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Mazda premium, Mustang GTD 'Ring secrets, Ramcharger deep dive
PLUS: Most reliable brands, Aston trouble, Right-to-repair
2025-02-27
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Releases & Reviews
Henry Catchpole of Hagerty reviews a modified Mazda MX-5 upgraded with a V6 engine delivering approximately 340 horsepower (254 kW) and 260 lb-ft torque (353 Nm). The conversion enhances mid-range performance while preserving the car’s agile handling, offering a compelling drive for enthusiasts.
Redline Reviews examines the refreshed 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL, featuring updated styling and advanced tech that boost its premium appeal. The SUV’s 2.5 L engine delivers 181 horsepower (135 kW), while a curb weight increase of 60–70 lbs (27–32 kg) complements its enhanced comfort and functionality.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Maserati experienced a staggering 57% sales drop in 2024, with unit deliveries plummeting from 26,600 to 11,300. The decline, compared to rivals like Ferrari and Lamborghini, raises concerns over marketing strategy and signals challenging market conditions ahead for the Italian brand.
Ram’s Ramcharger EREV combines twin electric motors with a Pentastar V6 generator to deliver a total of 647 horsepower (482 kW) and 610 lb-ft torque (827 Nm), achieving 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds in Sport mode. This integrated powertrain and robust suspension system enable superior towing and hauling performance.
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Car Culture
Mazda outlines its strategic move towards a premium market while affirming the Miata’s role as the brand’s halo. Executives stress that although sales dipped by 9.7%, the lightweight roadster’s superior build and distinctive driving experience ensure its enduring appeal in an evolving market.
Carwow’s Mat Watson reassesses the new BMW M5, praising its hybrid boost that delivers 727 horsepower (542 kW) and impressive real-world performance. The revised opinion highlights balanced acceleration and refined dynamics, making the heavyweight machine an unexpectedly thrilling drive for enthusiasts.
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Miscellaneous
Top Gear delves into the near-production Ford Mustang GTD engineered for a sub-seven minute Nürburgring lap. The piece uncovers innovative tweaks and performance secrets that blend race-inspired design with road-legal practicality, igniting excitement among performance purists.
Volvo unveils its electric ES90 saloon boasting an impressive 435 miles (700 km) of range. The model’s 800V system enables 186 miles (299 km) of range in ten minutes, while a focus on sustainable materials and lightweight engineering enhances its premium, eco-friendly credentials.
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Quick Links
Toyota commits to performance by preserving combustion engines and manual transmissions, unveiling plans for new iconic models and synthetic fuels, with upcoming engines delivering over 400 horsepower (~298 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) for thrilling dynamics.
J.D. Power’s latest U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study highlights 2022 models’ rising issues—averaging 190 problems per 100 vehicles—while brands like Lexus and Toyota excel amid escalating software challenges.
Maserati’s GT2 Stradale, building on the MC20, delivers a 10-hp boost to 631 horsepower (~470 kW), stiffer suspension, and aerodynamic upgrades that increase downforce from 320 pounds (~145 kg) to 1102 pounds (~500 kg) at 174 mph.
A bipartisan coalition has reintroduced the REPAIR Act to secure equal access to diagnostic data and repair tools for independent shops, potentially lowering repair costs and reducing delays for drivers.
Aston Martin is cutting 170 jobs amid a 9% sales drop, while banking on its $1.1-million Valhalla flagship to revitalize revenue and steer the brand toward financial recovery.
Mercedes-Benz is recalibrating its EV strategy amid steep financial declines by streamlining its design language, increasing ICE offerings including next-gen electrified V8s and V12s, and scheduling over a dozen new electric models before 2027.
General Motors will boost its quarterly dividend by 25% and initiate a $6-billion share buyback program, signaling strong confidence in future performance and continued capital return to shareholders.
A Dodge Challenger Scat Pack driver’s aggressive throttle use during a police chase led to multiple spins and a final collision with a cruiser, exemplifying dangerous, reckless driving on public roads.
Top Gear’s review of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider finds that relentless rain forces the convertible’s roof to remain up, impairing its otherwise potent performance and exposing quirky, touch-sensitive interior controls that detract from its high-end appeal.
TheSmokingTire documents his winter road trip in a half-price used Porsche Taycan, covering 2,300 miles (~3,700 km) from Detroit to California while navigating cold-related charging challenges and praising Porsche’s routing system for its reliability.
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