The 2024 Volkswagen GTI was always an iconic adherent to manual transmissions with the model offering a shift-it yourself option alongside its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. However, changing market conditions are forcing the German auto giant to scrap the manual with 2024 being the last chance for buyers to get one.
Automakers
First Drive: 2024 Aston Martin DB12
Aston Martin DB12: Just another stunning Aston Martin, sure to shake and stir you.
Stellantis Invests $55 Million in Air Taxi Start-Up
Stellantis has invested an additional $55 million in Archer Aviation, a pioneer in the fast-emerging field of drone-like flying taxis. That follows a previous $110 million investment the Euro-American automaker made in Archer. And it comes at a time when the start-up completed a milestone flight and is preparing to open up a new assembly plant in Georgia.
Ineos Delays Battery-Electric Fusilier
Off-road beast maker Ineos plans to push back production of its first all-electric model, the Fusilier SUV, from 2027 to an unknown introduction date. Ineos produces two off-road focused vehicles, the Grenadier and Quartermaster, and introduced the Fusilier in February. Get more details at Headlight.News.
2025 Land Rover Defender Octa Raises The Bar For Performance
Land Rover pushes the envelope of Defender performance with the 2025 Defender Octa. Hybrid power helps improve performance and fuel economy while other upgrades sharpen its trail manners.
Sales Crashing, Stellantis Orders Temporary Layoffs
U.S. automakers reported strong sales overall for June and the second quarter – with a handful of notable exceptions. In the case of Stellantis, a 21% decline has led the automaker to order temporary layoffs at two plants – with more cuts possible.
Hackers Hijack June Sales, Automakers Report Mixed Sales Picture
Hackers blurred the sales picture for June. But it appears that overall demand was less than stellar, major brands like GM, Toyota and Hyundai reporting modest declines for the second quarter overall. That said, EV sales were stronger than anticipated — with one key exception.
Who Says EV Sales Are Slowing? Tesla, Maybe – But Not GM, Ford, Toyota or the Koreans
It’s become conventional wisdom that EV sales are slowing. With one high-profile exception, the latest numbers would tell you quite the opposite is true. As data roll in for June and the second quarter we’re seeing a number of manufacturers reporting solid increases...
Koenigsegg Breaks Four Speed Records With Jesko Absolut
Koenigsegg raises the bar on speed records with Jesko Absolut. Swedish supercar maker confirms that the hypercar smashed four different world speed records as it made its way from 0 to 250 mph and 0 again on a recent high-speed run.
Gas Prices Rise Ahead of July 4th Holiday Weekend
Prices at the gas pump remained uncharacteristically flat through the first month of the summer season, but that’s changed with the looming Independence Day holiday weekend. The national average rose to $3.50 a gallon — up 5 cents and it may continue. Get details at Headlight.News.
Toyota Axes Supra Four-Cylinder Model for 2025
Toyota puts the Supra sports car on cruise control for its model year updates but announces the four-cylinder model is being axed due to slumping demand. All Supras will now be only available with the 3.0-liter inline six.
Mercedes Pumping New Life Into its Gas Engines
With the EV market taking longer to charge up than many have expected, Mercedes-Benz is putting money back into the development of internal combustion technology, as well as hybrids, CEO Ola Kallenius said. But the automaker isn’t scrapping plans for a new EV architecture, despite recent reports, the executive said.