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- Practical Forester, new Holy Trinity, best car for teens?
Practical Forester, new Holy Trinity, best car for teens?
PLUS: $30k challenge, Manthey GT4RS rips, Miata gets more power
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2025-01-13
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Releases & Reviews
The redesigned Forester maintains its practical nature with improved styling and a carryover 2.5L boxer engine producing 180 horsepower (134 kW) and 178 lb-ft (241 Nm) of torque. While the ride quality impresses with its soft suspension tuning, the 360-degree camera system's distorted fisheye view and wireless-only Apple CarPlay integration demonstrate some technological missteps.
Ferrari's F80 leads the pack with 1,200 horsepower (895 kW) from its hybrid V6 powertrain, capable of 0-62 mph in 2.15 seconds. The McLaren W1 counters with 1,258 horsepower (938 kW) but remains rear-wheel drive only, while Porsche aims for a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio in its all-electric Mission X.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Cosworth has successfully transitioned from racing engines to becoming the premier supplier of naturally-aspirated hypercar powerplants, developing bespoke engines for Aston Martin, Gordon Murray Automotive, and Red Bull. The company's Northampton facility maintains old-school hand-assembly techniques while incorporating modern simulation technology.
Comprehensive testing reveals that lower tire pressures around 20 PSI provide optimal snow performance, improving traction by up to 2 seconds per lap compared to 50 PSI. However, extremely low pressures (10 PSI) showed diminishing returns and increased risks of tire damage without significant performance benefits.
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Car Culture
Doug advocates for prioritizing safety and reliability over performance in teen vehicles, recommending modern compact crossovers with advanced safety features rather than older enthusiast cars. His key criteria include slow acceleration, normal sizing, and up-to-date safety technology to help inexperienced drivers develop good habits.
The annual Japanese tuning showcase transformed Makuhari Messe into a spectacle of automotive creativity, featuring everything from wild body kits to cutting-edge performance parts. Industry professionals and enthusiasts alike gathered to celebrate Japan's unique car culture and aftermarket innovation.
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Miscellaneous
The new Japan-exclusive WRX STI S210 produces 296 horsepower (221 kW) and 277 lb-ft (375 Nm) of torque, but controversially employs Subaru's Performance Transmission CVT instead of a manual gearbox. Limited to 500 units, the special edition features Brembo brakes, forged BBS wheels, and custom Tsuchiya-inspired styling elements.
Developed in collaboration with drift legend Keiichi Tsuchiya, this special edition Ioniq 5 N features larger 6-piston brake calipers, 21-inch forged wheels, and a carbon fiber aero package. While currently planned only for Japan and Korea, strong U.S. interest could influence Hyundai to bring this performance-focused EV stateside.
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Quick Links
After a 15% sales decline in 2024, new North America COO Antonio Filosa aims to rebuild dealer relationships and adjust pricing while slashing bloated inventory from 500,000 to 300,000 units.
The 815 horsepower (608 kW) GTD gains a patriotic appearance package with performance white paint and red/blue stripes, inspired by Craig Breedlove's land speed record car.
The Japanese-market Miata Spirit Racing Roadster 12R gets boosted to 197 horsepower (147 kW), along with Rays wheels, Brembo brakes, and Recaro seats.
Car and Driver's base model Air Pure tester delivers 430 horsepower (321 kW) and achieves 110 MPGe over initial 4,885 miles, impressing with its luxury and refinement despite being the entry-level variant.
Spy shots reveal Mercedes' refreshed flagship sedan will feature an enlarged grille, star-pattern lighting elements, and a rumored new Hyperscreen dashboard when it debuts in late 2025.
Rally champion Kalle Rovanperä tackles Japan's 5,330-foot (1,625 m) Mount Iwaki in his GR Corolla, battling against iconic Japanese performance cars including a Liberty Walk Ferrari F40 in Red Bull's latest film.
A real-world test of Baidu's Apollo Go autonomous service reveals jerky driving, frequent disengagements, and complicated booking processes, lagging far behind U.S. competitors like Waymo.
The V12-powered SUV proves capable in winter conditions while averaging 20 mpg (11.8 L/100km), though its complex interface and firm seats draw criticism during an extended Alpine journey.
Car and Driver's team helps their social media strategist find a manual transmission enthusiast car under $30,000, debating options from modified Subarus to nearly-new Honda Civic Sis.
A detailed technical analysis shows how Manthey Racing's modifications improve lap times by 1.5 seconds through enhanced aerodynamics and suspension tuning, doubling rear downforce to 176 pounds (80 kg) at 124 mph (200 km/h).
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