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Top Gear's PCOTY, last 300 SL Gullwing, big Rivian updates

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2024-11-08

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Releases & Reviews

The 2025 BMW M340i continues to shine with updates like recalibrated suspension and a mild-hybrid B58 engine producing over 380 hp (385 PS). Though not an M3, it offers balanced driving dynamics, impressive 0-60 mph acceleration in the low 4-second range, and improved ride quality, all at a lower price point, making it a compelling option for luxury sedan enthusiasts.

The Corvette C8 ZR1 has been voted as the top performance car of 2024 by Top Gear readers, praised for its V8 power, reaching 233 mph (375 km/h), and flexibility in configuration. It bests rivals with a hypercar-like blend of power and availability, standing out for offering exhilarating speed without exclusivity.

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Technology, Market Data & Analysis

Toyota’s only V-12, the 1GZ-FE, was built for the Century and represents an engineering marvel with dual ECUs and individual throttle bodies for unparalleled smoothness. This 5.0-liter engine remains an emblem of technical prowess and luxury, standing apart as a unique chapter in Toyota’s history of efficiency and innovation.

Porsche is seeing a dip in global sales, with a 7% decline compared to last year, driven by weak demand in China and aging models like the Taycan. The brand’s shift to electric, marked by the new Macan EV’s higher price, comes at a difficult time for the EV market, raising concerns about sustaining its growth.

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Car Culture

Barn Find Hunter showcases Charles Gould’s extraordinary car collection in Massachusetts, filled with rare and unusual models. Highlights include a Citroën Safari saved after 42 years in storage, a 1968 Tatra T603 with a rear-mounted air-cooled V8, and a 1916 Mercer touring car. Gould’s passion for preserving “unloved” vehicles has created a unique, living automotive museum where nearly everything runs, celebrating the legacy of vintage and eclectic cars.

Known as the last produced Gullwing, this 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL embodies elegance and cutting-edge 1950s design. Revered for its racing pedigree and aesthetic appeal, it remains a collectible gem, maintaining its original Fire Engine Red paint and crème interior, linked to an era-defining automotive legacy.

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Miscellaneous

Rivian’s 2025 lineup for the R1T and R1S receives substantial tech upgrades, including new ECUs and a streamlined electrical platform that boosts performance and processing power. Highlights include a tri-motor version with 850 hp (862 PS) and an improved range of up to 420 miles (676 km), positioning Rivian to compete more effectively as it readies new models.

The Silverado EV, boasting a 440-mile (708 km) range and 785 lb-ft (1,064 Nm) of torque, edges past the F-150 Lightning in range and tech, with features like four-wheel steering. The Ford, however, impresses with lighter handling and practicality. Both are pushing the boundaries of what electric trucks can do, sparking debate among EV truck enthusiasts.

Telo Trucks plans to launch the MT1, a compact EV pickup with Tacoma-level capability in a Mini-Cooper-sized package, offering a 350-mile range and a starting price under $50,000.

Nissan will eliminate 6% of its global workforce after reporting significant financial losses and struggling to adapt to market changes, with plans to cut production capacity by 20%.

Security researchers identified severe vulnerabilities in Mazda’s infotainment system that could allow attackers to gain full access to vehicle controls, urging caution until a patch is released.

After a two-year investigation into faulty intake valves in its EcoBoost engines, Ford extends its powertrain warranty to 10 years/150,000 miles for affected vehicles instead of replacing engines.

Toyota warns that upcoming California regulations requiring 35% of new vehicles to be zero-emission by 2026 are unrealistic, citing current consumer demand as a key barrier.

A proposal for Lincoln to introduce a “Red Label” performance line, leveraging powerful V8 engines and refined luxury to rival Cadillac’s success with its V models.

Rivian’s upcoming R2 models will feature US-made batteries from LG Energy, aligning with the Inflation Reduction Act and boosting production efficiency by 45%.

Responding to customer frustration with touchscreen-only controls, Hyundai will reintroduce more physical buttons in future models, prioritizing ease of use.

Toyota plans to increase its China output to at least 2.5 million vehicles annually by 2030, aiming to regain market share lost to local EV manufacturers like BYD.

A first-gen Dodge Viper, long perched on a dealership sign in Kentucky, was found to be a complete, functional car despite years of exposure to the elements and nature taking its toll.

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