Mercedes is working on a facelifted EQS SUV, which appears to have a tad more character.
Besides starry new headlights, we can expect a revised grille with some personality.
The crossover could debut at the Munich Motor Show with an upgraded powertrain.
Mercedes EQS sales plunged 52% last year to a dismal 6,963 units. That meant the EQS Sedan and EQS SUV were outsold in the United States by the regular S-Class, which found 8,809 buyers.
The company knows they have a huge problem on their hands and it looks like they’re about to put a band-aid on the situation. As part of this effort, the EQS SUV will follow in the footsteps of the sedan and get a minor facelift.
Recently spied undergoing testing, the prototype has a heavily camouflaged front end with star-infused headlights. Additional details are hard to make out, but the crossover could mimic the sedan by adopting a fully enclosed grille that echoes the one found on ICE-powered models. The updated sedan also gained a hood ornament, but it remains unclear if the SUV will also get one.
The rear end doesn’t reveal much other than a camouflaged bumper, which hints at an updated design. Furthermore, while the taillights carryover from the current model, we wouldn’t be surprised if they’re given a starry makeover.
SHproshots
Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but the cabin appears to eschew disguise. This suggests updates will be relatively minor.
While the extent of the changes remains unclear, we can expect an updated infotainment system running the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System. The AI-infused software features an MBUX Virtual Assistant, which has been billed as a “living avatar” that takes the form of a Mercedes star.
Additional details are limited, but the crossover is rumored to benefit from significant powertrain updates. These are said to include an upgraded battery as well as electric motors that were developed in-house. This could improve range and efficiency, which would likely enable the model to travel more than 323 miles (520 km) between charges.
Plenty of questions remain, but we could get some answers at the Munich Motor Show. If the crossover does indeed debut there, it could be launched in 2026.
Elon Musk says that we can expect a Model Y of sorts in the brand’s new ‘affordable car.’
Some fans are disappointed, while others express concern about Tesla’s business strategy.
If released this year, the new model could become a very compelling product offering.
Elon Musk may have let the cat out of the bag on Wednesday when he mentioned the Model Y during Tesla’s Q2 earnings call. When asked about the company’s next vehicle, his response led many to believe it could end up being little more than a stripped-down Model Y. Whether that turns out to be the case or not, there’s reason to think the timing might actually work in Tesla’s favor.
Tesla just had an incredibly rough first half of the year. It reported the steepest decline in quarterly revenue (12%) it’s seen in over a decade. That comes despite the recently updated Model Y, the brand’s most popular car. As a result, the stock is down over $30 as of this writing.
The company promised that it has high hopes for the future, and one is a new ‘affordable model.’ Set to go into volume production later this year, Tesla is apparently already building it in low numbers. Amid questions at the end of yesterday’s earnings call, someone asked what the new model would look like.
Hints at the Next Model
Elon Musk cut off another executive who was hesitating to answer the question by saying either “It looks like a Model Y,” or “It’s just a Model Y.” The audio from the video just isn’t crisp enough to be certain. That said, it gives us enough information to come up with some additional conclusions. For one thing, don’t expect some jarring, abrasive, futuristic design like a shrunken Cybertruck.
Whatever this turns out to be, it’s likely to look like, if not actually be, a Model Y with significantly fewer features. Tesla could cut back on battery capacity, remove elements like the rear-seat screen, reduce the number of cameras, and scale down on sound-deadening materials. It might also modify the battery chemistry or swap in different motors to lower production costs. Reusing existing Model Y tooling would almost certainly help keep expenses in check as well.
That said, not everyone is stoked about the possibility of a de-contented Model Y. Some called it out for just being disappointing as a new model. Others are worried it’ll be a massive problem for Tesla as a business. “Model S, Model X, CT are all failing, Model 3 was cannibalized by Model Y being such a success. And now the Model Y lite will crush the Model Y sales with lower margin.”
A Well-Timed Launch?
That may or may not be true, but fans of the brand still have reason to hope for good things. Tesla could still come out on top of this entire situation. Whether the cheaper vehicle coming looks exactly like the current Model Y or a scaled-down version, it sounds like it’s coming at the right time. Federal tax credits are about to go away, at least for the next few years, it seems.
That’ll make selling electric vehicles harder for just about every brand. If Tesla can launch this new ‘affordable model’ just as other brands are now having to sell their cars without the tax credit, it could help Tesla dig out of the hole it’s in.
That would be extremely disappointing. If it’s just another trim… why not release it a long time ago? Doesn’t make any sense. A cheaper made Model Y that’s a free thousand dollars cheaper is not going to move the needle. We need a CyberCab with pedals and steering wheel
Tesla only recently launched Robotaxi service in a geo-fenced area of Austin, Texas.
Elon Musk now claims half the US population will be covered by Robotaxis soon.
The CEO added that Tesla owners will get FSD unsupervised by the end of this year.
In June, Tesla introduced its long-awaited Robotaxi service to a geo-fenced area of Austin, Texas. It’s now planning to expand this service to the San Francisco Bay Area, but has yet to receive the required go-ahead from local authorities to do so. In the meantime, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has made a bold proclamation about the robotaxi service and its potential for rapid growth.
While speaking on Tesla’s quarterly earnings call, Musk declared that “half of the population of the US will be covered by Tesla’s Robotaxi by the end of the year.” Given that we’re already fast approaching the end of July, and the system is only operating in a section of a single US city, this seems like yet another grandiose statement from the world’s richest man that will not bear fruit.
Safety Measures Still in Place
Currently, all Robotaxis operating in Austin are believed to feature a hidden kill switch that can instantly disable the Full Self-Driving system. All vehicles currently have a Tesla employee sitting in the passenger seat with their finger constantly resting on the door opening button, prompting suggestions that this button has been repurposed to act as a quick override mechanism.
Tesla’s Robotaxis have already been seen struggling with real-world driving conditions in Texas. Several videos have captured the vehicles making noticeable blunders on the road, raising questions about how quickly the system can realistically scale to other parts of the country within the next five months.
Ambitious Expansion Plans
This isn’t the only wild statement Musk recently made about the company’s self-driving systems, notes The Verge. Speaking on the same earnings call, Musk predicted that by the end of 2025, Tesla customers will be able to update their vehicles so they can use FSD without supervision. In addition to eyeing an expansion into California, Musk also named Florida, Nevada, and Arizona as other states where Tesla wants to introduce its Robotaxi service.
While Tesla can continue to test and improve its driver-assistance systems, it can do little to speed up the state regulatory approvals necessary for expanding the service across the United States. So, unless you live near a massive urban center, don’t expect to be able to order a self-driving Tesla taxi anytime soon.
GM unveiled a new Corvette concept featuring a hypercar stance and EV power.
The study was created by GM’s Pasadena Advanced Design studio in California.
It uses a T-shaped prismatic battery pack to improve airflow and enable low seating.
Even with the next-generation C9 Corvette likely deep in development ahead of its rumored 2029 debut, General Motors is already looking beyond. The company just offered a look even further down the line, imagining what a C10 could look like if it were drawn up today.
Their newly opened Advanced Design studio in Pasadena, California, pulled the cover off a striking new Corvette concept, one that leans hard into hypercar territory while rethinking the future of America’s most famous sports car.
Purists might want to look away, since this vision drops the V8 in favor of an all-electric powertrain. That choice appears to contradict recent comments from Corvette’s chief engineer, who suggested the sports car isn’t going fully electric any time soon. Then again, he did describe a fully electric Corvette as still firmly in the realm of “science fiction” which, in fairness, is what this concept is, even if it could loosely influence the eventual design of the real C10.
This is the second of three Corvette design studies scheduled to be revealed in 2025. It follows an earlier concept from GM’s European design team in the UK. According to GM, this project isn’t tied to production plans. Instead, the intent was to give designers full creative freedom to “reimagine what the Corvette could be.”
While GM stopped short of directly naming it the C10 in their release, the “C10” badge displayed on the front fender leaves little room for interpretation.
More than a Sports Car
Rather than resembling a Porsche 911 rival, the SoCal Corvette appears to have more in common with future hypercars from Koenigsegg or Rimac. It features aggressive mid-engine proportions, with bodywork that functions as part of the car’s aerodynamic system – similar to the Aston Martin Valkyrie.
The bumper intakes have hints of the C8 Corvette, combined with an F1-style carbon fiber front wing and ultra-slim LED headlights. The profile is mostly hollow, directing air to the massive rear diffuser. The rear end includes an active aero spoiler and air brake, design elements more commonly seen on high-performance exotics like Bugatti.
One of the standout features is the removable, front-hinged single-piece canopy. It lifts off to reveal a track-focused two-seat cabin. Inside, the cockpit includes a slim digital instrument cluster, an augmented-reality head-up display, and an additional screen mounted on a yoke-style steering wheel.
Sorry Folks, The Future’s Electric
Underneath, the Corvette concept is based on a carbon fiber tub and envisioned with a fully electric powertrain. GM notes the use of a T-shaped prismatic battery pack, which allows for low seating and improved airflow around and through the chassis. These choices point to performance priorities while also emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency
Back to the one-off Corvette hypercar, it measures 182.5 inches (4,669mm) long, 86 inches (2,184mm) wide, and only 41.4 inches (1,051 mm) tall, with a wheelbase of 109 inches (2,767mm). Compared to the current C8, it’s slightly longer and wider, with a much lower roofline. Its dramatic stance is accentuated by the futuristic alloy wheels measuring 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear.
Global Vision, SoCal Lens
Brian Smith, design director, GM Advanced Design Pasadena explained the philosophy behind the project:
“Southern California has been at the heart of automotive and design culture for a century, and GM has had a deep design presence here for nearly 40 years. We wanted to ensure that this concept was developed through that SoCal lens, but with a global and futuristic outlook. Duality of purpose is the basis of this concept’s design strategy. The defining design aspect is the single-piece, front-hinged canopy than enables the entire upper shell to be removed, transforming the concept from an agile, slick sports car to a lightweight, open-air track car.”
We’re looking forward to the next Corvette concept that will be the work of a different design team, offering another perspective on the brand’s future. In addition to the Pasadena studio, GM also operates design centers in Detroit, Los Angeles, Leamington (UK), Shanghai, and Seoul, bringing a unique cultural influence to the table.
The Ioniq 6 N may start at the same price as the Ioniq 5 N in South Korea.
US pricing for the Ioniq 5 N starts at $68K, well above the Model 3 Performance.
While pricey, the Ioniq 6 N promises unmatched driver engagement for an EV.
American shoppers in the market for the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N could be in for some sticker shock if reports about prices in Korea prove to be accurate. While some had hoped it would offer a competitive alternative to the Tesla Model 3 Performance, early pricing leaks suggest it might land in a different tier altogether. Instead of undercutting the competition, the Ioniq 6 N may be priced more in line with Hyundai’s existing performance EV, the Ioniq 5 N.
According to recent reports, the Ioniq 6 N is expected to start at around 77 million won in South Korea, the equivalent of around $55,000. Sounds just about perfect, right? Well, the Ioniq 5 N also sells for 77 million won in Korea, but its price has been jacked up to $67,800 in the United States. If this rumor is true, that means the Ioniq 6 N may also start at around $68,000 when it lands stateside.
Expectations Versus Reality
That would come as somewhat of a surprise, given that the entry-level Ioniq 6 is almost $5,000 cheaper than the base Ioniq 5 in the US. Some had assumed this meant the Ioniq 6 N would also undercut the Ioniq 5 N, which is slightly bigger. Additionally, as the Ioniq 6 N is Hyundai’s second high-performance EV using many of the same parts as the Ioniq 5 N, one would have thought the firm would have been able to bring its costs down.
Hyundai Or Tesla?
A price tag of over $65,000 would make the Ioniq 6 N significantly more expensive than the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which starts at $54,990. Admittedly, the Ioniq 6 N has a healthy 131 hp advantage over the Tesla and is also equipped with far more driver-focused features, which should make it much more enjoyable to drive.
Interestingly, while the Hyundai has a big power advantage, the Tesla is slightly quicker off the mark, at least on paper, capable of hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds in Euro-spec, compared to the Hyundai’s 3.2 seconds.
Pricing aside, the Ioniq 6 N has the ingredients for an intoxicating EV. It features an 84 kWh battery pack and two electric motors, typically delivering 601 hp but capable of producing 641 hp with the N Grin Boost function enabled.
Both the C8 Corvette ZR1 and Tesla Model S Plaid deliver over 1,000 horsepower.
In ideal conditions, the Tesla Model S Plaid runs the quarter-mile in 9.23 seconds.
Launching the Tesla is easy, but getting a perfect start in the Corvette is trickier.
High-horsepower showdowns are always a spectacle, especially when they pit cutting-edge electric speed against old-school combustion muscle. That’s exactly the case with the new Chevy Corvette ZR1, which has caused a stir in the performance car world with its 1,064-hp V8 and the largest turbochargers ever fitted to a production car.
But can all that power outmatch one of the fastest production EVs on the planet, the Tesla Model S Plaid, on a drag strip? A new test sets out to answer that question.
To most casual observers, the Corvette ZR1 may seem like the favorite. However, for those who are familiar with Tesla’s capabilities, the two are actually quite well-matched.
Thanks to a pair of mighty electric motors, the Model S Plaid delivers 1,020 hp and benefits from all-wheel drive. It is heavier than the Corvette, tipping the scales at 4,812 lbs (2,183 kg), compared to the ZR1 Coupe’s 1,665 kg (3,670 lbs). Despite this, the spec sheet would suggest that Tesla has the advantage. Tesla says it can sprint down the quarter-mile in 9.23 seconds, whereas Chevy says the new ZR1 needs 9.6 seconds.
Muscle vs. Electrons
In the first of a few drag races between the new Corvette ZR1 and the Model S Plaid, Drag Times gave the jump to the C8. Initially, the two pick up speed at similar rates, but as the race progresses, the Tesla pulls ahead to take a commanding win. In this race, the Tesla set a time of 9.243 seconds, whereas the ZR1 needed 9.8 seconds.
It was a similar story in the second race. However, the Tesla won even more convincingly as the YouTuber didn’t give it such a big head start. The Corvette driver also failed to match the time of his first run, running the quarter-mile in a somewhat disappointing 10.3 seconds. In the third and final race, the Tesla again set a 9.2-second quarter-mile, whereas the ZR1 was left trailing with a 10.2-second time.
As we’ve seen many times in the past, it’s much easier to set consistent acceleration times in a high-performance EV than it is in a gas-powered car. So for now, the Model S Plaid comes out on top. Now we just have to wait and see what the all-wheel drive hybrid ZR1X can do, with Chevy suggesting it’ll dip below the 9.0-second mark in the quarter-mile.
Opel has revealed the Mokka GSE, its fastest and most aggressive electric model to date.
The small SUV features sporty bumpers, yellow brake calipers, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
A 278 hp motor drives the front wheels, aided by a bespoke chassis and suspension setup.
Small electric performance cars are picking up speed, and in Europe, Stellantis has quietly assembled a diverse lineup across its brands. Among them are the Abarth 600e, the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, the Lancia Ypsilon HF, and the upcoming Peugeot 208 GTI. Now Opel is joining the mix with a sportier take on the Mokka.
This electric variant kicks off Opel’s revamped GSE sub-brand with sharper styling and performance upgrades.
The fastest electric Opel (Vauxhall in the UK) model to date looks more aggressive than the regular Mokka, taking inspiration by the GSE Rally prototype that debuted last May. Black inserts in the front and rear bumpers emphasize the air intakes, and GSE badging on the grille and side panels signals its performance focus. The standout, however, is the set of 20-inch alloy wheels with a clean, aerodynamic design and bright yellow brake calipers, which look especially large on a compact SUV.
Inside the cabin, the upgrades continue. The front seats are trimmed in Alcantara and shaped for extra support, matched by similarly finished door inserts. A reshaped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and white and yellow accents help differentiate the GSE from its tamer siblings. The dual 10-inch screens in the digital cockpit now include performance-focused graphics unique to this model, providing real-time data while driving.
Performance Matches Rivals
Power comes from a single electric motor producing 278 horsepower (207 kW or 280 PS) and 345 Nm (254.5 lb-ft) of torque. These figures are in line with the top-spec versions of the Abarth and Alfa Romeo counterparts, as well as the earlier GSE Rally concept. The front wheels handle all that power with the help of a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Opel claims the Mokka GSE can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, while its top speed is capped at 200 km/h (124 mph. This makes the Mokka GSE quicker than the more powerful but heavier Grandland Electric AWD.
Besides having almost double the power of the standard Mokka Electric, the GSE features a unique chassis setup. The suspension has been lowered by 10 mm and includes dual hydraulic shock absorbers for better damping. The rear axle is stiffer, the steering has been retuned, and stopping power comes from Alcon brakes with 380 mm discs and four-piston calipers.
The Mokka GSE uses the same 54 kWh lithium-ion battery pack found in the regular Mokka Electric. However, due to the performance enhancements and extra hardware, the WLTP range is expected to fall short of the standard model’s 406 km (252 miles). Even so, the GSE keeps its weight under 1,600 kg (3,527 pounds), which is not bad for a fully electric crossover with this level of performance.
Details about the market launch and the pricing of the Opel Mokka GSE in Europe will be announced in the coming months. The model will also be available in the UK, albeit with Vauxhall emblems.
The Lucid Air will gain access to Tesla’s Supercharger network later this month.
Owners shouldn’t use it as access requires a $220 adaptor and charges at 50 kW.
Lucid also introduced the 2026 Air, which features more range in Touring guise.
The Lucid Gravity is the brand’s white knight, but the Air is rolling into 2026 with a handful of updates. The biggest is access to the Tesla Supercharger network, although you’d have to be dumb or desperate to use it.
While that sounds odd, let us explain. Starting on July 31, Air owners can use a $220 NACS adapter to gain access to more than 23,500 Tesla Superchargers. That seems fantastic, but the Air is only capable of charging at speeds up to 50 kW. This means it could take up to an hour to gain 200 miles (322 km) of range.
That’s ridiculous for a ‘fast charger’ and you’d be far better off using a traditional CCS charging station. Depending on the trim, the Air supports a DC CCS fast charging capability of up to 300 kW and that’s six times higher than at a Tesla Supercharger.
Despite being terrible, Lucid’s Emad Dlala claimed “Access to the Tesla Supercharging network … is yet another major milestone.” However, if there are other alternatives, you should avoid Superchargers like the plague.
Besides Supercharger access, the 2026 Air Pure comes with an improved air conditioning compressor from the Gravity. It promises improved cooling as well as quieter operation.
Buyers will also find a newly standard Lucid Mobile Charging Cable Kit and optional 19-inch Aeronaut wheels, which are available in Platinum or Stealth. The Comfort and Convenience Package has also been updated to include a rear center console display and storage bin.
The $79,900 Air Touring builds on that and features higher density battery cells. They help to increase the EPA-estimated range over 6% to 431 miles (694 km).
Last but not least, the Air Grand Touring now comes standard with 20-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Lucid said they “make road trips in the industry’s longest range electric vehicle, at up to 512 miles (824 km) of EPA-estimated range, even more comfortable and relaxing.”
Tesla is offering free transfers for its Full Self-Driving system for the Cybertruck.
Several Tesla Cybertrucks are available with discounts of over $3,000.
The electric pickup is also available with 0 percent APR financing.
Come September 30, not a single electric vehicle in the United States will qualify for a federal tax credit. As that deadline approaches, Tesla appears increasingly motivated to clear out as much inventory as possible.
The company has rolled out a number of incentives across its lineup, with a particular focus on the slow-selling Cybertruck. Even so, it’s unclear whether these perks will be enough to boost demand.
There are dozens of Cybertrucks in Tesla’s current inventory, some of which are eligible for the federal EV tax credit, and some of which aren’t. Regardless, almost all of them are being sold with generous price cuts, with some valued at upwards of $3,000. Eligible vehicles can get the tax credit regardless of whether they purchase the electric pickup or lease it.
In case discounts and credits aren’t enough to convince people to get behind the wheel of a Cybertruck, there’s another incentive on offer. All Cybertrucks that are leased from Tesla’s current inventory now come standard with a 20-inch Cyber Wheel upgrade as standard, complete with all-terrain tires.
0 Percent Financing, With Conditions
In addition, the Cybertruck is available with 0 percent APR financing. However, this is only available for “well-qualified buyers with excellent credit” who order a new Cybertruck with Full-Self Driving and provide a minimum down payment of 4 percent on terms of up to 60 months.
Tesla has also started advertising several offers that apply across its range, including for the Cybertruck. For example, all military members, first responders, teachers, and students can receive a $1,000 discount for being ‘American Heroes,’ and every new Tesla includes a free one-month trial of Full Self-Driving.
Free FSD Transfers
Perhaps the most intriguing offer currently available is that Full Self-Driving can now be transferred to a new vehicle free of charge. Usually, FSD is locked to the vehicle, rather than the owners who have paid for it. During promotional periods like this, Tesla often offers free transfers of FSD for brief periods, but this appears to be the first time the Cybertruck has been included. While that’s a step in the right direction, Tesla should make FSD free to transfer for all owners, all the time.
Tariffs cost GM $1.1 billion in the second quarter and could cost $5 billion this year alone.
The added fees weighed on the automaker, which reported revenues of $47.1 billion.
GM is committed to electric vehicles, but noted ICE models now have a “longer runway.”
President Trump’s trade war continues to cause self-inflicted injuries as American companies are getting slammed by higher fees. This includes General Motors, which revealed tariffs cost them $1.1 billion in the second quarter.
All told, the automaker is expecting tariffs to cost them between $4 and $5 billion this year alone. That’s a staggering figure and one that will likely result in price increases.
Tariffs aside, the company earned $47.1 billion in revenue in the second quarter and had an adjusted EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) of $3 billion. GM went on to note the latter figure decreased primarily due to tariffs.
In North America, the company reported net revenues of $39.5 billion. This was aided by record crossover sales as well as strong demand for trucks. U.S. dealer inventories were also down in Q2, while EV sales were up significantly.
Other notable takeaways include lower than average incentive spending and average transaction prices in excess of $51,000. The automaker said this shows “robust demand across our portfolio.”
While the elimination of the clean vehicle credit will likely cause chaos, GM noted second quarter EV sales were up 111% from a year ago and they controlled 16% of the U.S. EV market.
Chevrolet became the second best-selling EV brand as sales jumped 146% in Q2. This is largely due to the affordable Equinox EV, which is the third best-selling electric vehicle in America so far this year. The company went on to note Cadillac is the best-selling electric luxury brand and the 5th largest EV brand in America – including both luxury and mainstream brands.
In a letter to shareholders, CEO Mary Barra acknowledged slower EV growth. However, she said “We believe the long-term future is profitable electric vehicle production, and this continues to be our north star. As we adjust to changing demand, we will prioritize our customers, brands, and a flexible manufacturing footprint, and leverage our domestic battery investments and other profit-improvement plans.” Speaking of flexibility, Barra noted ICE models have a “longer runway” than initially expected.
The electric M3 will feature Neue Klasse design with fresh front and rear styling.
Rumors suggest it will have four electric motors producing over 700 horsepower.
BMW plans to keep selling the inline-six M3 alongside the new electric version.
With the release of its all-electric M3, BMW’s M division will embark on a brave new future and try to convince gearheads it’s possible to have a fun and engaging EV. While it’ll be some time before anyone gets behind the wheel of this promising new model, recent spy photos offer a surprisingly detailed glimpse at what’s to come. So far, things are looking encouraging.
Visually, the electric M3 will mark one of the first entries in BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup, bringing with it a noticeably different design language compared to today’s M3. One of the biggest changes is at the front. The oversized and much criticized kidney grilles from the six-cylinder version appear to be on the way out.
A New Take on the Front End
Based on prototype sightings, these renderings from Kolesasuggest the electric M3, possibly named the iM3, will feature sharp headlights integrated cleanly into slim, illuminated kidney grilles. It looks excellent, which isn’t a word we’re used to using when it comes to modern BMW designs. The publication has also imagined the new sports sedan with a large secondary lower grille finished in black, adding to the aggressive looks.
The same testers also hint that the side profile of the new model will differ significantly from the G80 M3, drawing more from the design of the latest 5-Series. This will include door handles that sit flush with the bodywork and simpler lines. Then there’s the rear.
The taillights of the new model should be similar to those from the recent Vision Driving Experience demonstrator, but if these renders prove accurate, they’ll be slightly smaller and slimmer. A sculpted bumper with a pronounced diffuser gives the rear a more commanding and purposeful appearance.
Powertrain Possibilities
BMW hasn’t shared official specs for the iM3 just yet, but all signs point to a quad-motor layout. While the theoretical output of this setup could reach a staggering 1,341 horsepower, equivalent to one Megawatt, the Germans are expected to dial it back to somewhere in the range of 700 to 800 horsepower for production. Even at those numbers, it would make this the most powerful M3 to date, and possibly the quickest as well.
Cadillac has added a slew of EVs to its range, but is axing several of its ICE models.
At the current rate, the Escalade may be Cadillac’s final combustion-powered vehicle.
GM is working on plans for the fourth quarter once the federal EV tax credit ends.
Cadillac has expanded its electric lineup more than ever, but shifting consumer interest in the States could complicate its all-EV ambitions. As demand for electric vehicles tapers off, the company may need to revisit its goal of becoming an EV-only brand by 2030.
The final quarter of this year could be especially challenging, since the federal EVs tax credit is scheduled to end, likely making both new and used electric models less accessible to many buyers.
GM’s flagship brand has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past couple of years. It first launched the all-electric Lyriq SUV and more recently, it’s been followed up by the electric Optiq and the three-row Vistiq. Additionally, Cadillac wants to once again become the ‘Standard of the World’ with the Celestiq. It has also launched two electric versions of the Escalade, known as the IQ and IQL.
Flexibility in a Shifting Market
Even with these investments, Cadillac is approaching the market with cautious adaptability. According to global Cadillac vice president John Roth, the brand is staying open to adjusting its powertrain strategy as needed.
“It’s really important in this continuously evolving marketplace to make sure that you’re meeting customers where they are,” he said. “The auto industry is never a straight line, and so to put absolutes in the marketplace, you’ve got to have some flexibility to pivot when it makes sense to do so.”
As Auto News pointed out, more manufacturers are acknowledging that both gasoline and electric models need to be available side by side, with consumers ultimately setting the pace for the transition. Roth confirmed that GM is actively working on plans for the fourth quarter to prepare for the end of the tax credit.
A Shrinking Gas-Powered Lineup
While Cadillac has grown its fleet of EVs, its range of ICE models has shrunk dramatically. The company recently halted production of the XT4, and the XT6 is set to follow later this year.
The XT5 is expected to remain in the lineup only through 2027. Meanwhile, the factory that currently produces the CT4 and CT5 sedans is being converted to focus exclusively on EVs. This shift could eventually leave the Escalade as the last gas-powered Cadillac standing.
Demand for near-new Xiaomi YU7s has soared due to long wait times.
The entry-level YU7 Standard has a delivery time of up to 60 weeks.
The SU7 sedan allegedly retains over 88% of its value during the first year.
It’s not unusual for dealers and early owners of in-demand cars to take delivery, and then quickly try to sell them for a tidy profit. However, the vehicles in question are usually limited-run performance models or cars that’ll only be built for a short time. The Xiaomi YU7 doesn’t fit into either one of those categories, and yet, people are already trying to flip them.
Shortly after it was revealed that Xiaomi had received 289,000 orders for the YU7 an hour after the order books opened, several of the first cars have already found themselves listed for sale. There are currently about 80 YU7s listed for resale in China, and some have hefty markups. Evidently, it’s not just Americans who have to deal with eye-watering dealer premiums.
Early Listings, Fast Markups
As reported by CarNewsChina, prices for YU7s on the used market range from roughly 350,000 yuan to 390,000 yuan (about $48,300 – $53,800 at current exchange rates). While Xiaomi’s all-electric SUV still sounds like an excellent deal for those prices, prices for a new YU7 start at 279,900 yuan ($38,600) and top out at 329,900 yuan ($45,600).
Although the YU7 is positioned as a mass-market EV, the extraordinary demand means shoppers will be waiting a long time to take delivery. In fact, wait times for the entry-level model currently stand at 57-60 weeks, while buyers for the Pro have to wait 49-52 weeks. The flagship Max has wait times between 41-44 weeks.
Resale Value Could Stay Strong
Once more YU7 models start to land in the driveways of buyers, prices of used examples will inevitably start to fall. But, given how fond Chinese consumers are of the Xiaomi brand, depreciation could be minimal. Local data reveals that the Xiaomi SU7 sedan has ranked the highest of all Chinese cars for resale, retaining 88.91 percent of its value after the first year.
Tesla will face a five-day hearing in California over claims of misleading consumers.
California’s DMV accuses Tesla of overstating its driver-assistance system capabilities.
The regulator is reportedly seeking to suspend or revoke its dealer license in the state.
Tesla is facing mounting regulatory pressure in California as it prepares to defend how it markets its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features. The hearing, set for next week, stems from earlier claims by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that the company misled consumers about the true capabilities of its driver-assistance systems.
The outcome could have significant consequences for Tesla’s business in California, as regulators are weighing whether to suspend or revoke the company’s dealer license, which authorizes it to sell vehicles in the state.
The case dates back to July 2022, when the California DMV alleged that Tesla overstated what its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems could do. According to the complaint, marketing materials gave the impression that Tesla vehicles were “able to conduct short and long-distance trips with no action required in the driver’s seat.”
Hearing Could Affect Tesla’s Operations in California
In June 2025, a California judge declined to dismiss the claims, ordering Tesla to appear before an administrative law judge in Oakland. The five-day hearing is set to begin Monday. As reported by Bloomberg, the regulator is seeking to suspend or revoke Tesla’s dealer license in California, putting the company’s ability to sell vehicles in the state at risk.
Tesla’s legal team argues that the contested marketing language is protected under free speech, and that statements about the company’s autonomous driving capabilities were taken out of context – omitting the disclaimers and warnings that the Autopilot requires “active driver supervision.”
Robotaxi Ambitions Add to the Stakes
At the same time, Tesla is seeking regulatory approval to expand its robotaxi program in San Francisco. If granted, a fleet of Tesla Model Y vehicles would operate autonomously, albeit with human supervision and within a geo-fenced area, The move would place Tesla in direct competition with Waymo, which already provides similar services in the city.
Separate Trial in Florida Raises Broader Safety Questions
Meanwhile, Tesla is embroiled in a jury trial in Miami over a 2019 crash involving a Tesla Model S that struck and killed a pedestrian. The jury must decide whether Tesla’s Autopilot system shares blame with the vehicle’s distracted driver. Similar fatal crashes involving Autopilot are under regulatory investigation, with more trials expected in the coming years.
In the Miami trial, the plaintiffs called engineering professor and former Navy pilot Mary “Missy” Cummings as an expert witness. She criticized the Autopilot branding, saying it creates unrealistic expectations based on its aviation counterpart.
“It engenders a lot more inappropriate confidence in the car, because autopilot is such a good technology in aviation,” Cummings said. “Somehow, we feel like that is going to translate to a really effective tech in the car.” She added that the term leads to “a mismatch in the consumer’s head.”
Tesla maintains that remarks about autonomous driving without human involvement are “future-facing” and “don’t reflect the current technology”. The Tesla Autopilot is currently classified as a Level 2 ADAS, as it requires continuous driver supervision. Elon Musk has repeatedly predicted that Tesla would reach full autonomy (Level 5), but these goals have not materiliazed
Two of the wheels were torn off when this Cybertruck went off-road.
A local tow company had to use a crane to pull it back to the road.
It’s unclear if the Tesla truck driver suffered any injuries in the crash.
A dramatic rescue operation unfolded in California earlier this week when a Tesla Cybertruck had to be hauled out of a ravine after veering off the road in Cajon Pass. The futuristic pickup, already known for its unconventional design, looked far worse for wear by the time it was recovered, and likely won’t be returning to the road.
It’s understood that the driver of the Tesla lost control of the electric pickup on I-15 at roughly 3:15 a.m. on July 20. There’s no word on how the driver managed to lose control of the Tesla so horribly, but it ended up roughly 600 feet away from where it appears to have entered an area of shrubbery off to the side of the road.
A Tough Morning for Towing Crews
Rather than attempting an immediate recovery in the dark, officers from the California Highway Patrol left the Cybertruck in place until reopening the scene at approximately 7:31 a.m., reports VVNG. A local towing company, Armada Towing, was called to retrieve the Cybertruck.
A clip shared to social media by Armada Towing shows that pulling the Cybertruck away from its grave was no easy feat. Heavy straps had to be wrapped around the bodywork before a crane arm attached to the tow truck slowly winched it out of position. It was then lifted over the guardrail.
While the strong stainless steel bodywork of the Cybertruck appears to have withstood the crash quite well, two of its wheels have been ripped off, and it appears all of the airbags have been deployed. There are no details regarding the condition of the driver, but they were reportedly able to escape through the left rear passenger door, which was left ajar in the crash.
A new adapter allows Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX to access Tesla Superchargers.
Tesla app is initially required, with future integration planned in Honda’s native software.
Future Honda 0 Series models will include native NACS ports from 2026 onward.
Honda and Acura electric vehicle drivers now have a significantly broader charging network at their disposal. The Prologue and ZDX crossovers can officially plug into Tesla’s Supercharger network across North America, thanks to a newly approved adapter.
Both models continue to use the CCS (Combined Charging System) port but are now compatible with Tesla’s NACS (North American Charging Standard) through this accessory, which is available for $225.
The company says that the approved adapter has been “tested for performance and compatibility” with the Prologue and ZDX, ensuring a “reliable charging experience”. While aftermarket solutions are available, Honda says that “damage caused to a vehicle resulting from the use of an unapproved adapter may not be covered under vehicles’ limited warranties”.
The official NACS adapter is currently on sale through authorized Honda and Acura dealerships, as well as via the Honda DreamShop website, all priced at $225.
Initially, Honda and Acura EV owners will have to log into the Tesla app to use a Tesla Supercharger, but the automaker has promised future integration with the HondaLink and Acura EV applications. Furthermore, the standard Google built-in Maps on the infotainment allows owners to locate Tesla Superchargers.
Honda
As of June 2025, the company has sold 49,334 units of the Honda Prologue and 17,726 units of the Acura ZDX in the US market, meaning that the news affects a pool of 67,060 EV owners. Both electric crossovers were developed in collaboration with GM.
The first Honda models equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NCAS) port will be the production versions of the 0 Series sedan and SUV, scheduled to reach dealers in 2026.
The deal between Honda and Tesla was first announced in 2023, following a similar move by several other automakers. The Tesla Supercharger network now includes more than 23,500 locations across the United States. By 2030, Honda and Acura EV owners are expected to have access to roughly 100,000 DC fast chargers throughout North America, spanning multiple charging networks.
Hanoi will start banning gas-powered bikes from central districts on July 1, 2026.
The ban will expand to more areas by 2028 and cover the entire city by 2030.
Around 5.6 million of Hanoi’s 7 million motorcycles in use today still run on gas.
As scooters and motorcycles weave through Hanoi’s crowded streets, they reflect a way of life as much as a mode of transport. But starting in mid-2026, the Vietnamese capital will begin phasing out a familiar sight: combustion-engine two-wheelers. In a country where affordable motorbikes are deeply ingrained in daily life, this marks a dramatic transition, one that may set a precedent for other cities and countries in the region.
A new directive announced by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh says that gas-powered scooters and motorcycles will be banned from most of the capital’s downtown areas, starting July 1, 2026. The ban will then extend to a larger part of Hanoi from January 1, 2028, and then encompass the entire city by 2030.
A City Built on Motorbikes
It’s believed that Hanoi is home to approximately 7 million motorbikes and scooters, the vast majority of which are gas-powered. There are approximately 72 million motorbikes and scooters across the entire country. The ban aims to reduce toxic emissions and pollution levels in the city.
According to VNExpress, approximately 5.6 million of the motorbikes registered in Hanoi run on gasoline, and roughly 1.3 million are electric. There are also about 1 million cars on the city’s roads. While several companies sell electric motorbikes in Vietnam, including Selex Motors and VinFast, there’s reportedly a “woeful lack of infrastructure for charging.”
Is The Switch To Electric Achievable?
Many of the electric bikes currently available come with swappable batteries, similar to those found in abundance in Taiwan. One of the main issues of the electric transition is that there are no government incentives for purchasing electric motorcycles. However, registration fees are waived for electric cars.
The economics paint a challenging picture. Last year, the average Hanoi resident earned the equivalent of just under $6,250. A new electric scooter typically costs between $1,150 and $1,900, placing it out of reach for many. The former chairman of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association has suggested the city offer financial support in the form of subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans to make the transition more accessible.
The GWM Ora 03 range now starts at £21,245 in the UK.
A New Electric Car Grant could exclude EVs built in Asia.
Leapmotor also recently announced a £3,750 EV discount.
The British government recently announced its long-awaited Electric Car Grant aimed at making new EVs a little more accessible to locals. Through the program, £650 million (about $876 million) worth of funding will be used to provide shoppers with grants of £1,500 ($2,000) or £3,750 ($5,000) for eligible EVs.
However, a full list of eligible vehicles has yet to be announced, leaving many brands uncertain about whether their vehicles will be included or not.
Not willing to rest on its laurels and wait, Great Wall Motor, known locally as GWM, has announced sweeping discounts of its own. All versions of the GWM Ora 03 are now available with a £3,750 (~$5,000) ‘Green Grant’, cutting their prices and making them even more accessible. The move comes shortly after Leapmotor also announced a £3,750 discount for its entry-level T03 city car.
While the Ora 03 may look a little funky, we discovered last year that it’s actually a very respectable EV. In the UK, the range starts at £21,245 (~$28,600) for the 03 Pure, down from the £24,995 (~$33,700) price tag prior to the Green Grant. It comes standard with a 48 kWh battery pack and offers up 193 miles (310 km) of range. Thanks to the price cut, it now undercuts vehicles including the Hyundai Inster and Renault 5.
Sitting in the middle of the range is the 03 Pro. Its starting price has been slashed from £28,995 (~$39,000) to £25,245 (~$34,000). For the money, shoppers receive a larger 63 kWh battery and 260 miles (418 km) of range. Topping out the range is the £29,245 (~$39,400) Ora 03 GT, which has the same powertrain as the 03 Pro and comes with unique exterior styling, massaging and ventilated front seats, an electric sunroof, and launch control.
Who Will And Who Won’t Qualify?
Qualifying for the local government’s Electric Car Grant could prove tricky for many car manufacturers, Autocar reports. For example, the available grants will vary depending on how clean the energy grid of the country where the vehicle is produced is, and where its batteries are made. Additionally, carmakers must also be a member of the Science Based Targets Initiative, where commitments must be made for carbon reductions and emissions scores must be below a yet-to-be-defined threshold.
While the government has yet to release a full list of eligible EVs, those built in Asia are expected to be excluded. That’s bad news for brands like GWM, but it should help European auto firms better confront their more competitively-priced Eastern rivals.
A mule for Bentley’s upcoming electric crossover has been spied on the Nürburgring.
It’s based on the Porsche Cayenne Electric, but the production model will have a unique design.
The Luxury Urban SUV will debut next year and go into production in 2027.
Bentley introduced their first electric vehicle earlier this month and it provoked strong reactions. While initial response to the EXP 15 concept was far from positive, the company used it to explore the idea of a crossover-ified ultra-luxury sedan.
Despite hinting at the brand’s new styling language, the concept isn’t going into production. Quite the opposite as Bentley’s first production EV will be a “Luxury Urban SUV.”
The mysterious crossover has now traded Northern Europe for the Nürburgring as development progresses. Unfortunately, the model is still a mule based on the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric. This doesn’t reveal much about the Bentley, although the British license plates are hard to miss.
Last year, Bentley introduced their Beyond100+ strategic plan and announced they’re now aiming to go fully electric in 2035. The electric crossover will lead the way and it will have a lot in common with the Cayenne.
SHproshots
Porsche has been heavily promoting the upcoming model and recently said the electric crossover will “combine performance, everyday usability, long-distance comfort and off-road suitability in compelling fashion.” It will ride on the PPE platform and have a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg). The performance brand has also confirmed the model will offer an Active Ride system, which “keeps the body level at all times, even during dynamic braking, steering and acceleration.”
One of the biggest unanswered questions is performance specifications, but the Macan Electric gives us some hints. It has outputs ranging from 355 hp (265 kW / 360 PS) to 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS). Buyers will also find a 100 kWh battery pack, which delivers EPA-estimated ranges of between 288 and 315 miles (463 and 507 km).
The crossover is scheduled to debut next year, before going into production in 2027. Bentley has trademarked the Barnato and Mayon names, indicating possible monikers for the model. Applications for both indicated they could be used for electric vehicles and other automotive-related equipment.
GM’s chief engineer debunks rumors about fully electric or plug-in hybrid Corvettes.
Says most electric vehicles are fast, but true sports cars must still feel engaging to drive.
Next-generation Corvette is expected to keep the V8 and self-charging hybrid system.
The mid-engined Corvette C8 has already passed the midpoint of its production run and talk of its successor is beginning to take shape. With the C9 rumored to debut around 2029, people have been speculating whether the next iteration might abandon its trademark V8 roots in favor of a fully electric powertrain.
Fortunately, recent comments from a top GM engineer suggest there’s no need to worry – at least not yet. The Corvette will hold onto its V8 rumble, embracing a more measured hybrid approach instead of going all-in on electric.
Tony Roma, Executive Chief Engineer for Global Corvette and Performance Cars at General Motors, recently spoke with Autocarto shed light on what’s next for America’s favorite sports car. While acknowledging that EVs are clearly part of the industry’s future, Roma dismissed the idea of a fully electric Corvette as something still firmly in the realm of “science fiction.”
A Corvette EV? Not Anytime Soon
The engineering boss made it clear that his team won’t be making an electric version just to comply with the European regulations, which are set to ban ICE-powered vehicles after 2035. If an EV does one day carry the Corvette name, he said, it will need to earn it. As he put it, “nobody wants” a Corvette badge on a car that doesn’t live up to its legacy.
Back in April 2025, General Motors’ new design center in the UK unveiled a Corvette-inspired concept. Presented as a design exercise, it sported a futuristic hypercar shape and a fully electric drivetrain.
According to Michael Simcoe, GM’s Senior Vice President of Global Design, it was meant to honor Corvette’s design heritage rather than serve as a preview of a future production model. Roma’s comments now confirm that this project isn’t headed for the assembly line anytime soon.
What Makes a Corvette, According to GM
For him, performance metrics alone aren’t enough. While electric vehicles can easily deliver blistering acceleration, he believes the Corvette should be focused on something more enduring: the experience behind the wheel, noting that “it has to be engaging” and that “the art of driving” remains central to the brand’s identity.
He emphasized the importance of a strong power-to-weight ratio, as well as cost and range, but placed even more weight on the “visceral connection” a driver feels with the car. Roma admitted he’s driven many excellent EVs, but said most of them lack the emotional spark that makes a great performance car memorable.
“The computer does so much of the work,” he explained. What he wants on a Saturday morning drive is simple: “to fire up an engine and listen to all those noises.”
In his view, the transition to electric will only happen when the alternative is truly better: “Our cars will be all-electric when an all-electric car is better than what we have right now. And until then, we’ll continue to do what we’re doing right now… Everybody should just take a deep breath and relax, and we’ll get there when it’s time.”
Simplicity Over Complexity in Hybrid Design
The chief engineer also dismissed the idea of turning to plug-in hybrid technology for Corvette, citing drawbacks like added mass, higher costs, and unnecessary complexity. He said such a system would only be worth considering if it allowed GM to meet specific regulatory targets based on electric-only driving range.
While speciality makers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren are already offering plug-in hybrid supercars, Chevrolet has gone in a different direction with the Corvette E-Ray. Roma explained why.
“I won’t poke anybody in particular, but some of our competitors have been criticized for the games you have to play to get the car in the right mode, and which charging mode and this and that and the other. But when you drive an E-Ray, you just fire it up and drive it. It’s just a hybrid. It charges the battery for you. It does everything. If you want to override and make it charge the battery faster, there’s a button for that. But other than that, that’s pretty much it, and keep it simple, keep it usable.”
What Comes After the C8?
All signs point to the next-generation Corvette sticking with a V8 engine, possibly paired with a self-charging hybrid system. That keeps the formula intact while still allowing for incremental updates that improve efficiency and performance without losing the essence of what the Corvette is all about.
Although the C9 is expected around 2029, there’s still more to come from the current model. Roma recently hinted that the 1,250-horsepower ZR1X isn’t the C8’s final act. “It’s just the latest chapter,” he said, promising that the team continues to push the platform to “new performance highs.”
Login
