MG has used the Goodwood Festival of Speed to introduce two new models, a concept, and an apparent styling exercise. The company also showcased the EX4, which is a reimagining of the Metro 6R4 rally.

Starting with the IM5 executive liftback, it’s an aerodynamic EV that vaguely recalls the Porsche Taycan. It features soft flowing curves, flush-mounted door handles, and a low drag coefficient of 0.226.

More: China’s Most British Roadster Freshens Up For 2026

Buyers will also find a panoramic glass roof and 19-inch wheels with an aerodynamically optimized design. The model also sports a prominent spoiler, LED taillights, and a liftgate that opens up to reveal a 16.1 cubic foot (457 liter) boot.

MG didn’t say much about the interior, but it has a 26.3-inch screen that functions as a digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The screen supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and is accompanied by a lower 10.5-inch touchscreen.

The IM5 has heated and ventilated “leather-style” seats and a 20-speaker audio system. We can also see metallic accents and a wireless smartphone charger.

MG didn’t release detailed specifications, but confirmed the IM5 will be offered with 75 and 100 kWh battery packs as well as single and dual-motor all-wheel drive systems. The 100 kWh Long Range variant can travel up to 441 miles (710 km) on a single charge. When the battery is low, it can go from a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 17 minutes.

The company also confirmed a Performance variant with 742 hp (553 kW / 752 PS) and 591 lb-ft (802 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to rocket from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds.

Pricing starts at £39,450 and climbs to £48,495 for the Performance variant.

IM6 SUV

The IM6 is essentially a taller IM5 positioned as an SUV. As a result, it has a familar design but sports cladding and a revised front end. The model is also a tad more spacious as it has 23.5 cubic feet (665 liters) of cargo space.

Power comes from a 100 kWh battery pack, which delivers up to 388 miles (624 km) of range. Rear steering is standard and the Performance variant can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds.

Pricing starts at £47,995 and jumps to £50,995 for the Performance version. There will also be a Launch Edition for £52,995.

Cyber X

Besides production models, MG showed the Cyber X. Designed to preview the brand’s new design language, the concept is a boxy electric “urban explorer.”

It features a nearly vertical front fascia with a full-width light bar and headlights that can apparently be hidden by covers when not in use. Further back, there are blacked out A-pillars and a stylish greenhouse. They’re joined by sleek bodywork, muscular fenders, and flush-mounted door handles.

Rounding out the highlights are a panoramic glass roof and plastic body cladding. They’re joined by aerodynamic wheels that are wrapped in meaty tires.

Cyberster Black

Last but not least is the self-explanatory Cyberster Black. It features a “luxurious black finish” thanks to a premium paint process that is usually reserved for luxury cars. MG didn’t go into many specifics, but said the paint has ultra-fine glass particles that help to create a subtle sparkle as well as a “shimmering effect” when in motion.

Besides the fancy paint, the roadster has been equipped with chrome wheels that contrast with red brake calipers. The model also has an all-black interior.

A Waymo self-driving robotaxi in Los Angeles recently found itself in a bit of a pickle after stopping abruptly in traffic, making an illegal left turn, and then being pulled over by a police officer in the heart of Los Angeles. While a human driver might have ended up with a ticket, fully autonomous vehicles currently dodge that fate in California since there’s no person behind the wheel to hold accountable.

Read: Waymo’s NYC Debut Comes With Training Wheels

A clip of the incident was recently shared on social media. It shows a white Jaguar I-Pace stopped in the middle of a road in Beverly Hills, much to the dismay of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class driver behind it.

According to the individual filming, the man slapped the rear of the car, either purely out of frustration, or in the hope it would get the car to start moving. Not the most reliable method, but hey, it occasionally works on stubborn toasters at home.

Maybe it did in this case too, because moments later, the robotaxi began moving again. But its next moves didn’t exactly smooth things over. A police officer in a Ford Explorer pulled in behind it, just as the Waymo SUV slipped in front of an electric Mercedes and made an awkward, and illegal, left turn.

After appearing to get confused by the flashing red and blue lights behind it, the robotaxi eventually pulled over to the side of the road.

@kiefer_d_live Replying to @himothee55 I used the song to cover up my hysterical laughter 🫣 #waymo ♬ original sound – Kiefer_D

It’s unclear what happened after the officer stepped out and approached the Jag, but they likely spoke with a human operator over the phone as there was no one onboard at the time.

No Ticket, But Not Off the Hook for Long

In the end, Waymo’s car probably without a ticket. According to The Washington Post, autonomous vehicles are currently exempt from receiving moving violations in California, as these must be issued to a human driver.

However, this policy is set to change. Starting in July 2026, police will be able to issue “notices of autonomous vehicle noncompliance” when a self-driving vehicle breaks the rules of the road. Not a moment too soon, if we may add.

Screenshot TikTok @kiefer_d_live / Waymo

Rivian has stood out among EV startups over the past decade, with its R1T and R1S showing that electric trucks and SUVs can match their gas-powered rivals in speed, capability, and comfort. Now, as it prepares to launch smaller, more affordable models like the R2 and R3, the company is also quietly supporting a new player in a very different space: a micromobility startup called Also Inc.

This new company was spun out of Rivian earlier this year with $105 million in funding from the carmaker and Eclipse, a well-known venture capital firm. While Also is remaining tight-lipped about what products it will launch, company president Chris Yu confirmed earlier this year its technologies would work for e-bikes and small three- and four-wheel neighborhood EVs and micro cars.

Read: Sales Slip Shows Rivian Needs Affordable Models Now

In July, Also reached a valuation of $1 billion following a $200 million investment from Greenoaks Capital. That’s a significant jump for a company still in stealth mode, signaling strong confidence from investors in its potential.

According to Bloomberg, Also operates out of Palo Alto and is expected to start with a team of about 80 employees. Yu mentioned that its vehicles would likely be a good fit for US communities where golf carts and other micromobility options are already part of daily life. The company is also aiming to launch several products tailored for both consumer and commercial use in regions like Asia and South America.

By establishing Also as a separate entity, Rivian can keep its focus on core vehicle development without diluting its attention. Even before the spin-off, Rivian had been exploring the idea of an electric bike, which hints at the early roots of this new venture. Although now independent, Also is expected to benefit from its connection to Rivian, gaining access to an established supply chain and possibly sharing some components between the two companies.

“When you get a small vehicle, one size doesn’t fit all,” Yu noted. “We want to give customers confidence and a brand technology platform customers can rely on with the same principles and technology, regardless of what the end solution looks like.”

Trump’s tariffs might be a major headache for European automakers shipping cars to the US, but they’re not the cause of a temporary pause in exports of the electric ID. Buzz, Volkswagen of America claims.

The automaker was responding to a story that appeared in European media claiming Trump’s decision to increase the tariffs on German exports from 2.5 percent to 27.5 percent forced VW to halt US deliveries.

Related: VW Warns Nearly 17,000 Owners To Stop Using Passenger Seat

“Not true,” a Volkswagen spokesperson told Carscoops when asked about the report in the German publication Handelsblatt. “Volkswagen of America temporarily held ID. Buzz vehicles at the port of Emden while resolving issues related to the stop sale. These vehicles are moving again, with several hundred currently on a ship. To clarify, the pause at Emden only affected East Coast-bound vehicles—we continued shipping ID. Buzzes to the West Coast throughout.”

The “stop sale” notice was issued in May when VW announced a recall for 5,644 ID. Buzz EVs because the rear seats were too wide. Yes, while you’d think Americans would be more likely to complain about seats being too narrow, the folks at the NHTSA decided that the rearmost seats on the Buzz were too generous.

There are only two seatbelts in the back but legislators reckoned the bench was wide enough to encourage a third, unbelted person to try squeezing themselves in there. VW’s remedy was to place unpadded bits of trim on the bench to reduce the size of the seating area and all of the EVs exported to the US in future will have a narrower rear seat.

Having to stop all sales of a vehicle is never good, but if ever there was a convenient time to do it, this period of tariff hell was it. While the UK has negotiated a trade deal with the US that allows the likes of Land Rover to escape with 10 percent tariffs, the EU has yet to finalize something similar, meaning its automakers’ exports are still subject to a 27.5 percent duty. VW builds US-market ID. 4s in Chattanooga, but the Buzz is manufactured in Hanover, Germany.

The Buzz is also shaping up to be far less of a sales hit than VW hoped. Having talked up the prospects of 40,000 US sales annually at one point, it’s going to struggle to hit 10k this year – in fact, it delivered just 564 in Q2. The ID. Buzz looks great, but its $61,545 starting price seems expensive and its 234-mile (377 km) range poor compared with what other EVs like the Kia EV9 offer for the same money or less. Other gripes include the stylish retro two-tone paint being restricted to upper trim level (or a $995 option on the entry-level model) and VW’s failure to launch Europe’s panel van version in the US.

Some industry watchers believe VW simply took too long launching the Buzz, having first showed a retro bus back in 2001. Perhaps if the model had come sooner, and with a combustion (possibly hybridized) engine, it might have been a better fit for mainstream America.

Carscoops

Lead image VW

After a slow start, Subaru is going all-in on electric vehicles. The effort kicked off earlier this year with the unveiling of the facelifted Solterra and the all-new Trailseeker.

The journey continues on July 17 with the debut of the 2026 Uncharted. The company isn’t saying much at this point, but revealed the model is a compact crossover that promises to be “ready for your next adventure.”

More: Toyota’s C-HR Returns To America But It’s Nothing Like You Remember

Besides revealing the name, the automaker released a dusty teaser image. It shows a Solterra-esque rear end with a split upper spoiler and a lower mid-mounted spoiler. We can also see slender taillights, an angular rear window, and “SUBARU” lettering on the liftgate.

Additional details are hard to make out, but we can see a rounded roof that is painted in a contrasting black color. We also get a glimpse of an angular shoulder line and what appears to be a bulge near the third-quarter glass.

Little else is known about the model , but previous reports have suggested the crossover is another tie-up with Toyota. This makes a lot of sense as the Uncharted appears to have a lot in common with the Toyota C-HR.

If Subaru’s new EV is indeed a rebadged C-HR, we can expect a 77 kWh battery pack as well as a standard dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS). This should enable the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in around five seconds and have a range of roughly 290 miles (467 km).

In terms of size, the Uncharted should measure around 178 inches (4,520 mm) long with a wheelbase that spans 108.3 inches (2,750 mm). That would make the model 6.6 inches (168 mm) shorter than the Solterra, with 3.9 inches (99 mm) less between the wheels.

2026 Toyota C-HR

Electric flair is taking on a retro twist. While Volkswagen has signaled that the GTI nameplate will carry on in its future performance EVs, there’s still time for one last spotlight on the short-lived GTX badge. Before the GTI transition arrives, VW introduced a special edition that puts a striking spin on its current electric lineup called the ID.3 GTX Fire+Ice.

Evolving from last year’s vibrant concept, this limited-run model draws direct inspiration from a memorable early ’90s Golf.

Retro Styling Details

The production model dials back the concept’s shimmering finish in favor of a more conventional Ultra Violet Metallic paint. Even so, it retains several distinctive touches, including a custom logo on the spoiler, transparent matte decals on the C-pillars, a Flaming Red roof strip, and coordinating GTX | FIRE & ICE lettering along the side. Rounding out the look are 20-inch Locarno alloy wheels with anodized accents that match the body color.

More: VW Beats Tesla Where It Hurts Most And The Numbers Are Brutal

Inside, the two-tone color scheme from the concept carries over, with Fire Red on the driver’s side and Keep Cool Blue on the passenger’s side. The jacket-style zippers on the front seats remain as a design nod, though they’re now decorative rather than functional. Additional details include contrast stitching and custom puddle lights.

As for equipment, the Fire+Ice edition is well stocked, featuring premium sport seats with massage function, an augmented reality head-up display, a Harman Kardon sound system, and an advanced suite of driver-assistance systems.

Performance Carries Over

The ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE doesn’t get any performance upgrades over the standard GTX and GTX Performance trims. This means it is available with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing either 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) or 322 hp (240 kW / 326 PS). The more powerful variant can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds and comes equipped with the DCC adaptive chassis. That said, it’s still slower than the more affordable Golf R, which does the deed in just 4.6 seconds.

The 79 kWh battery pack is good for a WLTP range of up to 591 km (367 miles) and is compatible with DC charging of up to 185 kW.

Volkswagen

A Nod to the ’90s

This new Fire+Ice edition pays tribute to the 1990 VW Golf Fire and Ice, developed with fashion designer Willy Bogner. The original stood out with its color scheme and was available in several trims, including the GTI. VW reports it sold 16,700 units, well above its original target of 10,000.

More: Forgotten Polo GTI Cabrio Concept Let Drivers Enjoy Open-Air With Roof Up

That retro influence carries into the present through a modern partnership with performance apparel brand BOGNER FIRE+ICE. Production will be strictly limited to 1,990 units, making it even rarer than the model that inspired it.

In Germany, pricing for the ID.3 GTX Fire+Ice starts at €56,020 (around $65,500), a €8,795 ($10,300) premium over the standard GTX trim. It’s also more expensive than both the gasoline-powered Golf GTI Clubsport (€49,280 / $57,600) and the Golf R (€55,000 / $64,300), solidifying its status as the most exclusive and most expensive ID.3 on offer.

Update: Chevrolet has opened pre-sales for the Spark EUV in Brazil, pricing the electric vehicle at R$159,990 (approximately $28,600). That’s more than twice the cost of the identical Baojun Yep Plus sold in China. The original story continues below.

Chevrolet has found a clever (read: cost-effective) way to make the most of its SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture by rebadging one of China’s most charming EVs, the Baojun Yep Plus. This fully electric urban SUV made an unexpected debut during a special event celebrating Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary in the Brazilian market.

The new model, set to be sold in Brazil as the Chevrolet Spark EUV, is essentially a Baojun Yep Plus with a Chevy badge stuck on the grille—no other major changes to speak of. Despite sharing a name and compact proportions, the Spark EUV has absolutely nothing in common with the Spark EV, Chevrolet’s short-lived electric hatchback sold in select states in the US from 2013 to 2017 before being phased out for the Bolt.

More: 12-Year Old Chevrolet Trailblazer Receives Another Facelift In Brazil

Inside, the Spark EUV borrows the modern digital cockpit of the Baojun Yep Plus, comprising a 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a free-standing 12.8-inch touchscreen. It is also expected to inherit the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) of the Chinese twin, developed by none other than drone-maker DJI.

The EV measures 3,996 mm (157.3 inches) long with a 2,560 mm (100.8 inches) wheelbase, making it Chevrolet’s smallest offering. While the Baojun lineup includes a five-door version, a three-door variant, and even a pickup concept, it’s unclear if GM plans to bring any of these alternative body styles to the Brazilian market.

Predictably, the Spark EUV borrows its electric powertrain directly from the Chinese-spec twin. A single rear-mounted electric motor generates 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque. The 42 kWh battery pack offers a respectable 401 km (249 miles) of range on China’s CLTC cycle. The Baojun Yep Plus is also available with 32 kWh and 54 kWh battery options, but we don’t know if those will be eventually offered in the Chevy.

More: China-Made 2024 Chevrolet Aveo Unveiled In Mexico

One would think that the most compelling aspect of this tiny off-roader is its affordability. Still, the Chevrolet Spark EUV starts at R$159,990 ($28,600) in Brazil, which is more than double the ¥93,800 ($13,000) price of the identical Baojun model. The little Chevy is also more expensive than the rival BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull EV) which starts at R$115,800 ($20,700) in the same market.

Deliveries of the Chevrolet Spark EUV are expected to begin this summer. The model will soon joined by the larger Chevrolet Captiva EV which is based on the Wuling Starlight S from China.

Rimac and world records go together like jelly and peanut butter. Two years after the Nevera set 23 performance records in a single day, the Croatian brand has outdone itself yet again, this time setting world records in 24 categories with the Nevera R. Th flagship version of the all-electric hypercar was unveiled last year with more power and aero and less weight.

Read: 1,989 HP Rimac Nevera R Is Harder, Faster, Lighter And Limited To 40 Units

Perhaps the most important record of all was the sprint to 0-400-0 km/h (0-249-0 mph). The original Nevera had held this record at 29.93 seconds, snatching it away from the Koenigsegg Agera RS that set a time of 31.49 seconds back in 2019. However, last year, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut snatched this record away from the Nevera, setting a time of 27.83 seconds.

Nevera R Takes the Crown Back

Now, the Nevera R is the 0-400-0 km/h king with a blistering time of 25.79 seconds. That’s 2.04 seconds quicker than the Jesko and beats the standard Nevera by 4.14 seconds. Additionally, the R beat out the Nevera’s 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 1.74 seconds, completing the sprint in 1.66 seconds and 100 km/h (62 mph) in 1.72 seconds.

The records don’t stop there. The Nevera R ran from 0-100 mph (160 km/h) in 2.96 seconds, an improvement of 0.25 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 3.95 seconds, (0.47 seconds faster), and did the 0-300 km/h (0-186 mph) run in just 7.89 seconds, or 1.33 seconds quicker than before. It also takes the Nevera R just 17.35 seconds to run from 0-400 km/h (0-250 mph), which is a massive 3.96 seconds quicker than the standard car.

Rimac’s new Nevera R also set a new EV top speed record, hitting an impressive 268.2 mph or 431.45 km/h.

Where the Extra Speed Comes From

Whereas the standard model delivers 1,888 hp from its four electric motors, the Nevera R ups that to 1,989 hp. It also weighs 35 kg (77 lbs) less, comes standard with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and produces 15 percent more downforce thanks in part to a large rear wing.

“When we first introduced Nevera it almost seemed like the pinnacle of hypercar performance had been reached,” Mate Rimac said. “In a single generation, we had created a performance jump that previously would have taken decades. But now, through relentless innovation, Nevera R goes even faster, while still maintaining much of the comfort and practicality that makes the Nevera a real, useable daily car.”

In a year that’s been tough on electric sedan sales, one model in particular has struggled to keep pace. The Taycan was Porsche’s slowest-selling model in the first half of 2025, trailing even the aging 718 sports car that’s about to be replaced. To boost its appeal, Porsche is rolling out a new Black Edition for the US market, offering sharper styling details and a more generous set of standard features, including the largest battery pack available in the lineup.

More: Porsche’s New Electric SUV Is Smashing Records Before It Even Reaches Showrooms

The EV sits on 21-inch alloy wheels, complete with full-color Porsche crest center caps, and sports matrix LED headlights and a seamless rear light bar featuring an illuminated black Porsche logo. Front door decals are included with the optional extended Black Edition package, adding a bit more visual flair.

While the name suggests otherwise, the Black Edition isn’t limited to a single shade. Standard paint options include Volcano Grey Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Ice Grey Metallic, and the Jet Black Metallic shown in press materials. Buyers looking for something different can select from the Legends, Dreams, or Contrast color collections, or go entirely bespoke via the Paint to Sample program.

Interior and Equipment Upgrades

Inside, the Black Edition carries over the monochrome theme with subtle black detailing and embossed leather trim. Illuminated black brushed aluminum scuff plates and a unique Black Edition badge on the center console add to the tailored look.

The trim also bundles in a well-rounded list of standard features, including multiple driver-assistance systems, the Storage Package, 14-way power comfort seats, a Bose Surround Sound System, and Porsche’s Electric Sport Sound.

For those seeking more personalization, the Sonderwunsch program from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers expanded customization options specific to the Black Edition.

More: Porsche EV’s $56K Depreciation After 2 Years Gives Buyer A Steal

Underneath, all three Black Edition models come fitted with the Performance Battery Plus as standard. Usually an optional upgrade, this 105 kWh battery improves range and allows for stronger performance figures. That said, the electric powertrain remains unchanged, offering up to 429 hp (320 kW) in the base Taycan and topping out at 590 hp (440 kW) in the Taycan 4S.

Deliveries of the 2026 Taycan Black Edition are set to begin in fall 2025. Pricing details will be released closer to launch.

Porsche

President Trump recently signed The One Big Beautiful Bill into law and it spells the end of the clean vehicle credit. The incentive is set to expire on September 30, 2025 instead of the originally planned date of December 31, 2032.

This promises to send shockwaves through the industry as vehicles will no longer get discounts of up to $7,500. Without the incentive, customers will pay more and this will likely make EVs far less appealing.

More: Slate’s Affordable Electric Truck Just Got A Whole Lot More Expensive

That brings us to our question of the day; will the elimination of the tax credit impact your next vehicle purchase? While some people are absolutely against electric vehicles and would never buy one, a number of people have been on the fence.

It’s not hard to understand why as the credit gives consumers up to $4,000 for a used vehicle and up to $7,500 for a new one. The latter makes the Equinox EV particularly appealing as it starts at $33,600 and offers 319 miles (513 km) of range. After factoring in the $7,500 credit and a $2,000 customer cash incentive, you’re looking at a starting price of $24,100 before a $1,395 destination fee.

That’s a stellar deal and it’s roughly on par with the 2025 Trailblazer, which costs $24,890 out the door. The Equinox EV is also only a few grand more than the Trax, which can be had for as little as $21,895.

Of course, when the tax credit expires, the situation will likely change. If Chevrolet holds firm on pricing, the model would set you back $34,995 before incentives. That’s still affordable, but it’s no longer a killer deal.

This could impact the model’s popularity, which has been off the charts. In the second quarter, Chevrolet sold 17,420 Equinox EVs. That made it GM’s best-selling electric vehicle by a considerable margin. In fact, it outsold the entire Cadillac EV lineup, which generated 11,795 sales across the Lyriq, Optiq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ.

While only time will tell what happens, we don’t have to look far to see how the elimination of the credit could impact things. A number of models lost their eligibility due to production and sourcing requirements in recent years.

Some automakers responded by cutting prices or moving production to the United States. The latter move now appears to have been a costly misstep.

Lamborghini has been talking about electric vehicles for years, but it appears the company has finally discovered an unwelcome truth. Buyers of high-end exotics don’t want a fully electric powertrain.

Ferrari and Lotus have already discovered this, so it comes as little surprise that Lamborghini has also come to their senses. CEO Stephan Winkelmann alluded to this as he recently confirmed the Urus EV has been delayed.

More: Lamborghini Introduces Urus SE PHEV, Confirms Second-Gen Urus EV

Speaking to Autocar, the executive said “We want to have a new generation again as a plug-in hybrid. This is something very important for us and for the customers.” He added clients will be “very happy to hear about this.”

It’s unclear when the second-generation crossover will arrive, but Winkelmann implied it might come around 2029. That’s a ways off, but the company is still working on new variants of the current model including a plug-in hybrid version of the Urus Performante.

As for the Urus EV, it could land in 2035. However, that’s not a firm date as the executive noted the company has time on their side. This means they can see how regulations, infrastructure, and acceptance changes in the years ahead.

The Lanzador EV could also be pushed back and a decision is expected to be made early next year. However, Winkelmann signaled his support for a launch late this decade. Regardless of what happens, the model has already been delayed from 2028 to 2029.

As a refresher, the Lanzador concept was introduced at Monterey Car Week in 2023 and designed to preview the brand’s fourth series production model. It was a slick 2+2 crossover with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system and an interior made almost entirely out of sustainable materials.

The Trump administration recently signaled the end of the clean vehicle credit, which can save consumers up to $7,500. Its last day will be September 30, sending EV prices up and demand down.

That’s a disastrous combination and we’re already starting to see some fallout from the move. However, it can’t be blamed for Nissan’s reported decision to cut production of the redesigned Leaf.

More: Nissan Takes A Leaf From The Z For Its Mass Market EV

While the model hasn’t been launched yet, reports out of Japan suggest the automaker is scaling back production because of rare earth export restrictions imposed by China. Reuters cites Kyodo News as saying the restrictions have resulted in a parts shortage, although specifics are hazy.

Rare earths play an important role in a variety of industries and China’s export restrictions have impacted a number of automakers including Ford and Suzuki. Suppliers are also in a bind as they can’t always get the materials they need.

In fact, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers recently warned the supply chain is “experiencing significant disruption due to China’s recent export restrictions on rare earth elements and magnets.” They went on to say the move impacts “both combustion engine and electric vehicles,” which threatens “automotive production and thousands of jobs in the European Union.”

As for the Leaf, the third-generation model was fully revealed last month and will reach U.S. dealerships this fall. It adopts a crossover-inspired design as well as a modern and high-tech interior.

The model will be offered with two different powertrains including an entry-level version that combines a 52 kWh battery with a 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) electric motor. Customers can also get a 75 kWh battery that comes paired with a 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) motor.

BMW’s M division isn’t the only automaker injecting new energy into the performance wagon segment. So is its big rival from Affalterbach, Mercedes-AMG, as these shots of the new CLA 45 shooting brake show.

We’ve already spotted the sedan version of the AMG CLA 45 EV multiple times, plus wagon-bodied, non-AMG variants of the combustion CLA. But this is our first sighting of the hot EV with the long-roof body.

Related: The Baby AMG EV Just Got Real With Three Motors And A Secret Weapon

All of those cars, plus some SUV-shaped spin-offs our spy photo teams have yet to track down, are built on the same versatile platform that’s capable of handling combustion and electric powertrains. Hottest of the lot are the 45 EV versions of each body style, which are believed to get a triple-motor setup that delivers at least 500 hp (507 PS / 373 kW).

But it looks like the torque-vectoring motors aren’t the only thing the wagon has in common with its notchback brother. We’ve spied a deployable spoiler on CLA sedan prototypes, but now Mercedes has, ahem, extended the courtesy to the wagon.

The wing at the top of the load lugger’s rear hatch doesn’t look as big as the one on the sedan – which is rumoured to double as an airbrake – or appear to extend as far into the airflow, but there’s no doubt that it’s an active, rather than passive aero device.

We’d normally only expect to see the wing extended at freeway speeds, so perhaps the test driver has pressed a button to manually raise it in this case, or has a track-type mode selected where the wing is permanently poking above the roof.

Other giveaways that we’re looking at the AMG variant of the CLA wagon include the monobloc brake callipers behind the forged alloy wheels at the front. And the blanked grille and lack of tailpipes tell us it’s definitely an EV, though we expect AMG to deliver combustion versions of the CLA, too.

Exactly what engine will power those ICE models remains to be seen. A recent report claimed AMG was ditching the unpopular four-cylinder hybrid engine in the C63, and suggested the entire M139 2.0 engine family, including non-PHEV versions, would be phased out. That could mean the next ICE CLA 45 will get a warmed-over version of the 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain coming to non-AMG CLAs.

Baldauf

What a difference a couple of years can make. In 2023, Tesla was crushing it in Europe, the Model Y was on its way to becoming the first ever EV to top the continent’s year-end best sellers league table, and VW announced it was pausing production of the ID.3 and its Cupra Born electric twin due to slow sales. But just two years later, Volkswagen is reveling in a surge of EV demand that has helped it overtake its American rival.

Related: Tesla’s European Sales Bloodbath Continues, But One Country Is Over Hating Musk

According to the latest figures, the VW Group delivered 4.41 million vehicles of all energy types around the world in January-June, a 1.3 percent increase on 2024’s total. But global BEV sales were up a staggering 47 percent, reaching 465,000 (464,200 if you discount commercial trucks), and in Europe they rocketed by 89 percent to 347,900 deliveries.

Tesla Falls Behind in Europe

Though Tesla hasn’t broken out its European sales figures, it has confirmed that global sales fell 14 percent to 384,000 in the first half of the year. And Dataforce numbers revealed that Tesla had only sold 76,400 units in Europe between January and the end of May, a period in which the core VW brand alone shifted 122,600 EVs. The report says VW tied with Tesla in March’s sales race but trounced it in every other month, selling three times as many cars in April, for example.

Delivering more electric cars is important for VW’s image as it continues to put distance between itself and the Dieselgate scandal that keeps coming back to life via various ongoing court cases. And it’s also crucial if VW is to meet the EU’s draconian CO2 fleet limits.

VW GROUP EV SALES

But VW’s sales success is the result of discount campaigns on cars like the ID.3 hatch, Handelsblatt cautions, and that is putting pressure on Wolfsburg’s bottom line. A senior VW exec told Handelsblatt the company is still making money on its EVs, but that the operating margin is below the 6.5 percent return target it has set for 2029.

VW is hoping its new range of affordable EVs on sale from next year, including the ID.2 and Cupra Raval, will help improve the health of those margins.

VW GROUP EV SALES BY BRAND

Range anxiety and electric vehicles go together like peanut butter and jelly. However, the situation has been improving thanks to new battery technology and growing charging infrastructure

Those are welcome developments, but how far can an EV really take you? A whopping 748.8 miles (1,205 km) in the case of the Lucid Air Grand Touring.

More: Lucid Promised Luxury But All This Owner Got Was Regret And Nightmares

That’s a remarkable distance, and it recently set a new Guinness World Records title for the “longest journey by an electric car on a single charge.” The record-breaking feat was achieved last weekend when an Air traveled between St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Munich, Germany without stopping to recharge. That makes the record even more impressive as the trip included a mix of alpine passes, highways, and secondary roads.

Lucid beat the previous record by 99.4 miles (160 km), and the company’s chief engineer noted it’s a “significant milestone” and “another clear demonstration of the technological edge that defines Lucid.” Eric Bach went on to say, “Lucid products combine world class vehicle efficiency with the most advanced drive units, ultra-high voltage architecture, and battery management technology available today.”

Speaking of the powertrain, the Euro-spec Air Grand Touring has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that produces 820 hp (611 kW / 831 PS) and 885 lb-ft (1,200 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h).

Powering all that is a 117 kWh battery pack, which provides a WLTP range of 596.5 miles (960 km). This means the record-breaking car exceeded that figure by an impressive 152.2 miles (245 km).

Photos Lucid

• Buick shared a teaser of a new model from its upcoming Electra sub-brand.
• The new electric sedan closely resembles an earlier concept model from Buick.
• It will be based on the new Xiao Yao EV platform, developed specifically for China.

While Buick’s presence in the US is now all about crossovers and SUVs, the brand is taking a different route in China, where the traditional sedan still has a place. A new all-electric model from Buick’s recently introduced Electra sub-brand is about to join the lineup, with a teaser image offering us a first look.

Electra is Buick’s sub-brand for new energy vehicles; it was formally announced in April 2025, with three concepts: a sedan, an SUV, and a minivan. The vehicle in this latest teaser is the production version of the sedan, which evolves from the 2024 Electra L concept shown the previous year.

More: Buick’s Electric Crossover Just Got A Lot Better In China

The new model retains much of the design language introduced in the concept, though a few features have been streamlined for production. The lighting signature at both ends has been reworked, with more practical LED graphics. The sleek, flush door handles and traditional side mirrors replace some of the show car’s more experimental elements, bringing it closer to real-world usability.

Inside, a Tech Showcase Awaits

While Buick hasn’t yet shown the cabin, it’s expected to include a total of eight screens, a massive 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, and an array of AI-driven features. All of this will run on Qualcomm’s 8775 chip, which supports high-end infotainment and connectivity. Advanced driver assistance will come from Chinese tech company Momenta, which has developed a suite of sophisticated ADAS capabilities.

Buick / Weibo

This sedan is just one of six new energy models Buick plans to launch in the next year, likely alongside production versions of Electra’s SUV and minivan concepts. All three will be built on Buick’s Xiao Yao architecture, a flexible platform designed specifically for China.

More: Buick’s New Sedan Concept Rivals The S-Class In Size

The platform is compatible with fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and range-extender powertrains, with configurations that drive the front, rear, or all four wheels. Performance can reach up to 443 horsepower (330 kW), and the EV variants will be equipped with CATL-supplied battery packs capable of ultra-fast 640 kW charging.

Buick hasn’t announced a date for the full reveal of the Electra sedan, but it’s expected shortly. As with other Electra-branded models, this one is likely to stay exclusive to China, so a US launch doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

Among small electric vehicles, the Renault 5 stands out with one of the most distinctive designs on the market. Its sportier sibling, the Alpine A290, shares the same visual charm, but one tuning company had a different vision entirely. Delta 4×4 imagined the Renault 5 not as a city runabout, but as a rugged, rally-inspired off-roader.

More: Alpine’s New A290 Rallye Throws Mud And Sparks At $70K

Their goal was to reimagine the EV as a compact trail-ready machine, complete with off-road hardware and motorsport styling. The transformation begins with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in chunky all-terrain tires. These provide improved grip on loose surfaces and, paired with a 100 mm (3.9-inch) suspension lift, raise the hatchback’s ground clearance significantly.

Off-Road Looks with a Rally Twist

The high-riding EV features four PIAA LED spotlights at the front, reminiscent of the original R5 Turbo rally car. While the bumpers have been carried over from the standard model, the pumped-up R5 gets wide fender extensions and leather straps mounted on the hood and the tailgate.

The Dakar-style roof rack holds dual LED bars for extra visibility, various kinds of containers, snow tracks, and a full-size spare tire. As a final touch, the model is wrapped in a colorful livery combining yellow, teal, pink, and black graphics on a white bodywork.

Despite its rugged stance, the donor vehicle is exclusively available with a single electric motor, meaning there is no AWD option. Its most powerful version makes 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS), while the performance-focused Alpine A290 raises that significantly, to 217 hp (220 PS / 160 kW).

More: Renault’s Retro R4 EV Could Get A Whole Lot More Interesting Soon

High-spec versions of the R5 are fitted with a 52 kWh battery pack, offering a maximum WLTP range of 400 kilometers (249 miles) between charges. Still, the grippy tires, worse aerodynamics, and extra weight of the off-road built will most likely reduce that number – which shouldn’t be an issue, really, given the model’s mission.

For now, the lifted Renault 5 exists only as a digital concept. However, if there’s enough interest, delta 4×4 may offer a conversion kit for owners who want to turn their retro-styled EV into a mini off-roader. Renault 5 drivers curious about the transformation can reach out to the company for more information.

Delta 4×4 / Facebook

Tesla fans get really excited when new features, trials, or beta programs arrive. That’s probably why very few people realized that a post on Reddit was just a prank by an overeager owner. They reported a birthday reward email supposedly from Tesla offering a 30-day horsepower boost. It turns out that before realizing it was a hoax, many took the chance to bash the US EV maker and other brands for paywall-blocked features.

More: Rivian Will Make You Pay For Extra Power And Range Your EV Already Has

Posted on Reddit’s Tesla Model 3 forum, the main feature was an image. It appeared to be an email directly from Tesla. “Happy Birthday! We are delighted to offer you an exclusive birthday gift: +50 Extra Horsepower,” it said. “Your Tesla has been upgraded with an additional 50 horsepower, effective for the next 30 days.”

A Convincing Fake

At first glance, it looks legitimate. The script looks realistic, the grammar is fine, and it appears to come from no-reply@Tesla.com. That was more than enough to fool several people. The top comments are full of people assuming it’s real. Some ask about future programs based on the idea, others joke about changing their birthday in the Tesla app, and others comment on their excitement about it.

At the same time, it left some fans feeling disillusioned and annoyed. Several made comments to that effect. “…is it just me that thinks that’s absolutely ridiculous? If I have the hardware, why would I pay to use the hardware? That’s like buying a computer with 16gb of ram, only having 12, and then getting an email “unlocking” the other 4gb for 30 days.

“Just… stupid. Either sell me the car without the extra horsepower (so, without the hardware that makes it possible)… or let me use all the horsepower it can produce. This is just… awful,” said one. After another commented on how cool it was that you could download extra horsepower, another responded, “You mean mildly infuriated it’s locked behind a paywall.”

A Familiar Practice

Of course, in this case, the birthday gift wasn’t real, but it’s not as if Tesla doesn’t offer similar products. As of this writing, buyers can unlock features that the hardware they own is already capable of, like additional range or speed.

Notably, Tesla is far from the only brand to offer this sort of thing. Several brands offer similar ‘subscription services’, from extra power to adaptive suspension. Unless buyers unite to condemn this type of practice, it’ll probably never end.

Credit: glebulon / Reddit

Rivian introduced the second-generation R1S and R1T last summer and now the company has unveiled the new quad-motor variants. They’re high-performance EVs that start at $115,990 for the truck and $121,990 for the SUV.

Designed to be more powerful and capable than ever before, the models are equipped with four electric motors that produce a combined output of 1,025 hp (764 kW / 1,039 PS) and 1,198 lb-ft (1,622 Nm) of torque. This enables the R1T to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.5 seconds, while the R1S can accomplish the same task a tenth of a second later.

More: 2025 Rivian R1S Is An Imperfect But Promising Look At The Future

Rivian was coy on full details, but claimed both variants have an EPA-estimated range of up to 374 miles (602 km). That increases to 400 miles (644 km) in Conserve mode, which disengages the rear drive unit. However, Rivian’s configurator lists less impressive ranges of 338 and 360 miles (544 and 579 km) for the Launch Editions.

Putting that aside, Rivian said the vehicles are equipped with their newest drive units. Each features two electric motors that were designed and manufactured in-house. The company added the “rear drive unit has a larger gear ratio and is built for maximum performance and torque delivery, while the front drive unit is optimized for maximizing efficiency at cruising speeds.”

Rivian went on to say the new motors are oil-cooled, which helps to significantly improve their thermal performance during “high-torque, low-speed driving such as rock crawling.” They also help to improve efficiency during high-speed driving on highways.

Familiar Looks With A Handful Of Special Touches

Besides the new powertrains, there isn’t much to report as first- and second-generation R1s look virtually identical. That being said, the Quad variants feature an Ascend interior with quilted seats, extended stitching, and fancier door panels. They’re joined by plaid accents, bronze flourishes, and new fabric on the front seat backs. Other highlights include Brown Ash, Walnut, or Driftwood trim.

Moving outside, there are new 20- and 22-inch wheels that are backed up by Laguna Beach Blue brake calipers. Customers can also get Dark or Dune Satin Graphite wheels wrapped in 34-inch all-terrain tires.

Other highlights include a glass roof and a standard Darkout Package. They’re joined by an air compressor and underbody protection. More notably, there’s a rear-mounted Gear Guard mascot with “wind-swept hair” that hints at the vehicle’s performance.

Rivian is throwing in a number of high-tech toys including a Launch Mode with a Launch Cam. As the name implies, it records your Launch Mode adventures and then displays real-time stats when showing replays in the Videos app.

Quad-Specific Features Including A Kick Turn Function

More interestingly, Rivian announced a RAD Tuner is coming in September. It promises to give drivers “better control over their vehicle’s dynamic behavior” as there will be “intuitive sliders” that can be used to create personalized and savable driving modes. These can be built from scratch or based on presets such as Sport or Rally mode.

A Kick Turn function is also coming this fall and it promises to make tight off-road turns easier. As the company explained, “When you engage Kick Turn, your R1 Quad smartly adjusts the power to the inside wheels, slowing them down or even reversing them. This precise control over wheel slip ensures your vehicle turns exactly as quickly and smoothly as you intend.”

A more useful addition is a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, which will come standard on every 2026 R1. It provides easy access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, although Quad-Motor variants will also come with a complimentary CCS adapter.

Launch Edition Arrives First

To celebrate the introduction of the new Quad, Rivian has announced a Launch Edition. It offers an exclusive Launch Green exterior and special badging on the dashboard. Buyers will also find added equipment including a Camp Speaker, a Gen 2 key fob, and lifetime access to Connect+ as well as the Rivian Autonomy Platform+.

The Launch Editions are unsurprisingly more expensive as pricing starts at $119,990 for the R1T and $125,990 for the R1S. The special edition will also be offered in Canada for $196,990 CAD and $207,990 CAD.

Deliveries of the R1 Quad will begin later this month and the initial focus is on Launch Editions. Rivian’s website shows customers can expect them to be available in two to three weeks.

After earlier merger talks between Nissan and Honda fell through, a new contender stepped into the spotlight. Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant best known for assembling iPhones, is reportedly in discussions to partner with Nissan on EV production. According to a new report, Nissan may allow Foxconn to use its Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Japan, to build EVs.

Read: Foxconn Will Build EVs In The US But You’ll Never See Its Name On Them

Foxconn has been signaling its automotive ambitions for years now. The company has previewed a range of electric models, including the Model C, Model B, Model E, Model T, and Model V, reflecting a clear push to gain a foothold in the competitive EV industry.

Underused Factory, Uncertain Future

As it stands, Nissan’s Oppama site employs roughly 3,900 people and has been in operation since 1961. It has the capacity to build 240,000 units, but its utilization rate has fallen well below that, reportedly topping out at just 40 percent last year. That’s bad news, particularly since it’s said to have a break-even point of 80 percent.

That underutilization has raised concerns about the plant’s long-term viability. Nissan has announced plans to shut down seven global factories but has yet to name all of them. If Oppama ends up on the chopping block, the closure would be costly.

Beyond laying off thousands of employees, Nissan would need to find a replacement for the facility’s on-site test track, and many nearby suppliers with long-standing ties to the automaker would also be affected.

While details of the arrangement are still unclear, Nikkei Asia reports that the two companies could explore a joint venture, with longer-term collaboration on future EV development.

In a statement responding to the report, Nissan asserted “that article is not based on any official announcement from Nissan.” It handed that under the Re:Nissan plan, the company “is currently reviewing the integration and closure of some of its global production sites. However, this process has not yet been concluded beyond the two sites that have been announced so far.”

In response to the report, Nissan clarified that “the article is not based on any official announcement.” The automaker said that under its Re:Nissan plan, the company “is currently reviewing the integration and closure of some of its global production sites. However, this process has not yet been concluded beyond the two sites that have been announced so far.”

Model C Coming to North America

Meanwhile, Foxconn is moving forward with its own EV rollout. Auto News reports that the company plans to begin deliveries of the Model C in North America before the end of this year. A minivan, known as the Model D, is expected to follow in 2027, signaling Foxconn’s broader push into both the consumer and commercial EV spaces.