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GX vs Defender, Porsche's record, EVs bomb
PLUS: mid-sized RAM?, McQueen's 917, mystery LA car-saver
2025-01-14
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Releases & Reviews
Both of these SUVs showcase different approaches to luxury off-roading, with the body-on-frame GX offering 9,000 pounds (4,082 kg) of towing capacity and the unibody Defender providing superior on-road refinement. The Defender's air suspension enables up to 11.5 inches (292 mm) of ground clearance, while the GX counters with advanced features like electronic disconnecting sway bars.
The RDX's 2.0-liter turbo engine delivers 272 horsepower (203 kW) and 280 lb-ft of torque (380 Nm), paired with standard SH-AWD across all trims. Despite its aging interior design, the crossover impresses with practical features like 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space and an EPA-rated 21 mpg city, 26 highway combined (11.2/9.0 L/100km).
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Despite Taycan sales dropping 37.3% year-over-year, Porsche achieved record US sales in 2024, driven by strong 911 deliveries increasing by 2,436 units and 718 models seeing a 25.9% surge. Sports cars accounted for 26% of total Porsche sales, marking a significant shift from the typical SUV-dominated trend.
Toyota's upcoming "G20E" turbocharged engine is targeting over 400 horsepower (298 kW) in its high-performance variant, with a more modest 296 hp (221 kW) version also planned. The versatile powerplant can be mounted both transversely and longitudinally, potentially powering future sports car models.
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Car Culture
The legendary Porsche 959 continues to impress with its groundbreaking technology, including sequential turbochargers producing 450 horsepower (336 kW) and advanced features like tire pressure monitoring. Despite being nearly 40 years old, the supercar's performance remains competitive, with 0-62 mph achieved in just 3.7 seconds.
Deloitte's 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study reveals stark regional differences in EV demand, with China showing 27% interest compared to just 5% in the US. Price remains a major barrier, with 45% of US consumers unwilling to spend more than $34,999 on their next vehicle.
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Miscellaneous
The redesigned Kicks gains a more powerful 2.0-liter engine producing 141 horsepower (105 kW) and newly available all-wheel drive. Starting at $23,220, the refreshed model offers increased cargo space at 30.0 cubic feet and improved technology, including standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While traditional automakers made significant gains in EV sales during 2024, Tesla maintained its dominant market position. Rivian delivered 51,579 vehicles across its lineup, though specific model breakdowns between the R1T, R1S, and commercial van remain unreported.
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Quick Links
The historic Porsche 917K chassis #022, featuring Steve McQueen's signature and driven extensively by him during the filming of "Le Mans," will cross the auction block in Kissimmee on January 18, offered from Jerry Seinfeld's collection.
Toyota's Rookie Racing team has transformed the GR Yaris into a mid-engine racer for the Super Taikyu Series, replacing the front-mounted three-cylinder with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine.
Tesla's refreshed Model Y will begin rolling off the Berlin Gigafactory production line as early as today, featuring updated exterior styling and improved interior materials while maintaining the traditional turn signal stalk.
Mercedes unveils its first ultra-exclusive Mythos model, featuring unique design elements inspired by the company's 1924 Targa Florio victory and modern Formula 1 technology, with production limited to just 250 units.
VW's revived Scout brand has secured 50,000 reservations for its upcoming Terra pickup and Traveler SUV, with most customers opting for the range-extended EV powertrain offering up to 500 miles (805 km) of range.
In a quarter-mile showdown, the BMW M340i with 374 hp (279 kW) emerges victorious with a 12.5-second time, beating the 367 hp (274 kW) Audi S5 and 435 hp (324 kW) Mercedes-AMG C43.
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis expresses strong interest in developing a mid-size truck to compete with Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, citing the need for a more affordable option in Ram's lineup.
Following an 11.8% global sales decline in 2024, Audi announces plans to launch redesigned Q3 and A7 models alongside new plug-in hybrids as part of its 20-model product offensive through 2025.
A rare teardown of a failed Toyota 5VZ-FE V6 engine reveals catastrophic connecting rod failure, likely caused by a stuck fuel injector flooding the cylinder of this typically bulletproof powerplant.
An anonymous collector protected their valuable cars, including a classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing and Ferrari F430, from advancing Los Angeles wildfires by relocating them to a shopping center parking lot.
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