Auto

The year was 2004. The Recession and Dieselgate were still years away, so the bosses at VW had plenty of runway to put their zaniest ideas into production. Soon, we’d get the Audi R8, the Bugatti Veyron and the arguably nuttier V10 Touareg.

Powered by a twin-turbo diesel engine, this super-SUV boasted an eye-watering 553 lb-ft of torque – 178 more than the Lamborghini Gallardo – and more than enough to tow a Boeing 747.

Unfortunately, the V10 Touareg garnered a reputation as one of the least reliable vehicles ever – which is why owning one today is the mark of a truly dedicated gearhead.

– Chris Butsch, The Arizona 100

Boomers may love leather seats, but carmakers say the younger generation is more into trash. As the auto industry races toward carbon neutrality by 2050 or sooner, the use of recycled materials for car interiors (i.e. denim, fishing nets and plastic bottles) is taking center stage.

“Sustainability is luxury,” says Anders Karrberg, head of global sustainability at Volvo. “It speaks to a younger generation.”

Volvo’s new EX30 expects to reduce its carbon footprint by 25 percent and cost under $40,000. The company expects 80 percent of EX30 buyers will be new to Volvo and says overall sales are soaring.

– Vikki Locke, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

Whether you need a quick dopamine hit during the lunch hour or you’re burning the midnight oil, try one of my favorite 10-minute work breaks: building a Porsche 911 online.

With trillions of possible combinations, you’ll have some delightful choices to make. From the color of your seatbelts to classic or modern wheels, a burgundy interior or high-tech carbon fiber I promise you’ll have fun making your very own, one-of-a-kind dream 911. Heck, visualizing your perfect 911 may even motivate you to keep working.

That said, you’ll also chuckle at just how quickly a base $116,900 911 becomes $160,000+ with options.

– Chris Butsch, The Arizona 100