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Quick Drive – 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS

2025-04-22T13:05:03+00:00

The Skinny:

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is not only the most powerful Blazer EV, but it’s the fastest SS (Super Sport) model every built by Chevy.

The lineage of Chevy SS goes back to 1961 and includes classic performance cars such as the Impala SS, Chevelle SS, and Camaro SS. Chevy estimates it has sold more than 4 million SS models in the U.S. alone.

So, the Blazer EV SS, the first electric model to wear the SS badge, has big shoes to fill. But it comes carrying a big performance stick. With 615 horsepower and 650 foot-pounds of torque, the Blazer EV SS is the most powerful EV in its class and has best-in-class torque.

So, how fast are we talking? Fast. 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and 11.8 seconds in the quarter mile at 115 mph. This is achieved through a dual-motor setup that delivers almost instantaneous torque delivery from its performance AWD system. The Blazer EV SS also has a big lithium-ion battery – 102 kWh – that helps not only with range, but also power.

The Blazer EV SS rides on standard 22-inch wheels that are wrapped in Michelin all-seasons, but Continental summers are available as an option. Stopping power comes brakes that have Brembo six-piston fixed calipers up front that grab 390-mm rotors, with sliding calipers that clamp 345 mm rotors at the rear.

An available performance package delivers Continental summer tires and non-NFC rotors / low-metallic for better grip and more fade-resistant braking.

The 2025 Chevy Blazer EV SS is arriving now at dealers across North America.

The Specs:

Type: battery-electric, mid-size SUV, all-wheel drive

Engine: dual electric motors +102 kWh battery

Output: 615 horsepower, 650 lb-ft. torque

Transmission: Single-speed, direct drive

Fuel Economy (MPGe): 102 / 87 / 95 (city / highway / combined)

Cargo: 25.8 / 59.8 cubic feet

Base Price: $60,600

Impressions:

I drove this car on track and road in and around Charlotte, North Carolina last week and come away impressed.

First, the track stuff. Chevy allowed us to do one launch exercise to see how much go this EV really has, and let me tell you, it’s REALLY fast. The instant grip from the two-motor AWD system launched the Blazer EV SS like nothing I’ve experienced. We weren’t logging 0-60 mph times, but the 3.4 seconds Chevy is claiming feels legit.

I also had two laps on the main track at Tentenths Motor Club, and another three on a shorter handling course. Chevy reps told us before our track session that the Blazer EV SS understeers because of its long and wide SUV body style (it’s also quite heavy at 5,730 pounds), but I didn’t find it to be too bad. Yes, I did notice some understeer, but it’s controllable, and I was able to adjust during my laps. Generally, for a big and heavy SUV, I think its handling is good.

On road, the Blazer EV SS is a smooth, fast, and comfortable ride. With a giant 17.7-inch multimedia touchscreen with Google Built-in, available panoramic glass roof, GM Super Cruise, and loads of other amenities, such as heated and cooled seats, the Blazer EV SS delivers a high-tech and premium feel.

As for the EV stuff, it delivers the goods, with up to 303 miles of range on a full charge and DC fast charging of up to 190 kW.

It’s certainly not the Chevy SS you remember, but the Blazer EV SS has the performance worthy of the badge.

Photos courtesy of Chevrolet

Is Subaru planning an STI return?

2025-04-22T12:06:30+00:00

My first thought upon reading the headline for this story is don’t get your hopes up.

But a recent Car and Driver story has me thinking it could happen. Maybe. But it’s probably not what you’re thinking. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s dive in.

The current WRX (VB chassis) is the second generation for the rally-inspired sedan since it was separated from the compact Impreza sedan in 2015. The VB was all new for the 2022 model year with new styling and a power boost for the turbo flat-four engine. Notably, Subaru did not bring the range-topping STI model back for the VB. It was WRX only.

Why? Basically, it likely wouldn’t have a very long shelf-life.

I was at the Canadian press launch for the WRX in the summer of 2022, and Subaru reps were asked to explain the STI’s absence. Our assembled group of journos was told that a new STI, even with improvements made to its turbo powertrain, would have trouble meeting global emission standards. Basically, Subaru wouldn’t likely be able to sell it in Europe. Or if it managed to pass certification at launch, it might become ineligible during its lifecycle. The WRX and BRZ aren’t sold in Europe primarily due to strict tailpipe emission regulations.

But, the reps said, the STI nameplate isn’t necessarily dead. And we all knew what that meant – the STI could come back, but only as a hybrid or EV.

Fast forward to last week at the New York auto show where Subaru’s European boss David Dello Stritto told British magazine Autocar (via Car and Driver) that while the gas-only STI is gone, it could return with some form of electrification.

“With an EV, you’ve got the power and performance, and you’ve got an all-wheel-drive system. We’re working on more sport models, and electrification allows us to do this,” he told Autocar. He also said Subaru’s partnership with Toyota could aid future performance car development.

The time horizon for an electrified STI is hard to predict. The current WRX is in its fourth model year, which means it should be in production until at least 2027. A next-gen model, which could include an STI hybrid or EV, likely wouldn’t go on sale any sooner than 2028.

Still, it’s good to hear the iconic STI performance nameplate could return.

Photos courtesy of Subaru

Your car is probably not stolen. Probably.

2025-04-14T21:26:04+00:00

You likely don’t give it a second thought, but there is a remote chance the car you’re driving – the one you paid for and completed reams of paperwork to plate, insure and legally own – is stolen.

Now, don’t worry – odds are the car you bought either online, or through a friend, or from a dealer is, in fact, completely legal and above board. So don’t expect a knock on the door from the police anytime soon.

But a recent report from the CBC lays out in detail just how common a practice known as re-VINing is. Re-VINing is the process of cloning a car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is usually located on the dash and on the frame near the driver’s door jamb. Stolen car rings will take the cloned VIN from an exported vehicle and apply it to a stolen vehicle.

Cloned VINs are hard to detect because they come from cars that have left the country and are unlikely to return. The vehicles with cloned VINs can then be bought and sold legitimately without anyone discovering that they’re stolen. And don’t think government agencies, insurance companies, and dealers will catch them either – they’re often just as in the dark as the purchaser.

Auto theft has been surging in Canada in recent years. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, losses from car thefts has risen 254 percent between 2018 and 2023, representing roughly $1.5 billion CAD in insurance claims costs. In the U.S., more than 1 million cars were stolen in 2023, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Like Canada, auto thefts have also been increasing in the U.S., with a 41 percent spike occurring between 2019 and 2023.

Some auto theft rings can be massive, too. An old FBI report I found recounts a 2009 case – Operation Dual Identity – where 17 people were arrested in the U.S. and Mexico. The thieves, who were operating in Illinois, Florida, and Mexico, stole more than 1,000 cars worth roughly $25 million over a 20-year period. They were arrested for, among other things, cloning legal VINs and applying them to stolen cars.

And just because you’re not aware your car is stolen doesn’t get you off the hook. Police can still seize the car and void the insurance policy if they discover it’s attached to a stolen vehicle. In Ontario, Canada, the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), which regulates vehicle sales in the province, runs a compensation fund for owners whose stolen cars were purchased through a licensed dealer, but it doesn’t apply to private sales.

You might be wondering how thieves get their hands on VINs for export-bound cars. Well, apparently import data – including VINs for imported cars – from other countries is open source and available online. I find this reality to be a bit shocking, but I guess just about everything can be found on some dark corner of the Internet these days.

To combat VIN cloning, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), has recently begun sharing export auto data with CARFAX, which sells vehicle history reports, and Équité Association, a non-profit Canadian insurance industry watchdog. What data is being shared and how its being used by these organizations is unclear. Both declined to elaborate, according to the CBC report, citing privacy concerns. Same goes for CBSA.

Some in the auto sales industry in Canada, including a used car dealer association in Ontario, and its members dealers, want access to the CBSA export data. So far, the border agency hasn’t budged. Yet. It’s worried a searchable database of exported cars for used car dealers could be a target for fraud. Still, some data is being shared so that’s progress, I guess.

So, what can you do to protect yourself when you’re buying your next car? Honestly, not much. Buying from a licensed used car dealer helps, but even they, unwittingly, sometimes sell stolen cars. Using CARFAX, or another similar service, to check a vehicle’s registration history helps. And now that data is being shared, at least in Canada, there’s hope that loopholes that makes re-VINing possible will eventually be closed.

Until then, it’s basically caveat emptor—let the buyer beware.

Photos courtesy of Ford and Stellantis

Will Genesis build these stunning concepts?

2025-04-08T01:49:59+00:00

If looking at the latest Genesis X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible concepts gives you a feeling of déjà vu, don’t worry, it’s a perfectly normal response. You’re not hallucinating. No need to see your doctor. The fact is Genesis has been showing variants of these two since 2021 and 2022, when the X Concept and X Convertible Concept, respectively, were shown for the first time. Since then, Internet speculation about production potential for these two has been intense.

Well, Genesis threw more gas on the speculation fire when it revealed the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible concepts at the recent Seoul Mobility Show in the brand’s Korean home market. The difference with these reveals is that, unlike their predecessors, these cars look a lot closer to production.

To reset, the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible concepts are based on the G90 sedan and represent Genesis future design intent. Surely, some of what these cars embody will dribble out into production, but whether the cars themselves get there is the real question.

Although Genesis didn’t answer that question, the reveals provided more detail than we’ve seen previously.

For instance, the front of each car features the brand’s Crest Grille with 3D meshes that are inspired by woven metal strings that are arranged in diamond-shaped two-line patterns. The Two-Line headlights are widened to extend into the fenders to give both cars a wider stance. Same goes for the air intakes, which are widened, and a long hood panel.

From the side, both cars have steeper windscreens, and lower rooflines that have a sportier and more performance-oriented look and feel. The doors have been lengthened and with windows are frameless for, “an uninterrupted window graphic,” according to a Genesis press release.

Fenders have also been widened for a more commanding road presence, and aerodynamic wing sections complete lower body visuals. Genesis didn’t reveal how big the wheels are, but described them as, “dynamic five-star wheels”.

At the rear, Genesis Two-Line taillights run the width of each car emphasizing their wide stance, with dual rectangular chrome exhaust finishers providing just enough brightwork without being tacky.

Genesis says the cabins for both cars are inspired by Mediterranean Olives and Cabernet Sauvignon. The former refers to Mediterranean olive trees and includes a door sill plate with each model’s name, specially designed floor mats with olive leaf motifs, and a tunnel section with quilted stitching.

Elsewhere, the cabin features olive wood veneer and leather seating that was made from tanned material that uses wastewater from Italian olive oil production and is also 100-percent chrome-free. As for the Cabernet Sauvignon influence, that refers to the interior color scheme, which is inspired by the color of pressed grapes used to make the wine. The interior also has crystal detailing in steering wheel, center console, and ventilation system.

As these cars are concepts, there is no information regarding powertrains. Could they become EVs if they’re greenlit for production? Maybe, but my guess is probably not. The current G90 is a gas car, and I suspect these would be too, but some form of hybridization, either plug-in or gas-electric, is possible.

So, there’s still a lot we don’t know. But one thing’s for sure, the X Gran Coupe Concept and X Gran Convertible Concept are absolutely beautiful.

Photos courtesy of Genesis Motor North America
Story by Lee Bailie

Toyota Discontinues GR Supra

2025-04-08T00:01:48+00:00

I’m not saying we here at ��ֱ�� are going to dive head-long into the prediction business, but we really nailed it when we said on the latest episode of our Factory Fresh YouTube show that we thought Toyota might discontinue the GR Supra. And guess what? They did. A few hours after we recorded, a press release from Toyota announcing the GR Supra MkV Final Edition, a 2026 model that will wrap up GR Supra production, landed in my inbox.

We thought this could happen due to BMW’s plans to discontinue the Z4 convertible in 2026. The Z4 shares the GR Supra’s chassis, engine, and assembly plant in Europe. Speculation was that Toyota would not abandon the GR Supra nameplate, but there could be a gap in production between the current car and its successor. A next gen model could, perhaps, arrive at the end of the decade.

The Toyota press release didn’t mention a successor, but it did provide a lot of detail regarding the 2026 GR Supra MkV Final Edition.

Here are some highlights:

available in GR Supra 3.0 and Premium 3.0 trims for the U.S. market with either 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission
all models powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine (382 hp / 368 lb-ft.)
standard double-joint MacPherson front and multi-link independent rear suspension, sport calibrated electronic power steering, dual exhaust tips, Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires
other standard kit includes 19-inch matte black wheels, gloss-finished carbon fiber ducktail rear spoiler, gloss carbon fiber mirror caps, leather-trimmed / Alcantara seats with GR logo embroidering
available GT4 style pack offers two exclusive matte colors, Burnout and Undercover, that also includes GT4-inspired side graphic, matte-finished carbon fiber ducktail rear spoiler, matte black rear Supra emblem, and red mirror caps (note – GT4 style pack available Fall 2025, matte colors come with extra cost)
other 2026 colors include, Stratosphere (blue), Absolute Zero (white), Nocturnal (black), and Renaissance Red 2.0

The 2026 GR Supra lineup will arrive at Toyota dealers this spring, and production will end in Spring 2026. For the U.S. market, the base 3.0 starts at $56,900, while the 3.0 Premium begins at $60,050.

Photos courtesy of Toyota USA
Story by Lee Bailie

Celica and MR2 to Return?

2025-03-31T19:52:39+00:00

Story By Lee Bailie

Stop me if you’ve heard this one already—but yes, rumor has it that Toyota is contemplating bringing the Celica and MR2 sports coupes back to life. The ’90s are back! Maybe.

We just published a story about the demise of famed two-doors such as the Lexus RC and Nissan GT-R, both of which were getting a bit long in the tooth and suffering from declining sales. But now, it appears Toyota might add to the coupe population—and we couldn’t be more excited.

While Toyota hasn’t officially confirmed the return of either model, speculation has been heating up over the past few months. As a recent Car and Driver story recounts, both cars appeared last fall in Grip, an anime series produced by Toyota. Shortly thereafter, a company executive told a Japanese magazine that a new Celica is in Toyota’s plans. The statement—made at a Rally Japan event—was later partly walked back, and Toyota has been radio silent since. So, draw your own conclusions.

But what really sent speculation into overdrive was the reveal of the mid-engine GR Yaris M Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon this past January. Could this mean a new MR2 is on the way?

Right now, all we can say is: maybe. The current GR Supra’s days appear to be numbered, as BMW has indicated the Z4 convertible—which shares its platform, engines, and assembly plant with the Supra—will be discontinued in early 2026. This could theoretically leave a hole in Toyota’s lineup that a new MR2 might fill.

Relax, Supra fans—Toyota has said the nameplate will not disappear, regardless of an MR2 return. It will survive even after Z4 production ends, although there could be a gap between current and next-gen models. It might even morph into something else. Bottom line: stay tuned.

So, what could the MR2 look like? The FT-Se concept, revealed at the 2023 Tokyo Mobility Show, could offer some clues. Incidentally, that show is back this October—so we may learn more about the fate of a new Celica and MR2 then.

Sports Cars Continue to Disappear

2025-03-24T11:48:35+00:00

Story By Lee Bailie

Here at ��ֱ��, we have a soft spot for sports coupes and convertibles. Over our 25 years-plus we have enjoyed featuring them in our pages, on our website, and now on our weekly podcast. Lately, however, some of our favorites have begun to disappear from production, and so many have departed over the past few years, we thought it appropriate to mention some of them here.

Why are they being discontinued? Generally, shrinking sales volume is the leading cause, but some have had long production cycles that have run their course, while others are falling prey to manufacturer electrification plans. Most are not expected to return, but some could.

Two that caught our eye, are the Lexus RC, and the Nissan GT-R. That’s right, Godzilla as we’ve come to know it is now officially out of production.

As for the RC, Toyota confirmed in January that its production will conclude at the end of the 2025 model year. After more than 90,000 units sold in 62 countries over a 10-year lifecycle, the RC is bowing out. For the U.S. market the 2025 model year the RC is available in two grades: RC and RC F.

Obviously, we’re partial to the V8-powered RC F which comes with a 472-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 and a lot of special “Final Edition” kit, including standard F-tuned adaptive variable suspension, 19-inch BBS split-5 spoke lightweight forged wheels wrapped in staggered Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (255/35ZR19 front, 275/35ZR19 rear), Brembo brakes and a lot more. The Final Edition is available in four colors: Incognito, Infrared, Iridium, and Ultra White. Oh, and it’s still fast: 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Starting MSRP for the RC Final Edition is $94,000.

And yes, it’s true, over at Nissan, the R35 GT-R production is wrapping up. North American production ended in Fall 2024, with T-Spec Takumi and Skyline editions marking the sendoff. Production for the home Japanese market continued, however, over the past few months until Nissan officially stopped accepting orders last week. First introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the R35 was one of the longest-running sports cars, with 18 years of continuous production.

So, will Godzilla return one day? Maybe. Nissan showed an all-electric Hyper Force concept in 2023 that could serve as the R35’s replacement by 2028. Nissan has not confirmed production, but if you’re looking for a possible R36 successor, it seems like the best bet.

Until then, we bid adieu to the RC, GT-R, and its coupe / convertible brethren that have left us over the past couple of years including, but not limited to, the Audi R8 and TT, Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Jaguar F-Type, and Lamborghini Huracan.

Industry News - ����ֱ�� is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999