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- Truck OTY, Aston's Ferrari fighter, wild Hyundai prototype
Truck OTY, Aston's Ferrari fighter, wild Hyundai prototype
PLUS: next gen M3, Toas letdown, Cruis shutdown
2024-12-12
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Releases & Reviews
The 2025 Ram 1500 shines with an all-new turbocharged inline-six Hurricane engine, delivering superior performance and efficiency over its Hemi predecessor. Luxury trims offer tech like a 23-speaker audio system, while off-road versions showcase rugged capability, securing its place as MotorTrend’s Truck of the Year.
Aston Martin has unveiled the production-ready Valhalla, a mid-engined hybrid supercar targeting Ferrari and Lamborghini. With 1,063 hp from its AMG-sourced V8 and three electric motors, it delivers blistering acceleration, hitting 0-62 mph in just 2.5 seconds. Aerodynamics play a key role, offering up to 1,320 pounds of downforce at speed, while its carbon fiber chassis ensures lightweight agility.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Facing declining sales, Infiniti will merge some dealerships with Nissan locations to reduce overhead. Despite distinct showrooms, shared operations aim to boost sales and maintain the luxury experience. This follows a sharp drop in Infiniti’s luxury market share, now at 2.8%, down from 6% five years ago.
Lucid Motors takes Savagegeese behind the scenes in their new series, exploring the complexities of building cars from scratch. CEO Peter Rawlinson shares insights into supply chain challenges, engineering innovations, and lessons learned from developing the Air to creating the upcoming Gravity SUV.
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Car Culture
Hyundai’s RN24 prototype, a drift car based on the Ioniq 5 N, redefines EV fun. Featuring 641 hp (650 PS), WRC-inspired suspension, and a regenerative drift brake, this stripped-down racer makes drifting effortless. Hyundai’s N division proves that electric cars can be thrilling and wildly enjoyable.
The redesigned Lexus GX takes the crown as The Drive’s Best SUV for 2024. Balancing rugged off-road capability with a refined, quiet ride, it features a modernized interior and advanced tech. This capable yet humble SUV outshines flashier rivals with its all-around excellence.
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Miscellaneous
Acura’s ZDX Type S is their first electric SUV but struggles to live up to the sporty Type S badge. While its air suspension and spacious interior impress, it lacks engaging driving dynamics and delivers mediocre range for a $75,850 price tag. The standout Hands-Free Cruise shines in traffic but falls short at highway speeds.
Toyota’s 2025 Land Cruiser impresses with classic durability and off-road prowess. Its 2.8L diesel engine and coil-spring suspension prioritize reliability over performance. With seven seats and thoughtful features like a tailgate split option, it’s a serious contender against the Defender.
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Quick Links
VW’s refreshed Taos, while competent and affordable, struggles to differentiate itself in a crowded compact SUV market.
Facing high costs and increased competition, GM has shut down its Cruise robotaxi project, focusing instead on refining its Super Cruise hands-free driving system.
The redesigned Nissan Leaf adopts a sleeker, Ariya-inspired design with a sedan-like shape and offers a 25% improvement in range, targeting 265 miles (426 km) per charge.
A recall affects 163 McLaren 765LT coupes due to rear windows detaching at high speeds, with the automaker installing corner fastenings as a fix.
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna reassures that the brand’s production will remain in Maranello despite potential U.S. tariffs on imports.
Dodge’s new EV blends retro muscle car aesthetics with cutting-edge features, offering AWD with optional burnouts and a hatchback for practicality.
Lotus will introduce hyper-hybrid versions of the Eletre SUV and Emeya sedan, promising a range of 680 miles (1,094 km) and fast recharging capabilities.
Research highlights how taller vehicles amplify injury risks for pedestrians, urging manufacturers to rethink front-end designs for safety.
Polestar’s upcoming sedan, rivaling the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S, features 884 hp (898 PS), bonded aluminum construction, and an 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging.
BMW M reveals a high-performance electric prototype that may exceed 1,000 hp (1,014 PS), promising advanced torque vectoring and dynamic driving capabilities.
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