What Car Do You Wish Would Depreciate Faster?
When news broke that the R35 Nissan GT-R would finally die for real this time, it reminded me that the R35 GT-R still exists. And what does a car writer do when they unexpectedly remember a performance car is still in production? You do a quick search to see just how cheap used ones have gotten. In the case of the GT-R, it first went on sale in the summer of 2008, making the oldest R35s in the U.S. 17 years old this July. Surely, a 17-year-old Nissan can't be that expensive even if it's an all-wheel drive coupe with nearly 500 horsepower, right?
As it turns out, that definitely depends on your definition of "expensive." If you want a GT-R with a clean title, you aren't going to find one for less than $50,000, and you should probably be prepared to spend at least $60,000 just to get in the door. If you want one that's been well taken care of, expect to spend even more. Maybe a 2009 Nissan GT-R really does still provide a $60,000 driving experience, but considering these things had a $70,000 MSRP when new, they basically haven't depreciated at all. If you bought one of those original GT-Rs, you basically got to drive the wheels off your everyday supercar for just the cost of gas, insurance, repairs and tires. I'm guessing you've probably burned through so many tires.
If you made the mistake of not buying a GT-R right before the entire global economy collapsed, though, this is bad news. A car that's already more than 15 years old is supposed to cost a lot less than $60,000 even if it's special, and you can't even get the R35 with a manual. I can get over it, but it's still annoying. Surely, 50-percent depreciation over 1.5 decades isn't too much to ask from a Nissan, right? That's just me, though. What car do you wish would depreciate faster?
Read more: You Can Buy A 400-HP V-Series Cadillac For Less Than A Honda Accord
Read the original article on Jalopnik.
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Miami Herald
6 hours ago
- Miami Herald
3 Things That Prove Car Buyers Don't Want EVs to Be Weird
The first mass-market electric vehicle (EV) was the Nissan LEAF, introduced in 2010, and it seems Nissan's goal was to separate the LEAF from gas-powered models by looking strange. The solid proboscis front fascia, the amorphous headlights that crept up to the A-pillars, the odd round rear haunches, and the protruding butt all made for an almost alien-like craft. And that was just the exterior. For more than a decade, automakers have tried to make electric vehicles stand out by making them… well, weird. Early EVs often looked and felt like they were from another planet. It was all part of a strategy: If you're going to drive the car of the future, shouldn't it look futuristic? But a funny thing happened on the way to mass EV adoption: car buyers balked. Turns out, most people don't want to drive a pod on wheels or relearn how to operate a vehicle just because it's electric. What consumers really want are EVs that fit seamlessly into their lives, not ones that scream, "I'm different!" Here are three things that prove car buyers want EVs to be familiar, rather than looking like weird rolling spacecraft. In the early EV days, standing out was the name of the game. It wasn't just the LEAF that worked too hard to be noticed. The BMW i3 was easily the brand's least fetching model with some of the worst bodywork we've ever laid eyes on. Sure, it looked like nothing else on the road, but that's not always a good thing. The original Toyota Prius-while not an EV but a hybrid pioneer-looked like Paul Bunyan was insulted by its environmental efforts and stepped on the nose of a once normal-looking subcompact sedan. But as more buyers entered the EV market, especially mainstream consumers who weren't early adopters or tech nerds, it became clear that outlandish designs were a turnoff. Today, many of the best-selling EVs are the ones that look like regular cars. They prove you can ditch the gas without ditching good taste. Take the Ford F-150 Lightning, for example. 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If that's not enough proof, consider the new crop of EVs: the Honda Prologue, the restyled Toyota bZ, the Chevy Blazer EV, the Hummer EV, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. These are EVs meant to look like real cars, and that's the hot trend now. If you think that some of the cabins in EVs were annoying and strange, you're not alone. One of the more frustrating trends in early EVs was the push to reinvent the wheel-literally and figuratively-when it came to controls. Carmakers, perhaps trying to emphasize that EVs were different, often went overboard with gimmicky interfaces. The first Nissan LEAF's bizarre interior looked like it came out of a '90s B sci-fi flick with its doughy white steering wheel and the orb-like shifter. It's the kind of stuff that makes the ovular 1996 Ford Taurus cabin look conventional. It also seems that numerous EV manufacturers thought their vehicles should have a tablet-sized center screen that controlled everything from the radio to the air vents. 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In the EV race, it has taken only a little over a decade for automakers to figure out that departing too much from what's familiar is bad and that radical reinvention isn't always the way to win hearts or wallets. As EVs begin to feel more like the cars people already love-visually, ergonomically, and functionally-they're proof that making the kind of improvements people care about results in better sales. Of course, EV buyers don't want their vehicles to be boring. They just don't want them to be weird. Give them something familiar, with all the benefits of electric driving and none of the alienation, and they're on board. Onlookers might say, "That's electric?" because they can't tell the difference, and that just might be the best kind of compliment. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Car and Driver
2 days ago
- Car and Driver
2026 Ford Mustang Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview While hybrid and electric people-movers are all the rage these days, the Mustang proves that American muscle is alive and well—in Ford's stable, at least. America's favorite pony continues to deliver on its 40-plus-year reputation as an affordable sports car in either fastback or convertible form. A 315-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder offers a more contemporary approach to tire-roasting, but a 480-hp 5.0-liter V-8 is still available for eight-cylinder loyalists who can't live without a baritone soundtrack. Both EcoBoost and GT models are potent enough steeds, but the 500-hp Dark Horse is the way to go if performance is a top priority. Regardless, the Mustang's tasteful blend of retro and modern touches is the perfect example of advancements not spoiling a timeless recipe. What's New for 2026? A new FX appearance package is now available on GT Premium models, paying homage to one of the Mustang's most iconic eras. The package celebrates the third-generation Fox-body 'stang, complete with callback exterior styling accents and a retro cabin redesign. A pair of new wheel designs are on offer as part of the kit; Performance-Package-equipped models get rad Oxford White wheels reminiscent of the fan-like shoes found on the old Mustang Cobra, while the remaining models get a revised version of the Mustang's existing 19-inch split-five-spoke wheels, also painted in white. The Oxford White theme continues with the badging, grille nostrils, and optional white-out taillights on Performance Package variants. Inside, the cabin features plaid perforated leather seat inserts, silver and blue contrast stitching, and carbon fiber trim from the Dark Horse. Independent of the FX package, a new aqua-ish Adriatic Blue Metallic paint option is available on all Mustang models, and the Orange Fury hue also returns after being discontinued in 2019. Ford says that the order books for the 2026 Mustang will open in late June. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Ford Mustang is expected to start around $34,000 and go up to $70,000 depending on the trim and options. EcoBoost $34,000 (est) EcoBoost Premium $40,000 (est) EcoBoost Convertible $42,000 (est) EcoBoost Premium Convertible $45,000 (est) GT $49,000 (est) GT Premium $53,000 (est) GT Premium Convertible $58,000 (est) Dark Horse $66,000 (est) Dark Horse Premium Coupe $70,000 (est) 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k The turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost has nothing to be ashamed of performance-wise, but we're still at a point in time where a V-8 exists, and we recommend taking advantage of it— particularly with the six-speed manual in the GT coupe. Sure, it's $10k and change more than the four, but as it's said, buy experiences, not things; with the Mustang GT you get both. You can also add a GT Performance package for roughly $5000 extra. That gives you 19-inch wheels, big Brembo calipers, a 3.73-geared Torsen differential, as well as some sweet appearance bits. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Mustang's base powertrain is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine rated at 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque mated exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It's a solid-performing setup, but the 5.0-liter V-8 is the heart of the Mustang. Rated for 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, it can send power through either the ten-speed automatic or, preferably, a six-speed manual. Ford says an optional performance exhaust increases output to 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet. The Mustang Dark Horse is a track-focused step up from the GT that uses a 500-hp version of the 5.0-liter V-8. Essentially an evolution of the beloved Mach 1 of the previous generation, it has adaptive dampers and 19-inch Pirelli P Zero PZ4s, but gummy Pirelli Trofeo RS track-worthy tires are available via an optional handling package. Ford has improved the ride and handling balance with every generation, and the latest Mustang shows improvements across the board, including better steering feel and feedback. The Dark Horse's standard adaptive dampers go a long way to tame the brutality that is often part and parcel of performance vehicles wearing track-focused rubber. 0–60-MPH Times At our test track, a Mustang GT with the performance exhaust system ripped to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds; the EcoBoost wasn't too far behind, hitting 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. At 4.1 seconds, the Dark Horse only shaved one second off the GT's time, but it went on to cross the quarter-mile marker in 12.5 seconds at 115 mph. The Dark Horse did shine during our recent 0-to-150-to-0 speed test with a time of 29.7 seconds, beating a Toyota Supra 3.0. View Photos Ford Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released fuel economy information for the 2026 Mustang yet, but last year's four-cylinder model was good for up to 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. With the V-8, those estimates fell to 16 mpg city and 24 highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, a GT model with a six-speed manual returned 24 mpg; the Ecoboost model with the automatic transmission delivered 32 mpg. We'll update this section with 2026 EPA fuel economy estimates when they become available. For more information about the Mustang's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Mustang's interior design is a mix of new and retro. We found the seats to be plenty supportive, and the standard 12.4-inch instrument cluster is a massive leap ahead of the previous car's. The configurable display can be customized to fit the needs of most red, white, and blue patriots, with selectable colors, gauges, and even a 'calm' screen that reveals only the most necessary details. If you're feeling nostalgic, the cluster can be configured to look similar to the 1987 Mustang's analog gauges—and a second analog throwback screen that takes its looks from the 1967 'Stang is available as an over-the-air update for all seventh-gen models. Ambient lighting and a driver's display adapt to whichever drive mode you've selected. Base Mustangs come with cloth seats and available micro-suede vinyl inserts, while the Premium level adds stitched bits and pieces from door trim to dashboard. Opting for the FX package on GT Premium models injects some extra retro flair, with plaid seat inserts and silver-and-blue contrast stitching. Ford has also introduced a Remote Rev function that allows the car's engine to blast up the RPMs with a simple click from the key fob while you admire the sounds from outside the car. View Photos Ford Infotainment and Connectivity An available 13.2-inch infotainment screen using Ford's Sync 4 software flows from the gauge cluster toward the center of the car behind a curved glass panel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on this system, and an optional wireless smartphone charger helps drivers reduce the clutter of charging cables. Amazon Alexa and Ford Streaming allow voice commands to replace knob-turning or button presses, and every Mustang comes with Ford Power-Up software capability, allowing for over-the-air updates for later software and vehicle function improvements. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Mustang is available with an impressive suite of driver-assistance technology named Ford Co-Pilot360. For more information about the Mustang's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard adaptive cruise control Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available active pothole mitigation (included with Performance Pack) Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The Mustang has a solid but average warranty. However, unlike Chevy, Ford doesn't provide a complimentary scheduled maintenance visit. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance Specifications Specifications 2024 Ford Mustang GT Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe PRICE Base/As Tested: $44,090/$62,425 ENGINE DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection Displacement: 307 in3, 5038 cm3 Power: 486 hp @ 7250 rpm Torque: 418 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 15.4-in vented disc/14.0-in vented disc Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 F: 255/40R-19 96Y R: 275/40R-19 101Y DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.0 in Length: 189.4 in Width: 75.4 in Height: 55.0 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/30 ft3 Trunk Volume: 13 ft3 Curb Weight: 3947 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.2 sec 100 mph: 9.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 12.5 sec @ 114 mph 130 mph: 16.5 sec 150 mph: 23.5 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 10.0 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 9.0 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 155 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 312 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.99 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 18 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 24 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 380 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 17/14/23 mpg 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe PRICE Base/As Tested: $60,865/$73,205 ENGINE DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection Displacement: 307 in3, 5038 cm3 Power: 500 hp @ 7250 rpm Torque: 418 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 15.4-in vented disc/14.0-in vented disc Tires: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS F: 305/30ZR-19 (98Y) R: 315/30ZR-19 (100Y) DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.0 in Length: 189.7 in Width: 75.5 in Height: 55.2 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/30 ft3 Trunk Volume: 13 ft3 Curb Weight: 3975 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.1 sec 100 mph: 9.7 sec 1/4-Mile: 12.5 sec @ 115 mph 130 mph: 16.4 sec 150 mph: 23.2 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 9.4 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 8.8 sec Top Speed (mfr's claim): 166 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 142 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 278 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.07 g EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 17/14/22 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
USA Today
2 days ago
- USA Today
Toyota's EV evolution: Three new models are coming to redefine the brand
Toyota's EV evolution: Three new models are coming to redefine the brand Show Caption Hide Caption Self-driving tech coming to personally owned vehicles Waymo & Toyota have announced a partnership to co-develop autonomous vehicle platforms, aiming to integrate Waymo's self-driving technology into Toyota's POV's. Cheddar The vehicles are an overdue response to critics who said Toyota was hostile to electric vehicles. 3 new EVs are the Lexus ES, the Toyota bZ Woodland and the Toyota CH-R. Toyota showcased the upcoming vehicles in May at its North American HQ in Plano, Texas. Critics who believed Toyota would remain a perpetual EV laggard are about to be proven wrong. The world's largest automaker was slow to begin its deployment of electric vehicles, but it's a legendarily fast follower. Toyota measures twice and cuts once, and the cutting just began. Toyota and Lexus brands will make up for lost ground with three new EVs slated for sale in the United States this year and next ― Lexus ES, Toyota bZ Woodland and Toyota CH-R. That's on top of major upgrades to the pair it already sells here, the lackluster Toyota bZ4X, now badged the bZ, and Lexus RZ. What took them so long The vehicles are an overdue response to critics who said Toyota was hostile to electric vehicles. Company statements praising the hybrids it specialized in at the expense of EVs fostered that impression, even suggesting the two related and complementary technologies were somehow at odds. They're not, and the spin toward hybrids understandably infuriated environmental groups who had been among Toyota's biggest supporters as the automaker popularized the fuel-saving technology in the early 2000s. EV updates: Toyota's electric vehicle is about to get a major upgrade. Here's why it could use one It was dizzying to hear the automaker that rode the Prius to global leadership cast as an environmental villain. The disappointing 2023 bZ4X, Toyota's first mass-produced EV, fueled arguments that Toyota only talked a good environmental game. My recent drive of a 2026 bZ ― Toyota dropped the "4X" for model year 2026 ― proved Toyota took the criticism seriously, reworking its drivetrain and other systems with unusual haste. Toyota's seldom the first with a new technology. Its reputation for quality and durability rests on continually refining proven systems, not being first to market. It's unlikely Toyota's upcoming burst of EVs will break much new ground, but it'd be a shock if they don't work pretty much as advertised, first time and every time. Toyota's not an early adopter. The millions of people who buy its vehicles don't want it to be. Toyota's unprecedented EV rollout Toyota showcased the upcoming vehicles in May at its North American HQ in Plano, Texas. I drove the bZ there and expect to drive all of them, over the next few months. I'll report on them as it happens. Prices for all the vehicles will be announced closer to when sales begin. All should come with Tesla-style NACS charging ports. Until then, here's what we know by model: 2026 Toyota bZ Renamed and vastly improved from its predecessor ― the 2022-25 bZ4X ― this compact SUV now has competitive range and power. Key facts: On sale this fall Maximum range increases 25% to 314 miles Power increase more than 50% to 338 hp Faster New lights and body-color exterior trim salvage what had been a cluttered appearance 2026 bZ Woodland A midsize SUV developed alongside the nearly identical Subaru Trailseeker, the Woodland shares its architecture with the bZ, but is about is about 6 inches longer. We can hope it doesn't share the Subie's cloying slogan: Powered by love. Key facts: On sale early 2026 Standard all-wheel drive 375 hp Up to 260 miles range 8.3 inches of ground clearance 3,500-pound towing capacity 2026 Toyota CH-R The sporty little 2026 CH-R revives the name of an oddly styled little SUV, but graces it with looks reminiscent of the bigger Toyota Crown Signia hybrid. A compact, expect it to fit between the bZ and Woodland. With its arrival, the Toyota brand will have entries in three key vehicle segments. The new CH-R aims to be Toyota's first sporty EV, promising 0-60 mph in about 5 seconds. Key facts: On sale in 2026 338 hp 290-mile range 74.7 kWh battery 2026 Lexus RZ Lexus' first EV, the midsize RZ, gets updates in line with the bZ. A bigger battery increases range, new motors boost power, and charging speed improves. It will also be the first Lexus EV to have a model in the brand's performance sub-brand, F Sport. The RX 550e F Sport will reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Key facts: On sale this fall Up to 402 hp 300-mile range Bigger battery 'M Mode' mimics a manual transmission, via paddle shifters More shade from glass roof 2026 Lexus ES Lexus' popular midsize sedan gets the biggest changes in its history, moving to a new architecture that supports both EVs and hybrids. The car is longer, wider and taller than the current ES. The sleek ES is by far the brand's best looking sedan ever, embodying the Lexus theme: 'Experience elegance and electrified sedan.' The 2026 ES raises two immediate questions: Will there be a plug-in hybrid? Does the ES foreshadow an EV version of the next-generation Camry? Key facts: On sale in 2026 Front- and all-wheel drive 338 hp from ES 500e Up to 300-mile range 0-60 mph 5.4 seconds Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
