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- No boring Fords, refined Rivian, epic Santa Fe test
No boring Fords, refined Rivian, epic Santa Fe test
PLUS: GM's ban, fastest Porsche, V8 coffee table
2025-01-20
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Releases & Reviews
The second-generation R1S brings significant improvements in manufacturing, battery design, and software integration while maintaining its impressive off-road capabilities. Key updates include a reduction from 17 to 7 ECUs, new oil-injection cooling system, and revised suspension tuning for better on-road comfort. Despite weighing nearly 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg), its massive 140 kWh battery pack delivers up to 420 miles (676 km) of range.
Honda's innovative parallel hybrid system delivers excellent efficiency with 44 mpg (5.3 L/100km) combined in Touring trim, while maintaining smooth power delivery without a traditional transmission. The spacious interior features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, physical controls for key functions, and an enormous 16.7 cubic feet (473 liters) trunk, though the Touring's 19-inch wheels impact ride quality.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
A legal battle is brewing as Scout Motors defends its direct-to-consumer sales model against dealer associations, with California's CNCDA leading the opposition. Scout argues its independence from VW Group of America gives it the same DTC rights as other EV startups, setting up a precedent-setting confrontation over traditional dealer networks.
Ford's strategic shift toward performance and off-road vehicles is paying dividends, with rugged-oriented models accounting for 20% (~400,000 units) of the company's 2024 sales. Farley aims to make Ford "the Porsche of off-road," emphasizing emotional appeal over commodity products in the brand's future direction.
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Car Culture
Car and Driver opens its archives to showcase vintage automotive advertisements, featuring iconic models like the first Corvette and Mustang alongside lesser-known gems such as the Sunbeam Rapier. The collection offers a nostalgic glimpse into automotive marketing's golden age through beautiful, and sometimes unintentionally humorous, period artwork.
The refreshed Vantage demonstrates exceptional handling prowess with its robust front-end grip and willingness to rotate, standing out even among elite competition like the Porsche 718 Spyder RS. Despite its front-engine layout, the Vantage exhibits minimal understeer and delivers engaging dynamics that complement its stunning exterior design.
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Miscellaneous
Toyota's new automatic GR Corolla maintains the model's 300 horsepower (224 kW) output while adding launch control and a surprisingly responsive traditional torque converter transmission. The direct automatic transmission delivers quick shifts and natural response, though the plastic paddle shifters detract from the premium feel expected at its $58,300 price point.
Through an extensive New Zealand adventure, the redesigned Santa Fe proves its versatility with capable handling across varied terrain despite modest hybrid powertrain outputs of 212 horsepower (158 kW). The distinctive boxy design houses clever features including 16 cup holders and an unusual UV sterilization chamber, though the 1.6L hybrid powertrain feels strained during spirited driving.
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Quick Links
Under a new FTC settlement, GM and OnStar will be prohibited from sharing vehicle location and driving behavior data with consumer reporting agencies for five years.
Acura's new electric SUV is being offered at $299 monthly for 36 months with $2,999 down, undercutting the CR-V Hybrid thanks to federal tax credits and lease incentives.
Federal safety regulators are investigating reports of connecting rod bearing failures in GM's 6.2-liter V8 L87 engine, affecting multiple truck and SUV models from 2019-2024.
New trademarks preview two potential S-Class Coupes, including AMG and Maybach variants featuring a distinctive split rear window design.
The F1 champion showcases Ford's Mustang Dark Horse at Italy's Circuito Tazio Nuvolari in a new promotional video ahead of Ford's 2026 F1 powertrain partnership with Red Bull.
A unique coffee table built from a Ferrari 458's 562 hp (419 kW) F136 V8 engine is heading to auction with an estimated value between $50,000-$75,000.
One of only two light blue metallic 206 GTs produced, this rare aluminum-bodied Ferrari features a 178 hp (133 kW) 2.0-liter V6 and has remained with the same family for nearly 50 years.
Car and Driver compiles a comprehensive list of 2024-2025 EVs eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit under new battery sourcing requirements.
Dramatic footage shows an owner moving his Tesla Model Y to rescue his rare 518 hp (386 kW) Porsche 911 S/T, one of only 1,963 units produced, from approaching wildfires.
A modified 1,100 hp (821 kW) 911 Turbo S faces off against a Taycan Turbo GT and stock 650 hp (485 kW) 911 Turbo S in a quarter-mile showdown.
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