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February 5, 2025

Honda, Nissan may be about to cancel proposed merger

Honda and Nissan may be about to walk away from a planned merger
Reports out of Japan claim Honda wants increased control over Nissan
The merger would be worth $58 billion, would create one of world’s largest automakers

A decision on the merger between Honda and Nissan proposed by the automakers last December was anticipated to arrive in January, but now there are reports that no deal might happen at all.

Citing several sources, Japan’s Asahi Shimbun reported on Wednesday that the boards of Honda and Nissan plan to meet soon to formalize the termination of the merger.

According to the report, executives at Honda were frustrated by Nissan’s slow progress, including in its restructuring plan, which calls for 9,000 job cuts and a 20% reduction in production, and proposed taking more control of Nissan and potentially even turning it into a subsidiary. Such a proposal deviates from the initial one, in which Nissan would retain its decision-making powers.

The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that Nissan’s poor financial performance has caused its market capitalization to shrink to just one-fifth of Honda’s, shifting the balance of power in the negotiations.

In response to some of these reports, which might or might not serve as part of the negotiation process itself, Nissan issued a statement confirming that discussions have not ended. “Based on the memorandum of understanding signed on December 23 last year, Honda and our company are in the stage of advancing various discussions, including the contents of the report, and we plan to establish a direction and make an announcement around mid-February,”

The merger, if it were to go ahead, would be worth an estimated $58 billion and would create the world’s third- or fourth-largest automaker.

Mitsubishi, which is already partially owned by Nissan, was also invited to join the merger, with the shares of all three automakers to be transferred into a joint holding company. However, reports from January claimed Mitsubishi wanted to sit out the merger due to its smaller relative size and the lack of independence it would have within the merged entity.

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Nissan calls off RM265 billion merger talks with Honda

Car

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February 5, 2025

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Nissan calls off RM265 billion merger talks with Honda

Nissan will reportedly call off talks for a merger with Honda as the two Japanese carmakers could not reach a consensus on the terms of the merger deal, Reuters wrote citing a Nikkei report.

Honda had sounded out Nissan about becoming a subsidiary, Reuters cited one of its sources as saying, however this would have not been in the spirit of the original discussions for a merger of equals; Honda was increasingly concerned about Nissan’s plans to turn around its fortunes.

Meanwhile, Nissan also has a larger risk exposure to the US-Mexico tariffs compared to compatriots Honda and Toyota, Reuters cited analyst Vincent Sun as saying.

The merger of the two Japanese carmakers was valued at more than US$60 billion (RM265 billion), Reuters wrote, and if materialised, would have created the third-largest carmaker by sales, however Nissan’s struggles continued as it announced it is to cut 9,000 jobs and reduce production capacity by 20%.

Nissan calls off RM265 billion merger talks with Honda

Earlier, a report yesterday by Kyodo News wrote that Nissan and Honda were still discussing the finer details of the proposed merger, following a press conference last month stating that the two carmakers agreed to begin talks of merging under a new holding company in 2026.

The two carmakers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in December 2024 to explore the possibility of a merger that would lead to the establishing of the aforementioned joint holding company, with Mitsubishi having reached a basic agreement to become a third member of the alliance.

Nissan and Honda initially had the aim of arriving at a definitive agreement by June this year, while reports emerged last month that Mitsubishi might not take part in the merger.

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2025 Lexus LX 700h hybrid mucks around and finds out

Luxury Cars

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February 5, 2025

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2025 Lexus LX 700h hybrid mucks around and finds out

Lexus’s flagship SUV now gets hybrid power
It’s rated at 457 hp, more than the similar Toyota twin-turbos
Adaptive suspension, crawl control, and all-terrain drive modes included
Prices start with the $115,350 LX 700h Overtrail—our pick of the lineup

On a hilltop near Napa, somewhere out among the vines, I tap a switch to ensure I’m locked and loaded. With an electronic signal that OKs my forward progress, I’ve given the 2025 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail its marching—or crawling—orders. With one of its three locking differentials engaged, I trundle onward and upward to a short course laid out among the grapes, one with obstacles that should pose no problem: railroad ties, chalky rocks, and deep swales that pock its rutted route.

I tap another button and the seat cooler spins into action. If this SUV isn’t going to break a sweat, neither will I.

For 2025, the Lexus LX has gone gas-electric with a new hybrid powertrain. Brand leaders now call it the flagship vehicle, and at $141,350 the LX 700h Ultra Luxury edition more than earns that merit badge.

But it’s the $115,350 Overtrail edition you want, really. It showcases the LX’s roots as a cousin of the more capable Land Cruiser sold around the world—but not here, as ours is a turbo-4 hybrid cut from a different cloth. And in Overtrail spec, it’s a most capable machine—while it’s stronger and more serene as a hybrid, too.

2025 Lexus LX 700 Overtrail

Lexus LX 700h Overtrail: Hybrid graft, taken

When it launched in 2022, the latest Lexus LX swapped its V-8 for a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6. Rated at 409 hp, and coupled to a 10-speed automatic with full-time four-wheel drive and a dedicated low range, it provided exceptional ability that came with a handful of foibles. (Lexus also recalled thousands of vehicles with the engine for serious defects that ended in a replacement campaign.)

Now for the first time the LX gets electrified power, the same system that’s found in Toyota’s Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV models—both of which are closely related to the LX, with the same GA-F body-on-frame platform. In the LX, Lexus pairs the twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 with an electric motor wedged between the engine and transmission. In other uses the powertrain’s capped at 437 hp, but here Lexus rates it at 457 hp and 583 lb-ft. The system’s a standout in the Lexus lineup for another reason: the LX 700h unit gets a traditional starter and alternator, rather than relying on the hybrid electric motor. That’s in case the hybrid system tanks off-road, and the vehicle needs to be able to drag itself home from the hinterlands.

These aren’t hinterlands where I drive it, not with this great cell reception and hillside mansions littered with underground wine cellars. It’s still a comfort to know if I get the LX Overtrail into trouble that it can extract itself, by and large.

The Overtrail arrives new to the LX family this year, too. It shares a name with a trim level of the smaller Lexus GX. Here too, Overtrail means front and rear differential locks, and 18-inch wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires, as well as some gloss black trim—not to mention a suitably earthy brown paint called Earth offset by a Stone brown leather interior.

2025 Lexus LX 700 Overtrail

It’s decked out with all the essentials, and it barely requires a spin of the 4H/4L knob to get it in the right frame of mind. As I pick my way through the rubble that’s been strewn around for my pleasure, I’m placid and so is the big brute SUV. The hybrid drivetrain makes perfect sense here. Its electric motor smooths over transitions in low range, where Lexus deploys precise power control that works in concert with downhill and terrain-control modes to dictate where and when and how much wheelspin’s allowed.

Another round of engineering has beefed up the LX’s essentials, all to protect that hybrid gear or to enhance its utility. A waterproof case keeps the battery dry so the LX can slog its way through 27.5 inches of water—and in case it fails, a moisture sensor alerts the driver. Stronger engine mounts and a new crossmember limit some body flex.

That battery requires the spare tire to move to a spot underneath the rear end. It doesn’t cut into ground clearance, Lexus says, but the angle of departure dips from 22 degrees to 21 degrees. Towing capacity remains the same, at 8,000 pounds.

All LX 700h trims come with a hydraulic adaptive suspension, too, that can lift the vehicle by a couple of inches from its usual 8.3 inches of ground clearance when it’s put into low range. Air suspensions can adapt on the fly to road conditions where this one can’t, but the simpler use of hydraulics to raise or lower the vehicle and keep it there keeps it true to the idea that it should be capable under any conditions, even if it’s rarely taken out here, amid the vines.

Nothing runs out of spec in this mild environment. The 6,000-pounds-or-so LX crawls over railroad ties wedded by mud, then spin-dries its tires to claw its way through a rocky embankment. It slides through a low creek crossing and yumps its way down a lumpy run back to the gravel that leads back to paved roads. All the while, its multiple systems relieve the need to pay attention to just about anything save its steering. Lexus even fits a front-end camera so I can stay engrossed with the action playing out ahead of me, like an iPad baby tucked in for a nap.

There’s just little here to challenge the LX 700h, even without its front and rear differentials locked. With a careful limo-driver foot on the gas, I nudge and needle it without losing traction often at all. I ask if Lexus will sell any steel plates or winches for it. The answer is no, but it can be dressed for more rugged duty by scouring the web for pieces sold in markets where they would not need to be crash-tested.

2025 Lexus LX 700 F Sport

Lexus LX 700h Ultra Luxury lives up to the semi-aniline hype

At a base camp I change outfits, first into an LX 700h Ultra Luxury, then into an F Sport for a slip through afternoon traffic back to somewhere with espresso. The Ultra Luxury swaddles me in its lurid list of standard equipment: not just any leather, but semi-aniline leather, as well as a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, a huge sunroof, a cooled box for drinks, a power-folding third-row seat, and a hands-free power tailgate.

It’s as plush as any $141,350 vehicle should be—and needs to be, since the traffic in the Napa region has grown thicker since my last trip here, pre-Covid.

The LX doesn’t concern itself with others, and as a hybrid it has a little more spring in its step: it cuts a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, down a half-second from the non-hybrid LX 600. It doesn’t always land on the correct gear on the first try when it downshifts, leading to some judder. And with its big 22-inch wheels and slimmer treads, it doesn’t settle in as easily over rippled pavement as the small-tire Overtrail. For a vehicle in the Tahoe size class it steers with poise, though, and doesn’t have as much head toss when it traverses railroad tracks as, say, a Mercedes GLS.

I don’t get the chance to ride along in the back seat, but as a four-seater the Ultra Luxury dukes it out with other chauffeur-minded SUVs with curvy headrests, outboard heated rear seats, and a center console with its own digital control panel and its own wireless device charger.

2025 Lexus LX 700 F Sport

I do spend some time crawling around the seven-seat Overtrail to gauge whether I’d want to ride along in it as one of the other six people not at the wheel. In row one or two? Sure. Row three? Pass. Not only does the hybrid battery shave about four inches from the width of the third-row seat, but the cushion’s also mounted low, and it’s a long way in to reach it in the first place. Keep that space reserved for people under five feet tall and 21 years old, is what I recommend.

Or use it as it’s intended, and power-fold the third row out of the way. In the hybrid, doing so will expand the meager 7.2 cubic feet of space behind the rearmost seats to a maximum of 62.4 cubic feet of space—not a huge amount, considering the vehicle’s footprint, but still quite useful. What’s more, the packaging of the battery yields a tall box that raises the cargo floor; Lexus has built a fold-up platform to level off the top of the battery pack, but it’s an awkward solution even though it can support up to 176 pounds of cargo. To offset the oddity, a 2,400-watt power outlet lives near the hybrid battery.

It’s superior to its gas-only cousin off-road thanks to its hybrid system, and the LX 700h betters the LX 600 in the EPA derby, too, with estimates of 1 mpg better combined and 2 mpg better city; that lifts the LX 700h to 19/22/20 mpg, from 17/22/19 mpg on the LX 600.

The differences are far from remarkable, but they’re measurable. Few who are willing to pay at least $115,350 for the LX 700h Overtrail will quibble over the finer data. They’ll tune the 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system to a favorite streaming channel, dial up the cooling on the front seats to a chill plateau, and won’t worry about the mud they’ve tracked in on its rubber mats—or the ruts they’ve left up on the vineyard hillside. When the Lexus LX is your overland cruiser, those ruts—those grapes—are yours anyway.

Lexus paid for travel arrangements so that we could cruise through someone else’s vineyards to bring you this first test-drive review.

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I’ve Lived in Italy 15+ Years — Here Are 10 Unspoken Rules to Follow When You Visit

Travel

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February 5, 2025

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I’ve Lived in Italy 15+ Years — Here Are 10 Unspoken Rules to Follow When You Visit

After living in Italy for over 15 years, I’ve learned to adhere to the social norms and customs that prevail in this country, from how to dress to when to eat. As a visitor, it might take you a while to pick up on these unspoken rules, but the sooner you do, the more you’ll feel at ease moving around the country and interacting with locals. Here are 10 things to know before traveling to Italy.

Dress nicer.

Even if they’re not fresh off the runways of Milan, Italians, for the most part, are snappy dressers. Visitors can respect this unwritten dress code by looking sharp and wearing unwrinkled clothing that fits well, saving their workout clothes for the hotel gym, and keeping bra straps and underwear waistbands tucked away. It’s also common for churches to enforce dress codes that prohibit tank tops or short skirts (among other restrictions), but more on that below.

Eat later.

Though more and more restaurants in major Italian cities are offering all-day dining, you’ll have a more authentic experience if you adjust your body clock to Italian dining hours. That means 1 p.m. (maybe 12:30 at the earliest) for lunch and 7:30 p.m. or later for dinner. While these hours may be late by the standards of many other countries, it’s just more fun to eat in a restaurant that’s filled with other diners — and you may even find that some restaurants don’t even open for dinner service until 7 p.m.

Don’t share single portions of food.

Sharing a forkful of pasta with your dining partner is one thing. Splitting a bowl of pasta (or a steak) with them is another, and it’s generally more frowned upon in Italy than at home. Food in Italy is meant to be enjoyed in abundance, not with a sense of denying oneself the pleasure of eating. If you know you have a small appetite, you might ask for a half-portion of pasta. But apart from the occasional dessert, Italian dishes aren’t usually meant for going halfsies.

Freshly made pasta in Italy.

Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure

Get out of the way.

Our sidewalks and grocery store aisles are narrower. Our restaurant tables are closer together. Our trains and buses are frequently shoulder-to-shoulder. For the sake of common courtesy, North Americans used to their wide-open spaces and large personal space bubbles need to be spatially aware. That means stepping out of the middle of the sidewalk when you check directions on your phone, scooting your chair in when another restaurant patron has to pass behind you, or stowing your luggage on a crowded train, rather than leaving it where someone could sit.

Speak more quietly.

Are Italians quiet all the time, especially in public? Gosh no. But as often as not, they’re speaking to each other in a volume where their conversation can’t be overheard. Though my American brethren are often considered the loudest tourists, visitors from all over the world can take a lesson here. The table next to you doesn’t want to hear about how many countries you’ve visited, your relationship status, or your dog. (Well, I’d probably like to hear about your dog.) Keep your conversations low-key and voices dialed down a few notches.

Greet people.

You may not be accustomed to people greeting you with a cheerful “good day!” when you walk into TJMaxx. But here in Italy, it’s a social norm to make eye contact and to say hello (buongiorno during the day, buonasera from about 4 p.m.) and goodbye (arrivederci) to strangers, especially in stores, restaurants, elevators, and anyplace else where there may be one-on-one interaction. Note that ciao is an informal hello or goodbye that shouldn’t be used unless you’re already on familiar terms with the person you’re addressing.

People on the steps of a church in Italy.

Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure

Be respectful in churches.

Whatever your faith, there’s no denying that Italy’s cathedrals, basilicas, and churches are art-filled and often architecturally astounding monuments to human creativity — but they’re also places of worship that should be treated with respect. That means observing the dress code of no bare shoulders, excessive cleavage, or shorts or skirts above the knees, and no hats inside. Speak quietly, give space to people who are there to worship, and obey any posted rules about photography.

Don’t talk about “them.”

You may get frustrated with a rude waiter, a late bus, or a museum that’s closed when it’s supposed to be open, but don’t vent in public, and especially don’t do the “othering” thing of talking about Italians in terms of them vs. us and thinking that no one within earshot understands you. For starters, it’s rude in any setting or country. Plus, many Italians speak or understand at least some English, and they’ll know when you’re talking about them.

Crowded plaza in Rome, Italy.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Don’t get drunk.

I know, I know. The wine is cheap and good, and those Aperol spritzes are so pretty and colorful. But too much of a good thing is a bad thing here, and flat-out public drunkenness is fairly rare for Italians. So do as the Italians do, and stop when you reach the point of being allegro (or allegra, for women), which translates to “cheerful”, but can mean tipsy or buzzed.

Pack your patience.

In Italy, meals can take hours, trains can be late, and tedious chores like post office runs or doctor’s visits can seemingly take forever. You can save yourself some stress and disappointment by not over-planning your days and jam-packing your trip itineraries. Anytime things aren’t moving as fast as you think they should, I advise you to take a deep breath, remember again why you decided to vacation here, and allow yourself time to be charmed by the slow pace of Italian life.

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New concept will preview VW’s entry-level EV due in 2027

Car

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February 5, 2025

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New concept will preview VW’s entry-level EV due in 2027

VW will preview its entry-level EV due in 2027 with a concept to be unveiled in March
The entry-level EV will have a targeted starting price of around 20,000 euros
VW is developing a lower-cost version of its MEB platform for a range of upcoming affordable EVs

Volkswagen is working on an entry-level electric vehicle due in 2027, with a targeted starting price of around 20,000 euros (approximately $20,800), and an upcoming concept will preview the design.

EVs are still out of reach for most buyers due to their high price compared to comparable gas and diesel models, but automakers are attempting to bridge the gap with new affordable options.

VW will launch an ID.2 (the Polo name is another possibility) subcompact hatch in 2026 with a targeted price of 25,000 euros ($26,000) and previewed the design in 2023 with the ID.2all concept.

A crossover version will follow shortly after, and there will be sister models of both vehicles from other Volkswagen Group brands.

Volkswagen ID.2all concept

The next stage for VW is an even smaller model that may be called the ID.1 and is thought to be a small hatch similar to the discontinued e-up! electric minicar. On Wednesday, VW released a teaser photo of a concept previewing the entry-level EV and confirmed the concept will debut in early March.

The new affordable EVs will be based on a lower-cost version of the current MEB dedicated EV platform, found in vehicles like the ID.4 and ID.Buzz. The lower-cost version, dubbed MEB Entry, has been designed to be shorter than the regular MEB platform and features a single motor at the front.

On Wednesday, VW also confirmed that its main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany, will soon start preparations to build vehicles on a next-generation dedicated EV platform known as the SSP. The first SSP-based EVs to be built at the Wolfsburg plant will be the next-generation Mk9 Golf and a related T-Roc crossover.

The timing for the arrival of the first model on the SSP platform wasn’t mentioned. The SSP platform was originally due to spawn its first model in 2026, though that is now expected to happen in 2028 or later. The platform is still expected to be used by most of the future EVs launched across the VW Group, along with common battery cells and common software.

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Start Where You Are: A Purpose-Built AE86

Car

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February 5, 2025

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Start Where You Are: A Purpose-Built AE86

When does a car’s original design and construction become a hindrance? For many of us (myself included), the urge to modify a car will often happen before the keys are in hand.

The Toyota AE86 is a perfect example of this; it’s many things to many people and, with the right changes, can become an incredibly capable machine despite its inherent shortcomings.

While some owners stay true to the purist approach, preserving the original 4A-GE engine and associated running gear (guilty again), what if you never had those parts to start with?

Case-in-point: the AE86 you see here, owned by Robbie Durant.

That name might be familiar to some; Robbie co-drove alongside Travis Pastrana in the American Rally Association (ARA) rally championship before the pandemic, spending over two decades in the navigator seat.

This AE86 is more than just a car for Robbie – it serves as a rolling portfolio for his expertise in electronics and wiring. His work spans everything from Formula 1 to WRC cars, and this project is a showcase of that skill.

The car started as a rolling shell from Dytko Sport in Poland, a company renowned for its expertise in the “Professional design and building of unusual cars for rallying and racing.” The shell had already undergone significant modifications, including Nissan S14 subframes front and rear, as well as a roll cage.

More work was needed to bring the car to its current form, including additional strengthening to ensure the build met the high standards required for what is essentially a business card on wheels.

The exterior is relatively understated, with a vintage TRD-inspired livery. Composite panels have replaced the original metal bonnet, front fenders, and boot lid to save weight.

European AE86 enthusiasts may recognise the Hasselback lip attached to the front bumper, a rare dealer kit option back in the day.

Drawing further inspiration from Robbie’s rallying background, the Corolla wears 15-inch Braid wheels wrapped in 205/50R15 semi-slicks. CBY-style arches replace the stock units to accommodate the wider wheel and tyre package.

Öhlins DFV dampers feature at all four corners of the car, and since these photos were taken, the front brakes have been upgraded with AP Pro5000 callipers with 2-piece discs – designed to fit inside a 15-inch wheel.

But it’s in the interior and engine bay where Robbie has been able to truly demonstrate his skillset.

MoTeC supplied the M880 ECU, C127 Dash, PDM16, and a CAN keypad, all expertly integrated with Deutsch connectors and a custom wiring loom encased in Raychem R25 tubing.

This high-end electronics package leaves little to be desired, featuring full data logging, a 25MHz GPS for speed and track mapping, and brake pressure sensors.

All critical controls are neatly arranged on a custom panel mounted to the steering wheel, with the CAN keypad housed in a 3D-printed mount.

A few parts with motorsport heritage have also found their way into the car, a Prodrive Group A Impreza hydraulic handbrake and a passenger footplate salvaged from a Prodrive-built WRC Mini Clubman among them.

Corolla purists, brace yourselves – there is no Toyota 4A-GE in the engine bay. Instead, a Honda F20C from an S2000 takes pride of place, gulping air through Jenvey individual throttle bodies and exhaling through a bespoke exhaust system.

Fueling comes courtesy of a 45-litre fuel cell in the boot, with Nuke Performance pumps and fittings keeping the flow steady.

Depending on noise regulations, a side exit exhaust notched into the sill allows for an alternative exhaust route when permitted. Otherwise, Robbie runs a conventional rear exit system.

The combination of car and driver has proven very capable, contesting for the fastest time at events like the Curborough Sprint Day.

While this car may never satisfy those who value originality above all else, the execution speaks for itself. From a motorsport perspective, selecting the right parts for the task at hand means the AE86 shell could just as easily have been an Opel Kadett, Mk2 Ford Escort, or something similar.

Though the Corolla’s character has changed drastically from its 4A-GE and live axle roots, never having had those parts under his ownership and therefore no nostalgia to reflect upon, Robbie has been able to focus solely on building a truly fast and well-executed car – one that looks good doing it, too.

Chaydon Ford
Instagram: chaycore

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Exclusive First Drive: 2025 Nissan Armada

Supercar

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February 5, 2025

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Exclusive First Drive: 2025 Nissan Armada

We were recently invited to Nissan’s Farmington Hills, Michigan tech center to see the new 2025 Nissan Armada. For this model, Nissan has combined the Armada platform with that of the Nissan Patrol, which was only available in the Middle East, but should give you a hint of its new off-road capabilities. New from the ground up, both the Armada and the Patrol benefit from some new technology, new design, and new comfort features. The underlying premise for its design and concept was “Unbreakable Prestige.”

The exterior has changed a bit. While it retains its off-road toughguy looks, there’s a new sophistication and refinement to the design. It appears cleaner. Smoother. The front is dominated by a large grille that quickly sweeps back into the flanked sides and large fender vents. The beltline is high, giving a tall bold squared-off look to the Armada. The floating roof “detached” from the main body, also draws attention to the solidity of the main body. Finally, the wheels are large and stanced so that they fill the wheel wells. This, too, aids in the stability of the design and reinforces the size and overall visual strength of it. The rear wiper, as on the new Murano, tucks up out of sight under the rear overhang. Clean.

Inside you’ll find leather. Lots and lots of leather. All rich and well-stitched in beautiful colors and shapes that look inviting and comfortable. There’s so much new in the interior, I’m not sure where to start. Since so much is dependent on the trim level, we’ll start there. There are five trim levels on the Armada: the entry-level SV; the mid-grade SL; the luxurious Platinum; the offroad focused PRO-4X; and the Platinum Reserve, which combines the luxury of the Platinum with the offroad capabilities of the PRO-4X. The higher the trim level, the more goodies you get. Heated leather seats are standard on the SL and up, ventilated quilted leather seats are available or standard on the Platinum up. You can even get massage seats on the Platinum Reserve. Amazon Alexa is built in to be your digital assistant and wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto come standard.

The back two rows of seats fold flat. There’s also an additional 25% of space behind the 3rd row.

In a class-leading first, the Armada has what’s known as “biometric cooling.” Standard on the Platinum, Platinum Reserve, and optional on the PRO-4X, the system senses people who are warmer than a certain specified temperature and directs seat-specific cooling air at them. For example, lets say you pick up one kid from soccer practice and they’re hot and sweaty but the other two kids aren’t. The system will recognize that they are hotter than normal and blow cooling air on hot kid. Pretty trick.

On the mid-grade SL and above, a 600W Klipsch 12-speaker 12-channel audio system is standard…and it sounds simply incredible. Nissan took us to the Royal Recording Studio for a demonstration of what the system was capable of and let’s just say we were blown away. If you remember the old “Is it live or is it Memorex?” ad featuring the guy in the oversize chair being blown away by the sound, you get an idea of how impressive it is because it was difficult to tell real from recorded. Built in conjunction with Panasonic, the Klipsch system is brilliantly clean and crisp even under high volume, maximum density music. Designed by people who love music for people who love music.

From the mid-level SL up, Armada also comes with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist 1.1 which is hands-on cruise control feature that will keep you in your lane and slow with traffic, holding a stop if traffic stops, then regaining speed as allowed by the distance you’ve set to the car in front of you. ProPILOT Assist 2.1 is also an option on those models as well. Version 2.1 allows hand-free single-lane freeway driving.

In the dash, is a new two-screen digital layout with gauges and instruments on the left screen and infotainment on the right screen. During slow maneuvers, the camera system can combine both screens to show you exactly where your Armada is placed and can even “see through” the hood to see things you wouldn’t be able to see from the driver’s seat. Very cool technology.

Under that immense hood, the V8 is gone. In its place is a variation of the VR35 24-valve direct-injection 3.5L twin-turbo V6. Sound familiar? It’s the same engine that powers the legendary GT-R, although it’s re-turned for this family hauler. It makes 425hp and 516 lb-ft or torque and revs to 6000rpm. This is a 25hp and a whopping 103 lb-ft increase over the last Armada. Despite it’s nearly 3-ton curb weight, the VR35 makes the throttle very responsive and it moves the SUV with ease and grace. It’s hooked to a traditional 9-speed automatic (w responsive paddle shifters) that sends power to either the rear wheels or to Nissan’s 4WD system. It proved sure-footed over the packed snow and ice we encountered while driving it. It has an 8500 lb towing capacity.

Slowing it are 13.78” brake discs all around, with twin-piston calipers grabbing them up front and single-piston calipers grabbing them in back. The brakes felt good. Nothing out of the ordinary. They were very linear and responded intuitively.

The three lower trim levels (SV, SL, Platinum) come with standard coil springs and shock absorbers. The PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve come with Air springs and shock absorbers. The air springs on the upper trim levels allow the Armada to rise up 2” for offroad clearance and to drop 2” on the highway for better aerodynamics and efficiency. It also drops to make it easier for shorter people to clamber into and out of. We were only able to try the air shock-equipped Armada and the ride was fantastic. You still feel bumps but they’re not harsh. You just know the road was bad but you aren’t affected by it. The steering is electric and works perfectly well – very intuitive and invisible.

The cabin also seemed remarkably quiet. Wind and tire noise were minimal and allowed the Klipsch stereo to really shine not having to compete with ambient noise. The seats were Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushions, which are super comfortable for long trips. One member of our crew had a fused vertebra and suffered on long drives but reported that he felt fine after nearly three hours of driving.

The frame has been re-engineered to be 25% more torsionally rigid and 57% more laterally stiff, so it’s built to be tortured. With the new PRO-4X trim level, Nissan intends to let buyers do just that. With skidplates protecting the oil pan, transmission, and fuel tank; an electronic locking rear differential, adaptive electronic air suspension; and intelligent 4WD, the PRO-4X is ready to pick up where the old Patrol left off. With the suspension fully raised, it has 9.6” of ground clearance, an approach angle of 33-degrees, a 25.5-degree breakover angle and a 24.5-degree departure angle. From inside, the driver can specify one of eight different drive modes: Standard, Eco, Sport, Tow, Snow, Sand, Rock, Mud/Rut. Hill Descent is built into the chassis to allow a controlled downhill traverse. An interior Offroad Information Display features an inclinometer, slip indicator, and a steering angle indicator.

While we didn’t attempt anything as gnarly as the PRO-4X trim is capable of, we enjoyed its luxurious attributes, it’s smooth ride, and its fantastic sound system. I’ll admit that I arrived more interested in the Murano, it being a smaller lighter SUV (my preference) but I left much more impressed with the Armada. Which got me wondering about pricing….

An Armada SV RWD starts at $56,520 and the 4WD starts at $59,520.
An Armada SL RWD starts at $62,970 and the 4WD starts at $65,970.
An Armada Platinum RWD starts at $69,930 and the 4WD starts at $72,930.
An Armada PRO-4X only comes in 4WD and starts at $73,740.
And the Platinum Reserve RWD starts at $76,990 with the 4WD starting at $79,990.

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Families on a Budget: Free and Cheap Things to Do With Kids in Barcelona

Travel

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February 5, 2025

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Families on a Budget: Free and Cheap Things to Do With Kids in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city filled with fun things to do that are perfect for families. Between its sunny weather, unique architecture, and plenty of green spaces, there’s no shortage of activities to keep kids entertained.

Even better? Many of these experiences are free or affordable. Whether you’re planning a day of exploration or looking for a calm afternoon, Barcelona has something for every family, all without breaking the bank.

Here are some of the best free and cheap things to do with kids in Barcelona, including some lesser-known spots that only locals know about.

Related read: How to Save Money in Barcelona

Here’s an overview:

Discover the Magic of Park Güell

It’s hard to talk about Barcelona without mentioning Park Güell, and for good reason. While the Monumental Zone requires a ticket, the park’s surrounding areas, filled with winding pathways and stunning city views, are free to explore.

Kids will love running through the colorful mosaics and spotting hidden creatures in Gaudí’s designs.

Tip for families: Head to the park early in the morning to beat the crowds, and pack a picnic to enjoy in the shaded areas.

Park Güell, one of many fun things to do with kids in Barcelona — Park Güell in Barcelona.

Playtime at Parc de la Creueta del Coll

Tucked away in the district of Gràcia, Parc de la Creueta del Coll is a true hidden gem for families. This park has a large pond that doubles as a swimming area in summer (for just a few euros). It’s a perfect place for kids to splash around while parents relax under the shade of the surrounding trees.

If you’re visiting outside of summer, don’t worry—there’s plenty of room for kids to run and climb, as well as a giant sculpture by Eduardo Chillida to admire.

People enjoying the water in Parc de la Creueta del Coll in Barcelona.

Free Museums on the First Sunday of the Month

Barcelona is home to plenty of museums, many of which are free on the first Sunday of every month. For families, the Maritime Museum is a must-see. Housed in the city’s old shipyards, it has exhibits about life at sea, and kids will love exploring the replica boats.

Another great option is the Chocolate Museum (Museu de la Xocolata), where you can learn about the region’s chocolate’s history and see intricate sculptures made entirely of chocolate. While this museum isn’t free, tickets are affordable, and the novelty of a chocolate museum is worth every penny.

The Palau Nacional on the hill of Montjuïc in Barcelona — The Palau Nacional on the hill of *Montjuïc*.

Explore Montjuïc’s Green Spaces

Montjuïc Hill is packed with attractions, many of which are free or low-cost. The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc offers free evening light and music shows that will leave you and the kids in awe (check the schedule before you go).

For more adventurous families, the Joan Brossa Gardens on Montjuïc are a delight. This quiet park has hidden play areas, open spaces for picnics, and quirky art installations that kids can interact with.

Local tip: Take the cable car up Montjuïc for stunning views. While not free, it’s a memorable experience for kids and far cheaper than many other tourist attractions in the city.

Discover Bunkers del Carmel (El Turó de la Rovira)

If your family loves a good view, head to the Bunkers del Carmel, a lesser-known but stunning viewpoint over Barcelona. The site was originally an anti-aircraft bunker during the Spanish Civil War, but today it’s a peaceful spot to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Kids will love exploring the ruins while parents soak in the scenery. And it’s completely free!

Beach Day Without the Crowds: Ocata Beach

While Barceloneta Beach is the most famous, it’s often crowded with tourists. For a quieter and more family-friendly experience, take a short train ride to Ocata Beach in El Masnou.

This wide, sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles and paddling in the sea. Plus, you’ll find affordable beachside cafés serving delicious snacks for kids and coffee for parents.

Elaborate sand castle at Ocata Beach in El Masnou.

Explore the Laberint d’Horta

For an unforgettable day out, visit the Laberint d’Horta, Barcelona’s oldest garden and one of its best-kept secrets. The highlight is the hedge maze, where kids can run around trying to find their way to the center.

The park also has beautiful sculptures, fountains, and quiet picnic spots. Entry is free on Wednesdays and Sundays, making it a great budget-friendly option.

A beautiful vista at Laberint d’Horta, with a water fountain and gardens — A beautiful vista at Laberint d’Horta.

Climb the Slides at Parc de Diagonal Mar

Barcelona is home to many playgrounds, but the Parc de Diagonal Mar stands out with its giant slides and unique play structures. Kids can spend hours climbing, sliding, and exploring this adventurous space.

Bonus: The park is close to the beach, so you can combine two adventures in one day!

Slides at Parc de Diagonal Mar in Barcelona — Slides at Parc de Diagonal Mar for the kids to play on.

Explore Gràcia’s Secret Plazas

Gràcia is full of small plazas where locals gather to relax, and these spots are perfect for families. Plaça de la Virreina and Plaça del Sol are excellent places to enjoy a coffee while kids play in a safe, car-free area.

A bustling plaza in Gràcia, Barcelona — A bustling plaza in Gràcia.

Take a Ride on Tramvia Blau

For a nostalgic experience, hop on the Tramvia Blau, Barcelona’s historic blue tram. It’s a fun and affordable ride that takes you up to the Tibidabo Funicular, where more family adventures await.

Spot Animals at Parc de la Ciutadella

Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona’s most popular parks, but did you know it’s also home to ducks, turtles, and even parrots? The kids will enjoy spotting animals as you all stroll along the park’s paths.

While you’re there, don’t miss the Cascada Monumental, a grand fountain that looks like something out of a fairy tale.

Ducks at Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona.

Barcelona offers endless opportunities for families to explore and have fun, even on a budget. From secret gardens to scenic beaches, the city is filled with surprises waiting to be discovered.

With a mix of famous attractions and hidden gems, your family adventure in Barcelona will be unforgettable—and wallet-friendly. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible city!

We are an expert agency in the tourism sector based in Barcelona, Catalonia. For over 10 years, we have offered holiday apartments and long-term apartments in Barcelona, to anyone wanting to visit or spend some time in the Catalan Capital.

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We are an expert agency in the tourism sector based in Barcelona, Catalonia. For over 10 years, we have offered holiday apartments and long-term apartments in Barcelona, to anyone wanting to visit or spend some time in the Catalan Capital.

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How To Say Goodbye, The Dior Men Fall/Winter 25 Way

Luxury Cars

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February 5, 2025

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How To Say Goodbye, The Dior Men Fall/Winter 25 Way

If fashion loops infinitely, then certainly goodbyes should come in the form of hellos — a greeting to start all sorts of conversations. For this season’s showing, It’s hard to ignore the rumours surrounding Kim Jones’ impending departure from Dior Men. And if it were true, the auteur’s latest Dior Men Fall/Winter ’25 collection would have shown enough signs of a farewell. Yes, some may digress that the lack of prints and neon hues accompanied by Michael Nyman’s heartbreaking and daunting score may serve as literature from a court-ordered divorce document. But if you were to ignore the noise of the press, the new collection felt more like a greeting from an old friend; that is if you count chancing upon a moment of déjà-vu as one.

The new collection, which takes apart pieces of the well-documented Dior La Ligue ‘H Line’ collection from 1954, feels more like a graduation ensemble to commemorate Jones’ time at Dior — again, not helping with the rumours. It references that specific collection so heavily that you might be forgiven for thinking that some looks were actual womenswear haute couture pieces pulled from the archive and eventually put onto male models. Streetwear was practically nonexistent, colours were muted and kept to a minimum. Some models were even blinded by a simple ribbon, and that was intentionally the highlight of those looks.

With historic Dior silhouettes at play, plus details pulled straight from the hands of the artisans working in the salons of the house’s haute couture department, it defies seasonal moods and trends. The new collection has no attitude or a need to form one. It is ceremonial and customary — the things you would see at a wedding or a funeral, much less a fashion show.

But if there is anything we have learnt from the last six years of a Kim Jones-ruled Dior Men, it is that his take on Dior is never about over-complicating things. Rather, its methodology looks at things that are inherently beautiful, pretty even and applies them all to men’s fashion — even if it is a tad bit feminine. And while designers that turn to beauty instead of inciting passion have always been construed by the press as superficial, there is something about his clothes that can and will make your heart flutter.

Blame it on the sets or the details that shine even while it is miles away from you on the runway, but Kim Jones at Dior has always stirred enough emotions in us that it has become hard to hide how we feel about it, no matter what we truly think of the house. And should this Dior Men FW25 collection be his last, we can all agree his FW25 collection is one hell of a way to make an exit. A perfect, bittersweet goodbye.

This article was first seen on Men’s Folio.

For more on the latest in style and fashion reads, click here.

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Aston Martin Launches 2025 Valkyrie Le Mans Program, Finally Ending Eight-Year Wait

Car

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February 5, 2025

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Aston Martin Launches 2025 Valkyrie Le Mans Program, Finally Ending Eight-Year Wait

An Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH between a DBR1 (left) and a road-going Valkyrie (right) — Image: Aston Martin

It’s been eight years since Aston Martin unveiled the road-going Valkyrie. Over that timespan, Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll bought the British luxury automaker and its partnership with the hypercar’s co-developer Red Bull Advanced Technologies collapsed. Plans to race the hypercar at Le Mans were seemingly dead a few years ago, but the program was resurrected in 2023, and the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH will finally make its competitive debut this month at the Qatar 1812 km.

Aston Martin and the Heart of Racing team revealed their full driver lineup and the Valkyrie’s two liveries for the 2025 season on Tuesday. The factory effort will sport traditional British Racing Green in the FIA World Endurance Championship and a variation of THOR’s deep blue in the IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship. Both versions of the paint scheme feature a distinctive checkered pattern, which provides a splash of uniformity across the Atlantic.

I Need A Sleek And Fast Car To Replace My Aging Aston Martin | WCSYB?

The No. 007 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH — Image: Aston Martin

From its testing debut in July last year through January, the Aston Martin THOR Team completed over 9,300 miles of running with the Valkyrie. Along with developing a car that can race for 24 hours, the program was tasked with detuning the hypercar for competition. For example, Le Mans Hypercar regulations have a maximum horsepower limit of 680 horsepower, while the production Valkyrie’s 6.5-litre V12 engine produces over 1,000 horsepower. Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, said:

“Running lean to reduce the amount of fuel you are carrying to deliver the required stint energy is important. We operate the engine slower than it’s capable of because we require less power. The lower power limit within the regulations creates an opportunity for us to revisit the torque curve and reduce frictional losses by reducing engine speed to increase fuel efficiency.”

Aston Martin THOR is set to race two Valkyries in Qatar and the rest of the WEC season, No. 007 and No. 009. The Bond-numbered hypercar features an all-British line-up with two-time Le Mans class winner Harry Tincknell and young driver Tom Gamble. Three-time WEC GT champion Marco Sørensen and Spanish driver Alex Riberas will drive the No. 009.

The No. 23 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH — Image: Aston Martin

The program is fielding a single Valkyrie in IMSA with 2015 British GT champion Ross Gunn and 2022 IMSA GTD champion Roman De Angelis. For Le Mans, Gunn will join the No. 007 crew, while De Angelis will be the No. 009’s third driver. Despite convergence creating a single top-class prototype ruleset, the Valkyrie will be the first ACO-envisioned LMH car to compete in IMSA. It’s far more common to see cars built to IMSA’s LMDh ruleset racing in WEC.

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