Zombies have invaded Stellantis and they’re just as hard to kill as the undead. However, multiple brands are defying the odds and continuing to exist long after they’ve stopped serving a purpose.

Chrysler is the poster child of this as their latest and greatest innovation is the 2025 Voyager. However, instead of being all-new, it’s simply a pre-facelift Pacifica with a $39,995 price tag.

More: The Stunning Halcyon Concept Is Why Chrysler Axed The Airflow

That’s hardly compelling, so it’s not surprising that U.S. sales dropped 7% last year to 124,683 units—a stark contrast to the nearly 600,000 vehicles the brand sold in 2005. That’s an 80% nosedive in two decades. The situation looks even worse when you consider the 300 is no longer with us and only a few hundred units remain in inventory.

While a mercy killing would almost be welcome at this point, Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell said the brand isn’t going anywhere. Quite the opposite as it’s “being well invested in” and has a “very bright future.”

Speaking to CNBC, Feuell said the company found a new audience with the Halcyon concept and stated some of the design elements seen on the car will carryover to production models. She went on to say we can expect a very modern and sleek styling language that isn’t overly complicated.

While the concept was largely a flight of fantasy, Feuell said they’re working on bringing a “real industrialized” version of the car to market. She added it will be affordable, although the price tag and timing is anyone’s guess.

In the near term, a facelifted Pacifica is due next year. It will reportedly offer an updated plug-in hybrid powertrain. A Pacifica EV will follow, but the gas-powered model will reportedly stick around until the end of the decade.

More importantly, a large crossover is slated to arrive in 2026 and fill a sizable gap that has been left vacant ever since the Aspen was axed. It will reportedly be offered in hybrid and electric guise, and dealers are said to be delighted. Of course, at this point, they’d be happy with almost anything.

Hyundai and Kia have a lot to celebrate as both achieved record sales last year. Starting with the latter, Kia sold 796,488 vehicles in the United States to beat their previous all-time sales record.

The Sportage was the most popular model as it achieved an all-time annual sales record of 161,917 units. It was followed by the K4/Forte (139,778) and Telluride, which also broke its annual sales record as customers snapped up 115,504 crossovers.

More: Tesla’s Global Sales Fall For The First Time In Over A Decade

Kia EV sales soared 74% and accounted for 7% of sales for the entire year. The EV9 found 22,017 takers, while the EV6 wasn’t far behind at 21,715.

However, everything wasn’t rosy as K5 sales fell 28% to 46,311 units. The Niro, Soul, and Seltos also posted declines.

Kia 2024 U.S. Sales

Moving onto Hyundai, they sold 836,802 vehicles in the United States last year to hit a new record. The company also achieved record retail sales of 742,009 units, while several models – including the Palisade, Ioniq 5, Tucson Hybrid, and Santa Fe Hybrid – posted their own yearly sales records.

The Tucson led the way with 206,126 sales, which was down 2% from last year. The model was followed by the Elantra (136,698) and Santa Fe (119,010).

While a surprising number of models posted year-over-year declines, the Ioniq 5 was up 31% to 44,400 units. Palisade sales soared 23% to 110,055 units and that’s notable as a redesigned model is on the horizon.

On the flip side, the Santa Cruz was down 13% to 32,033 units. The value-focused Venue was down 12%, while the Ioniq 6 was off 6%. Interestingly, the Sonata eschewed the K5’s fate as sales jumped 53% to 69,343 units.

Hyundai Motor North America CEO Randy Parker said, “This was an incredible record-breaking year for Hyundai, largely driven by the success of offering consumers a variety of product and powertrain options that fit their needs.” He went on to suggest this will continue thanks to new models such as the Ioniq 9.

2024 Hyundai U.S. Sales

The Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council (OFV) has revealed 128,691 new vehicles were bought in the country last year. That’s a relatively small number, but 114,400 of them were electric.

That’s nearly 89% and the OFV says the country is close to achieving its goal of having all new passenger vehicles being zero-emission by 2025. They went on to note the EV percentage jumped from an already impressive 82.4% in 2023.

More: Norway Sets World Record For EV Sales With 94% Market Share Last Month

Interestingly, customers who didn’t opt for an EV typically bought something eco-friendly. 5.3% of vehicles sold in Norway last year were a hybrid, while roughly 2.7% were plug-in hybrids. Furthermore, customers only snapped up 986 vehicles powered exclusively by gasoline.

While it’s impressive that Norwegians have embraced EVs to such a degree, the OFV said “the last few percentages to reach the 2025 target may be difficult to achieve.” They went on to emphasize the importance of government incentives such as tax exemptions.

NORWAY PASSENGER CAR SALES 2024

Getting back to sales, the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling vehicle in Norway as customers snapped up 16,858 units, accounting for just over 13% of the entire market. It was followed by the Tesla Model 3 (7,264) and Volvo EX30 (7,229). The Volkswagen ID.4 followed just seven units behind, while the Toyota bZ4X came in fifth place with 6,007 sales.

Chinese brands also performed well, accounting for nearly 10% of new car sales, with BYD ranking as the 13th largest automaker in terms of deliveries last year. Xpeng came in 15th place, meaning both automakers outperformed Peugeot, Mazda, Porsche, Kia, and Lexus. SAIC-owned MG also secured 10th place with 4,591 sales.

NORWAY BEST SELLERS 2024

Baojun is known for making cute and affordable EVs, but the company has just unveiled their “first intelligent flagship sedan.” It’s called the Xiang Jing (Enjoy Territory) and the model will be offered with plug-in hybrid as well as electric powertrains.

The company isn’t saying much about the car at this point, but it features a Porsche Taycan-like front fascia with a rounded bumper and slender headlights featuring horizontal daytime running units. They’re joined by vertical air curtains as well as a small lower intake.

More: GM’s Baojun Yep Is A Tiny Electric SUV That Starts At $11,240

Moving further back, we can see a panoramic glass roof, flush-mounted door handles, and aerodynamically optimized wheels. Designers also gave the car an expansive greenhouse as well as plenty of brightwork.

In terms of size, the Xiang Jing measures 197 inches (5,005 mm) long and has a wheelbase that spans 114.2 inches (2,900 mm). To put those numbers into perspective, the Honda Accord is 1.3 inches (33 mm) shorter and has 2.8 inches (71 mm) less between the wheels.

Despite being billed as a flagship sedan, Baojun said the car is a mainstream entry that will be aspirational and comfortable. The company went on to say it will “meet the diverse needs of urban commuters” ranging from “young families to elites.”

While there are more questions than answers at this point, the electric variant will reportedly have a lithium iron phosphate battery as well as a 249 hp (186 kW / 253 PS) electric motor. This could enable the model to hit a top speed of up to 106 mph (170 km/h).

The plug-in hybrid variant is slated to have a smaller lithium iron phosphate battery that delivers a CLTC range of 63 miles (101 km). However, it should be paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine developing 141 hp (105 kW / 143 PS).

Dodge and Drop Top Customs partnered on Challenger convertibles in 2022 and the pair are joining forces once again. This time they’re working on a new convertible based on the electric Charger Daytona.

Drop Top Customs isn’t saying much at this point, but confirmed their design team is working with Dodge to create an “iconic convertible conversion” for the electric muscle car. The company went on to say the convertible will be unveiled around the same time as deliveries begin.

More: Dodge’s New Charger Coming To Europe And The Middle East In 2025

However, images are already on Facebook and they’re accompanied by a message saying it’s “about time to introduce the new Droptop Daytona!” As you can see, the resulting model is based on the two-door liftback and features a retractable black roof. While the images aren’t high quality, the soft top’s shape mimics the traditional hardtop but doesn’t look particularly good.

We’ll presumably learn more in the coming weeks, but the Challenger conversion cost $23,999 before shipping. This netted customers a power retractable roof with a heated rear window. The package also included fully operational quarter windows, a reinforced structure, and a slightly smaller trunk as roughly 20% of the original was taken over by the soft top mechanism.

While plenty of questions remain, the Charger Daytona R/T starts at $59,595 and features a dual motor all-wheel drive system with 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque. Buyers will also find a 100.5 kWh battery that delivers 317 miles (510 km) of range.

Customers can also opt for the $73,190 Charger Daytona Scat Pack. It has 630 hp (470 kW / 637 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque, which lowers the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time to 3.3 seconds. Unfortunately, the range also plummets to 260 miles (418 km).

Mini introduced the Cooper SE Convertible concept a couple of years ago, but fans hoping for a production model might be out of luck. While an electric drop-top was slated to go into production in 2027, the project has reportedly been quietly canceled.

According to BMW Blog, which cites industry sources, the decision to scrap the electric convertible isn’t backed by an official explanation. However, the publication speculates a cocktail of reasons likely sealed its fate, ranging from profitability concerns to rising competition from Chinese brands. That being said, weak demand would likely be at the top of that list.

More: Mini Cooper SE Convertible Is A One-Off EV Built For Enthusiasts

Convertibles already fight for a tiny slice of the market and that part of the pie gets even smaller when you go electric. Speaking of which, U.S. sales of the gas-powered Cooper / Cooper S Convertible were down 89.1% in the third quarter to 127 units. Through the first nine months of the year, sales are off 33.3% to 3,278 units.

However, the Cooper Convertible had a stellar 2023 as sales were up 64.8% to hit a total of 5,331 units. That made it Mini’s third best-selling model behind the Countryman and 2 Door Hardtop.

While only time will tell if we’ll get an electric Mini convertible, the company recently delayed the launch of the Aceman and Cooper SE in America. This was largely believed to be due to a 100% tariff on Chinese-made EVs rather than a problem with demand.

Regardless of what happens, convertible fans aren’t out of luck as the new gas-powered drop top will arrive early next year and start at $33,950. The entry-level variant features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission, which enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 7.9 seconds.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has set a new record for the biggest altitude change by an electric vehicle. The feat was organized by Hyundai Motor India and saw the EV descend 19,035 feet (5,802 meters).

The trip started at India’s highest drivable point of Umling La in Leh Ladakh, which is 19,025 feet (5,799 meters) above sea level. Over the next two weeks, the car traveled to Kuttanad, Kerala, which is 9.8 feet (3 meters) below sea level.

More: Hyundai’s American-Made Ioniq 5 Costs More But Goes The Extra Mile

During those 14 days, the Ioniq 5 covered more than 3,045 miles (4,900 km). The car had to endure “challenging terrain and extreme climatic conditions” as well as multiple recharging sessions.

Hyundai was unsurprisingly coy about the latter, but the US-spec Ioniq 5 has an EPA-estimated range of up to 318 miles (512 km). This suggests the car would have required at least ten recharges to accomplish the record, although the actual number is presumably higher.

In a statement, Hyundai Motor India Managing Director Unsoo Kim said, “We are incredibly proud to see the Hyundai Ioniq 5 create history by achieving the Guinness World Record for the greatest altitude change by an electric car. This achievement is a testament to Hyundai’s unwavering commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and sustainability.” He added, “The Ioniq 5’s performance in such extreme conditions reflects its engineering prowess and durability.”

Hyundai didn’t say much about the record-breaking car, but the 2025 Ioniq 5 features revised styling, beefier batteries, and a new NACS port. There’s also a rugged XRT variant that is distinguished by unique fascias and “digital camo” accents. They’re joined by a 0.9-inch (23 mm) lift and matte black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.

The Leapmotor C10 lineup is expanding as the company has announced a new range-extended variant, ahead of its debut at the Brussels Motor Show. It promises to combine the “benefits of electric vehicles and traditional gasoline cars, offering extended range and superior fuel efficiency.”

Starting under the hood, there’s a 1.5-liter engine, a 28.4 kWh battery pack, and a 212 hp (158 kW /215 PS) electric motor. The battery provides an electric-only WLTP range of 90 miles (145 km), while the engine increases that distance to over 590 miles (950 km) combined.

More: New Leapmotor B10 Goes After Europe’s EV Market With Stellantis In Its Corner

Leapmotor didn’t go into many specifics, but said the crossover primarily operates as an electric vehicle. When the battery becomes low, the internal combustion engine activates to generate electricity and recharge the battery. The company added that in combined mode, the model has a fuel consumption rating of 0.4 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 10 g/km.

If you’d prefer not to use gas, a DC fast charger can deliver approximately 45 miles of range (72.5 km) in 18 minutes.

We can expect to learn more next month, but the C10 REEV presumably echoes the fully electric variant. This means we can expect LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, and 18-inch wheels. They’re joined by privacy glass and flush-mounted door handles.

The interior is a tad plain, but C10 buyers will find power front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 14.6-inch infotainment system. German customers can also get a higher-end variant that has heated and ventilated front seats, an ambient lighting system, a power liftgate, and larger 20-inch wheels.

Hyundai EV owners are getting a last minute Christmas gift in the form of a North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter. It will be free to customers who have purchased or leased an eligible vehicle on or before January 31, 2025.

The adapter will enable users to charge at over 20,000 Tesla Superchargers. In order to secure one, owners will need to log into the MyHyundai portal and make a request starting in the first quarter of 2025. Hyundai will then ship out the adapter at no charge.

More: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Packs More Range, NACS Port And New XRT Trim

Eligible models include the 2024 and earlier Kona Electric, Ioniq hatchback, Ioniq 5, and Ioniq 6. They’re joined by the 2025 Ioniq 5 N, 2025 Ioniq 6, and 2025 Kona Electric. The 2025 Ioniq 5 is absent from the list as it’s the first non-Tesla vehicle on sale to have a factory-installed NACS port.

Hyundai Motor North America’s senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy, Olabisi Boyle, said “These adapters will make DC fast-charging more convenient for current owners. Plus, the NACS port on new models like the upcoming Ioniq 9 along with improvements to our digital charging ecosystem, will further enhance the customer experience for future EV drivers.”

If you accidently lose your adapter or forget to request one, they’ll be available to purchase at Hyundai dealers in the future.

In related news, Genesis announced it is also participating in the program. Details will be released early next year, but it will likely benefit owners of the GV60 as well as electric versions of the GV70 and G80.

Kia America announced their program last fall and it will see EV6 and EV9 owners receive an adapter early next year. They’ll then gain access to Tesla’s Supercharger network around January 15.

Subaru has introduced the 2025 Solterra and announced pricing will start at $38,495 before a $1,420 destination fee. That’s a $6,500 drop, but the delivery fee climbs $75.

Thanks to the change, the Solterra Premium costs less than the Toyota bZ4X XLE AWD. That model begins at $39,150 and has a $1,395 destination fee that brings the combined price to $40,545.

More: 2025 Toyota bZ4X Gets $6,000 Price Cut, New Nightshade Edition

Pricing aside, the 2025 Solterra gains a new Onyx Edition. It costs $45,495 and is based on the range-topping Touring trim.

As the name suggests, the model echoes the bZ4X Nightshade Edition and features a host of dark flourishes. This includes black badging and 20-inch wheels with a black finish. They’re joined by an assortment of other black accents including the roof pillars, shoulder line trim, door frames, and rear spoiler. Buyers will also find black StarTex upholstery and black door trim.

All Solterras are equipped with a 72.8 kWh battery pack, which powers a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 249 lb-ft (337 Nm) of torque. The Premium trim has an EPA-estimated range of 227 miles (365 km), while higher-end variants are limited to 222 miles (357 km) due, in part, to their larger 20-inch wheels.

Speaking of equipment, the Solterra Premium has LED headlights and 18-inch wheels. Customers will also find a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Rounding out the highlights are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.

Since EVs aren’t ideal for long distance trips, customers who purchase or lease a new Solterra gain access to the Subaru Just Drive Rental program. Participating Subaru dealers will provide a free car for up to ten days, so you can get something gas-powered for your family vacation.

2025 Subaru Solterra Pricing

The Dodge Charger Daytona isn’t the only EV getting discounted ahead of launch as Jeep dealers are in a similar boat. They’re gearing up to release the performance-focused Wagoneer S, which starts at $70,200 before a $1,795 destination charge.

That’s an astronomical price tag and we’ve previously noted the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT starts at $54,995 and has a $1,995 destination fee. Despite being significantly cheaper, the electric pony car can be equipped with a $995 performance upgrade that makes it faster than its rival.

More: New Jeep Wagoneer S Packs A 600 HP Punch For $72k

While the models target different consumers, the Jeep looks like a tough sell. Some dealers appear to be acknowledging that as they’re already offering discounts on the EV.

Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Delaware, Ohio is advertising two Wagoneer S Launch Editions with a $1,000 discount. This lowers their price tag to $70,995 and $71,590.

Over in Minnesota, Bloomington Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has a $3,000 discount on their Launch Editions. This means they have prices between $68,995 and $69,590.

This is the exact opposite of what you’d expect at launch and the discounts could hint at lackluster demand. Of course, there are only a few examples listed at this point so it’s hard to draw any definitive conclusions.

However, this appears to be a trend at Stellantis as a handful of Dodge dealers are already discounting the Charger Daytona. As we reported last week, one dealer was offering their car for $3,713 under MSRP.

While the situation could change when dealers take delivery, the Wagoneer S is based on the STLA Large platform and features a 100.5 kWh battery pack. It feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) and 617 lb-ft (836 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).

It’s also worth noting the EPA has quietly released ratings for the Wagoneer S. With Falken tires, the crossover has 303 miles (488 km) of range. That drops to 270 miles (435 km) with Pirelli tires, which will apparently be optional in the future. That’s a significant difference and it’s likely a case of performance rubber versus low-rolling resistance tires.

Spy photographers caught the facelifted Skoda Enyaq earlier this year, and now we’re getting an official glimpse at the updated EV with the release of its first teaser. It features a new Modern Solid design inspired by the Elroq, which debuted earlier this year, and will be available in two body styles.

The biggest changes occur up front as an illuminated Tech‑Deck Face replaces the traditional grille. The crossover also adopts split lighting units as well as an evolutionary bumper.

More: 2025 Skoda Enyaq Puts On A New Modern Solid Face

Designers didn’t stop there as the hood now wears “Skoda” lettering instead of a badge. Other highlights include dark chrome accents and an Enyaq-exclusive Olibo Green color.

The rear end appears to carryover, but prototypes have been spotted with a disguised tush. This suggests we can expect a handful of changes that will likely include new taillights and a modified bumper.

Regardless of what happens out back, Skoda said both models will benefit from improved aerodynamics. This promises to increase range, although the automaker declined to mention if there will be any powertrain updates.

If there aren’t any changes, we can expect an entry-level Enyaq 60 with a 62 kWh battery pack as well as a rear-mounted motor developing 177 hp (132 kW / 179 PS) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. This setup enables the crossover to have a WLTP range of 249 miles (401 km).

The Enyaq 85 has a larger 82 kWh battery as well as a more powerful motor producing 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque. This increases the range to 352 miles (566 km), while also lowering the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time to 6.7 seconds.

Buyers can also choose between two all-wheel drive variants. The Enyaq 85x has 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 6.6 seconds, while the Enyaq vRS packs 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and takes 5.5 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h).

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Lexus recently slashed the price of the 2025 RZ to $43,975 which meant it was $490 cheaper than the 2024 Toyota bZ4X. The mainstream brand is now addressing that discrepancy by cutting the cost of entry to $37,070 before a $1,395 destination and handling fee.

That’s $6,000 less than last year’s model, but the crossover still costs significantly more than the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which starts at $33,600 and has an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles (513 km). That compares to a mere 252 miles (406 km) for the most efficient version of the bZ4X.

More: 2025 Toyota bZ4X Gets $10,000 Lease Discount And 0% APR Before It Even Hits Dealers

The range-topping Limited trim starts at $41,800 for a reduction of $5,380. While the price cut isn’t as drastic as on the XLE, buyers will find three new driver assistance systems. They include Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The latter system is the most notable as it allows for hands-free operation at speeds under 25 mph (40 km/h) on controlled access freeways.

The other big change for 2025 is a new Nightshade Edition. It starts at $40,420 and is based on the XLE with all-wheel drive.

The model has black badging, black door handles, a black spoiler, and 20-inch wheels with a black finish. Buyers will also find a leather-wrapped steering wheel as well as SofTex and fabric-trimmed seats with red contrast stitching.

The 2025 bZ4X is slated to arrive at dealerships early next year and customers will find a familiar powertrain lineup. Front-wheel drive variants have a 71.4 kWh battery pack that powers a 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) electric motor. All-wheel drive models have a slightly larger 72.8 kWh battery and a dual-motor setup producing a combined output of 214 hp (160 kW / 217 PS).

2025 Toyota bZ4X Pricing

President Trump is slated to return to the White House next month and new details are starting to emerge about his plan to cut support for electric vehicles. This will reportedly be a multipronged attack as the incoming administration is reportedly aiming to eliminate the $7,500 federal tax credit as well as funding for improving America’s charging infrastructure.

According to a document seen by Reuters, Trump’s transition team is also recommending imposing tariffs on battery materials. The goal is to increase U.S. production, although the administration is expected to negotiate “individual exemptions with allies.”

More: Trump Reportedly Wants To Kill $7,500 EV Tax Credit And Tesla Might Be Cool With It

The Trump administration is also expected to redirect funds designed to support electric vehicle adoption. Specifics are murky, but the money could flow towards other electrification efforts focused on “national defense supply chain and critical infrastructure.” This effort seeks to boost U.S. production of batteries and the critical materials used to make them.

Speaking of national defense, the document reportedly mentioned ending Department of Defense efforts to acquire electric military vehicles. There’s also a wider push that would reverse a Biden administration requirement that federal agencies buy zero-emission vehicles.

Besides eroding federal support for EVs, the transition team is reportedly recommending a plan to rollback fuel economy and emission standards to 2019 levels. Reuters said this would allow for “an average of about 25% more emissions per vehicle mile than the current 2025 limits and average fuel economy to be about 15% lower.” Unsurprisingly, the incoming administration also wants to neutralize California’s emissions wavier.

These would be drastic changes, but they’re simply proposals at this point. Some of them sound easier to enact than others, but only time will tell how everything pans out.

It’s also worth noting the Biden administration is in a mad dash to get money out the door before Trump takes office. Earlier today, the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office announced Ford’s BlueOval SK is getting a loan of up to $9.63 billion to build three battery plants – one in Tennessee and two in Kentucky – that will have the capacity to build more than 120 gigawatt hours of batteries annually.

This follows last week’s announcement that the Loan Programs Office had finalized a $1.25 billion loan guarantee to EVgo. It aims to support the deployment of approximately 7,500 chargers at roughly 1,100 stations across the United States.

Mercedes Benz-Vans has teased a new concept that previews the next-generation V-Class and Vito. It will debut in the spring of 2025 as a “luxurious, highly elegant, and spacious” vision of the future.

The company isn’t saying much else at this point, but the teasers show a stylish van that trades boxy looks for a curvaceous aesthetic. Details are hard to make out, but we can see a prominent hood ornament as well as a revamped greenhouse that eschews hard lines.

More: Mercedes Teases Future Electric Vans With VAN.EA Prototypes

They’re joined by a sloping roof and a heavily stylized body. We can also see metallic accents as well as ornate lighting units.

Little else is known about the concept at this point, but the model will ride on the new Van Electric Architecture known as VAN.EA. It’s modular and scalable, which will allow “clear differentiation between privately positioned vans in the luxury segment and commercial vans in the premium segment.”

The luxury segment is getting more attention this time around and the company said we can expect high-quality family vans, exclusive VIP shuttles, and “spacious limousines catering to the expectations of highly sophisticated customers.” In effect, it sounds like the company wants to grab a slice of the executive van segment, which has been dominated by aftermarket companies.

The redesigned vans are scheduled to arrive in 2026 and Mercedes has previously said they’ll offer front- and all-wheel drive as well as an 800 volt electrical architecture. They’ll also have a 22 kW AC charger and the latest version of the Mercedes‑Benz Operating System.

Some versions will have ranges “well over” 311 miles (500 km) and a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. A Level 3 system is slated to arrive before the end of the decade, while commercial vans will offer a Level 4 system for robotaxi use.

Update 12/27: As the debut of the next-generation CLA approaches, Mercedes seems less concerned with concealing the fastback sedan. Our spies have spotted what is believed to be the EV version undergoing testing in Germany. According to Mercedes-Benz, the ICE and electric variants will look nearly identical, with only minor differences, such as tailpipes (likely hidden under the bumper in non-AMG models anyway) and unique grille trims.

SH Proshots

The redesigned Mercedes CLA has been a familiar sight for the past 22 months, but the model is finally entering the homestretch. It’s now celebrating by stripping down and showing some skin. While the front and rear ends are heavily camouflaged, the latest prototype has an exposed body. It’s immediately familiar, but incorporates some cues from the EQE and EQS.

More: Mercedes Details New CLA’s Two EV And Three Hybrid Powertrains

The changes are readily apparent as we can see streamlined bodywork as well as flush-mounted door handles. The greenhouse has also been completely revamped and it’s an awkward mess as the third quarter glass extends into the rear door. As a result, there’s mismatched lines and an unappealing mix of shapes.

At the ends, there are star-infused lighting units which have become a hallmark of the modern Mercedes. They’re joined by an evolutionary single bar grille and new bumpers.

The redesigned CLA will debut next year and ride on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture. The company has revealed quite a bit in recent months and has previously confirmed an electric variant with a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS).

Customers can also opt for a 4Matic variant, which adds a 107 hp (80 kW / 109 PS) motor up front. It only has a ‘boost’ capability as the motor engages when extra power or traction is needed.

We’ll learn more about the electric powertrain closer to launch, but Mercedes has already confirmed the CLA has an 800-volt electrical architecture as well as a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW. The company also has plans to offer an optional 85 kWh silicon oxide battery.

If you’re not sold on the electric revolution, you can look forward to a new family of four-cylinder petrol engines. Americans will get a hybridized powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter engine, a small battery, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. The engine produces 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), while the motor contributes an additional 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS). Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive will be optional.

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Dodge dealers are gearing up to launch the all-new Charger Daytona, but it appears some of them might be experiencing a lack of demand. While that remains unclear, we found a few already offering thousands of dollars in discounts.

This is the exact opposite of what you’d expect to happen with an all-new model in the market, as dealers typically add hefty markups. That’s certainly the case with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz as we recently spotted one dealer asking $35,000 over MSRP – although they’ve now dropped it down to a $20,000 markup.

More: 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Starts At $59,595

It’s a different story over at Dodge, where Blaise Alexander Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Mansfield, Pennsylvania has a 2024 Charger Daytona R/T listed for $68,988. That’s $1,982 below the car’s sticker price of $70,970.

Maryland’s Heritage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Parkville is being even more generous as their Charger Daytona Scat Pack carries a $3,713 discount. This lowers the price from $80,175 to $76,462.

While it’s probably too early to read into things, most Charger Daytonas are being listed for MSRP. Of course, since they’re not on dealer lots yet, only a handful are showing up in inventory and it’s possible that markups may be right around the corner.

That’s what happened at Volkswagen as the company was initially able to keep a lid on markups. However, as more dealers took delivery of the van, some started adding $5,000 or more onto the price tag.

It will be interesting to see if the Charger Daytona follows a similar path, but it’s a radical departure from its predecessor. The R/T starts at $59,595 and features a dual motor all-wheel drive system with 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque. Buyers will also find a 100.5 kWh battery that promises to deliver 317 miles (510 km) of range.

The Charger Daytona Scat Pack is even more extreme in terms of performance and price. It starts at $73,190 and has 630 hp (470 kW / 637 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. This lowers the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time from 4.7 to 3.3 seconds, but the range plummets to 260 miles (418 km/h).

Spy photographers recently snapped the first pictures of the Neue Klasse i3 and now we’re getting a look at the M variant. Little is known about it, but BMW M quietly dropped a handful of images on Instagram and their website.

The company isn’t saying much at this point, but noted the car is a prototype and is “on the way to set new standards.” The automaker also referred to the model as the “HP BEV,” which presumably means high-performance battery electric vehicle.

More: BMW Engineers Built An Electric M2 Prototype To Impress The Board Of Management

If those weren’t enough hints, the images were accompanied by a quote from BMW M’s head of development, Dirk Häcker, who said “Electrification opens up completely new degrees of freedom for us to create M typical dynamics.”

Moving onto the pictures themselves, we can see the model follows in the footsteps of previous prototypes as well as the Vision Neue Klasse concept. However, the M prototype is more aggressive as it appears to have a wider track as well as lightweight wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber. The car also sits low, which hints at a sportier suspension setup.

There isn’t much else to see, but the car has retractable door handles and a relatively flat roof. They’re joined by a plain rear end that unsurprisingly lacks an exhaust.

While BMW isn’t saying much, the wrap echoes the one found on the i4-based quad-motor prototype that has been undergoing testing for the past few years. Rumors have suggested the model could have more than 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS) as well as advanced torque vectoring and even a tank turn capability.

Given that BMW M has been on an electrification teaser spree as of late, we wouldn’t be surprised if more information were to follow in the coming days.

H/T to BMW Blog

The Callum Skye continues its slow march to production as the company has revealed its minimalist interior. While it doesn’t fully escape the ‘iPad on the dash’ trend, the company’s design-focused roots are on full display.

This is clearly seen in the stylish steering wheel, which appears to be wrapped in leather and microfiber upholstery. More notably, there’s a Vitamin C loop, which is echoed by matching door pulls.

More: Callum Skye Goes Up For Order As An Exclusive And Pricey EV

Speaking of the doors, they have a two-tone design as well as a satin gun metal grey accent. Buyers will also find a “deconstructed tartan” flourish that has been digitally printed onto the leather pads.

Elsewhere, there are large analog gauges as well as a small touchscreen display that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Further below, there’s a minimalist center console that features touchscreen rotary dials, a push-button shifter, and a handful of other controls. They’re joined by two tiny cup holders and what appears to be stainless steel pedals with rubberized accents.

Callum didn’t delve into many specifics, but said the model has Bridge of Weir semi-aniline leather sport seats with contrast stitching. They’re joined by a removable rear bench, which is said to be suitable for children.

Besides revealing the production-intent interior, the latest Skye prototype has body panels made from a flax composite with bio-resin. Callum said these panels could eventually be offered as an option on the road-going model.

As a refresher, the Skye measures 159.3 inches (4,047 mm) long and features a 42 kWh battery pack, all-wheel drive, and an estimated range of 170 miles (274 km). The car is slated to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than four seconds as well as cost between £80,000 ($101,987) and £110,000 ($140,232).

Battery degradation is a serious problem, which can drastically reduce the range of older EVs or necessitate an expensive battery replacement. However, a new study by scientists at the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center suggests electric vehicle batteries could last significantly longer than previously expected.

According to Stanford’s summary, the way battery life cycles are typically calculated isn’t very good when it comes to EVs. This is because they assume a fairly constant discharge and recharge cycle, which doesn’t happen with vehicles.

More: Tesla Batteries Only Deliver 64% Of EPA Range After 3 Years, But There’s A Big Asterisk

Instead, EVs experience everything from short trips around town to long distance highway drives. There’s also stop and go traffic as well as lots of sitting around in a parking lot. Charging also varies as some owners might top off the battery every night, while others may wait days between sessions.

This relatively chaotic life is something that can’t easily be replicated in labs, so researchers created four discharge profiles based on driving data. With these in hand, they “tested 92 commercial lithium-ion batteries for more than two years” and found the more realistic the profile, the “higher EV life expectancy climbed.”

The study found some surprises including that sharp, short acceleration can lead to slower degradation. This is the opposite of what you’d expect to happen. Furthermore, the study showed regenerative braking and giving batteries a “rest” helps them last longer.

There are also important distinctions between time and cycles, when it comes to battery aging. Cycles are more important for EVs that are constantly in use such as taxis, buses, and delivery vans. For consumers, time is the ultimate enemy.

While you can read the full study here, researchers said automakers “could update their EV battery management software to take advantage of the new findings and to maximize battery longevity under real-world conditions.”

H/T to The Hill