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new Foresters, Cayenne EV spied, Caddy's failed Catera
PLUS: Charger deals, VW admits mistakes, Nissan's B gear
2025-02-07
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Releases & Reviews
In this comprehensive Edmunds comparison, the Honda Civic Hybrid emerges victorious with its blend of performance and efficiency, sprinting from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds while achieving nearly 50 mpg (4.7 L/100km) combined. The new Kia K4 impresses with premium technology but falls short on driving dynamics, while the Corolla Hybrid prioritizes efficiency at the expense of performance.
The first-ever Forester Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter Boxer engine with an electric motor for 194 horsepower (145 kW) while achieving 35 mpg (6.7 L/100km) combined. Starting at $36,415, all trim levels feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and maintain Subaru's signature mechanical all-wheel drive system.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Porsche's upcoming electric Cayenne Coupe, spotted testing on public roads, will share the PPE platform with the Macan EV and potentially offer a 4-motor powertrain configuration. Despite the push toward electrification, Porsche plans to continue offering gas and plug-in hybrid Cayennes well into the next decade due to slower-than-expected EV adoption.
After ending merger talks with Honda that would have created the world's third-largest automaker, Nissan is now exploring partnerships with technology companies, including Taiwan's Foxconn. The discussions ended after Honda proposed making Nissan a subsidiary, highlighting the complexity of automotive industry consolidation.
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Car Culture
Doug reviews the 1998 Catera. Marketed as "The Caddy That Zigs," it represented Cadillac's ambitious attempt to attract younger buyers with a rebadged Opel Omega featuring a 200 horsepower (149 kW) V6. Despite selling nearly 100,000 units, the model failed to capture its intended youthful demographic but paved the way for later successful models like the CTS.
Ferrari's order books are full through 2026, with demand particularly strong for the new 12Cilindri model. The Italian manufacturer reports that 51% of deliveries in 2024 were electrified vehicles, projecting that hybrid and electric models will represent 80% of total shipments by 2030.
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Miscellaneous
The new LX700h combines a twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6 with hybrid assistance to produce 457 horsepower (341 kW) and 583 lb-ft (791 Nm) of torque. The off-road focused Overtrail trim, exclusive to the hybrid powertrain, proves to be the sweet spot in the lineup, offering superior ride quality despite modest fuel economy gains of 19/22 mpg (12.4/10.7 L/100km) city/highway.
The next-generation Forester Wilderness boasts increased ground clearance of 9.3 inches (236 mm), larger 235/60R-17 Yokohama Geolandar tires, and revised gearing for improved off-road capability. Featuring a 178 lb-ft (241 Nm) torque output peaking 700 rpm lower than its predecessor, the model arrives in fall 2025..
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Quick Links
Despite overall net income of $5.9 billion, Ford's EV division losses increased to $5.1 billion in 2024, with predictions of up to $5.5 billion in additional losses for 2025.
BMW's Neue Klasse development involved extensive user testing across China, Europe, and US markets, with participants spending up to eight hours evaluating interface features ahead of late 2025 production.
The 496-horsepower (370 kW) Charger Daytona R/T is being offered at $299 monthly in the Northeast with $4,579 down, while the 670-horsepower (500 kW) Scat Pack variant starts at $399 monthly.
Following Tower 1's rapid sellout, Mercedes-Benz launches sales for Tower 2 of its 2.5-million-square-foot (232,258-square-meter) Miami development, featuring a rooftop Silver Arrow Lounge and F1 simulator among luxury amenities.
The 141-horsepower (105 kW) Kicks with 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque employs a unique "B" gear setting for engine braking on steep descents, distinct from the regenerative braking function found in electric vehicles.
Starting at $66,950, the wagon-like Electrified GV70 matches the Mustang Mach-E's length but sacrifices interior space due to its shared platform with combustion models.
Volkswagen announces nine new vehicles by 2027, including the ID.2 and ID.1 EVs, while confirming the current Golf's production will move to Mexico as part of its "Triple A" recovery strategy.
While achieving its highest attendance since pre-pandemic times, the 2025 Detroit Auto Show's visitor count represents a 60% decline from 2019's 774,179 attendees.
Exterior Design Manager Kirk Bennion's departure marks the third senior Corvette team member to leave GM in the past year, following Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter and Project Manager Harlan Charles.
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