Latest news with #KristinShaw
Forbes
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The Family-Friendly 2025 Mazda CX-90 In North Carolina
2025 Mazda CX-90 Kristin Shaw During the summer months, North Carolina can be oppressively hot and humid, but it's also lush, green, and packed with things to see and do. That's especially true for Chapel Hill and Durham, part of the research triangle where the University of North Carolina and Duke University are based. While you're visiting the area, you're going to need wheels; why not have one that's comfortable, elegant, and reliable, like the Mazda CX-90? My family and I stayed in Chapel Hill and drove up to the Virginia International Raceway for a session with Teen Driving Solutions for my 15-year-old son. The driving school started at 8 a.m. sharp and finished before 5 p.m. both weekend days, and then we climbed back into the CX-90 to stay in our rental house. Here's what you need to know about the Mazda CX-90 to evaluate its suitability for your family. Mazda CX-90 interior Mazda Mazda's interiors are reliably sleek and beautifully styled. For $60,000, our CX-90 included seating for seven passengers, heated front seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, three-zone heating and cooling, and window shades for the second row. Mazda CX-90 Mazda If you're driving the CX-90, you're getting an SUV equipped with radar cruise control with stop and go ability, smart braking support, blind spot monitoring with vehicle exit warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist, plus rear seat alert, driver attention alert, and an anti-theft immobilizer system. The CX-90 PHEV is powered by 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to complete the hybrid system. Use 91 octane fuel, and you'll get 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While I was driving it, the CX-90 accelerated evenly and easily with no drama. I didn't need to haul a small camper or trailer this time, but if I had, the CX-90 could have towed up to 3,500 pounds. Mazda CX-90 Mazda Standard in every CX-90 PHEV is a 12.3-inch full color center display, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It all works well and phone pairings happen without a hitch. However, the CX-90 still uses Mazda's command control knob in the console to control the system. It has long been my least favorite thing about Mazda vehicles, and I'm looking forward to the day the brand updates to a touchscreen. Mazda has said for several years that it uses the command control knob to help keep the drivers' eyes on the road. I can see the intent, and it's a noble pursuit. For those who own a CX-90, they'll likely set their favorites and carry on without any fuss. TrackOut is a vacation home near the Virginia International Raceway. TrackOut Drive The CX-90 Straight To These Overnight Stays We chose the Hyatt-owned Rizzo Center in Chapel Hill's Meadowmont Village, which is just a few minutes from the blue-festooned campus of UNC. Rizzo Center was a hit with my teen and a good friend of his, as they enjoyed the gym, the basketball court, and the ice cream treats in the freezer on every floor. While we were at the Virginia International Raceway, we rented the TrackOut house five minutes away from the track. This vacation home has eight separate bedrooms, all with full bathrooms en suite, or you can rent out the entire house. It has a full kitchen and motorsports-themed decor, and you can't beat the proximity if you're going to the Teen Driving Solutions advanced driving school or to run some laps in your own car. Don't race the Mazda CX-90 on the track, though. Save those tires for the drive home. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Mazda's Electrification Plan Is Paying Off, And This Is Why By Kristin Shaw Forbes 2024 Mazda CX-90 Test Drive: A Luxury Flagship And Family Staple By Scotty Reiss Forbes Inside Nissan's Pursuit Of The Perfect Cupholder By Kristin Shaw
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Everything You Need To Know About The Updated 2026 Genesis GV70
2026 Genesis GV70 Genesis In North America, the most popular vehicle in the entire Genesis lineup is the two-row GV70 SUV. One in three Genesis vehicles sold is a GV70, and for good reason: it's a beautiful, solid SUV with two engine options, well-designed interior touches, and a 10-year warranty. That's hard to beat. The 2026 Genesis GV70 takes its popularity a step further, integrating improvements customers have been asking for. For instance, the automaker heard customers say the cup holders were hard to use because the front console was uneven and the cup holders weren't flexible enough to hold different sizes and types of vessels. The 2026 model addresses that, and more. From the moment you pick up its elegant key fob, the GV70 oozes elegance. 2026 Genesis GV70 Kristin Shaw The 2026 Genesis GV70 includes a new dashboard-spanning 27-inch display, upgraded cabin lighting, an enhanced skid plate to protect the underbelly, and a more streamlined hood emblem. Other design element updates focus on the rear spoiler, wheels, and distinctive grille. Six trims are available, with subtle differences between them. For example, the standard trims feature a hidden muffler and chrome details, while sport variants include dark chrome molding and an exposed exhaust pipe. If you're someone who likes to drive on varied types of roads in all weather, you'll like the new terrain knob with options for snow, mud, or sand. Nine exterior colors are available, including the new Ceres Blue, a celestial blue-gray inspired by the dwarf planet Ceres. I'm a big fan of the contrasting orange seat belts with the Ultramarine Blue interior. Inside the cabin, I appreciated the new touch-operated HVAC controls that are easy to reach and use. The 2026 GV70 retains its two very capable engines from the previous year, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 making 300 and 375 horsepower, respectively. Both versions are all-wheel drive, and the SUV accelerates quickly and smoothly, giving the driver plenty of confidence to pass or merge onto a highway. Its dual exhaust has been revamped, and the cabin is serenely quiet due to the updates and a new electronic noise-canceling program makes it even better. Fuel efficiency is decent, as the GV70 is good for between 26 and 28 miles per gallon combined. 2026 Genesis GV70 interior Kristin Shaw Genesis GV70 Technology For the 2026 model, Genesis enhanced its voice recognition controls, improved its software update capabilities and the GV70 includes a Smart Key that now opens the door to the second row too. The GV70 SUV is equipped with a generous set of driver-assist features like rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent speed limit assist, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot collision warning. Genesis also updated the steering wheel function with a capacitive sensor that gives you more grace on long drives, requiring just a light touch instead of frequent squeezes. Remote Smart Parking Assist also has the ability to help you navigate into diagonal and perpendicular parking spots. Listen up, audiophiles: the available Bang & Olufsen surround system with Beosonic technology is an option you don't want to skip. Sixteen speakers push out high-quality sound, and I'd highly recommend something upbeat and new in this SUV, like music by Benson Boone and Teddy Swims. 2026 Genesis GV70 Genesis Luxury Inside The Genesis GV70 Genesis has taken cues from some of its concept vehicles and integrated its creativity into each vehicle. Glass knobs, supple leather, and metal trim accentuate the cabin even in the base trim; working up the trim line offers amenities like a panoramic glass roof, brushed aluminum, suede, and a 'mood curator' that includes a scent cartridge. This Korean brand under the Hyundai Motor Group umbrella values the balance of white space, balancing technology with elegant lines. Nothing looks fussy or overdone. From a practical standpoint, the GV70's rear cargo space is plentiful at 28.9 cubic feet. Whether you're hauling golf clubs, luggage for a family getaway or a weekend with friends, or kids' sports equipment, it all fits in the back. Plus, the rear seats can be folded flat from the back. 2026 Genesis GV70 cabin Genesis The Bottom Line: The GV70 Continues To Be A Star The GV70 should be on your list if you're in the market for a two-row SUV. It competes with luxury brands like Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, but with a better warranty and pricing. Plus, the GV70 built in Alabama, which means tariffs are less likely to affect this model. And that, these days, is welcome news. The 2026 Genesis GV70 starts at $47,985, plus $1,450 for destination fees. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Test-Driving The Genesis GV80: Baseball, Hot Dogs And A Plush SUV By Kristin Shaw Forbes Hyundai Hope On Wheels Commits $27 Million More For Pediatric Cancer Research By Kristin Shaw Forbes 5 Things You Need To Know About The Audi RS6 Avant By Kristin Shaw
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
3 Reasons The 2025 Ford Mustang GT Is Still An American Dream Machine
Ford Mustang Kristin Shaw Now in its seventh generation, the Ford Mustang has been the quintessential muscle car since 1964. Over the years, the Mustang has starred in movies and fueled dreams for anyone who appreciates its distinctive body shape and sound. I don't know about you, but while I think the all-electric Mustang Mach-e is an outstanding all-electric car, there's nothing like the traditional vroom vroom of a Mustang with an internal combustion setup. Starting with the 2024 model, the Mustang was transformed and updated with a new digital dashboard, a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, and unique front ends for each trim level. That includes new hood vents and a redesigned front splitter for the GT model. Happily, it doesn't look like the Mustang is bowing out of the lineup anytime soon. Whew. The Ford Mustang continues to evolve. Ford For 2025, the Ford Mustang includes a choice: a 315-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four or 480-horsepower 5.0-liter Coyote V8. The Blue Oval added a new Remote Rev feature so you can rev the engine remotely with your key fob to impress your friends. Want to drift? There is an available new Electronic Drift Brake so you can perfect your technique. (Just be ready to buy a new set of tires sooner than later.) Still, if you want the whole 'Stang experience and money is no object (we're talking $300K plus), go for the 2025 Mustang GTD. Motivated by a supercharged 815-hp 5.2-liter V8 engine, it's a race car for the masses with special treatment for the suspension, transaxle, and its adjustable dampers. Today, Ford announced the 2025 Mustang GTD shaved more than five seconds off its lap time at the Nürburgring track. Ford Mustang Ford Inside the fighter jet-inspired cockpit, a customizable 12.4-inch digital driver's display offers information in an array of looks. Using video game creation tool Unreal Engine 3D, all it takes is a swipe of the touchscreen to adjust the settings. Right next to that, a 13.2-inch touchscreen presents crisp infotainment graphics to control the audio system, climate control, and more. Ford didn't neglect driver-assist features either, equipping the Mustang with speed sign recognition, lane centering assist, evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-g0. I'm a fan of the active pothole mitigation technology (part of the Performance Package) that is on alert for jarring dips in the road and adjusts the suspension, steering, and braking inputs as needed. Ford Mustang Ford My favorite trim in the 2024 lineup is the Mustang GT, which includes both the powerful 800-horsepower 5.2-liter V8 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. I'd highly recommend adding the GT Performance package for the best handling. Manual transmissions are not as easy to find as they used to be, and Ford provides an exciting gear-shifting drive in the GT. Each shift is smooth, the revs thrilling, and the clutch calibrated for a friction point at just the right spot. Ford is keeping the love alive for stickshifts, and the Ford Mustang GT does it right.
Forbes
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Baseball, Hot Dogs, And A Genesis GV80: How To Road Trip In Arizona
Genesis GV80 Kristin Shaw If you're a baseball fan but have never stepped foot in a major league baseball spring training facility, start making plans for next season. There's something special and magical about the spring training games, and you can find them in the Phoenix, Arizona area as well as several cities across Florida. One thing you're going to need, in either region, is a car to get from stadium to stadium. This year, I piloted a Genesis GV80 for spring break, and it got me and my family to the games in style and plush comfort. Several years ago, my family and I explored the Grapefruit League and attended eight games in six different ballparks over 13 days. It was quite the baseball gauntlet, especially since the games in Florida are spread out across the state. In Arizona, the ballparks are all roughly within an hour of each other. That makes it a lot easier to see more fields and more teams. My favorite home base is the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, located northeast of Phoenix in the posh Scottsdale neighborhood. Sloan Park, home of the Cubs, is only 20 minutes away and even the furthest fields are a pleasant ride from the Princess. This year, my family and I stayed in a Privado suite, one of the well-appointed villas that has its own valet and check-in station. The Privado section looks over one of the meticulously-kept golf courses on the property, framed by gorgeous flowers and rock gardens. It was an easy walk to the resort's eateries from our villa. I highly recommend La Hacienda for excellent margaritas and tableside guacamole; if you do, do not miss the spectacular flaming coffee for dessert, which combines tequila, coffee, cream, and cinnamon with a show of fire. The Genesis GV80 is a great match at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, holding its own next to alternative luxury rides driven by other guests. I even spotted a 90s-era Ferrari a visitor had purchased just weeks before (likely at the annual Barrett-Jackson auction nearby). Car and Driver rates the Genesis GV80 a 10 out of 10, and for good reason. The brand is part of the massive Hyundai Motor Group as the luxury arm of this growing company. Kia is also under the HMG umbrella, cranking out hit after hit like the Telluride and Sorento. Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia have launched creative and beautiful concept cars in past years, with no signs of slowing down. I'm particularly excited about the X convertible concept unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show two years ago. Psst, Genesis, let's see this one in production! Equipped with two engine options--a 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and or a 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6--the Genesis GV80 offers excellent handling around town and on the highway. While the V6 is markedly more thrilling during acceleration, fuel economy takes a hit from 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the inline-four to 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with the larger engine. The Genesis GV80 SUV is road-trip ready. Kristin Shaw Inside the GV80, ambient lighting accentuates wood and metal trim for an elegant feel. A 27-inch display wraps across the dashboard, and the map graphics are crisp and clear. The wireless smartphone charger worked well as long as no other items were placed on top of phone (like earbuds or keys). At nearly 35 cubic feet behind the second row, there was more than enough space for our luggage for a weekend trip; we could have doubled our luggage allotment easily. I found the upscale Bang & Olufsen audio system to be immersive, with high-quality sound. Need a road trip tune suggestion? Try 'Panama' by Van Halen or for something newer, go with 'Stargazing' by Myles Smith. Last, but certainly not least, one of my favorite features of the Genesis GV80 is its extensive warranty: 10 years for the powertrain, a 5-year limited warranty, and 3 years of complimentary maintenance. All in all, excellent value starting at around $60,000 for the base model.
