It may be one of the best-selling luxury brands in the U.S. but Lexus has never been one seen as pushing the edge when it comes to styling. Not until recently, that is. But it’s upending its conservative approach with concepts like the LF-ZC and LF-ZL and could carry those edgy design themes into production. But is it going “too far”? That’s a question its global design chief is asking.
Paul Eisenstein
GM Facing Huge Liabilities as Court Okays Class Action Over Faulty Transmissions
If you had a faulty transmission on a General Motors vehicles built between the 2015 and 2019 model-years you could be covered by a new lawsuit certified by a federal court. The class-action could result in payouts to hundreds of thousands of owners across the U.S., as Headlight.News reports.
Ford Joins Ranks of U.S. Companies Abandoning or Scaling Back Diversity Programs
Ford Motor Co. will pare back its diversity efforts, joining companies like Lowe’s, John Deere and Beam Suntory, the producers of Jim Beam liquor who have entirely abandoned so-called DEI programs. Ford’s move was hailed by conservatives, but denounced as “shortsighted” by human rights advocates. For his part, CEO Jim Farley said the automaker will still work to creative an “inclusive workplace.”
Ford Ranger, Bronco Raptor Models Get Big Performance Boosts with Software Update
It normally takes some major hardware upgrades to deliver a 50 horsepower boost, but the Ford Ranger Raptor will get that big jump in performance with something as simple as a software upgrade, the automaker says. And the Bronco Raptor will get a nearly equal increase, according to Ford. Here’s how.
Audi’s Best-Selling Q5 SUV Teased Ahead of Complete Makeover’s Debut
Audi plans to make some big news next week, the German automaker set to reveal the next-generation version of its best-selling model, the Q5. Ahead of that formal unveiling, Audi released this teaser image and gave some hints as to what’s coming. Significantly, the midsize SUV will be offered with a range of powertrains, including gas, hybrid and all-electric. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
First Drive: 2025 Lincoln Aviator
While Navigator may be the Lincoln flagship, Aviator serves as the more likely choice looking for an upscale, 3-row SUV considering it is, at a starting price of $60,475, far more attainable for most buyers. The 2025 Lincoln Aviator gets a number of welcome updates, especially with the Black Label package, though the automaker has abandoned the sportiest package powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Here’s what we discovered during our first few days behind the wheel.
VinFast Launches VF 9 With Major Price Cut
Hoping to get it right after a botched launch of its original EV, Vietnamese start-up VinFast is ready to roll its second offering into U.S. showrooms. To increase the appeal of the three-row VF 9, VinFast has slashed the sticker price by more than $10,000 on the base model and $18,000 on the more lavishly equipped Plus package.
Lexus, Toyota Top List for Most Reliable Used Cars
With the high cost of today’s new vehicles it’s likely no surprise that more buyers have turned to previously owned models. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort, safety or fuel economy. But if you’re looking for something used you should consider which models are most reliable. And, according to a new study, Lexus and Toyota top the chart. Which other brands should you consider – or avoid? And what are the most reliable models? More from Headlight.News.
Nissan Teases Next-Generation Armada
A new Armada is sailing our way and to give us something to look forward to over the holidays, Nissan offered up a first teaser image of the big SUV coming for 2025 – alongside a 1967 version of the classic Patrol model that Armada originally was based on. Here’s what we know about the 2025 Nissan Armada ahead of its official debut.
Sasquatch Takes the 2025 Bronco Sport to New Levels
While it may be more affordable than its bigger sibling, the Ford Bronco Sport does sacrifice a bit of off-road moxie. But as it gets a welcome refresh for the 2025 model year, Bronco Sport gets some added off-road capabilities, including the introduction of the rugged new Sasquatch package. Headlight.News looks at all you’ll find on the 2025 update.
BYD, Stellantis Dismiss Rumored Chrysler Acquisition – But Chinese Maker May Still Seek Back Door to U.S. Market
It’s been the subject of speculation for weeks, “knowledgeable sources” chattering amongst themselves about the possibility China’s BYD is in talks with Stellantis as it looks for a way to crack into the U.S. market. The two makers have firmly dismissed the rumors. But there seems little doubt Chinese automakers want to target the world’s second-largest automotive market and are sniffing around the North American auto industry looking for a way to break in.
Volkswagen’s Reborn Microvan, the ID.Buzz, Will Start at $61,545
It’s been a decade’s long wait but Volkswagen is finally ready to bring the replacement for its iconic Microbus back to the U.S. market. And while the original might have been an affordable people-mover, buyers of the new VW ID.Buzz will have to reach deeper into their pockets, the all-electric model starting at $61,545.