can’t be too obvious apparently
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Tesla Model 3 Long Range: Car and Driver 2025 10 Best Cars
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a62942072/10best-2025-tesla-model-3-long-range/
We drove some cars today (Subaru, Toyota) and stopped at VW. Wow - there are a lot of car shoppers out there today. (And I have a good friend in another state who bought a car this afternoon).
The Toyota Crown (hybrid, regenerative) was nice than expected. The Crown Signa suv-like model worked better for us. But so far for a long road trip we still prefer the ride of our old Audi.
The seats in the Toyota Crown hybrid worked really well for my husband, and he thinks it would be decent for our long road trips. We are now considering a plan where we replace my beloved 2006 Odyssey, defer his Audi replacement a few years. Not really sure we’ll go that path, but it does mean that as we explore the idea I’ll be driving some SUV-ish cars.
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Notes from recent car shopping:
- showrooms are crowded, fewer cars to test drive (as expected near year end) and low inventory on the lot to buy (ok for us since we are still exploring ideas, likely to order next year anyway)
- Subaru still has the traditional glossy marketing brochures. Others we visited have gone “green” (and/or cheap), just refer customers to online info. One Toyota dealer printed web info, but another just gave the website.
- Salespeople/brands report lack of interest in all electric EV, but lots of variety of hybrid and plug-hybrid models.
- The claim is that the newer batteries are more reliable, and all seem to have 8 or 10 year warranty.
- RAV4 hybrid is quite popular here, zero on the lots (except for those with committed buyers) . One Toyota salesperson said they sell so many of them in Colorado that they are being highly encouraged to drum up interest for the Toyota trucks on the lot.
- Various navigation systems, but I think most brands are trying to play nice with Apple CarPlay etc.
- A Lexus saleman mentioned a discount ($600?) for Costco members.
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LOL - that photo make me think of need for tetanus shots- Cybertrunk edges are supposedly darned sharp
I’ve watched a few reviews of the new Dodge Charger Scat Pack EV. Everyone seems to love the styling(as do I) and they all think the interior is much improved. Most find it fun to drive, and almost everyone loves the simulated engine noise it makes. Universally people love the massive brakes, which are necessary to stop such a heavy car.
In the end though, almost every review concludes with the opinion that no one will buy it. Why? Apparently there is an ICE version coming out later in 2025 called the Challenger Hurricane with a straight-six twin turbo engine.
Maybe I’ll buy a left over 2025 this time next year when they’re trying to move out inventory.
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Husband found this at Liberty Station. Not sure if it’s there for the official lighting, or just randomly driving around.
Edit - husband confirmed it’s just a random Menorahmobile.
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Probably via Chabad. I am not a fan. Very annoying to be approached by young Jewish Hassidim coming out of the Mitzvah Tank, a large vehicle that parks in upper-middle-class neighborhoods. “Pardon me miss: are you Jewish?” Of course I was born Jewish but extremely annoying.
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Yes, the sign says Chabad. It’s been a thing for many years, driving giant menorahs through cities. I didn’t pay much attention to Chabad until I saw the very nice things they did for students in son’s college area (two universities). Like the Chocolate Seder! They were laid back and welcoming.
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In my mind, that’s because it’s a Dodge/Stellantis. And the company and brands aren’t doing well.
As far as styling, it’s certainly better than the previous generation of Charger, but still pretty plain IMO. It still looks old.
ETA: Almost 6,000 lbs?
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Specifically, a Dodge Charger - the bane of every car renter who is given one when the rental place is out of their compact car. Even car enthusiasts like my friend who designs race tracks hate when they are handed keys to a Charger. 
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If my only option is a Charger, and thankfully it’s never been an option at the rental car counter for me, then I’ll run. 
Seriously, does the rental Charger come standard with tinted windows and obnoxiously loud exhaust (and I’ve been to a few race tracks in my life) also?
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Perhaps intentionally, since it is styled to look like something Bo and Luke would drive.
The BMW M5 can now relax because something else will be the most obvious example of automotive obesity.
Plus the reviews are pretty negative, as auto reviews go. I can’t imagine watching and believing the first review yet still wanting this car, especially if one is shopping for an EV. Almost 75K for a glitchy, range-challenged, overweight car trying way too hard to be something it fundamentally isn’t. It makes no sense to build EVs that also must accommodate a ICE drivetrain
I was actually just thinking it’s old looking, not retro at all. But as you mention it, I remembered the new Dodge Charger may be drawing inspiration from the old 1971-1974 Dodge Chargers, which are considered, even by Mopar (Chrysler) fans, as being ugly.
I ended up with one when the Camry I rented wasn’t available. It was fun to drive for a few days.
The one I ended up with was a 392, so it was very loud. I can’t remember if the windows were tinted. I can tell you the side mirrors were tiny and the rear window was small though.
UUUUU-gly!