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Drew Dowdell

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Posts posted by Drew Dowdell

  1. 2 hours ago, ccap41 said:

    Speaking of growing trees in buckets/pots, did you over-research what type of potting soil/media to use? I think I'm going down a wormhole of too much information and overthinking. 

    What did you end up using? 

    The two big things you need to know are How Acidic and how well it drains or not.

    I took a class last year on how to grow the American Chestnut. American Chestnuts like to be high on hilltops with very well-drained soils. There's a geomapping tool in Pennsylvania that uses known land and altitude data to populate the best places for Chestnut plantings, and my property is one of the best in the county.  What I used was a mix of planter soil and something called Pittmoss, better than Peatmoss. Its manufactured here and is mostly recycled newspaper. It's good for containers because it holds moisture better than peat.  Just put them in some 5-gallon buckets and let them go.  I need to move them around a bit soon.

    True genetic American Chestnuts are very hard to find. If you find them online, they are most likely crossbred with something else that is blight-resistant. I got my seeds directly from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation at one of their research centers at Penn State.

  2. 2 hours ago, ccap41 said:

    Heck yeah! 

    Do you have any pictures of them, before and now? Not a picture of the seed (LOL) but a very young American Chestnut tree. 

    They look like sticks right now, lol. Their leaves are just starting to come back.

    But here's what they looked like going in. 344375255_6297735296953978_3872104628219061825_n.jpg

  3. 4 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    I'm weirdly really excited to have bought a tree. It'll be inside for a couple years, most likely. I'm going to attempt a Giant Sequoia. 

    I saw the "promo/discount code" box upon checkout and thought I'd Google if there were any available codes. I found one and it was just supposed to be 10% off but it ended up being free, I just have to pay for shipping. I'll take that. 

    It'll be really small, so I'll start it in a smaller pot inside and move it up as it grows. I don't exactly have a place for it yet, but I'll find somewhere in a couple years. 

    Here's the link to the website, if anybody else is looking for a tree. Yes, they do have way more than just Sequoias. 

    https://sequoiatrees.com/

     

    Sequoia.thumb.jpg.7f1db8fb129de0d3240bce4b91d34c24.jpg

    I am growing two endangered American Chestnuts in buckets in my back yard. I started them from seed last summer.

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  4. 16 hours ago, David said:

    Interesting that Tesla has also announced so many new mega size Charging stations that are all supposed to be V4 generation, so keep the competition at a slower speed and show off the higher speed on new Tesla model upgrades. 

    Yet anything in the 10 to 20 min range for 80% charge is really good compared to only a year ago.

    Makes one wonder if pretty much everyone else will not move to 250 kW charging for the Tesla Stations this year and be interesting to see how the kW controllers play out for L2 charging based on installations at destination locations. 

    Most destination chargers will remain at 11.5.  And the V4 chargers are all magic dock capable.

    But remember, the Cybertruck is the only Tesla that goes over 250kW. You can plug a Tesla Model Y LR into a 350kW charger, but it is still only going to charge at 250kW.

    I remain convinced that over 250kW charging is only needed for the extra big battery packs like in a Hummer or Escalade IQ.  Even 150kW was fine on my recent trip in a Model-3 SR

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  5. 7 minutes ago, David said:

    Interesting to see how this new motor holds up. One of the things that was very clear in the Mach e tear down was that the EV motors were very beefy in their build and should last a good long time.
     

    @Drew Dowdell So increasing charge speed would indicate an improvement in the charging controller. Current Mache e controller was rated at 150 kW top DC charging and 19.2 kW for home charging. Did they state what the new figures were?

    They did not say what the new DC-Fast charge speed was, but we can infer.  They are probably making this move to have better compatibility with Tesla charging stations.  Charging a Model-3 Long Range at a 250kW charger instead of a 150kW charge decreases charging time by about 9 minutes for the 10%-80% charge.  So my guess is that the 2024 Mach-E has 250kW charging, but it could also be in the 175kW-200kW range. There is also the rule that non-Tesla cars can only use the 250kW V3 Superchargers, which furthers my suspicion that 250kW is the new rate.

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  6. As one of Acura's most popular models, Acura doesn't need to change much with the formula of the MDX to keep it great.  Still, for 2025, Acura included some minor revisions that might be a big deal to some. Mechanically, all of the dirty bits you don't see carry over, so if you liked the ride and drive before, you will again. The engines available remain a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6, making 290 horsepower, or the stouter 335 horsepower 3.0-liter turbo V6 that comes in the Type-S. Either one is mated to a 10-speed automatic.

    2025 Acura MDX Interior infotainment screen and dashExternally, you'll need to put the 2024 model next to the 2025 model to notice the changes.  The front bumper has a new shape, the grille is wider, and there is a new mesh design.  Acura has rejigged the entire trim lineup, adding a new A-Spec Advance that offers a taste of features previously only available on the Type-S. The Type-S itself has been dropped and is now only available in the top-of-the-line Type-S Advance trim. Both A-Spec Advance and Type-S Advance come with quilted leather front seats with massage, a heated second row, sound isolation, and a heads-up display. The Type-S Advance also gets a heated steering wheel and a 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen entertainment system, up from the previous year's 25-speaker ELS unit.

    The most welcome change is the removal of the console-mounted touchpad in place of a new 12.3-inch touchscreen. Removing the touchpad also makes more room for additional storage and a closer reach for the wireless phone charging pad. The infotainment system is powered by Google Built-In and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.  If you didn't opt for the Type-S Advance trim, you'll have to make due with an 11-speaker system in the lower trims or a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in the higher trims.

    On the safety front, the 2025 Acura MDX gets an upgraded AcuraWatch safety suite with a new front camera and grille-mounted radar that improves detection range. The field of view is wider to spot pedestrians and lane markings. Range for the blind-spot monitoring system is also improved.

    The upgrades will arrive as soon as next month when the 2025 Acura MDX goes on sale.  No pricing has been announced.


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  7. Ford is upgrading the Mustang Mach-E for 2024 with a longer range and faster charging.  The entire lineup gets an upgraded rear motor that boosts range to 320 EPA-rated miles with the extended range battery and rear wheel drive.  While that number is up 20 miles from the 300-mile range of the 2021 Mach-E extended range, Ford had already made a change to the batteries in 2023 that earned RWD extended-range models a 310-mile rating.  Standard-range rear-wheel drive models also see a 20-mile improvement over the original 2021 Mach-E. All-wheel drive models see a boost in range of 10 miles.

    The new rear motor, developed by Ford, drops weight and improves torque. The performance improvements allow the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance to bolt to 60 in just 3.3 seconds with a quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds at 114 mph. Ford claims this makes that trim of the Mach-E faster than a Tesla Model-T Performance and a Porsche Macan 4 Electric.

    Speaking of the GT, the GT Performance trim is no longer a stand-alone model. In prior years, Ford offered the Mach-E in a standard GT and a GT Performance trim. Instead, the Performance Upgrade package is a software update that can be purchased with the car or purchased and enabled seamlessly later.  Previously, the GT Performance trim only boosted torque by 34 lb-ft, but this new Performance Upgrade package boosts torque by a full 100 lb-ft.   Previously, features only available on the GT Performance are now included in the GT trim and include Ford Performance front seats, MagneRide Damping system, and Brembo front brake calipers.  The Performance Upgrade software back costs $995.

    Other improvements across the lineup are a simplified Infotainment system screen with new icons to make it easier to get to important information and a reconfigured settings screen because Ford said "users don't like to scroll". Wireless Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay are still standard.

    Ford also improved the Fast charging speed on a DC charger. With the new updates, a standard range Mach-E will charge from 10% to 80% 5.7 minutes faster (32.2 minutes total) than the original, while an extended range battery improves charge speed by 8.8 minutes (36.2 minutes total).

    Ford recently joined the Tesla Supercharging network, which added 15,000 new chargers to the Ford BlueOval network. Charging with the Tesla network is as simple as plugging in, with billing handled directly through BlueOval. For now, the Mach-E comes equipped with a CCS charge port, so owners of the Mach-E will need a free adapter from Ford to use Tesla charging stations.

    Ford had recently dropped the price of the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E to just $39,895, but the 2024 model creeps up slightly to $39,995 for the Select RWD standard range. The RWD Premium starts at $43,495, and the GT starts at $53,995. The new Mustang Mach-E Rally goes on sale for $59,995. All models add a $1,895 delivery charge.


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  8. 2025 Buick Enclave Avenir side-rearThe next generation of Buick's flagship, the 2025 Buick Enclave, launched today.  With a squarer shape, the new Enclave is longer, wider, and taller than the previous generation, however, the wheelbase remains the same at 120.9 inches.  Buick is giving each trim, there are three, a unique look with individualized front fascias and wheel options.  Now you'll be able to tell how much coin the Jones' spent as they roll towards you the first time.

    Like the new 2024 Chevy Traverse and 2024 GMC Acadia, the 310 horsepower V6 is no more. It has been replaced by a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, making 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.  The nine-speed automatic has been downsized to an 8-speed, but having that extra gear is likely less necessary with the substantially torquier power plant. All-wheel drive and front-wheel drive are available on every trim and the max tow rating remains 5,000 pounds when the buyer selects the trailering package.  The previous Enclave was not known for fuel efficiency with its overworked V6, but there should be some decent improvement over the previous model's 21 mpg combined rating.

    Buick has been slimming down their trim lines over the last few years, and the 2025 Enclave is no exception.  Still offered in just three trims, buyers can select from Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir.  All trims get customizable multi-color ambient lighting, an auto-sense power liftgate that eliminates the foot waving trick to open, power heated seats in the front row, and Buick QuietTuning.

    Preferred trims come with unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a 12-speaker Bose audio system (also on Sport Touring).

    Sport Touring adds a flat-bottom steering wheel, ST-exclusive interior trim, an ultra high gloss black grille surround and inserts, and unique 20-inch machine-faced wheels with gloss black inserts.

    The top-of-the-line Enclave Avenir upgrades the Bose system to the Performance Series and has 16 speakers instead of 12, Avenir exclusive 22-inch Pearl Nickle finish wheels, panoramic sunroof, walk-up animation, rainsense wipers, Continuous Damping Control suspension, ventilated massaging front seats, heated second-row seats, and the "Power Package" which includes a Heads-Up display, one-touch folding second-row seats, and a power-folding third-row seat.  The "Power Package" is optional on Preferred and Sport Touring trims.

    2025 Buick Enclave Avenir InteriorBuick did an excellent job with the redesign of the front row.  The key feature is the 30-inch curved gauge cluster and infotainment system. And yet, even with all of that screen real estate, we appreciate that Buick kept a line of physical buttons for HVAC control right below the screen. A dial wheel is also available for screen control on the floating center console next to the wireless phone charging pad. We really like the new three-spoke steering wheel with well-placed buttons that control cruise control, audio, phone, and more.  The infotainment system uses Google Built-In to provide voice assistance, and wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard.

    Being in a more egalitarian mood, Buick has made SuperCruise an option on all three trim levels. Buyers no longer need to step up to the top trim in order to enjoy hands-free driving. By default, the Enclave has seven exterior cameras. An eighth is added when selecting the trailering package, and selecting SuperCruise grants a ninth.

    Pricing for the 2025 Enclave hasn't been released yet, but we expect a big price increase like the 2024 GMC Acadia pushing the base price just under the $50,000 mark from the $45,295 it starts at today while the Enclave Avenir will push well into the mid-$60k range.

    The 2025 Enclave will be built in GM's Landing Delta Township Assembly plant and go on sale in late summer 2024.


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  9. 9 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

    Had three iterations of it. (1) 1993 Plymouth Laser (first car that was in my name) purchased used in '95, (1) Eagle Talon ESi 5 Spd Manual purchased slightly used in '96 (traded the Laser for it) and then another Talon ESi in 2005 (also 5 Spd manual). Sadly not one AWD TSi in the driveway but I have driven a few and they are sneaky loads of fun!

     

    image.jpeg.29bbdca2cc096093f3e616b4eab48ff2.jpegimage.jpeg.8e893932e14ba3641651e9180e8f2cff.jpeg

    IMG_0037.JPG

    As much of a land yacht kinda guy as I am, I've wanted a '98/'99 Eclipse GSX or Talon TSi AWD since they were new.

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  10. In 1989, Mitsubishi released a new model called the Eclipse.  It was a sporty, affordable, front-wheel drive semi-successor to the Mitsubishi Starion.  The Starion line was split in two, with the Eclipse taking the affordable sports hatchback segment to compete with the Toyota Celica and Honda Prelude, while the new Mitsubishi 3000GT, introduced the following year, moved upmarket to compete with the Toyota Supra and Nissan 300ZX. Built in Normal, Illinois, in collaboration with Chrysler, the Eclipse was also sold as the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser and was related in platform with the Mitsubishi Galant.  In its second generation, the Eclipse became an icon in the tuning world before fading away to a shadow of its former self in the final two generations.

    1989 Mitsubishi EclipseFirst Generation Mitsubishi Eclipse (1989 – 1994)

    The original Eclipse could satisfy the budget-minded and sports car-minded customers alike.  At the base end, the grocery-getter version of the Eclipse was powered by a 92 horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder.  Those wanting a bit more could opt for a 135-horsepower 2.0-liter dual overhead cam unit. If a buyer was dedicated to rowing their own gears and wanted an all-wheel drive, there was a manual-transmission-only version of this engine that bumped output higher to 150 horsepower. While none of these were barn burners, in a car weighing a mere 2,500 pounds, they could move pretty well. Remember that a larger and heavier 1989 Ford Taurus with a V6 had just 140 horsepower at the time.

    1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse interiorThe real fun began once a buyer started looking at the Eclipse GS Turbo or GSX models, with the primary difference between the two being the addition of all-wheel drive.  When equipped with a manual transmission, the Eclipse GS Turbo or GSX produced 190 – 195 horsepower, depending on the year.  Cars equipped with 4-speed automatics were downrated with smaller turbochargers to 180 horsepower, but whichever transmission you picked, the turbo-charged Eclipse had more horsepower than the base V8 in a 1989 Chevy Camaro and less weight to lug around.  The GS Turbo weighed in at 2,745 lbs, and the all-wheel drive GSX was a still-svelte 3,095 lb. Handling on the GSX models was further improved with limited slip center and rear differentials.

    1993 Mitsubishi EclipseDebuting with pop-up headlamps in 1989, Mitsubishi refreshed the popular Eclipse for 1992 with exposed aero headlamps. The interior was laid out in a driver-oriented fighter cockpit style, and having driven several, I remember them being very comfortable.  Most were equipped with a gray or black interior, but if a buyer wandered across the street to the Jeep-Eagle dealer, they could find an identical Eagle Talon with a handsome tan and black two-tone.

    Second Generation Mitsubishi Eclipse (1995 – 1999)

    1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse SpyderRedesigned for the 1995 model year, the second-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse became the icon of its time and the most popular of all generations of Eclipse.  Still built in cooperation with Chrysler, the Plymouth Laser was dropped, and the Eclipse / Talon was now a cousin of the larger Chrysler Sebring Coupe, and Dodge Avenger coupe.

    While the car remained the same overall length, Mitsubishi repackaged the interior for more room. The cockpit-style gauges and center stack were smoothed into a rounder and more luxury-oriented driver-centric layout. A convertible was added to the lineup (Eclipse only) as the Eclipse Spyder.

    Mitsubishi nudged the Eclipse upmarket by dropping the budget-friendly base trim for the first year. Starting with the RS trim, the Eclipse was powered by a Chrysler-built DOHC 2.0-liter shared with the recently introduced Dodge/Plymouth Neon. This unit produced 140 horsepower / 130 lb-ft of torque and was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic.  The GS trim kept this same powertrain but added 4-wheel disk brakes, cruise control, 16-inch wheels, a rear wiper, and more. Spyder GS models got a larger 2.4-liter Mitsubishi-built 4-cylinder with 141 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque, to handle the extra weight of the convertible.

    As with the prior generation, the real fun began when buyers started looking at turbo-equipped models. All turbo-powered second-generation Eclipses are powered by a new version of the Mitsubishi 4G63 4-cylinder. Mitsubishi switched to smaller turbos but increased the compression ratio to reduce turbo lag and raise output to 210 horsepower (205 in automatics) and 214 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. These were better numbers than nearly every 6-cylinder on the market at the time and even beat the torque output of the 3-liter V8 in the BMW 530i at the time by offering the same amount of torque 1,500 rpm sooner.

    1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse interiorThis engine, which was also used in the Lancer Evolution in overseas markets, is incredibly popular with tuners because of the wide array of modifications available. Owners could tune the engine up to 270 hp and 228 lb.-ft of torque using OEM parts. Indeed, in the final two years of this generation, Mitsubishi quietly updated the engine with some Lancer Evolution parts, including a tuned crankshaft, better crankshaft bearings, and an updated ECU tune.

    The use of balance shafts and timing belts rather than chains made these engines extremely smooth running and happy to rev. The downside to this was that these are interference engines, and a timing belt failure could mean bent valves.

    Like before, the GSX model added all-wheel drive, upgraded brakes, and an optional limited-slip differential.  To the dismay of this author, Mitsubishi never offered a GSX Spyder.

    In 1997, both the Eclipse and Talon received exterior styling updates to look more aggressive and new interior color choices. But though incredibly popular, the generation ended after just four model years. The Eagle Talon was Eagle’s last vehicle as Chrysler phased out the brand. I personally spent a lot of time behind the wheel of a turbo Talon and remember those drives fondly.

    Third Generation Mitsubishi Eclipse (2000 – 2005)

    2000 Mitsubishi EclipseThe year 2000 was a change for everyone and that included the Eclipse. The third-generation Eclipse lost most of the qualities that made the prior two generations so revered.  Size and weight were up significantly, gone were the potent turbo-charged powertrains, gone was all-wheel drive, and the suspension was softened up to give a more comfortable ride. Thankfully, the Spyder remained an option.

    Again, sharing a platform with the Mitsubishi Galant sedan, the platform was also being used for larger coupes at Chrysler and Dodge with the Sebring Coupe and Dodge Stratus.  Power from the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder came in at 147 horsepower, while a new 3.0-liter 24-valve single overhead cam V6 came in the GT trim with 205 horsepower. This was later revised down to 200 horsepower in 2001 to meet emissions standards and then back up to 210 horsepower in 2002 with a new GTS trim.

    Mitsubishi even experimented with an electric Eclipse EV prototype in 2001. Carrying an early lithium-ion battery, the Eclipse EV was able to complete a 249-mile circuit around Shikoku, Japan, on a single charge.

    While initially popular, the car’s lack of sportiness and the public’s migration to sport utility vehicles caused Eclipse sales to fade.

    Fourth Generation Mitsubishi Eclipse (2006 – 2012)

    2006 Mitsubishi EclipseThe final generation of the Eclipse debuted in 2006. Now, on an all-new platform, the Eclipse was again sharing its chassis with the Galant and, with some foreshadowing thrown in, the new Mitsubishi Endeavor crossover as well.

    Overall length was up by three inches, but weight increased by around 400 lbs.  All-wheel drive was still absent, though an AWD hybrid-electric concept was produced. The Spyder debuted a year later.

    Powered by a new SOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter cylinder with 162 horsepower, the base 2006 Eclipse GS had a worse power-to-weight ratio than its 135 horsepower older sibling from 1995.  The V6 grew in size to 3.8 liters and 265 horsepower, but performance as a sports car was lacking owing to the ballooning weight, with the V6 coupe weighing in just 37 pounds shy of a 2006 Cadillac CTS sedan.

    Sales cratered, and production of the 2012 model year ended early, stopping in August 2011.

    2018 Mitsubishi EclipseMitsubishi Eclipse Cross (2018 – Present)

    Unrelated in any way to the sports coupes of yesteryear, Mitsubishi introduced the awkwardly named and awkward looking Eclipse Cross in 2017 for the 2018 model year.  It is a budget-minded small crossover with no sporting intentions whatsoever from its 152-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder and CVT transmission.

    The Eclipse made an indelible mark on the sport compact landscape in its 23 years on the planet. Just under a million copies of the four generations were built. Unfortunately, it seems like this is one Eclipse we will never see the likes of again.

     

     

     


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  11. 2 hours ago, surreal1272 said:

    You're missing my point though which is there is no set standard between sedans and wagons where dimensions are concerned.

     

    Other examples: The Buick Regal Tour X is almost 4 inches longer than its sedan counterpart. The last Acura TSX Wagon was almost 4 inches longer than its sedan counterpart as well.

    What Regal sedan counterpart? 😉

    That generation of Regal was only offered in hatchback and wagon.

    I concede that the manufacturers have fudged the definition of body styles over the last decade (See Polestar 4 being a 4 door SUV coupe when it’s effectively a Volvo S40 sedan), but my statement was based on the traditional definitions.

  12. 1 minute ago, surreal1272 said:

    That's not always the case though. The Dodge Charger was almost 4 inches longer than the Magnum while the Cadillac CTS Wagon is about an inch longer than the sedan. 

    True, it’s rarely exact. But in the case of the Magnum, it was there first and the charger came later. The 300 the Magnum shares with at the time was within an inch.

  13. First seen at the Shanghai Auto Show (see article: Polestar 4 - The New Breed of Electric SUV Coupe), Polestar brought the Polestar 4 to the New York International Auto Show for North Americans to see in person.

    Polestar calls the Polestar 4 an "electric SUV 4-door coupe". Outside of that marketing speak, the Polestar 4 is a slightly lifted four-door hatchback about 190 inches in length, or roughly 2 inches shorter than a Toyota Camry.  Built without rear glass, the Polestar 4 makes use of a rear camera for visibility astern.

    Polestar 4 features a plethora of standard content, including 20-inch 5 V-spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, adaptive cruise control, 360 parking camera with 3D view, energy saving heat pump, front-illuminated Polestar logo, e-latch doors, power-operated tailgate with soft close, Polestar digital key, wireless phone charging, and 8-way electrical driver seat and 6-way electrical passenger seat.

    The fastest production car the brand has ever developed to date, Polestar 4 can accomplish a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and in top spec can produce 544 horsepower. Long-range single-motor variants have 272 horsepower and a targeted EPA range of over 300 miles. All long range variants have a 102 kWh battery capable of 200 kW charging on a DC Fast Charger and 11 kW on home level-2 charging.

    Google built-in is ... built in and includes Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play. Polestar continues to offer a leading connected in-car experience. As with all other Polestar cars, regular over-the-air updates allow for new features and improvements to be sent remotely to all vehicles.

    Pricing starts at $54,900, with orders opening in April for deliveries in the latter half of this year.

     


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  14. 2025 Hyundai Tuscon Interior - DashboardAt the New York Auto Show this week, Hyundai unveiled the 2025 Hyundai Tuscon.  This mild refresh modernizes the Tuscon and brings it more into alignment with the rest of the Hyundai lineup, including their EVs.

    The exterior styling updates, largely consisting of a front fascia update, are subtle. Inside, Hyundai made the interior more open and airy with a new, lower-height dashboard featuring a panoramic gauge and infotainment screen. The screens consist of twin 12.3-inch displays with crisper colors and graphics, as well as faster processing speeds.  While the screens can control all functions of the car, Hyundai still included physical buttons for the most frequently used controls.  Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay are now standard across the line.

    A new steering wheel features a much more open design, and on premium trims, the gear selector is now an electronically controlled stalk on the right side of the wheel, much like in the Hyundai Ioniq 6. On some Tuscon models, a new 12-inch color heads-up display with premium graphics is available, and for the first time, navigation directions from Apple Carplay and Android Auto will appear in the display.

    Proximity key with push button start is now standard across the 2025 Hyundai Tuscon lineup, while an available Digital Key 2 allows for fob-free driving and access via the driver's mobile phone.

    For 2025, Tucson adds Forward Attention Warning, which utilizes an infrared camera mounted on the steering column to help track the driver’s eye gaze and monitor attention levels to help ensure safe driving. Available Smart Cruise Control 2 continually assesses driver alertness. If the driver is found to be unresponsive, the system can even help safely bring the vehicle to a stop, activating the hazard lights and the electronic parking brake once the vehicle is stopped. Additionally, rear outboard passenger seatbelts now feature standard pretensioners and load limiters.

    The powertrains largely carry over from the previous model with a standard 187-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder at the entry level end. Also available is a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid with 231 horsepower with a slightly more powerful electric drive unit (47.7-kW, up from 44.2-kW), and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid model features the same 1.6-liter unit, but now paired with a larger electric drive unit with 72.0-kW of output rather than the 66.9-kW motor from the prior year. The plug-in hybrid boasts 268-horspower total system power. With a 13.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid takes less than 2 hours to charge on a level 2 charger.  All hybrid models come standard with all-wheel drive.

    2025 Tucson 2.5L models will arrive at U.S. dealerships in June, while 1.6L turbo hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be available late summer.


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