Electric Cars

Cars

Car Show

Car Maintenance

Racing

English

Cars

A Look Back at the Distinctive 1994 Saab 900SE

Slide 7
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 1

The 1994 Saab 900SE stands as a testament to the brand's enduring design philosophy and quirky charm, even as it underwent significant changes. This vehicle, a spiritual successor to earlier Saab models, was developed on the Opel Vectra/Calibra platform following General Motors' partial acquisition of Saab, yet it remarkably retained its distinctive identity. While some critics initially feared a dilution of Saab's unique character, the new 900SE proved to be authentically Trollhättan in its essence, a point that delighted loyal enthusiasts.

Saab's meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the 900SE, from its practical cargo space to its user-friendly interior features. The rear hatch opens to an expansive cargo area, offering 24 cubic feet of storage, which expands to a staggering 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. Thoughtful design elements like robust steel O-rings for securing cargo, a convenient trap door for long items, and pivoting headrests on the rear seats underscore the car's practical engineering. Furthermore, the interior boasts refined touches such as flawless paint in the door jambs, a rubber rattle absorber in the glovebox, and a conveniently placed fuse box. The redesigned climate control system with simple rotary knobs and high-mounted, easy-to-use radio controls further enhanced the user experience, despite a somewhat redundant 'Black Panel' switch for reducing glare. The 900SE's 170-hp V-6 engine provides a spirited drive, achieving 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds, offering strong torque from low RPMs, and showcasing a robust structure.

The 1994 Saab 900SE, with its blend of unique personality, exquisite assembly, and practical features, proved to be an unexpected success. Its ability to offer both a comfortable long-distance ride and agile city driving, coupled with comprehensive standard equipment like ABS, dual airbags, and traction control, made it a compelling choice. Despite its price point being close to that of the larger 9000CS, the 900SE distinguished itself as a car with strong character and individuality, setting it apart in an increasingly homogenized automotive market. It truly embodied the spirit of Swedish automotive innovation, much like a beloved eccentric character in a crowd.

The automotive world thrives on innovation and character, and the 1994 Saab 900SE exemplifies how distinctiveness can lead to enduring appeal. Its story reminds us that true originality, combined with practical engineering and attention to detail, can create something truly special. This vehicle serves as a powerful symbol of maintaining integrity and uniqueness in a rapidly evolving landscape, inspiring us to embrace authenticity in all endeavors.

Toyota Sequoia and Tundra: Lifesavers at Arizona Proving Grounds
Cars

Toyota Sequoia and Tundra: Lifesavers at Arizona Proving Grounds

Volkswagen Group Plans Aggressive Cost Reductions, Plant Closures Possible
Cars

Volkswagen Group Plans Aggressive Cost Reductions, Plant Closures Possible

Lawsuit Targets Hyundai Over Palisade Airbag Recall Handling
Cars

Lawsuit Targets Hyundai Over Palisade Airbag Recall Handling

Cars

The Mystery of the Non-Existent Stolen Cars in Victoria

Slide 5
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 1
This article delves into the curious case of phantom car thefts in Victoria, Australia, where non-existent models are frequently reported stolen, raising questions about data accuracy and the challenges it poses for law enforcement.

Unraveling the Enigma of Non-Existent Vehicles on Theft Reports

Unusual Vehicle Theft Patterns in Australia's Victoria State

Vehicle theft is a global issue, and Australia's state of Victoria is no exception. While popular models like the Holden Commodore (specifically the 2016 VF Commodore, known in America as the Chevrolet SS) and the Toyota Corolla predictably top the list of most stolen cars due to their widespread presence, a peculiar anomaly has emerged in recent theft statistics.

The Baffling Case of the Toyota Lantra

Intriguingly, the 14th spot on Victoria's most-stolen cars list is occupied by a vehicle that doesn't officially exist: the Toyota Lantra. This phantom model, for which no verifiable record can be found through conventional searches, was astonishingly reported stolen 183 times in 2025. Even more perplexing is the specific mention of a '2013 Toyota Lantra,' with 69 reported thefts, marking a significant 65% increase from the previous year's 64 incidents. This raises eyebrows about the nature of these reported thefts and the cars' mysterious origins.

The Presence of Other Imaginary Models on the List

The Toyota Lantra is not alone in its spectral appearance on theft reports. Other non-existent models, such as the 'Mazda Elite,' were reportedly stolen 23 times in the past year. Although Mazda does not market any vehicle under the 'Elite' designation in Australia, speculation suggests it might refer to a trim level of older models like the 323 or 626. Adding to the mystery, a 'Mitsubishi Elite' and even a 'Dennis Elite' also appeared on the theft roster. Furthermore, 'Holden Lantra' and 'Honda Lantra' were also cited as stolen vehicles in 2025, prompting humorous suggestions about trademarking these seemingly popular, yet non-existent, names.

Investigating the Root Cause of These Discrepancies

A plausible explanation for the 'Toyota Lantra' phenomenon points to a misclassification of the Hyundai Elantra, a model once sold as the Lantra in certain markets, including Australia. The fact that the reported 'Lantra' was often described as a sedan lends credence to this theory. However, the misattribution to Toyota remains puzzling. It's conceivable that some car owners, when reporting thefts, might be unfamiliar with their vehicle's exact make or model, leading to clerical errors. Given that the current Australian model of the Elantra is branded as the i30, these incidents likely refer to older generations. While the precise reason for these discrepancies may never be fully uncovered, such administrative inaccuracies undoubtedly complicate the recovery efforts for stolen vehicle

See More
Ferrari 296 Challenge Stradale: A Race Car for the Road
Cars

Ferrari 296 Challenge Stradale: A Race Car for the Road

Ferrari Rewards Employees with Record Bonuses Amidst Soaring Profits and Future Model Expansion
Cars

Ferrari Rewards Employees with Record Bonuses Amidst Soaring Profits and Future Model Expansion

2014 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Final Edition: A Rare Supercar Opportunity
Cars

2014 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Final Edition: A Rare Supercar Opportunity

Cars

Mazda CX-5 Embraces Touchscreen Technology for Enhanced Safety and User Experience

Slide 6
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 1

In a significant evolution for its best-selling CX-5 model, Mazda has replaced its long-standing rotary commander knob with an expansive touchscreen interface for the 2026 iteration. This strategic move, while aligning with contemporary automotive trends, is championed by the automaker as a step towards greater driving safety and an improved user experience. The company emphasizes that a suite of integrated safeguards, including steering wheel controls and advanced voice recognition, has been meticulously designed to mitigate potential driver distraction, ensuring that technological advancement goes hand-in-hand with Mazda's foundational commitment to driver-centric principles.

Mazda's Strategic Shift: The 2026 CX-5's Digital Transformation

In February 2026, Mazda unveiled its redesigned CX-5, introducing a large touchscreen infotainment system to replace the previously signature rotary knob. This shift, according to Matthew Valbuena, Mazda's project manager for in-vehicle technologies and human-machine interfaces, is a calculated effort to minimize driver distraction. Valbuena explained that while climate controls are now integrated into the touchscreen, the system features multiple safety measures. These include steering wheel controls for various functions, critical information mirrored in the instrument cluster, and an enhanced voice-recognition system, all designed to keep drivers' eyes on the road. The decision also accommodates the demands of modern smartphone integration like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering a more versatile user experience, akin to upgrading from an iPod Classic to an iPod Touch. The CX-5, a historically strong performer for Mazda, recently surpassed five million units in production, a milestone previously achieved only by the 323 and Mazda3. Competing with popular models like the Toyota RAV4 in the U.S. market, the 2026 CX-5 starts at $29,990, with a larger 15.6-inch display available in the Premium Plus trim starting at $38,990. Despite facing tariff pressures, Mazda assures that any cost-saving adjustments made to the new model will not compromise the customer experience, signaling a responsive approach to market feedback while maintaining brand integrity.

This bold embrace of touchscreen technology by Mazda, a manufacturer known for its driver-focused philosophy, marks a pivotal moment in automotive design. It highlights the delicate balance automakers must strike between adopting popular tech features and upholding safety standards. The integration of advanced voice commands and redundant physical controls demonstrates a thoughtful approach to minimizing potential hazards associated with touch interfaces. As the automotive industry continues its digital evolution, Mazda's decision with the CX-5 sets an interesting precedent, suggesting that even traditional brands can innovate successfully without sacrificing their core values, provided the implementation is carefully considered and prioritizes the driver's well-being above all else.

See More