In this week's episode of the podcast, we discuss Stellantis possibly cutting brands. Both Ford and Tesla getting bad news and the debut of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. We also review the 2025 MINI Cooper S hardtop and look at a study that says EVs are Cleaner than...
Paul Eisenstein
Instant Karma: EV Maker Set to Unveil Two New Models at Pebble Beach
While Fisker Inc. may be heading to the junkyard in the sky, there’s new life to founder Henrik Fisker’s earlier automotive start-up. Now owned by the Chinese and renamed Karma Automotive, it will show there can be life after death by unveiling two new models at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance next month. And they are meant to channel the ghosts of several other one-time automotive greats, including luxury brands Pierce-Arrow and Duesenberg.
What Brands Will Fall to the Stellantis Axe?
Could Stellantis abandon one or more of its 14 automotive brands? In light of the automaker’s weak second-quarter earnings, that is a distinct possibility, warned CEO Carlos Tavares. But which of those marques are the most endangered? Headlight.News takes a closer look and a few seem ripe for the chopping block.
First Look: “Ultimate” Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
When the eighth-generation Corvette made its debut four years ago, some long-time fans questioned how much further Chevrolet could go after rolling out the first mid-engine version of what has come to be known as “America’s sports car.” They got their answer Thursday night when the bowtie brand rolled out what is likely to be the “ultimate” version of the ‘Vette – at least an all-gas model. What’s clear is that the 2025 ZR1 is the fastest, most powerful – and most intimidating model in Corvette history. Here’s a closer look.
Tesla’s Trade Secret Lawsuit Against Rivian Heading to Court
It will be up to a California court to determine the outcome of a long-running suit pitting two EV manufacturers, Tesla and Rivian. The bigger of the two has accused its rival of stealing trade secrets and a judge has ruled the case will have to go to trial after Rivian filed to get it dismissed earlier this week.
Ford Earnings Fall Short – Sending Investors Scrambling
It wasn’t expected to be a good quarter for Ford Motor Co. Even then, the automaker’s second-quarter earnings managed to fall short of Wall Street’s expectations. That sent Ford shares tumbling by 11%, even though company leaders tried to assure investors they’re “on track” to deliver a full-year profit. More from Headlight.News.
EVs Are Twice as Energy-Efficient as Gas Vehicles
Battery-electric vehicles use half as much energy to run a given distance as do vehicles powered by gasoline, according to a new study by Yale University. And the cleaner and more efficient the source of electricity used to charge a vehicle the better the equation gets.
Honda Updates Civic Si For 2025
The 2025 Honda Civic Si is taking an early bow ahead of the upcoming model year and it introduces an unusually extensive list of changes for what would normally be a mid-cycle “refresh,” with an assortment of new features, more standard equipment, new technology and, of course, the requisite tweaks to the front fascia and grille.
First Drive: 2025 Ford Explorer Adds a New “Digital Experience”
Since it made its debut nearly 35 years ago, The Ford Explorer has had a profound impact on the American auto industry, helping convince millions of motorists to move from sedans and coupes to SUVs and CUVs. Now, the automaker is rolling out a big update and while the 2025 Ford Explorer does get some design updates, much of the focus is on the new “Ford Digital Experience.” Headlight.News has this review.
Feds Launch Probe of Jeep, Ram Models Over Engine Stalling Problems
Federal investigators have launched a probe of 150,000 Stellantis vehicles after receiving numerous reports that their mild hybrid engines can unexpectedly stall out. In some cases, owners find it difficult to then restart the vehicles. More from Headlight.News.
U.S. Regulators May Ban Chinese Software from New Vehicles
Your next new car is likely to be loaded with all sorts of digital technology – and the software to run it. And that means it may know “a lot about you.” And how that information is used has raised growing privacy concerns. That’s why the U.S. Commerce Dept. may impose restrictions on the use of software coming from China.
Want a Brand New EV For Just $14,000? There’s Just One Catch
The high cost of today’s EVs has slowed demand. But there’s one model now priced at just $14,000, making it one of the lowest-priced vehicles on the market. But there is one catch: those 3,000 Fisker Ocean SUVs are being liquidated as part of the automaker’s bankruptcy. Whether you’ll be able to get parts and service going forward is far from certain.