F-150 Lightning Platinum First Test: The Revolution Will Be Quick and Quiet

Last year, Acura's dramatic announcement that the celebrated Integra nameplate would be making a return in 2022 set the automotive world abuzz. Like Kim being asked about Kanye (or vice-versa), the automaker was bombarded with questions about the modern-day version of its entry-level phenom and, as of this month, the details were finally laid out and you can now order a 2023 Acura Integra of your own. Speaking of—a surprise has sprung forth from those reservations that have already begun flowing in... Decisions, DecisionsAs of March 10, Acura's Integra pre-order program has been underway and, according to Emile Korkor, Assistant Vice President of Acura sales, the reception has been exceptional. "We are absolutely thrilled with the pre-launch response to the 2023 Integra. The total number of reservations has far exceeded our expectations and most exciting is that around 70 percent of Integra reservations are for the 6-speed manual. We're confident this new Integra will inspire a new generation of enthusiasts buyers for the Acura brand."Hold up—seventy percent of pre-orders so far are for the stick-shift model? More surprising is that the manual is available only on the top-dog A-Spec trim level. Unlike the mechanically related Honda Civic Si, which is only armed with a six-speed manual, the Integra is offered in both CVT and 3-pedal form, with the CVT being standard on the entry-level model. The Integra one-ups the Honda, somewhat, by combining the Si powertrain with a five-door hatchback body style—a combo you can't get on the Civic, though the upcoming (more powerful) Civic Type R will be hatch-only.Proof Is In The PuddingWe know car enthusiasts hate to hear it, but the masses prefer to avoid needing to select their own gears, hence why there are so few manual transmission options at your local dealerships these days. A 70 percent manual take rate (and, yes, we know, these are pre-orders) is a significant indicator that proves there are still corners of the market to where those of us that prefer to stir our own gears flock. It should be noted that historically, the Integra has enjoyed a 56 percent manual-transmission take rate across its various generations and model types. Even if you're not a fan of the new Integra, this latest news makes a difference, especially if you want to keep seeing manual options put forth by automakers.Had Acura only offered a CVT option, there's little doubt the automotive social media bubble might have consequently imploded. The digital jury is always swift and harsh with any new vehicle debuts, and the modern Integra has not been spared by any means. However, Honda and Acura continue putting forth considerable effort to feed the enthusiast market cars fans can tinker with and hopefully encourage a whole new generation of potential tuners and buyers. Love it or hate it, the new Integra is crucial in helping to nudge the #savethemanuals movement forward.

Here is some welcome news for any prospective car shoppers this year: while the 2023 Kia Sportage will see a price increase for the LX trim, the EX and SX trims are getting some price decreases. It's not very common to hear of price drops in today's inflated market, but the new Sportage has plenty to offer with four new editions added to the lineup; the SX Prestige, the X-Line, the X-Pro, and the X-Pro Prestige which all look to replace the 2022 Sportage Nightfall Edition.The New Sportage PlatformEven as the price does decrease for the 2022 EX and SX trims, it seems that Kia didn't want to degrade the fifth generation Sportage. First, the 2023 Sportage rides on Kia's new N3 platform, which underpins the Sorento. Not only does this increase the size of the Sportage but it also adds more strength and torsional stiffness to its chassis. There is also new sound absorbing and insulation to reduce noise, vibration and harshness from the road, wind, and engine.Kia Sportage Standard EquipmentStandard equipment on the new 2023 Sportage include dual panoramic curved displays that Kia says "seamlessly connects two screens for nearly 25 inches of digital viewing" and provides a large screen for the 360 Degree Surround View Monitor with 3D View and live feed Blind-Spot View Monitor within the instrument cluster. The Sportage also offers eight standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features. For up scale levels like the EX, SX, and X-Line, as well as X-Pro and both Prestige trims, an enhanced ADAS includes Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) Assist with Junction Turning capability and Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist are available. While not announced, Kia says that turbocharged hybrid and PHEV Sportage variants will launch at a later date with pricing coming "closer to their on-sale dates."2023 Kia Sportage PricingEven at the base level, the 2023 Sportage LX's $1,900 increase for the FWD ($27,205) and $2,200 increase for the AWD ($29,005) version aren't all that bad over its 2022 price ($25,305 and $26,805, respectively). Even the $1,800 premium of going AWD for the 2023 Sportage isn't a huge increase over the $1,500 cost in 2022. Especially when compared to many other CUVs in its range that saw much larger increases. It's enough to justify the new chassis for the fifth generation Sportage and make you wonder how Kia is doing it.The EX and SX, on the other hand, saw price decreases when compared to 2022. The EX FWD is $29,205 where it was $29,605 and the AWD is now $31,005 where it was $31,105. While not more than a $500 drop, it's a drop none-the-less. The AWD premium is also the same increase as the LX ($1,800) and within the same price difference between 2023 and 2022 (a $300 increase).Kia Sportage X-Line, X-Pro, and Prestige TrimsThe Nightfall Edition from 2022 isn't making a return for 2023. Instead, there are X-Line and X-Pro trims along with Prestige versions of the SX and X-Pro. The X-Line is offered only in AWD and rings up at $32,005 while the X-Pro also only comes as AWD but costs $36,205. The X-Line "blends sporty and rugged" looks to the Sportage and adds Unique front and rear bumpers with a satin chrome surround with a side garnish and adds a gloss black finish to the side mirrors, roof rack and window surrounds. The roof rack's rails are also raised for better off-road focused accessory support. Finally, there is a set of 19-inch wheels made just for the Sportage X-Line.The 2023 Sportage X-Pro is designed by Kia to be much more trail ready than the X-Line. In order to meet that demand, the X-Pro comes with 17-inch matte black wheels that are as off-road focused as its 17-inch BF Goodrich A/T tires. The roof also comes as a two-tone color treatment while the windshield washer nozzles are heated to help remove frost and ice in cold temperatures. To help you navigate your unpaved path, the X-Pro comes with a multi-terrain mode that includes Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow modes.The Prestige versions of the SX and X-Pro offer more upscale treatment, with the X-Pro Prestige including ventilated front seats, an eight-way power front passenger seat, and LED fog lights and available LED Projector headlights for better forward vision. The Sportage X-Pro Prestige comes in at $38,005 while the SX Prestige rings in at $34,705 for the FWD and $36,505 for the AWD version.

New year, new you, and that can also mean a new car. What better way to reset life than updating your means of transportation? This month, automakers are providing significant discounts on leases and a couple electric vehicles to make that leap into a new car a little easier. Customers will also find major savings on an Acura supercar before it rides off into the sunset. These are January's best new car deals.Also check out the best new SUV deals for January.