The Kia Soul, a boxy little crossover made popular by a series of commercials featuring dancing hamsters, will go out of production later this month, ending a 16-year run due to declining global sales. Headlight.News has more.
Consumer Guides
Tesla May Reveal “Affordable” Version of Model Y Today
Tesla CEO Elon Musk earlier this year promised to bring to market a more affordable EV and, with federal tax credits having ended last week this may be the perfect time to roll it out. The automaker’s account on X teased what could be a new, lower-cost version of the Model Y expected to debut on Tuesday. Headlight.News has more.
Automakers Come Up With Their Own EV Deals to Offset Lost Federal Tax Credits
While federal EV tax credits expired on September 30, automakers hope to maintain sales momentum – or, at the least, head off a threatened slump – with makers like Hyundai, GM and Ford coming up with deals of their own, including big price cuts and incentives matching the lost federal tax credits. They could help boost demand, according to a new Harris poll. More from 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.
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.
Acura Cancels ZDX EV While it Prepares to Launch the New RSX
Acura has canceled production of the all-electric ZDX, largely due to weak sales and concerns about the future of the EV market. But the Japanese luxury brand isn’t giving up on battery power entirely. It’s moving forward on plans to launch the new RSX EV sometime next year, reports Headlight.News.
Ford Latest Recall: A Dangerous Steering Defect
Ford has now topped 110 recalls this year, but the latest could be one of the most serious, the automaker warning owners of 115,000 Super Duty pickups that they could face a dangerous defect leading to a complete loss of steering control. Headlight.New has more.
First Drive: 2025 Toyota GR Corolla – Better in Ways You Might Not Notice
Toyota delivered a shock to the system when it rolled out the GR Corolla a few years back, Transforming its plain vanilla hatchback into a formidable track and street racer. Could it get even better? Headlight.News headed out to Sonoma Raceway to find out. Here’s our review of the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla.
First Drive: 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross – Hybrid Power Makes the Difference
When Toyota added a crossover-styled version of the long popular Corolla a few years back it made perfect sense in an SUV-centric market. The Toyota Corolla Cross gets a modest mid-cycle update for 2026. Headlight.News flew out to Napa Valley to check out the refreshed model and the drive quickly confirmed that, whether buyers are looking for increased fuel economy or improved performance, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is the best option.
The Most Affordable – and Expensive – Countries for Charging an EV
No matter where you live in the U.S., EVs are cheaper to operate than comparable gas models but how does that compare with other countries? In some places, electricity is substantially cheaper and the advantage of owning an EV even greater. Not so in some other markets, like Ireland, where consumers pay nearly four times more for their current than in the U.S. Here’s a look at the places where it’s cheapest – and most expensive – to charge up a battery-electric vehicle.
Porsche Unplugged: Backs Off Aggressive EV Plans in Favor of Hybrids, Plug-Ins
Porsche may be known for speed but when it comes to its plan to go all-electric it’s suddenly decided to slow down a bit. There are still more EVs coming but it’s decided to put more emphasis on hybrids and PHEVs, notably with a new high-end crossover in the works. Headlight.News has more on this costly change of direction.