Two years after Volkswagen announced plans to revive the long dormant Scout brand, we got a first look at the two new products it will be bringing to market. And there were some surprises, including news that the Scout Terra and Traveler models will be offered with a choice of all-electric and range-extended drivetrains. Headlight.News caught up with several of the brand’s top execs and reveals several other exciting details.
Car Culture
First Drive: 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz – The Electric Microbus Finally Reaches the U.S.
The buzz is back – the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz, that is, finally reaching U.S. showrooms decades after the demise of VW’s original Hippie Van – and two years after going on sale in Europe. If you’re one of the folks who’ve been anxiously waiting for the arrival of this new electric microbus, the good news is that the wait has been worthwhile. It’s not cheap, but the Buzz delivers a lot for the money.
The Past Lane: GM Challenges the Existing Order
The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado was a radical departure and a testament to the brand’s long-time technical excellence at the time. Here’s a look back at what became the first front-wheel-drive car from a U.S. automaker in decades.
First Drive: 2025 Subaru WRX tS – Almost an STI
We’re supposed to issue judgement here, so my verdict is, if you want a track-capable Subaru you can drive every day, the new 2025 WRX tS is your ride. Read the whole review at HeadlightNews.com.
Motorcyclists Wearing Helmets Die Less Often
Helmet laws often create discord among motorcyclists, the medical community and other safety experts. The latest study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety isn’t likely to quell any of the disagreements. The report shows more than 22,000 riders would’ve have survived fatal crashes during the last four decades. Find out more at Headlight.News.
14 Models Driving Off Into the Sunset as 2024 Comes to a Close
Ashes to ashes, dust to rust. The life of an automobile is fairly limited. And the same can be said for automotive nameplates. With only the rarest exceptions, even the most popular badges have finite lives, as the Ford Model Y and Volkswagen Beetle proved. With the arrival of the 2025 model year there are still more nameplates set to drive off into the sunset, the Chevrolet Malibu being just one of the best-known examples. Here’s a look at some other product lines we won’t see going forward.
Traffic Returning to Normal Levels, But Some Cities Better to Drive In Than Others
Americans spend plenty of time in their vehicles. In fact, studies show they’re back pre-pandemic levels. However, a new study shows not all cities are the same when it comes to commuting, running errands and costs. Get details about the best and worst places to drive at Headlight.News.
Mercedes-AMG Sees Big Opportunities for Performance EVs
While a number of automakers are rethinking their plans for EVs, Mercedes remains committed to the transition to battery-electric propulsion. And that includes its high-performance division, AMG. If anything, AMG CEO Michael Schiebe is convinced buyers “will jump into that new technology” as new models come to market.
McLaren’s W1 Will Be the Modern Reincarnation of the Legendary P1
Confirming long-standing rumors, McLaren said it will introduce a new supercar on October 6 that will serve as the modern day successor to the legendary P1. Here’s what’s we know about the new McLaren W1.
Norway, Land of the Midnight Sun, Lutefisk … and EVs
Conventional wisdom might seem to suggest that EVs have come unplugged, with traditional automakers such as Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG pulling back on their plans to go all-electric. But don’t tell that to the folks in Norway. As contributing editor Joe Szczesny discovered during a visit this week, you’ll have to look hard to find a new vehicle drawing power from a tank of gasoline.
Automotive Brands Expanding Owner Loyalty Numbers in 2024
Consumers in the auto space continue to buy what they already have, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Study. Despite increased incentives and inventory issues, new vehicle buyers in larger numbers this year are sticking to the brand they currently own. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Congress Moves Closer to Passing AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act
A Congressional panel ay approved a new measure that would ensure all new vehicles sold in the U.S. come equipped to receive AM radio. A number of auto manufacturers have begun phasing out that band, some claiming that electric vehicles interfere with AM signals.