- Today in Cars
- Posts
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo E tested, Navigator impresses, 911 Dakar thrashed
Porsche Cayenne Turbo E tested, Navigator impresses, 911 Dakar thrashed
2024-08-30
🚙
Releases & Reviews
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator arrives with a striking new design, including a massive 48-inch panoramic screen atop the dashboard, offering an immersive experience for drivers. The exterior has been refreshed with a new grille and lighting elements, while under the hood, the familiar 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivers 440 horsepower. Expect this luxurious full-size SUV to hit dealerships in spring 2025, with pricing likely starting above $90,000.
The 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupe packs 729 horsepower, making it a true powerhouse in the luxury SUV segment. This electrified model, with a twin-turbo V8 and an electric motor, rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. Despite its performance focus, it remains a versatile daily driver, offering a plush interior and a slightly reduced price tag compared to its predecessor.
📈
Technology, Market Data & Analysis
In a head-to-head test in China, the Tesla Model 3 was pitted against the latest EVs from Chinese automakers Nio, Zeekr, and Xiaomi. The results were surprising, with the Chinese competitors offering strong performance and features at competitive prices. The test highlights the increasing threat these brands pose to Tesla’s dominance, especially in the fast-evolving Chinese market.
Toyota’s global production continued to decline for the sixth consecutive month in July, dropping 1% year-over-year to 804,610 vehicles. The automaker faced challenges in key markets like China and Thailand, with production down 6% and 13%, respectively. Sales were also down by nearly 1%, as the company struggled with airbag issues affecting some models in the U.S.
🛞
Car Culture
Richard Hammond takes the Porsche 911 Dakar, a rally-inspired variant of the iconic sports car, off the beaten path. This 911, equipped with rugged tires and raised suspension, proves itself as more than just a marketing gimmick, handling rough terrain with ease. Hammond even questions whether he made the right choice in buying a 911 Turbo S instead of this off-road beast.
Ferrari’s 812 Competizione, with its 820-horsepower V12, represents the pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance. At $600,000, this limited-production supercar features numerous aerodynamic upgrades, including a rear carbon fiber panel replacing the rear window, all designed to enhance its track capabilities. The car remains a rare and highly desirable collector’s item, despite its intimidating price tag.
🔧
Miscellaneous
Spy shots have captured what appears to be the 2026 Range Rover Velar successor, this time as a fully electric vehicle. The prototype, which looks sleeker and possibly larger than the current Velar, is expected to be built on JLR’s new Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA). The new EV is slated for a 2025 debut, with a U.S. arrival likely the following year.
The upcoming Range Rover Electric has been spotted in production-ready form, and it’s already generating buzz with over 41,000 pre-orders. The SUV features a partially enclosed grille, lightweight wheels, and an innovative traction control system that enhances both on-road and off-road performance. With its 800V architecture, the Range Rover Electric promises to be a standout in the luxury EV market.
🏁
Quick Links
Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul shared the story of how a scammer posing as a mechanic stole his 1969 Ford Torino after years of stalling on repairs.
August U.S. auto sales are expected to increase by 8.1% year-over-year, thanks to extra selling days and the Labor Day weekend, but remain stable compared to July.
Ford now offers a power upgrade for its Ranger and Bronco Raptor models, boosting horsepower to 455 and torque to 536 lb-ft, for $825.
A federal appeals court has ordered GM to face a class action lawsuit over defective eight-speed transmissions in 800,000 vehicles, including popular models like the Chevrolet Silverado and Cadillac Escalade.
J.D. Power reduced its U.S. EV sales forecast for 2024 to 9% of the market, citing slower-than-expected growth and increased competition from gasoline-powered vehicles.
U.S. Armor Group has introduced a $475,000 armored Lucid Air Sapphire with 1,234 hp, capable of reaching over 200 mph while protecting against .44 Magnum rounds.
Reply