Cryptic crossword clue
Car-mad character’s device that may be lethal 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word TOADSTOOL

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
T
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A
D
S
T
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L


Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "that may be lethal" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case that may be lethal = toadstool.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does TOADSTOOL mean?

TOADSTOOL noun
  1. Any inedible or poisonous mushroom, especially an agaric.

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