The Tesla Model Y is receiving its first refresh since debuting six years ago The updated Model Y is expected to arrive in the U.S. this spring Tesla sales were down in 2024 Following its refresh of the Model 3, Tesla has released an updated version of the Model Y crossover, codenamed Juniper, though only for the Chinese market right now...Faraday Future provided further detail on plans for its new FX sub-brand at CES 2025 in Las Vegas this week. The company reaffirmed plans for an affordable EV called the FX 5 that will cost between $20,000 and $30,000 and a larger model called the FX 6 priced between $30,000 and $50,000. First outlined in a September 2024 investor presentation...Scout Motors wants owners to be able to repair its electric trucks without visiting a dealership unless absolutely necessary. Now it's providing more detail on how it plans to make that happen. When it unveiled concept versions of the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck last October, Scout claimed that approximately 80% of repairs could be...Tesla is recalling a small number of 2024 and 2025 Model S and Model X electric vehicles because their driver's-side airbags could tear during deployment—increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. The recall includes just 294 vehicles manufactured in a short window—Nov. 6 to Nov. 27, 2024. These vehicles may have received...The Tokyo Auto Salon continues as Nissan has unveiled the R32 EV. As the name suggests, the one-off model is an electromod based on the Skyline GT-R R32 that was launched in 1989.
Billed as a passion project by a small team of employees, the car doesn’t look too remarkable at first glance. However, don’t let its Gun Grey metallic exterior fool you as there are plenty of upgrades hiding beneath the skin.
More: Nissan Turns R32 Skyline GT-R Into An EV For Tokyo Auto Salon
The twin-turbo 2.6-liter inline-six has been replaced by two electric motors, which each produce 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) of torque. This should give the all-wheel drive model a combined output of around 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS) and 501 lb-ft (680 Nm).
That’s considerably more than the original 276 hp (206 kW / 280 PS) and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque. However, Nissan said the goal was “not to exceed, but rather match the performance of the original GT-R.” This is important to note as the EV is around 809 lbs (367 kg) heavier, so engineers tuned its output and torque to match the original’s torque-to-weight ratio.
Nissan didn’t say how far the R32 EV can travel, but the rear seat was removed to allow for the installation of a 62 kWh battery pack from a Leaf Nismo race car. The company also noted the dual-motor all-wheel drive system responds faster and can better distribute torque between the front and rear wheels than the original mechanical system.
Besides the powertrain swap, the car has been equipped with a Nismo sport suspension featuring Öhlins dampers. They’re joined by a beefier braking system sourced from the R35. Due to the larger rotors and calipers, the team had to exchange the original 16-inch wheels for factory-inspired 18-inchers.
While the group wanted to keep the cabin as stock as possible, the factory seats were traded for custom Recaros. The gauges, meters, and audio system were also given a modern makeover as they have “high-resolution digital screens that provide key driver information while retaining their original profile.”
Those weren’t the only tweaks as the car has a paddle shift functionality that has been programmed to provide the “sensation of shift shock,” which is the “brief jolt a driver experiences when engaging the clutch and shifting up or down through a mechanical gearbox.” That’s on top of a speaker that pumps the original RB26DETT engine note into the cabin.
While purists will call the project blasphemous, the team picked the R32 to ensure it could be driven for decades to come. As project leader Ryozo Hiraku explained, “I wondered if 30 years from now – in 2055 or beyond – owners of this incredible machine could still buy gasoline and enjoy driving it. I saw merit in using electrical and digital technology to replicate the appeal of the R32 GT-R so future generations could experience it.”
The Detroit Auto Show kicked off earlier today, but you’d be hard-pressed to tell as there’s not much going on in the Motor City. While that’s a sad fall from grace, auto shows aren’t dead and that’s clear today as there’s plenty of news coming out of the Tokyo Auto Salon as well as the Brussels Motor Show.
At the European event, Renault unveiled an updated version of the Twingo E-Tech electric concept. It previews the upcoming production model, which will be launched next year and cost under €20,000 ($20,474).
More: Renault Reboots Twingo As A €20,000 Electric Mini For 2026
Essentially an evolution of last year’s concept, the latest version of the car has 3D printed bumpers with a honeycomb pattern. They’re joined by new air intakes, which adopt a more squared off shape.
The changes continue further back as we can see production-style mirrors and door handles. They’re joined by revamped fender flares and new taillights.
While the exterior updates are notable, Renault has given us our first look inside. This reveals a minimalist cockpit with a “spacious and functional layout.”
The automaker was coy on specifics, but drivers sit behind a three-spoke steering wheel and find themselves looking at a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. To their right is a ‘floating’ 10.1-inch infotainment system.
They’re joined by dedicated climate controls as well as body-color trim. The model also has a tinted cork floor and an assortment of storage compartments.
Designers installed unique upholstery with a colorful ‘splash’ inspired by the patterns on the first-generation Twingo. Speaking of the seats, there’s a split-folding rear bench that slides to maximize legroom or cargo capacity.
Rounding out the highlights are a panoramic glass roof and a seatback adjustment knob inspired by skateboard wheels. The concept also sports an assortment of Easter eggs as well as a magnetic area on the back of the front headrest that enables rear passengers to mount their phones to it.
No other production car on the planet can accelerate as quickly as the Rimac Nevera, but it’s not the car’s straight-line performance that had to be put to the test to avoid a collision in Germany recently. Instead, the electric hypercar’s brakes and the driver’s quick reactions were the deciding factors in preventing the Nevera from rear-ending a reckless Renault driver.
The short video shows the dark Nevera traveling towards an exit off a German highway near Dusseldorf. All seems fine until a silver Renault begins to slowly move across the lane next to the Nevera. While just feet away from hitting a series of bollards separating the highway from the turn-off, the driver flicks on their turn signal and turns to the right, cutting off the Rimac.
Read: 1,989 HP Rimac Nevera R Is Harder, Faster, Lighter And Limited To 40 Units
In an instant, the driver of the hypercar slams on the brakes, and the air brake pops into action. While it’s hard to see how close the two came to colliding, the Rimac could have easily hit the Renault had the driver not been paying attention. That could have left the Renault driver with a hefty repair bill likely big enough to make them consider selling a kidney.
Several other hypercars have air brakes like the Nevera and while they do provide some extra braking, their primary function is to increase force over the rear tires, allowing the rear brakes to work more effectively. The results are most apparent at higher speeds, but even at lower speeds, as seen here, air brakes like this add a bit of theater, and in a hypercar, you can never have too much theater.
The Nevera also has a fierce set of friction brakes, which played a pivotal role in setting new 0-100-0 km/h, 0-200-0 km/h, 0-300-0 km/h, and 0-400-0 km/h world records in 2023.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has proven to the world that it’s possible to have a fun and exciting EV that tickles the senses, just like a combustion-powered car. However, this test shows that it does struggle to compete against one of the finest sports sedans on the market; the BMW M3 CS.
Soon after we saw the Hyundai go head-to-head in a U-Drag Race test against a Tesla Model 3 Performance, Edmunds lined it up alongside an M3 CS to see how the EV would compare. It is worth pointing out that these two are not direct rivals. Whereas the M3 CS is a hardcore sedan, the Ioniq 5 N is a much larger electric SUV and, as such, weighs a lot more than its German foe.
Read: Cornering Power Wins Over Speed In This Performance EV Battle
Off the line, one may think the Ioniq 5 N would have the advantage thanks to its extra power and the instantaneous torque provided by its two electric motors. However, the BMW is roughly 1,000 lbs lighter and has a better weight-to-power ratio of 7.14 lb/hp compared to the 8.08 lb/hp of the Hyundai.
As such, it rockets away from the starting line at a frightening pace, almost immediately opening up a car length advantage over the Ioniq 5 N. As the speeds build, the Hyundai keeps the M3 CS in its sights, but when it comes to doing the high-speed U-turn, the rear end of it gets loose, and it can’t keep pace with the sedan.
The second race is quite similar. This time, the driver of the M3 slightly jumped the start, and the Beemer accelerated into the lead. It held onto its lead until the end of the race.
While the BMW M3 CS claimed the win, it didn’t do so by a huge margin. In fact, it was only 0.1 seconds quicker, completing the U-Drag race in 32.7 seconds at 136.9 mph compared to the 32.8 seconds needed for the Ioniq 5 N. Both cars are in elite company and are quicker than an Acura NSX Type S, with a best time of 33.0 seconds at 136.5 mph. The M3 CS also matched the much more powerful Mercedes-AMG GT 63.
Launches at CES this year are somewhat wild and the Italdesign Quintessenza fits right in. While its exterior design is unchanged from when we saw it last year, it features new Elaphe electric motor technology. This means it now has a motor on each wheel, which gives the futuristic truck concept a host of benefits.
Elaphe already advertises a motor technology called Sonic 1, which provides up to 255 kW (341 hp) peak power in short bursts. It can continuously provide 200 kW (268 hp) per wheel. Italdesign says that the upgraded motors Elaphe is building for the Quintessenza are even more powerful.
More: Italdesign Updates Classic 1970s Audi Concept That Inspired The VW Scirocco
According to the Italian firm, the Quintessenza offers up to 1,600 kW (2,145 hp) of combined power. Talk about overkill. On top of that, the truck concept features a 2+2 design with rear seats that flip backward and forward.
In their rearward position, they position the rear occupants to look out of an open truck bed area. Basically, it’s a cooler version of the Subaru Brat. Quad-motor tech isn’t the only big news from Italdesign. The firm also staked out a new headquarters near Detroit and plans to spend some $20 million on it.
Specifically, the brand is opening a location in Bloomfield, Michigan. It expects to hire 24 people. “The United States plays a key role in our global strategy: partnering with major automotive players providing the widest range of services today available on the market,” said Antonio Casu, Italdesign Global CEO.
“From Styling and Engineering to prototyping, testing & validation, and complete vehicle development…. Who else could provide such a range of services? With almost six decades of expertise in the automotive industry, we are the right partner to support U.S. customers with innovative solutions and proven excellence. We are ready to make a difference.”
It’s unclear exactly what, if anything, will come of the Quintessenza. As a concept, it certainly won’t make it to production, even with these new motors. That said, some of the design cues we see here could end up on the road in the not-too-distant future.
If you need any more proof of just how innovative Chinese car manufacturers have become in recent years, look no further than Xpeng and its new AeroHT. The dramatic six-wheeled road-going “land aircraft carrier” was on display at CES and is the type of creation that’s inconceivable for a legacy carmaker even to envisage, let alone bring to production.
The Chinese company has been working on the AeroHT for the past couple of years and previewed it in production guise last September. It will be built at a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Guangzhou, China, that spans 180,000 square meters and will produce up to 10,000 units annually. Xpeng says it’s locked in over 3,000 orders for the AeroHT and plans to kick off deliveries in 2026.
Read: Xpeng’s Cybertruck-Like 6-Wheeler Costs $280,000 But Comes With Its Own Helicopter
Xpeng’s futuristic creation consists of two vehicles; the ground-based “mothership” and an electric verticle take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The “mothership” is a massive six-wheeler van with obvious design similarities to the Tesla Cybertruck. It’s approximately 5.5m (18 feet) long, 2m (6.6 feet) wide, and 2m tall. It has some weird and wacky design features, none more evident than the digital side mirrors that can retract into the front fenders when not used.
Looking at the AeroHT from the side, it looks like a lengthened minivan that’s taken a few too many growth hormones. There are no second-row side windows as the entire rear half of the six-wheeler is used as a loading bay for the eVTOL. In terms of power, it rocks an 800-volt electrical architecture and is an extender-range EV.
Xpeng hasn’t provided details about the combustion engine, the electric motors, or the battery pack, but does say it has a combined driving range of over 620 miles (1,000 km). It also serves as a module supercharging station for the eVTOL.
As for the aircraft, it features a small cockpit made from lightweight carbon fiber and has a six-rotor design with foldable propellers and arms. It can be driven manually or autonomously, and more than 200 units are currently being tested. Last year, the eVTOL received airworthiness certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of Central and Southern China.
Prices for the AeroHT are expected to start at around 2 million yuan (~$272,000) in China. The carmaker hasn’t said if there are any plans to offer it in other markets.
Peugeot Sport Engineered might have gone the way of the dodo, together with the fabled Rallye and GTI emblems, but a new report gives a glimmer of hope to hot hatch enthusiasts. The next generation of the Peugeot 208 supermini might get a performance-focused version, at least according to a Stellantis official.
Despite the discontinuation of the Peugeot 508 PSE, which was the only production model to ever receive the PSE treatment, Eurig Druce, managing director of Stellantis UK, left a window open for the return of performance-focused offerings in the French brand’s future lineup.
More: New Peugeot 208 Racing Leaves Us Begging For A Rallye We Can Actually Buy
Speaking to Auto Express, Druce said: “There may be other products in the future. Peugeot has always had a penchant for fast, small hatchbacks, as we’ve seen various generations of GTis. I remember the 205 GTi when I first joined the company. And the 206 GTi thereafter. It would be a sad, sad day for us to declare that we will never go there again. I wouldn’t want to see that sad day coming and I don’t think I will.”
When asked specifically about a hot hatch version of the 208, Druce expressed his enthusiasm: “I’d love to see it, personally. Peugeot Sport engineers would be the people that would do that sort of thing.”
While he didn’t confirm whether the car would carry the GTi badge, the Stellantis UK managing director said: “The crucial bit for me is the credibility that came from PSE. So, whether we call it PSE or GTi, the truth about it was that Peugeot Sport had engineered the car and there were significant driveability differences between that and a standard car. I think that’s crucial.”
“What we cannot ever do is to put a GTi badge on something that is a conventional car with a slightly bigger e-motor, for example. One of the big things about this future market is that almost every electric car can be a quick car. The beauty comes from being able to make a fast car and a really enjoyable, driveable car as well.”
More: Renault 5 Turbo 3E Is An Electric Hyper Hatch With Over 500 HP
These remarks hint at a fully electric hot hatch that could borrow tech from other Stellantis models, combined with a spicy chassis setup from Peugeot Sport engineers. A hot Peugeot of this size could rival models like the Alpine A290 GT and Mini JCW Electric, signaling a new era for the small hot hatch segment which currently is basically extinct.
A hotter Peugeot 208 could use the electric powertrain of the Lancia Ypsilon HF which makes 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS). The mechanically-related Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce and Abarth 600e Scorpionissima are fitted with an even more powerful version of that electric motor, generating as much as 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS). The extra power is combined with a Torsen limited-slip differential on the front axle, stiffer suspension, anti-roll bars, and bigger brakes compared to lesser versions.
The next generation of the Peugeot 208 is expected to arrive in 2026 or 2027, together with the Opel Corsa. The supermini hatchbacks will ride on the STLA Small architecture, an evolution of the current models’ CMP/eCMP underpinnings. This platform supports combustion engines, mild hybrids, and EVs.
Here’s to seeing more hot hatchbacks and SUVs in the near future. And, if anyone from Stellantis or Peugeot is reading this, we think that even with 237 hp, a new 208 GTi would do just fine. After all, Peugeot’s past hot hatches weren’t all about power, but more about handling, agility, and having fun. Continuing that tradition would be wise – and it might also keep the costs down, which will make the bin counters, as well as the buyers, happy.
The official numbers are in: 2024 is the hottest year on record. Climate change is the main culprit. But there might be something else going on, too.
(Image credit: Selcuk Acar)
As fire crews and air tankers work to block the wildfires' explosive growth, images of red clouds of fire retardant falling onto trees are common. What is it — and what's in it?
(Image credit: David Swanson)
Reservations for Scout Motors' range-extended models are outpacing those for pure electric versions, Scout CEO Scott Keogh said in an interview with Bloomberg at CES 2025 in Las Vegas this week. The new Volkswagen Group brand plans to launch its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck in 2027 with a powertrain called Harvester that adds a gasoline...Starting in February, Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles will be able to charge at 20,000 Tesla Supercharger stations in the U.S., the automaker announced Thursday. Supercharger access will be enabled via a software update installed by dealerships—not over-the-air. Customers will be contacted by Mercedes to schedule this. The update will...Volkswagen will rollout Tesla Supercharger access for its EV customers this summer, when adapters will be ready for current CCS-equipped vehicles. "We get access to the network in June/July, when we have an official VW adapter," VW spokesperson Mark Gillies told PCMag at CES 2025 this week, adding that the automaker is still lining up suppliers to...The NHTSA on Tuesday said it is opening an investigation into 2.6 million Tesla electric vehicles in the U.S. over reports of crashes involving the automaker's Actually Smart Summon remote-driving feature. Launched in September, Actually Smart Summon is the current version of the Smart Summon remote valet feature Tesla introduced in 2019. It's...Mazda on Monday announced a new Japanese battery plant that will assemble cylindrical cells into modules and battery packs for use in a planned electric vehicle based on a dedicated platform. Located in Iwakuni City, in Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture, the plant targets 10 GWh of annual production, Mazda said. Cells will be supplied by Panasonic...Thinking of buying a new Tesla Model 3? If you’re based in Europe, you might want to hold off until the end of this year because Mazda’s new electric 6e looks like it might be worthy of your attention.
A European version of the Chinese EZ-6 that debuted last year, the 6e is a good looking sedan whose liftback rear end gives it a practical advantage over the Model 3. Moving on Mazda’s Kodo design language, the 6e features an LED framed grille whose lights flutter to indicate battery state while charging.
Related: New Mazda EZ-6 Is China’s Electric Mazda6 Sedan
Frameless door glass, a low roofline and an active rear spoiler give the 6e a sporty look, and the rear-wheel drive chassis layout means the driving experience might well live up to that promise.
Not that the 6e is exactly blisteringly fast in either of its available forms. Mazda will offer the EV with two batteries. The smallest a 68.8 kWh unit that delivers up to 300 miles (483 km) of electric range, can charge at 200 kW and go from 10-80 percent in 22 minutes, or add 145 miles (233) of range in 15 minutes. A bigger, 80 kWh battery stretches the range to 345 miles (555 km) but needs 45 minutes to top up from 10-80 percent.
Go for the smaller battery and your 6e comes with 255 hp (258 PS) and can get you from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.6 seconds. Choosing the bigger pack drops the output to 241 hp (244 PS) and adds two tenths to the 62 time. Both look like mild performers next to a Model 3, even the most basic of which clocks 62 mph in 5.8 seconds.
The cabin looks more inviting and less spartan than a Model 3’s, but places a similar focus on digital displays. A 10.2-inch unit handles instrument duties ahead of the driver along with a head-up display, and most vehicle functions are handled via a central 14.6-inch touchscreen.
The 6e goes on sale in mainland Europe in the second half of 2025, with UK sales starting early the following year.
The wait is finally over as Tesla has officially unveiled the redesigned Model Y “Juniper”. The world’s best-selling EV benefits from a host of upgrades, including refreshed styling and a more refined interior packed with technology. The improvements go beyond aesthetics, as the 2025 Model Y is quicker, quieter, and smoother, while boasting an extended range compared to its predecessor.
On the styling front, the Model Y gets a noticeable makeover. Up front, the redesigned nose features split headlights and a full-width LED light bar, clearly taking cues from the Cybertruck and Cybercab. The bumper design echoes the Model 3 Highland but adds slim side intakes for a bit of extra flair.
Interestingly, Tesla’s global design language shows some regional quirks—while some markets, including Australia, have ditched the hood-mounted Tesla badge in favor of the minimalist Cybertruck approach, the Chinese version keeps the emblem.
More: Toyota, Stellantis, Ford, And Mazda May Pay Tesla $1 Billion To Avoid EU Emissions Fines
Around the back, the updates continue with a full-width darkened light strip, which Tesla calls its first “indirect reflective body panel taillight.” It’s a fancy way of saying it looks futuristic while giving off a Tron-like glow. The tailgate design is cleaner, and a larger rear diffuser adds some subtle aggression. Meanwhile, while Tesla says the exterior is “completely redesigned,” most of the side profile looks unchanged aside from tweaks to the front fenders and sensor placement.
The overall length has been increased by 41 mm (1.6 inches) to 4,792 mm (188.7 inches). Furthermore, the EV rides on a new set of 20-inch Helix 2.0 wheels, while some markets also get the aero-friendly 19-inch Crossflow wheels finished in black.
There’s also a new lighter shade of blue called ‘Glacier Blue’ that replaces the darker ‘Deep Blue’ metallic, at least in the launch markets.
Refined Interior
Moving inside, Tesla has retained the familiar minimalist design of the cabin, while introducing numerous improvements. The infotainment display is slightly larger at 15.4 inches (up from 15 inches), while there is an extra 8-inch touchscreen for the rear passengers. The new seat design and upholstery is said to provide greater comfort and support, adding a ventilated function at the front and a power reclining rear bench that can fold flat.
More: Which EVs Qualify For Tax Credits In 2025? Here’s The Complete List
The dashboard, center console, and door cards have also been redesigned, with a new strip of ambient lighting, soft-touch finishes, and vegan suede inserts for the Launch Series. Unlike the Model 3 Highland, the steering wheel of the Model Y Juniper retains a traditional indicator stalk, although the gear selection has been integrated into the central display. Finally, there is a new audio system with hidden speakers which are said to provide better sound quality.
A Smoother Ride With Smarter Tech
Tesla claims the new Model Y is quieter and more refined than ever thanks to the aerodynamic tweaks, new acoustic glass, retuned suspension, and noise-optimized tires. The revised chassis setup also includes a more responsive steering. Of course, the EV benefits from the latest version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving capability, which remains available as an option.
Quicker And More Efficient
The 2025 Model Y will be initially available in two trims – the entry-level RWD and the Long Range AWD. Tesla hasn’t announced their battery capacity, but the WLTP range is estimated at 466 km (290 miles) and 551 km (342 miles) respectively. These figures are 11 km (7 miles) and 18 km (11 miles) more compared to the equivalent versions of the outgoing model, an increase that could be attributed to the improved aerodynamics. The maximum charging speed remains unchanged at 250 kW, adding up to 266 km (165 miles) in 15 minutes when plugged into a fast charger.
More: Tesla’s Global Sales Fall For The First Time In Over A Decade
While we don’t have information on the output of the electric motors, both trims are slightly quicker than before. The RWD trim now sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, shaving a full second off its predecessor’s time. Meanwhile, the special Long Range AWD ‘Launch Edition’ comes equipped with the “Acceleration Boost” as standard, achieving the same sprint in just 4.3 seconds—a slight improvement of 0.1 seconds.
For context, the previous Model Y AWD managed 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds without the boost and 4.4 seconds with it. In both cases, the top speed is electronically limited at 201 km/h (125 miles), which is slower than before.
A more powerful and faster Model Y Performance trim is anticipated to debut in the coming months, featuring the same 510 hp (North American spec) dual-motor setup as the revised Model 3 Performance. This version is expected to include highlights such as Adaptive Damping, Track Mode V3, and a more aggressive body kit, mirroring the upgrades seen on its sedan counterpart.
Pricing And Availability
The refreshed Model Y is already live on Tesla websites in several Asia-Pacific regions, with deliveries starting in April or May 2025 depending on the market. In Australia, pricing for the RWD trim starts at AU$63,400 (equal to US$39,300 at current exchange rates), while the ‘Launch Edition’ Long Range AWD will cost AU$73,400 (US$ 45,500).
Both trims are pricier than before, with increases of AU$7,500 (US$ 4,600) and AU$3,500 (US$ 2,200) respectively. However, pricing for the regular Long Range AWD trim is expected to reflect a similar increase to that of the RWD model when it becomes available.
Pricing and availability for the U.S. market should be announced soon, so stay tuned.
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