In this week’s Headlight News podcast, we cover Ford’s new EV plans, the UAW President’s dilemma, Chevy’s new speed record, review the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq-V and look back at this week in automotive history. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Automakers
Ford’s “Universal EV” Could Change Everything About Automaking – And Deliver a $30,000 EV Pickup
Ford will invest $5 billion to set up its “Universal EV” program – and, it claims, completely transform the way vehicles are designed, engineered and manufactured. The test will come with the 2027 launch of a new, all-electric midsize pickup, said CEO Jim Farley, with a “targeted price of $30,000.” But there could be a cost in terms of long-term automotive employment, reports Headlight.News.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD
The rush to cater to the growing crowd calling for small pickups netted two vehicles in recent years: the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. One of these is a small pickup and the other is the Santa Cruz — and we’re just fine with that. Find out more about the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited in our review at Headlight.News.
Ford Pushes Back Replacement for F-150 Lightning, E-Transit Vans in Shift to Affordable EVs
As it shifts to a new generation of “affordable” EVs, Ford Motor Co. will delay two other battery-electric projects, including the next-generation F-150 Lightning pickup. It may also look at adding hybrids and other products to what was supposed to be the all-electric Blue Oval City manufacturing complex outside Memphis, reports Headlight.News.
2026 Dodge SIXPACK-Powered Scat Pack is the Charger Most Muscle Car Fans Are Waiting For
It’s hard to top the performance of an EV, yet sales of the blisteringly fast Dodge Charger Daytona have fallen short of expectations. For muscle car fans still unwilling to go electric, however, there’s a gas-powered alternative soon set to roll into showrooms. Headlight.News has this first look at the Sixpack-powered 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack.
All-Electric Acura RSX Prototype Set to Debut During Monterey Car Week
Acura’s getting ready to roll out a second all-electric model and we’ll get a first look at what’s coming in concept form when the Japanese automaker rolls out the Acura RSX Prototype during Monterey Car Week later in August. Headlight.News has more on what will be Acura’s first EV totally engineered in-house.
2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak Offers Hemi Power and 6 Million Option Combinations
That popular burger chain isn’t the only place you can “have it your own way.” Dodge says buyers ordering the 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak SUV will have the ability to choose from a boggling 6 million different build combinations. One thing they’ll all have in common, though: a 710-horsepower Hemi V-8. More from Headlight.News.
More Muscle, More Choices – Jeep Opening the Performance Floodgate
Look for more powertrain options from Jeep going forward – with an emphasis on muscle, brand officials said Thursday. That includes the return of the 6.4-liter Hemi Hellcat engine while development of even more new performance “projects are already underway.” Jeep buyers also will get new opportunities to customize their vehicles when it comes to color, features and more, reports Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox is, at heart, an appliance. But it’s a very good appliance, and anyone can tell you that appliances tend to be invisible until they fail. Read the whole review at Headlight.News.
GM, Hyundai Plan to Develop Five Vehicles Together
General Motors and Hyundai Motor Co. will jointly develop give vehicle, including an all-electric van, the two automakers revealed, marking the first concrete steps in an alliance announced last September. The program primarily will target the Latin American market where both automakers are struggling to beat back a push by emerging Chinese competitors. But the van will be sold in the U.S. More from Headlight.News.
Buick Electra Orbit is a Spacey Concept that Could Hint of Things to Come
Few brands have gone through more changes than Buick over the past few decades, abandoning its classic near-luxury sedans and coupes for a range of SUVs and CUVs – some among the most affordable in the General Motors line-up. But the new Buick Electra Orbit Concept is a striking show car that suggests Buick just might be reaching into its heritage as it looks to the future. Headlight.News takes a closer look.
Chevy’s Electrified Hypercar, Corvette ZR1X, Starts at $207,395
Feel the need for speed? Just make sure you have a fat wallet. Chevrolet revealed the new 2026 Corvette ZR1X, its 1,250-hp hybrid hypercar, will set you back $207,395 plus delivery fees. But that’s a fraction of what comparable European competitors command. Headlight.News has more on ZR1X pricing – and a unique new special launch edition of the hypercar.