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Honda Civic Si verdict, new Buick Enclave road trips, VW Bus returns
2024-09-18
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Releases & Reviews
The Aston Martin DB12 Volante is the latest convertible in the luxury grand tourer lineup. With a twin-turbo V8 delivering 671 horsepower, it blends high-end performance with the elegance expected of Aston. The new model features enhanced handling and a sleeker design, offering more dynamic open-top driving for enthusiasts.
The 2025 Honda Civic Si sees refinements that improve its daily drivability while keeping its manual transmission intact. With a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, new suspension adjustments, and a more rigid body, it offers a balanced ride. Its interior upgrades, including heated seats and a Google-based infotainment system, make it a more comfortable commuter without sacrificing its sporty appeal.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Kia’s foray into the commercial electric vehicle market is here with its new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) line. These all-electric vans are aimed at the European market and designed for a variety of business needs. Offering quick charge times and V2L capability, they are primed for hotel shuttles, tradespeople, and light cargo transport, competing with Ford’s E-Transit models.
A new study highlights the risks of driver-assist systems like Tesla’s Autopilot and Volvo’s Pilot Assist, finding that drivers often use these features to engage in non-driving tasks. As users become more comfortable with these systems, they rely on them as quasi-autopilots, leading to an increase in distracted driving, despite warnings to keep eyes on the road.
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Car Culture
For 2025, Jeep’s Wrangler V-6 will be offered exclusively with a manual transmission and the automatic option will be discontinued. This move appeals to off-road enthusiasts, but might limit its broader market appeal. Those who want an automatic will have to choose the 4-cylinder, 4xe, or outgoing Hemi V8.
Volkswagen’s iconic Transporter returns for 2025, now more capable and versatile. With over 10% more cargo space and increased towing capacity, it’s designed for commercial use, but also offers three electric options for those seeking greener alternatives. Its new design platform shared with Ford enhances performance without compromising its heritage.
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Miscellaneous
The redesigned 2025 Buick Enclave is tailored for long road trips, boasting a quiet and spacious cabin with refined features like active noise cancellation and GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine offers solid performance, but its design feels uninspired and taller passengers may find the seating uncomfortable. While it’s not the most stylish SUV, it excels as a comfortable and tech-savvy road companion.
Audi is testing an off-road-ready Q6 Sportback E-Tron, featuring rugged Dakar Rally-inspired elements like chunky tires, a wide body kit, and elevated ground clearance. This camouflaged prototype hints at the potential for a rally version or even a production model, drawing attention to Audi’s expanding EV portfolio.
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Quick Links
McLaren’s upcoming P1 successor, the P18, is expected to feature a high-revving V8 and hybrid system producing 1200+ hp, with only 399 units to be built at a price around $3.7 million.
Toyota now equips all Highlander Hybrids with standard AWD and introduces a special 25th-anniversary edition with exclusive trim and features.
Kia is considering bringing back the Stinger GT as an electric vehicle, making it the brand’s potential new halo car.
MG’s electric Cyberster impresses with style but can’t match the Porsche 911’s precision, falling short in driving feel despite strong performance.
Ford’s plug-in hybrid Ranger offers 275 hp, a 28-mile electric range, and retains the same towing and payload capacities as the standard model.
Toyota’s luxury full-size SUV lineup expands with the 1794 Edition, which features leather seats, walnut wood accents, and a 437-hp hybrid engine.
Porsche’s patent for a six-stroke engine design could improve power and efficiency, but the added complexity raises questions about its viability.
COBB Tuning reached a $2.9 million settlement with the EPA for selling defeat devices that bypass emissions controls, agreeing to stop their manufacture and sale.
A Ferrari SF90 was left parked in the middle of a New York City intersection, causing a major traffic jam.
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