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- Delinquency Soars, M5 Gets Bigger, Cheap Lexus V8
Delinquency Soars, M5 Gets Bigger, Cheap Lexus V8
PLUS: Daytona vs Hellcat, new Jag IRL, Cybertruck Breaks
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2025-03-12
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Releases & Reviews
[Doug DeMuro] The new M5 weighs 5,400 lb (2,449 kg) and packs 720 horsepower (537 kW) from its plug-in-hybrid V8. With 740 lb-ft (1,003 Nm) of torque, it reaches 60 mph in about 3 seconds on the way to 190 mph (306 km/h). Despite its heft, four-wheel steering helps maintain agility.
[Harry’s Garage] Morgan's new Supersport packs a 335 horsepower (250 kW) BMW inline-six, hitting 0–60 mph in under 4 seconds and a 165 mph (266 km/h) top speed. Weighing around 1,170 kg (2,579 lb), it pairs aluminum construction with sleek aerodynamics. Morgan’s CEO also explains why an electric model isn’t coming soon.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
According to Fitch Ratings, 6.6% of subprime auto borrowers were over 60 days behind on payments in January, the highest level since 1994. Average new-car prices have climbed to $48,500, with monthly payments around $755. Rising rates and higher costs are straining budgets across all credit tiers.
Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida resigned under pressure as the automaker struggles with falling sales and high debt. New CEO Ivan Espinosa may revive stalled merger talks with Honda, which could create one of the world’s largest automakers. Mitsubishi’s involvement remains uncertain, but negotiations could accelerate soon.
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Car Culture
Lexus’s IS F offers a 416 horsepower (310 kW) naturally aspirated V8 and 0–60 mph in around 4.4 seconds. Clean examples can cost less than a new economy car but still deliver strong reliability. With minimal mechanical pitfalls, it’s a compelling choice for enthusiasts craving affordable performance.
Top Gear compares China’s new Li Auto Mega with Lexus’s ultra-luxury LM minivan. The Mega’s 536 horsepower (400 kW) electric drivetrain, advanced AI, and spacious cabin challenge the LM’s plush interior and hybrid refinement. Both demonstrate a growing market for upscale vans, though each caters to different regional preferences.
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Miscellaneous
Car purchases have become politicized, with Tesla at the center of heated boycotts and endorsements. Growing polarization sees vehicles as symbols of broader social or environmental stances. The author urges open discussion among enthusiasts, stressing common ground over political division.
Disney is building a new Cars-themed land at Orlando’s Magic Kingdom, headlined by a high-speed rally ride featuring Lightning McQueen and friends. Imagineers are developing custom off-road-style vehicles, capturing the excitement of rocky terrain and geyser dodges. The expansion is set for a 2028 opening.
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Quick Links
The radical Type 00 concept was repainted for Paris Fashion Week, with Jaguar confirming the production version will cost over £120,000 (~$150,000) and target up to 478 miles (770 km) of electric range.
Likely arriving in late 2024, the upcoming QX65 shares underpinnings with the QX60, may offer a 268 horsepower (200 kW) turbo-4 or a 450 horsepower (336 kW) twin-turbo V-6, and features Infiniti’s latest bamboo-inspired grille design.
The 670 horsepower (499 kW) AWD Charger Daytona Scat Pack outruns the 797 horsepower (594 kW) Hellcat Redeye to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, highlighting the instant torque and traction advantages of Dodge’s new EV muscle car.
Rumored to borrow the Lamborghini Temerario’s 4.0-liter flat-plane V-8 hybrid drivetrain, the next R8 could pack around 907 horsepower (676 kW) and debut by 2027, reflecting Audi’s shift toward electrified supercar performance.
A YouTuber’s extreme test showed the Cybertruck’s cast-aluminum hitch mount tearing off under roughly 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) of downward force, sparking questions about Tesla’s design durability when towing at its claimed 11,000-pound (4,990 kg) capacity.
carwow’s latest video pits a 2007 Porsche Cayenne Turbo with 500 horsepower (373 kW) against a 530 horsepower (395 kW) Range Rover Sport in a drag race, revealing surprising launches, tight finishes, and comedic banter.
Nissan devoted over two years to perfecting Aurora Blue Metallic for the 2025 Murano, highlighting how paint color can elevate a vehicle’s visual impact in a market dominated by grayscale finishes.
Despite its 174 horsepower (130 kW) turbo-four and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque, the updated Taos delivers average performance, moderate cargo space, and a comfortable ride, but struggles to stand out in the crowded subcompact SUV class.
In TheStraightPipes’ review, the refreshed 2025 Santa Cruz XRT’s 2.5-liter turbo-four packs 281 horsepower (210 kW) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm), delivering a comfortable, car-like ride with added utility from its small pickup bed.
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