Shift into Gear (our chat for today)

Hello car enthusiast, Ayrton here!

Welcome to this week’s edition of theGearShift, where we merge the thrill of the drive with the pulse of the latest automotive innovations. Here’s what we've got lined up for you:

• GPS darts are revolutionizing police pursuits, Porsche’s EU Farewell and Subaru’s Safety Recall

• Discover a mystery, what is your car’s VIN number

• Hybrids vs. EVs - the battle for the future of eco-friendly driving

• Rethinking your car’s factory tires

• World of test drivers and must-listen podcasts to movies that get your heart racing

Now, enjoy the ride!

Auto Buzz (news news)

🚓 Tech Meets Law Enforcement: Police are now deploying GPS darts to safely tag and track fleeing vehicles, eliminating the need for dangerous high-speed pursuits.

🚗 Porsche's EU Farewell: Boxster and Cayman Exit Over Cybersecurity Laws. Amidst evolving EU regulations targeting vehicle cybersecurity, Porsche announces the discontinuation of its beloved 718 Boxster and Cayman models in Europe.

🚘 Subaru's Safety Recall: Airbag Alert for 119,000 Vehicles, Subaru initiates a recall for nearly 119,000 midsize crossovers and sedans across the U.S., addressing a critical defect that might hinder airbag deployment during collisions.

🔋 Fisker's Bold Strategy: In a daring move to stay competitive, Fisker announces up to a 39% price reduction on its electric vehicles, with the Ocean crossover's top model seeing a dramatic $24,000 discount.

🚗 Auto Market Relief: with inventories rising to 2.61 million vehicles, a significant jump from last year's 1.74 million, price pressures are easing, signaling 2024 as potentially the most buyer-friendly year in recent history.

Gear Talk (questions answered)

What is the VIN number and where can I find it?

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is essentially your car's unique signature. It's a 17-character code that carries important details about your car, such as its manufacturer, model, and place of production. You can find the VIN in several places: it's most commonly located on the dashboard on the driver's side (visible through the windshield), or on the doorpost of the driver’s side where the door closes. It may also be found under the hood on the engine block, and of course, on your vehicle's registration and insurance paperwork.

The VIN is crucial for a variety of reasons, including car registration, insurance processes, servicing records, and ensuring the car's safety through recall checks. It's also valuable for tracking the car's history, especially in case of theft. Knowing this number is like holding the key to a vault of your car’s history and identity.

On the Road Ahead (what is coming)

Hybrids vs. EVs - What's Your Pick?

Ever thought about changing your gas guzzler for something more eco-friendly? You're not alone! As the green wave sweeps the auto industry, a surprising trend has popped up: drivers in the USA are leaning more towards hybrids than full-on electric vehicles (EVs). Why? Well, hybrids offer the best of both worlds - they're like a familiar old friend with a green thumb. Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, put it simply: switching to a hybrid doesn't mean you have to change how you drive, but you'll still start seeing your wallet thank you as you pass by fewer gas stations.

But wait, aren't EVs supposed to be the future? They are, but they've got a few hurdles to jump over first. Imagine planning a road trip and worrying about where you'll charge up next or thinking about the chunk of change it might cost to fix something if it goes kaput. These worries make hybrids, which still sip a bit of gas but much less so, seem like a safer bet for many. Plus, hybrids don't ask you to learn a whole new set of controls or give up on the convenience of quick fuel-ups.

The numbers tell the tale: while EVs are cool and all, hybrids are zooming ahead in sales. In fact, this year, hybrids are expected to make up 14% of new cars rolling out in the U.S., outpacing EVs. Even with Tesla cutting prices to woo more buyers, it seems like hybrids are the go-to for Americans wanting to dip their toes into more sustainable driving without diving headfirst into the deep end. So, what about you? Are you team hybrid, or are you holding out for an all-electric future?

In the Driver's Seat (steering your way to a smarter car ownership)

Beyond the Original: Why Your Car's Factory Tires Might Not Be the Best Fit

When it's time to replace your car's tires, you might lean towards picking the same model that came with the vehicle. But pause for a moment—those factory-selected tires might not be the best fit for your needs. Why? Because car manufacturers have a different set of priorities when choosing tires, focusing on efficiency, dry grip, noise, comfort, and cost.

For instance, tires on electric vehicles and everyday cars are often chosen for their low rolling resistance. This decision is aimed at maximizing fuel efficiency and extending EV range, which looks great on the EPA tests and in brochures. However, this emphasis on efficiency can sometimes come at the expense of wet grip and tire longevity.

Moreover, the tires are selected to impress during dry condition tests—think sunny afternoons and dry asphalt. This is because much of the automotive press, myself included, tests cars in these conditions, valuing dry handling highly. While a tire that excels in dry conditions and offers low noise is appealing, it may not offer the best performance in the rain or the longest wear life.

So, before automatically opting for a direct replacement, consider what you value most in your driving experience. Is it efficiency and quietness, or are you more concerned with how your car handles in wet conditions and how long your tires will last?

The factory tires were chosen based on a balance of characteristics that might not perfectly align with your driving priorities. By understanding this, you can make an informed decision and potentially find a tire that better suits your needs. Remember, there's likely a tire out there that's a better match for you than the one your car came with. Don’t know what tire to choose? Email us and we help you choose.

Fuel for Thought (curiosities to share)

Secret Agents of the Road: The Thrilling Life of Test Drivers

In the hidden world of car making, test drivers are the secret agents of the automotive industry, pushing boundaries and keeping car fans guessing. Here's a peek behind the curtain at what these automotive ninjas do.

🕵️ Masters of Disguise: Imagine driving a car that's a master of disguise, wrapped in eye-tricking patterns to keep its secrets safe from spying eyes. Test drivers pilot these undercover cars, ensuring that the world stays curious about what’s next in the automotive pipeline. It's like a high-speed game of hide and seek where the cars are the ones hiding in plain sight.

🎨 Detail Detectives: Test drivers aren't just about fast laps; they're like art critics for cars, where every little detail matters. They dive deep into how a car feels, sounds, and responds, turning their experiences into feedback that shapes everything from the roar of the engine to how comfy your seat is. They ensure that by the time a car gets to you, it’s like a masterpiece tailored to perfection.

🌏 Globe-Trotting Adventurers: These drivers take cars on epic adventures across the globe's most extreme environments. From the icy grips of the Arctic to the scorching sands of the desert, they ensure that your car can take on Mother Nature’s mood swings. It’s like sending cars on a world tour of the toughest conditions, making sure they’re ready for whatever adventure you dream up.

Test drivers do more than just drive; they ensure every car is a blend of secrets, precision, and ruggedness

Pit Stop (recommendation for a fun time)

🎙 Behind the Wheel: The Best Car-Centric Podcasts: Tune into the world of automobiles with "Car Talk," where the legendary Magliozzi brothers dispense advice, laughter, and automotive wisdom in equal measure. Or, for a more contemporary spin, check out "The Smoking Tire," which offers deep dives into automotive trends, interviews with industry insiders, and reviews of the latest and greatest in car culture. Whether stuck in traffic or relaxing at home, these podcasts are your ticket to becoming more informed and entertained.

🎬 "Rush" (2013): Directed by Ron Howard, this film thrillingly portrays the fierce 1976 F1 rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda. With exciting race scenes and a deep look into their personal and professional lives, Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl embody the essence of competition and resilience. "Rush" is a homage to the spirit of Formula One, capturing the heart of racing's golden era.

The end for today

Thank you again for the support and for enjoying this week’s theGearShift.

Ayrton