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Most dangerous cars, old-soul Crown Signia, more Porsche ICE
2024-11-18
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Releases & Reviews
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia bridges luxury between typical Toyota models and Lexus, offering a refined cabin with physical controls and standout comfort. Despite a hybrid-only powertrain and older tech, it balances driving ease and a quiet, spacious interior. This entry-level luxury crossover’s focus on usability and serene ride makes it an interesting choice for those valuing classic design over modern touchscreens.
The 2025 BMW M5 combines a 4.4-liter turbo V8 with plug-in hybrid tech, producing 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Despite its thrilling straight-line speed (0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds), handling reveals its hefty build, affecting cornering finesse compared to its predecessor. BMW fans may find it powerful yet missing the agile spirit and refined beauty of classic M5s.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Porsche is set to continue offering the internal combustion engine (ICE) Macan in the U.S., countering earlier plans to phase it out. Driven by strong demand for non-electric models, this decision underscores shifting consumer preferences amidst an evolving EV market. The Macan’s extended lifecycle reflects Porsche’s willingness to adapt to market dynamics and consumer preferences.
Spy shots reveal BMW’s 2027 3-Series, set to launch with gas and electric variants. While the EV version will debut on the Neue Klasse platform, the gas model will continue with an updated CLAR architecture. This move aligns with BMW’s strategy to offer multiple powertrain choices, maintaining customer flexibility amid tighter emissions standards.
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Car Culture
MotorTrend’s long-term review of the 2023 VW GTI notes a key flaw: its harsh ride quality. The 19-inch wheels exacerbate road noise and discomfort, even with adaptive dampers set to the most comfortable mode. While great for performance, they compromise daily drivability—a trade-off not all drivers might accept.
In a testament to Bugatti’s engineering, driver Andy Wallace recounted his record-setting 282 mph run in the Mistral, the fastest open-top road car. Despite the mind-bending speed, Wallace praised the cabin’s surprising calm and stability, although wind noise approached deafening levels. This feat showcases the extreme performance limits Bugatti continues to push.
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Miscellaneous
A recent iSeeCars study found Tesla to have the highest fatality rate among car brands, about twice the average, at 5.6 per billion miles. Despite their advanced safety features and strong crash test performance, Tesla vehicles’ high fatality rates are likely due to factors such as driver behavior and potential over-reliance on automated driving systems, rather than flaws in their design.
Car enthusiasts seeking more from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS will find the Manthey Racing kit a worthy upgrade. With added aerodynamic features and adjustable suspension, it boosts downforce by 372 lbs at 124 mph, enhancing its track capabilities. Although the setup costs over $50,000, the refined driving dynamics make it a racer’s dream.
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Quick Links
This 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS, once owned by musician Bob Seger, features a fully refurbished interior and exterior, including a classic V6 engine and period-correct details.
Jose Munoz, formerly global COO, has been appointed as Hyundai’s CEO, marking the first non-Korean to lead the automaker as it faces a shifting EV market.
The new 2025 Lexus RZ starts at $43,975, marking a significant price reduction that undercuts the Toyota bZ4X and includes robust standard features.
New York City’s congestion charge will be reinstated on January 5, 2025, with a reduced $9 daytime fee for cars, expected to improve traffic flow and fund public transit.
The average price for a new car in the U.S. hit $47,612 in October, up nearly $10,000 since pre-pandemic levels, driven by the market shift towards larger, more feature-rich SUVs and pickups.
Isamu Ohira, known for his jazz fusion menu music in Gran Turismo, carved a unique niche in video game soundtracks and remains an influential yet under-the-radar figure in global jazz fusion.
Volkswagen will debut a larger U.S.-specific 2025 Tiguan model at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, potentially with a hybrid powertrain to meet rising U.S. demand for electrified vehicles.
General Motors has laid off another 1,000 employees in an effort to offset up to $4 billion in EV-related losses by 2025, signaling a strategic shift away from an “all-in” electrification push and towards more hybrid offerings.
Acura’s new compact SUV, the ADX, targets younger buyers with a turbocharged engine, spacious interior, and standard tech features, bridging a gap between the Integra and the HR-V.
Top Gear reviews the best luxury SUVs of 2024, highlighting an eclectic mix of capable people haulers.
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