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Ford's "existential threat", McLaren F1 successor, GT4 RS improved
2024-09-19
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Releases & Reviews
Porsche’s GT4 RS was already a track beast, but the Manthey kit takes it further. With aerodynamic tweaks, manual coilovers, and a $53,946 price tag, the Manthey sacrifices road comfort for ultimate performance. A Lime Rock Park test showed it to be 0.5 seconds faster than the stock GT4 RS, offering a thrilling yet demanding experience for serious track enthusiasts. Click through for pictures.
Jay Leno hails Gordon Murray’s T.50 as the spiritual successor to the McLaren F1, blending cutting-edge engineering with old-school driving pleasure. Featuring a naturally aspirated V12 and a focus on driver engagement, the T.50’s lightweight design and groundbreaking aerodynamics make it a purist’s dream, capturing the essence of the F1’s legendary status.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Ford’s CEO Jim Farley and CFO John Lawler were shocked after driving a Changan electric SUV in China, describing it as an “existential threat” to the Western auto industry. Despite knowing China’s EV advancements, the firsthand experience left Ford execs reevaluating their own EV strategy as China’s rapid progress outpaces their own.
Starting today, GM electric vehicles can use Tesla’s Supercharger network in North America, though they will need a $225 adapter to connect to Tesla’s proprietary charging plug.
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Car Culture
Once heralded as the future, biodiesel has faded from the spotlight amidst the EV boom and regulatory challenges. Despite being a clean, plug-and-play solution for diesel engines, biodiesel hasn’t caught on, leaving experts wondering why its potential remains overlooked as emissions concerns continue to plague both electric and conventional diesel vehicles.
The minivan, once America’s go-to family vehicle, has fallen out of favor, replaced by SUVs that promise adventure over domestic practicality. With sales down 80% since its peak in 2000, the minivan’s image as uncool and the rise of SUVs have left it nearly obsolete, even though it still offers better value and utility for families.
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Miscellaneous
Maserati’s sales plummeted by 50% in the first half of 2024, and Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares blames inefficient marketing, not the product lineup. With electric models on the horizon, including an MC20 Folgore and a large SUV in 2027, Stellantis aims to revitalize the brand’s positioning, but it faces an uphill battle to recapture its luxury market share.
In a head-to-head comparison, the 2024 Audi RS3 and BMW M2 deliver distinct driving thrills. The RS3’s turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive offer superb control and speed, while the M2’s rear-wheel drive and manual transmission provide a more visceral experience. Both cars excel, but the choice between them depends on whether you prefer a refined or raw driving sensation.
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Quick Links
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring offers a very compelling blend of impressive fuel economy, refined driving dynamics, and upscale cabin features, though there are some minor complaints.
The aging Dodge Durango will be replaced by a new SUV called the Dodge Stealth, which will likely be built in Canada, raising concerns with the UAW over Stellantis’ previous production commitments in the US.
Sales of the Ford Bronco family declined by 9% in Q2 2024, with the Bronco Sport suffering a more than 15% drop, though the regular Bronco saw stable sales compared to last year.
During the Torino Motor Show, a Lancia 037 rally car lost control and crashed into a crowd, injuring 12 people, with one woman sustaining a broken leg. Click through for video.
Toyota will enter the Supercars Championship in 2026 with a V8-powered GR Supra, marking its return to top-tier Australian motorsports and challenging Ford and GM.
Jeep has eliminated the manual transmission for the 2025 Gladiator, making the eight-speed automatic standard while the base price rises slightly to $39,995.
Volkswagen has paused production of the ID.4 SUV due to faulty door handles that could unlatch while driving, furloughing 200 employees at its Chattanooga plant as it works on a fix.
Ford, BMW, and Honda have launched ChargeScape, a vehicle-to-grid company that will allow EVs to send energy back to the grid during peak times, aiming to improve grid resilience.
The Fed’s recent interest rate cut could lower auto loan rates, but the impact may take months to reach car buyers, leaving expensive vehicle prices a barrier for many shoppers.
Apple’s iOS 18 brings updates to CarPlay, including new customization options, voice control enhancements, and support for tracking lost AirPods directly from the CarPlay interface.
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