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- Pagani's Utopia, new Model Y spied, Murano refined
Pagani's Utopia, new Model Y spied, Murano refined
PLUS: Valkyrie racer roars, Ford's big recall, '96 Impala SS revisited
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2025-01-03
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Releases & Reviews
The $3.4 million Utopia represents a more mature evolution of Pagani's hypercar formula, powered by an AMG-built 852 hp (635 kW) twin-turbo V12 producing 811 lb-ft (1,100 Nm) of torque. Despite its raw power, the Utopia offers a more refined driving experience than its Huayra predecessor, with improved front-end grip and chassis balance. The interior showcases Pagani's trademark attention to detail with a calmer, more spacious cockpit design than previous models.
The redesigned Murano adopts a more upscale approach with reductive styling and enhanced refinement through extensive noise reduction engineering. Using KYB's "Harof Freak" dampers and specially-developed Bridgestone tires, Nissan's engineers focused on delivering a more premium driving experience while maintaining the model's practical SUV virtues.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
BMW's new "Handschalter" Package brings a proper six-speed manual to the Z4 M40i, transforming the driving experience of the 382 hp (285 kW) roadster. The $3,500 option includes revised chassis tuning, larger brakes, and unique styling elements, with the manual transmission offering notably improved clutch placement and shift feel compared to previous BMW manuals. Zero to 60 mph arrives in 4.2 seconds, with handling remaining sharp thanks to M Sport suspension tuning.
Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains is leveraging its F1 expertise to enhance road car development, particularly in EV and hybrid technology. The division has been utilizing 800V electrical architectures and silicon-carbide inverters in F1 for a decade, with this knowledge directly influencing the development of Mercedes' next-generation EVs, including the upcoming CLA electric sedan.
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Car Culture
The supercar class of 2025 showcases unprecedented diversity, from the 1,064 hp (793 kW) Aston Martin Valhalla to the all-new Porsche 718. Notable debuts also include the ~1,200 hp (895 kW) Chevrolet Corvette Zora and Bugatti-Rimac's track-focused hypercar.
The latest Atom variant smashes the legendary V8 model's Top Gear test track record by 1.5 seconds, despite having 100 less horsepower. Powered by a 400 hp (298 kW) Honda-sourced turbo engine, the 4R combines advanced aerodynamics and a sequential gearbox to achieve 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds while generating 242 lbs (110 kg) of downforce at 70 mph (113 km/h).
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Miscellaneous
In Edmunds' comprehensive comparison, the Silverado EV achieves an impressive 484 miles (779 km) range but suffers from a harsh ride due to its 24-inch wheels and 9,000 lbs (4,082 kg) mass. While the Silverado offers innovative features like a midgate and 350 kW charging capability, the F-150 Lightning wins with better build quality, superior ride comfort, and a more competitive price point starting at $65,000.
The upcoming Model Y refresh appears to adopt similar design updates as the recent Model 3, with spy shots revealing redesigned headlights and taillights beneath camouflage. Expected improvements include enhanced sound insulation, upgraded interior materials, and a new rear display for climate controls. The updated Model Y is anticipated to launch in spring 2025.
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Quick Links
Track footage reveals the Valkyrie race car's modified V-12 engine sound during testing at Daytona, ahead of its racing debut at the FIA World Endurance Championship in Qatar.
Ford is recalling 295,449 diesel-powered trucks across six F-Series models due to potential fuel pump failures caused by biodiesel deposits forming on critical components.
Despite lacking a full EV lineup, Mazda expects to break its 1986 U.S. sales record with 420,000 vehicles sold in 2024, driven by strong crossover and SUV demand.
Tesla delivered 1.79 million vehicles in 2024, marking a 1% decline from 2023, despite achieving record Q4 deliveries of 495,570 units and strong energy storage deployment.
Lincoln is recalling model-year 2024-25 Nautilus SUVs due to a faulty automatic window reversal system that could fail to detect obstructions, creating potential injury risks.
BMW's F31 3 Series puzzlingly uses a roller for track selection and buttons for volume control on its steering wheel, contrary to more intuitive modern control layouts.
Doug DeMuro examines a pristine 1997 Lexus SC300, highlighting its innovative door design, 225 horsepower (168 kW) straight-six engine, and impressive build quality.
An Ioniq 5 N was spotted at Lamborghini's Sant'Agata facility, suggesting the Italian marque is studying Hyundai's 641 horsepower (478 kW) electric performance crossover.
Jay Leno test drives comedian Gabriel Iglesias's low-mileage Impala SS, featuring the LT1 V8 engine producing 260 horsepower (194 kW) and period-correct gold badging.
Motor1's editors reflect on their standout drives of 2024, including the 821 horsepower (612 kW) Aston Martin Vanquish and the Ford Ford Ranger Raptor.
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