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- Earnhardt Monte Carlo, Hyundai robot army, Kia K4 reviewed
Earnhardt Monte Carlo, Hyundai robot army, Kia K4 reviewed
PLUS: Outback blunder?, Mustang vs Mach‐E, Cars cheapest now
2025-04-18
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Releases & Reviews
The 2025 Mini Countryman S All4 pairs on‑brand styling with a 241 hp (180 kW) turbocharged 2.0 L engine and 295 lb‑ft (400 Nm) of torque. Despite its athletic chassis and 5.8‑second zero‑to‑60 mph time, the 9.4‑inch OLED display exhibits lag, dropped wireless connections and occasional glitches that undermine daily usability.
The $31,465 Kia K4 GT‑Line Turbo boasts a 190 hp (142 kW), 1.6 L turbo‑four and 195 lb‑ft (264 Nm) of torque, packaged in a 3,300 lb (1,498 kg) chassis. Its supple ride and natural steering match 26 mpg city (9 L/100 km) and 36 mpg highway (7 L/100 km) for everyday appeal.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
A California lawsuit alleges Tesla’s predictive odometer algorithms artificially inflate mileage to expire warranties prematurely. Plaintiff Nyree Hinton watched her Model Y jump from under 37,000 miles (59,533 km) to over 50,000 miles (80,450 km) in six months—more than double her historical 6,086 miles (9,793 km) average per half‑year.
Hyundai Motor Group intends to deploy 'tens of thousands' of Boston Dynamics robots at its Metaplant America near Savannah. From Spot inspection units to Atlas humanoids later this year, the order builds on Hyundai's $1.1 billion acquisition, blending advanced mobile robots into assembly alongside human teams.
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Car Culture
Doug DeMuro’s 25 minute watch tours a one‑owner 2002 Chevy Monte Carlo SS Dale Earnhardt Edition with just 4,300 miles (6,920 km), featuring black, silver and red RCR livery, Dale’s signature touches and interior memorabilia. Under its hood sits a 200 hp (149 kW) 3.8 L V6, balancing comfort and vintage NASCAR flair.
Crown Classics built a 1966 split‑window VW Bus housing an 8.3 L Cadillac V8 and GM Turbo‑Hydramatic 425 automatic, widened bodywork, disc brakes and dual quarter‑panel radiators on a custom 2×4 steel frame. Priced at $80,000, this one‑off ride melds air‑cooled nostalgia with muscle‑car power and 2003‑style aftermarket wheels.
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Miscellaneous
Archer Aviation and United Airlines plan an NYC air taxi network using the electric‑vertical‑take‑off‑landing Archer Midnight, featuring 12 electric propulsors and six redundant lithium‑ion packs. The eVTOL, built by Stellantis under a $150 million deal, aims to slash two‑hour cab rides to 15‑minute flights between Manhattan and six regional airports.
SangYup Lee argues that physical buttons enhance safety by letting drivers adjust controls without lifting shoulders or glancing away. The 2026 Palisade integrates shortcut buttons, temperature knobs and a recessed screen under trim to reduce glare and simplify use.
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Quick Links
Porsche’s 2025 911 GT3 Weissach Package clocked a 6:56.294 lap on the full 12.94‑mile Nordschleife—3.7 seconds faster than its dual‑clutch predecessor—thanks to its 502 hp (373 kW), 311 lb‑ft (422 Nm) six‑speed manual and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
VW CEO Kjell Gruner affirmed at the New York Auto Show that while a new mid‑engine R8 won’t arrive, the GTI and Golf R will soldier on as brand halo models despite Q1 sales dropping 21.6% and 37.6%, respectively.
Lexus representatives in Europe and North America confirmed there are no plans to discontinue the LS globally, even after the UK saw just three units sold in 2024 leading to its local withdrawal.
Nissan says its redesigned 2026 Leaf with an optional larger battery pack will exceed 300 miles (483 km) of EPA range, will use Tesla’s NACS charging port for faster DC fast charging, and remains single‑motor front‑wheel‑drive with no dual‑motor AWD version.
VW’s U.S. boss said a unibody pickup—likely built on an existing SUV platform and possibly featuring a range‑extender engine—remains under discussion, but the affordable European ID.1 and ID.2 hatchbacks won’t come stateside because they’re deemed too slow and cost‑prohibitive.
The Cox Automotive/Moody’s index plunged to 36.7 weeks of income—the most affordable level since June 2021—as average new‑vehicle prices fell and incentives held steady, though automakers warn tariffs may force price hikes on June production.
Subaru’s seventh‐generation Outback ditches its wagon heritage for a blocky, crossover stance reminiscent of a larger Forester, pairing carryover 180 hp (134 kW) or 260 hp (194 kW) flat‑four engines with a CVT and 12.1‑inch infotainment screen—but risks losing its loyal buyers.
Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell revealed that alongside a plug‑in‑hybrid Pacifica successor and a new crossover, the brand will develop a halo electric sedan inspired by the sleek 2024 Halcyon concept, reviving its luxury ethos 100 years on.
On Edmunds Cars, the Mach‑E GT Performance (480 hp (357 kW), 634 lb‑ft (859 Nm)) outran the Dark Horse (500 hp (373 kW), 418 lb‑ft (567 Nm)) to 60 mph in 3.7 s and the quarter mile in 12.3 s, but the Dark Horse’s track‑pack brakes and cornering grip secured the overall U‑Drags win in 35.5 s at 127.8 mph (206 km/h).
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