Tesla is recalling 239,382 electric vehicles because of rearview camera displays that could fail. The recall includes 2024-2025 Tesla Model 3 and Model S sedans and 2023-2025 Model X and Model Y crossovers. Circuit boards in these vehicles could short out, causing a loss of the rearview camera image, according to the NHTSA. A functioning rearview... 
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.
More: A Rivian R1S Started Smoking As Driver Was ‘Trapped’ Inside, Couldn’t Open Doors
A Closer Look at Our Test Car
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.
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.
Read: 92% Of EV Owners Will Never Go Back To ICE-Only, New Study Finds
Data published by Edmunds reveals 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.
| 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 |
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.
| Metric | 2024 Q4 | 2023 Q4 | 2024 Q3 |
| Loan Term | 69.5 | 69.9 | 69.5 |
| Monthly Payment | $533 | $561 | $548 |
| Amount Financed | $28,675 | $28,643 | $28,097 |
| APR | 11.0% | 11.6% | 11.3% |
| Down Payment | $4,219 | $4,122 | $4,165 |
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.
Related: First Dodge Charger Daytona EVs Land At Dealers
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.
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.
Read: Hertz Selling Its Shelby Mustang Mach-E Fleet For A Price That’ll Short-Circuit Your Wallet
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.
Chile is set to gain its 47th national park early this year — largely due to the efforts of U.S. conservationist Kristine Tompkins and her organization.
(Image credit: Tamara Merino for NPR)
Potential rooftop solar customers and installers worry the incoming Trump administration might try to eliminate a 30% federal tax credit. Some customers plan to install sooner because of that and solar companies are changing their business plans.
(Image credit: David Paul Morris)
The Tesla Model Y is receiving its first refresh since debuting six years ago The updated Model Y is expected to arrive in the U.S. this spring Tesla sales were down in 2024 Following its refresh of the Model 3, Tesla has released an updated version of the Model Y crossover, codenamed Juniper, though only for the Chinese market right now... 
Faraday Future provided further detail on plans for its new FX sub-brand at CES 2025 in Las Vegas this week. The company reaffirmed plans for an affordable EV called the FX 5 that will cost between $20,000 and $30,000 and a larger model called the FX 6 priced between $30,000 and $50,000. First outlined in a September 2024 investor presentation... 
Scout Motors wants owners to be able to repair its electric trucks without visiting a dealership unless absolutely necessary. Now it's providing more detail on how it plans to make that happen. When it unveiled concept versions of the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck last October, Scout claimed that approximately 80% of repairs could be... 
Tesla is recalling a small number of 2024 and 2025 Model S and Model X electric vehicles because their driver's-side airbags could tear during deployment—increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. The recall includes just 294 vehicles manufactured in a short window—Nov. 6 to Nov. 27, 2024. These vehicles may have received... 
The Tokyo Auto Salon continues as Nissan has unveiled the R32 EV. As the name suggests, the one-off model is an electromod based on the Skyline GT-R R32 that was launched in 1989.
Billed as a passion project by a small team of employees, the car doesn’t look too remarkable at first glance. However, don’t let its Gun Grey metallic exterior fool you as there are plenty of upgrades hiding beneath the skin.
More: Nissan Turns R32 Skyline GT-R Into An EV For Tokyo Auto Salon
The twin-turbo 2.6-liter inline-six has been replaced by two electric motors, which each produce 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) of torque. This should give the all-wheel drive model a combined output of around 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS) and 501 lb-ft (680 Nm).
That’s considerably more than the original 276 hp (206 kW / 280 PS) and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque. However, Nissan said the goal was “not to exceed, but rather match the performance of the original GT-R.” This is important to note as the EV is around 809 lbs (367 kg) heavier, so engineers tuned its output and torque to match the original’s torque-to-weight ratio.
Nissan didn’t say how far the R32 EV can travel, but the rear seat was removed to allow for the installation of a 62 kWh battery pack from a Leaf Nismo race car. The company also noted the dual-motor all-wheel drive system responds faster and can better distribute torque between the front and rear wheels than the original mechanical system.
Besides the powertrain swap, the car has been equipped with a Nismo sport suspension featuring Öhlins dampers. They’re joined by a beefier braking system sourced from the R35. Due to the larger rotors and calipers, the team had to exchange the original 16-inch wheels for factory-inspired 18-inchers.
While the group wanted to keep the cabin as stock as possible, the factory seats were traded for custom Recaros. The gauges, meters, and audio system were also given a modern makeover as they have “high-resolution digital screens that provide key driver information while retaining their original profile.”
Those weren’t the only tweaks as the car has a paddle shift functionality that has been programmed to provide the “sensation of shift shock,” which is the “brief jolt a driver experiences when engaging the clutch and shifting up or down through a mechanical gearbox.” That’s on top of a speaker that pumps the original RB26DETT engine note into the cabin.
While purists will call the project blasphemous, the team picked the R32 to ensure it could be driven for decades to come. As project leader Ryozo Hiraku explained, “I wondered if 30 years from now – in 2055 or beyond – owners of this incredible machine could still buy gasoline and enjoy driving it. I saw merit in using electrical and digital technology to replicate the appeal of the R32 GT-R so future generations could experience it.”
The Detroit Auto Show kicked off earlier today, but you’d be hard-pressed to tell as there’s not much going on in the Motor City. While that’s a sad fall from grace, auto shows aren’t dead and that’s clear today as there’s plenty of news coming out of the Tokyo Auto Salon as well as the Brussels Motor Show.
At the European event, Renault unveiled an updated version of the Twingo E-Tech electric concept. It previews the upcoming production model, which will be launched next year and cost under €20,000 ($20,474).
More: Renault Reboots Twingo As A €20,000 Electric Mini For 2026
Essentially an evolution of last year’s concept, the latest version of the car has 3D printed bumpers with a honeycomb pattern. They’re joined by new air intakes, which adopt a more squared off shape.
The changes continue further back as we can see production-style mirrors and door handles. They’re joined by revamped fender flares and new taillights.
While the exterior updates are notable, Renault has given us our first look inside. This reveals a minimalist cockpit with a “spacious and functional layout.”
The automaker was coy on specifics, but drivers sit behind a three-spoke steering wheel and find themselves looking at a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. To their right is a ‘floating’ 10.1-inch infotainment system.
They’re joined by dedicated climate controls as well as body-color trim. The model also has a tinted cork floor and an assortment of storage compartments.
Designers installed unique upholstery with a colorful ‘splash’ inspired by the patterns on the first-generation Twingo. Speaking of the seats, there’s a split-folding rear bench that slides to maximize legroom or cargo capacity.
Rounding out the highlights are a panoramic glass roof and a seatback adjustment knob inspired by skateboard wheels. The concept also sports an assortment of Easter eggs as well as a magnetic area on the back of the front headrest that enables rear passengers to mount their phones to it.
No other production car on the planet can accelerate as quickly as the Rimac Nevera, but it’s not the car’s straight-line performance that had to be put to the test to avoid a collision in Germany recently. Instead, the electric hypercar’s brakes and the driver’s quick reactions were the deciding factors in preventing the Nevera from rear-ending a reckless Renault driver.
The short video shows the dark Nevera traveling towards an exit off a German highway near Dusseldorf. All seems fine until a silver Renault begins to slowly move across the lane next to the Nevera. While just feet away from hitting a series of bollards separating the highway from the turn-off, the driver flicks on their turn signal and turns to the right, cutting off the Rimac.
Read: 1,989 HP Rimac Nevera R Is Harder, Faster, Lighter And Limited To 40 Units
In an instant, the driver of the hypercar slams on the brakes, and the air brake pops into action. While it’s hard to see how close the two came to colliding, the Rimac could have easily hit the Renault had the driver not been paying attention. That could have left the Renault driver with a hefty repair bill likely big enough to make them consider selling a kidney.
Several other hypercars have air brakes like the Nevera and while they do provide some extra braking, their primary function is to increase force over the rear tires, allowing the rear brakes to work more effectively. The results are most apparent at higher speeds, but even at lower speeds, as seen here, air brakes like this add a bit of theater, and in a hypercar, you can never have too much theater.
The Nevera also has a fierce set of friction brakes, which played a pivotal role in setting new 0-100-0 km/h, 0-200-0 km/h, 0-300-0 km/h, and 0-400-0 km/h world records in 2023.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has proven to the world that it’s possible to have a fun and exciting EV that tickles the senses, just like a combustion-powered car. However, this test shows that it does struggle to compete against one of the finest sports sedans on the market; the BMW M3 CS.
Soon after we saw the Hyundai go head-to-head in a U-Drag Race test against a Tesla Model 3 Performance, Edmunds lined it up alongside an M3 CS to see how the EV would compare. It is worth pointing out that these two are not direct rivals. Whereas the M3 CS is a hardcore sedan, the Ioniq 5 N is a much larger electric SUV and, as such, weighs a lot more than its German foe.
Read: Cornering Power Wins Over Speed In This Performance EV Battle
Off the line, one may think the Ioniq 5 N would have the advantage thanks to its extra power and the instantaneous torque provided by its two electric motors. However, the BMW is roughly 1,000 lbs lighter and has a better weight-to-power ratio of 7.14 lb/hp compared to the 8.08 lb/hp of the Hyundai.
As such, it rockets away from the starting line at a frightening pace, almost immediately opening up a car length advantage over the Ioniq 5 N. As the speeds build, the Hyundai keeps the M3 CS in its sights, but when it comes to doing the high-speed U-turn, the rear end of it gets loose, and it can’t keep pace with the sedan.
The second race is quite similar. This time, the driver of the M3 slightly jumped the start, and the Beemer accelerated into the lead. It held onto its lead until the end of the race.
While the BMW M3 CS claimed the win, it didn’t do so by a huge margin. In fact, it was only 0.1 seconds quicker, completing the U-Drag race in 32.7 seconds at 136.9 mph compared to the 32.8 seconds needed for the Ioniq 5 N. Both cars are in elite company and are quicker than an Acura NSX Type S, with a best time of 33.0 seconds at 136.5 mph. The M3 CS also matched the much more powerful Mercedes-AMG GT 63.
Launches at CES this year are somewhat wild and the Italdesign Quintessenza fits right in. While its exterior design is unchanged from when we saw it last year, it features new Elaphe electric motor technology. This means it now has a motor on each wheel, which gives the futuristic truck concept a host of benefits.
Elaphe already advertises a motor technology called Sonic 1, which provides up to 255 kW (341 hp) peak power in short bursts. It can continuously provide 200 kW (268 hp) per wheel. Italdesign says that the upgraded motors Elaphe is building for the Quintessenza are even more powerful.
More: Italdesign Updates Classic 1970s Audi Concept That Inspired The VW Scirocco
According to the Italian firm, the Quintessenza offers up to 1,600 kW (2,145 hp) of combined power. Talk about overkill. On top of that, the truck concept features a 2+2 design with rear seats that flip backward and forward.
In their rearward position, they position the rear occupants to look out of an open truck bed area. Basically, it’s a cooler version of the Subaru Brat. Quad-motor tech isn’t the only big news from Italdesign. The firm also staked out a new headquarters near Detroit and plans to spend some $20 million on it.
Specifically, the brand is opening a location in Bloomfield, Michigan. It expects to hire 24 people. “The United States plays a key role in our global strategy: partnering with major automotive players providing the widest range of services today available on the market,” said Antonio Casu, Italdesign Global CEO.
“From Styling and Engineering to prototyping, testing & validation, and complete vehicle development…. Who else could provide such a range of services? With almost six decades of expertise in the automotive industry, we are the right partner to support U.S. customers with innovative solutions and proven excellence. We are ready to make a difference.”
It’s unclear exactly what, if anything, will come of the Quintessenza. As a concept, it certainly won’t make it to production, even with these new motors. That said, some of the design cues we see here could end up on the road in the not-too-distant future.
If you need any more proof of just how innovative Chinese car manufacturers have become in recent years, look no further than Xpeng and its new AeroHT. The dramatic six-wheeled road-going “land aircraft carrier” was on display at CES and is the type of creation that’s inconceivable for a legacy carmaker even to envisage, let alone bring to production.
The Chinese company has been working on the AeroHT for the past couple of years and previewed it in production guise last September. It will be built at a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Guangzhou, China, that spans 180,000 square meters and will produce up to 10,000 units annually. Xpeng says it’s locked in over 3,000 orders for the AeroHT and plans to kick off deliveries in 2026.
Read: Xpeng’s Cybertruck-Like 6-Wheeler Costs $280,000 But Comes With Its Own Helicopter
Xpeng’s futuristic creation consists of two vehicles; the ground-based “mothership” and an electric verticle take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The “mothership” is a massive six-wheeler van with obvious design similarities to the Tesla Cybertruck. It’s approximately 5.5m (18 feet) long, 2m (6.6 feet) wide, and 2m tall. It has some weird and wacky design features, none more evident than the digital side mirrors that can retract into the front fenders when not used.
Looking at the AeroHT from the side, it looks like a lengthened minivan that’s taken a few too many growth hormones. There are no second-row side windows as the entire rear half of the six-wheeler is used as a loading bay for the eVTOL. In terms of power, it rocks an 800-volt electrical architecture and is an extender-range EV.
Xpeng hasn’t provided details about the combustion engine, the electric motors, or the battery pack, but does say it has a combined driving range of over 620 miles (1,000 km). It also serves as a module supercharging station for the eVTOL.
As for the aircraft, it features a small cockpit made from lightweight carbon fiber and has a six-rotor design with foldable propellers and arms. It can be driven manually or autonomously, and more than 200 units are currently being tested. Last year, the eVTOL received airworthiness certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of Central and Southern China.
Prices for the AeroHT are expected to start at around 2 million yuan (~$272,000) in China. The carmaker hasn’t said if there are any plans to offer it in other markets.
Peugeot Sport Engineered might have gone the way of the dodo, together with the fabled Rallye and GTI emblems, but a new report gives a glimmer of hope to hot hatch enthusiasts. The next generation of the Peugeot 208 supermini might get a performance-focused version, at least according to a Stellantis official.
Despite the discontinuation of the Peugeot 508 PSE, which was the only production model to ever receive the PSE treatment, Eurig Druce, managing director of Stellantis UK, left a window open for the return of performance-focused offerings in the French brand’s future lineup.
More: New Peugeot 208 Racing Leaves Us Begging For A Rallye We Can Actually Buy
Speaking to Auto Express, Druce said: “There may be other products in the future. Peugeot has always had a penchant for fast, small hatchbacks, as we’ve seen various generations of GTis. I remember the 205 GTi when I first joined the company. And the 206 GTi thereafter. It would be a sad, sad day for us to declare that we will never go there again. I wouldn’t want to see that sad day coming and I don’t think I will.”
When asked specifically about a hot hatch version of the 208, Druce expressed his enthusiasm: “I’d love to see it, personally. Peugeot Sport engineers would be the people that would do that sort of thing.”
While he didn’t confirm whether the car would carry the GTi badge, the Stellantis UK managing director said: “The crucial bit for me is the credibility that came from PSE. So, whether we call it PSE or GTi, the truth about it was that Peugeot Sport had engineered the car and there were significant driveability differences between that and a standard car. I think that’s crucial.”
“What we cannot ever do is to put a GTi badge on something that is a conventional car with a slightly bigger e-motor, for example. One of the big things about this future market is that almost every electric car can be a quick car. The beauty comes from being able to make a fast car and a really enjoyable, driveable car as well.”
More: Renault 5 Turbo 3E Is An Electric Hyper Hatch With Over 500 HP
These remarks hint at a fully electric hot hatch that could borrow tech from other Stellantis models, combined with a spicy chassis setup from Peugeot Sport engineers. A hot Peugeot of this size could rival models like the Alpine A290 GT and Mini JCW Electric, signaling a new era for the small hot hatch segment which currently is basically extinct.
A hotter Peugeot 208 could use the electric powertrain of the Lancia Ypsilon HF which makes 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS). The mechanically-related Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce and Abarth 600e Scorpionissima are fitted with an even more powerful version of that electric motor, generating as much as 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS). The extra power is combined with a Torsen limited-slip differential on the front axle, stiffer suspension, anti-roll bars, and bigger brakes compared to lesser versions.
The next generation of the Peugeot 208 is expected to arrive in 2026 or 2027, together with the Opel Corsa. The supermini hatchbacks will ride on the STLA Small architecture, an evolution of the current models’ CMP/eCMP underpinnings. This platform supports combustion engines, mild hybrids, and EVs.
Here’s to seeing more hot hatchbacks and SUVs in the near future. And, if anyone from Stellantis or Peugeot is reading this, we think that even with 237 hp, a new 208 GTi would do just fine. After all, Peugeot’s past hot hatches weren’t all about power, but more about handling, agility, and having fun. Continuing that tradition would be wise – and it might also keep the costs down, which will make the bin counters, as well as the buyers, happy.
The official numbers are in: 2024 is the hottest year on record. Climate change is the main culprit. But there might be something else going on, too.
(Image credit: Selcuk Acar)
As fire crews and air tankers work to block the wildfires' explosive growth, images of red clouds of fire retardant falling onto trees are common. What is it — and what's in it?
(Image credit: David Swanson)
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