Ford killswitch, Macan vs X3, new Volvo XC60

PLUS: Lexus Overtrail?, Ferrari EV spied, fake Volvo confusion

February 19, 2025

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2025-02-19

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Releases & Reviews

Volvo refreshes its best-selling XC60 with styling tweaks, including a revamped grille, darker taillights, and new wheel options, plus fresh color choices like Forest Lake and Aurora Silver. Inside, a larger 11.2-inch infotainment screen powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform delivers faster performance, while powertrain options remain unchanged.

Doug DeMuro reviews the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T, highlighting its classic manual transmission and nostalgic design paired with modern tech like digital gauges and sport suspension. Despite quirks such as limited engine access and polarizing blue trim accents, this model delivers an engaging, old‑school driving experience for purists.

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Technology, Market Data & Analysis

Ford App Adds Remote Killswitch to Keep Thieves From Stealing F-150s (2 minute read)

Ford introduces a mobile app engine immobilizer with its new Ford Security Package for F-150s, allowing owners to remotely disable starting via the “Start Inhibit” function. The system also provides theft notifications, a dedicated hotline, and deductible reimbursement up to $2,500, free for one year before $7.99 monthly.

J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study shows three-year-old vehicles average a record 202 problems per 100 units—the highest since 2009. Software glitches, particularly with smartphone connectivity issues, are a major factor. Lexus fares best at 140 problems, while EVs improve by 33 and PHEVs worsen by 26.

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Car Culture

Chris Harris on Cars: 1300 miles in my 458 Spider. Jams and mountains and slides. A great Ferrari (16 minute watch)

Chris Harris takes his 458 Spider on a 1300‑mile (~2092 km) Italian road trip, capturing stunning mountain passes and dynamic cityscapes along the way. Blending nostalgic Ferrari charm with modern performance, his journey underscores the car’s timeless appeal and thrilling drivability.

TheStraightPipes dives into the 2025 BMW M2, noting its increased output of 473 horsepower (353 kW) and 405 lb‑ft (549 Nm) of torque from the turbocharged 3.0‑liter inline‑six. Despite issues with the clutch pedal and bouncy suspension, its dynamic performance and updated styling offer a thrilling driving experience.

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Miscellaneous

Petrol vs electric: BMW X3 M50 vs Porsche Macan Turbo (11 minute read)

Top Gear’s comparison pits Porsche’s electric Macan Turbo against BMW’s combustion‑powered X3 M50, highlighting the Porsche’s blistering performance with 630 horsepower (469 kW) and rapid charging, while the BMW delivers a traditional drive with 393 horsepower. Despite similar dimensions, adaptive suspension tunes underscore their divergent performance priorities.

Car and Driver tests the rugged Ineos Grenadier Fieldmaster, showcasing its off-road character and modern build. Its BMW-sourced 3.0‑liter inline‑six pumps out 281 horsepower (209 kW) and 331 lb‑ft (448 Nm) of torque, while live axles and over 10 inches (25 cm) of ground clearance ensure it tackles challenging terrain.

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Maserati’s GT2 Stradale refines the MC20’s race-inspired platform with a lightweight design reduced by 132 pounds (60 kg), retuned suspension, and enhanced aero generating over 1,100 pounds (500 kg) of downforce, while delivering improved power from its Nettuno V-6.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N transforms its electric hatch with rally-inspired axles, adjustable dampers, and an N Grin Boost that spikes power from 601 hp (448 kW) to 641 hp (478 kW) for a delightfully engaging drive.

What Is Lexus Overtrail? Charting a Dirty New Direction (7 minute read)

Lexus redefines off-road luxury with its Overtrail trim, adding enhanced suspension, increased ground clearance, and rugged design elements like adjustable ride modes and locking differentials to deliver versatile capability without sacrificing comfort.

Rolls-Royce’s Spectre Black Badge enhances its electric coupe by adding 82 hp and 128 lb-ft, refining suspension and drive modes like Infinity for a total output of 659 hp (491 kW) and a 60 mph sprint in 4.1 seconds.

Dodge eyes an affordable, no-frills sports car that channels the spirit of classic lightweight roadsters, emphasizing raw performance and simplicity over luxury, according to CEO Matt McAlear’s vision for an entry-level halo model.

Ferrari’s EV test mule, built on a Maserati Levante body with Roma-inspired headlights, hints at a sleek SUV debuting in late 2025 with an advanced three-motor powertrain and cutting-edge battery technology.

Only nine of these McLaren Artura and 750S Celebration Editions will be built (2 minute read)

McLaren commemorates its F1 title with ultra-exclusive Celebration Editions of the Artura and 750S, featuring bespoke papaya-anthracite livery, unique emblems, and driver signatures, with only nine units built.

Edmunds Cars tests the $367,000 Bentley Flying Spur Speed Plug-in Hybrid, highlighting its 0–60 mph sprint in 3.3 seconds, robust 6,000+ pound (2,722 kg) build, and luxurious custom features that blend performance with opulence.

Ford trims stock bonuses for 1,650 middle managers globally to cut bloated costs and drive a high-performance culture, aiming to streamline operations amid competitive pressures and trade uncertainties.

Digital artist Jordan Rubinstein-Towler’s Volvo spy renders ignited mass Facebook confusion, exposing how AI-driven content blurs reality and sparks misinformation across enthusiast communities.

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