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- Next-gen GT-R, CLE Screen Woes, Nikola Pardon
Next-gen GT-R, CLE Screen Woes, Nikola Pardon
PLUS: Audi Gloom, XM Desperation, LX700h Overtrail?
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2025-03-31
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Releases & Reviews
Nissan’s Pro-4X gear brings Bilstein off-road shocks, an electronic locking rear differential, and skidplates to the Frontier and Armada. The Frontier’s 3.8-liter V6 delivers 310 horsepower (231 kW), while the Armada harnesses a newer 3.5-liter twin-turbo for smoother low-speed climbs. Both models promise improved off-road chops with distinctive styling.
Powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four rated at 255 horsepower (190 kW), the 2024 CLE300 delivers a sleek exterior and serene highway manners. However, it suffers from laggy braking, glitchy infotainment, and tricky touchscreen controls. While comfortable at speed, it struggles with tech that overshadows its luxury aspirations.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Automakers are bracing for a 25% U.S. tariff on cars and parts, likely hiking prices by thousands. Affordable imports may vanish, and annual sales could dip to around 15 million from 16 million. While some brands might absorb costs, most consumers will face fewer choices and higher payments.
Rivian developed a custom adaptive headlight system, bypassing the outdated U.S. rules that limited ADB technology. Using 35 individual LEDs and advanced software, it dims sections of its high beam to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. This in-house approach means Rivian leads the American market in modern headlight innovation.
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Car Culture
Incoming Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa confirms plans for a new GT-R, preserving the storied badge. While details remain secret, sources expect electrification and design cues that honor the R35’s legacy. Espinosa’s priority is to stabilize Nissan’s finances, but he pledges to keep sports car enthusiasts in mind.
Top Gear’s Stig pushes the 6.5-liter V12-powered Aston Martin Valkyrie, boasting 1,139 horsepower (850 kW), to a new record lap. Its advanced aero and race-inspired design helped it outpace previous road-legal contenders. This F1-influenced hypercar redefines track performance while remaining theoretically streetable.
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Miscellaneous
Nikola’s founder Trevor Milton, previously convicted of fraud, has received a presidential pardon. He faced prison for misleading investors about the startup’s hydrogen truck technology and left Nikola under a cloud of controversy. With the pardon, Milton plans to release a documentary sharing his side of the story.
Lucid is recalling over 4,000 Air sedans due to an all-weather floor mat that can slide under the accelerator. The loose mat can prevent the pedal from returning to idle, risking unintended acceleration. Owners are advised to remove the mat or seek a properly anchored replacement.
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Quick Links
Priced at $129,950—surpassing the 670 horsepower (500 kW) Corvette Z06—the 2026 911 Carrera adds standard leather once costing $2,840, fresh infotainment updates, and may face new tariffs raising costs further.
GMC's expanded electric pickup lineup now includes a new entry-level Elevation from $64,495 and an off-road AT4 with up to 724 horsepower (541 kW), each offering up to 12,500 lb (5,670 kg) towing capacity.
Showcased by TheStraightPipes, Lexus's new LX700h Overtrail couples a 457 horsepower (341 kW) twin-turbo V6 hybrid with rugged off-road lifts and a cramped third-row layout, raising questions about its $140,000 price tag.
With four titles including Candy Crush Soda and Angry Birds 2, Android Auto’s new 14.1 beta lets drivers play games in fullscreen while parked, marking its first official step into in-car gaming.
BYD’s luxury brand YangWang introduces the U7 sedan with four motors delivering 1287 horsepower (960 kW), offering an estimated 447-mile (719-km) range or a PHEV version, all starting under $90,000 in China.
Facing a factory closure in Brussels and shrinking sales, Audi projects continued financial strain into 2025, citing fierce global competition and looming US import tariffs that could further impact the luxury brand’s bottom line.
carwow reports Audi will offer two new RS6 versions, including a rumored 780 horsepower (581 kW) hybrid V8 and a separate EV platform, both aiming to outgun BMW’s latest M5.
Autoblog confirms BMW’s extra $5,000 loyalty or conquest rebate can stack with existing offers, pushing XM discounts above $22,000 as dealers struggle to shift the polarizing, high-priced SUV.
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