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2026 Leaf, Hyundai's Futuristic Plant, King's Defender
PLUS: New GT-R, 25% Tariff Threat, 2025 Low Depreciation

2025-03-27
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Releases & Reviews
The refreshed S3 packs a 328 horsepower (245 kW), 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) turbo-four and a torque-splitting rear differential borrowed from the RS3. With a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h), it pairs surprising daily comfort with spirited handling. Starting at $49,995, it’s a compelling alternative to bulkier crossovers.
Nissan’s third-gen Leaf transforms from a frumpy hatchback into a sleek crossover on a new CMF-EV platform. Promising improved range, it features refined aerodynamics, a modern interior, and a standard NACS charging port for easy Tesla Supercharger access. Pricing aims to compete with mass-market rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox EV.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
New 25 percent tariffs on imported vehicles and parts take effect April 3, raising consumer costs for half of all U.S. car imports. Automakers warn that higher prices and potential supply-chain disruptions could reduce model variety. In the short term, experts predict significant market chaos and reciprocal trade barriers.
Hyundai inaugurates a $7.6 billion manufacturing complex in Georgia, housing EV production and battery assembly. Capable of producing 500,000 vehicles annually, the facility features AI-driven processes, robotics from Boston Dynamics, and on-site solar power. It cements Hyundai’s regional expansion and aims to create thousands of high-tech jobs across the state.
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Car Culture
DRIVETRIBE ventures into Richard Hammond’s hidden barn to unearth automotive oddities, half-finished projects, and Land Rover parts galore. From a neglected BMW track toy to a vintage Jensen Interceptor shell, the barn overflows with surprises. It’s a lighthearted look at Hammond’s delightfully cluttered enthusiast stash.
A 2010 Land Rover Defender once owned by King Charles III sold for £67,500 (~$84,000), surpassing its £43,000–£50,000 (~$53,000–$62,000) estimate. Meticulously maintained and finished in Keswick Green, it featured heated seats but limited tech. The winning bid delivers royal provenance and serious bragging rights.
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Miscellaneous
The Napier Deltic was an astonishing 88.3-liter, 18-cylinder diesel with three crankshafts and 36 pistons arranged in a triangular layout. Originally designed for British naval vessels, it also powered iconic locomotives and fire-fighting rigs. Despite its complexity, this opposed-piston marvel achieved remarkable horsepower in a relatively compact footprint.
F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, envisions a modern homage to the iconic F40. Dubbed the “F44,” it would feature old-school elements like a gated manual and minimal driver aids. Though current safety regulations may complicate such a purist design, Hamilton’s passion for a raw supercar remains undeterred.
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Quick Links
CEO Ivan Espinosa confirms the iconic nameplate will return, potentially with electric or hybrid technology, leveraging Nissan’s Formula E experience and building on the brand’s sports car heritage.
Chevy’s new policy also bans resellers from future hot GM models and transfers the warranty void to subsequent owners, aiming to deter early flips of the twin-turbocharged supercar.
Set to begin April 2, these permanent tariffs also apply to US automakers building cars abroad, potentially raising prices for consumers and significantly cutting imports, according to a 2024 government study.
Slated for an early 2026 debut, the micromobility startup’s first product will feature in-house Rivian-inspired tech, offering a two-wheeled electric ride with a seat, battery, and screen for urban commuting.
Billed as a two-tier program spanning tailored ‘catalog’ models and fully bespoke cars, Officine Fuoriserie offers one-of-one paintwork, unique materials, and direct collaboration with Maserati’s creative team for ultimate personalization.
After prioritizing larger EVs, Audi plans a smaller, more affordable model built at Ingolstadt by 2026, likely drawing on Volkswagen’s MEB architecture and priced below the current Q4 E-Tron.
Bucking broader trends, sports cars like the Porsche 911 and Chevy Corvette, plus Toyota trucks, top the five-year resale value rankings, with hybrids retaining the most value and EVs depreciating the fastest.
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