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Land Rover vs Lexus overland, new mail truck, Genesis going to Le Mans

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2024-09-13

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Releases & Reviews

The Land Rover Defender 130 and Lexus GX550 are two top-tier luxury SUVs designed for off-road adventures. While the Defender offers superior refinement and a roomier interior, the Lexus provides a more responsive chassis and better suspension articulation. Both SUVs shine in rugged terrain, but the Defender edges out with its smoother drive and higher ground clearance, making it a better all-rounder for adventurous buyers.

In this comparison of the Mazda CX-70 PHEV and the Honda Prologue EV, both electrified SUVs offer strong performance but take different paths. The Mazda, with its 323 hp plug-in hybrid, provides more flexibility and better driving dynamics, while the Prologue focuses on all-electric smoothness. With a 273-mile range, the Prologue is a quieter option, but the Mazda’s handling and versatility may appeal more to drivers who prefer a sporty feel and the versatility of filling up at a gas station.

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Technology, Market Data & Analysis

GM and EVgo are building new flagship EV charging stations that resemble modern gas stations. Set to open in 2025, these stations will be located in major metropolitan areas and offer up to 350kW fast charging across 400 stalls. Features include modular designs, security cameras, and canopies, all aiming to make EV charging more convenient and accessible for urban dwellers.

The U.S. Postal Service is rolling out its Next Generation Delivery Vehicle, replacing outdated trucks that have been in service for over 30 years. While its odd appearance has garnered attention, postal workers are thrilled with the truck’s modern safety features, air conditioning, and larger cargo space. Most of the new fleet will be electric, marking a key step in USPS’s sustainability efforts. Click through for pictures.

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Car Culture

The final episode of The Grand Tour, out today, marks the end of a 22-year journey for Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. This last adventure takes the trio back to Africa, echoing their iconic Top Gear: Botswana special. The episode serves as both a nostalgic send-off and a celebration of their unique chemistry, which redefined car shows for a global audience. Though each host has new projects, this final episode offers a fitting, emotional conclusion to their time together as TV’s most beloved car enthusiasts.

Genesis is entering the world of endurance racing with a radical hybrid hypercar, set to debut at Le Mans as early as 2026. Developed in collaboration with Oreca and Hyundai Motorsport, this hypercar will compete in the LMDh class against rivals like Porsche, Cadillac, and Lamborghini. This marks Genesis’ bold entry into a competitive arena, showcasing its cutting-edge design and performance capabilities. Click through for pictures.

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Miscellaneous

Once the symbol of Mercedes-Benz luxury, the S-Class sedan is being overtaken by the G-Class SUV in sales and cultural significance. With its rugged charm and celebrity cachet, the G-Wagen now outsells the S-Class in America, cementing its status as Mercedes’ de facto flagship. The rise of SUVs over sedans reflects a broader industry trend toward larger, more versatile vehicles.

As Audi transitions to electric vehicles, the 2024 S6 retains the brand’s classic German engineering. With a 444-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine, this luxury sedan offers a refined yet subtly aggressive driving experience. Though the S6 may soon be replaced by fully electric models, it continues to impress with a balance of performance and understated style.

Due to 100% tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, the Lotus Eletre SUV will debut in the U.S. with a hefty $229,000 price tag.

Speaking of the Electre, the online configurator is live if you want to spec your own.

Caterpillar is reportedly building engine parts for a potential pickup truck, despite widespread skepticism over the company’s entry into passenger vehicles.

Porsche Carrera GT owners can finally drive their cars again after a long wait for replacement suspension parts due to a recall.

Nissan is reducing production of its Rogue and Frontier models by up to 40,000 units to clear excess inventory after struggling with sales this year.

GM and Hyundai signed an agreement to explore collaborations on vehicle development and clean energy technologies, aiming to speed up EV production.

The McMurtry Spéirling accidentally smashed the electric car record at Laguna Seca by over eight seconds, even while running at half power.

Mercedes-AMG’s first dedicated EV, based on the AMG.EA platform, has been spotted testing ahead of its expected 2027 release. Click through for video.

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