade IQ’s summer 2024 launch. GM has teased that there may eventually be an Escalade IQL trim with a longer wheelbase and an Escalade IQ-V trim with boosted performance, according to GM Authority — but this will likely come later.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ specs

Although much information about the various Cadillac IQ trims are still behind closed doors, GM has its overall dimensions as well as a handful of options.

Exterior color options

• Flare Metallic (available with optional black roof)
• Black Raven
• Black Cherry Tintcoat (available with optional black roof)
• Deep Space Metallic (available with optional black roof)
• Summit White (available with optional black roof)
• Midnight Steel Frost (available with optional black roof)
• Luna Metallic (available with optional black roof)

Interior seating options

• Sheer/medium dark cinder gray
• Backen black / Santorini

Wheels

• 7-spoke alloy wheels with mask/polish with machine face and high gloss black pockets and inserts
• 7 tri-spoke alloy wheels with deep night metallic
• 7-spoke alloy wheels with mask/polish with high gloss black pockets and chrome inserts

Exterior dimensions

• Height: 76.1″
• Length: 224.3″
• Width: 94.1″ (including mirrors) 

Interior and tech

As we mentioned above, one of the primary benefits of the Ultium battery platform is that GM’s designers have unprecedented freedom when it comes to the interior of their vehicles. This remains true for the Escalade IQ, as the combustion-engine version’s cabin would probably be considered a “spacious studio apartment” in some major cities.

With this massive cabin space comes even more real estate for tech, screens, and all sorts of bells and whistles (probably not literally, but who knows?) The Cadillac Escalade IQ will have luxury-level technology including GM’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving capabilities as well as other premium trappings like HD Surround Vision that have been announced for its other luxury-level vehicles.

Interior dimensions

• Cabin cargo space: up to 119.2 cubic-feet
• eTrunk cargo space: up to 12.2 cubic-feet

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ electric range and charging times

• Electric range: up to 450 miles
• DC fast charging time: 100 miles of range in 10 minutes

Assuming it lives up to its own internal estimates in the real world, the Cadillac Escalade IQ packs some seriously impressive electric range – 450 miles to be exact. And because it gets 100 miles of range from 10 minutes of charging, it would only take a little over 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% capacity, or in a less realistic and unadvisable scenario, 45 minutes to reach 100% from 0.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ powertrain and 0-60 performance

• Horsepower: 750 horsepower
• Torque: 785 lb-ft

GM’s mantra with its latest line of EV SUVs seems to be “bigger is better,” and the Cadillac Escalade IQ is no exception. With 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque under its belt, you’ll certainly never miss a meeting, even if using all that power in such a hefty machine means putting pedestrians at risk, not to mention other drivers. Though GM hasn’t said a whole lot else about its performance, the 8,660-pound Hummer EV SUV can accelerate from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds – a terrifying thought!

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ design changes

Unsurprisingly, the Cadillac Escalade shares many of its design elements with the Lyriq – such as the chevron-hatched “black crystal shield” grille and “vertical light blade” smart headlights, but with the Escalade’s even more extravagant styling. It does have a lower stance, thankfully, which is being advertised as a feature to improve its aerodynamics, but in reality, the floor-mounted battery allows for a lower center of gravity.

Otherwise, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ pretty closely resembles the Escalade of old, so if you liked how it looked before, you’ll appreciate the more conservative approach the folks at GM took with this gargantuan block of wealth on wheels.

FAQs

When will the Cadillac Escalade IQ be released?

While the exact date has yet to be confirmed, GM has confirmed the 2025 model year Cadillac Escalade IQ will arrive at your local dealer no later than summer 2024. We’ll see.

What will the Cadillac Escalade IQ cost?

As the flagship of GM’s luxury all-electric offerings, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ will start at $130,000 for the base trim with no options. Beyond that, the Escalade IQ website shows a $175,000 spec, suggesting the price will go much higher depending on the spec you (or the dealer) decide to order.

What is the Cadillac Escalade IQ’s electric range on a single charge?

See above.

Professional wrestling is considered one of the most genuinely American forms of entertainment. From its humble origins in vaudeville and carny-ism to its current status as a multi-billion dollar entertainment industry, wrestling has long trafficked in United States-centric tropes. It should come as no surprise that professional wrestling has incorporated another great American pastime into its world of near-make-believe. Of course, I’m talking about cars and driving. Televised grappling has had a number of iconic moments of vehicular violence — so I’m going to count down my five favorite car-related wrestling moments.

Before we dig in:

I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t wrestling fake?” Well, yes and no. Are they really connecting with all of the blows you’re seeing? Does it really make a loud clapping noise when someone gets kicked in the head? Of course not. But that said, there is still an element of danger, injury, and physicality to professional wrestling. I think the simplest way to put it is that wrestling is a combination of improv, comedy, stunt work, and sometimes even soap operas. It’s the kind of entertainment that can be admired from afar or devoured with a near fanatic level — with pretty much everyone able to get exactly what they want out of it.

Some key terms for pro wrestling:

• Kayfabe: Probably a pig-latin version of “fake,” this is basically the veneer of enhanced reality that lies just above what you’re watching at a wrestling presentation. To acknowledge Kayfabe is to be “in on it.”
• Shoot: This is, basically, the opposite of Kayfabe. A “shoot injury” for instance would be a real injury picked up in a match. You might also hear that a wrestler was “shooting” during a “promo” (or semi-improvised on-mic moment), which means he or she went off-script.
• Heel: The “bad guy”.
• Face/Babyface: The “good guy”.
• Vince McMahon: A real scumbag. Just a bad dude in general. If you don’t already know about him, do yourself a favor and check out Abraham Josephine Riseman’s Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America.
• WWE/WWF: Some of these clips might be from when WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) was still called WWF (World Wrestling Federation) but I’m just gonna say “WWE” for the sake of simplicity okay?

Alright onward to the list!

5. Edge spray-paints Alberto Del Rio’s Rolls Royce

Date: Airdate: April 8, 2011 (WWE Smackdown) Taping date: April 5, 2011
Wrestlers involved: Edge and Alberto Del Rio

Background: Alberto Del Rio’s character represents a long history of pro wrestlers tasked with wealth-related heelwork. At Wrestlemania 27, Del Rio flaunted his financial status by arriving in a Rolls Royce Silver Spirit and dressed up in a designer suit. Money Plane star Edge felt that Del Rio was hogging Pay-Per-View (PPV) time by milking the moment, even hugging the Rolls Royce — but do you blame him, look at that thing!

How it went down: In what you’ll see is a bit of a theme for this topic, on-site security at televised wrestling events must be absolutely awful. Somehow, Edge was able to get Del Rio’s Rolls Royce on a flatbed which he proceeded to drive right into the middle of Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina. Not content to just interrupt Del Rio’s promo, the man known only as “Edge” spray-painted the classic luxury car, even going so far as to smash the windshield in.

How much damage was done: While the spray paint could easily be removeable, Del Rio was likely looking at spending a pretty penny to get his Rolls Royce back on the road. That said, the flatbed in this segment makes me doubt this particular Royce was doing much rolling regardless.

4. The Backlot Brawl

Date: March 31, 1996 (Wrestlemania XII)
Wrestlers involved: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Goldust

Background: The Backlot Brawl, a partially pre-taped match from Wrestlemania XII, bears no small resemblance to two late-century American cultural touchpoints: the long fight sequence from Piper’s own star turn in John Carpenter’s 1988 masterpiece They Live, and (confusingly!) the OJ Simpson murder trial. I’d like to take a quick moment here to say that if you have somehow not seen They Live, it still absolutely goes. RIP Roddy Piper.

How it went down: Both Piper and Goldust (who now wrestles for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under the name Dustin Rhodes) considered this match to be something of a mess. The outdoor sequence, although presented as happening live during the PPV, was actually pre-taped about two weeks before the event. This sort of presenation is now called a “Cinematic Match,” and bears more resemblance to a fight sequence in a movie than most wrestling matches. As you can see in the clip above, there’s no shortage of punches, kicks, and bodyslams into cars parked in this backlot — including a gold spray-painted Cadillac and a White Ford Bronco.

According to both combatants, they had no idea what was going to happen next. The plan was for the finish to happen live in the ring at Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim in Anaheim, California following an extended cutaway to a car chase… A car chase that included footage from OJ Simpson’s infamous 1994 getaway.

That’s right, Vince McMahon licensed actual news footage of the OJ Simpson chase for a cheap joke at a PPV. The match itself is absolutely worth checking out in its entirety, if only for a reminder of the absurdist outsider art that WWE was making in the mid-90s.

How much damage was done: Presumably not much actual harm came to either of the vehicles used in this segment outside of the various body slams. According to interviews, both wrestlers were hospitalized following the taping of the cinematic portion of this fight, meaning they had limited time to heal up before the big event.

3. Braun Strowman flips an ambulance

Date: April 10, 2017 (WWE Monday Night Raw)
Wrestlers involved: Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns

Background: I’m gonna be totally candid on this one: This was basically the thing to get me interested in wrestling again. When I saw Braun Strowman flip this danged ambulance I just knew I had to see what exactly was going on at WWE. Although it may come as a surprise to current WWE fans, in the mid 2010s, “The Fed” had one hell of a time getting Roman Reigns “over” (or popular). They teamed him up with other badasses like Dean Ambrose (now the brutally bloody Jon Moxley over at AEW) but nothing seemed to work. Even this particular moment, I can’t exactly grok what the inciting moment was. All you really need to know is that Strowman was mad at Roman Reigns and for some reason this got covered by the New York Daily News.

How it went down: The video speaks for itself. We see Strowman brutally beating Roman Reigns. After a continued onslaught, Roman Reigns is whisked off by the emergency crews into a waiting ambulance. At this moment it’s worth noting that WWE does not provide health insurance to its wrestlers, who are classified as contractors. But all that is moot regardless because on this particular night, Roman Reigns’ emergency transport was about to have an unexpected mechanical failure. That is to say, it got flipped over all the way onto its danged side by the 6’8″, 335 lb. Strowman.

How much damage was done: I’m not sure exactly what kinds of injuries one might sustain if your ambulance flipped over, but fortunately this one was all stagecraft and movie magic. That said, it’s absolutely fun to believe, so I’m not going to judge you if you do.

2. Vince McMahon’s limo explodes

Date: June 11, 2007 (WWE Monday Night Raw)
Wrestlers involved: Vince McMahon and ???

Background: Once again, if you’re in any way interested in the history of the WWE or Vince McMahon’s various scandals, you should check out Abraham Josephine Riesman’s Ringmaster. The long and short of it is that Vince took over the company that eventually became WWE from his father Vince Sr. and ruled with an iron fist (see that John Oliver clip I linked to earlier). One of his more intriguing business decisions was making himself an on-air personality — and not just any on-air personality. He was a full-on heel, taking on the likes of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in elaborate feuds. Vince even let Steve Austin smack him in the face with a hospital bedpan and there’s no faking that. He played the role of tyrant, bad boss. He’s the guy all the good guys hate and he loved the hate he got from his audience. Then, one day in June 2007, there was a tragic incident during Monday Night Raw.

How it went down: Instant reaction to the stunt was nuclear. People in and out of the industry were left wondering how WWE had pulled it off. As legend has it, Donald Trump himself was fooled — calling WWE HQ in Stamford, CT the next morning and talking to Triple HHH to make sure his buddy Vince was okay. As HHH himself tells it:

“What kills me is, so many people called — I mean, the office the next day, people … I’m not kidding you. And he’ll probably be mad at me for saying this, but like, Trump called, and was like, ‘Did something happen to Vince?’ It’s just the magic of television, you know what I mean?”

Source: IWNerd.com

How much damage was done: While a real limo was blown up, not much came of the stunt. Just a few weeks later, real-life tragedy struck the WWE when star wrestler Chris Benoit murdered his family and took his own life. Showing uncharacteristic restraint, WWE dropped the “Vince McMahon is dead” storyline and simply never spoke of it again.

Bonus Entry: Hulk Hogan vs. The Giant ft. monster trucks

Date: October 29, 1995 (WCW Halloween Havoc 1995)
Wrestlers involved: Hulk Hogan and The Giant

Background: Noted friend of the free press Hulk Hogan was one of the most major defections from WWE when Ted Turner and Eric Bischoff’s WCW started to gain momentum in the mid-90s. As such, he was often featured in major WCW storylines and PPVs, including this bizarre match from Halloween Havoc 1995. A few weeks prior, The Giant (later to be known as Big Show) ran over one of Hulk’s motorcycles with a monster truck. Naturally, this meant that they would have a monster truck sumo match directly prior to The Giant challenging Hulk for his WCW Title.

How it went down: Mercifully, WWE (who owns WCW’s back catalog now) has uploaded this entire match to YouTube so everyone can see this weird mess. In a pre-taped cinematic segment, we see The Giant and Hulk Hogan have a lengthy (too long?) sumo match with monster trucks and then The Giant simply… falls off the roof of the stadium. Next thing you know, they’re in the ring having a match. It’s worth checking out or at least scrubbing through.

How much damage was done: Seeing as The Giant survived his fall, I’d say relatively little damage. I guess a monster truck did run over Hulk’s motorcycle though. Put it on the board.

1. The Parking Lot Fight

Date: September 16, 2020
Wrestlers involved: Best Friends (Trent Beretta and Chuck Taylor) and Proud & Powerful (Santana and Ortiz)

Background: Okay so this is legit one of my favorite wrestling matches and storylines ever so I’ll try to keep it short. When the pandemic hit, WWE and upstart competitor All Elite Wrestling (AEW) had to do some heavy improvising. This meant taping batches of episodes and then allowing wrestlers to go home, self-isolate, and rest after a brutal couple days of work. The shows from March 2020 through the end of the year are quite the spectacle in and of themselves. With filming having to take place behind closed doors, “jobbers” (or lower-ranking wrestlers) had to serve as the crowds for the shows.

As they say, hard times breed innovation and AEW certainly innovated. Thanks in part to the company’s owner Tony Khan’s status as co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the wrestling promotion had access to a sizable concert venue (Daily’s Place) as well as the stadium itself. They made good use of this space, including first Stadium Stampede, a cinematic match that used the entirety of TIAA Bank Field’s empty confines.

The build-up to this match was pretty straight forward. Comedy tag team Best Friends, who with their other friend Orange Cassidy have brought some much needed levity to televised pro wrestling, got a number of key storylines during the pandemic period. After WWE transplants FTR arrived at Daily’s Place in a shiny pickup truck, Best Friends joked that Trent’s real-life mother Sue Marasciulo would bring them to AEW’s weekly show, Dynamite, in her minivan. And then she did. A few weeks later, Best Friends defeated Proud & Powerful in a tag team match and Santana and Ortiz took their frustrations out on poor Sue’s minivan. How rude!

How it went down: As you can see from this clip, there are some pretty brutal spots in this match. Bodies are smashed into windshields, engines, and smashed under the hood of multiple vehicles. You can find the entire match on TBS (or maybe TNT)’s app if you look for the September 16, 2020 episode of Dynamite — it’s worth seeking out. A surprise appearance from Orange Cassidy saves the day and makes you wonder how long he had been hiding in there. Best Friends got the 1-2-3 and, fittingly, drove off in Sue’s new minivan — Trent’s mom’s middle finger waving in the cool Jacksonville breeze.

How much damage was done: I have to imagine Tony Khan called in some favors from a few Jacksonville-area used-car dealerships for this one. Real damage was done to at least one minivan as well as windshields, hoods, and doors of multiple vehicles throughout the lot. Also, it looks like a lot of these spots hurt like hell. At the very least Sue got a new minivan out of the deal.

Did we miss any of your favorite car-related wrestling moments? Let us know in the comments, and remember — wrestling is cool and also awesome and there’s no reason to be embarrassed that you like it.

Allow me to preface this by saying, the worst car ever made is a matter of opinion, which is great because this is an opinion piece. If you want an objective list of bad cars, you’re not going to find one. The quality of a car, like most things, is in the eye of the beholder. In an interview with Japanese automotive publication Magazine-X, I waxed poetic about my 2018 BMW 4 Series convertible, which seemed to always be in the shop for one reason or another. It’s since been put out to pasture (i.e., sold to a new lucky owner through AutoNation), but was it a good car? To me it was everything.

While the best car of all time is the one you enjoyed driving the most, the worst car ever made is the one that made you want to scream it was so appalling to drive. In all honesty, that car for me was the Toyota Aurus I rented in Iceland, but I didn’t choose to write about that one because it felt like punching down. It was an older model with a lot of mileage under its belt, and while I’m unsure why it was still in Hertz’s fleet given Iceland’s erratic climate, I can’t fault the car too much for the decisions of its owner. Instead, I picked a topic close to my heart, as you’ll see later on.

Until then, the rest of the Acceleramota editorial team has unleashed their outrage over the worst cars to buy, according to people who’ve had the misfortune of driving them. So, if you found a used one cheap on Bring a Trailer, just don’t.

4 strong contenders for the worst cars ever made

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1991 Pontiac Sunbird

by Roger Feeley-Lussier

Learn more about the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird

My dad and I bought my first car in 1999 from a retired cop in Quincy, MA. It was a 1991 Ford Mustang (2.3-liter), and for about a year it was my entire personality. See, at Apponequet Regional High School, you were either a Mustang Guy or a Camaro Guy – and my family was a Ford Family, so I knew what I had to do. My friends lovingly called my red Mustang “The Muscort” because it had the 2.3L Ford Escort engine. I felt like I was on top of the world. 

Then, one Friday night during senior year, the Muscort was summarily executed while I was with the marching band at an away football game. A freshman piloting his mom’s car had obliterated the Muscort, sandwiching it between the Grand Am he shouldn’t have been driving and a minivan. I was crestfallen. I thought things couldn’t get any worse, until we went back to Quincy, MA where that same retired cop sold me a car that he claimed was “even better than that Mustang!” It was a 1991 Pontiac Sunbird, and it sucked ass.

Not only was the Sunbird not a valid competitor in the Mustang/Camaro binary, but basically everyone who saw it was like “What is that thing, I thought Pontiac made Firebirds?” The Sunbird was basically a Chevy Cavalier in Pontiac cosplay. This particular Sunbird had its own raft of issues, chief of which was a leak in the seal of the front windshield that absolutely drenched the driver’s side floormats any time it rained. I ended up having to bring a car cover with me everywhere to prevent the flood. 

My 1991 Sunbird’s final indignity came when I was driving to a friend’s house the summer after I graduated from high school. I honked the horn at someone who had drifted into my lane and it just… stayed on. Honnnnnnnnnnnnnnnk. Honnnnnnnnnnnnnnk. I pulled over to the side of the rural road and somehow managed to peel the horn off of the steering wheel without deploying the airbag. The horn must’ve been my car’s final Horcrux, because it died for good later that summer. Good riddance to a bad car, I say.

Renault Kwid

by Nathan Meyer

Learn more about the Renault Kwid

As a 23-year-old, I’ve got a long way to go and a lot of cars to drive. One of the worst cars I’ve driven is the Renault Kwid. Renault is not known for its build quality. In fact, the arrival of Carlos Ghosn, the man that saved Renault-Nissan and subsequently had to flee Japan in a suitcase, introduced a steep decline in build quality, shocking no one.

It brought plastics harder than any Toyota dash, flimsy door handles, and engines that would give any Toyota owner a stroke. For folks in the non-emerging world, the Renault Kwid is an ultra-cheap 1-liter A-to-B commuter machine. The tires are a smidgen wider than moped tires. It isn’t sold in the U.S., and for good reason: It’s a 67-horsepower deathtrap.

The Indian version got a 0-star NCAP rating. Yes, airbags are not standard. I happened upon gale-force winds while driving this excuse of a car, and if I didn’t counter-steer, the grim reaper was waiting for me in the oncoming lane.

Polaris Slingshot SL

by Jeric Jaleco

Learn more about the Polaris Slingshot SL

16-year-old me: “It’s like it’s straight out of Transformers! Such cool! Such wow!”

23-year-old me: “What the fuck.” 

I’m usually quite open-minded, which has led to me becoming enamored with countless specimens of cars, even those less acclaimed or cars that aren’t my usual cup of tea. If a car establishes a level of expectation, both on paper and in its image, and matches or exceeds them, it’s a damn good car to me. Even some terrible cars, so long as they succeed in their intended missions in some way, can earn my respect.

But not the Slingy. Not that three-wheeled abomination of plastic and haphazard chassis tuning.

The second-generation Polaris Slingshot SL I had driven as a Turo treat had let me down in nearly every measure. I’d figure a high-revving, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder would feel and sound like a symphony. What I got was a harsh, droney garbage disposal that’s more at home in a mechanical pencil sharpener than a car, further neutered by a single-clutch five-fucking-speed automated manual. Low trims don’t even get paddles, so you’re always at the mercy of the computers. On top of that, the power was only okay. Miatas and GR86s deliver more oomph for the same money. The chassis was floppy and disjointed, exacerbated by a loose steering rack that felt plucked out of an RZR side-by-side, resulting in a car that was nowhere near as enthused to be flogged on some two-lane twisties as say, oh, I don’t know, a normal-ass sports car?

The one ounce of praise I can give right here and now: The stereo was more than capable of overpowering highway wind noise and blasting Big Time Rush and All-American Rejects with near-perfect clarity. They got that right. And that’s about it.

BMW i7

by Gabe Carey

Learn more about the BMW i7

The BMW 7 Series desperately wants you to like it, and the all-electric i7 is no exception. While the i4 M50 is the best electric car I’ve driven, complete with BMW’s signature rear-biased handling, the i7 is a passenger’s car through and through. 

There’s a good chance, if you’re buying a BMW 7 Series, that you won’t be the one driving it. Your chauffeur schlepps you around from meeting to meeting while you sit in the back popping champagne and watching Billions on a retractable movie screen. Who cares if the driver’s visibility is obstructed by touchscreens and nigh-blackout curtains and bright flashing LEDs? 

The BMW i7 isn’t poorly made, nor is it as visually revolting as the XM. However, it is bad to drive, which kinda defeats the purpose of it being a car. At least one that doesn’t drive itself. If it were autonomous, that would be another story.

It is, in many ways, everything wrong with modern cars. Full of tacky high-tech gimmicks that scream, “Buy an extended warranty!” Or better yet, “Lease me!”

I can understand massaging seats in the rear cabin, but I activated mine by mistake in the driver’s seat and had to pull over just to figure out how to disable it. That, along with a Theater Mode I can’t help but find redundant given the sheer number of screens we keep on our persons at all times. 

Overflowing with excess, the BMW i7 is a smooth, quiet ride full of needless distractions made purely for Instagram engagement. Does anyone really want this? It certainly seems like the answer is no. And yet, for whatever godforsaken reason, we’ve been cursed with an M Performance variant that does 0-60 in 3.5 seconds – as if a 6,000-pound monstrosity barreling toward you at a top speed of 149 mph isn’t lethal enough. 
The best I can say of the BMW i7 is it’s an absurdly luxurious passenger vehicle costing 4x less than its Rolls-Royce equivalent. Then again, so is the Lucid Air, and it’s a much better vehicle overall, as I’m sure the Lucid Gravity will be should you prefer to not drive an even beefier EV.

General Motors has been hyping up its Ultium battery platform since it was announced in March 2020. The innovative battery system enables a lower center of gravity for electric vehicles and frees up interior space. GM’s latest Ultium release is an all-electric take on Chevrolet’s iconic Silverado 1500 pickup truck. The American automaker is aiming for the commercial market initially with the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV — rolling out their lower-priced WT (Work Truck) trim this summer with the premium RST First Edition trim promised for fall 2023.

While clearly inspired by the beefy Silverado, the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV (much like its cousin the GMC Hummer EV) isn’t simply an electric motor retrofitted into an existing shell. These electric SUVs were purpose designed to lead GM’s electric revolution — enabling a future where size is no longer an impediment to electrification.

With a range of 400mi. on a single charge and up to 754 hp, the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV shows how GM continues to be two steps ahead of their American automaker rivals at Ford when it comes to making that future a reality.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV price and trim level options

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The 2024 Chevy Silverado will be available in two trim levels initially. The WT (or work truck) trim is being marketed to fleet operators who are looking to electrify their commercial vehicles. Despite initial promises that this trim would have an MSRP of around $42,000, the currently available 4WT trim comes in at a whopping $79,800. GM has stated that the full line of Silverado EVs will include trims with shorter ranges and thus, lower MSRPs. The daily-driver targeted RST First Edition trim will set you back $106,895 if you’re willing to wait until it’s released sometime this fall.

Chevy trucks: shop new inventory near you

2024 Chevy Silverado EV 4WT (available now)

• Starting Price: MSRP $79,800 (including destination fee)
• Electric motor power: 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-estimated range: 450 mi.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV 3WT (coming soon)

• Starting Price: estimated MSRP $74,800 (including destination fee)
• Electric motor power: 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-estimated range: 350 mi.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST First Edition (fall 2023)

• Starting price: $106,895 (including destination fee)
• Electric motor power: 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-estimated range: 400 mi.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV exterior color options

• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV WT
  • Summit White
  • Black
• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST
  • Black
  • Northsky Blue Metallic
  • Cherry Red Tintcoat
  • Red Hot
  • Greenstone Metallic
  • Silver Ice metallic
  • Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
  • Summit White
  • Mosaic Black Metallic

2024 Chevy Silverado EV interior color options

• Jet Black, Leather
• Jet Black, Choccachino
• Gideon, Atmosphere (leather)

Interior and tech

Thanks to the Ultium system, GM’s designers have considerably more space to work with for the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV’s cabin — and it shows. Silverado drivers should be used to cavernous cockpits, but even the “stripped down” WT trim will feel bigger than you might expect, with a generous space for all five passengers. And the theme of “bigger is better” doesn’t stop there — with the rear seats folded down, the EV’s bed can accommodate items up to 10ft. 10in. Even the eTrunk (you might call it a “frunk”) is massive, offering around 9 cu. ft. of additional storage.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV WT dimensions

Interior space

• Front seat headroom: 41.9″
• Rear seat headroom: 39.7″
• Front seat legroom: 44.8″
• Rear seat legroom: 44.3″
• Front seat hip room: 62.0″
• Rear seat hip room: 61.5″
• Front seat shoulder room: 64.9″
• Rear seat shoulder room: 63.8″

Exterior dimensions:

• Wheelbase: 145.7″
• Overall length: 233.1″
• Overall width: 93.9″ (with mirrors) / 81.6″ (without mirrors)
• Overall height: 78.0″
• Track width (front/rear): 68.9″/68.9″

2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST dimensions

Interior space:

• Front seat headroom: 43.9″
• Rear seat headroom: 38.7″
• Front seat legroom: 44.8″
• Rear seat legroom: 44.3″
• Front seat hip room: 62.0″
• Rear seat hip room: 61.5″
• Front seat shoulder room: 64.9″
• Rear seat shoulder room: 63.8″

Exterior dimensions:

• Wheelbase: 145.7″
• Overall length: 233.1″
• Overall width: 94.3″ (with mirrors) / 83.8″ (without mirrors)
• Overall height: 78.7″
• Track width (front/rear): 68.7″/68.7″

As far as tech goes, the Chevy Silverado EV RST First Edition promises to be fully loaded. GM’s press release even promises access to future technologies that will become “necessities that you’ll never want to drive without.” Self-driving, in the form of GM’s “Super Cruise,” offers hands-free operation on some 400,000 mi. of roads in the US and Canada. The WT trims likely will not include as many bells and whistles but Edmunds’ review of a Silverado EV 4WT found many features will come standard even on the fleet-level versions.

Tech features:

• Super Cruise hands-free operation
• Ultifi software platform for personalization and updates
• Standard Safety Assist
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Front pedestrian braking
  • Lane keep assist with lane departure warning
  • Forward collision alert
  • Intellibeam headlights
  • Following distance indicator
• 17 in. infotainment screen (RST First Edition)
• 11 in. driver instrument display (RST First Edition)
• 14 in. heads-up driver display (RST First Edition)

2024 Chevy Silverado EV electric range and charging times

The flexible Ultium battery platform shines once again with the 2024 Silverado EV. Thus far, GM has rolled out the system on its GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and BrightDrop Zevo electric vehicles with many new models promised in the next few years. The Silverado EV offers impressive range for its considerable size, although future WT trims will have scaled-back battery arrays (and lower MSRPs).

• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV 4WT
  • Electric range: 450 miles
  • Charging time: 10 minutes to 100 miles range (DC Fast Charging up to 350kW)
• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV 3WT
  • Electric range: 350 miles
  • Charging time: 10 minutes to 100 miles range (DC Fast Charging up to 350kW)
• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST First Edition
  • Electric range: 400 miles
  • Charging time: 10 minutes to 100 miles range (DC Fast Charging up to 350kW)

2024 Chevy Silverado EV engine and performance

Simply put, with the Chevy Silverado EV, power is the name of the game. While the WT trim will offer a good amount of muscle, clocking in at 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque, GM has been really pushing the RST First Edition’s performance numbers. Their latest test numbers have the 2024 Silverado EV RST First Edition boasting 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque and up to 10,000 lbs. of towing. Compare this to the combustion engine 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 performance trims’ 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV 4WT
  • Electric Motor Power: 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque
  • Towing: 10,000 pounds
  • Payload: 1,400 pounds
• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST
  • Electric Motor Power: 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque
  • Towing: up to 10,000 pounds
  • Payload: TBA

Design changes

As mentioned above, the 2024 Silverado EV was built from the wheels up to make optimal use of the Ultium battery platform. The RST First Edition will have a number of attractive design elements, including optional 24-inch aluminum wheels, modern lighting accents on the exterior and interior, and a fixed-glass roof for a panoramic view.

The star of the show is the redesigned “Multi-Flex Midgate,” which allows you to extend the floor of the electric pickup truck’s bed to up to 10 ft. 10 in, as seen above. The tailgate’s “inner gate” also can become a step that accommodates up to 375 lbs for easier loading and unloading. All in all, it’s clear GM is hoping that eco-conscious companies in need of pickup truck fleets will adopt the Silverado EV as their primary electric vehicle — and RST First Edition buyers will reap all the benefits of this research and development.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV review round-up

The RST First Edition has only been teased at car shows and press events so far, but a few reporters across the auto-verse have gotten their hands on the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV 4WT. Here are their early thoughts on GM’s latest electric pickup.

The Silverado EV is an intriguing take on an electric pickup. With its unique chassis and class-leading range and power, it’s in many ways a more sophisticated, ambitious take on a full-size electric truck than Ford’s F-150 Lightning. As a result, however, it’s also significantly costlier and heavier. We’ll need more wheel time and a head-to-head comparison to determine which design approach we prefer.

Chris Paukert – Edmunds

Current GM truck owners will quickly acclimate to piloting the electrified Silverado. The 4WT moves along with the quiet refinement expected of an EV, with a synthesized hum playing through its stereo speakers only under hard acceleration. It feels as quick as any Silverado we’ve driven, with a responsiveness that makes short work of passing maneuvers on country roads.

Mike Sutton – Car and Driver

A near-$80,000 starting price for a bare-bones work truck is a tough pill to swallow. We get why that is to a certain extent given its all-new platform and advanced battery tech. But through that same lens, its basic interior and crashy ride quality become much harder to justify.

On its face, though, the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV WT is a promising start. We’ll reserve judgment on its real-world range and towing capabilities outside this very brief preview, but at first pass, it seems to be a no-frills tool that’ll happily keep up with you at the job site. And this is only the beginning.

Kristen Lee – MotorTrend

FAQs

What is the estimated range?

The 2024 Chevy Silverado EV 4WT trim offers an estimated range of 450 mi. on a single charge, while the forthcoming 2024 RST will have an estimated range of 400 mi. GM has promised lower-tier versions of the WT trim in the future with less range and lower starting prices.

Are reservations open?

Unfortunately, as of writing (July 6, 2023) reservations are currently full for the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV, according to Chevy’s website. Interested buyers can leave their email to be notified when reservations re-open.

When will the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV be available?

The production model Chevy Silverado EV 4WT has been rolling off production lines, but unless you’re a fleet operator planning to electrify your commercial vehicles, you’ll have to wait until the RST First Edition premium trim launches sometime in fall 2023.

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As I drove the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale over the past couple of weeks, I finally understood America’s infatuation with SUVs. I rode high on my steel throne, as my feet sat 6 inches from the ground and the tip of the brim on my cap hit the ceiling 5 feet in the air. My head was in the clouds, and no pothole in Queens was a match for my all-wheel drive (AWD) subcompact crossover. But unlike most vehicles in its class, the Alfa Romeo Tonale pops out like a peacock in a flock of pigeons.

In the last season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, there’s a scene where the Weissman family is sitting down at the table eating breakfast. Midge, reviewing color swatches for her new bathroom fixtures, decides she’s going to buy a pink toilet. Her father, Abe, isn’t having any of it though, insisting toilets should only ever be white. But Midge, being Midge, doesn’t back down. Mildly annoyed, she quips, “A pink toilet is still a toilet, just a little more fun!”

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale: check local availability

Growing up as a kid in the early aughts, the master bathroom in our house had a pink toilet with a matching shower, tub, and double vanities. The half bathroom near the kitchen was furnished with a toilet and sink in dark green. Around the time we stopped drinking skim milk with dinner, colorful bathrooms went out of fashion I guess, seeing as all our stuff was replaced with the same stuff but in a more neutral white. Soon thereafter, it seemed the world had turned monochromatic and sterile.

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• Alfa Romeo Tonale vs Dodge Hornet

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale design

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As Frank Markus said for Motor Trend, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is “being pitched to women and millennials.” Not the enthusiast type, but the “taking your kids to soccer practice” type. Its goal is to steal market share from the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA-Class, and it may very well do that.

With every new BMW seemingly competing for the Most Repulsive Grille Award, its aversion to change works to Alfa’s benefit. The self-serious marketing copy on its website might be slightly hyperbolic (see the graphic I made below for the Greatest Hits), but the Alfa Romeo Tonale is a better-looking SUV than just about every other crossover on the market, not that it’s an especially high bar considering every car looks the same now.

The tasteful V-shaped Scudetto (Italian for “little shield”) grille is unwavering, practically identical to the one on the 8C Competizione that brought Alfa back to the States in 2008. The appearance will differ slightly from trim to trim. It’s gloss black on our Veloce, whereas the midrange Ti sparkles silver, and the Sprint’s grille is a more subdued black than the Veloce’s, outlined in a more economical plastic material. As Top Gear said in its review of the U.K.-spec Alfa Romeo Tonale, the “elegant shield grille makes you wonder why rivals are making such a horlicks of their increasingly pugnacious frontal styling.” How very British of them.

The only substantial change to the front end from the Alfa models before it is the Marelli 12-zone adaptive headlight system. Rather than burning the retinas out from the skull of the driver in front of you, each zone responds independently to your outside driving conditions. When you’re cruising through town at low speeds, for instance, it reduces power consumption as well as glare by only utilizing the necessary lighting zones for optimal visibility. It kinda reminds me of how OLED TVs work, in a sense.

Don’t hold your breath for a Quadrifoglio like the Giulia and Stelvio before it, though. Because it’s PHEV (plug-in hybrid)-only in the United States, I doubt we’ll see a Tonale with a Ferrari-derived engine, as is the Alfa CEO. (Sorry, losers, no four-leaf clover this time!)

More so than previous Alfa Romeo models, the 2024 Tonale won’t let you forget where its assembly plant is based. Three Italian flags brazenly appear throughout – two on the side mirrors and one prominently displayed below the gear shift. Perhaps it’s to distract you from the DNA it shares with red-blooded American muscle cars and 4x4s, thanks to its absorption into Stellantis, which also owns Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge. Because found on the driver’s side window, brake calipers, and even in the engine bay are the obligatory Official Mopar® stamps of approval.

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale colors

Parked on the street, I was sitting in the car one morning queueing up music on CarPlay when I saw a teacher walk by chaperoning a group of young elementary school kids. “Wow, look at that car. What color is that?” she asked one student.

The child, who could not care less, ignored her question.

“Green, right! Emerald green. Can you say emerald?” The student did not respond.

More recently, I nearly pulverized a pedestrian as he was crossing the street while the traffic light was green. I slowed down, of course, so he could cross. He, too, complimented the car. It seems no matter who you are or how you drive, the Alfa Romeo Tonale will stop people in their tracks, pausing for a moment to stare in awe. Not because it’s an Alfa – New York has plenty of Giulias and Stelvios in black and white and gray. But because it’s green… excuse me, verde fangio.

It isn’t subtle either, calling to mind the shade Aston Martin uses for its Formula 1 cars and has since made its way to production vehicles including the DBX 707 SUV and the new DB12.

Alfa knew what it was doing when it exclusively showcased the green Tonale in just about all of its marketing. Because the green Tonale comes at a $2,000 premium. But even if you, like me, believe an eye-catching color is well worth the added cost, it’s no longer available to order from the Alfa Romeo site as of this writing. Instead, you’ll have to check in with a local dealer and see if they have any in stock.

Otherwise, you can be boring and get yours in Alfa White without spending another dime – or shell out a little more for a lot more visual appeal. Whatever you do, just don’t buy gray or Stellantis will dunk you in a vat of orange paint.

Exterior paint colors

• Alfa White (white): $0
• Alfa Rosso (red): $500
• Alfa Black (black): $500
• Grigio Ascari Metallic (gray): $660
• Misano Blue Metallic: $2,200

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale price

Like most cars, the Alfa Romeo Tonale’s price isn’t one-size-fits-all. It comes in three different trim levels, each with its own packages and options. While it starts at $42,995, chances are slim you’ll find a vanilla Sprint model with no additional toppings sitting on the lot of the Maserati dealership near you (where most Alfa Romeos are sold). And, even if you do, there’s a $1,595 destination charge on top of the base price regardless of which configuration you choose.

Trim levels (before taxes and fees)

• Sprint: $42,995
• Ti: $44,995
• Veloce: $47,495

With that in mind, I do recommend leasing a Tonale as opposed to financing, for a number of reasons. The first is that while the list of cars you can buy that qualify for the EV tax credit is getting smaller and smaller, it’s still the wild west for lessees. That’s one of the main reasons you may have noticed a sudden influx of lease deals, even in our own coverage. As long it can be driven using the electric powertrain by itself, at least some of the time, any leased car is eligible for the full $7,500.

In theory, leasing a V8-powered BMW XM could net you the credit, but the mild-hybrid Toyota Prius will not. (I haven’t tried it, but if you do, please report back to me). Ironic considering the XM gets an estimated 13 mpg in the city while the Prius can achieve upwards of 50 mpg. All because the BMW XM is a PHEV, which can travel a whole 30 miles on battery alone, and surely Americans will only use the gas engine as a backup in that ungodly gas guzzler.

Unfortunately, leasing a vehicle means the dealer still holds the title, so the tax credit goes straight to them. Gold Coast Maserati was kind enough to pass the savings on to us, lowering our monthly payment. That won’t always be the case, of course, so make sure you ask your salesperson about the tax credit before signing any paperwork. Remember, walking out is the best negotiation tactic when visiting any car dealership.

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale interior and tech

The interior of any Alfa Romeo is going to be divisive, and the Tonale is no exception. Starting with the high notes, the heated seats and heated leather steering wheel come standard, as do eight-way adjustable front seats, a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster display, a 10.25-inch center touch display, a built-in universal garage door opener, and wireless phone charging.

In making the most of its subcompact frame, Alfa literally outdid itself with the Tonale’s interior. Despite its smaller dimensions on the outside, the Tonale beats the Stelvio when it comes to legroom in both the front and rear cabins. Of course, the Tonale falls short on headroom in comparison to its mid-sized sibling, but only by less than an inch in the back and just under 2 inches in the front. And while it lacks the cargo space of the Stelvio with the back seats down, the Tonale has 4.4 cubic-feet more storage when the seats are up. Yet, despite offering less space, the Stelvio is taller, wider, and longer than the Tonale, making the 2.0L Stelvio’s place in the market all the more confusing.

In addition to the standard interior and tech trappings, the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale has a handful of premium options, but keep your expectations in check, especially if you go for the base trim.

For an extra $1,200, you can add a power moonroof with a matching black shade you can open or close using electronic overhead switches. We outfitted ours with the moonroof, and apart from getting it in a strong color, it’s the only other must-have on the list. Not that it’s a particularly special sunroof. Alfa calls it “semi-panoramic,” which I guess is semi-true. The shade can retract fully, but the moonroof itself stops about halfway. So while your rear-seat passengers can see the sky above them, they won’t be able to recreate this scene. For safety reasons, that’s for the best.

Speaking of safety, an optional $1,895 Active Assist package introduces a few more bells and whistles to reduce the chance of collision. The active driving assist system enables Level 2 autonomous driving, employing an array of sensors to accelerate and brake for you while maintaining your lane position in keeping with the traffic flow. Not self-driving, but certainly more robust than old-school cruise control. On top of the auto-dimming rear-view mirror inside the car, the Active Assist package also dims the side mirrors, an unfortunate necessity given the increasingly blinding headlights on newer cars.

While we did get the full suite of Active Assist features with our Tonale, in retrospect, it was mostly overkill. The main reason we wanted it was for the parking assist features. Living in NYC, as you can imagine, we have to pull into a lot of tight spaces, whether it’s on the street or in a garage. Sometimes those spaces are so tight we give up halfway through to find another spot. Even if we can pull off the tricky maneuver, the cost-benefit analysis we do in our heads advises us against it.

Again, using tiny cameras all around your car to create a 360-degree map of its exterior, the surround-view system eliminates the guesswork. And holy shit does it let you know when you’re too close to something! The incessant beeping drives me to madness, but it’s better than driving me to the body shop. Unless you do a lot of city parking, you can probably skip Active Assist. The standard features will be more than enough for most drivers.

Tech, safety & infotainment

• Uconnect 5 navigation w/ 10.25-inch touch display
• 12.3-inch full TFT LCD color display
• 6-speaker audio
• Universal garage door opener
• Wireless charging pad
• Alfa DNA drive mode system
• Automatic e-brake
• Blind spot and cross-path detection
• Driver attention alert
• Enhanced adaptive cruise control
• Forward-collision warning + full stop
• Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA)
• Lane-keep assist
• LED daytime running headlights
• Front and rear park assist
• ParkView backup camera
• Passive speed-limiting device
• Remote start
• Tire pressure monitoring display
• Traffic sign recognition

Comfort

• Sport cloth heated seats
• Heated leather sport steering wheel
• Door panel bottle holders
• Consoles and storage
• Console with armrest
• Overhead console
• Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirror

Climate control

• AC w/ dual-zone temperature control
• Rear air vents
• PTC heater

Windows and locks

• Power front and rear windows with 1-touch up/down

Interior mirrors

• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Floor mats
• Front floor mats

Interior design

• Black headliner
• MPH primary speedometer
• Vinyl door trim panel
• Vinyl instrument panel

Packages

• High-performance driving: $1,500
  • Features: paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, Brembo brakes w/ Alfa Romeo script
• Active assist advanced: $2,000
  • Features: intelligent speed control, traffic sign recognition, 360-degree camera, front, ParkSense park assist
• Premium interior: $1,500
  • Features: leather-trimmed interior, ventilated front seats
• Premium interior & sound: $2,500
  • Features: leather-trimmed interior, ventilated front seats, 12-speaker Harmon Kardon premium sound system

Interior options

• Sport cloth seat with biscotto stitching: standard
• Perforated black leather seat: $1,500 or $2,500 (depends on package)

2024 Alfa Rome Tonale design, performance and powertrain

Alright, here we go. The moment all you spec-heads have been waiting for. Lift the curtain and cue the drumroll, please! Commanding 285 horsepower (hp) and 350 lb-ft of torque, Alfa claims the Tonale can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds with both the gas engine and electric motors turned on. I haven’t timed it, but that sounds about right, anecdotally speaking. Apart from the AMG version of the Mercedes GLA, the Tonale really does pack the best performance in its class. It might weigh 4,150 pounds at the curb, but in 2023 where everything is built like a tank, that’s less than some sedans.

Powering the rear wheels are two electric motors making 44 and 121 hp as well as 39 and 184 lb-ft of torque for a combined 165 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque with the engine off. Located under the front hood is a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4-cylinder Fiat FireFly-based internal combustion engine (ICE). Originally introduced in the South American market for the regional Fiat Uno, the FireFly was engineered to scale across a range of Stellantis (formerly Fiat-Chrysler) vehicles. You’ll find naturally aspirated versions of it in the Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda while the turbo variant is used in the Jeep Compass and Jeep Renegade, albeit without the electrified bits, at least in the U.S.

On battery power alone, you can drive for 31 miles without recharging. Plugging it into a Level 2 charger will get you a full charge in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, by default, the Alfa Romeo Tonale won’t charge in full swing without adjusting the charge speed on the infotainment first. On the default setting, it takes about 5 and 30 minutes to reach a full charge. Still faster than the 8 hours it takes to fully charge the 15.5-kWh battery using the included 120-volt Level 1 cable.

If you’re in the city, good luck finding a charger that isn’t blocked by an ICE or a Tesla taking up two spots. If you own a house, suck it up and get a Level 2 charger installed. Fortunately, it being a PHEV means the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale never really needs to be plugged in, unless you plan to drive full-time on battery power alone. The DNA drive mode system you’ll find in all modern Alfas lets you toggle between three modes. As far as the Tonale is concerned, Dynamic (D) means the engine and electric motors are on all the time, Natural (N) relies primarily on the electric motors but fires up the engine when the extra power is needed, and Advanced Efficiency (A) runs purely on electric until it runs out of juice.

Driving the Alfa Romeo Tonale in Dynamic Mode will recharge the battery relatively fast. For every mile I drove, I gained one mile back in electric range. Regardless of the mode, you’ll always recoup some power thanks to the Tonale’s regenerative braking capabilities. That’s good news considering the dealer forgot to charge ours until we arrived to pick it up. As a result, my wife had to putter from Long Island to Manhattan on gas alone.

Folks, let me tell you. This is a fun car. Not just fun for a mom car. It handles like an Alfa, which is to say it handles like a BMW or any other German car, only quirkier. I would argue it’s even more fun to drive in EV mode because, without the gas engine powering the front wheels, it’s effectively a rear-wheel drive (RWD) sportback. Although you’re losing horsepower, you can corner like you’re in your favorite racing game. The driving dynamics are astonishingly similar to that of my Giulia Quadrifoglio, and yes, you can disable traction control in any of the three drive modes.

But… BUT – and let me preface this by saying, the Veloce model’s dual sport exhaust note is phenomenal for a 4-cylinder hybrid (I had to double-check to make sure the sound wasn’t playing through the speaker). BUT! When the battery dies down, the excitement dies with it. The Alfa Romeo Tonale running on gas alone sounds like a marathoner gasping at the final mile, desperate for electrolytic replenishment. The dedicated gas-only mode called e-Drive, Alfa-speak for “Grandpa Mode,” turns the Tonale into a front-wheel drive (FWD) boat making 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. If you derive any enjoyment from driving, I suggest you never turn it on.

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale vs 2024 Dodge Hornet

Oh, you thought I wouldn’t bring it up, as if it’s the insect who shall not be named?

Believe me, I am well aware the Dodge Hornet sits on the same Jeep Compass platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale. That they share the same powertrain. And before you say anything, I know it costs nearly $10K less to start. However! Let’s set the record straight. The Alfa Romeo Tonale is not an up-badged Dodge Hornet. The Hornet is a down-badged Tonale. This isn’t a cheap shot at Dodge – Alfa employees have that covered.

In all earnest, they’re two different cars, particularly at the base level where the pricing is at its most disparate. In fact, the $32,330 Dodge Hornet GT isn’t even a hybrid. It’s a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo making 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s 6% less horsepower and 15% less torque than the Alfa Romeo Tonale Sprint. Premium features that come standard on the Tonale, like the heated steering wheel and seats, 18-inch wheels, as well as remote start are optional, so tacking them on the Hornet hikes up the price.

The Dodge equivalent of the $42,995 base model Tonale is the $42,530 Hornet R/T. Buying “American” saves you a whole $465. Congratulations, treat yourself to something nice for Prime Day.

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale: check local availability 2023 Dodge Hornet: check local availability