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- Carvana fraud?, 2024 sales records, GR Corrola test
Carvana fraud?, 2024 sales records, GR Corrola test
PLUS: new Xterra, M5 v RS6 v AMG 63 GT, '68 safari Mustang
2025-01-06
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Releases & Reviews
The automatic GR Corolla maintains the model's impressive capabilities while improving accessibility, hitting 60 mph in 5.1 seconds - three-tenths quicker than the manual version. The torque-converter 8-speed transmission pairs with an uprated 300 horsepower, 295 lb-ft (220 kW, 400 Nm) turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Starting at $40,000 for the base model, it retains sophisticated all-wheel drive and track-focused cooling upgrades.
The refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer brings improved interior quality and new Google-based infotainment but falls short on third-row space. The Honda Pilot excels in family-friendly features with its removable middle seat, while the Kia Telluride retains its crown with superior material quality, refined driving dynamics, and compelling value proposition.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Investment firm Hindenburg Research alleges Carvana's recent 284% stock surge masks serious financial irregularities, including claims that founder Ernest Garcia II sold $3.6 billion in stock before the company's 99% value drop in 2022-23. The report suggests creative accounting and subprime loans have artificially inflated the company's market performance.
Analysis of 2024 auto sales reveals strong performance in subcompact crossovers, mid-size pickups, and electric SUVs. Market trends indicate shifting consumer preferences toward electrified vehicles and versatile utility segments, though detailed segment-specific data is still being compiled.
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Car Culture
This 1957 Corvette ‘Project XP-64’ Was GM’s First Purpose-Built Race Vette, and It’s for Sale (4 minute read)
The groundbreaking 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS, developed by legends Harley Earl and Zora Arkus-Duntov, is heading to auction. This 300 horsepower (224 kW) purpose-built racer weighing just 1,850 pounds (839 kg) competed at Sebring before an early retirement. Expected to fetch $5-7 million at the upcoming ModaMiami auction.
Four distinct approaches to restomodding showcase the evolution of the craft, from Amos's development-stage Lancia Delta to Kimera's fully realized EVO37. The latter impresses with its 550 horsepower (410 kW) twin-charged engine and modernized dynamics while maintaining period-correct character.
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Miscellaneous
Ford delivers 2.08 million vehicles in 2024, up 4% year-over-year, while GM reaches 2.7 million units, also increasing 4%. Both manufacturers report significant EV growth, with Ford's electrified vehicle sales up 38% to 285,291 units and GM's EV deliveries jumping 50% to 114,432 vehicles.
BMW achieves record U.S. sales of 371,346 vehicles in 2024, up 2.5% from 2023. Electric vehicle sales surpassed 50,000 units for the first time, with BEVs accounting for 13.7% of total volume. The new i5 showed particularly strong momentum with 8,763 deliveries in its first full year.
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Quick Links
CarWow pits three high-performance German wagons against each other in a quarter-mile showdown.
Nissan filed a new trademark application for the "Xterra" name on December 23, suggesting a possible return of the SUV to North America after its 2015 discontinuation.
RE Amemiya's "Koku" concept features a modified FD RX-7 chassis with MX-5 headlights and a three-rotor engine producing 345 horsepower (257 kW), set to debut at Tokyo Auto Salon.
Total U.S. vehicle sales reached 15.9 million units with hybrid sales surging 36.7%, while traditional automakers adjusted to slowing EV demand and relied on core gas-powered models.
The single-motor ID.Buzz reaches 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and delivers 234 miles (376 km) of range, saving $4,500 over its dual-motor sibling while starting at $61,545.
Nissan Sentra sales jumped 39.8% to 152,659 units while the entry-level Versa surged 71.7%, signaling strong demand for affordable vehicles in the U.S. market.
The electric Mach-E outsold its gas-powered sibling with 51,745 units versus 44,003, marking a 26.9% increase despite being an older model.
Currently listed at $60,500, this unique Mustang restomod features a modern Coyote V8, five-speed manual, and off-road tires, though its suspension setup limits actual off-road capability.
Several popular models lose their manual transmissions, including the Honda Civic Hatchback, Volkswagen GTI, and Jeep Gladiator, as automakers continue shifting away from stick shifts.
Chris Harris and guests discuss their automotive letdowns and aspirations for the upcoming year.
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