Tag Archives: mildly

Motorsport

The New Hyundai Santa Cruz Is Slightly Truckier

Say good day to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, mildly refreshed on the surface with a bit extra taking place within the cockpit. The small pickup truck retains its acquainted powertrain decisions, however explicit consideration falls on the XRT trim. When it debuted in July 2023, it was purely an look bundle. Now, issues have modified, albeit barely.

For starters, all 2025 Santa Cruz fashions profit from a small however important facelift. A brand new grille made up of rectangular cutouts sits above a barely revised decrease fascia. The swooping V-shaped grille is gone, changed with straight traces and symmetrical shapes that, frankly, give the Santa Cruz a extra truck-like look. We can not help however marvel how a lot the Ford Maverick’s squarish nostril influenced Hyundai designers, but it surely was clearly a focus for the Santa Cruz replace. Aside from new wheels and a particular rear fascia on the XRT, the entrance clip is the one revision you may discover on the surface.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT

Speaking of XRT, Hyundai installs all-terrain tires to assist the truck’s grip off the crushed path. Previously, the XRT rode on the identical road tires as different trims, however there is a bit extra taking place than simply tires. The grille will get a particular sample, and the entrance and rear fascias are XRT-specific for a greater strategy angle when off-roading. Prominent pink tow hooks are added to the entrance, and it rides on XRT-specific 18-inch wheels.

As for the within, adjustments listed here are way more outstanding. The new greenhouse borrows a web page from the not too long ago up to date Tucson with a curved panoramic display incorporating driver and middle infotainment shows. Each one is accessible as much as 12.3 inches in dimension, nestled in a brand new sprint with a shelf above the glove field. A financial institution of tactile controls for audio and local weather settings lives within the center, with a outstanding shift stalk nonetheless in place for the transmission. A brand new Tucson-esque steering wheel is added as effectively.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The inside improve comes with extra know-how. Over-the-air updates are actually doable, and you will find wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on all trims. Bluelink+ linked automobile tech is plugged in, together with Hyundai Pay in-car fee methods. Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 Touch helps you to lock or unlock the truck along with your smartphone, and within the security division, Forward Attention Warning is added. Opt for the XRT and you will get standard-issue surround-view and blind-spot cameras, too.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Under the pores and skin, you continue to have a alternative of two engines. The 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder is normal, driving both the entrance wheels or all 4. The burly model is the two.5-liter turbo making 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque. It’s linked to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and on XRT or Limited trims, the turbo provides you a brand new towing mode good for five,000 kilos.

The 2025 Santa Cruz reaches dealerships this summer season. Pricing will probably be introduced nearer to its on-sale date. For reference, the 2024 Santa Cruz begins at $28,275 with vacation spot included. The different finish of the dimensions is the Santa Cruz Limited with a sticker value of $42,695.

Motorsport

Experience the Porsche 911 Turbo S Speeding Over 200 MPH on the Autobahn

On the autobahn, drivers have the opportunity to legally reach incredible speeds. This particular 991.2-generation Porsche 911 Turbo S, with only mild modifications, pushes its velocity to the limit, reaching a remarkable 202 miles per hour (325 kilometers per hour).

The Turbo S model in question is equipped with an IPE exhaust system, but there is no mention of any other modifications. The on-screen text erroneously states that the car has 4,580 horsepower, which is clearly a typo. In its stock configuration, this generation of the Turbo S utilizes a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine that produces 572 horsepower.

Fortunately, the autobahn is not heavily trafficked on this particular day, giving the driver the opportunity to make multiple high-speed runs. The car consistently exceeds 124 mph (200 kph) for extended periods of time.

The modified exhaust system enhances the 911’s sound, giving it a more aggressive tone. Based on the audio in the accompanying video, the sound is not excessively loud, and there is no droning noise.

With features such as four-wheel steering and all-wheel drive, the Turbo S demonstrates impressive stability in the video, even when traveling at speeds well into triple digits.

The term “991.2” refers to the refreshed version of the previous generation of the iconic Porsche 911. The Turbo S variant of this model was introduced for the 2017 model year. Compared to its earlier iteration, powertrain improvements resulted in an increased output, exceeding the previous 552 horsepower.


First Drive

Peugeot e-2008 GT 2023 first drive

The Peugeot e-2008 has received an updated version of the e-CMP platform with a bigger 54kWh lithium-ion battery. This increase in battery capacity has boosted the car’s WLTP range from 214 to 251 miles. The new battery system also brings improved efficiency, with official figures showing an efficiency of 5.0mpkWh, which is better than its rivals such as the MG ZS EV Long Range.

In terms of styling, the e-2008 now features a more aggressive and wider-looking front end with headlights and tail lights similar to those found on the Peugeot 508. Inside the car, higher-spec models offer new materials and a 10.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

It’s important to note that the 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine will still be available as an option in the Peugeot 2008 range, with the same style and interface updates.

While there haven’t been any changes to the suspension or steering, the e-2008 now comes with a more powerful 154bhp motor. Despite not being a performance-oriented vehicle, the e-2008 offers a pleasant mid-speed urgency and feels pokey enough for fast motorway merges. It also provides a comfortable and composed ride, even on 18-inch alloy wheels.

During acceleration from a standstill with a significant amount of lock applied, the front tyres may scrabble and squirm, causing the e-2008 to understeer when attempting sharp corners. However, overall, it performs well and offers a quiet and intuitive driving experience whether in urban environments or on scenic roads.