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2024-12-26

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Releases & Reviews

Tested: 2025 Nissan Kicks Pumps Up (7 minute read)

The redesigned Kicks grows in nearly every dimension and gains available AWD, powered by a new 141-hp (105 kW) 2.0L engine replacing the previous 1.6L unit. Despite the larger footprint and added capability, the starting price increases by only $490 to $23,220. However, road noise remains a significant issue, with interior sound levels reaching 73 decibels at 70 mph (113 km/h) - higher than some off-road focused SUVs.

2024 Maserati MC20 Cielo Review: When Daddy’s Money Is Too Good for a Lambo (10 minute read)

The $281k MC20 Cielo convertible delivers supercar thrills with its 621-hp (463 kW) twin-turbo V6 engine propelling it to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, while its carbon fiber chassis and distinctive styling help justify the premium price tag. Despite some parts-bin interior elements, the drop-top Maserati offers a compelling alternative to established rivals from Ferrari and McLaren with a more characterful driving experience.

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Technology, Market Data & Analysis

California Dealers Challenge Scout Motors' Direct Sales Plan (6 minute read)

The California New Car Dealers Association is opposing VW's plans for direct-to-consumer Scout vehicle sales, citing a 2023 state law amendment prohibiting manufacturers from competing with franchisees. Despite VW maintaining Scout's independence as a startup, the dispute threatens to impact the 2027 launch of the Scout Terra and Traveler models.

2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Yearlong Review Verdict: Here’s Why It Falls Short (8 minute read)

After 25,000 miles (40,234 km), MotorTrend's yearlong test reveals significant issues with the CX-90's transmission refinement and driver assistance systems, while winter testing showed electric range dropping to just 14 miles (23 km). Despite comfortable seating and upscale materials, multiple recalls and refinement issues overshadowed the three-row SUV's premium aspirations.

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Car Culture

How the Sultan of Brunei and His Brother Single-Handedly Saved Bentley from Bankruptcy by Buying Bespoke Cars (5 minute read)

During the financially turbulent 1990s, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prince Jefri commissioned at least 23 unique Bentleys, including the $4 million Dominator SUV, helping keep the British luxury manufacturer afloat before its acquisition by Volkswagen. Their patronage enabled development of numerous one-off models and helped preserve Bentley's coachbuilding expertise.

The Best and Most Disappointing Cars, Trucks, and SUVs of 2024 (15 minute read)

MotorTrend's staff highlights the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Toyota Camry Hybrid among the year's standouts, praising their performance and refinement respectively. Conversely, the updated Kia K5 and Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray represent the biggest disappointments, with the K5's dynamics failing to match its sporty styling and the E-Ray's hybrid system lacking cohesion.

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Miscellaneous

Kia EV9 vs. VW ID.Buzz: We Compare Their Real-World Range, Performance, and Practicality (7 minute read)

In head-to-head testing, the Kia EV9 achieved 240 miles (386 km) of real-world highway range versus 190 miles (306 km) for the ID.Buzz, despite both falling short of EPA estimates. The 379-hp (283 kW) EV9 also proved quicker, reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds compared to 5.5 seconds for the 335-hp (250 kW) ID.Buzz, though the VW offers superior cargo capacity with up to 146 cubic feet (4.1 cubic meters).

2025 Infiniti QX80 First Look (25 minute watch)

The redesigned QX80 arrives with a 450-hp (336 kW) twin-turbo V6 replacing the previous V8, while the new interior features three digital displays and higher quality materials throughout. Starting at $85,000, the full-size luxury SUV offers compelling value against established rivals, though brand prestige remains a challenge in the segment.

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Quick Links

Mazda's Suitcase Car Was a Genius Answer to a Question Nobody Asked (2 minute read)

Mazda's 1989 prototype transformed a Samsonite suitcase into a 70-pound (32 kg) portable scooter powered by a 34cc two-stroke engine producing 1.5 hp (1.1 kW), reaching speeds up to 20 mph (32 km/h).

NEW Audi S5 Review: It's Not What You Think It Is (15 minute watch)

Audi's renamed S4 Avant emerges as the S5, featuring a hybrid-assisted turbocharged V6 producing 492 hp (367 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque, capable of reaching 155 mph (250 km/h).

BYD construction site in Brazil finds Chinese workers in 'slavery-like conditions' (3 minute read)

Brazilian labor authorities discovered 163 Chinese nationals working excessive hours with restricted freedoms at BYD's factory construction site.

BMW M8 Coupe Reportedly Getting The Axe Next Year (2 minute read)

BMW has stopped taking orders for the 617 hp (460 kW) M8 Coupe, which will end production in early 2025 amid declining sales across the 8-Series lineup.

Richard Hammond Takes His Driving Test Again! (21 minute watch)

Former Top Gear host Richard Hammond fails his driving test after 38 years behind the wheel, stumbling on parallel parking and blind spot checks in an MG3 hybrid.

Bring a Trailer's 10 Most Expensive Auction Sales of 2024 (2 minute read)

Online auction platform Bring a Trailer facilitated over 30,000 vehicle sales in 2024, with the top 10 most expensive listings featuring rare and pristine collector cars.

Carlos Ghosn Can Save Stellantis (4 minute read)

Despite legal challenges and a 10-year SEC directorship ban, the former Nissan-Renault chief's global experience and EV foresight could benefit the struggling auto conglomerate.

Car and Driver's Best Images of 2024 (3 minute read)

Car and Driver's photography team captures the year's most dramatic automotive moments, from the record-breaking Subaru Airslayer at Lightning Lap to the new Toyota Land Cruiser conquering Canyonlands.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Nürburgring King vs Top Gear Track! | Stig Laps (9 minute watch)

The track-focused 911 GT3 RS, with 518 hp (386 kW) and 1,896 pounds (860 kg) of downforce at 177 mph (285 km/h), achieves an impressive 1:14.8 lap time at the Top Gear test track.