In the middle of 2022, Alfa Romeo boss Jean-Philippe Imparato told Reuters the Italian carmaker would develop a new battery-electric vehicle in the U.S. that would launch here in 2027. Created for markets that prize large SUVs, he said, "Our offer for a large size vehicle must fit international markets, American, Chinese, European." At the time, he cast doubt on whether the model would be as large as a BMW X5 (195 inches x 78.9 inches), and suggested it could combine crossover and sedan form factors. Imparato wouldn't be drawn on the production site for this new vehicle, but Reuters believed it probably won't be built in the U.S. Six months later, in January of last year, Imparato shared a few specs of the coming EV SUV with Automotive News Europe, by then called a "high-performance SUV" with motors putting out from 300 to 800 horsepower in the standard range and around 1,000 horsepower in a Quadrifoglio trim, and an 800-volt architecture would enable "recharging times of 18 minutes max." At this point, this SUV had also officially become a competitor to the X5, the BMW almost exactly 10 inches longer than the Stelvio (pictured), which is currently the largest product in the Alfa Romeo portfolio and the best-seller in the U.S. What had stayed constant was the potential of a tweener shape, Imparato having said that aerodynamic needs could lead to a shape between a sedan and a crossover. With all that said, a post in a forum on of Spain's Cochespias (via Mopar Insiders) pinpoints the production site for the Alfa: The Detroit Assembly Complex - Jefferson plant in Detroit that builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. The information comes from what appears to be a clip from a spreadsheet identifying current and future assembly sites and annual production figures. A line for the "E-CUV EV," this E-segment Alfa Romeo, refers to the assembly complex by its previous name, Jefferson North. The next-generation Grand Cherokee and Durango will sit on Stellantis' STLA Large platform, same as this flagship Alfa Romeo. The Grand Cherokee enters production at Detroit Assembly in 2026, the Durango in 2027. The spreadsheet shows production projections for the Alfa variant of 1,961 units for 2027, 10,715 units for 2028. The next-gen Giulia and Stelvio, also on the STLA Large platform, are going to be built in the company's Cassino, Italy plant, so they can keep their geographical references.
It's the end of the road for the Bugatti Chiron. Limited to 500 units globally, the W16-powered coupe entered production in 2016, set a top-speed record, and spawned several models. The final Chiron was built in May 2024, but the French brand will soon unveil what comes next. Bugatti named the final Chiron "L'Ultime," which translates to "the last one" in French. It's a Super Sport model whose livery is inspired by the first Chiron shown to the public when the model was announced at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. It's finished in Atlantic Blue and French Racing Blue, like the show car, but the colors blend into each other; they were separated by hand-polished aluminum trim on the show car displayed in Switzerland. The color split extends to the wheels, and the grille wears a blue Bugatti emblem created specifically for the model. The name of places that helped shape the Chiron's career appear on both sides of the last example built. Paul Ricard is the track in the south of France where Bugatti tested pre-production prototypes, for example. Geneva is where the Chiron was presented to the public, and Ehra-Lessien is the German test track where the Chiron became the first car to cross the 300-mph barrier. It reached precisely 304.773 mph. 2024 Bugatti Chiron l'Ultime View 22 Photos More subtle design details further identify L'Ultime as the final Chiron built. The center caps feature "500/500" logos while "#500" appears ahead of both wheel arches — that's number 500, not hashtag 500. Bugatti notes that this livery was created at the request of a customer. Inside, there's Deep Blue leather upholstery and carbon fiber trim. The "#500" logo appears on the center console, while the seats and the steering wheel get blue, white, and red stitching as a tribute to the French flag. Bugatti's historic home is in Molsheim, in northern France. There's no word on where the final Chiron is off to. It might end up tucked away in a private museum, or you might spot it at the next cars and coffee gathering. As for what's next, we won't have to wait long to find out. The company, which is controlled by Croatia-based Rimac, confirmed that the Chiron's successor will ditch the W16 engine that also powered the Veyron and instead use a new V16 engine designed in-house. The 16-cylinder will work jointly with some kind of hybrid drivetrain, though full technical details haven't been released yet.
Ford's been working on its strategy and sales reorganization for a couple of years, the initiative that created the Blue (ICE), Pro (commercial), and Model E (electric) divisions. On the Model E side, part of continuous reworking of the EV arm has been in response to dealer lawsuits filed in numerous states, since Model E not only stipulated investments of anywhere from $500,000 to $1.2 million, the automaker initially wanted dealers to set no-haggle pricing, offer remote pickup and delivery for service appointments, and build chargers that would operate around-the-clock. Another big part of the tweaks to Model E is the continually unstable ground the entire electric project is built on. As part of understanding what dealers are facing and how to keep the electric wheels turning, Automotive News reports that the automaker held 11 meetings with dealers this year in six cities. Based on the feedback, more changes are coming to Model E as soon as next month.  During the roadshow, Ford told dealers to pause their investments into getting certified for Model E. This directive followed a corporate change in plans as Ford pulled investments in battery-electrics in favor of consumers' choice for hybrids. The head of Ford Blue — the internal-combustion-powered division that, with Ford Pro, has been paying the bills as Model E posts big losses — told AN, "We don't want them to make any decisions between now and the middle of June, when you can maybe have a more informed decision-making process based off what we work out with council in the next few weeks." One change has already been made public, the VP of EV programs telling an AutoNews business conference audience, “What weÂ’re finding is more dealers want to be involved in it and we donÂ’t want to be exclusive to just a handful, and so weÂ’re making a change where weÂ’re opening up that and not requiring as many certifications or investments for a dealer to participate in the EV revolution." Don't take that comment as a revelation; since the beginning, dealers complained about being excluded and needing to throw so much money at the program. Take that comment as Ford needing to find a better way in the "rapidly changing" environment. The official list of updates won't come until next month, when Ford meets its dealer council, and it should touch on topics beyond EVs.
South Korea's Sisa Journal (translated), via the site Eletric-Vehicles, reports that Hyundai Group luxury brand Genesis and Lucid Motors are in the final stages of working out a deal for the former to buy electric motors from the latter. If a deal does go through, it would be Lucid's second motor supply arrangement after agreeing to terms with Aston Martin almost exactly a year ago, or third if you count the front power units Lucid built for the Formula E race series. This is rumor until confirmed, though. When Sisa Journal asked Hyundai about the plans, an automaker rep replied with the expected, "I can't confirm it." We know Hyundai's throwing huge resources at developing in-house platforms and motors, so why would it potentially make a deal with Lucid? SJ says Genesis is aiming to release the production version of the Genesis X Convertible Concept onto the market by 2026. That's the droptop company execs reportedly previewed to dealers in January 2023 with Bentley in its sights. Now only two years away, SJ writes that Genesis saw the finish line looming and decided that "application of Lucid's high-performance electric motors is relatively efficient in terms of time and cost." The fact that Lucid's motors have proved themselves in terms of refinement, range, and output in a luxury segment where Genesis wants to play would also work in favor of a theoretical collaboration. The report also said part of the fine-toothed work includes "ironing out details such as the pricing of the electric motors and the specific models they will be integrated into," hinting the power units could end up in more than just the convertible. There's supposedly a little backstory to this, with Hyundai Group chairman Chung-Eui-sun and CEO Jang Jae-hoon visiting Lucid headquarters in California earlier this year, and the Lucid Air and coming Gravity SUV spotted on South Korean roads. The Lucid sightings in Asia could be unrelated to this report, but tied to another South Korean connection. Via the Lucid Owners forum, local wires say Lucid is signed up to buy electronic components from Korean company HL Group that will enable autonomous features on the Gravity, such as radar and cameras, as well as "the virtual engine sound system" audible at urban speeds.  Related Video
Acura revealed the 2025 MDX in April. Now, in advance of the updated flagship crossover arriving at dealers, the brand's released pricing. We'll start with the numbers, prices rising anywhere from $850 to $1,550, with $100 of that being a higher $1,350 destination charge. MSRPs for the latest MDX after destination, and their differences from 2024, are: Base FWD: $52,250 ($850) Base SH-AWD: $54,450 ($850) Technology Package FWD: $57,650 ($1,550) Technology Package SH-AWD: $59,850 ($1,550) A-Spec SH-AWD: $62,850 ($1,050) Advance Package SH-AWD: $67,350 ($2,000) A-Spec Advance SH-AWD: $69,350 (New trim) Type S Advance SH-AWD: $76,300 ($1,250) What's the extra money get? Most importantly, a new infotainment system coded on Google built-in that jettisons the unwieldy and unloved Acura True Touchpad interface for a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Having Google built-in means an enhanced version of Google Maps is on board, along with various apps from the Google Play store (including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay). The center console space formerly reserved for the touchpad and wrist rest houses a wide, shallow bin and an easier-to-access wireless phone charger. Elsewhere in the cabin, there is a new Bang & Olufsen sound system with either 19 or 31 speakers in all but the base trims, better hardware for the AcuraWatch driver assistance suite, and additional sound deadening plus rear laminated glass on most trims. Exterior visual differences are also subtle, with revised lower fascias for both standard and Type S models, new grille inserts for both, and a revised grille surround that removes the chrome lipstick look of the standard MDX. The taillights are now darker, and there are new wheel designs throughout. There might be a few more Easter eggs for MDX lifers, too. A member at the MDXers forum pointed out that the 2025 Advance trim features a body-colored skirting just like the late third-gen MDX instead of the black skirting applied on the fourth-gen through 2024.  As for those trims, the A-Spec with the Advance Package is new, finally letting buyers combine the A-Spec's sportier appearance with the Advance's luxury and tech features such as 16-way power front seats, a head-up display, and surround-view camera. Acura also puts quilted leather seats in the new trim, the stitched hides once exclusive to the Type S.
The billionaire Peugeot family is under unprecedented shareholder pressure over the performance of its listed investment vehicle following losses related to its holdings in the collapsed European property empire Signa. Peugeot Invest, controlled by the French clan and headed by eighth-generation scion Robert Peugeot, 74, is likely to face a group of disgruntled minority investors at an annual meeting on Friday who have made public a long list of grievances including its deep trading discount. They also criticize rising operating costs, governance, remuneration policies and investment strategy. Among their top gripes: The company’s assets — which include stakes in carmaker Stellantis NV, investment bank Rothschild & Co. and a vineyard in Bordeaux — are worth almost ˆ6 billion ($6.5 billion), compared with its stock market capitalization of ˆ2.8 billion. That 54% discount to the value of its assets is one of the largest among European investment holding companies. One big way to close that gap, dissident investors say, would be to pay out a bigger chunk of cash in dividends. Yet Peugeot Invest rejects the idea, and will prevail at the annual meeting: The family controls almost 80% of the shares and 89% of voting rights. “The interests of minority and majority shareholders are not aligned,” said Colette Neuville, president of the Association for the Defense of Minority Shareholders, which has teamed up with investors Moneta Asset Management and Sycomore Asset Management to push for changes in the way Peugeot Invest operates. “They are acting like there are no minority investors.” The barrage of public criticism is a first for the secretive clanÂ’s firm, which began trading in 1989 on a now-defunct bourse in the eastern city of Nancy. The sprawling familyÂ’s fortune centers around the eponymous car manufacturer that three years ago merged with Fiat Chrysler. The clan emerged with a 7% stake in the combined group, Stellantis, one of the worldÂ’s most profitable automakers with a market value of about ˆ64.6 billion. The stake is indirectly held by Peugeot Invest, which has been helmed for the past 22 years by Robert Peugeot and used by the family to diversify away from the auto industry.
The Korean Car Blog has all kinds of info on what's happening at the top of the Genesis lineup in the next couple of years. The biggest news starts with the Neolun concept Genesis debuted at the New York Auto Show. That's going to turn into a GV90 flagship SUV in early 2026, all-electric, of course, since Genesis so far remains committed to new models being EV-only after 2025. TKCB says this will be the first vehicle to come out of the Hyundai Group's new plant in Ulsan, Korea dedicated to electric vehicles. We're told that Genesis successfully lobbied the mothership to move the GV90 upscale from its original luxury segment, so now the SUV's being benchmarked against the Bentley Bentayga, Range Rover and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The Korean brand spent much of last year putting its sights on such super-luxe rides, from rumors about a production version of the Genesis X Convertible concept to its One of One program launch in Dubai.  In New York, we made note of Neolun features like the coach doors, the large, flexible infotainment screen that could be unfurled from the instrument panel, and swiveling front seats. Genesis hinted that some of the Neolun's intriguing design elements could make production, TKCB believes coach doors will be one of them. Supposedly, a few months after the launch of the standard GV90 in the U.S. around June 2026, Genesis will produce a limited-edition trim with coach doors and other exclusive touches. The doors are reportedly possible thanks to the Hyundai's new electric vehicle platform called "eM" and its new electrical architecture and modular motors. This will eventually replace the e-GMP platform current Hyundai Group products are built on and enable vehicle features such as "a pop-up display, a swivel seat in the first row, a long-sliding seat in the second row, a built-in air purifier, [Level 3+] autonomous driving, Remote Smart Parking Assist 3 (RSPA3)," OTA updates for vehicle control modules, and AI-supported real-time battery diagnostics. Hyundai brought some battery development in-house, the eM architecture could be the first beneficiary of that by utilizing a lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry in cell-to-pack (CtP) battery technology.
The Mitsubishi Galant first appeared on American streets as the 1971 Dodge Colt and then a bit later with Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo badges. Mitsubishi Motors finally began selling Galants from its own U.S. showrooms for the 1985 model year, and Galant sales continued here through four more generations before getting the axe in 2012. We saw some interesting and/or quick Galants along the way, including the Sigma, VR-4, GS-X and Ralliart; today's Junkyard Gem is a rare example of the sporty eighth-generation Galant GTZ sedan, found in a North Carolina self-service wrecking yard recently. The final year for the hot-rod all-wheel-drive VR-4 and GS-X Galants in the United States was 1992. By 1998, there were just three levels of new Galant here, all with 141-horse four-cylinder engines driving the front wheels. Then the 1999 model year arrived, and so did the 6G72 V6 engine under Galant hoods. This SOHC (yet still 24-valve) engine was rated at 161 horsepower and 205 pound-feet. It was available in the U.S.-market ES-V6, GTZ-V6 and LS-V6 Galants for the '99. The GTZ was sporty-looking, but not as loaded with luxury features as the LS. 1999 was the first model year for the eighth-generation Galant in North America, and it had finally become big and powerful enough to be considered a genuine rival for the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord (both of which had been available with V6 power for quite a few years). The 1999 Galant got a grille that resembled the one on its upscale Diamante big brother, which had five years to live at the time. The MSRP for this car was $24,300, which comes to about $46,374 in 2024 dollars. The base 1999 Galant DE started at just $16,999, or $32,441 in today's money. Those prices were in the ballpark with the Galant's Camry and Accord rivals; the Camry LE V6 with automatic started at $22,748 ($43,412 now) with automatic transmission, while the Accord LX V6 with automatic was $21,700 ($41,412 today). Both those cars had a lot more power than the Mitsubishi, though: 194 horsepower for the Toyota and 200 for the Honda. The 1999 Galant sold in the United States was not available with a manual transmission, which made the El Cheapo DE trim level a steal compared to the cost of two-pedal base Accords and Camrys. The Galant DE even came with air conditioning at no extra cost. The factory wing on the GT-Z is serious. Collectible today? Hardly, but an interesting bit of automotive history. This content is hosted by a third party.
In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Road Test Editor Zac Palmer. They discuss the refreshed 2025 Honda Civic and its new hybrid powertrain, a possible Ford Maverick sport truck, rumblings of a new Mitsubishi Delica, the continued growth of hybrid sales, the UAW's loss in Mercedes' Alabama plant, the VW ID.7 being delayed, Tesla Semi news and the BYD Shark headed to Mexico. They chat about Formula 1 for a moment before hopping into the reviews section. Zac's been driving the new 2024 Nissan Z Nismo, and Greg's been spending a bunch of time in the long-term 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV. Send us your questions for the Mailbag and Spend My Money at: Podcast@Autoblog.com. Autoblog Podcast #833 Get The Podcast Apple Podcasts – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes Spotify – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast on Spotify RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown News 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid refresh Maverick sport truck on the way? Is Mitsubishi bringing a new Delica to North America? Hybrid sales are booming The UAW loses in Mercedes vote Volkswagen ID.7 delayed in North America Tesla Semi picks up more steam BYD Shark is headed to Mexico as a mid-size pickup Formula 1 catch-up Cars we're driving: 2024 Nissan Z Nismo 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Long-Termer Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts Autoblog is now live on your smart speakers and voice assistants with the audio Autoblog Daily Digest. Say “Hey Google, play the news from Autoblog” or "Alexa, open Autoblog" to get your favorite car website in audio form every day. A narrator will take you through the biggest stories or break down one of our comprehensive test drives. Related video: Government/Legal Green Motorsports Podcasts Ford Honda Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Nissan Toyota Volkswagen Truck Crossover Hatchback SUV Electric Hybrid Luxury Off-Road Vehicles Performance Sedan Podcasts
When General Motors created the Geo brand to sell vehicles designed and — in some cases — built by Japanese partners, the first four models were introduced for the 1989 model year: the Metro (Suzuki Cultus), Prizm (Toyota Sprinter), Spectrum (Isuzu Gemini) and Tracker (Suzuki Sidekick). Geo got the axe in 1997, with the Metro, Prizm and Tracker becoming Chevrolets. Of those, the Tracker survived the longest, with U.S.-market sales continuing into 2004. Here's an example of a very late Tracker, found in a North Carolina car graveyard recently. The 1989-1997 first-generation Trackers were based on the Suzuki Sidekick, while the 1998-2004 Trackers had the Suzuki Vitaras (not to be confused with the much grander Grand Vitaras) as their siblings. Production of these trucks for the South American market (as the Chevrolet Vitara) continued in Ecuador all the way through 2014. The Tracker name has also gone onto some versions of the Chevrolet Trax around the world. This one is a base four-door hard top/rear-wheel-drive model, which had an MSRP of $17,330. That's about $29,789 in 2024 dollars. You'll find one in every car. You'll see. The engine is a Suzuki 2.0-liter straight-four rated at 127 horsepower and 134 pound-feet. A five-speed manual was base equipment, but very few American vehicle shoppers wanted three pedals by the middle 2000s. This truck has the Aisin four-speed automatic. We like it loud. It appears that someone associated with this truck graduated from Julius L. Chambers High School last year. In the United States, the Tracker was replaced by the Saturn Vue. If Tracker can handle (unspecified Middle Eastern country), it can survive the jungle back home. Siempre contigo.
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