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- Raptor R showdown, Maserati backs out, Yankee Candle's cars
Raptor R showdown, Maserati backs out, Yankee Candle's cars
Plus: LFR details, 2027 BMW 7 spy shots, McLaren's carbon trick
2025-03-07
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Releases & Reviews
Edmunds Cars pits the Ford F-150 Raptor R against the Ram 1500 RHO in an off-road showdown. The Raptor R offers 720 horsepower (537 kW) and 640 pound-feet (868 Nm) for thrilling performance, while the RHO’s 540 horsepower (403 kW) and 521 pound-feet (707 Nm) deliver a distinct, reliable ride.
Car and Driver reviews the 2024 Subaru WRX TR, now refined with enhanced Brembo brakes and stiffer suspension. It is powered by a 271 horsepower (202 kW) engine producing 258 pound-feet (350 Nm) of torque, offering agile handling and improved responsiveness. Updated test results confirm its sporty character.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Maserati has cancelled the MC20 electric supercar due to insufficient demand. The project, which promised a tri-motor setup with over 700 horsepower (522 kW+), was halted despite its supermodel styling and advanced torque vectoring. Market signals have shifted decisively.
Volkswagen’s North American vehicles are likely exempt from a 25% tariff, while BMW and other brands face potential levies. The exemption stems from compliance with USMCA rules, though manufacturers remain uncertain about final determinations. Trade policies continue to reshape global auto markets.
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Car Culture
Hagerty presents an in-depth look at the iconic Cizeta-Moroder V16T, a supercar with a unique 16-cylinder engine and innovative dual crankshafts. The prototype, weighing 4,000 lb (1,812 kg), combines aggressive design with complex engineering that redefined performance aesthetics. Enthusiasts celebrate its bold legacy.
Nico DeMattia uncovers a surprising side of Yankee Candle’s founder, whose massive car collection spans vintage classics and modern supercars. The estate’s luxurious garage, part of a 120,000-square-foot property, underscores his passion for performance and style.
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Miscellaneous
Volkswagen of America is suing a New York dealership for costing 1,500 sales since 2011. The automaker alleges persistent underperformance despite multiple warnings and assistance offers, reflecting growing tensions in dealer-manufacturer relationships. Legal actions may reshape sales networks.
Ronan Glon details a bizarre incident in Denver where a Hummer H2 violated a 30-mph zone (48 km/h) and attempted dubious insurance fraud. A dash cam captured the reckless maneuver, leading to a near car chase in reverse. Quick thinking prevented potential escalation.
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Quick Links
Powered by a 205 kWh battery with dual motors generating 739 horsepower (551 kW) and 785 lb-ft torque (1064 Nm), the Escalade IQL adds extra rear legroom and recharges 116 miles (186.6 km) in 10 minutes.
Ford ends Focus production at its Saarlouis plant in November, signaling the close of an iconic hatchback era known for its manual ST variant as the brand pivots towards more profitable SUV and performance models.
Jaguar commits to an all-electric future by canceling hybrid options for its I-type GT EV, boasting a 986 horsepower (735 kW) variant tested at 160 mph (257 km/h) while preserving design cues from the Type 00 concept.
Lexus LFR's potential successor will likely feature a mild hybrid twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 900 horsepower (671 kW), offering a lightweight design with a carbon fiber tub and a strong lineage to its legendary predecessor.
BMW's revamped 7-Series, spotted in heavy camouflage, features a redesigned front with single headlight clusters, integrated sensors for enhanced Personal Pilot L3 functionality, and an updated interface mirroring the Neue Klasse EV styling, hinting at turbocharged inline-6 and V8 powertrains.
Carwow tests off-road traction and descent control on expensive SUVs versus affordable alternatives, revealing that despite high price tags, superior off-road features may not justify the cost.
McLaren introduces its Automated Rapid Tape Carbon process that employs a fixed deposition head and rotating jig to craft lighter, more complex carbon fiber parts with reduced material waste, paving the way for next-generation supercars.
Spy photos of the refreshed 992.2-generation 911 Turbo reveal active front intake flaps, a new headlight design, and hints of a T-Hybrid system pairing a 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six with battery cells from Varta, signaling a hybrid-like aero evolution.
Narrated from a canine viewpoint, the review of the 2025 Subaru Forester Sport praises its roomy 56.7-inch rear shoulder space, smooth ride, and pet-friendly accessories including a $200 kennel and $300 ramp.
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