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- Mercedes Minivan, 657-HP Cayenne, Leno's Pontiac
Mercedes Minivan, 657-HP Cayenne, Leno's Pontiac
PLUS: Infiniti's 600 HP, Ford Mega Recall, Hammond's 911
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2026-03-11
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Releases & Reviews
The new Cayenne S Electric slots between the standard and Turbo Electric models, producing 536 hp (400 kW) normally and up to 657 hp (490 kW) with Launch Control from its dual-motor AWD system. Porsche continues expanding its EV lineup even as competitors pull back on electrification plans.
Dodge aims to end the seasonal stigma of muscle cars with the gas-powered Charger's standard all-wheel drive, tested through snowy New England conditions. The result is a surprisingly capable four-season performer that challenges the notion that muscle cars belong in garages come winter.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Nokian Tires has turned a James Bond–inspired concept into reality with studded winter tires whose studs automatically retract as temperatures rise. First prototyped in 2014 at a cost that would have exceeded the vehicle itself, the production-viable design represents a breakthrough in winter tire engineering.
After back-to-back years of declining sales — down 11.8% in 2024 and another 2.9% in 2025 — Audi is betting that radical design changes can reverse the trend. The new Concept C previews the brand's fresh styling direction, with a production version expected within two years.
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Car Culture
Jay Leno's Garage tells the emotional story behind a 1965 Pontiac Grand Prix with a remarkable history — a classic connected to a life-saving moment. The episode combines Leno's signature enthusiasm with the kind of personal automotive storytelling that transcends horsepower figures.
This Car and Driver archive test from April 1991 revisits the second-generation Legend, which arrived bigger, faster, and more fuel-efficient than the original that helped Acura outsell Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the U.S. Honda's calculated risk of redesigning its proven winner paid off with a refined luxury sedan that continued to punch above its weight.
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Miscellaneous
Mercedes is entering the US minivan market with the all-electric VLE-Class, offered in single-motor VLE300 and dual-motor VLE400 configurations. Multiple seating layouts include a premium option with lounge-style center seats, finally bringing luxury-brand cachet to the people-mover segment.
Scout CEO Scott Keogh confirmed the Traveler SUV will launch before the Terra pickup, reflecting the reservation split of roughly 75% SUV to 25% truck. The staggered rollout allows the VW-backed startup to focus production resources on its most in-demand model first.
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Quick Links
A roughly 600 hp (448 kW) Red Sport variant arrives next spring, with an even more powerful QX80 following in 2028 as Infiniti looks to inject serious performance into its flagship SUV.
Honda's rugged-looking CR-V variant offers compelling value and electrified efficiency, though the mostly cosmetic upgrades don't dramatically improve off-road capability over the standard model.
Volvo's upcoming electric luxury SUV targets an impressive 400 miles (644 km) of range, with a single clever engineering decision making a surprisingly outsized contribution to that number.
DRIVETRIBE host Richard Hammond gets behind the wheel of both a classic Porsche 911 and the latest GT3 to explore how six decades of evolution have transformed the iconic sports car.
Two separate recalls cover Bronco, Edge, Escape, Explorer, and Lincoln models where rearview camera images may display incorrectly or not at all when the vehicle is in reverse.
The base XL trim can now be paired with the Tremor package or a new Off-Road package featuring factory-approved 35-inch tires, while chassis cab models gain the luxurious Platinum trim.
A heartfelt essay about how restoring a 1985 Toyota MR2 became a transformative journey, proving that the most meaningful car projects aren't about the destination but the wrenching along the way.
With the federal EV tax credit expired and electric vehicle sales declining, Hyundai and Kia are reportedly pulling back on the standard Ioniq 6 and EV6 GT for the US market this year.
The all-new 2027 ProMaster City rides on Stellantis' global mid-size commercial van platform and goes on sale next year with a potential starting price under $40,000.
A loving appreciation of GM's downsized 1977–79 full-size cars, which traded the battleship proportions of their predecessors for a more civilized package that still delivered classic American luxury.
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