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- Most affordable in 3 years
Most affordable in 3 years
2024-08-16
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Releases & Reviews
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG S63, with its 791 hp twin-turbo hybrid V8, dominated Throttle House’s drag race against the Audi S8 and BMW i7 M70, reaffirming its position as the performance leader. However, the S63’s increased weight impacts driving dynamics and the hybrid system compromises trunk space. Despite its $200,000 price, it falls short in comfort compared to its rivals.
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid reintroduces Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, delivering 200 horsepower and 47 mpg on the highway. It’s quicker to 60 mph than the Civic Si (6.2 seconds), though heavier by 288 pounds (3,225 lbs). The hybrid feels like a regular car with no significant penalties, making it hard to choose a non-hybrid Civic. Starting at $29,845, it’s a compelling choice for efficiency-focused buyers.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
July brought some relief to car shoppers, as new vehicles became more affordable than they’ve been in three years. The Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index, which measures the number of weeks the average earner needs to pay off the average car loan, dropped to 37 weeks—its lowest since pre-pandemic levels. However, the news isn’t all good—while payments have decreased, auto credit availability remains tight, making it harder to secure a loan.
Polestar, the Swedish EV maker, has started producing its Polestar 3 SUV in South Carolina, avoiding steep tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles. This shift is part of a broader trend as automakers move production outside of China to mitigate tariff impacts. Polestar’s U.S. production will begin deliveries next month, with Europe to follow. The move also reflects a broader strategy to diversify manufacturing locations amid a challenging market for EVs.
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Car Culture
Not only does the new Pagani Utopia offer a manual, unlike its predecessor the Huayra, but most buyers are opting for it. The seven-speed gated transmission is another example of the staying power of manuals among high-end sports cars (eg, the Porsche GT3). Throughout the rest of the market, manuals a steady disappearance. There are only 24 performance cars with the option on offer currently and BMW is already planning on phasing out theirs by the end of the decade.
Classic race cars, once considered obsolete relics, are now fetching six to eight figures at auctions during Monterey Car Week. From a Ferrari 500 TR expected to sell for $4-5 million to a Porsche 935 likely to fetch $4.5-5.5 million, these vintage machines are drawing serious attention from collectors. The surge highlights a broader trend as these cars become museum pieces.
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Miscellaneous
As European electric vehicle sales slow, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are seeing a resurgence, with sales up 14% year-over-year. However, looming EU regulations to phase out non-electric vehicles by 2035 cast doubt on their long-term viability. Meanwhile, automakers are rethinking overambitious EV production goals, pivoting toward PHEVs with improved electric ranges and lower costs. Despite criticisms of PHEVs’ environmental impact, they may provide a necessary bridge to full electrification.
Bob Tasca III is determined to officially break the 340 mph barrier in his NHRA Funny Car, a feat he unofficially achieved earlier this year. However, he faces a dilemma: should he chase the speed record or focus on winning his first championship? With just two regular-season races left, Tasca must choose between the thrill of speed and the steadiness required for a title.
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