Motor Trend - Spring 2025

In this issue

END OF AN ERA?
Dodge Charger Daytona vs. Ford Mustang Dark Horse As V-8 muscle gives way to electrification, what remains? Christian Seabaugh.

NEW COMPETITION
An Economic Threat or a Boon to Consumers? Assessing the Chinese auto industry and what its ample offerings could deliver to U.S. drivers. Christian Seabaugh.

2025 POWER LIST
Bringing order to a chaotic 12 months, plus our Person of the Year. Alisa Priddle.

MERGERS, POWER PLAYERS, AND POLITICS

The auto industry has been in a state of flux considering electric, self-driving, and software-defined vehicles against a backdrop of geopolitical tension and changing consumer appetites. For automakers undertaking decisions for cars that will launch years from now, reading that crystal ball has always been incredibly difficult. Doing so is even trickier in 2025.

3 mins

JAGUAR FLIPS THE BIRD AT CONVENTION

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE STORIED BRITISH MARQUE? AND WILL IT WORK?

4 mins

A SERIOUS PERFORMER FOR SERIOUS DRIVERS

ASTON MARTIN'S VALHALLA IS SHAPING UP TO BE JUST WHAT DRIVING DREAMS ARE MADE OF

3 mins

CAN WE PLEASE GET EV MOTORS OUT OF THE CAR?

Nineteenth-century EVs were as likely to use inboard motors as they were wheel-hub motors. OG car guy Ferdinand Porsche raced a wheel-hub-motored EV in Vienna in 1897, and Lohner and others built production versions from 1900 to 1920. Porsche's direct drive eliminated the friction of a geared or chain drive but also lacked their torque multiplication. So the copper and iron required to generate sufficient torque to accelerate his heavy batteries resulted in 320-pound motors.

3 mins

IS THIS THE END?

DODGE CHARGER DAYTONA SCAT PACK VS. FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

9 mins

WORTH YOUR ATTENTION

THE AVIATOR REMAINS FULL OF PERSONALITY DESPITE MISSING A KEY NEW LINCOLN FEATURE

3 mins

AUTOPIA?

AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAKES THE GR COROLLA FASTER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE

4 mins

SHOULD AMERICANS BE AFRAID OF THESE CARS?

WE LEARNED JUST AS MUCH ABOUT THE STATE OF THE CHINESE AUTO INDUSTRY FROM OBSERVING AS WE DID FROM DRIVING

9 mins

WOULD THESE CHINESE EVS WORK FOR AMERICANS?

WE DROVE 18 OF THE BEST TO FIND OUT

8 mins

A REAL BRAPTOR THREAT

TOYOTA DROPS A RAPTOR-LIKE GAUNTLET ON FORD'S FRONT DOOR

3 mins

$100,000 LUXE TRUCK DUEL

GMC'S SIERRA EV MEETS RIVIAN'S RIT TRI: WHICH ONE IS THE MOST LUXURIOUS PICKUP?

10 mins

THE SUB-$40,000 FAMILY SEDAN SHOWDOWN

FOUR MAINSTREAM MIDSIZE SEDANS DUKE IT OUT TO SEE WHICH ONE DESERVES YOUR MONEY

9 mins

BORING?! BAH!

DRIVING 70 YEARS OF VOLVO HISTORY IS A FASCINATING AFFAIR

10+ mins

HUGE RANGE, HIGH EXPECTATIONS

LUCID'S FIRST SUV IS A WORTHY SEQUEL TO THE AIR, BUT WILL IT SELL?

3 mins

DRESSED TO THE NINE

THE NEARLY YEARLONG WAIT FOR HYUNDAI'S PIXELTASTIC THREE-ROW ELECTRIC SUV PAYS OFF

4 mins

SENSATIONAL, AGAIN

MINOR CHANGES TO PORSCHE'S GT3 PRODUCE SUBSTANTIAL RESULTS

4 mins

NOT JUST ANOTHER MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR HYPERCAR

THE UTOPIA MIGHT NOT BE THE NEW PAGANI EXPERIENCE YOU EXPECTED, AND IT'S ALL THE BETTER FOR IT

6 mins

WILD THING

FERRARI'S 12 CILINDRI IS ONE OF THE GREATEST FRONT- ENGINE CARS MARANELLO HAS EVER CREATED

7 mins

CONTEMPLATING THE MEANING OF “WILDERNESS” IN OUR 2024 SUBARU CROSSTREK

Blackened trees fill the valley ahead, stubborn Douglas fir refusing to give into the previous season's wildfire. Snow still caps distant peaks, but here the early summer sun shines through wispy clouds, and a cool breeze rustling the undergrowth is all I hear.

3 mins

2022 TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS LE: PURE PRACTICALITY

The number of cars on the market that represent the Old World Order of pure internal combustion shrinks week by week. If you've felt the desire for things to go back to the way they once were, you're not alone. Toyota has been a major player in this global revolution, but it still offers vehicles that are comfortingly familiar, such as our humble 2022 Corolla Cross LE, which left us after a year and 16,900 miles.

1 min

2022 KIA EV6 WIND AWD: HOME RUN ROOKIE

Gas-powered vehicles are usually our favorite long-termers to road-trip, but our electric EV6 bucked that trend as it racked up 24,180 miles in 13 months.

2 mins

We'll Say It Again: Racing Matters, Even if You Don't Know It

\"Racing improves the breed.\" \"Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.\" There was a time when these axioms indeed rang true throughout the car business, but the linkage between performance on racetracks and performance on the roads most of the global population is limited to driving on has become increasingly tenuous over the years.

3 mins

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Motor Trend Magazine Description:

Motor Trend is a highly regarded magazine dedicated to all things automotive. With a rich history spanning over seven decades, it has become a trusted source of information and entertainment for car enthusiasts worldwide. Here's an overview of what you can expect from Motor Trend:

1. Car Reviews and Road Tests: Motor Trend provides in-depth car reviews and road tests, offering insights into the latest models from various manufacturers. From performance and handling to safety features and interior design, the magazine evaluates vehicles across different categories, helping readers make informed decisions when purchasing a new car.

2. Automotive News and Industry Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest automotive news, trends, and industry updates through Motor Trend. The magazine covers breaking news, new model launches, concept cars, technology advancements, and significant developments in the automotive world.

3. Vehicle Comparisons and Rankings: Motor Trend conducts comprehensive vehicle comparisons and rankings, allowing readers to compare different models within a specific category. Whether you're interested in sedans, SUVs, sports cars, or electric vehicles, the magazine provides valuable insights to aid in the decision-making process.

4. Performance and Enthusiast Content: For automotive enthusiasts, Motor Trend delivers exhilarating content focused on high-performance vehicles, motorsports, and thrilling driving experiences. From track tests to performance modifications, the magazine caters to those seeking the excitement and adrenaline of the automotive world.

5. Tech and Innovation: Motor Trend explores the cutting-edge technologies and innovations shaping the automotive industry. From advancements in electric and autonomous vehicles to connectivity features and driver-assistance systems, the magazine keeps readers informed about the latest developments that are transforming the way we drive.

6. Car Culture and Lifestyle: Beyond the technical aspects, Motor Trend celebrates the car culture and automotive lifestyle. The magazine features articles on car shows, events, collector cars, restoration projects, and the stories behind classic and iconic vehicles, appealing to those who appreciate the history and heritage of automobiles.

By subscribing to Motor Trend, you gain access to a comprehensive automotive resource that combines expert analysis, engaging content, and a passion for all things cars. Whether you're a casual car enthusiast, a potential buyer, or a dedicated automotive fan, Motor Trend offers a wealth of information, entertainment, and inspiration.