The popularity of pickups remains unquestioned, and after a week in the 2024 Ford Ranger Lariat with the FX4 off-road package, it quickly becomes apparent why — they’re do-it-all vehicles. Find out more in our review at Headlight.News.
Technology
2025 Cadillac Escalade Gets A “Mid-Cycle Major” Makeover
The Cadillac Escalade gets an update for 2025, but it’s more than what you’d normally expect, mid-cycle. Along with the requisite tweaks to exterior and interior styling, it adds an assortment of new tech features, including power-operated doors and a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar digital display borrowed from the new, all-electric Escalade IQ. Here’s a closer look.
VinFast Hits the Brakes, Delays U.S. Plant Opening Until 2028
Vietnamese EV start-up VinFast announced a “prudent,” 3-year delay in the opening of its first U.S. assembly plant. It’s the latest in a series of setbacks for the automaker which suffered a wave of harsh reviews for its initial offering, the VF 8 crossover.
Hyundai Seven Concept Reappearing as New 3-Row EV Due Later This Year
Hyundai confirmed a three-row EV will start rolling into U.S. showrooms later this year. The automaker isn’t saying much about the all-electric crossover but it appears likely to be based on the automaker’s Seven Concept and will likely adopt the Ioniq 7 nameplate.
Lucid Pushes Efficiency to New Levels with 2025 Air Pure Model
Many EV makers want to see just how far they can get their vehicles to travel on a single charge or how fast it can recharge using a fast DC charger, but Lucid’s improved its industry-leading efficiency to a new high. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Stellantis Brands Offering Free Chargers with EV Purchase
New EV buyers face an immediate dilemma once they make the choice to go all-electric: how will I charge my new vehicle? Stellantis is making it easier with a few options, including a new free home charging setup. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Could Be 1st of Several New Special Editions
Looking to build momentum for its latest – and now, all-electric – 500e, Fiat launches a special edition named for fashion legend Giorgio Armani. And it hints that it may bring a second new model to the U.S.: the Grande Panda crossover which debuted last month in both hybrid and all-electric form.
Red Bull RB17 Hypercar Comes With 1200 Horsepower V10 and $6.4 Million Price
Red Bull channels 20 years of Formula One experience into wild RB17 hypercar. Track only offering gets 1200 horsepower V10 but will ask potential owners to set aside $6.4 million for the privilege of owning one.
$25 Million Ransom Reportedly Paid to End Hack That Took Down 15,000 U.S. Dealers
Things are back to normal at 15,000 U.S. showrooms after a hack that brought operations nearly to a halt last month. Data processing firm CDK apparently paid a $25 million ransom to regain control of software controlling everything from sales prospects to payroll. But the damage has topped $1 billion in lost sales and other issues.
Biden Administration Doles Out $1.1B to GM, Stellantis to Convert Plants to EV Production
Although EV sales aren’t going at breakneck speed these days, automakers are still churning out new models and planning for future models. To make that easier, the Biden administration awarded $1.1 billion in grants to General Motors and Stellantis to convert existing plants to build electric vehicles and components. Get details at Headlight.News.
These Are the Best EVs You Can Buy Today According to Consumer Reports
From compact crossovers to full-size SUVs, roughly 100 new battery-electric vehicles have come to market over the last two years. But which ones are the best when you factor in things like range, reliability, maintenance and everyday practicality? Consumer Reports has named its 14 top choices and it includes a variety of different sizes, prices and features. But three brands – Hyundai, Kia and BMW – stood out.
Subaru’s Project Midnight Pushes The Envelope of WRX Performance
Subaru’s Project Midnight is preparing to make a potent performance statement for the Japanese auto giant. A full carbon fiber body and big performance upgrades are only a few of the tricks that this special WRX will bring to the fabled Goodwood Festival of Speed.