Report: Lamborghini's Details Wild New Hybrid V8
With literally every automaker currently in operation still hunting for ways to electrify their lineup, many have embraced hybridization as purely electric vehicles continue to polarize shoppers. But some were already heading this route, including performance brands that see the setup as a win in terms of both dynamic performance emissions compliance.
Among them is Lamborghini, which recently previewed the motor that’s assumed to be slotted into the production-coded “Lamborghini 634” that’s slated to supplant the Huracán. However, the hybrid powertrain is obviously more Porsche 918 Spyder than Toyota Prius.
Rivian Offers Deep Discounts on R1T Leases
Rivian’s vehicles might be popular and offer cool features, but they’re far from affordable. That will change, at least for lessees, for a little while, as the automaker is offering deep discounts on some models.
Tesla is Doing Damage Control With Euro Fleet Buyers After Price Cuts Shave Residual Values
Fleet buyers usually get a better price than individuals because of the large volumes they purchase, but Tesla is offering deeper discounts to some European leasing companies after previous price cuts caused a significant decrease in the values of their vehicles. That, plus expensive repairs, have driven a wedge between the American automaker and its partners on the old continent.
Workers at Mercedes-Benz's Alabama Plant Shut Down UAW Efforts - For Now
The United Autoworkers Union (UAW) scored a big win with the Tennessee-based VW plant’s vote to organize, but it’s not infallible. Last week, workers at Mercedes-Benz’s facility in Alabama voted against unionizing, with 56 percent saying they were against it. While the situation isn’t a total defeat for the UAW, it will have to wait a year to try again, and America’s political climate could have shifted dramatically by then.
Automotive Execs Speculate About Hypothetical EV Camaro and Mustang Sedan
General Motors president Mark Reuss threw some shade at the all-electric Ford “Mustang” Mach-E by suggesting an electrified Chevrolet Camaro would not go the crossover route if he had his druthers. However, he still said such a vehicle would ideally seek to broaden the model’s appeal beyond the hardcore enthusiast base. In related news, Ford CEO Jim Farley recently hinted that there’s a Mustang sedan under consideration — noting that the nameplate would hopefully play host to a V8 powertrain for as long as possible.
Acura ZDX Type S first EV to pace Pikes Peak
Next month will see the 102nd running of Pikes Peak, officially known as – ahem – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb brought to you by Gran Turismo. Organizers are going to need bigger business cards this year, apparently.
Dodge and Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis is Retiring
Tim Kuniskis, Dodge and Ram’s CEO, is leaving the house that Hellcat built. His tenure at Stellantis and its previous iterations spans 32 years, with his stint at the helms of Dodge starting in 2021 and Ram in 2023.
Not Dead Yet: Mitsubishi Shows Exciting Signs of Life With New Product Road Map
Mitsubishi has felt like a fading brand for years, but the automaker recently announced a new product roadmap that gives us all a good reason to be hopeful. Among promising one new or completely refreshed vehicle every year between 2026 and 2030, Mitsubishi teased a van that looks an awful lot like a futuristic Delica.
Headaches for Red Bull: Adrian Newey Isn't Retiring Yet
Formula 1 design guru Adrian Newey left Red Bull a couple of weeks ago, and the racing world has been on fire with speculation about his next move since. Though many believed he would ride off into the sunset on the strength of his multiple successful car designs, Newey recently told the BBC that he was giving serious thought to changing teams and spending another four or five years in the sport.
Aston Martin Considers Rugged 4x4
The current trend to ‘Safari all the things’ has ensnared numerous luxury automotive brands, birthing machines like the Porsche 911 Dakar and the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. Now, it seems like Aston Martin wants in on the theme – though it sadly isn’t considering anything like a lifted V12 Vanquish.
Apple Introducing New Features to Combat Motion Sickness, Improves CarPlay
On Wednesday, Apple announced it would be making changes to iOS that would benefit iPhone and iPad owners prone toward motion sickness. While the company is actually introducing a handful of new features, the one we’re interested in is called “Vehicle Motion Cues” which tweaks the user interface to help keep one’s cookies un-tossed whilst playing passenger.
Ford Asks Suppliers to Help it Cut Costs
Ford has reported significant losses on its EV business, and a letter obtained by Crain’s Detroit Business/Automotive News shows that the automaker is looking to cut costs with its suppliers. The Blue Oval asked its partners to help lower materials costs, saying “we have all invested heavily in the success of the EV business, and we will all win or lose together.”
Porsche Declares 911 Hybrid Development Successful
The Porsche 911 has been the company’s most-iconic model since the 1960s and fans have historically been adamantly against the manufacturer tampering with the recipe. As you might imagine, news that a hybrid version was under consideration resulted in some mixed opinions. However, Porsche says development has completed and that the resulting product is a complete success.
Ford Issues Recall for ‘Forced Neutral Condition’
An oddball situation has prompted the Blue Oval to recall a number of its hybrid vehicles, lest the machines suddenly pop themselves into neutral whilst at speed.
Driving Dystopia: Eight Automakers Accused of Lying About Customer Data Protections
Legislators have accused several automakers of betraying their customers by going back on an earlier pledge to protect their data. The brands stated during a congressional inquiry that they would provide information to government officials upon their request, despite having previously signed onto the Consumer Privacy Protection Principles in 2014 where they vowed only to hand over customer data when given a formal court order or search warrant.
This has resulted in Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Edward Markey (D-MA) asking the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to launch a formal investigation on the grounds that the companies have engaged in deceptive tactics that misrepresent what they’re actually doing.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV RST is Now in Production
We’ve been hearing about the Chevy Silverado EV for what seems like forever, but the first mainstream models have finally entered production. The automaker is building the top RST version of the truck at its Detroit-Hamtramck plant, where it also makes the basic Work Truck (WT) configuration.
Ford Designed a Specialty Test Track for the Mach-E Rally
Ford saw a tremendous Mustang Mach-E sales boost after lowering prices earlier this year, and the new Rally model could further help its cause. The Blue Oval recently showed its testing process for the electric SUV, saying that it specially built a dirt testing track at its Michigan Proving Grounds to torture test the Rally.
BYD Debuts PHEV Pickup Truck for Mexican Buyers
Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) doesn’t currently sell vehicles in the U.S., but it’s coming awfully close to our borders. It recently revealed a plug-in hybrid truck for the Mexican market, but said it has no plans to bring it north of the border – for now.
Despite Investing Billions, Biden’s EV Charging Fund Hasn’t Yielded Much
The amount the United States has been spending to advance the proliferation of all-electric vehicles in recent years has been genuinely staggering. However, the allocated funding doesn’t appear to be doing much good. EV adoption rates are slowing and the $7.5 billion earmarked exclusively for the construction of charging stations has only resulted in a handful of operational locations.
New Tesla Ad Campaign Aims to Sway Shareholders to Approve Musk's Massive Pay Package
Tesla layoffs and safety investigations are common stories these days, but that hasn’t changed the automaker’s CEO from believing he’s entitled to tens of billions in compensation. While the company resisted marketing for many years, it now appears to have embraced the practice, and one of its most recent campaigns aims to sway shareholders to approve Elon Musk’s $55 billion pay package.
NHTSA Launches Investigation Into Amazon’s Self-Driving Zoox Division
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into the Amazon-owned Zoox after two of its robotaxis were involved in crashes. The vehicles in question were effectively faulted with brake checking motorcycles. The autonomous cabs reportedly stopped abruptly and were rear-ended by the bikes.
Report: Mazda Giving the CX-5 Hybrid Power for Its Next Generation
The Mazda CX-5 is aging compared to the rest of its fleet, but it remains a top seller for the brand. It’s still a surprisingly engaging and well-equipped compact SUV, however, and Motor1 recently found clues that it would be getting an overhaul with a hybrid upgrade.
Report: New Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Could Return to V8 Power
The Mercedes-AMG “63” cars long featured hand-built V8 engines, but the brand stepped away from that model with the recent C 63 S E Performance. Its four-cylinder engine with F1-derived tech and a bafflingly complex turbo system didn’t resonate with buyers because its 671 horsepower wasn’t enough to overcome the decision to cut the number of cylinders in half. The automaker has reportedly seen the light, however, and the new CLE 63 will hit the streets with an old-school V8.
Multiple Injuries and Arrests at Tesla's German Gigafactory Protests
Tesla’s German plant has run into pushback on multiple occasions, as protestors opposed to the automaker’s expansion in the region have been very public with their stance. Most recently, a group of around 800 people gathered at the Tesla plant near Berlin, but the situation quickly went sideways, resulting in multiple injuries and arrests.
Chief of Design at Ford Suddenly Departs
We generally don’t comment on the reshuffling of corner offices at an OEM – but when the design boss at a Detroit Three automaker allegedly sends an email out of the blue saying ‘peace out’, it’s worth sitting up and taking notice.
Surprise: That New Car Smell Could Be Killing You
Think twice about sniffing a big hit of your car’s cabin air. Almost everyone loves the fabled new car smell, but a recent study suggests that some of that fragrance could be toxic to the people inhaling it. People reported on data from the Environmental Science and Technology publication that found toxic flame retardant materials in 99 percent of cars it studied.
Nissan Dealers May Foot the Bill for the Brand's Price-Cutting Sales Strategy
Cutting new-car prices is a great way to boost sales, but it’s not always kind to the dealers stuck with the inventory. Nissan gave its franchisees authorization to sell vehicles below invoice, but some stores are unhappy with the brand’s shifting attitudes toward their profitability.
BP is Looking to Fill Any Gaps Left by Tesla Supercharger Team's Upheaval
Though Tesla’s future and growth prospects remain to be seen, other companies sense blood in the water after the automaker laid off its entire Supercharger team. British Petroleum (BP) Pulse recently told Bloomberg that it would aggressively pursue an expansion of its charging network with a “heightened focus following the recent Tesla announcement.”
Lexus Trademark App Hints at Electric ES Sedans
The venerable Lexus ES could soon get a significant electric overhaul. AutoGuide found trademark filings that reveal the brand’s plans for “e”-branded ES models, though it appears Lexus remains to be committed to hybrids with the ES350h name.
It Turns Out That EU Car Buyers Aren’t as Hot on EVs as Ford Had Hoped
American automakers have grappled with the rollercoaster ups and downs of EV demand domestically, but it appears they’re having an equally difficult time convincing Europeans. Ford recently backed off its goal to convert 100 percent of its sales to electrics on the Old Continent, noting that it would follow buyer demand and produce more hybrids or PHEVs.
U.S. Commerce Secretary: U.S. Eying Strong Action Against Chinese Connected Vehicles
U.S. lawmakers and regulators understandably have a hard time allowing anything with a connection to China into the lives of American consumers, especially connected devices like smartphones and computers. Vehicles are increasingly becoming the “next big thing” when it comes to connected services, and the U.S. Commerce Secretary warned that Chinese connected cars could be next under the ban hammer.
Sunset on Malibu: Another Sedan Headed to Graveyard
As mentioned yesterday in a story dug up by our Managing Ed, spox at General Motors have confirmed the venerable Malibu isn’t long for this world. But, hey – there’s a new paint shade for 2025.
Hyundai Motor Plans On Building More Hybrids Inside North America
Hyundai Motor reportedly plans on using preexisting investments slated for its new EV facility in Georgia to pivot toward hybrid vehicles, as all-electric models haven’t seen the kind of adoption rates that would warrant an entire factory — let alone the plant that will become its largest outside of South Korea.
The 2025 BMW M4 CS is a Lightweight Carbon-Packed Track Monster
BMW has gotten plenty of mileage from its inline-six engines, but it’s not done yet. The 2025 M4 CS will debut on May 10, sporting a 543-horsepower turbocharged engine, plenty of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, and chassis reinforcements to give it razor-sharp handling.
Land Rover Fettles Defender for 2025
JLR is tending to its tremendously square Defender this upcoming model year, gifting it the likes of new seating options and an updated four-wheel drive system.
Report: Tesla's Buying LiDAR Sensors After All
Most of the media and internet pundits have been zeroed in on Tesla’s layoffs and what they could mean for the automaker and industry at large, but there’s another reported change in its operations that could signal a significant shift in how its vehicles are built. After CEO Elon Musk’s poo-pooing of LiDAR technology, Tesla now appears to be buying the sensors and has become a primary customer of a major supplier.
Gas War: U.S. Oil Companies Accused of Price Fixing With OPEC, Increasing Inflation
Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shared documents that would seem to suggest that U.S. shale oil firms purposefully colluded with the government of Saudi Arabia to fix oil prices between 2021 and 2023. The report was followed by a piece from BIG journalist Matt Stoller alleging that American oil companies and Saudi leadership likely cost the average American household $3,000 via fuel price hikes and the subsequent inflation created by artificially spiking the market.
The 2025 Genesis GV80 Got a Range of Updates But a Modest Price Bump
Though it’s hard to celebrate more midsize SUVs on the American car market, Genesis has consistently been one of the more compelling options in several segments. The automaker updated the GV80 SUV for the 2025 model year, giving it a range of improvements, and recently announced pricing for the model shows that it didn’t increase the cost of entry by a large amount.
Fisker is Reportedly Closing its California Headquarters
While a few startup automakers have broken through with appealing vehicles and somewhat sound business practices, Fisker never really had solid ground under its feet. The automaker has recently warned that bankruptcy could be imminent if an investor or buyer doesn’t step in, and we’re now hearing reports that the company is shuttering its California headquarters.
Apple is Reportedly Considering a Partnership With Rivian
Though it never spoke publicly about its automotive ambitions, Apple was almost certainly developing a car before reportedly abandoning its work in recent months. We’re now hearing that it might not give up completely, as new reports point to the tech giant partnering with an existing OEM, which in this case appears to be Rivian.
Report: Honda e:Ny1 to Drop Terrible Name
Honda is said to be changing the naming of its electric cars after customers, particularly those in China, found its name to be exceptionally difficult to pronounce. However, they weren’t the only ones. Europeans likewise didn’t appreciate the name, nor the odd choice of punctuation and capitalization that seems to plague some all-electric vehicles.
New White House Program Provides Funding to Help Smaller Auto Suppliers Make Transition to EVs
The federal government has pumped billions into EV incentives and charging infrastructure initiatives, and now, it’s automotive suppliers’ turn at the bank. The Biden administration recently announced more than $100 million in funding to help smaller suppliers adapt to the changing automotive world.
2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet Maintains Brand’s Commitment to Convertibles
Mercedes is launching a convertible version of the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, showcasing the manufacturer’s commitment to convertible models.
If you’re hoping to purchase a drop-top vehicle from a manufacturer that doesn’t specialize in six-figure automobiles, this probably isn’t the best period in history to be shopping. However, you do have a few options via off-road focused SUVs and some mainstream sports cars. Still, the only companies that seem to have retained any real focus on convertibles are the European luxury brands — with Mercedes-Benz and BMW arguably leading on that front.
Dirtbag English Car Dealer Gets Jail Time for Ripping People Off
While there are absolutely exceptions, the days of the super-sleazy used car dealer seem to be behind us here in the States. Anyone ripped off by one of them probably wishes we had laws like those in England, where a shady dealer recently got jail time for his actions.
Tesla Using Abandoned Mall as Overflow
Locals near the town of Chesterfield, Missouri have reported fleets of new Tesla models appearing in the parking lot of a once-bustling shopping mall. But, as usual, there’s more to the story than may be suggested in bombastic headlines.
Jeep Confirms Plug-In Hybrid Gladiator 4xe for 2025
Jeep is adding Tuscadero to the Gladiator color catalog due to high demand, and the automaker will soon bring another popular option to the Wrangler-like pickup. The automaker recently confirmed rumors that it would offer the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Gladiator, saying that the new truck is coming for the 2025 model year.
Orders Open for 2024 Dodge Durango SRT 392 AlcHEMI
Despite the rafts of headlines, the world isn’t entirely stuffed with EVs and wheezy compact crossovers. The lunatics at Dodge have just opened order banks for its 2024 Dodge Durango SRT 392 – the so-called AlcHEMI.
Kia Teases the Refreshed 2025 EV6
The Kia EV6 had made waves with its styling and the performance GT model, and it appears the crossover is poised for an update. Yesterday, Kia teased a revised EV6 with a new headlight design and slightly massaged tail lights, and we expect more substantive changes with longer range estimates and interior updates.
Cadillac Appears to Waver On EV Commitment
Nearly all of the top automakers selling vehicles in the U.S. have announced aggressive electrification plans that include shifting a majority of their production and sales efforts to EVs over the next decade. Such long-term plans are difficult on their own, but adding Americans’ polarized politics and unique driving culture to the mix has proven exceptionally challenging, even for companies with deep pockets and the most talented engineers. General Motors recently softened its stance, opting to produce more hybrids to fill the EV demand gap, and Cadillac now seems to be following its parent company’s lead.
Jeep Adds Tuscadero to Gladiator Paint Palette
In most instances, we would pass on using a news slot for the announcement of a simple paint color. But in an era where our roads are inundated with approximately four trillion shades of grey, the introduction of an eye-popping hue is worth the attention.
No More Leg Day: South Carolina Squat Ban Goes Into Effect Soon
Of all the stupid vehicle modification trends over the last few decades, “squatting” has to be one of the worst. People giving their trucks the “Carolina Squat” by raising the front end but leaving the rear alone will hopefully be a thing of the past soon, however, as officials in South Carolina will start handing out tickets for the utterly ridiculous practice beginning on May 10.
Stellantis Could Offer Internal Combustion Versions of Electrified Models if Customers Want Them
Stellantis isn’t ignoring EVs, but it isn’t ready to move on from internal combustion if that’s what its customers want. Company CFO Natalie Knight told WardsAuto that while the automaker’s upcoming EVs, like the Jeep Wagoneer S, could land first as electric-only, they could be revised later to include a hybrid or gas-only option if there’s enough demand.
Report: Tesla Ditched Next-Generation Gigacasting Plans
While the impacts of Tesla recent Supercharger team layoffs remain to be seen, reports have surfaced that it’s giving up on another of its innovations. Reuters sources said the automaker has scrapped plans to further develop its gigacasting efforts, which drastically reduces the complexities involved with manufacturing unibody vehicles.
Ford Launches New Dealer Training Program With A.I. Integration
Ford has announced its new dealership training platform for the United States, noting that it will utilize artificial intelligence to better familiarize sales teams with product knowledge, corporate history, while likewise making them better at engaging with customers.
Tesla Supercharger Layoffs May Already Be Impacting New Charging Site Construction
In a shocking move, Tesla laid off its entire Supercharger staff, raising questions about its future and ability to continue offering a superior experience to a growing number of EV owners. InsideEVs reported on the most immediate impact of the layoffs, as it learned that some new charging sites had already been canceled.
Lamborghini Electrifies its First SUV with the Urus SE
SUVs make the automotive world go round, so much so that even exotic automakers are now in the game. Lamborghini was one of the first with the Urus, and the company recently announced an update to its hot family hauler with the Urus SE, the first plug-in hybrid SUV in the performance segment.
UAW to Vote on Strike at the Stellantis Warren Stamping Plant
It has only been a few months since the United Autoworkers Union (UAW) won big time after its historic strikes against Detroit’s Big Three automakers, but union organizers have another bone to pick with Stellantis. Workers at the company’s Warren Stamping plant will vote next week on the decision to strike due to health and safety concerns at the facility.
Report: Tesla Layoffs Commence in Earnest
Tesla is undergoing layoffs, with Elon Musk confirming the loss of two senior executives and plans to reduce overhead by cutting staff. This has been relatively common within the automotive sector, with legacy manufacturers having engaged in rolling layoffs for years as a way to offset development costs and maximize profits. But Tesla has long been viewed as the vanguard of electrification and the brand most other EV manufacturers hope to embody due to its meteoric rise.
Prices Surface for 2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The popular Equinox represents bread-and-butter sales for many Chevy dealers, so any wholesale changes are often eyed with equal amounts of anticipation and trepidation. Looking far more square and rugged compared to other iterations, the Equinox also gets a higher starting price for the 2025 model year.
Gas War: 25 States Sue EPA Over Updated Emissions Regulations
Over two dozen states have joined forces to sue the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over proposed vehicle emissions regulations put forward by the Biden administration in March. Grievances include claims that the executive branch is unconstitutionally manipulating the marketplace by setting requirements higher than manufacturers can adhere to, effectively mandating sales of electric vehicles that have been broadly unpopular in the United States. Additionally, the states have alleged these changes would hurt domestic employment while simultaneously raising the average price of vehicles.
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