- Today in Cars
- Posts
- Kia Sportage redesign, Lamborghini sold out, Toyota Rox
Kia Sportage redesign, Lamborghini sold out, Toyota Rox
2024-11-07
š
Releases & Reviews
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V ESV redefines the luxury SUV with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 delivering 682 hp (691 PS). Updated design elements, such as new LED lighting and a refined grille, pair with luxury touches like a 55-inch OLED display. This powerhouse SUV can hit 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, blending elegance and power seamlessly.
Subaruās 2025 Forester maintains its boxy look while enhancing interior space and comfort, staying true to the brandās practical appeal. Updates include a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen and standard EyeSight driver-assist tech. The model emphasizes functionality over flash, capturing the essence of Subaruās identity and winning favor with consumers focused on safety and capability.
š
Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Mercedes CEO Drives 2026 Electric CLA, Reveals AI Assistant And 2-Speed Transmission (3 minute read)
Mercedesā 2026 CLA, set to rival the Tesla Model 3, showcases innovative features like a two-speed transmission and an AI voice assistant powered by MB.OS software. The coupe-sedan also offers rapid charging capabilitiesāgaining up to 248 miles (400 km) in 15 minutes. This electric model hints at significant efficiency gains and is part of Mercedesā shift towards electrification.
General Motors is surpassing Ford in the EV race, showcasing strategic advantages such as in-house production of key components and scalable battery tech. This contrasts Fordās reliance on external suppliers and significant recall issues, contributing to lagging profit margins. GMās focus on its Ultium platform and upcoming models signals a more promising path in the competitive electric landscape.
š
Car Culture
Toyota stuns off-road enthusiasts with the Land Cruiser Rox concept at SEMA, featuring rugged elements like 37-inch tires, custom bumpers, and a built-in winch. This prototype blends classic and modern design cues, including a removable roof and half-doors, evoking a military aesthetic. If it heads to production, the Rox could be a formidable rival to the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.
Lamborghiniās Urus SUV continues to thrive as its top seller, with current orders filling up the production schedule until 2026. Despite switching to a plug-in hybrid powertrain, demand remains strong, showcasing customer loyalty and excitement. The success of the Urus supports the brandās bold moves, including development of the new Temerario and Revuelto, the latter of which is sold out until 2027.
š§
Miscellaneous
Porscheās refreshed 2025 911 Carrera (992.2) maintains its recognizable design with subtle updates, including enhanced digital clusters and minor styling tweaks. While still powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine with 388 hp (393 PS), it gains inspiration from previous GTS models. The 911 remains a driverās favorite, offering familiar yet thrilling performance, highlighted by its balanced handling and improved launch capabilities.
Kiaās 2026 Sportage facelift introduces a bold front-end design, dual 12.3-inch displays, and an 8-speed automatic transmission for the turbo model. Enhanced NVH features and safety tech, like a driver-facing camera, elevate the experience, aligning the Sportage closer to Kiaās premium offerings. This update ensures the SUV stays competitive in the crowded market.
š
Quick Links
Googleās latest patent proposes an autonomous driving system that can take control if it detects subpar driving, raising both safety potential and concerns about data privacy and system responsiveness.
Audi is discontinuing its gas-powered A6, transitioning to an A7 model name for future combustion engine versions, making room for the electric A6 E-Tron debut in 2025.
Amid industry-wide stock surges, Stellantis reduced inventories for Jeep, Ram, and Dodge by significant percentages in September, countering broader trends of rising vehicle stock levels.
Suzuki and Toyota will launch their first fully electric SUVs, sharing a co-developed platform and expected to offer a range of around 311 miles (500 km) with 4WD capabilities, starting in 2025.
TJ Huntās Mustang GTD-inspired body kit drew Fordās ire for mimicking the exclusive GTD supercar too closely, leading to his ban from showcasing the car at SEMA.
Toyota introduced a lower-priced LE trim for the 2025 Grand Highlander and a stylish Nightshade model featuring black accents, with prices starting at $42,310.
Jeep reduced prices for the 2025 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer by up to $7,000 while adding standard features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist.
The 2025 BMW M5 Touring, making its debut in the US, offers 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque with hybrid capabilities, combining wagon utility and sports car performance.
A visual roundup from SEMA 2024 highlighted unique builds like the Factory Five Type 65 Coupe, an EMPI tribute VW, and the high-power 1970 Dodge Charger āSangria.ā
The Corvette Zora was captured during high-speed testing at the NĆ¼rburgring, showcasing its aggressive sound and performance on track.
Reply