Pinnacle of Luxury

Posted on by Derek Price

Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Ram 1500 Limited continues to uphold the high standard that has become synonymous with Ram’s reputation in the pickup truck segment.

Offering a blend of luxurious comfort, robust capability and advanced technology, this model solidifies its position as a top contender for those seeking the pinnacle of pickup truck refinement.

Inside, passengers are treated to an environment that rivals the comfort and sophistication of luxury sedans. The cabin is a showcase of premium features, from the expansive 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen to the heated and cooled seats that provide an unparalleled level of comfort.

These seats, akin to high-end recliners, and the convenient power running boards elevate the experience, making my Limited tester feel like the Rolls-Royce of pickup trucks.

The technological prowess of the Ram 1500 Limited is equally impressive. The Uconnect system offers advanced features such as split-screen capability and comprehensive 360-degree camera views, ensuring that connectivity and control are always within reach. Whether it’s for entertainment or navigation, the system is designed to meet the demands of modern drivers and passengers.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Limited exudes sophistication with its robust design and advanced features.

On the road, the half-ton Ram shines with its exceptional ride quality. The class-exclusive four-corner Active Level air suspension not only enhances fuel efficiency but also provides a ride that’s smooth and composed, whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating rugged terrain.

This, combined with the truck’s impressive towing and payload capacities, demonstrates that luxury and utility can coexist seamlessly.

However, the luxury and capability of the Ram 1500 Limited come with a hefty price tag. The nearly $82,000 cost for my test model may give potential buyers pause.

For those who value the pinnacle of comfort and performance in a pickup, the Limited offers a compelling proposition. Features like the optional tonneau cover, which protected luggage during a stormy trip, exemplify the truck’s practical yet premium appeal.

The truck’s design incorporates thoughtful details, such as class-exclusive in-floor storage and a multifunction tailgate, enhancing both its functionality and user-friendliness.

Inside the Ram 1500 Limited, luxury meets functionality with plush seating and cutting-edge technology.

The eTorque mild hybrid system provides a boost in fuel efficiency without sacrificing power, available in both V-6 and V-8 configurations. Whether you’re towing heavy loads or simply enjoying a drive, it delivers a balanced and powerful driving experience.

Despite the steep price, the Ram 1500 Limited proves its worth through its extensive list of features and unmatched comfort.

From the luxurious interior to the advanced technology and robust performance, this truck offers a holistic experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in the pickup segment.

While it continues the legacy of its predecessors rather than setting a new standard, it remains a top choice for discerning buyers who seek the best in comfort, technology and performance. It sets a high bar for what a luxury pickup truck can be.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Ram 1500 Limited Crew Carb 4×4 ($69,660). Options: Premium paint ($245), trailer tow group ($1,195), bed utility group ($545), Limited Level 1 Equipment Group ($4,995), trim-fold tonneau cover ($695), anti-spin differential rear axle ($495), multi-function tailgate ($1,095), RamBox ($995). Price as tested (including $1,995 destination charge): $81,915
Wheelbase: 144.6 in.
Length: 232.9 in.
Width: 82.1 in.
Height: 77.5 in.
Engine: 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with eTorque (395 hp, 410 lbs.-ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 18 city, 22 highway

Ratings

Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 4
Handling: 6
Ride: 10
Comfort: 10
Quality: 8
Overall: 9

Why buy it?

Even before its update for 2025, the Ram 1500 remains a luxurious, comfortable and extremely capable pickup.

Posted in Ram

Making a Statement

Posted on by Derek Price

Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO is not just a car. It’s a statement.

This souped-up version of Nissan’s classic two-seater pushes the boundaries of what a sports car can be, offering a blend of exhilarating performance and sophisticated design.

At the heart of the Z NISMO is a twin-turbo engine that’s been fine-tuned to deliver more power—420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, to be precise.

This increase in power is noticeable, especially when you push the car to its limits. The engine’s roar under full throttle is intoxicating, a deep and satisfying sound that enthusiasts will love.

The Z NISMO isn’t just about straight-line speed. It’s about delivering a dynamic, track-ready experience that excites drivers of all abilities.

The NISMO-tuned suspension and brakes, along with a stiffened chassis, ensure that the car handles as well as it accelerates. Whether you’re carving corners on a back road or hitting the apex on a race track, the Z NISMO is designed to deliver a thrilling drive.

The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO showcases a striking exterior with its aerodynamic “Grand-Nose” front design.

The car’s exterior has been thoughtfully designed to enhance its performance. The distinctive “Grand-Nose” front end not only pays homage to Nissan’s racing heritage but also improves the car’s aerodynamics.
The revised bodywork and wider wheels contribute to a more aggressive stance and better handling. The attention to detail is evident, with each element designed to improve the car’s performance and aesthetics.
Inside, the Z NISMO offers a cockpit that’s driver-focused. The manual-adjust Recaro seats, leather and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and red-anodized engine-start and drive mode buttons create an environment that’s both premium and performance-oriented.

The cockpit of the Z NISMO blends sporty luxury with functionality, featuring manual-adjust Recaro seats.

The cabin is a place where drivers can feel connected to the car, enhancing the overall driving experience.

However, one of the Z NISMO’s potential drawbacks is its transmission. The car is available only with a nine-speed automatic gearbox, which might disappoint some purists who prefer the control and engagement of a manual transmission.

While the automatic is tuned for performance, offering quick shifts and a Sport+ mode for track use, the absence of a manual option feels like a missed opportunity to fully connect with the car’s capabilities.

The price point of the Z NISMO is another consideration. Starting at $65,090, it’s a significant investment.

While the car offers good performance and content for the money, its cost may put it out of reach for some enthusiasts. It also strays from the Z’s long reputation for being reasonably affordable.

It’s a premium proposition, but for those who can afford it, the Z NISMO promises a thrilling driving experience.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Nissan Z NISMO ($64,900). Options: Premium paint ($1,695), floor mat package ($410), illuminated kick plate ($500). Price as tested (including $1,095 destination charge): $68,690
Wheelbase: 100.4 in.
Length: 173.2 in.
Width: 73.6 in.
Height: 51.8 in.
Engine: 3.0-liter twin turbocharged V6 (420 hp, 384 lbs.-ft.)
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 17 city, 24 highway

Ratings

Style: 10
Performance: 10
Price: 4
Handling: 9
Ride: 3
Comfort: 4
Quality: 8
Overall: 9

Why buy it?

It looks, feels and sounds spectacular, offering hardcore sports-car thrills for enthusiasts who don’t mind an automatic transmission.

Posted in Nissan

Bigger, But Is It Better?

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

If you want to see how far cars have progressed in the past 30 years, I’ve got a real-life case study this week in my driveway.

My 1994 Mazda Miata — a tiny, two-seat sports car that weighs around 2,300 pounds — was rated for 19 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway when it was new.

Fast-forward 30 years, and the biggest Mazda for sale today — the all-new 2024 CX-90 — weighs more than twice as much as my Miata, makes more than twice the horsepower and feels about five times as big. Yet, in federal testing, it gets better gas mileage than the Miata did in 1994.

The CX-90 is rated 24 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, both mind-blowing numbers to boring people like me.

Despite being a whole lot bigger and more luxurious than the now-deceased CX-9, God rest its soul, the massive, spacious new three-row crossover burns gas at roughly the same rate economy cars did in the not-so-distant past.

But is it as good as the CX-9? That’s the bigger question to me.

The 2024 CX-90 is considerably bigger than the CX-9 it replaces. This three-row crossover mixes fun-to-drive Mazda DNA with spacious practicality.

For a long time, the CX-9 was a top pick for people who need three rows of seating but also want a close, engaged connection to the pavement. If you didn’t want to spring for a pricey Porsche, Mercedes or BMW crossover, the closest thing you could get to that experience was the Mazda CX-9 with its fun-to-drive magic.

The bad news is that the CX-90 just isn’t as fun as its predecessor, mainly because of its bulkier size. If I had to pick a crossover to fling around a street course for a day — a ridiculous example, but stick with me — I’d pick the CX-9 just because it would make me smile bigger.

The good news is that the CX-90 is tangibly better in every other way, including very likely faster around that imaginary street course. It just doesn’t feel as thrilling, an intangible thing that isn’t going to be high on most buyers’ shopping lists.

Instead, the CX-90 offers what matters to more of today’s SUV shoppers: space, comfort and technology.

Mazda is marching the CX-90 farther upmarket with its luxurious cabin design, including solid construction, supple materials, a quiet driving experience and lots of built-in tech features.

It still drives nicely, with three great power choices built around Mazda’s new 3.3-liter, turbocharged, inline six-cylinder engine.

The base version makes 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, more than average in this class and enough to make my tester feel sprightly.

A high-output version is also available that makes 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, along with a plug-in hybrid that can drive up to 25 miles on pure electric power before its 323-horsepower gasoline engine kicks in.

Every version of the CX-90 is bigger and more luxurious than the CX-9 was. It’s longer and wider, and the cabin has a supple, solid feeling that will appeal to people cross-shopping luxury brands.

I loved how roomy and downright comfortable my CX-90 tester felt. It’s a great way to spend hours on the highway in quiet, blissful comfort, yet its still feels firm enough in corners to let its Mazda DNA show through.

Not surprisingly, its price has moved upmarket, too. With the base engine, it starts at $37,485 and tops out at $48,900. The upgraded 340-hp engine starts at $49,850 and peaks at $55,950 for the fancy Premium Plus trim level.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus ($52,950). Options: Premium paint ($595). Price as tested (including $1,375 destination charge): $54,920
Wheelbase: 122.8 in.
Length: 201.6 in.
Width: 84.9 in.
Height: 68.7 in.
Engine: 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six cylinder (280 hp, 332 lbs.-ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 24 city, 28 highway

Ratings

Style: 9
Performance: 8
Price: 6
Handling: 8
Ride: 8
Comfort: 8
Quality: 9
Overall: 9

Why buy it?

All-new for 2024, the CX-90 is powerful, spacious and upscale enough to compete with luxury brands.

Posted in Mazda

Reviews

[GARD]