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Porsche design secrets, BMW X5 M review, Fisker road trip

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2024-09-10

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Releases & Reviews

The Porsche 964 RS is revered for its raw driving experience but criticized for its harsh ride. Weighing in at just 2,600 lbs (~1,180 kg), the 964 RS is stripped to the essentials with no power steering or rear seats. Though challenging for daily use, its razor-sharp handling and light weight make it a track-day favorite among Porsche purists.

The Fisker Ocean Extreme impresses with its comfort and range, but embarking on a 700-mile road trip poses some challenges. With Fisker’s bankruptcy and a limited service network, any mechanical issues could leave drivers stranded. Despite this, the electric SUV handled the journey with only minor software glitches, showing its potential as a capable, yet risky, road-trip companion.

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Technology, Market Data & Analysis

Private equity has driven Hoonigan into bankruptcy, saddling the company with $1.75 billion in debt. The restructuring plan aims to eliminate $1.2 billion of that debt while securing new capital. Although the Hoonigan brand will survive for now, the fate of its affiliated businesses like 4 Wheel Parts is less certain as liquidation and asset sales loom.

The U.S. new-car market remains sluggish due to high prices, rising interest rates, and inflation. August sales were flat, and consumers are hesitant to make big purchases, with the average new-car price nearing $50,000. Industry experts warn of ongoing stagnation unless there’s relief in pricing or rates, making this a tough period for automakers.

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Car Culture

Michael Mauer, Porsche’s head of design, discusses his two decades with the automaker. From the Cayenne to the Taycan, Mauer has shaped Porsche’s evolution across multiple new segments while staying true to the brand’s sporting heritage. He reflects on the challenge of blending Porsche’s signature design language into larger models like the Panamera and SUV lines.

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) is poised to introduce new pedestrian safety regulations that could drastically alter car design in the U.S. Automakers may be required to reduce vehicle height and redesign front ends to lessen pedestrian injury risks, after years of soaring fatalities. These changes, already in place in Europe, could reshape the future of American SUVs and trucks.

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Miscellaneous

BMW’s latest X5 M Competition packs sedan-like driving dynamics into a commanding SUV form. With its 617-hp twin-turbo V8 and track-tuned suspension, the X5 M delivers precision handling and explosive power. Its aggressive styling masks a practical and comfortable interior, making it one of the most versatile yet thrilling SUVs on the market.

America’s preference for large SUVs and trucks has led to a significant rise in pedestrian fatalities. With taller, heavier vehicles now dominating the roads, visibility issues and the sheer force of impact in collisions have created a public safety crisis. Calls for stricter regulations on vehicle design are growing louder as fatalities continue to mount.

A Toyota GR Corolla prototype with a camouflaged bumper has been spotted testing, hinting at a potential facelift or new special edition for the sporty model. Click through for pictures.

Volvo’s upcoming EX60, arriving in 2026, will debut the automaker’s next-generation SPA3 platform, making the vehicle cheaper and more efficient with advancements in structural battery packs.

Stellantis is developing a hybrid-specific launch control system to prevent jerky starts by ensuring electric motors and combustion engines work seamlessly during acceleration.

Dodge’s 2025 Durango Hellcat gets a new Hammerhead edition with a supercharged 710 horsepower, 6.2-liter Hemi V8, updated exterior, luxurious interior finishes, and a hefty $113,720 price tag.

Lucid’s latest over-the-air update improves its DreamDrive Pro system, adding new high-definition maps, automatic lane changes, and a Lucid voice assistant to enhance highway driving comfort.

Amazon’s “The Grand Tour” will continue with new hosts after Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May retire from the series, with the show maintaining its adventurous car-themed format.

A Toyota dealer in Mississippi pokes fun at the Tesla Cybertruck in a viral TikTok, comparing its features to the Toyota Sequoia, garnering millions of views across TikTok, X, and Facebook.

The next-gen CLA will be built on Mercedes’ flexible MMA platform with an all-electric version promising a range of over 466 miles (~750 km) and fast-charging capabilities to compete with the Tesla Model 3.

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