by Gabrielle DeSantis

Recent Consumer Reports tests found that several new cars across multiple brands that went through a redesign already show signs of defects. Test results put the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Rogue, Toyota Sienna, and other cars under the microscope. Cars considered reliable have issues, but they usually don’t present for a number of years. Even cars considered less than reliable take time to expose their issues. These are some of the most problematic new cars so far, according to Consumer Reports.

2021 Hyundai Elantra

Consumer Reports engineers conducted a test with this year’s Hyundai Elantra and its pedestrian detection system. The emergency braking system worked when tested against a crash dummy, but according to Consumer Reports engineers, the engine would stall during the test, which meant the driver had to shift into park or neutral and restart the engine. The engineers informed Hyundai, which replicated the problem and issued a software update for the Elantra’s transmission. 

2021 Nissan Rogue

This year’s Nissan Rogue exhibited symptoms with its emergency handling. While it would swerve out of a lane and return, the inside wheels would lift off the ground by a couple of inches. Nissan was informed, and they figured the best way to fix the problem was to retune the electronic stability control system (ESC). A local dealer implemented this fix and was not able to replicate the issue. Owners of the 2021 Nissan Rogue should visit a dealer to retune their ESC system.

2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid

Owners of the 2021 Sienna Hybrid may experience extremely sensitive brakes. Consumer Reports tested a Sienna Hybrid and found that it didn’t take much force to make the car come to an abrupt halt, citing difficulty moderating brake application. In other words, a smooth stop was out of the question. Thankfully there is a fix. Dealerships should be able to recalibrate the ABS, which in theory should eliminate the problem. The Toyota Sienna scored middle-range predicted reliability on Consumer Reports’ most reliable minivans list.

2018 Tesla Model 3

Surprisingly, or perhaps unsurprisingly, the Tesla Model 3 ran into some gaps with quality assurance as well. Consumer Reports found during its brake tests that the Model 3’s stop distance was 152 feet from 60 mph. That’s apparently slightly worse than an F-150, and much worse than the Tesla Model X. Tesla fixed the problem with an over-the-air update, which took a 20-foot chunk out of the stopping distance.

Heed these warnings and have your car checked out

Other cars affected by various problems were the 2021 Kia Seltos for its transmission module, the 2020 Cadillac CT5 for its brake line, brake pad sensor, and front camera, as well as the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 and 2020 CLA250 for their airbags. Several recalls have already been issued for the new Chevrolet Tahoe, F-150, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, and the 2020 Mazda CX-30. 

Other cars from the last two years already need repairs from factory defects, including the F-150’s misfiring PowerBoost hybrid engine and the Chevrolet Suburban’s third-row seat not latching properly. It seems from these numerous examples, that quality control has taken a back seat. If you own any of these cars or any new cars for that matter, keep a close eye on Technical Service Bulletins (TBS) and recalls to make sure your car is as safe as it was intended.

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

Have you seen Porsche’s hot pink Taycan? It’s something else. The electric sports car has gotten more than just a new color, though. Porsche has completed a whole host of updates that will make even non-electric vehicle adopters reconsider whether the 2022 Porsche Taycan maybe isn’t so bad after all. 

The 2022 Porsche Taycan will be able to go further on a single charge

One of the updates that Porsche has done to the Taycan is increasing its range. Porsche says that technological improvements have resulted in the newest Taycan to be able to go even farther on a single charge. 

From Porsche‘s press release: “In Normal and Range modes, the front electric motor is almost completely decoupled and de-energised in the partial load range in the all-wheel drive models. Furthermore, no drive is transmitted to either axle when the car is coasting or at a standstill. This electric freewheel function reduces drag losses. The motors are switched on again within milliseconds only when the driver requests more power or changes the driving mode.” This is great news for those with range anxiety, or the fear of running out of battery life without anywhere to charge. 

Additionally, it will be faster to charge the 2022 Porsche Taycan than ever before. This is because the “thermal management and charging functions” have been updated. Now the battery can get hotter than before, which means it will be able to charge faster.

Porsche drivers don’t even have to be in their car to park it

Perhaps most interesting is the ability to remotely park the Taycan via a smartphone. If you’ve ever wanted to stop driving near a parking space, then get out and walk away and use your phone to finish the job, you’re in luck. With the 2022 Porsche Taycan, you’ll be able to do just that. 

Remote Park Assist will work in both parallel and perpendicular spaces and garages. Using sensors and a camera-based system, the 2022 Porsche Taycan will be able to detect a parking space. Drivers can get out and park their Porsche via phone while monitoring how close it’s getting to other vehicles or obstacles.

Of course, color choices in the Taycan are updated

Porsche customers will now be able to get Taycan’s in colors they’ve only dreamed about (or maybe never even imagined). The 2022 Porsche Taycan is available with Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus, as well as 17 standard paint colors. Some of these include 90s throwbacks like Rubystone Red, which is the hot pink Taycan you see here, as well as Moonlight Blue Metallic, Riviera Blue, Viola Metallic, and Acid Green. 

The newest iteration of the Porsche Taycan also includes Android Auto. Previously it only had Apple CarPlay.

Porsche also says that voice control will be easier to use, and voice recognition will be even more accurate than ever before. 

If you’ve been thinking about getting an electric sports car, Porsche’s hot pink Taycan – or maybe Moonlight Blue Metallic – may be just what you’re looking for. With its improved range, additional infotainment features, and 90s style, it’s certainly a unique choice.

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