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- Leno on Model Y, '87 Buick GNX, BMW's V8 future
Leno on Model Y, '87 Buick GNX, BMW's V8 future
PLUS: Car commercial roundup, Iowa's big tree, Rivian opens up
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2025-02-11
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Releases & Reviews
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid couples a 1.6-liter turbo-four and two electric motors for 242 horsepower (~180 kW) and 271 lb-ft (~368 Nm). It seats up to eight and achieves 33 mpg (7 L/100km) combined. This stylish minivan offers a practical, family-friendly alternative to SUVs.
Tesla refines its bestseller with updated styling, a reworked suspension, and noise-reducing glass for improved comfort. A more aerodynamic front end helps lower drag to ~0.22, potentially boosting range. Inside, fresh materials and a bigger touchscreen modernize the cabin while preserving Tesla’s minimalist aesthetic.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
BMW confirms its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 will remain in production due to strong U.S. and Middle Eastern demand. Despite global emissions mandates, relaxed regulations in those markets keep the eight-cylinder alive. Drivers favor its smooth delivery and classic V-8 character over electrified alternatives.
Lexus’s newest RX focuses on comfort, reliability, and understated design. The plug-in hybrid variant teams a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motors for 304 horsepower (~227 kW), delivering ~35 miles (~56 km) of EV range. Its serene cabin and gentle ride justify a ~$72,610 starting price for discreet luxury seekers.
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Car Culture
The 1987 Buick GNX employed a turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 with ~300 horsepower (~224 kW) and 380 lb-ft (~515 Nm). It clocked 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds—astonishing for its era. With only 547 built, the GNX remains a rare muscle car icon blending everyday drivability and track-ready performance.
Aston Martin’s Valkyrie Roadster strips away the roof for an even more visceral experience. Its Cosworth-built 6.5-liter V12 produces over 1,000 horsepower (~746 kW), combining F1-level aerodynamics with open-air thrill. Chris Harris highlights the improved drivability, extreme packaging, and staggering performance of this next-level hypercar.
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Miscellaneous
BMW brings back a manual transmission for the Z4 M40i “Handschalter,” pairing a 382-hp (~285-kW) turbo inline-six with a six-speed stick. Its classic front-engine, rear-drive layout delivers balanced handling and open-top fun.
The “base” 911 Carrera now produces 388 horsepower (~289 kW) and 331 lb-ft (~449 Nm) from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six. With launch control, it hits 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and covers the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds. Refinements to suspension and tech preserve Porsche’s everyday-supercar reputation.
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Quick Links
A rare 1964 Ferrari 250 LM, the last Ferrari to take overall victory at Le Mans in 1965, fetched a record $36.3 million at auction, cementing its place in automotive history.
Rivian ended Amazon’s exclusivity and is now offering its Delivery 500 and 700 vans to fleets, boasting ~160 miles (~257 km) of range, up to a ~2,663 lb (~1,209 kg) payload, and flexible cargo setups.
Mitsubishi’s refreshed 2025 Outlander gains slight styling tweaks, a retuned suspension, and a new Yamaha audio system, with the 181 hp (~135 kW) SUV starting at $31,140 in the U.S.
Actor Sung Kang unites with Veilside and other Japanese shops to craft a custom 240Z that echoes his Fast & Furious persona, highlighting international collaboration and classic JDM style.
During Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, the showcased Buick was actually a Grand National styled as a GNX, preserving the rarity of the original 547 GNX models from the 1980s.
In rural Iowa, a 100-foot-tall cottonwood tree, allegedly planted 170 years ago, stands at the center of a dirt intersection, creating a quirky, naturally formed roundabout that draws local attention.
Genesis is testing a large electric SUV previewed by the Neolun concept, rumored to share Hyundai’s next-gen IMA platform, offer three-row seating, and potentially debut as the GV90 by 2027.
Volvo’s EX30 Cross Country packs 422 hp (~315 kW), standard AWD, and up to 265 miles (~426 km) of range, adding a ~19 mm lift and rugged styling to its compact, urban-focused EV design.
Novices learn essential snow-and-ice driving techniques at Bridgestone’s Steamboat Springs program, testing specialized tires and mastering skid control in both SUVs and sportier vehicles on slick, purpose-built tracks.
A roundup of Super Bowl LIX auto ads spotlights Jeep’s heritage nod, Ram’s modern fairy-tale twist, and more, as several marquee brands skip the big game to let a few surprises shine.
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