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2024-08-26

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Releases & Reviews

2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid First Test Review: Pros and Cons of the Base Plug-In Hybrid (6 minute read)

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid offers the performance expected of a Porsche but struggles with inconsistent brake feel and added weight. While the ride is impressively smooth, the driving experience doesn’t match the immediacy of its electric rivals. Still, with solid hybrid capabilities and fast home charging, it remains a compelling option for those prioritizing luxury over sportiness.

FIRST DRIVE: Maserati MCXtrema – Flat Out In 730bhp Track Special! (13 minute watch)

The Maserati MCXtrema is a 730hp track car that blends Maserati’s racing heritage with modern performance. Limited to just 62 units, it’s a tribute to the legendary MC12, delivering a thrilling, yet surprisingly accessible driving experience. With its focus on agility and power, the MCXtrema is designed for the most discerning enthusiasts who crave raw, unfiltered speed.

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Technology, Market Data & Analysis

Mercedes-Benz Cuts S-Class Production After Deliveries Decrease (3 minute read)

Mercedes-Benz is reducing S-Class production after a 37% drop in deliveries during Q1 2024, reflecting a broader decline in luxury sedan demand. The company plans a mid-cycle refresh, with significant updates aimed at reinvigorating interest in its flagship model. As the S-Class struggles, Mercedes faces tough competition from rivals like BMW, which has seen an increase in demand for its luxury models.

Electric Vehicle Sales: Winners and Losers (4 minute read)

Electric vehicle sales are up 11.3% year-over-year in Q2 2024, but the gains aren’t evenly distributed across brands. Tesla and Kia are leading the pack, while Polestar and Lucid struggle to find their footing. The mixed results highlight the increasingly competitive EV market, where smart design and pricing are crucial to success.

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Car Culture

Wrecked Lexus LFA On Sale for $710,000

A severely damaged Lexus LFA is being auctioned online and expecting to fetch $710,000. An accident in Singapore last year with similar looking damage reportedly cost around $500,000 to repair, so the winning bidder is looking at a long journey ahead. With a production run of only 500 units more than a decade ago, sourcing parts won’t be easy. This is another example of the LFA’s stunning rise in popularity. Lexus struggled to sell their supercar at the $375,000 msrp when new and the collector market took years to show serious interest.

Lamborghini Temerario Wasn’t Supposed to Have a Twin-Turbo V-8 (4 minute read)

The Lamborghini Temerario’s twin-turbo V-8 engine wasn’t the original plan. Initially, the engineering team considered a naturally aspirated V-10 or even a V-6, but they ultimately opted for the V-8 to balance power with the unique Lamborghini character. This engine, with a 10,000 RPM redline, keeps the brand’s wild spirit alive while meeting modern performance demands.

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Miscellaneous

Making the Range Rover EV Hasn’t Been Easy (4 minute read)

Land Rover faces significant challenges in creating a fully electric Range Rover that remains true to the brand’s off-road legacy. Executives stress the importance of maintaining the vehicle’s signature capabilities, like water fording and extreme weather performance, in the electric model. Despite the difficulties, there’s strong demand, with 42,000 reservations already placed for a vehicle no one has seen yet.

EVs Cost 20% More To Repair After Collisions Than ICE Cars (3 minute read)

Repairing electric vehicles is becoming increasingly costly, with claims averaging 20% higher than those for internal combustion engine cars. Despite their robust structures, the complexity of EVs drives up repair costs, with an average claim of $5,753 in the U.S. This trend underscores the financial challenges of EV ownership, even as sales slow and collision claims rise.

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Quick Links

Stellantis is redesigning how launch control works for future hybrids (2 minute read)

Stellantis filed a patent for a new hybrid-specific launch control system that prioritizes smoother launches by better coordinating the electric motor and internal combustion engine.

A Porsche 918 Spyder crashed into an Aston Martin DB12 in London

Details of the tragedy are scarce, but the video shows substantial damage.

Aston Martin Answering Our Prayers with V-12 Vanquish Teaser (2 minute read)

Aston Martin teases the return of the Vanquish, featuring a roaring V-12 engine, signaling a bold comeback for the iconic model. Click-through for video.

Goodyear Introduces Assurance WeatherReady 2 For All-Weather Supremacy (3 minute read)

Goodyear’s new Assurance WeatherReady 2 tire outperforms top competitors in wet and dry conditions, offering a versatile solution for all-weather driving with enhanced safety.

Alex Xydias—Hot-Rod Hero, WWII Veteran, Filmmaker—Has Died at 102 (4 minute read)

Hot-rodding legend Alex Xydias, founder of the So-Cal Speed Shop and a key figure in the rise of the hot-rod culture, has passed away at 102.

These Utah intersections could get safer with lidar technology. How does it work? (5 minute read)

Utah is pioneering the use of lidar technology at intersections to improve safety by precisely monitoring and analyzing traffic and pedestrian movements.