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- Civic vs Prius, Crab Walking Escalade, McLaren F1
Civic vs Prius, Crab Walking Escalade, McLaren F1
PLUS: Dodge cuts prices, GM recall expands, 800-HP V10 wails
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2025-03-18
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Releases & Reviews
Savagegeese compares the Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Prius Prime, and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid in a deep dive on features and daily usability. The Elantra’s 1.6-liter engine produces around 130 horsepower (97 kW), while the Civic emphasizes electric torque. Each sedan differs in packaging, tech, and ride quality.
The 2025 Escalade IQ review from TheStraightPipes showcases GM’s Ultium platform in a luxury SUV with 750 horsepower (560 kW) and 785 lb-ft (1,064 Nm) of torque. It tows 8,000 pounds (3,629 kg), features ‘Crab Walk’ four-wheel steering, and houses a ~200 kWh battery for extended EV cruising.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Facing tougher market conditions, Audi plans to cut 7,500 jobs in Germany by 2029, aiming to save over €1 billion (~$1.1 billion) annually. The automaker will invest €8 billion (~$8.7 billion) to expand its EV lineup and modernize factories. A new entry-level EV is also slated for Ingolstadt production.
A new Smartcar survey found that 76% of drivers opt out of connected-car subscriptions, citing high costs and lack of perceived value. Nearly half of those who do subscribe use free tiers. Automakers’ attempts to monetize features once standard, such as heated seats, have fueled growing consumer frustration.
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Car Culture
Chris Harris on Cars revisits the iconic McLaren F1, featuring its naturally aspirated 6.1-liter V12 generating 627 horsepower (468 kW). This analog masterpiece set new benchmarks for performance and driver engagement, boasting a central driving position and minimal electronic aids. Harris highlights its timeless design and legendary status.
Harry’s garage puts the 1,015 horsepower (757 kW) Lamborghini Revuelto through real-world UK roads. This new flagship mixes a 6.5-liter V12 with hybrid technology for blistering speed, advanced aerodynamics, and all-wheel drive agility. Despite its nearly 2,000-kilogram weight, the car’s track-focused handling and everyday usability surprise Harry with remarkable balance.
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Miscellaneous
Fresno police uncovered a major chop shop ring specializing in stolen Hellcats and Trackhawks, seizing over $3 million in vehicles and parts. Investigators found 75 cars and components from dozens more. Seven suspects face 110 felony counts, with two additional individuals still at large.
Rumors of The Grand Tour’s comeback were dashed as Amazon teased a ‘Not Very Grand Tour’ clip series. The new show, airing April 18, reportedly compiles greatest-hits footage, with Jeremy Clarkson appearing only in archival segments. Co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May will introduce nostalgic moments from past adventures.
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Quick Links
Replacing the Explorer’s Timberline trim, the new Tremor package features off-road-tuned suspension, added underbody protection, and orange accents, while likely retaining a 300 hp (224 kW) turbo engine for enhanced trail capability.
Buyers can stack a $7,500 national rebate with other cash offers for up to $12,500 in discounts, lowering the base EV’s price under $50,000 and offering up to 670 horsepower (500 kW).
Mark Rober’s foam-wall test showed the Tesla’s camera-based system couldn’t distinguish a fake road painting, while a lidar-equipped Lexus prototype easily stopped, underscoring Autopilot’s limits and highlighting differences in sensor technology.
An expanded 90,000-vehicle recall now hits Cadillac CT4, CT5, CT6, and Chevrolet Camaro models with 10-speed automatics, where a worn valve could lock the wheels or cause harsh shifts, prompting software updates to prevent failures.
Custom-built from billet aluminum with a 5.8-liter displacement and redline at 8,500 rpm, this 800 hp (596 kW) V10 offers race-ready endurance reliability and is designed for small-run track-focused supercar projects.
Tests revealed the hybrid SUV’s tank can exceed its rated 17.2 gallons, letting drivers travel roughly 60 miles (97 km) beyond the indicated zero range, highlighting Toyota’s conservative fuel gauge calibration for extra peace of mind.
Refined crash tests and stricter IIHS criteria have shortened the 2025 Top Safety Pick list, highlighting standouts like the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Toyota Camry, each earning praise for crashworthiness and active driver assists.
Mat Watson from carwow lines up a 6.75-liter V12 Cullinan Black Badge against a twin-turbo V8 Bentayga for a quarter-mile (402 m) showdown, revealing surprising launch advantages and high-speed braking differences in ultra-luxury SUVs.
Lotus’s first China-built electric SUV boasts up to 903 hp (675 kW), a 0-60 mph time under 2.9 seconds, and a 165 mph (266 km/h) top speed, trading the brand’s famed lightness for lavish power.
Seen Through Glass compares the new 911 Carrera T’s lighter, purist ethos to the exclusive 911 S/T’s enhanced engine and dampers, weighing whether the premium track-inspired model justifies its lofty price difference.
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