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Hennessey’s 250 MPH Crash, Toyota’s Major Recall, & GM’s Legal Battle

August 14, 2024

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2024-08-14

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Releases & Reviews

2025 GMC Terrain Is Boxy Again and Ditches the Push-Button Shifter (4-minute read)

The 2025 GMC Terrain returns to a more truck-like design, embracing boxier styling and a 15-inch touchscreen. GMC has removed the push-button shifter, replacing it with a traditional lever, and introduced an eight-speed automatic transmission for the AWD models. The new Terrain offers advanced driver assistance features and enhanced interior space, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

Three of the best mid-size trucks—the Ford Ranger Raptor, Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison—are put to the test off-road. Each offers unique strengths, with the Tacoma standing out for its all-around capability and the Ranger Raptor excelling in high-speed desert driving. Despite different approaches, all three trucks deliver exceptional performance off the beaten path.

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Technology, Market Data & Analysis

Mitsubishi and Ample are testing battery swap stations for electric trucks, an alternative to traditional charging that could reduce downtime for commercial fleets. This technology, once dismissed, is gaining traction, particularly in Asia, where the infrastructure is being developed. The pilot project in Japan will assess the viability of this approach for broader use in the EV truck market.

Mercedes-Benz disclosed that five of its EV models, including the EQE sedan involved in a recent fire, use batteries from Farasis Energy. This disclosure follows increased consumer concerns after the Incheon fire, highlighting the importance of battery safety in electric vehicles. Mercedes is offering free checkups for EV owners as a precautionary measure.

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Car Culture

Newly released public records shed light on the Hennessey Venom F5’s crash at the Kennedy Space Center during a high-speed test. The $3 million hypercar flipped while attempting to break 300 mph, causing minor damage to the NASA runway. Despite the severity of the crash, the driver emerged unscathed.

Ukrainian forces repurposed a Toyota Mirai’s hydrogen fuel cell to create a makeshift bomb. The bomb, built using a wrecked Mirai and other components, was used in a military operation, generating an explosion equivalent to 400 pounds of TNT.

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Miscellaneous

The Japanese government has mandated Toyota to implement significant reforms after uncovering new certification violations in seven additional models. The violations, including data manipulation, have prompted a global review of Toyota’s practices. The automaker is now under pressure to restore trust and ensure compliance across its production lines.

Texas Sues General Motors, Alleging Illegal Selling of Driver Data (2-minute read)

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against General Motors, accusing the automaker of illegally selling driver data to insurance companies without consent. The lawsuit highlights growing concerns over data privacy and the need for stricter regulations in the automotive industry. GM faces significant legal challenges as states increasingly take action to protect consumers’ digital privacy.

The NHTSA has issued a warning about substandard replacement airbag inflators in used cars, which have resulted in fatalities and severe injuries. Buyers are urged to verify the history of vehicles and ensure the use of genuine parts.

For about $82,000, a master mechanic (who also manufactures his own replacement parts) gets an old GT-R in tip-top shape.

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