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- Big Nissan cuts, stellar Maverick, Porsche sanctuary
Big Nissan cuts, stellar Maverick, Porsche sanctuary
PLUS: VW's huge fine, Ram Hemi return?, Tesla v Rolls v AMG
2025-01-27
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Releases & Reviews
After 16,907 miles (27,210 km), Car and Driver's Maverick Hybrid impresses with stellar 35 mpg (6.7 L/100km) fuel economy and versatile utility. The compact truck's $33,030 XLT tester exhibits minor issues like powertrain shudders and interior plastic scratches, but strong demand keeps it constantly on the move between various adventures.
The redesigned Acadia enchants with its 328 horsepower (245 kW) turbocharged engine and spacious interior featuring a 15-inch (38 cm) portrait touchscreen. However, harsh ride quality on 22-inch (56 cm) wheels and questionable ergonomics, like the complex wiper controls, hold back an otherwise compelling three-row SUV.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Nissan Is About To Cut Thousands of US Factory Jobs, Lower Production by 25%: Report (2 minute read)
Nissan plans to reduce US production capacity by 250,000 units annually, affecting plants in Smyrna, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi. Despite strong Q4 sales showing 11.4% growth, the cuts align with a global restructuring ahead of potential Honda merger talks.
Doug DeMuro explores the eternal enthusiast dilemma between depreciation on new cars versus maintenance costs on older vehicles. He advocates for certified pre-owned vehicles as a sweet spot, offering modern reliability with reduced depreciation impact while emphasizing the importance of thorough research when buying used.
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Car Culture
A remarkable collection showcases rare Porsches including a 964 Turbo S Lightweight (1 of 86 worldwide) and the last air-cooled 993 ever produced. Hidden in a climate-controlled facility deep in the Philippines, the collection represents some of the most significant Porsche models ever made.
Chris Harris evaluates his 1987 Jaguar XJS project car, finding surprising charm in its 191 horsepower (142 kW) straight-six engine and composed handling. Despite showing its age, the grand tourer demonstrates engaging dynamics that will influence the upcoming restoration's direction.
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Miscellaneous
The manual-transmission Mazda3 hatchback delivers 191 horsepower (142 kW) and reaches 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, offering engaging dynamics and premium interior quality at $31,835. As one of the few remaining manual options in its segment, it stands out for combining driving pleasure with upscale amenities.
The redesigned Traverse attracts buyers with its bold styling and spacious interior but disappoints with vague steering and underwhelming brakes. Despite generating 328 horsepower (245 kW) from its turbocharged four-cylinder, the three-row SUV struggles to deliver the refinement expected at its $47,795 base price.
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Quick Links
VW Group expects a 1.5 billion euro ($1.56 billion) fine for missing EU's 2025 CO2 targets, as EV sales decline and the company explores partnerships with greener manufacturers to offset emissions.
Audi's electric concept boasts 509 horsepower (380 kW) and custom portal axles delivering 9,883 lb-ft (13,401 Nm) of torque for climbing 45-degree slopes.
Newly reinstated Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis addresses the controversial Hemi V8's discontinuation, citing the Hurricane I-6's superior performance despite lower take rates for V8s across the industry.
Rivian will add hands-free driver assist to vehicles this year, 'eyes-off' next year (2 minute read)
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe revealed plans to introduce a highway-specific hands-free driving assistant in 2024, followed by more advanced "eyes-off" autonomous capabilities in 2026.
The NHTSA announced Kia is recalling 80,255 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid and Hybrid vehicles due to potential safety risks from improper airbag and seatbelt deployment.
Tesla's refreshed Model Y features slimmer headlights, improved aerodynamics for 5% better efficiency, and enhanced rear suspension for better ride comfort and noise reduction.
VW's CFO announced plans to introduce PHEVs in America to help double its market share to 8% by 2030, with the redesigned Tiguan and Tennessee-built Atlas as likely candidates.
Wall Street Journal reporter Sean McLain discusses his book detailing the dramatic escape of former Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn from Japanese custody and subsequent documentary.
A Toyota MR2 project receives its third engine swap, upgrading to a V6 producing 354 wheel horsepower (264 kW) after previous iterations struggled with reliability and performance.
Three luxury heavyweights battle it out, with Tesla's 608 horsepower (453 kW) Cybertruck facing off against Rolls-Royce's 600 horsepower (447 kW) V12 and Mercedes' 605 horsepower (451 kW) V8.
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