by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, cars, commerce, news
Additionally, the FBI has issued an advisory for Tesla drivers, and China’s plans for rolling out Full Self-Driving technology have been put on hold.
It appears that the one thing even less predictable than Tesla’s share price this month is which way the U.S. might head regarding automotive tariffs. Just as things seem calm for the carmakers, suddenly new duties could come into play again. Honestly, it feels like we’re caught in an endless cycle of uncertainty, and frankly, it’s draining.
we’re
fed up with this situation, executives like Jim Farley and Mary Barra might be prepared to take action.
Welcome back to
Critical Materials
, your daily roundup for all things electric and tech in the automotive space. Today, it’s more tariff talk, plus the FBI and ATF have formed a joint task force to fight vandalism against Teslas. Also, Tesla has halted its FSD rollout in China. Let’s jump in.
30%: Auto Tariffs Are Still On The Way, Assures Trump
Photo by: InsideEVs
Remember yesterday when the
The automotive sector was anticipated to receive some relief.
From the wider tariffs that come into play on April 2nd? While this statement holds some truth—it’s important to note that automobiles will not completely avoid these substantial duties.
US President Donald Trump disclosed late Monday that tariffs targeting the automotive sector have not been taken off his trade-war arsenal. These levies will be implemented apart from the April 2nd duties and are being adjusted to offer specific preferential treatments—such as potential exemptions—for particular unnamed countries exporting cars to the United States.
Here’s what
Bloomberg
knows:
President Donald Trump stated that he plans to unveil tariffs on car imports soon and suggested that countries will be granted exemptions from the ” reciprocal” duties set to take effect next week.
Trump’s comments at the White House Monday sowed further confusion about his plans for a sweeping tariff announcement scheduled for April 2. The president told reporters he planned to proceed with long-threatened auto import tariffs “fairly soon, over the next few days” ahead of the broader package.
Trump said his tariff rollout next Wednesday would focus on so-called “reciprocal” tariffs, featuring rates on a country-by-country basis. The president twice on Monday signaled trading partners would receive possible exemptions or reductions.
Trump’s timeline for imposing tariffs on the auto industry is rather inconclusive, but based on the president’s wording, it would seem that the administration is prepared to announce it ahead of next week’s tariff extravaganza, which Trump declared to be named
Liberation Day
.
We’ll be addressing the automobile sector, something many of you have been aware of for quite some time,” stated Trump at a press conference. “We plan to make this announcement shortly, likely within the coming days. Then, on April 2nd, reciprocal tariffs will come into play.
Once again, this situation has auto manufacturers puzzled about what lies ahead. For instance, Toyota finds itself uncertain whether merely continuing operations and importing parts from beyond U.S. borders might lead to repercussions, despite its efforts.
five car manufacturing facilities in the United States
and
donating $1 million
to Trump’s reelection campaign last year.
Moreover, we shouldn’t overlook the component aspect. Constructing automobiles requires numerous materials sourced globally through an intricate network of suppliers across different countries. Should the automotive sector avoid direct taxes on imported goods, the frequent international transactions involved in obtaining various car parts might still lead to increased expenses for vehicles manufactured within the United States.
Regardless of whether you’re a supplier, factory manager, or
simply someone wishing your upcoming car doesn’t come with an additional $12,000 price tag
, the ongoing discussions about tariffs are raising more queries than providing solutions. For an sector reliant on decades of unrestricted commerce, slim profit margins, and efficient production methods, nothing disrupts operations as much as stringent regulations do.
one that keeps changing
.
60%: FBI Alerts Tesla Owners and Showrooms About Potential Acts of Violence and Vandalism
Photo by: YouTube
Tesla is currently facing some challenges, and we’re not referring to their car models here.
tanking stock
,
slipping sales
, or even the critique of its FSD software failing to identify a
Looney Tunes-style fake wall
. Indeed, we’ve reached a stage in our cultural discussion where people are breaking windows and burning electric vehicles due to the political maneuvers of what Tesla calls their ”
absent CEO
And now, the authorities are so vigilant that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a memo to caution the public.
In a security notice labeled as
People across the country target Tesla vehicles and dealerships with arson, gunfire, and vandalism.
, the FBI—which recently formed a joint task force with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate the incidents—warns of attacks targeting Tesla vehicles, as well as Tesla-owned property (like dealerships and Supercharging stations).
Here’s more info
from the bulletin directly
:
The FBI is alerting the public about widespread events across the country aimed at Tesla electric cars (EVs), showrooms, parking areas, and recharge points since January 2025. In at least nine different states, attacks on Tesla EVs have taken place. Such acts include setting fires, shooting, and defacement with messages like graffiti that seem to target individuals perceived as racist, fascist, or political adversaries. The evidence suggests these illegal activities were carried out individually by single attackers, and every recorded incident happened after dark.
People might need minimal preparation to employ basic strategies like homemade fire bombs and guns, and they could view these assaults as harmless offenses against property rather than serious criminal acts.
The FBI advises people to stay alert and watch for unusual behavior in locations where Tesla dealerships or Tesla-associated organizations operate.
It could be said that Tesla underwent an unexpected cultural rebranding over the last year. The outspoken political stances of CEO Elon Musk have tarnished the company’s image, leading to a polarized customer base that is acting true to form—by dismissing brands whose values do not match their own political beliefs.
Activists have urged proprietors to divest their vehicles and shares as a form of protest against Tesla due to Musk’s ongoing engagement in international affairs. It appears the car owners heeded this call, as per industry statistics provided by Edmunds which indicate that
There has been an increase in Tesla trade-ins over the past few weeks.
Not only is an increasing number being traded in, but
Fewer purchasers are looking for pre-owned Teslas to acquire.
, causing used car prices to plummet.
For others, this is insufficient. Activists have assumed the responsibility of leveraging Musk’s political leanings as a pretext for carrying out harmful actions such as
torch setting fires at Tesla showrooms
or
damaging customer-owned Tesla vehicles
.
This entire scenario highlights the complexity surrounding electric vehicles (EVs), particularly Teslas. The discussion is no longer focused solely on software upgrades and charging infrastructure; instead, EVs have turned into highly personal and politically charged topics. As for Tesla, they’ve unfortunately become the central focus where much of this scrutiny is concentrated.
90%: Tesla Temporarily Suspends FSD Deployment in China
Photo by: InsideEVs
Tesla’s aggressive launch of its Full Self-Driving software in China has encountered an obstacle. Of course, not a literal one.
regardless of what you may believe
), but Tesla appears to have voluntarily halted the widespread rollout of its premium driver-assistance feature in China as of Monday.
The precise cause of the delay remains unclear. Although one could easily assume that the software is not yet prepared, it’s also feasible that recent guidelines from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) regarding remote software upgrades may be responsible.
Here’s the latest from
Automotive News
:
Tesla announced on March 24 that it plans to launch its advanced driving-assist function in China once it secures all necessary approvals from regulators. This comes after reports indicated that a temporary free-trial period for its Full Self-Driving service was halted due to some issues.
“All parties are diligently moving the related procedures forward, and once everything is set, we’ll promptly update you. We’re just as eager for this; your patience during this time would be greatly appreciated,” stated Tesla’s customer service on the social media platform Weibo.
The post appeared as a comment beneath the Weibo feed of Tesla Vice President Grace Tao.
Tesla states that it will restart delivering Full Self-Driving capabilities to clients after receiving approval from Chinese regulatory authorities.
Tesla’s deployment of Full Self-Driving in China has not gone smoothly. Users who tested the software discovered that the vehicle did not always adhere to local regulations. A Chinese automotive influencer succeeded in
accumulate seven distinct traffic offenses
on a single evening through unlawful lane switching, executing right turns from cycle paths, and committing various ticketable offenses.
This difficulty arises largely due to stringent Chinese data regulations, which pose significant challenges for training Tesla’s Full Self-Driving model within the local market. As CEO Elon Musk clarified earlier this year:
“We face certain challenges as the government does not permit us to export training videos from China, and the U.S. administration prevents us from conducting training within China itself. This creates quite a dilemma,” explained Musk during the firm’s recent quarterly earnings briefing. “To overcome this issue, we’ve been examining online footage of Chinese roads to grasp how they function. We use these public videos showcasing road signs and traffic regulations in China for our training purposes and integrate them into an extremely precise simulation.”
Chinese social media platforms displayed comparable problems, such as instances of vehicles running red lights and various other incidents that gained attention.
across global car blogs
.
Car News China
provides additional information about MIIT’s potential participation:
The potential causes for the suspension could involve the recent guidelines set forth by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This inference stems from statements made by XPeng about postponing their scheduled March Over-The-Air (OTA) update for the P7 model. According to XPeng, this deferral was prompted by MIIT directives dated February 28th, mandating all significant upcoming software modifications to be pre-announced with sufficient notice before any filings can proceed post-publication.
It has likewise been suggested that the acceptance of Tesla’s FSD software
might serve as leverage for the Chinese government
As an approach in the continuing trade dispute between the U.S. and China.
Currently, Tesla hasn’t directly stated that the issues highlighted online led to halting the launch of the Chinese Full Self-Driving (FSD) test. Similarly, the Chinese authorities haven’t issued any official statements criticizing the software, so there’s no clear reason behind Tesla’s decision to suspend the roll-out. However, based on the phrasing used in Tao’s Weibo post, it appears that Tesla might believe the software isn’t quite “prepared” for what could be considered one of their key markets.
100%: What Will Become of All the Trade-in Teslas?
Last evening, I found myself endlessly scrolling through TikTok when someone shared an intriguing open-ended query regarding the numerous Teslas currently circulating. At present, the supply exceeds the demand, causing used car prices to drop significantly—a boon for potential purchasers.
if people really intended to purchase them
.
The journey down this path appears far from over. With Musk remaining politically engaged and steering Tesla, the decline seems set to continue. This leaves car dealers wondering about their next move: Should they offload vehicles at a loss? Opt for auctions instead? If enticing deals fail to draw customers, perhaps patience might prove to be their best strategy, waiting until conditions improve?
Share your opinions below in the comments section.
More Important Updates You Should Be Aware Of:
-
Hyundai Electric Vehicle Owners: Your Tesla NACS Adapters Will Be Available Shortly
-
Tesla Is Plunging in Europe Despite Rise in Electric Vehicle Sales in February
-
A Die-Hard Tesla Fan Switched to a Rivian. Here’s His Impression
-
Is Toyota Now Genuine About Electric Vehicles?
-
Public EV Charging Was Already Deteriorating. Then Trump Eliminated Federal Funding
-
How Tariffs and the Retreat from Electric Vehicles Affect All Americans
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | aston martin, automotive design, autos, car models, cars
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The same amazing twin-turbo V-12 engine, now offering limitless headspace.
Based on whom you ask, taking off the roof of a performance vehicle can make it either better or worse. If we’re talking about a V-12 powered performance car, this debate becomes even more intriguing.
Aston Martin Vanquish
Honestly, we find it hard to identify any drawbacks. However, regardless of whether you favor an open-top or closed Grand Tourer, you can now opt for one equipped with a V-12 engine in the form of the Aston Martin Vanquish. Introducing the 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante.
Fortunately, the powertrain remains the same as the coupe’s. This includes a 5.2-liter, bi-turbo V12 engine generating 824 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, which drives the wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Notably, this makes it the mightiest front-engine production vehicle available, whether in coupé or convertible form. Additionally, it claims the title for being the quickest, boasting a maximum speed of 214 mph—the exact figure achieved by the solid-top variant of the Vanquish.
Photo by: Aston Martin
Photo by: Aston Martin
Photo by: Aston Martin
It indeed takes slightly more time to reach your destination. The Vanquish Volante officially accelerates from zero to 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.4 seconds. This timing is about two-tenths of a second slower than the coupe version, which can be attributed to the additional 209 pounds of the convertible model. Despite this increase in weight, Aston Martin describes it as minimal. Adding fluids would likely bring the overall curb weight of the open-top Vanquish close to around 4,300 pounds.
The advantage here is a strengthened frame that
Aston Martin
The claims are almost as firm as those of the coupe. While specific details about this setup aren’t provided, the suspension undergoes Volante-exclusive calibration alongside the Bilstein DTX shock absorbers. The vehicle comes equipped with six-piston carbon ceramic disc brakes upfront and four-piston discs at the back for braking power. It shares the same Pirelli P Zero 21-inch tires as seen on the coupe.
Just like expected, the inside remains identical, complete with two 10.25-inch digital screens; one for the driver and another within reach for managing the entertainment functions. The sole distinction lies in the presence of a control to retract the K-fold soft top, a process that completes in about 14 seconds and can even happen when moving at speeds up to 31 miles per hour. Elevating the roof takes slightly more time—around 16 seconds—but doing so means you won’t notice much sound from an available titanium exhaust option. Save yourself the hassle unless the weather turns really bad; otherwise, keep it open.
Photo by: Aston Martin
Aston Martin Volantes have been setting the standard for sophisticated, sporty convertibles for six decades,” stated Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark. “The Vanquish Volante elevates this concept with its breathtaking design and exceptional V-12 engine, which delivers more horsepower than any other front-engine production vehicle currently available.
Aston Martin hasn’t disclosed the pricing for the new Vanquish Volante, but it’s sure to
exceeds the $434,000 price of the coupe
Production starts in the third quarter of 2025; less than 1,000 units will be manufactured annually.
More On The Vanquish:
-
The Conquest and Its V-12 Will Resurrect Aston Martin: Initial Test Drive Review
-
Aston Martin Won’t Construct a Mid-Engine Vanquish
Source: Aston Martin
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, semiconductor companies, semiconductors, technology
With automobiles increasingly resembling rolling computer systems, car manufacturers are competing to create their own semiconductors—which are essential components for elements ranging from electric drivetrains to advanced driver-assistance technologies. The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with depending solely on outside semiconductor providers. Moreover, as the automotive sector transitions towards electrification and autonomy, this surge in demand emphasizes the necessity for sophisticated, high-performing microchips even further.
In an effort to decrease reliance on external chip producers, businesses are establishing their own internal semiconductor design groups, opening R&D facilities in Silicon Valley, and entering into agreements with manufacturing firms for outsourced production. Additionally, some enterprises are forging joint ventures; for instance, they might team up with Taiwan-based Foxconn to jointly develop automotive-specific microchips.
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers such as Tesla and China’s BYD have traditionally focused on developing their own chips, but now conventional carmakers—like Toyota, Hyundai Motor Group, Stellantis, and General Motors (GM)—are also entering this competition.
Automotive semiconductors were previously seen as a specialized sector, yet their importance has expanded with the increasing technological sophistication of vehicles. In contrast to sophisticated processors utilized in smartphones and data centers, automotive chips tend to be simpler, which makes them more amenable to internal production by automobile manufacturers.
Nevertheless, the supply continues to be restricted. In the past, chip producers have primarily focused on catering to the consumer electronics sector, which has left automotive manufacturers vying for a scarce allocation of chips. This disparity grew particularly evident during the pandemic as worldwide shortages compelled numerous auto companies to suspend their manufacturing operations.
South Korea’s Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) reports that traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles typically incorporate approximately 200 semiconductor components each, whereas Electric Vehicles (EVs) necessitate about 1,000 such devices, with Autonomous Vehicles requiring over 2,000. Notably, power semiconductors—critical for determining an EV’s operational range—are considered particularly significant in this domain.
According to market research company Verified Market Research, the worldwide automotive semiconductor market is expected to expand at an annual compounded growth rate of 5.83%. This would bring the total value up to $82.8 billion by 2031, starting from $54.8 billion in 2024.
The Hyundai Motor Group, having traditionally relied heavily on Germany’s Infineon Technologies for its chips, is now becoming more involved in semiconductor production. In 2020, the group’s car components division, Hyundai Mobis, purchased Hyundai Autron—a firm formerly dedicated to semiconductors for internal combustion engines. Following this acquisition, Hyundai Autron has redirected its efforts towards developing electric vehicle (EV) chips. Moreover, Hyundai Mobis intends to start producing essential automotive semiconductors through contract manufacturing later this year.
In 2023, Hyundai reinforced its relationship with Infineon by forming a collaboration aimed at jointly developing power semiconductors specifically for electric and hybrid cars.
Toyota has chosen an alternative path by establishing a joint venture with its component supplier Denso to advance automotive semiconductor development. In contrast, Volkswagen is pouring investments into chip technology via its software division, Cariad, with the objective of designing bespoke semiconductors specifically for their cars.
GM is intensifying its chip strategy as well. The company has joined forces with Dutch semiconductor manufacturer NXP Semiconductors to collaboratively develop chips for their upcoming generation of electric vehicles.
From the outset, Tesla has been designing its own chips and relying on external contractors for manufacturing. On the other hand, China-based BYD both designs and manufactures its own car-specific semiconductors. In 2023, BYD declared an investment of 100 billion yuan ($13.8 billion) aimed at advancing its capabilities in semiconductor technology as well as autonomous driving systems, thereby intensifying its efforts in this area.
In addition to creating new chip designs, automobile manufacturers are also focusing on simplifying the semiconductor supply chain. They are integrating various functionalities into fewer chips to decrease complexity and make purchasing processes more efficient.
For example, Stellantis is collaborating with Foxconn to jointly develop semiconductors that might substitute up to 80% of the current chip usage in Stellantis cars. The objective behind this initiative is to reduce expenses, streamline manufacturing processes, and secure a more consistent supply chain.
The pandemic highlighted weaknesses in the automotive chip supply chain,” stated Lee Hang-gu, a researcher at the Korea Automotive Technology Institute. “Meanwhile, China’s drive towards independent semiconductor development is also spurring global automakers to enhance their own chip technologies.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | autos, cadillac, car models, cars, electric cars
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The Cadillac CT4 and CT5 sedans are not anticipated to have gasoline-powered replacements. Their future models might likely be fully electric vehicles instead.
The last decade has brought us several sedans from Cadillac that proved to be critical darlings but didn’t see huge, mainstream sales success. It’s tough to be a sedan in an SUV-driven world, after all. And as good as the Cadillac ATS, CTS, CT4 and CT5 have been—especially their
V-Series
and
Blackwing
Performance variations—the mainstays from Mercedes-Benz and BMW are quite challenging to surpass.
As Cadillac gets ready to discontinue the CT4 and CT5, rumors suggest that their successors will completely abandon gasoline-powered engines. Here’s what we have gathered so far.
Cadillac Electric Sedan: What Do We Know So Far?
It comes as no shock that General Motors appears to be phasing out those two Cadillac sedan models, which took over for the ATS and CTS upon their release in 2020.
Sales of the CT4 and CT5 models
They decreased by 32% and 20% last year, respectively, which made them the slowest-selling Cadillac models in 2024 except for the recently launched model.
Escalade IQ
.
Even as Cadillac is placing significant emphasis on its range of electric SUVs, which includes the newest model,
Optiq
and
Vistiq
Models certainly aims not to fall behind in the electric vehicle (EV) sedan segment. Due to improved aerodynamics, reduced overall height, and lighter weight, EV sedans typically offer the longest ranges among all types of vehicles; simply consider
Volvo’s upcoming ES90
, offering an estimated range of 435 miles according to Europe’s WLTP cycle.
GM Authority
was among the first to reveal that the successors to the CT4 and CT5 models might become fully electric. The source stated, “Sources close to the situation indicate that General Motors does not intend to produce a next-generation of the Cadillac CT5 and Cadillac CT4 equipped with conventional engines,” according to their report. “These forthcoming electric vehicles are anticipated to match the sizes of the current Cadillac CT5 and Cadillac CT6, categorizing them as ‘low hip-point’—also known as low H-point—vehicles.”
All That We Understand Expanded
-
2026 Jaguar Electric Fastback: All the Details We’ve Gathered
-
Scout All-Electric SUV and Pick-up: What We’ve Learned So Far
-
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Electric Vehicle: All the Details We’ve Gathered So Far
-
2025 Ram 1500 REV: All the Details Available
-
Volkswagen ID.1: All the Details Available
-
Toyota FT-Se: All the Details We’ve Gathered So Far
Two sedans might prove intriguing, particularly as Cadillac has struggled with moving significant volumes of a single sedan model. However, should this report hold water, the strategy appears aimed at giving consumers various options regarding size and pricing to suit their preferences.
How Will the Upcoming Cadillac Electric Sedan Design Look?
Photo by: Cadillac
What’s truly fascinating is that in today’s sedan market, you must embrace risks to remain pertinent.
GM Authority
asserts that these vehicles won’t be conventional three-box sedans, but instead will feature “a sports-back design reminiscent of the Cadillac Escala Concept or perhaps even the”
Cadillac Celestiq
.”
The Escala Concept (which should not be mistaken for the Escalade) was introduced in 2016, and its design influenced a whole era of Cadillac’s production vehicles.
Celestiq
It’s an exclusive high-end sedan with a price tag starting at around $340,000. Therefore, although these cars might have comparable styling elements, their cost should be significantly lower for broader accessibility.
2024 Cadillac Celestiq reveal
This is just a speculative thought, but I’m curious if Cadillac might explore the
2022 InnerSpace Concept
For potential future models, this sleek coupé-style concept car showcased at CES a few years back had an eye-catching design. This aesthetic could be adapted successfully into a production-ready four-door model or perhaps even a sportback sedan. However, as of now, these ideas remain unconfirmed.
Cadillac Electric Sedan: Details On Price and Specifications Unavailable
Apart from those reports—which are somewhat credible—we don’t have additional information. When considering specifications, platform, and range for an upcoming Cadillac electric sedan, we can anticipate that it will likely utilize General Motors’ BEV3 platform.
Ultium
Batteries and motors, since it employs comparable power cells and structures in all its electric vehicle models nowadays. This places it alongside cousins like the Cadillac Lyriq, Optiq, Chevy Blazer EV, and Equinox EV, among others. Additionally, this new model will be the second sedan built on the Ultium platform after the Celestiq.
Considering these bigger, less streamlined vehicles can achieve ranges of 300 miles or more, one might anticipate that an upcoming Cadillac electric sedan could surpass that figure significantly. Could it potentially reach around 350 miles of range? This is just conjecture based on current observations, yet considering the performance demonstrated by Ultium SUVs and following market trends, such expectations seem plausible.
Cadillac Electric Sedan: Could It Be V-Series or Blackwing?
Photo by: Cadillac
Given Cadillac’s successful foray into branding and motorsports with its V-Series and Blackwing performance variants, we can expect these sedans to receive comparable upgrades. Cadillac has already embarked on this path.
getting ready the Lyriq-V with 615 horsepower
, and it is expected to be the fastest vehicle in the brand’s lineup. This matches our expectations for a future high-performance Cadillac sedan.
When Is It Going to Be Available for Purchase?
Cadillac InnerSpace Autonomous Concept
Unfortunately, we do not have any information about a potential release date. However, considering that both the CT5 and CT4 models remain available with their updated 2026 versions, it appears unlikely to happen soon. Should these electric vehicles receive approval for manufacturing, an introduction later this decade would be more probable.
The Competition
It’s difficult to predict the competition for these cars without knowing their prices, but we can make some educated guesses. Currently, the Mercedes-Benz EQE and EQS sedans are prominent players in this segment; however, they may soon be replaced with electric variants of conventional models.
E-Class
and
S-Class
, probably going to receive the “EQ Technology” designation.
Cadillac InnerSpace Autonomous Concept
BMW has
Several upcoming electric vehicles set for release shortly
Based on its Neue Klasse platform, beginning with an anticipated sedan similar to the 3 Series, likely named the i3, along with the iX3 SUV.
A car akin to the 5 Series on that chassis
It appears quite probable, and it might also go up against those Cadillacs. Additionally, we have the mentioned Volvo ES90, and depending on where Volvo decides to lead its sedan range, along with the refreshed model.
Polestar 2
.
Among the present lineup of electric sedan vehicles, we have the
Lucid Air
, the
Tesla Model S
, the
Audi A6 E-Tron
And a few others as well. The Cadillacs would surely face strong competitors when it comes to their selection and luxurious amenities.
What would you like to see in an upcoming Cadillac electric sedan? Share your thoughts below.
Contact the author:
patrick.george@insideevs.com
More Cadillac EV News
-
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq Strikes the Perfect Balance
-
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ: Amplified American Luxury, Now Electric
-
In 2026, the Cadillac Escalade IQL offers increased legroom and cargo space.
-
2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V: This Electric Cadillac Sets New Speed Records
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2026 Cadillac Vistiq: Three Rows of Seating With a Range of 300 Miles
by admin | Mar 22, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, car companies, car models, cars
It seems Alfa Romeo is set to join the ranks of manufacturers offering both electric and internal combustion variants of the same model.
-
The upcoming Alfa Romeo Stelvio is being tested with camouflaged prototypes in Sweden.
-
The vehicle seems to lack exhaust pipes and has a completely sealed-off grille, indicating that it’s probably an all-electric car.
-
Alfa Romeo is discontinuing the $2 billion Giorgio platform and will be adopting the STLA Large for the Stelvio and Giulia models.
As the global electric vehicle market experiences inconsistent growth across different regions, numerous automobile manufacturers are adopting a fresh approach for their upcoming model lines:
You have the option to choose a hybrid or a completely electric vehicle.
, whichever one better meets your requirements. It seems that Italy’s Alfa Romeo will also be adopting a comparable approach with its upcoming SUV and sedan models.
Alfa Romeo is discontinuing the Giulia and Stelvio, which were exactly what enthusiasts desired from the marque. They will both be succeeded by entirely new models developed under their parent company.
Stellantis’ STLA Large
The platform supports both combustion engines and pure electric power.
Previously, we didn’t receive any official word about theEVoption, but Alfa Romeo appears to have hinted at it through teaser images for the upcoming Stelvio model.
Multiple images revealing a camouflaged Stelvio prototype out in snowy conditions have been shared online, and we’re fairly confident this model will be all-electric. Key indicators include the absence of noticeable exhaust pipes at the rear end and an orange high-voltage label positioned near the top edge of the front windscreen. Additionally, the rims seem to feature an aerodynamic layout; however, their appearance is somewhat hidden due to both the heavy disguise applied to the car and the spinning motion of the tires during tests.
Photo by: Alfa Romeo
At the forefront of the prototype, nearly all areas are sealed off except for a tiny aperture located at the bottom section of the bumper allowing airflow passage. Additionally, the door handles seem to adopt a flush design, indicating that Alfa Romeo places significant emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency for this specific model. While this does not definitively prove the car’s electrification, it clearly demonstrates an aerodynamically focused approach being taken with this vehicle.
When you look at its frontal area, it sadly features a divided headlamp setup, where slim LED daytime running lights sit atop smaller headlights positioned further below. This particular styling approach has become quite prevalent in today’s automotive world; however, it often leads to divisive looks instead of universally appealing aesthetics.
If there’s an auto manufacturer capable of achieving this, it’s Alfa Romeo, and ideally, the Stelvio should have a more appealing design.
the Junior
This provides us with some insights into how the new, larger SUV might appear. Alfa Romeo offers a clear view of the car’s side silhouette, indicating it is more substantial compared to previous models. However, it retains the nearly sloping rear roof design reminiscent of the present Stelvio.
In two of the preview images, Alfa Romeo reveals the prototype drifting, suggesting that it will keep the present model’s rear-wheel-drive characteristic for the upcoming version. The final picture in the collection truly demonstrates just how much drift capability it has, which is necessary in today’s automotive landscape.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
s and the inevitable
quad-motor M-badged BMW
X3-equivalent electric SUV.
Photo by: Alfa Romeo
Photo by: Alfa Romeo
Riding on
the STLA Large platform
indicates that the new Stelvio (and Giulia) will share architecture with the
Jeep Wagoneer S
and the
Dodge Charger Daytona EV
The latter hasn’t been a car that garnered much warmth; a muscle car.
that can’t do burnouts
It’s quite a puzzle.
However, the platform can be adjusted and customized to offer a significantly different experience compared to Alfa Romeo vehicles, supporting both 400- and 800-volt systems. Additionally, Stellantis claims this setup can accommodate battery packs as large as 118 kilowatt-hours and achieve acceleration from zero to 62 mph (100 kph) within approximately two seconds. The system is designed to work with various drivetrains, such as plug-in hybrid configurations.
As Alfa Romeo has begun hinting at the upcoming Stelvio, its complete reveal isn’t distant. The vehicle is scheduled to make its debut sometime within this year prior to hitting the market in 2026, alongside the Giulia, as seems to be the case.
won’t be a typical saloon car
But something taller, such as a bigger Italian Polestar 2.
More On This
-
Alfa Romeo Giulia EV: All the Details We’ve Gotten So Far
-
Alfa Romeo Milano Rebranded as ‘Junior’ Due to Italian Law Shielding Cheese
-
The Alfa Romeo Milano is a compact crossover with an electric range of up to 254 miles according to WLTP standards.
-
Stellantis’ STLA Large Platform Offers ‘Greatest Flexibility In The Market’ for Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Maserati
-
Alfa Romeo hints at an upcoming “sport urban” electric vehicle below theTonale, inviting you to christen it.
-
Stellantis Is Set to Unveil an All-New Luxury Electric SUV for 2025
by admin | Mar 21, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, car companies, car models, cars
“Audi should have a sports car, for sure,” CEO Gerald Döllner said. And a new concept due out this year could show where Audi is going.
-
The head of Audi states that the company requires a sports car, with the TT being considered an iconic model.
-
He remains open to the idea that the TT might become an electric vehicle down the line.
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The introduction of an electric TT doesn’t seem certain yet, but it appears Audi is seriously contemplating producing one.
In 1998, Audi introduced one of its most distinctive designs in modern times with the launch of the TT sports car. This model underwent three generations before being phased out in 2023, selling a remarkable 662,762 units—a significant achievement for a compact two-door front-wheel-drive sportscar. There might be hope yet as it could make a comeback but this time powered by electricity rather than petrol.
At this point, nothing appears definite, but
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I queried Audi CEO Gernot Döllner regarding the TT, and he admitted that it is considered an “icon” and stated definitively that “Audi must certainly possess a sports car.”
When queried about whether electricity could be suitable for an upcoming TT model, Döllner stated, “For genuine racecars intended for tracks, as far as I’m concerned, the viable options so far have been internal combustion engines or hybrids. However, if we’re considering vehicles meant primarily for regular street usage, then I’d certainly foresee a shift towards electrification.”
He continued, “In the long run, there will be room for all-electric sports cars, primarily for traversing mountains like the Alps or enjoying scenic routes on rural roads rather than racing.” According to Döllner, their capability to charge while one takes a break for a cup of coffee would be crucial for these vehicles to fulfill such roles.
The TT has historically used the same platform as the front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf, most notably the MQB platform, which provided
the most scorching TT-RS variant with A8-level performance
However, should the upcoming model switch to an electric powertrain, it would probably require construction based on a distinct platform, inevitably leading our thoughts towards the MEB as the electrified counterpart of MQB.
The MEB platform forms the basis for vehicles such as
the Volkswagen ID.3
or the
Audi Q4 E-Tron
It supports both rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Additionally, there’s a more budget-friendly variant of MEB with front-wheel drive, intended for use in Volkswagen Group’s smaller electric vehicles such as the production model of the ID.Elligo concept.
Switching to a rear-wheel-drive architecture would make sense for an electric sports car. Critics have always pointed to the TT’s front-wheel-drive-biased nature as a shortfall, and this would be a good opportunity for Audi to silence them by making something primarily rear-driven.
We also can’t rule out a future model based on the Porsche-Audi jointly developed PPE platform, which is already underway.
the Q6 E-Tron
, and
the new electric Macan
A variant of the same platform is thought to also support the new 718 Spyder and Cayman sports cars.
Electric Rendering of Porsche 718 Boxster
The Volkswagen Group is also developing a new architecture known as SSP, designed to supersede both the MEB and PPE platforms. This could serve as the foundation for future models.
the electric 718
It’s scheduled to launch next year in a new model, potentially the 718, offering adaptable design options with engine powers spanning between 160 and 1,740 horsepower. This architecture may form the basis for most upcoming electric vehicles within the company lineup, which means we might see it applied to an electrified version of the TT as well.
Audi might opt for a less expensive solution by utilizing the MEB platform to create a rear-wheel-drive TT, making it possible to offer the TT E-Tron at a lower price point akin to the original. This electric vehicle could reasonably retail for about $50,000 instead of the anticipated $80,000 price tag for the forthcoming electric 718. A TT built on the PPE architecture would likely fall into this higher price range as well.
Gernot Döllner expressed his delight at having Massimo Frascella serve as Audi’s Chief Creative Officer for designing their new models. Prior to joining Audi in 2023, Frascella worked with Jaguar-Land Rover, where he played a key role in crafting the designs of the new Defender and the most recent Range Rover—both vehicles that garnered significant praise and admiration for their aesthetics.
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Frascella focuses on designs with straightforward and minimalistic forms, devoid of unnecessary embellishments. All his creations possess a distinct Bauhaus aesthetic. This aligns perfectly with an Audi TT, since the initial design was noted for its sleek, streamlined Bauhaus-inspired look, which has allowed it to remain elegant over time.
The information from the source indicates that Frascella’s initial significant contribution to Audi will be a concept vehicle set to premiere at the IAA German Motor Show in Munich during early September. This model could potentially signal a shift in Audi’s aesthetic approach and stylistic trajectory.
A different brand from the Volkswagen Group, Cupra, has already unveiled a concept car giving a glimpse of a possible production two-door electric sports vehicle.
Cupra DarkRebel
Interestingly, if such a production model were to be created, it might end up costing the same or even more than the electric 718. In that case, it could potentially utilize the PPE platform as well.
We would be thrilled if the TT returned as a well-handling rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle with design elements that pay homage to the classic, yet we should not overlook that
Audi isn’t performing up to its potential.
Therefore, it might be unwise to allocate resources for such a project at this moment. The mentioned IAA concept should provide insight into what priorities the car manufacturer has nowadays.
