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- Porsche's big pivot, Forester Hybrid, $143m Merc on the road
Porsche's big pivot, Forester Hybrid, $143m Merc on the road
PLUS: F-150 reign over, wild Pagani POV, Volvo's 2025 blitz
2025-02-10
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Releases & Reviews
Mercedes' plug-in hybrid SUV delivers a combined 313 horsepower (233 kW) and 466 lb-ft of torque (632 Nm) from its 2.0L turbo powertrain and offers an impressive 54 miles (87 km) electric range. Despite the added battery weight, the GLC350e maintains its luxury character with rear air suspension and exceptional cabin refinement.
Even without the Z51 Performance Package, the base C8 delivers impressive performance from its 495 horsepower (369 kW) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) V8 while offering superior ride quality and daily usability. The convertible variant, starting at $76,995, demonstrates that sometimes less is more in the sports car world.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Porsche's shift back toward combustion and hybrid powertrains will require $831 million in additional expenditure for 2025. The strategic pivot is expected to reduce profit margins to 10-12% despite projected sales revenue of $40-41 billion.
IIHS research reveals that vehicle safety benefits from increased mass plateau above 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg), with heavier vehicles actually increasing fatality rates for other road users. The study suggests reducing weight in larger vehicles could improve overall road safety.
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Car Culture
The revolutionary MP4/1 Formula 1 car introduced carbon fiber chassis construction to motorsport in 1981, leading to McLaren's 40-year commitment to the material. The technology transfer culminated in the McLaren F1 road car, which took 3,000 hours to construct its carbon tub from 48 separate components.
One of only two 300SLR Uhlenhaut coupes ever made, valued at $143 million, was spotted driving through Monaco. The historic vehicle, powered by a 300 horsepower (224 kW) Formula 1-derived straight-eight engine, was famously used as a daily driver by Mercedes racing director Rudolf Uhlenhaut.
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Miscellaneous
Subaru's first-ever Forester hybrid combines a 2.5L boxer engine with two electric motors for 194 horsepower (145 kW) while maintaining the brand's signature mechanical all-wheel drive system. The electrified SUV promises up to 40% better city fuel economy without compromising the 8.7 inches (221 mm) of ground clearance or cargo space.
The track-focused Mustang Dark Horse delivers 450 horsepower (336 kW) from its upgraded 5.0L Coyote V8 in European specification. Priced at £70,000 (~$88,900), the special edition features enhanced cooling, stiffer suspension, and larger brakes while maintaining the model's raw emotional appeal.
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Quick Links
Toyota's compact SUV ended Ford's 42-year sales reign by moving 475,193 units (up 9%), while F-150 sales dropped 5% to 460,915 vehicles.
BMW's new center-lock wheel package requires specialized installation tools, including a $1,270 torque wrench capable of delivering 930 Nm (686 lb-ft) of force.
Following cancellation of a three-row electric SUV, Ford is developing series-hybrid powertrains where gasoline engines serve as generators rather than directly driving the wheels.
After delivering 763,000 vehicles in 2024, Volvo will launch two new EVs including the EX30 Cross Country and ES90, plus three additional new or updated models.
The hybrid M5 weighs 5,291 lbs (2,400 kg) and delivers 727 hp (542 kW) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque, with 35 miles (56 km) of pure electric range.
A Subaru Crosstrek ended up vertically wedged between a Ford Excursion and Toyota RAV4 at a Houston-area grocery store, requiring fire department assistance for driver extraction.
BMW confirms the next-gen M3 will retain its straight-six engine alongside a new electric variant launching in 2027, though manual transmission options will be discontinued.
The Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico will be retooled to produce only electric vehicles as GM discontinues the combustion Blazer after the 2025 model year.
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid dominated with an 11.7-second quarter mile, beating the Urus Performante (12.1s), RSQ8 (12.2s), and Bentayga (12.5s).
Circuit of the Americas footage showcases one of five Zonda R Evos built, featuring an 800 hp (597 kW) AMG V12 and sequential transmission with distinctive race car acoustics.
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