A Night of Cars, Culture, and Creativity: Super Street After Dark

Everything a JDM car enthusiast could dream of. The Super Street After Dark event made its grand debut on September 7, 2024, at Kaiser Kars in Compton, California. MotorTrend, the team behind this event, delivered an incredible night that blended car culture, art. Imagine over 250 modified cars, mostly JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) icons, parked under the night sky. You could feel the excitement, especially from people who’ve grown up loving the tuner scene—those early 2000s vibes were alive and kicking!

It wasn't just a car show. One of the coolest aspects was the "Art Cars"—tuner vehicles that had been transformed into rolling masterpieces by local artists. It’s an incredible reminder that, for many in the car community, these vehicles are more than just transportation; they’re a canvas, a reflection of their personality, style, and passion.

The energy at the event was unmatched. It was a celebration of creativity, not just in car mods but in the way cars can be tied into the broader culture. JDM fans would have been in heaven seeing the deep connection to Japanese automotive heritage, which was clear from the cars and the overall aesthetic of the event. It was a true nod to the 90s and 2000s, which were key eras for import tuning culture​.

I think events like this are more than just gatherings for gearheads. They’re spaces where people can express themselves, connect with a community that understands their passion, and celebrate something they love. If you ask me, Super Street After Dark nailed it by combining these elements of art and cars. It wasn’t just about horsepower—it was about the culture.

Super Street After Dark sets a high bar for car events. If you’re into JDMs, art, or even just the broader car culture, this should definitely be on your radar for next year. It’s proof that the tuner scene is still alive and kicking, continuing to evolve in creative and exciting ways.

Why These Cars Are Stuck on Dealer Lots

The slowest-selling cars in America right now might surprise you. Topping the list are the Dodge Hornet and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, each sitting on lots for an average of 428 days! Yup, that's more than a full year’s worth of inventory just waiting to be sold. These models, both from Stellantis, are struggling to catch buyers’ attention despite being newer or higher-end vehicles.

So, what's the deal? The Hornet, for instance, hasn’t quite found its place in the crowded crossover market. Maybe it’s because buyers have so many similar options, or I guess it just doesn’t stand out enough in terms of style or features. Meanwhile, the Grand Wagoneer is a high-end, luxury SUV with a hefty price tag, which might explain why it’s not flying off the car lots.

Interestingly, it's not just Stellantis feeling the heat. Other brands like Mercedes-Benz and Maserati are also seeing their models, such as the EQB and Levante, hanging around their lots longer than expected. With competition from more affordable and trendy alternatives, it’s a bit tough for these vehicles to grab attention.

I think this speaks to how picky buyers have become—and perhaps rightfully so. When you’re shelling out big bucks for a car, it better check all the boxes, from performance to tech features. And let’s face it, if something isn’t screaming value or a great price, it’s easy to move on to the next option. Also, brands that rely heavily on luxury appeal are learning the hard way that not every market can sustain high price tags, especially when there are more cost-effective alternatives that look just as good!

For car shoppers, this could be an excellent time to snag a deal on one of these slow-moving models. Dealerships might be willing to negotiate lower prices to clear their inventory. If you've had your eye on a Hornet or a Grand Wagoneer but thought it was out of reach, this might be your chance!

Italy Fights Back EU’s ICE Ban!

Italy is pushing back hard against the European Union's plan to ban sales of new combustion engine cars by 2035, calling it "absurd." Italian officials, including Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, have criticized the ban, saying it's rooted in an "ideological vision" that doesn't reflect the reality on the ground. They argue that switching entirely to electric vehicles (EVs) by that deadline is unrealistic and could hurt the European automotive industry. In short, they’re asking for a bit more breathing room, advocating for a review of the plan as early as 2025 instead of waiting until 2026​.

The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, feels that each country should have the freedom to figure out how to meet their own environmental goals. Sure, places like Norway are well on their way to going fully electric, but Italy and other nations have more hurdles to overcome before making such a drastic shift. They’re also pushing for the development of alternative fuels, like synthetic fuels, to keep the internal combustion engine (ICE) alive in a more eco-friendly way.

Italy makes a fair point. While EVs are clearly the future, expecting every country in the EU to meet the same deadline doesn’t account for different economic and infrastructure challenges. It's also worth noting that not all automakers are as confident about their all-electric goals as they once were. If even car giants like Mercedes and Volvo are hesitant, you know there’s something to consider here.

The push for cleaner cars is important, but it needs to be balanced with reasonable practicality. Italy is right to call for a more flexible approach that allows countries to move at their own pace. In the end, the goal should be reducing emissions, whether through EVs, alternative fuels, or a mix of both. Let’s just hope the EU finds a middle ground that keeps everyone moving in the right direction without causing too much disruption.

Cited Sources/Photos:

LACar - Car Culture Ground Zero, Motor Sports NewsWire, CarCruiseFinder, Carscoops, MoparInsiders, Bauaelectric Auto News, Motors MD, Instagram.com, NetCarShow.com