On this week’s Headlight News podcast, we look at the new Tesla affordable trim level, Ferrari’s new EV, the departure of the Kia Soul and review the VW Tiguan R-Line Turbo. Check out the ‘cast and give us some feedback.
Car Culture
A Week With: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Few vehicles enjoy the loyalty and fervor that the Toyota 4Runner does. And when Toyota rolled out the sixth-generation model, the expectations were high. Find out if they were met in the Headlight.News review of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.
Financing a Car Becomes Increasingly Challenging Despite Fed Rate Cut
At a time when new vehicle prices are reaching record levels and interest rates remain stubbornly high, despite the recent rate cut by the Federal Reserve, affordability is becoming a critical issue that could send U.S. auto sales into a tailspin in the months ahead.
Ferrari Teases First EV – and the Elettrica Will Deliver 1,000 hp and Gobs of Instant Torque
Who says EVs are dead? Not Ferrari. The Italian manufacturer has, if anything, provided new insight into what’s coming with the launch of its first all-electric model. And, to start with, it’s revealed the appropriately named Elettrica will punch out as much as 1,000 horsepower yet still manage to deliver 330 miles of range. Headlight.News has more.
Tesla Disappoints with Cheaper Trim Levels Instead of New Entry-Level Model
Fans and investors alike were disappointed with the debut of less expensive variants of the Model 3 and Model Y, both dubbed “standard.” Both groups — and others — were hoping to see an all-new entry-level vehicle from the EV leader. Get details at Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 10-6-25
This week on the podcast we discuss the potential arrival of new vehicles from Chinese automakers, soaring new vehicle sales and EV sales, as well as the rising tide of road rage incidents across the country. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Rivian Chief RJ Scaringe Upbeat Despite Loss of Fed Tax Credits, Threat of Chinese Competition
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe says he has “never been more confident than I am today” about the future of the struggling EV manufacturer. That’s despite a series of challenges facing the battery-electric vehicle sector in general – including the loss of federal EV tax credits and the rise of the low-cost Chinese competitors who are threatening to enter the U.S. market. A critical test will come early next year with the launch of Rivian’s more affordable R2 model line. But it’s also counting on joint ventures and alliances like those with Volkswagen and Amazon, reports Headlight.News.
It’s No Longer “If,” But “When” Chinese Automakers Will Crack Open the U.S. Market
Tariffs enacted by Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump effectively closed the door on auto imports from China – only a few products now entering the U.S. But, despite the current hefty tariffs, observers expect that the Trump administration will soon open the American market up to Chinese products, while also encouraging manufacturers like BYD and Geely to set up U.S. manufacturing operations. While American motorists would likely welcome vehicles like the $20,000 BYD Dolphin, this could pose an “existential threat” to traditional automakers, reports Headlight.News.
Lexus Bids Farewell to Flagship LS with Limited-Run Heritage Edition
It was the sedan that showed the world Japan could truly compete with the best European luxury brands. But after a 36-year run, the Lexus LS is about to drive off into the sunset, the victim of declining demand for highline sedans. The automaker will give the LS one last hurrah in the form of the limited-run Heritage Edition.
Hertz Launches Online Used Car Sales
Hertz wants to put you in the driver’s seat, especially if you’re looking for a used car. The car rental giant on Tuesday announced a new online buying channel that will allow potential buyers the ability to do everything from browsing inventory to setting up financing without ever leaving home. More from Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 9-29-25
On this week’s podcast, we talk about the $2B hack of Jaguar Land Rover, the rise of new vehicle prices as automakers stop covering all the costs of the tariffs, the end of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, increasing road rage incidents and more. You can get a link at Headlight.News or go straight to Spotify.
Road Rage is Everywhere, Reports AAA, as Man Shot and Killed in Phoenix Incident
Americans seem to be mad about everything these days and nowhere is that more apparent than on our roadways. Fully 96% of U.S. motorists admit they’ve cut off another driver or committed some other aggressive act over the past year, according to a new AAA study. In one incident over the weekend, reports Headlight.News, a man was shot and killed.