2024 Porsche Cayenne GTS Is Back With More Power And a Higher Price Tag

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April 22, 2024

After a brief hiatus, the Porsche Cayenne GTS returns to round out the revamped lineup.

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne brought a refreshed lineup for performance SUV enthusiasts to mull over, but one model that did not initially make an appearance was the Gran Turismo Sport trim. The GTS is now back for 2025, though, striking a balance between the base Cayenne S at the lower end and the S E-Hybrid and Turbo E-Hybrid at the higher end.

This time around, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS manages 493 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque from its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. That’s up 40 horsepower and 30 lb-ft from the previous iteration, and pegs the GTS right between the 468-horsepower Cayenne S and the 512-horsepower S E-Hybrid. It’s well short of the 650-horsepower Cayenne Turbo GT, but then it doesn’t pack the same price tag, either.

On the performance front, the Cayenne GTS does actually borrow some pieces from the Turbo GT beyond the engine. The GTS still gets all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, but also swaps in the Turbo GT Coupe’s front axle pivot bearings to increase negative wheel camber, making the SUV’s steering more responsive. The GTS further gets a separate water cooling circuit for the all-wheel drive system (also from the Turbo GT) to improve the car’s endurance when you’re in a spirited mood.

Specially-tuned air suspension comes standard, and can drop the car by 0.4 inches depending on the conditions. A torque-vectoring rear differential is also part of the mix, though Porsche’s active anti-roll bars are an extra-cost option.

Porsche says the updated Cayenne GTS can sprint from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 171 mph.

What sets the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS apart

Like the rest of the Cayenne lineup, the revamped GTS gets a new front and rear fascia as well as an updated interior. Outside, the GTS gets the Sport Design package, bringing in gloss-black trim elements for what were body-color pieces, including the fender flares, mirror caps, rocker panels and window molding. The standard Sport Exhaust System, for its part, swaps the previously black exhaust tips for bronze ones, while Cayenne Coupe buyers can opt for a center-exit exhaust (that’s not available for the SUV, sadly). 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels in anthracite gray come by default on the GTS.

Inside, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS broadly gets the same interior fittings and features as the rest of the lineup. Specific to this model, however, are touches like the Race Tex (Alcantara, basically) upholstery with leather elements and red contrast stitching. The seat belts are also red, and black is your default interior color. You can get Slate Gray and Carmine Red at some point, but they won’t be available right at launch.

But what about pricing? Well, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS isn’t exactly everyman-level affordable. This model starts at $126,985 for the Cayenne GTS SUV — a $12,000 jump over the past model. The Coupe sees an even bigger $14,000 increase to $131,495. And, as ever, those figures assume you can actually get one at MSRP.

Dealer markups aren’t nearly as common as they were during the pandemic, but there are still plenty of egregious examples out there…though hopefully dealers will refrain from giving the Cayenne GTS the same treatment.

2025 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance Debut: Long Name, Insane Power

By

Zach Butler

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April 22, 2024

There are your everyday plug-in hybrids…and then the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S with 805 horsepower.

Most of the time, we here at TFL Studios and most other media outlets talk about plug-in hybrid cars in terms of their flexibility to drive reasonable distances on electricity alone and other efficiency-minded principles. Yeah, not this one. The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance adds a new meaning to the high-performance model, with the headline figures being 805 horsepower and an objectively massive 1,047 lb-ft of peak torque.

Unlike some of the other plug-in hybrids under the “E Performance” umbrella, the top-dog AMG GT doesn’t lose its 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine. Instead, the automaker is using its Formula 1 know-how to bring even greater performance to the table. This car, thanks to the assist from an electric motor and 6.1-kWh battery pack, manages a 228 horsepower and 457 lb-ft torque boost over the normal GT63 with its V8 alone. The rear-mounted electric motor, hooked up to its own two-speed transmission, can manage 94 horsepower of continuous output or 201 horsepower at its peak performance in shorter bursts, like a drag race.

Speaking of which, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance manages a 0-60 sprint in 2.7 seconds, according to the automaker’s figures. Its top speed is just 199 mph, but is that extra mile off the 200-mph club enough to put you off?

To bring the conversation around to all-electric driving for a moment, the 4Matic all-wheel drive AMG GT63 S E Performance can do it. Mercedes does not quote exactly how far it will go, but with that 6.1-kWh pack on board and a good-old V8 up front, plan on somewhere around 6-7 miles, if you’re careful. This being a plug-in hybrid, you can recharge it through a port on the rear bumper, while the car also (naturally) has regenerative braking with four settings to allow a range of capability from almost nothing to one-pedal driving.

How much will it cost and when will it go on sale?

Mercedes did not announce pricing for this model with their official statement. That will come closer to the launch, which the automaker said would happen later in 2024. Considering the normal AMG GT63 model goes up to $177,050 depending on the trim and options, it’s reasonable to assume this top-spec S E Performance will clock in around $200,000.

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance, beefed up powertrain aside, does also get the usual range of performance kit from the standard model. That means you get AMG Active Ride Control, active aerodynamics, carbon-ceramic brakes and rear-wheel steering. 20-inch wheels come standard, though larger 21s are an option and you can have a wide range of colors for both the exterior and interior through Mercedes “Manufaktur Signature” program.

Ask Nathan: Automakers Are Recalibrating EV Plans and Ford Maverick Hybrid Improvements?

By

Nathan Adlen

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April 21, 2024

In this week’s post:

Many automakers are recalibrating EV adoption.
Are there upcoming improvements for the Ford Maverick hybrid?

The first question comes from a fan that feels that we’ve turned a corner with recalibrating EV adoption.

Q (via asknathan@TFLcar.com): Nathan, it’s time for carmakers to admit they need to start recalibrating EV adoption.

I’m not against adopting EVs in some cases and I don’t use electrification as a political tool. But I think it’s high time we admit that the push to adopt EVs has hurt many automakers because demand is down. You can’t shove EVs down people’s throat and expect everyone to swallow. Until there is a better grid and way more chargers, they should slow the push for EVs down. I know it’s up to federal and state rules.

Places like California are already lost in red tape. You mentioned that they have a terrible infrastructure for EVs and I agree. I see more houses in Texas, Arizona and Colorado with real solar than California. Ask me why, it’s because California seems to kill all incentives for home electrification. Why would I want a EV when charging it at home costs so much? It makes no sense!

I agree with you that it’s not the car’s fault. The ionic5 and GM charging proved to me that they can juice up quickly but that’s only when the charger is capable of doing it.

All of these mandates for EVs is just causing pain for owners and the people who build the cars. It’s proven that hybrids and plug in hybrids are just about as clean. I think you were 100% right about Toyota sticking to their guns. Give the people choice and see what happens!

– No.Mojung

A: Yes, I think Toyota was on-point from the beginning, but there’s something to be said about “partial” adoption.

In my position, I’m lucky enough to see both sides of the argument. While I try to stay away from the political arguments, it’s nearly impossible. I see why having a greener agenda makes sense, and I can see how it hurts.

With that being said, I think we’re still at the crawling stage of EV adoption. Think of it like America around 1914. There were already a lot of cars, but only a handful of gas stations. Steam cars were still competitive, and there were some EVs – even back then. Still, with time and heavy adoption of internal combustion, the number of gas stations exploded (no pun…) by the end of First World War.

I think we’re at the tipping point for more usable chargers, but we have a long way to go. Right now, public chargers (even Tesla chargers) offer no shelter, amenities (like bathrooms and snacks) and there’s not even a squeegee to clean your glass. Sure – there may be a Walmart or Starbucks nearby, but that’s not the same thing.

In addition: you’re right about California. The folks who are pushing adoption hardest, handcuff their consumers by maintaining electricity rates that are extremely high. In addition, there is very little incentive to invest in solar. Out of all the states, California is a poor example of nurturing their EV adopters.

Hopefully, things will change.

For a time, I lived the EV lifestyle with our third car being a used EV (Nissan Leaf). For a city commuter, and a first car for my teen – it was outstanding. In three years, I saved thousands on fuel and upkeep. All I needed was tires and washer fluid. Still, I needed a regular internal-combustion vehicle for any long distance driving. I think a hybrid or PHEV would certainly work as well, but (for my family) having an EV made some sense.

In time, battery tech and the charging infrastructure will improve. By then, we may have a workable balance of EVs and electrically enhanced vehicles that are super clean. At least, one would hope.

– N

p.s. I know it’s a brief video, but this EV is the first “fun EV” I’ve driven.

The next question is about the Ford Maverick hybrid.

Q (via: Twitter/X @NathanAdlen)

Hi Nathan.

I have a 2022 Ford Maverick hybrid with 60,200 miles on the odometer. So I have had four recalls since I bought it even though there was never an issue. It always drove good and my gas mileage is fabulous. I was wondering if they fixed these issues or are more to come. Can you tell me about future Mavericks?

– Randy_Ranger99

A: I believe there have been five recalls for the Ford Maverick, and Maverick hybrid since production began.

Some recalls were about the instrument panel clusters that might be unreadable in the dark. A recent one for the Bronco Sport and Maverick regarding the power control module. Here’s that link. Others were about possible fuel leaks because of the bed liner install. A recent one is about the (Escape and Maverick) hybrid powertrain that might lose power.

Yes, there have been some recalls, but that’s actually a good thing in my book. Knowing that there’s an issue and quickly fixing it makes me feel better as a consumer. Especially when other automakers try to cover failures up. I would rather be inconvenienced by the truth, than hurt by a coverup.

I’m hoping that the next batch of Mavericks have these issues sorted. Still, you should keep an eye on what Ford does to fix this issue, and make the next version better.

Speaking of the next Maverick: there are a few things. If you look at this post, you’ll find the newest rumors and rumblings about the next generation Ford Maverick. In it, you’ll see some mentions of a possible AWD hybrid, and a rumored PHEV – among other things.

– N

Speaking of Ford…

2025 BMW X3 Teased With Fresh Styling, Better Handling and New Tech

By

Zach Butler

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April 19, 2024

The new BMW X3 is coming in a few weeks.

Over the past two decades, virtually every automaker has been duking it out in the compact crossover segment as models like the BMW X3 prove explosively popular. Now, the 2025 BMW X3 aims to take the brand’s best-seller into another generation and the automaker teased a bit of what’s coming down the pipeline.

These official shots still show the car pretty much covered grille-to-tailgate in camouflage, but the car’s lineage is unmistakable. There’s a prominent kidney grille and new headlight design, though the new X3 still looks more or less like what you’d expect the Munich automaker to produce. The fourth-generation model still looks like your typical BMW, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing (why change up the formula too much if it works, right?).

While the company hasn’t yet divulged technical specs, it did share a few nuggets of information. Specifically, the new model is finishing up development testing of its chassis control and driver assistance systems in southern France, after trotting the globe to conduct extensive hot and cold-weather testing elsewhere. BMW promises this new model aims to “demonstrate superior handling in every situation” through its testing regimen.

One 2025 BMW X3 number the company shared with its announcement this week is a lower 0.27 drag coefficient, showing some evolution over the last model’s 0.29 figure. This new model also features a wider track, BMW says, and reduced lift at the rear axle. Like before, adaptive suspension will be available on some models, but engineers have made this new car more rigid and focused on improving stability across the lineup over previous generations.

Most of the new X3’s interior is camouflaged as well. However, what we can see looks fairly similar to the brand’s other revamps. There’s a new, dual-screen cluster and infotainment design, and that system will run the company’s latest iDrive version. The new car will also “offer an expanded selection of systems for automated driving and parking compared to the current model,” according to BMW’s official statement.

The 2025 BMW X3 will still launch with a range of powertrains for global markets. Over here, though, we’ll most likely continue to get a turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine and a more potent six-cylinder version, as well as a plug-in hybrid. We may even finally get the iX3 as an electric version, though it remains to be seen whether it will look like its internal combustion counterparts, or take on Neue Klasse-like styling to set it apart from the gas models.

Whatever BMW does have in store for the new X3, we’ll find out much more in the next few weeks.

2024 Shelby Mustang Super Snake Turns the S650 Into An 830+ Horsepower Monster

By

Zach Butler

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April 18, 2024

2024 Shelby Mustang Super Snake — (Images: Shelby American)

First came the Dark Horse, and now we have the new Shelby Mustang Super Snake.

When Ford first dropped the seventh-generation S650 Mustang, we did get a new higher-performance variant with the Dark Horse. With 500 horsepower on tap, it’s plenty of power for most folks out there…but it’s no Shelby. Now, though, Shelby American has redressed that balance with a brand-new Super Snake. And as you’d expect, it’s a beast.

On the styling front, the first new Shelby-fied Mustang gets a far more aggressive look and tons of carbon fiber. The Super Snake gets an aluminum vented hood with hood pins, carbon fiber hood extractors, and carbon fiber wide-body fenders. Out back, there’s also a ducktail spoiler and a carbon fiber rear lower diffuser. Inside, Shelby fits special seats, embroidered floor mats, Super Snake door sill plates and a serialized dash plaque and Cobra puddle lamps. Manual models get a Shelby shifter, while convertibles get a light bar.

To create the 2024 Mustang Super Snake, Shelby took the standard 5.0-liter Coyote V8 and fitted a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger. That cranks the total output way up from 480 horsepower to at least 830 horsepower. To keep all those horses in check, the Super Snake also has an “extreme” cooling system with a beefier radiator and heat exchanger. This powerhouse also gets a Borla exhaust system, a specially tuned suspension system, upgraded brake rotors and 20-inch forged magnesium wheels with performance-spec tires.

Clearly, just rattling through the specs don’t do the Super Snake justice as far as its special status. Exclusivity will, however, and that’s why Shelby is limiting the first-year run to just 250 units. Exact pricing is not available yet, but you can bet it will carry a significant premium on Ford’s own top-end Mustangs like the Dark Horse.

If you do miss out on this year’s run, as unfortunate as that would be, don’t fret. We almost certainly have plenty of other special editions coming down the pike, including the new Mustang GT500.

The Super Snake isn’t the only Mustang-related news this week, as Ford also revealed an appearance package for the pony car’s 60th anniversary and opened up orders on the GTD:

NHTSA Expands Probe Into Honda Phantom Braking Issue Affecting 3 Million Cars

By

Zach Butler

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April 18, 2024

Two years after initially opening its investigation, the NHTSA has expanded its probe to include 1.3 million additional vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been looking into whether 3 million Honda vehicles are at risk of randomly activating their automatic emergency braking systems, regardless of whether there is an actual obstruction. Back in 2022, the agency looked into 2018-19 Honda Accord and 2017-19 Honda CR-V models to determine the scale of vehicles engaging automatic emergency braking (or Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), as Honda calls it) for no reason.

Now, the scope of the NHTSA’s probe covers 2,997,604 vehicles. The expanded investigation folds in the 2020-2022 Honda Accord and CR-V, in addition to the initial round of cars. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is also conducting an “engineering analysis”, which brings us one step closer to an actual recall. We don’t have a full-scale recall campaign on our hands just yet, but that may happen depending on the outcome of that analysis.

According to the ODI report, there have been 1,294 consumer complaints of unexpected activation of the automatic emergency braking system in the affected vehicles. Taking duplicate reports across multiple data sources into consideration, there have been 47 crashes and 93 injury incidents that could be related to the cars’ “phantom braking” condition.

The ODI redacted the exact number of reports Honda indicated. However, the automaker alleges its own investigation found that “some customers probably had an inadequate understanding of the CMBS and its limitations.” Customers, on the other hand, state in their complaints that dealer technicians were not able to reproduce the condition, and that they were informed the alleged inadvertent braking events are considered “normal CMBS operation”.

We’ll have to wait and see whether this situation evolves into a full-blown recall. If you own a 2017-2022 CR-V or 2018-2022 Accord, though, you’ll want to pay attention to any developments with this investigation.

Ford Recalls More Than 450,000 Bronco Sport, Maverick Models for Potential Loss of Power Issue

By

Zach Butler

-

April 18, 2024

A loss of drive power issue can affect certain Bronco Sport and Maverick models at low speeds.

After two recalls in March for incorrectly manufactured tires and a potential for cracked fuel injectors, the Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick face another recall campaign for a potential stalling issue. Specifically, a total of 456,565 vehicles have an “insufficient calibration strategy for detecting sudden battery degradations” in their Body Control Modules (BCM) and Powertrain Control Modules (PCM). The current calibrations are not able to detect a sudden change in the 12-volt battery’s state of charge during a drive cycle.

Those degradations could cause the vehicle to fail to restart after an auto stop/start event, or actually stall while driving and coming to a stop at low speeds. Either instance could also cause a loss of 12-volt accessories, including the hazard lights.

To-date, Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) it received 917 warranty claims, 11 field reports and 54 complaints related to the problem. No accidents or injuries have resulted from this loss of power issue so far, but there are three unverified reports of fires and two property damage claims.

Fortunately, the remedy just requires a calibration update for both modules, which technicians at your local Ford or Lincoln dealer will do free of charge. The automaker also said it would reimburse owners who paid to fix problems associated with the recall out of pocket. The company will mail notices to owners between May 13 and May 17, 2024.

Ford did not build the affected vehicles in VIN order, but did trace the issue to 402,978 Bronco Sports built between February 5, 2020 and March 13, 2024. 53,587 Mavericks are also affected, built between February 3, 2021 and October 28, 2022.

2025 GMC Terrain AT4 Teased With Bold New Front-End Styling

By

Zach Butler

-

April 18, 2024

2025 GMC Terrain AT4 teaser — (Images: General Motors | GMC)

Following its larger siblings, GMC’s smallest crossover is getting an overhaul for 2025.

General Motors is working on revamping its entire SUV and crossover lineup, including GMC’s three mainstream offerings: the Yukon, the Acadia and the Terrain. While the Acadia has officially debuted and the Yukon is just around the corner, this is the first official teaser of the brand’s smallest offering getting a more aggressive glow-up of its own.

Essentially, GMC is sculpting its crossovers to resemble the full-size Yukon SUV, which the company in turn redesigned to look like its current trucks. The new headlight design and upright grille give the Terrain a greater presence, while the more rugged AT4 trim brings a few aggressive touches of its own. Like before, this particular trim should offer all-terrain tires and a unique front bumper design to improve its approach angle a bit.

Inside, the 2025 GMC Terrain should borrow cues from its larger Acadia sibling. That is, expect a large, vertically-oriented touchscreen rocking a Google-based infotainment system. Since GMC’s revamp follows the similarly new Chevy Equinox, the third-generation Terrain should also pack a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (as it did before) putting out 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission should be standard fare rather than a 9-speed unit. Front-wheel drive will also be the default, though you’ll still obviously be able to get all-wheel drive as an option.

Since GMC is officially teasing it at this point, we should know more about the 2025 GMC Terrain soon.

After a brief hiatus, the Porsche Cayenne GTS returns to round out the revamped lineup.

What sets the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS apart

There are your everyday plug-in hybrids…and then the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S with 805 horsepower.

How much will it cost and when will it go on sale?

In this week’s post:

Q (via asknathan@TFLcar.com): Nathan, it’s time for carmakers to admit they need to start recalibrating EV adoption.

A: Yes, I think Toyota was on-point from the beginning, but there’s something to be said about “partial” adoption.

Q (via: Twitter/X @NathanAdlen)

A: I believe there have been five recalls for the Ford Maverick, and Maverick hybrid since production began.

The new BMW X3 is coming in a few weeks.

First came the Dark Horse, and now we have the new Shelby Mustang Super Snake.

Two years after initially opening its investigation, the NHTSA has expanded its probe to include 1.3 million additional vehicles.

A loss of drive power issue can affect certain Bronco Sport and Maverick models at low speeds.

Following its larger siblings, GMC’s smallest crossover is getting an overhaul for 2025.

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