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- US-made Porsche?, Car and Driver's big list, future of cars
US-made Porsche?, Car and Driver's big list, future of cars
PLUS: Tesla's slide, $20k oil change, VW's smart move
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2025-01-30
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Releases & Reviews
Despite maintaining the same 503 horsepower (375 kW) output, the updated GT3 receives recalibrated steering and suspension tuning for improved road manners. The model now offers more configuration options, including a rear-seat option for added practicality, while maintaining its track-focused capabilities.
The new hybrid flagship SUV pairs a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for 457 horsepower (341 kW) and 583 lb-ft (791 Nm) of torque. Starting at $115,350, this body-on-frame luxury SUV offers improved fuel economy of 19 mpg city/22 mpg highway (12.4/10.7 L/100km) while maintaining an 8,000-pound (3,629 kg) towing capacity.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Car and Driver's annual guide evaluates hundreds of vehicles through rigorous testing to determine segment leaders. The comprehensive list includes detailed analysis of performance, value, and real-world usability, helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions across all vehicle categories..
In response to potential new tariffs, Porsche and Audi are considering U.S. manufacturing options, including expanding VW's Chattanooga plant or utilizing Scout's upcoming South Carolina facility. The brands currently import all U.S.-market vehicles from Europe and Mexico, making them particularly vulnerable to proposed February 2025 tariff changes.
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Car Culture
A deep dive into Lucid Motors' engineering processes reveals the complexities of modern vehicle development. The episode focuses on body structure development, showcasing how computer simulations and real-world testing combine to optimize noise, vibration, handling, and crash safety performance before physical prototypes are built.
After 16 years, the sixth-generation 4Runner debuts with Toyota's TNGA-F platform and replaces the V6 with either a turbocharged I-4 or i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. The TRD Pro, starting at $68,350, comes exclusively with the hybrid setup producing 326 horsepower (243 kW) and 465 lb-ft (631 Nm) of torque. Fox Racing QS3 internal bypass shocks and 33-inch tires underscore its off-road capabilities.
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Miscellaneous
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has ordered an immediate review of fuel economy standards for model years 2022 and beyond, with particular focus on regulations implemented by the previous administration. The DOT claims the move aims to reduce vehicle costs and increase consumer choice.
General Motors achieved "variable profit positive" status for its EV lineup in Q4 2024, meaning revenue exceeded labor and material costs. The milestone coincides with successful launches of the Chevy Equinox EV and Blazer EV, though the metric excludes factory retooling investments. GM's EV market share doubled in 2024 amid increased production.
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Quick Links
A Veyron service requires 27 man-hours of labor, 16-18 liters of oil, and specialized aerospace-grade transmission filters costing £3,000 each to maintain the car's 253 mph (407 km/h) capability.
Honda's reborn hybrid Prelude will feature S+ Shift technology, adaptive dampers, and dual-axis steering while weighing 10% less than the Civic it's based on.
The $5.8 billion joint venture will integrate Rivian's advanced electrical architecture into VW's future EVs, with other automakers now expressing interest in accessing the technology.
The all-electric Wagoneer S delivers supercar-like acceleration with 600 horsepower (447 kW) and 617 lb-ft (837 Nm) of torque, propelling its 6,700-pound (3,039 kg) mass to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
The 174.4-acre Florida facility, featuring a quarter-mile drag strip, two-mile (3.2 km) road course, and karting track, is seeking buyers after a previous warehouse development plan was rejected.
RUF's new €8,361 (~$9,100) LED lighting package offers triple the brightness of original units and includes nine separate components developed with original 993 designer Tony Hatter.
Honda is recalling 294,612 vehicles, including Pilots and Acura models, due to a Denso-supplied computer software glitch that could cause unexpected engine stalling.
Despite rainy weather, the charity event exceeded its $100,000 fundraising goal and showcased rare vehicles including one of only 50 remaining Citroën BX 4TC homologation specials.
Tesla reported Q4 earnings of $2.3 billion on $25.7 billion revenue, with regulatory credit sales accounting for $692 million of profits as the company works to reduce vehicle production costs.
VW's decision to cancel the ID.7 electric sedan for North America reflects shifting market demands and potential changes to federal emissions regulations under the new administration.
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