January 1st has come and gone, but Cadillac is still making New Year’s resolutions. They’re not aiming low either as Cadillac’s Vice President, John Roth, has told us they’re positioning the brand to become the “best-selling luxury EV nameplate in the U.S. in 2025.”

Speaking during a media briefing, Roth highlighted the success of the Lyriq which saw U.S. sales jump 210.3% to 28,402 units last year. That made it the “best-selling electric mid-size luxury SUV” in America and the executive revealed it’s also a conquest king.

More: Lyriq EV Sales Soar 210%, Making It Cadillac’s Second Best-Seller Of 2024

A whopping 76% of Lyriq customers come from a rival brand and that’s exactly what Cadillac needs to continue growing. Furthermore, half of those buyers are new to General Motors.

While the Lyriq has plenty of momentum, it’s being joined by a slew of new EVs. The Escalade IQ launched late last year and customers have already snapped up 670 units. The Optiq and Vistiq will arrive in the first quarter of 2025 and this will give the brand an electric entry in every major luxury SUV segment.

That’s a lot of new product, but Roth suggested there’s even more on the horizon. While the company didn’t go into many specifics, they revealed there are “more EV variants to come.”

More: These Are The Best-Selling EV Brands And Models Of 2024

There’s no word on what, but Cadillac has already shown the 2026 Lyriq-V. We’re also hoping for an entry-level Optiq as the current model starts at $52,895 which positions it uncomfortably close to the $58,595 Lyriq.

While only time will tell what Cadillac has planned, Roth suggested it will be another busy year.

Skoda introduced the Vision 7S concept nearly two years ago, but spy photographers have finally caught the production model. It’s expected to be called the Space and the company has previously confirmed it will be unveiled in 2026.

Caught undergoing testing in northern Sweden, the electric three-row crossover is heavily disguised but sports a Modern Solid design. Details are hard to make out, but we can see a rounded front fascia with sweptback headlights. They’re joined by a large central intake as well as angular air curtains.

More: Skoda Previews Six Upcoming EVs Including New Three-Row Crossover

Moving further back, we can see streamlined bodywork and flush-mounted door handles. Designers also gave the crossover an expansive greenhouse that appears to remain relatively faithful to the concept. The prototype also has a long sloping roof and aerodynamically optimized front wheels.

There isn’t much to see out back, but the model has been equipped with a large spoiler and vertical taillights. The latter flow into the liftgate and mimic the concept. It’s also worth noting that Skoda has previously said the model will  measure approximately 192.9 inches (4.9 meters) long, which would be roughly 9.8 inches (250 mm) more than the Enyaq.

SH Proshots

Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but the crossover will have seating for up to seven people. Skoda has also promised the model will offer “flexibility and enormous interior space.” It also appears that the Space could be equipped with a 14.6-inch infotainment system in a portrait orientation, although that’s not entirely clear at this point.

Powertrain details also remain elusive, but the concept rode on the MEB platform and had an 89 kWh battery pack. This provided a WLTP range in excess of 373 miles (600 km).

That’s not much to go on, but it’s possible the model could share some motors with the facelifted Enyaq. This means there could be rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive systems that produce 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS).

The EV market in America might not be growing as fast as some automakers predicted, but it’s definitely still growing. New figures published this week show sales of electric vehicles in the US hit 1.3 million last year, up 7.3 percent versus 2023 when 1.21 million were registered.

Tesla Leads, But Its Grip Is Slipping

Tesla once again dominated the market, though its sales fell 5.6 percent to 633,800, dropping its market share from 48.7 to 44.4 percent. Ford came home in second place, and was up 8 percent (to 97,900), while Rivian (up 3.8 percent to 51,600) was the third biggest EV player. At the other end of the table Mercedes, VW and Volvo all struggled, each brand’s sales dropping by at least 40 percent.

Related: Porsche Buyers Snap Up Gas-Powered 718s Like It’s 1999 As Taycan Sales Tank

New arrivals that helped bump up the overall sales figures include the Chevrolet Equinox and its Honda Prologue brother, which notched up 61,900 sales between them, the Chevy Blazer (23,100), Tesla Cybertruck (39,000) and Kia EV9 (22,000), according to Cox Automotive.

Amusingly, the Prologue turned out to be GM’s best-selling EV, with 33,017 deliveries—easily outpacing the Cadillac Lyriq (28,402) and Chevy Blazer (23,115).

But some old timers enjoyed a resurgence, including the Subaru Solterra (+ 40 percent), Nissan Leaf (+57 percent) and Ariya (+47 percent), facelifted Hyundai Ioniq 5 (+31 percent), Ford Mustang Mach-E (+27 percent) and F-150 Lightning (+39 percent).

EV SALES USA 2024: BRANDS

Big Swings for Specific Brands

Toyota bZ4X’s also enjoyed a massive 99 percent upswing (no doubt thanks to heavy incentives), helping it overtake VW’s ID.4, which had a terrible year, registrations tanking by 55 percent to 17,000. The arrival of the much funkier, if pricier, ID.Buzz – 2025 NACTOY utility of the year – and a forced stop to production due to faulty door handles can’t have helped, and Ford ended the year having shifted three times as many Mach-Es as VW did ID.4s.

Sales of GM’s humongous Hummer mushroomed 331 percent from 3,200 to 14,000 and after a slow start Cadillac’s Lyriq also seems to have hit its stride. Lyriq sales climbed 210 percent to 28,400 ensuring it outsold its BMW iX rival by a factor of almost two to one.

Model Y Stays on Top, Despite a Dip

To no one’s surprise the Telsa’s Model Y remained top dog, even though its sales declined over the last 12 months. The egg-shaped SUV was purchased 372,600 times in 2024 but that figure was down 6.6 percent from 2023 when sales came within a hair of touching 400k.

Perhaps the just-announced facelift for the Model Y can help reverse the downward trend, though last year’s overhaul didn’t do the Model 3 much good. Its sales fell 17 percent from 230,000 to 189,900 despite a mid-year refresh.

EV SALES USA 2024: MODELS

Cupra has confirmed it will continue producing combustion-powered versions of the Leon into the next decade, but has also revealed that the model will eventually transition into an EV-only series. When the next-generation Leon finally makes the leap to electric, it will be built on the Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), the same versatile architecture set to underpin a range of future VW Group electric vehicles.

Interestingly, this transition could also spell the end of the Seat-branded version of the Leon, with Cupra potentially taking full ownership of the nameplate.

Read: Cupra Plans “Provocative Bodystyles” And “Iconic Cars” That Will Break The Norms

When the electric Leon does land, it’s expected to join Cupra’s growing EV lineup as the brand’s fourth all-electric offering, slotting alongside the Tavascan, Raval, and Born. While specifics about this distant model remain elusive, its SSP underpinnings suggest it will likely share battery packs and powertrain options with other electric cars in the VW Group portfolio.

Plenty of Time for Petrolheads

Don’t fret if you’re partial to the current Leon’s internal combustion engines or plug-in hybrid options. According to Cupra’s CEO, Wayne Griffiths, the existing model isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Speaking to Autocar, Griffiths revealed that the current Leon will stick around “well into the next decade.” In practical terms, that could mean nearly a decade before the EV version arrives, giving buyers plenty of time to snag the gas-powered Leon before it rides off into the sunset.

“The Cupra Leon and Cupra Formentor are both based on the same platform,” Griffiths told Autocar. “We will extend those well into the next decade. If we want to go into the next decade, then we’re always going to have to take care of those cars and revitalise them. We could expect facelifts or product improvements on both, to keep them going as long as we need to.”

But Griffiths made it clear that the Leon’s days as a combustion car are numbered, adding, “After that, the next generation of Leon will definitely be electric.”

Last year’s update

In the meantime, Cupra has already taken steps to keep the current Leon competitive. Just last April, the brand introduced a facelifted version of the model with several notable design updates. The Leon now sports a sharper, more aggressive front fascia, complete with redesigned triangular matrix LED headlights and an enlarged grille. The rear has also been refreshed, featuring updated taillights and an illuminated Cupra badge.

The current Leon is available in hatchback and Sportourer estate guises, but given that estates are losing popularity in favor of higher-riding SUVs, there’s no guarantee the future Leon will be offered as one.

Several real-world images of the thoroughly updated Tesla Model Y, codenamed project ‘Juniper’, have emerged from China, accompanied by reports claiming that up to 50,000 orders for the new EV have already been placed. The Model Y has consistently been a favorite in the Chinese market, and last year, it earned the title of the country’s best-selling car, with over 480,000 units sold.

Perhaps the two most interesting photos of the new Model Y were shared on Chinese social media, showing what seems to be Launch Edition finished in Glacier Blue (although the color looks more grayish in these pictures), as evidenced by the new badge on the tailgate.

This particular Model Y is positioned at the front of a long lineup of cars that includes both pre-facelift models and at least one other facelifted version. It’s highly likely that this is one of the first units to roll off Tesla’s Shanghai assembly line.

Read: 2025 Tesla Model Y Debuts With Cybercab Looks And Turn Signal Stalks

Admittedly, these images don’t do the updated Model Y any favors. Its proportions come across as a little awkward, with the roofline appearing unusually high and the body looking narrower than it is—likely an issue with the photography rather than the design itself. Official photos released by Tesla last week confirm that the vehicle’s proportions remain largely unchanged from the outgoing model, maintaining the same familiar stance.

Meanwhile, images from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology offer a better perspective on the refreshed design. The front fascia takes cues from the angular styling of the Cybertruck and Cybercab, featuring a split headlamp setup with thin LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and a light bar.

Around the back, redesigned taillights and an additional light bar give the SUV a more contemporary vibe. However, the black trim connecting the taillights has drawn mixed reactions. Some have likened the new Model Y’s taillight styling to that the Toyota Prius or, less flatteringly, the long-defunct Dodge Dart.

Specifications

Chinese regulatory data sheds some more light on the Model Y’s powertrain options in the country. The base rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant will produce 295 hp (220 kW), while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model pairs a 184-hp (137 kW) front motor with a 260-hp (194 kW) rear motor.

Both models come with some unique trim-related touches tailored to China, including a Plaid-like badge and Chinese characters on the tailgate. The AWD launch edition, branded as the Model Y+, includes the otherwise optional Acceleration Boost feature as standard, giving it an extra performance edge right out of the box.

Strong Demand

Despite a growing preference among local buyers for Chinese EV brands, the response to the updated Model Y appears to be positive. According to Chinese auto bloggers, as many as 50,000 orders were placed been placed on the day of its unveiling. CarNewsChina adds that Tesla sales staff in China have reported a surge of interest, with many receiving hundreds of orders shortly after the announcement. Local deliveries are expected to begin as early as April or May.

Tesla is betting that the refreshed Model Y will further bolster Chinese sales even further. Last year, 480,309 Model Ys were sold across the country, surpassing the 456,394 units delivered in 2023. December was an especially strong month, with 61,881 vehicles finding new owners.

Toyota’s in-house Japanese tuning arm, Modellista, has revealed its newest creation, the Concept Zero, at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon. Built on the fully electric Toyota bZ4x, the concept has a retro-futuristic flair reminiscent of 1980s visions of tomorrow. It also hints at potential styling upgrades for Toyota’s electric crossovers, offering a preview of what could define the next generation of Modellista designs.

One of the standout features of the Concept Zero are the new wheels, which sport a distinctive, aero-efficient three-spoke design. To create a more cohesive appearance, Modellista replaced the bZ4x’s stock black fender cladding with body-colored panels, giving the concept a sleeker, more seamless profile. Additional refinements include sportier side skirts that extend lower, covering a larger area on the profile.

More: Tokyo’s Wildest Lexus Concept Is Actually a Toyota GR 86 In Disguise

The custom front bumper has also been thoroughly reworked, incorporating an illuminated light strip in place of traditional intakes, along with headlight covers and a pronounced lower chin equipped with integrated fins. At the rear, Modellista applied a similar treatment with LED lighting and a diffuser extension, completing the look.

Inside, the Concept Zero builds on its futuristic theme with ambient lighting integrated into the dashboard and center console, creating a clean, high-tech atmosphere. Modellista branding appears throughout, while the armrests and glass roof feature matching graphics that echo the sci-fi-inspired exterior.

Photos: Modellista, Tokyo Auto Salon

While Modellista emphasized ride comfort and refinement during development, the concept doesn’t appear to include any chassis or powertrain modifications. It’s likely that the vehicle retains the stock AWD setup of the Toyota bZ4x, which delivers 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) from its e-TNGA-based electric platform.

The Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra twins were introduced in 2022. The EVs are expected to receive a mid-lifecycle update later this year. These updates could include performance-oriented variants, potentially with Gazoo Racing and STI branding, adding a sportier edge to the EV duo.

More: Modellista’s Wild Toyota Land Cruiser SEMA Concept May Spawn Production Parts

Judging from the timing of the Modellista Concept Zero’s launch, the Japanese tuner is already working on styling upgrades for the upcoming facelift.

In addition to the EV, Modellista’s display at the Tokyo Auto Salon featured an eye-catching automotive sculpture called Embryo. This artistic creation acts as a manifesto for the tuner’s future design direction, showcasing “flowing lines and sculptural surfaces that seem to have been carved away.” The sculpture embraces an “asymmetrical style” and incorporates indirect lighting that pulsates rhythmically, mimicking a heartbeat.

Photos: Modellista

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.

More: The 2025 EQS Actually Looks Like A Mercedes Now

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.

SHProshots

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.

Related: 2025 Tesla Model Y Debuts With Cybercab Looks And Turn Signal Stalks

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

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 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.

More: Would You Pick The Porsche Macan EV Turbo Or The ICE Macan GTS To Drive Until It Breaks?

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.

More: Porsche Buyers Snap Up Gas-Powered 718s Like It’s 1999 As Taycan Sales Tank

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.

China Sales Collapse

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.

2024 Porsche Global Sales Breakdown

2024 Porsche Sales In Different Regions

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.

Read: Hyundai’s New CEO Says Musk-Trump Friendship Is A “Positive” For All Carmakers

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.

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.

Read: Tesla And Stellantis Overtake Ford As 2024’s Most Recalled Brands

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.

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.

Read: Xpeng’s $280,000 AeroHT Mothership Launches 2-Seater Drone From Its Boot

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.

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.

Related: Genesis Refreshes GV60, Includes New 27-Inch Display

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.

Images: Baldauf

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.

More: 2025 Carrera S Returns To Porsche 911 Lineup With 473 HP, But No Manual

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.

SUVs Reign Supreme, But EV Plans Shift Gears

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.

More: New And Existing Porsches Get YouTube Because Riding Shotgun Is So Boring

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.

2024 Porsche U.S. Sales Breakdown

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.

More: Ford F-Series Is America’s Best-Selling Model For The 43rd Consecutive Year

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 Edges Up the Ladder

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

Most Popular Used Cars in Top 50 U.S. Metro Areas, 2024

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

Photos Stephen Rivers / Carscoops

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.

Photos Rivian

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.

New Car Finance Data (Averages)

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.

Used Car Finance Data (Averages)

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.

More: Hertz Employees Abandon Post, So Customers, Including Denver’s Mayor, Drive Off In Anything With Keys

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.

Photos Hertz

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.”