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- Living w/ the M5, Hammond's favorite, Vette E-Ray: why?
Living w/ the M5, Hammond's favorite, Vette E-Ray: why?
PLUS: 2025's most exciting, Toyota city, Genesis redesign
2025-01-07
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Releases & Reviews
For 2025, Hyundai's compact hybrid SUV receives styling updates and maintains its smooth-operating 231 hp (172 kW) hybrid powertrain. The updated interior includes a curved dual-display setup and improved materials, though rear passenger space remains somewhat compromised and its 35 mpg (6.7 L/100km) combined fuel economy trails key competitors.
The new plug-in hybrid BMW M5 combines a V8 engine with electric motors for impressive performance, though Harris suggests it's grown too large to wear the M5 badge. While praising the powertrain's seamless integration and strong acceleration, he notes the car's considerable mass presents challenges on everyday roads and questions some interior quality aspects.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Despite experiencing its lowest sales volume since 2011, the Jeep Wrangler maintained its segment leadership with 151,164 units sold in 2024 compared to the Ford Bronco's 109,172 deliveries. The Wrangler's sales have declined significantly from its 2018 peak of 240,032 units, while facing increased competition from the newly redesigned Toyota 4Runner and more affordable Land Cruiser.
A remarkable 65% of BMW Z4 buyers opted for the six-speed manual transmission in 2024, contributing to a 13.1% year-over-year sales increase. The manual transmission is exclusively available on the M40i model with its 382 hp (285 kW) turbocharged inline-six engine.
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Car Culture
Richard Hammond Decides His Favourite TV Car Of All Time! – Grand Tour vs Top Gear! (11 minute watch)
In a nostalgic review of his television career's most memorable vehicles, Hammond ultimately selected his beloved Opel Kadett "Oliver" from the Botswana special as his favorite, beating out high-performance contenders like the Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
The fourth-generation Mini Cooper S shifts away from its traditional focus on driving engagement toward luxury and technology. The new model abandons the manual transmission option in favor of a dual-clutch gearbox while emphasizing interior refinement and customization options. Despite maintaining good handling characteristics, the car has lost some of its trademark playful character.
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Miscellaneous
The first all-electric Rolls-Royce delivers 577 hp (430 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque, enabling 0-60 mph sprints in 3.7 seconds despite its 6,441 lbs (2,921 kg) mass. The $423,000 luxury coupe achieves 275 miles (443 km) of range at 70 mph (113 km/h) but demonstrates merely adequate charging capabilities.
The first hybrid Corvette combines a 495 hp (369 kW) LT2 V8 with a front-mounted electric motor for a total output of 655 hp (488 kW) and 595 lb-ft (807 Nm) of torque. Despite its 3,774 lb (1,712 kg) curb weight, the all-wheel drive system enables 2.5-second 0-60 mph sprints. The overall experience is a mixed bag.
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Quick Links
Toyota's $10 billion "living laboratory" near Mount Fuji will welcome its first 100 residents in fall 2025, all Toyota employees who will help test autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and robotics technologies.
Manhattan's new congestion pricing charges passenger vehicles up to $9 during peak hours to enter below 60th Street, aiming to reduce traffic by 80,000 vehicles daily and fund $15 billion in transit improvements.
The new LX 700h combines a twin-turbo V6 with hybrid power for 457 horsepower (341 kW) and starts at $115,350 USD, featuring an exclusive Overtrail off-road trim with 33-inch tires and locking differentials.
Genesis updates its electric compact SUV with a streamlined front end, new 27-inch dashboard display, and a larger 84.0-kWh battery pack.
Honda deliberately reduced Accord production by 17.8% to 162,723 units in 2024 while consolidating assembly lines at its Marysville, Ohio plant to prepare for upcoming EV manufacturing.
St. Elmo Steak House has served as the unofficial gathering spot for IndyCar's elite since 1902, hosting racing legends from A.J. Foyt to current champions over its famous spicy shrimp cocktail.
A massive collection of over 4,500 Hot Wheels cars dating back to 1988, including special editions and brand collaborations, is currently up for auction with bidding at $6,000 USD.
Jay Leno explores the 11,500-pound (5,216 kg) armored Chevrolet Suburban used by U.S. diplomatic security, featuring ballistic protection and specialized suspension for VIP protection duties.
Doug DeMuro previews his most anticipated vehicles for 2025, including the Ferrari F80 and Tesla Roadster.
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