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- Honda-Nissan, F-150 Tremor capable, V12 legends
Honda-Nissan, F-150 Tremor capable, V12 legends
PLUS: $26m Ferrari, 2026 Audi A7, inside Sonderwunsch
We’re off tomorrow - have a very merry Christmas! If you need a last minute gift, refer a fellow car enthusiast to the newsletter.
2024-12-24
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Releases & Reviews
Marking the 911's 60th anniversary, Porsche's new hybrid GTS T boasts 532 total system horsepower (397 kW) - 478 HP (357 kW) from the gas engine plus 54 HP (40 kW) from electric motors - compared to the original's 128 HP (95 kW) flat-six. The evolution is evident in size too. The 2025 model is over 15 inches (381 mm) longer, 17 inches (432 mm) wider, and 1,155 pounds (524 kg) heavier than its ancestor. Despite the growth, 0-60 mph times have dropped from 7.0 to 2.9 seconds.
While not as extreme as the Raptor, the F-150 Tremor proves highly capable with its 400-horsepower (298 kW) 5.0L V8 and off-road-tuned suspension. The truck achieves 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds while delivering braking performance from 60-0 mph in 149 feet (45.4 meters). Despite softer springs for trail duty, it maintains composure on-road with predictable handling in both 2WD and Auto 4WD modes.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
In a seismic shift for Japan's auto industry, Honda and Nissan have announced merger plans aimed at creating the world's third-largest automaker behind Toyota and Volkswagen. The combined entity would target annual sales of 30 trillion yen (~$191 billion) and operating profits exceeding 3 trillion yen (~$19.2 billion). Both companies cited intensifying competition from Chinese EV makers and aim to wrap up talks around June 2025.
With 2025's arrival, several notable vehicles become eligible for U.S. import under the 25-year rule, including the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition with 276 HP (206 kW), the Morgan Aero 8 featuring a 4.4L BMW V8 producing 286 HP (213 kW), the Alfa Romeo 147 Twin Spark, and the Vauxhall VX220 with its 145 HP (108 kW) Ecotec engine.
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Car Culture
Throttle House explores luxury car value by purchasing a 1998 BMW 750iL with 322 HP (240 kW) and 1992 Mercedes S600 producing 402 HP (300 kW) for under $30,000 combined. Despite their age, both German flagships showcase over-engineered excellence from an era focused on mechanical refinement rather than digital features. The journey highlights both the rewards and challenges of maintaining these sophisticated V12-powered machines.
The Iconic 1977 Pontiac Firebird Formula from "The Rockford Files!" | Jay Leno's Garage (35 minute watch)
This episode explores the authentic TV series car used by James Garner, featuring its distinctive "Rockford gold" paint - a special color chosen from a 1962 Cadillac. The Firebird Formula packed a 403 cubic-inch (6.6L) Oldsmobile V8 making 185 horsepower (138 kW), chosen specifically as a realistic car for a private investigator's budget rather than the more expensive Trans Am model.
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Miscellaneous
A detailed comparison reveals two distinct approaches to sporty compact sedans. The $31,500 Civic Si offers superior steering feel and a better manual transmission with 200 HP (149 kW), while the $34,000 GLI counters with 228 HP (170 kW) and a more refined ride thanks to adaptive dampers. Fuel economy testing showed the Civic Si achieving ~2-3 mpg better (roughly 0.9-1.3 L/100km improvement) than the GLI in real-world driving.
The JCB chairman shares candid insights on the automotive industry's transition, revealing his ownership of both a Jaguar I-PACE (394 HP/294 kW) and hybrid vehicles. While acknowledging electric vehicles' merits, he expresses skepticism about current battery technology limitations and suggests hydrogen power could play a larger role in the future, particularly for commercial vehicles operating 5,000+ hours annually.
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Quick Links
The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti, chassis 5893, is heading to RM Sotheby's Paris 2025 auction with an estimated price of $26 million, featuring its original numbers-matching Tipo V-12 engine.
The upcoming A7 Allroad, successor to the A6 line, maintains its signature adjustable air suspension and is expected to feature a 362 hp (270 kW) 3.0-liter turbo V6.
AC is introducing a 390 hp (291 kW) 2.0-liter engine option for the Cobra GT, lowering the starting price to £235,000 ($294,400) while reducing weight from the standard 3,200-pound (1,451 kg) V8 model.
Girardo & Co.'s annual holiday video showcases Carlos Sainz Sr.'s ex-Works Ford Focus RS WRC from the 2001 Monte-Carlo Rally in a festive demonstration run.
Despite Rivian's success in delivering over 50,000 vehicles and Lucid's expansion with the new Gravity SUV, 2024 saw Fisker file for bankruptcy and Radford Motors collapse after just three years.
GM's OnStar service is offering direct communication with Santa Claus through December 25th, pledging to donate up to $30,000 to the American Red Cross based on call volume.
Lamborghini's limited-edition snowboard collaboration with CAPiTA features a Pure Megacarbon construction and Union Falcor bindings weighing just 855 grams, with only 200 units available at $1,999.90.
Doug DeMuro discusses the oversaturation of modern hypercars, noting how vehicles priced at $3 million have become commonplace compared to the era when the Bugatti Veyron's $1 million price tag was revolutionary.
The limited-edition Bentley Batur, based on the Continental GT, delivers over 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque and extensive customization options, though questions arise about its value proposition at £2 million ($2.5 million).
Porsche's "Special Request" facility charges $105,000-$370,000 just to start the concept phase, with final builds typically taking 1-2 years and costing seven figures for completely bespoke vehicle creations.
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