Mercedes appears to be working on a second facelift for the EQS, following an update last year.
Changes are limited, but the prototypes have been equipped with new ‘starry’ headlights.
One of the cars appears to have suffered a breakdown as it was being towed by a G-Class.
Sales of the Mercedes EQS and EQS SUV plummeted 52% in the United States last year. That’s a dreadful showing, but the company introduced an updated sedan with an AMG Line front bumper and a revised grille that mimics the one found on the S-Class.
Designers also added a hood ornament as well as an updated interior with more comfortable rear seats and additional chrome. Engineers even got in on the action as the model was equipped with a larger 118 kWh battery pack, which provided an extra 51 miles (82 km) of range under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure.
Those were welcome changes, but it appears Mercedes wasn’t ready to call it a day. Quite the opposite as spy photographers have snapped two prototypes, which hint at a second minor facelift.
While there isn’t much to see, we can clearly make out new headlights with star graphics. These have been seen on a number of recent prototypes including the CLA and S-Class as well as the GLE and GLS.
Interestingly, the star graphics are only found up front. However, since most models are slated to get starry taillights, we wouldn’t be surprised to find them on the production EQS.
There doesn’t appear to be any other changes at this point, but it’s hard to be certain with the camouflage. That being said, one of the prototypes apparently suffered an issue as it was seen being towed behind a G-Class. There’s no word on what happened, but the stricken EQS had power as the lights were on.
New sales figures reveal Tesla sold more EVs than Audi did all cars during 2024.
Audi’s sales fell by 12 percent to 1.67 million units last year, having climbed in 2023.
Tesla registrations dropped 1.1 percent in 2024 but it still shifted 1.79 million cars.
Tesla’s decade of sales growth came to an end in 2024, but the American automaker still managed to claim at least one big scalp. Despite the downturn in its fortunes, Tesla sold more cars than premium rival Audi.
VW’s posh brand registered 1.67 million cars in 2024, that number representing a 12 percent slide compared with the previous year. Tesla’s sales also fell, but only by 1.1 percent to 1.79 million units, putting it ahead of the German automaker, as reported by Bloomberg.
Tesla’s Four Models Beat Audi’s Vast Arsenal
Tesla’s achievement is remarkable for several reasons. One is that it only sells electric vehicles, but managed to move more of them than Audi did electric, hybrid and combustion models combined. Another is that Tesla has only four model lines (five if you include the Cybertruck, but that’s currently available solely in the US and Canada), and none of its global offerings are new, although the Model 3 did at least get a facelift in time to impact the 2024 sales numbers. Audi, in contrast, has dozens of different combinations of model lines and body styles.
Audi bosses will be particularly disappointed at the news given the success it enjoyed a year prior. In 2023 Audi sold 1.9 vehicles, its best result since 2017, and one that helped it reverse three consecutive years of falling sales. Tesla, on the other hand, has been steadily growing all the way through the late 2010s and early 2020s, culminating in an incredible 2023 when its Model Y SUV was the best-selling car on the planet.
Audi vs Tesla Sales
Year
Audi
Tesla
2024
1.67 million
1.79 million
2023
1.9 million
1.81 million
2022
1.6 million
1.31 million
2021
1.68 million
936,000
2020
1.7 million
500,000
2019
1.85 million
368,000
2018
1.8 million
245,000
2017
1.9 million
103,000
SWIPE
Bloomberg notes that Audi’s sales dropped in large markets like Germany, China and North America. In general, German luxury brands have been hit by a double whammy of sharpy declining demand in China due to increasingly strong local competition and the withdrawal of EV subsidies in key European countries. But since Audi’s EV sales only fell 8 percent and its overall registrations dropped by 12 percent, it’s not fair to place all of the blame on its electric lineup.
Will Fresh Cars (And China’s AUDI) Help In 2025?
Perhaps the arrival of some new metal will make 2025 a more successful year. The elderly combustion A4 has now been replaced (by the A5), and an electric counterpart (which gets the A4 name) is on the way. Audi has also launched the A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron electric sedans, wagons and SUVs.
The introduction of the new AUDI brand in China (all in capitals and without the four-ring logo) is also designed to help it in the world’s largest car market. A joint venture with SAIC, starting in mid-2025 it intends to launch three EVs in the mid- and full-size segments that were previewed by the E concept last November.
Porsche sold 310,718 vehicles in 2024, including 102,889 units of the Cayenne.
The Macan EV sold nearly twice as many units as the ICE version in Q4 2024.
The electric Taycan sales dropped by 49%, while the 718 lineup saw a 15% increase.
Porsche has released its global sales results for 2024, reporting 310,718 vehicle deliveries, a 3% decline compared to 2023. One of the highlights is the Macan EV, which managed to outsell its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart in the fourth quarter of the year. On the flip side, the fully electric Taycan struggled to find buyers, with sales nearly halving compared to the previous year.
The Porsche Macan EV made its debut in January 2024, but customers didn’t get their hands on one until the very end of September. Of the 27,795 units sold in Q4, nearly 66% (18,278) were electric, while the remaining 9,517 were gas-powered models.
Why the Macan EV’s Win Needs an Asterisk
Before anyone pops champagne over the Macan EV outpacing its aging ICE counterpart, it’s important to note that the gas-powered version was discontinued in Europe, one of Porsche’s key markets, as of spring 2024, due to tougher cybersecurity regulations. Buyers in the EU essentially had no choice but to go electric if they wanted a Macan. Meanwhile, in the U.S. and other regions, Porsche still offers both versions side by side.
Overall, Porsche sold 82,795 examples of the Macan in 2024 (ICE and EV), a 5% dip compared to 2023’s purely ICE lineup. According to the company, this decline can be attributed to the discontinuation of the ICE model from Europe, and the “staggered introduction” of the Macan EV worldwide.
Taycan Takes a Tumble, Panamera Hits a Snag in China
The Taycan suffered the worst sales decline in the Porsche lineup with 20,836 units representing a 49% drop compared to 2023. Porsche suggests that the significant drop is due to the introduction of the facelifted model, acknowledging that the “the ramp-up of electric mobility is generally proceeding more slowly than planned”.
The Taycan was Porsche’s weakest link in 2024, with sales crashing by 49% to just 20,836 units. Porsche blamed the sharp decline on the transition to the updated facelifted model but also admitted that the shift to electric mobility is “generally proceeding more slowly than planned”.
The Porsche Panamera also entered a new generation last year bringing several upgrades compared to its predecessor. However, sales dropped by 13% to 29,587 units, a dip largely attributed to waning demand in the critical Chinese market.
Growth For The Cayenne, 911, and 718
Luckily for the Zuffenhausen brand, the Cayenne has evolved into a buyer’s favorite, accounting for nearly a third of Porsche sales. The SUV sold 102,889 units in 2024, marking a 18% increase over the previous year, while retaining its position as the best-selling member of the Porsche lineup.
The 911 also held its ground as Porsche’s flagship sports car, delivering 50,941 units and securing third place behind the Cayenne and Macan. The 718 Boxster and Cayman, Porsche’s entry-level sports cars, enjoyed a 15% boost with a combined 23,670 units sold worldwide. Despite this growth, the future of the 718 lineup remains uncertain as Porsche has reportedly pushed back the launch of their fully electric successors.
Regionally, Porsche saw mixed results. Sales grew in Europe (+9%) and North America (+1%), but China, the automaker’s largest single market in recent years, tanked by 28%, with the automaker citing a “continuing challenging economic situation”. While the company remains optimistic about personalization trends, with more buyers adding profitable optional features, it doesn’t change the reality that Porsche is losing significant ground in one of its most crucial markets.
Looking ahead, Detlev von Platen, Porsche’s Executive Board Member for Sales and Marketing, struck a measured tone:
“With the youngest product range in the company’s history, our offering is highly attractive to our customers. At the same time, of course, we do expect that the economic and geopolitical conditions will challenge us more than ever in 2025. Nevertheless, our goal is to further strengthen our brand globally and to exploit market potential. We will do this in line with demand in the individual regions in order to remain true to our principle of value-based sales in the future.”
Below are the detailed sales figures for each model and the regional sales breakdown for Porsche in 2024.
According to the chair of Ford, Donald Trump “cares very much about the people in the [car] plants.”
Bill Ford added that he is aligned with Elon Musk on many issues.
Trump is widely expected to scrap the $7,500 federal EV tax credit shortly after taking office.
The chair of Ford appears confident that incoming president Donald Trump will help the US automotive industry. He has also shrugged off concerns about Trump’s cozy relationship with Tesla boss Elon Musk, echoing recent statements from the new chief executive of Hyundai Motor Co, Jose Munoz.
Bill Ford says Trump called him during the first week of January and told the media they spoke for a “long, long time.” During the first Trump presidency, Ford was repeatedly attacked for its Mexican production plans and drew Trump’s ire after it agreed with Californian regulators to voluntarily meet the state’s fuel economy and tailpipe emissions standards.
Ford said: “This time he [Trump] understands the importance of our industry,” noting that it took some “education” for him to fully grasp it during his firm term in the Oval Office. Bill Ford added that Trump is eager to connect with auto workers and wants to see the US industry flourish.
Trump wants to “help the American auto industry, and not just the industry itself, but actually help the workers in the industry,” Bill Ford added. “He cares very much about the people in the plants.”
Donald Trump is expected to scrap the $7,500 federal EV tax credit when he takes office. Ford said he spoke about the credits with Trump, and said he feels “very confident going forward that Ford will have a voice and a seat at the table.”
On the issue of Elon Musk seemingly becoming Donald Trump’s right-hand man, Ford told Bloomberg that he and Musk “are aligned on a lot of issues.” This statement comes shortly after Hyundai boss Jose Munoz suggested that having someone like Elon Musk, “who is close to the US industry and to the EV world,” should be a “positive for the industry.”
Chinese profits
While speaking at the Detroit Auto Show last week, Ford chief executive Jim Farley revealed the company earned approximately $600 million in China last year, CNBC reports. This comes despite the fact many Western car manufacturers have begun to struggle in China as consumers begin to favor vehicles built by local brands.
“I’m happy to say that Ford makes money in China, and I’m very proud of that, because not many [automakers] can say that,” Farley said.
Over 230,000 Tesla vehicles are recalled for rear-view camera failures linked to firmware.
The recall includes Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X electric vehicles.
Most vehicles can be fixed with OTA updates, but some need new computers installed.
Tesla recalled more vehicles than any other automaker in 2024 and has just issued its first recall for the 2025 calendar year, related to a fault with the rear-view camera. While the issue affects a significant number of vehicles, most can be repaired via a simple over-the-air (OTA) software update—a method that Tesla has leaned on heavily to resolve recall issues without requiring time-consuming dealership visits. That said, some vehicles will need more extensive repairs involving a visit to a Tesla service center.
This recall impacts a total of 239,382 Tesla vehicles, spanning multiple models and production years. Specifically, the impacted vehicles include:
2024-2025 Tesla Model 3 units built between January 15, 2024, and December 12, 2024
2024-2025 Tesla Model S units manufactured from April 24, 2024, to November 27, 2024
2023-2025 Tesla Model X units produced between January 25, 2023, and December 2, 2024
2023-2025 Tesla Model Y units assembled from May 23, 2023, to December 16, 2023
According to the carmaker, when an impacted model is powered up, a reverse current could cause a shorting failure on the car computer board. This may cause the rearview camera to stop working, impacting the driver’s visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla started to notice an increase in car computer replacements from November 21, 2024, due to shorting failures. It traced the issue back to older computer firmware. Tesla had identified 887 warranty claims and 68 field reports related to the rearview camera failure as of December 30, 2024.
An over-the-air software update started to reach affected vehicles in December and changes the vehicle power-up sequence to prevent the shorting failure condition. However, some vehicles that “experienced the shorting failure condition or stress” may need to have a new computer installed at no cost. Obviously, that will require a visit to a Tesla service center.
Last year, Tesla issued a total of 16 recalls in the US, impacting 5,137,968 vehicles. While it had to recall millions of cars, no less than 5,098,363 were fixed with software updates.
This new model is slightly longer than the big G9 SUV but has a shorter wheelbase.
At least two versions will be offered, each with battery packs sourced from CALB.
Local media suggests prices could start at around 200,000 yuan or ~$27,300.
The Xpeng family is receiving a new member known as the G7 and this might just be the firm’s best-looking SUV. Previewed through a series of official photos and images from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the G7 slots between the G6 and the G9 in Xpeng’s SUV range, and it’s expected to go on sale during the first half of 2025.
Data reveals the G7 is 4,892 mm (192.5 inches) long, 1,925 mm (75.7 inches) wide, and stands 1,655 mm (65.1 inches) tall with a 2,890 mm (113.7 inches) wheelbase. That means it’s 1 mm longer than the more upright G9, but it does have a 108 mm (4.2-inch) shorter wheelbase and also sits much lower. As with other Xpeng models, the G7 looks quite attractive.
Found up front are the same slim LED DRLs and light bar found across the brand’s portfolio, including the new P7+. The main headlamps are positioned below these DRLs, and there’s no traditional grille in sight. Instead, most of the front fascia is body-colored, except for the lower portion, which is finished in gloss black and includes air vents that can open and close.
The side profile of the G7 shows it has a low roof and a streamlined design, looking not dissimilar in shape to the Kia EV6 with its mix of sedan and crossover influences. The rear end includes sharp LEDs, a light bar, a spoiler stretching off from the roof, and a black bumper.
Lower and higher-spec versions of the G7 are tipped to be offered with weights varying between 2,085 kg (4,596 lbs) and 2,160 kg (4,761 lbs). Powertrain details have not been confirmed, but both variants will use CALB lithium iron phosphate batteries.
CarNewsChina suggests that prices for the new Xpeng G7 could start at around 200,000 yuan (~$27,300), making it another compelling, low-priced EV from China.
Genesis’s hot GV60 Magma has been spied testing ahead of a global debut this fall.
The first car from the Magma series should get the Ioniq 5 N’s 641 hp drivetrain.
Genesis revealed the updated GV60 last week with a massive 27-inch display.
It’s been a long wait but Genesis’s GV60 line finally gets a dedicated performance model this fall. That’s when Genesis starts building the GV60 Magma, a production version of a hot EV shown in concept form at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Magma is Genesis’s equivalent to BMW’s M and Hyundai’s N brands, and we can expect the badge to find its way to several of the automaker’s models. But the GV60 is first in line and is expected to justify its position at the top of the trim tree by transplanting the 641 hp (650 PS / 478 kW), bi-motor powertrain from the GV’s sister car, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Genesis hasn’t confirmed how much power the Magma will make or whether it’ll also get the 5 N’s simulated manual transmission, a feature that was recently added to the Kia EV6 GT, another electric crossover closely related to the GV60.
Our spy photographers first caught the Magma testing last summer, prior to the Goodwood reveal. But this latest prototype wears far more camouflage because it’s fitted with the finished car’s grille and wheel-arch extensions – parts that weren’t present last time out.
The plastic arch lips don’t have the aggressive-looking slots shown in the concept, but they’re noticeably flared, unlike the stock’s GV’s flush arches. There’s even a hint of Porsche 911 GT3 RS about the lower portion of the front wheel arch just ahead of the door, and it’s not the only similarity.
Instead of the full-length roof rails seen on regular GV60s, the Magma has short versions on the rear half of the roof, a bit like the ones on a 911 GT3. But there’s no sign of the concept’s rear spoiler on this prototype or its gorgeous motorsport-inspired alloy wheels. Hopefully, both will find their way onto later prototypes before the global debut later this year.
We don’t have any interior shots of the Magma, but since Genesis revealed a facelifted GV60 lineup earlier this week, we know that all models will soon feature a huge 27-inch dashboard display combining a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen.
Porsche sold a record 76,157 vehicles in the US last year, despite the Taycan’s poor performance.
The 718 and the 911 two-door sports cars increased their sales by 26% and 21% respectively.
Still, the Macan and Cayenne SUVs remained the two best-selling Porsche models for 2024.
Porsche set a new U.S. sales record in 2024, moving 76,157 units, marking a modest but meaningful 1% increase over 2023. This achievement was largely fueled by strong performances from the Cayenne, 911, and 718 lineups, which more than offset a sharp drop in Taycan sales.
Starting with the Taycan, it sold just 4,747 units in the States throughout the previous year, representing a substantial 37% drop compared to 2023. This performance placed it as the second-lowest seller in Porsche’s lineup, ahead of only the Panamera, which moved 3,982 units.
Sports Cars Step Up: 718 and 911 Shine
The standout success of 2024 was Porsche’s 718 lineup, which saw an impressive 26% surge in sales, totaling 5,698 units. This strong performance meant the Boxster and Cayman twins outsold the Panamera and Taycan sedans in the American market.
The spike likely reflects buyers rushing to secure one of the last combustion-powered models before the lineup transitions to an all-electric future. While Porsche has delayed its EV plans, the looming farewell to gas-powered 718s has undoubtedly fueled demand. That said, with Porsche acknowledging mid-2024 that the shift to an all-electric future will take longer than initially expected, the possibility of ICE-powered versions lingering a bit longer remains open.
The iconic 911 family also proved to be quite popular with US buyers, selling 14,128 units (+21%) last year. According to Porsche, its two-door sports cars, the 911 and 718, together accounted for an impressive 26% of the brand’s total US deliveries last year. Clearly, American enthusiasts aren’t ready to part ways with Porsche’s ICE-powered sports car heritage just yet.
Unsurprisingly, Porsche’s SUVs remained its bread and butter in the US market. The Macan led the pack with 25,180 units sold, though it saw a 6.6% dip from 2023. Meanwhile, the Cayenne celebrated its best year ever, selling 22,432 units, representing a nearly 10% year-over-year increase.
The Macan’s slight decline comes as Porsche introduced a new all-electric Macan EV. However, flagging Taycan sales and uncertainty surrounding U.S. EV tax credits under the Trump administration appear to have forced Porsche to reevaluate its electrification strategy. In November, the company confirmed that it would continue offering the ICE-powered Macan in North America “for the foreseeable future,” even though the model has already been retired in Europe due to emissions regulations.
Certified Pre-Owned Market Hits New Highs
Porsche’s success wasn’t limited to new cars. The Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned program also hit a new record, with 43,249 vehicles sold, a solid 12% increase over 2023. This growth underscores the strong demand for Porsche vehicles, even in the secondhand market.
Reflecting on the year, Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, said:
“The past year has marked a pivotal moment for PCNA. Our brand continued to go from strength to strength, supported by unprecedented new ICE, Hybrid and BEV model introductions, including the new 911, the new Panamera, the new Taycan and the new Macan. As a result we were able to offer our customers the most diverse and complete range of cars in Porsche’s history. I am grateful to every owner, every dealer and every employee for driving this success as our attention focuses on 2025 and the opportunities ahead of us.”
Below you can find the detailed sales numbers for each Porsche model for the US market.
The annual iSeeCars study lists the best-selling 1-5 year-old used cars in the US.
Trucks dominate the top three spots, while SUVs claim 65 of the top 100 positions.
The Tesla Model 3 is still the most popular used EV, joined now by the Model Y.
Once again, American car buyers have made their preferences crystal clear: full-size trucks reign supreme in the used vehicle market. In a new study from iSeeCars, which analyzed data from over 7.7 million used vehicle sales between 2019 and 2023, trucks dominated the rankings, SUVs packed every corner of the list, and Tesla continued its steady climb toward mainstream ubiquity. If you’re surprised by any of this, you probably haven’t looked at a dealership lot in the last decade.
At the top of the list, the Ford F-150 remains the most popular used vehicle in the United States, followed by its full-size rivals, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500, closely reflecting new car sales trends. Notably, the Ram 1500 reclaimed its spot in third place this year, edging out the Chevrolet Equinox, which slipped to fourth.
Trucks Rule, But SUVs Are Everywhere
While the top three spots are firmly in the grip of America’s favorite trucks, SUVs dominate the rest of the landscape. They remain the most sought-after body style in the used market, accounting for 65 of the top 100 vehicles. Passenger cars hold a distant second, with 22 slots, while trucks take 11, and minivans (remember those?) manage just two.
Among the most popular SUVs, the Chevrolet Equinox leads the pack, followed by the Nissan Rogue (7th), Ford Explorer (8th), and Toyota RAV4 (9th). For passenger cars, Toyota models are the stars, with the Camry landing in fifth place, joined by the Honda Civic (10th), Toyota Corolla (11th), and Nissan Altima (14th). The list largely reads like a greatest hits album of reliable, Japanese daily drivers.
Tesla had a breakout moment in this year’s rankings. The Model 3 jumped 17 spots to land at 30th, retaining its title as the best-selling used EV. For the first time, it’s joined on the list by another EV: the Model Y, which debuted at 74th. According to Karl Brauer, Executive Analyst at iSeeCars, the growth trajectory is clear: “If Tesla models keep moving up at these rates, the Model 3 and Model Y could enter the top 20 in another year or two.”
The study also highlighted regional trends, breaking down the most popular used cars in the 50 largest US cities. The Ford F-150 took the crown in 26 metro areas, reaffirming its status as the king of all trucks. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Equinox was the most popular vehicle in six cities, and the Toyota Camry claimed top honors in four.
Notably, the Tesla Model 3 emerged as the favorite in San Francisco and Seattle, reflecting the West Coast’s ongoing love for electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic made strong showings in cities like Los Angeles and Miami.
For a deeper dive, check out the full list of the top 100 most popular used cars in the U.S. from the latest iSee Cars study below.
Top 100 Most Popular Used Cars in the US, 2024
Rank
Model
Vehicle Type
% of Total 1-5 Year-Old Used Car Sales
1
Ford F-150
Truck
3.0%
2
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Truck
2.4%
3
Ram 1500
Truck
2.1%
4
Chevrolet Equinox
SUV
1.8%
5
Toyota Camry
Passenger car
1.7%
6
Toyota Tacoma
Truck
1.6%
7
Nissan Rogue
SUV
1.6%
8
Ford Explorer
SUV
1.6%
9
Toyota RAV4
SUV
1.6%
10
Honda Civic
Passenger car
1.5%
11
Toyota Corolla
Passenger car
1.4%
12
Honda CR-V
SUV
1.3%
13
Jeep Grand Cherokee
SUV
1.3%
14
Nissan Altima
Passenger car
1.3%
15
Ford Escape
SUV
1.2%
16
GMC Sierra 1500
Truck
1.2%
17
Toyota Highlander
SUV
1.1%
18
Honda Accord
Passenger car
1.1%
19
Mazda CX-5
SUV
1.0%
20
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
SUV
1.0%
21
Jeep Cherokee
SUV
0.9%
22
Ford Edge
SUV
0.9%
23
Jeep Compass
SUV
0.9%
24
Toyota 4Runner
SUV
0.9%
25
Nissan Sentra
Passenger car
0.9%
26
Hyundai Tucson
SUV
0.9%
27
Chevrolet Traverse
SUV
0.8%
28
Hyundai Elantra
Passenger car
0.8%
29
Chevrolet Malibu
Passenger car
0.8%
30
Tesla Model 3
Passenger car
0.8%
31
Honda Pilot
SUV
0.8%
32
Volkswagen Tiguan
SUV
0.8%
33
Hyundai Santa Fe
SUV
0.8%
34
Subaru Outback
SUV
0.8%
35
Honda HR-V
SUV
0.8%
36
Kia Forte
Passenger car
0.7%
37
Chevrolet Tahoe
SUV
0.7%
38
Dodge Charger
Passenger car
0.7%
39
Subaru Forester
SUV
0.7%
40
Kia Sportage
SUV
0.7%
41
GMC Terrain
SUV
0.7%
42
GMC Acadia
SUV
0.6%
43
Chevrolet Colorado
Truck
0.6%
44
Chrysler Pacifica
Minivan
0.6%
45
Chevrolet Blazer
SUV
0.6%
46
Hyundai Sonata
Passenger car
0.6%
47
Kia Sorento
SUV
0.6%
48
Jeep Gladiator
Truck
0.6%
49
Toyota Tundra
Truck
0.6%
50
Ram 1500 Classic
Truck
0.6%
51
BMW X3
SUV
0.6%
52
Subaru Crosstrek
SUV
0.5%
53
Nissan Frontier
Truck
0.5%
54
Dodge Challenger
Passenger car
0.5%
55
Volkswagen Jetta
Passenger car
0.5%
56
Ford Mustang
Passenger car
0.5%
57
Kia Soul
Passenger car
0.5%
58
Ford Bronco Sport
SUV
0.5%
59
Nissan Rogue Sport
SUV
0.5%
60
Dodge Durango
SUV
0.5%
61
Hyundai Kona
SUV
0.5%
62
Chevrolet Trax
SUV
0.5%
63
Ford Ranger
Truck
0.5%
64
Volkswagen Atlas
SUV
0.5%
65
Nissan Kicks
SUV
0.5%
66
Lexus RX 350
SUV
0.5%
67
Nissan Pathfinder
SUV
0.5%
68
Mercedes-Benz GLC
SUV
0.4%
69
Chevrolet Trailblazer
SUV
0.4%
70
Honda Odyssey
Minivan
0.4%
71
Nissan Murano
SUV
0.4%
72
Acura MDX
SUV
0.4%
73
Kia K5
Passenger car
0.4%
74
Tesla Model Y
SUV
0.4%
75
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
SUV
0.4%
76
Mazda CX-30
SUV
0.4%
77
Kia Telluride
SUV
0.4%
78
Acura RDX
SUV
0.4%
79
BMW 3 Series
Passenger car
0.4%
80
BMW X5
SUV
0.4%
81
Mercedes-Benz GLE
SUV
0.4%
82
Hyundai Palisade
SUV
0.4%
83
Ford Bronco
SUV
0.4%
84
GMC Yukon
SUV
0.4%
85
Chevrolet Suburban
SUV
0.4%
86
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
SUV
0.4%
87
Audi Q5
SUV
0.4%
88
Nissan Versa
Passenger car
0.4%
89
Subaru Ascent
SUV
0.4%
90
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Passenger car
0.4%
91
Ford Expedition
SUV
0.4%
92
Cadillac XT5
SUV
0.4%
93
Jeep Renegade
SUV
0.4%
94
Buick Encore GX
SUV
0.3%
95
Ford Expedition MAX
SUV
0.3%
96
Honda Passport
SUV
0.3%
97
Buick Enclave
SUV
0.3%
98
Ford Fusion
Passenger car
0.3%
99
Buick Envision
SUV
0.3%
100
Chevrolet Camaro
Passenger car
0.3%
SWIPE
Most Popular Used Cars in Top 50 U.S. Metro Areas, 2024
Metro Area
Most Popular Used Car
% of 1-5 Year-Old Used Car Sales in Metro Area
Detroit, MI
Chevrolet Equinox
4.7%
Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo, MI
Chevrolet Equinox
4.6%
Fresno-Visalia, CA
Toyota Camry
4.5%
Salt Lake City, UT
Ford F-150
4.5%
Oklahoma City, OK
Ford F-150
4.5%
Kansas City, MO
Ford F-150
4.0%
Albuquerque-Santa Fe, NM
Ford F-150
3.9%
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
Ford F-150
3.7%
San Antonio, TX
Ford F-150
3.7%
Houston, TX
Ford F-150
3.7%
Denver, CO
Ford F-150
3.7%
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
Ford F-150
3.5%
St. Louis, MO
Ford F-150
3.5%
Milwaukee, WI
Ford F-150
3.5%
Nashville, TN
Ford F-150
3.5%
Indianapolis, IN
Chevrolet Equinox
3.5%
Harrisburg-Lancaster-York, PA
Ford F-150
3.4%
Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
Ford F-150
3.4%
Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Toyota Corolla
3.4%
Louisville, KY
Ford F-150
3.4%
Birmingham, AL
Ford F-150
3.3%
Pittsburgh, PA
Ford F-150
3.3%
Tampa-St Petersburg (Sarasota), FL
Ford F-150
3.3%
Cleveland-Akron (Canton), OH
Ram 1500
3.3%
Cincinnati, OH
Chevrolet Equinox
3.1%
Columbus, OH
Ford F-150
3.1%
Los Angeles, CA
Honda Civic
3.0%
Orlando-Daytona Beach, FL
Toyota Corolla
2.9%
Greensboro-Winston Salem, NC
Ford F-150
2.9%
Jacksonville, FL
Ford F-150
2.9%
Austin, TX
Toyota Corolla
2.8%
Portland, OR
Toyota Tacoma
2.8%
San Diego, CA
Honda Civic
2.8%
Atlanta, GA
Ford F-150
2.6%
San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA
Tesla Model 3
2.6%
Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, CA
Honda Civic
2.6%
Hartford & New Haven, CT
Nissan Rogue
2.6%
Boston, MA-Manchester, NH
Toyota RAV4
2.5%
Raleigh-Durham (Fayetteville), NC
Ford F-150
2.5%
New York, NY
Honda CR-V
2.5%
Phoenix, AZ
Ford F-150
2.5%
Chicago, IL
Chevrolet Equinox
2.4%
Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News,VA
Ford F-150
2.4%
Charlotte, NC
Ford F-150
2.4%
Philadelphia, PA
Nissan Rogue
2.2%
West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, FL
Toyota Camry
2.1%
Seattle-Tacoma, WA
Tesla Model 3
2.1%
Washington, DC (Hagerstown, MD)
Toyota Camry
2.1%
Las Vegas, NV
Toyota Camry
2.0%
Baltimore, MD
Chevrolet Equinox
1.7%
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Before yesterdayElectric Vehicles - Latest News | Carscoops
Rivian R1S offers dual, tri, or quad motor setups with prices starting at $75,900.
Our test model has 665 horsepower, a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds, and 22-inch wheels.
Total cost of this Rivian R1S with options is $98,950 including destination charges.
The 2025 Rivian R1S is a large electric SUV aimed at doing just about everything well. It’s meant to be spacious, good off-road, and wildly capable on pavement too. And for the first time, we’ve got one in our hands. Over the next few days, we’ll be putting it to the test across New York state, from the chaos of NYC traffic to the winding, snowy roads upstate. Got questions? Let us know, and we’ll report back with answers.
Rivian offers the R1S in several configurations, each catering to a different flavor of SUV performance. You can go for a dual-motor setup (one motor per axle), step up to a tri-motor (two motors at the rear, one in the front), or go all-in with a quad-motor system (a motor for each wheel for maximum control). Prices start at $75,900, but can easily tip past six figures depending on how many boxes you tick on the options sheet.
The version we’re testing is the Dual Motor Max Pack, which Rivian says is good for an EPA-estimated 410 miles (660 km) of range, 665 horsepower (495 kW), and a blisteringly quick 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 3.4 seconds. It’s a family-friendly SUV that can outrun some sports cars – just what every suburban parent needs, right?
Let’s break down the options on our tester. First, the Max battery pack adds $14,000 for those extra miles. The El Cap Granite paint on the exterior is another $2,500 and the 22-inch wheels we have tack on an additional $1,000 to the final price. The cabin features what Rivian calls an “Ocean Coast with Dark Ash” color pallet for $2,000. The brand also added its own premium audio option to this car for another $1,750.
In total, this same SUV would cost you $98,950, including a destination fee of $1,800. But here’s one perk: Rivian sells direct to customers, so there’s no need to worry about dealer markups, as what you see is what you pay, whether you’re in New York or anywhere else in the USA.
From Urban Chaos to Upstate Adventures
Over the next few days, we’ll be treating this R1S like it’s our daily driver, pushing it to do all the things SUVs are supposedly built for. On top of that, we’ll be testing it with a party of five and all of their luggage, navigating tight city streets, and heading into the countryside to see how it handles less forgiving terrain.
The goal? To figure out if the R1S can really deliver on its promise of being the ultimate do-it-all SUV. Can it thrive as both a luxury commuter and a rugged adventurer? Does it justify its near-six-figure price tag? And, perhaps most importantly, how will those 22-inch wheels look when caked in mud?
If there’s something specific you’re curious about, be it the ride quality, the tech, or just how bad the range drops when you’re flooring it on the highway, just drop us a comment. We’ll make sure to put it to the test and return with answers soon.
New car loans now average $42,113, with 18.9% of borrowers paying $1,000 monthly or more.
Average loan terms stretched to 68.8 months as down payments fell to $6,856 last quarter.
Used car loans average $28,675 with more manageable $533 payments but sky-high 11% APRs.
The number of consumers taking on new-vehicle loans with monthly payments of $1,000 or more hit a record high last quarter, underscoring just how expensive it’s becoming to get behind the wheel. With the cost of financing skyrocketing, analysts are advising potential buyers to consider alternatives, such as used cars or new EV leases, to keep their budgets in check.
During the final quarter of 2024, the average amount financed for new vehicle purchases in the US climbed to $42,113, up from $40,713 in Q3 and significantly higher than the $39,977 average from Q4 2023. Among those locked into new-car loans, a striking 18.9% are now grappling with payments of $1,000 or more – a far cry from what most would consider affordable.
Data published by Edmundsreveals that the average loan term in Q4 2024 reached 68.8 months, a slight uptick from the 67.8-month average in the same quarter last year, but holding steady from Q3 2024. It’s not just the proportion of shoppers with hefty $1,000+ loans that have gone up, as the average monthly payment across the board has jumped from $739 twelve months ago to $754 at the end of the year. Interestingly, despite rising costs, the average down payment for new vehicles dropped from $7,074 to $6,856 over the same period.
Interest rates, while still high, are showing signs of easing. The average annual percentage rate (APR) on new vehicle loans fell to 6.8% last quarter, down from 7.1% in Q3 and 7.4% in Q4 2023, a small consolation for those financing record-high amounts.
New Car Finance Data (Averages)
Metric
2024 Q4
2023 Q4
2024 Q3
Loan Term
68.8
67.8
68.8
Monthly Payment
$754
$739
$736
Amount Financed
$42,113
$39,977
$40,713
APR
6.8%
7.4%
7.1%
Down Payment
$6,856
$7,074
$6,619
Edmunds
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Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at Edmunds, noted that rising vehicle prices and financing costs are putting significant pressure on the average car buyer’s budget.
“It’s getting more and more difficult for the average shopper to walk into a new-car dealership and leave with a set of keys without feeling like they are forced to create extra room in their budget from some other aspect of life,” said Caldwell. “The one bright spot is that interest rates seem to finally be on a downward trajectory, so buyers are at least getting more car for their buck rather than allocating their payments to interest.”
Used Cars: The Practical Choice (With a Catch)
For many consumers, getting a used car is often a smarter financial move. Last quarter, the average amount financed for a used vehicle was a more manageable $28,675, requiring an average monthly payment of $533, substantially lower than the figures for new vehicles. The downside of going used is that APRs are generally higher and in Q4, averaged a brutal 11%.
“For longstanding new-car buyers coming back to the market for the first time in years, used purchases and new EV leases are your best bets to keep your monthly payment in line with what you were accustomed to in pre-pandemic times,” noted Ivan Drury, another Edmunds analyst.
In a market where affordability feels increasingly out of reach, alternatives like used cars and heavily factory-discounted EV leases offer some breathing room for budget-conscious shoppers. But even those options come with their own challenges, because apparently, owning a car without financial acrobatics is so 2019.
Dodge dealers are offering huge discounts versus MSRP on 2024 Charger Daytona EVs.
We’ve seen retailers offering up to $21k off some new R/T and Scat Pack models.
Stellantis is reportedly fast-tracking ICE Charger rollout to deal with slow EV demand.
Dodge’s Charger Daytona is one of the most interesting performance cars in America right now. It’s got plenty of power, it’s got the ’68-inspired retro styling, and its got the muscle credibility that comes with the Charger badge. And as the first ever electric muscle car, it’s certainly generated plenty of attention. But instead of charging way over MSRP to hoards of buyers hungry to get into one, Dodge dealers are actually offering huge discounts.
A look at dealer ads online shows some retailers are offering almost $21k off one of the new EVs. Lia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Schenectady, NY, says you can take its Scat Pack (mis-labelled as an R/T Scat Pack) home for $61,740 even though it has an $82,175 MSRP. That’s a $20,435 saving. And Gresham Dodge in Oregon is offering $13k off an $83k Scat Pack but claims it will match any other dealership.
The deals aren’t restricted to the 670 hp (679 PS / 500 kW) Scat Pack, either. They’re available on the less expensive 456 hp (462 PS / 340 kW) R/T, too, which offers a more useful 308 miles (496 km) of electric range to the Scat Pack’s feeble 241 miles (388 km).
Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Plymouth, MI, is asking $59,652 for a Bright White R/T with an MSRP of $70,175, while Clay Cooley Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Irving, TX, has a Diamond Black R/T with the same MSRP that it’ll sell you for $17k less than list.
And these are not isolated cases. Check out this cars.com link and you’ll find many more discounted Daytona being advertised well below MSRP. While it’s great to see that dealers aren’t trying to bleed buyers dry the way they were doing a few years ago when new car supply was limited, it does suggest demand for the new electric muscle car is less than stellar.
You might argue that’s because the MSRPs are extremely high, reviews have been mixed, and the four-door version isn’t out yet. But the main reason has to be that although plenty of people are curious about the first electric Charger, most would rather have a gas version, even if doesn’t accelerate quite as fast.
Last year we reported that Dodge was pulling the debut of the ICE version of the Charger – which gets a couple of Hurricane inline six options but no V8s – forward because that’s the model fans are clamoring for. Maybe the discounts on that won’t be so impressive when they arrive later this year.
Most of the Shelby Mustang Mach-E’s have been driven fewer than 10,000 miles.
Hertz and Shelby collaborated to build just 100 examples of the special EV.
All cars feature Borla’s Active Performance Exhaust Sound System.
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a rare electric Mustang with a Shelby badge, Hertz might just have a deal for you—well, “deal” might be a stretch. The rental car giant has quietly cut prices on its exclusive Shelby-tuned Ford Mustang Mach-E GTs, making it possible to snag one with very low mileage for $60,000. That’s assuming you’re ready to fork over that much cash for a former rental car.
Compared to some of the other EVs Hertz has been off-loading in recent months, that’s a hefty chunk of change, especially considering that a brand-new Mustang Mach-E GT starts at $54,490. But the Shelby version does come with one key ingredient its standard sibling can’t offer: exclusivity.
Hertz partnered with Shelby to create this special-edition Mustang Mach-E GT, producing just 100 units. Of those, 63 are now up for sale through Hertz Car Sales. Most are scattered across Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada, and Florida. All but 10 of these Shelby Mach-Es are listed at the same $60,000 price point.
For reference, just two months ago, the cheapest one of these EVs cost $65,000, despite mileage ranging anywhere from 10,000 to over 63,000 miles. Now, you can grab one with as few as 3,048 miles on the clock for $60,000, suggesting that Hertz may have been struggling to move inventory and decided to sweeten the pot with lower prices. At the time of writing, we found over 10 examples with fewer than 4,000 miles and another 10 with less than 5,000 miles.
What Makes the Shelby Mach-E GT Special?
Let’s be honest, you’re not buying this car just for the specs; it’s all about the badge and the exclusivity. But the Shelby version does come with a few visual and performance-oriented tweaks to set it apart from the regular GT. Visually, it has a special vented hood, matte gold accents, carbon fiber on the rocker panels, and special black wheels.
It also rocks an Active Performance Exhaust Sound System from Borla, which attempts to mimic the rumble of internal combustion engines. If you’ve always wanted a fake-V8 soundtrack for your EV, this one’s got you covered.
Most of the examples up for sale by Hertz have less than 10,000 miles on the odometer. They all look in good condition, and buying one could be a chance to get into the driver’s seat of something pretty exclusive. Of course, you could buy a brand-new Tesla Model 3 Performance for the same price or even significantly less if you opt for the base grey color to qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, but that car doesn’t have the Shelby nameplate. Most EVs also don’t have the same level of exclusivity as the Shelby Mach-E GT.
With just 100 units produced, it’s possible that these Mach-Es could become quite the collector items in the years to come, but they’re also EVs, so any debate about their collector status is still premature.
Nissan unveiled the R32 EV, a fully-electric version of the classic 1989 Skyline GT-R.
The one-off model features a dual-motor AWD system delivering 429 hp and 501 lb-ft.
A 62 kWh battery powers the car, which is tuned to match the original model’s performance.
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.
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.”
Renault has unveiled an updated version of the Twingo E-Tech concept.
The latest car features revised styling that previews the upcoming production model.
Renault also gave us our first look inside, revealing a 7-inch cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system.
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).
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.
The Nevera driver had to put the EV’s mighty brakes to the test on a German highway.
This clip highlights the dangers of swerving to try and make a sudden highway exit.
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.
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.
Despite the Hyundai’s power advantage, the M3 CS easily beat it off the line.
The BMW is around 1,000 lbs lighter than the Ioniq 5 N, making it better to handle.
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.
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.
Italdesign’s Quintessenza concept now features quad motors, delivering an absurd 2,145 HP.
The rear seats in the futuristic electric car flip over to reveal a hidden, open truck bed area.
The company also announced a $20M Michigan HQ to work with U.S. automakers on EV tech.
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.
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.
Xpeng has received over 3,000 orders for the AeroHT, priced at $280,000 in China.
Deliveries of the AeroHT will begin in 2026 from a new Guangzhou manufacturing site.
The AeroHT combines a six-wheeled electric van and a detachable eVTOL aircraft.
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.
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.
The managing director of Stellantis UK wants a properly engineered hot hatch version of the next 208.
The model could use a 278 hp electric motor already found in Abarth and Alfa Romeo models.
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.
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.”
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.
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