- Today in Cars
- Posts
- Defender OCTA thrashes, '65 GTO, brewing market trouble
Defender OCTA thrashes, '65 GTO, brewing market trouble
PLUS: new CX-5 spied, Lambo restorations, smuggler breakdown

PRESENTED BY

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.
Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.
2025-01-21
🚙
Releases & Reviews
The new range-topping Defender variant packs a BMW-sourced 626 horsepower (467 kW) twin-turbo V8 and advanced "6D" hydraulic suspension system. Despite its eye-popping price tag, the OCTA proves equally capable crawling rocks or blasting through rally stages.
Replacing the Forte, the all-new K4 brings upscale features like heated/cooled seats and impressive noise isolation to the compact segment. The GT-Line model features a multi-link suspension and naturally aspirated 2.0L engine making 147 horsepower (110 kW), while the upcoming GT variant will offer 190 horsepower (142 kW).
📈
Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Negative equity on trade-ins has reached an all-time high of $6,838, with 24.9% of trades underwater compared to 20.4% a year ago. Even more concerning, 24.6% of underwater buyers owe over $10,000 on their previous vehicle, forcing many to roll negative equity into new loans.
Under new North American leadership, Jeep is aggressively repositioning its lineup with price cuts and added content after sales fell by nearly half since 2019. The brand plans to launch several new models in 2025, including a Cherokee replacement, to fill critical market segments.
🛞
Car Culture
Jay Leno explores this rare Royal Bobcat GTO, formerly owned by Pontiac marketing legend Jim Wangers. The dealer-modified muscle car features a tri-power 389 V8 producing approximately 400 horsepower (298 kW), representing the golden era of Detroit performance tuning.
Doug DeMuro details his biggest automotive letdowns, including the new Mercedes-AMG C63's controversial switch to a four-cylinder engine and Toyota's underwhelming bZ4X electric SUV. The list spans from mainstream models to exotics like the McLaren Elva and Pagani Huayra.
🔧
Miscellaneous
The new Nautilus impresses with its serene interior featuring a 48-inch display and advanced "Rejuvenate" relaxation mode, delivering 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque from its hybrid powertrain. Despite some brake pedal quirks, Lincoln's mid-size SUV strikes a compelling balance of comfort and technology at its $52,010 starting price.
Jaguar's upcoming flagship EV aims to deliver 600 horsepower (447 kW) and 430 miles (692 km) of range when it launches in late 2026 with a ~$200,000 price tag. The grand tourer will showcase the brand's new electric-only direction with distinctive brutalist styling inspired by the Type 00 concept.
🏁
Quick Links
Toyota's upscale Tacoma variant delivers 326 hp (243 kW) from its hybrid powertrain, but the 5,254-pound (2,383 kg) truck's acceleration barely outpaces its non-hybrid siblings.
Polo Storico, Lamborghini's restoration division, maintains strict authenticity standards by refusing to build continuation models, focusing instead on precise factory-spec restorations of classics.
Mazda's best-selling CX-5 will receive a complete redesign featuring an in-house developed hybrid powertrain, Mercedes EQC-inspired headlights, and BMW concept-influenced LED taillights.
VW's revived Scout brand will offer both fully electric and plug-in hybrid versions of its Terra pickup and Traveler SUV, promising 1,000 lb-ft (1,356 Nm) of torque in EV form.
SEAT's performance brand plans to establish 20 "Cupra City Garages" along U.S. coastal regions through a partnership with Penske, targeting 100,000 annual sales.
Despite both hypercars being sold out, with 399 McLarens and 799 Ferraris generating over £23 billion ($29.2 billion) in revenue, they represent an increasingly predictable pursuit of performance.
Baltimore port customs officials intercept at least one illegally exported vehicle daily using mobile X-ray scanners, with 90-95% of stolen cars destined for West African markets.
Harry's Garage explores the 2025 Dakar Rally's rest day bivouac, showcasing classics like the Porsche 959 and four Audi Quattro S1 replicas among nearly 100 heritage entries.
The next-generation Outback will adopt more SUV-like styling while retaining its Global Platform architecture and adding a hybrid powertrain option alongside updated Boxer engines.
The driver of a $225,000 Lamborghini Urus repeatedly rammed parking bollards, causing significant damage and fluid leaks to their 4,700-pound (2,131 kg) luxury SUV.
Reply