Check out the video: https://youtu.be/9B1QouuYUUQ Project Nightingale Project Nightingale is Rolls-Royce’s next step in turning bespoke into a bigger profit engine, building on the success of ultra-low-volume coachbuilt cars like Boat Tail and Droptail and backed by a $407 million Goodwood expansion to grow “Bespoke and Coachbuild” capacity. Due around 2028, the enormous two-seat convertible (Phantom-sized) will be the brand’s first electric coachbuilt model, leveraging Spect

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/pkgnrqxbMds Welcome to Ioniq Universe The Hyundai Venus is a wedge-shaped sedan concept that previews the future of Hyundai’s Ioniq sub-brand in China, debuting alongside the broader “Ioniq Universe” at the Beijing Motor Show. More angular than the Ioniq 6 and visually reminiscent of Honda’s 0 Series Saloon, Venus features a lightweight, frame-structured roof, a transparent rear spoiler, and a highly driver-focused interior. Inside, a wra

Check out the video ! Rivian’s R2 Gets Real The Rivian R2, first previewed as a prototype two years ago , has now been formally detailed as a compact electric SUV launching initially in higher‑priced trims, with standard, premium, and performance models ranging from about $49,000 to $58,000, while the originally promised $45,000 version is delayed until later in 2027. In dual‑motor form it delivers a striking 656 horsepower, outperforming luxury rivals like the Mercedes GLC E

You might recall that Renault Group’s 2021 ‘Renaulution’ strategy included the reboot of Alpine as an all-electric performance brand (which sounded a lot like a French Porsche), with the help of an unspecified “top-notch player”. Two years later, they announced plans for a seven-model range for 2030, which included an A310 (a 2+2 based on the next-generation electric Alpine A110’s platform) and two new “D/E segment cars” (reportedly targeting the Porsche Cayenne). But the lat

source: Mercedes Mercedes is already connected with Chinese automaker Geely in a joint venture  for the rebooted Smart brand, as well as purchasing  mild hybrid powertrains from Horse (the Renault-Geely joint venture). Now, if the reports  from the Chinese media are true, Mercedes will leverage Geely expertise to develop a new compact EV platform, codenamed Phoenix. Such a move raises some questions about Mercedes’ future low-end strategy. You may recall that, back in 2022, M

source: Scout That was the big takeaway from an  Automotive Press Association  briefing with  Scout Motors Inc.  CEO Scott Keogh. With numerous rumors circulating over the past several weeks, Keogh told the audience that early prototypes will begin rolling off the line this year, with production vehicles launching in 2027 and in owners’ hands in 2028. Those early prototypes—which Scout could have had constructed at a 3rd party supplier – will help get workers familiar with th

As relative newcomer VinFast struggles in the US and European markets and shifts its focus to India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, you’d think their leadership would be focused on this significant pivot to try and stabilize the ship. Instead, they have also announced an expansion of their “ultra luxury” Lac Hong brand, initially launched last year with an armored variant of the VF9 three-row SUV. Lac Hong 900LX (source: VinFast) There are few specifics available on the 900

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/T6DovaPFU20 Mercedes’ “Baby G” Mercedes has shifted its strategy several times in recent years, initially prioritizing profit over volume and focusing on high-end sub‑brands like Maybach, AMG, and G, before partially reversing course with plans to reintroduce entry-level models and target 2.0 million annual sales. Announced in Munich in 2023, the smaller “Baby G” was first expected to use Mercedes’ MMA architecture but will instead ride o

After a high-profile debut of its solid-state battery at CES, Donut Lab has some writers wondering how real this all is, especially with rumors of launch delays. Their new website embraces the skepticism, to a point… To their credit, they have engaged a reputable independent lab to run and report on a series of tests intended to prove the capabilities of their battery, starting with the oft-quoted “5-minute charge” claim. I’ll defer to those with electrical engineering degr

Check out the video ... Alpine’s Next EV Alpine’s reborn A110 represents the French brand’s shift into an electric performance future, following its 2017 lightweight mid‑engine coupe revival and a broader reboot as an EV‑focused brand in 2021. After canceling a planned Lotus partnership in 2023, Alpine has moved ahead independently, already launching the A290 hot hatch and A390 compact SUV, while revealing early details of a next‑generation A110 due in 2027. The new model is

image: Ford Ford’s latest press release on the Universal EV Platform (UEVP) shows plenty of clever ideas, although nothing that sounds truly groundbreaking. Although some outlets thought Ford might actually show the upcoming midsize electric pickup, what we got today instead was a behind-the-scenes look at the product development process, a/k/a the “ skunkworks .” Noteworthy highlights include: Ford claims aerodynamic performance that’s 15% better than the best available tod

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/f4wfp7aJHDY Ferrari Sees the Light Ferrari’s first electric vehicle is officially named Luce — Italian for “light” — and represents a surprising design direction for the brand’s EV debut. Previously known as Elettrica, the Luce features an interior and exterior designed by LoveFrom, the firm co‑founded by Jony Ive, with a deliberate emphasis on physical controls rather than touch-only interfaces for safety and ergonomics. The cabin avoids

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/rGmkUVkeo4g Nissan’s Body-on-Frame Play Nissan has confirmed that its upcoming body‑on‑frame strategy will extend beyond the revived Xterra to include a next‑generation Frontier, an Infiniti off‑road variant, and new versions of the Pathfinder and QX60, signaling a broad investment in rugged architectures. AutoPerspectives is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscri

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/mwNTrwGEk90 The Best Gets Better Often described as “the best car in the world,” the latest Mercedes S‑Class arrives with a major under‑the‑skin overhaul despite its familiar look, with roughly half of its 5,400‑plus parts newly developed or revised. Styling updates focus on a larger optional illuminated grille, abundant gloss‑black trim, and distinctive illuminated star details, while customization is taken to extremes through MANUFAKTUR

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/__voxIzxGiA Volvo’s Next-Gen EV The Volvo EX60 debuts on Volvo’s new SPA3 platform, featuring advanced 800V architecture, cell-to-body construction for improved energy density and efficiency, and megacasting for reduced material waste and cost. It boasts a strong environmental focus with 27% recycled content and a 37% lower CO2 footprint. Performance highlights include a 400-mile EV range for the AWD model, rapid charging capabilities (up

Although Volvo has backed away from an all-electric portfolio by 2030, that hasn’t slowed down its EV product development — and the new EX60 doesn’t show any signs of cutting corners. It’s the debut product on the new Volvo-developed SPA3 architecture and ticks all the boxes you expect on a state-of-the-art SUV: 800V architecture, cell-to-body construction, zonal electrical architecture, in-house developed motors, and megacasting. The numbers are impressive: a 400-mile range

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/uwlOUMrMXu0 Kia Goes Small The KIA EV2 is a compact electric vehicle that builds on the platform and design cues of the larger EV3, offering a smaller footprint than the outgoing Soul EV and launching in Europe at under €30,000. Notable features include flush doorhandles, a rising beltline, up to 19-inch wheels, and low-mounted taillamps for easier rear access. Powered by the front-wheel-drive EGMP-derived platform, it offers battery opti

Surprise! I was interviewed for a podcast yesterday and asked if I had ever been surprised in the 25 years I spent in the competitor intelligence space. The best example that came to mind was the DaimlerChrysler merge r  , which I heard announced on the radio while driving into work — shortly before I was supposed to give a presentation to several hundred people on Chrysler’s potential future.  Today’s announcement  about Ford and Renault was definitely a surprise. Sure, Ford

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/QuH4Cor9LZ0 Rimac’s “Cybercab” Unveiled as a direct competitor to the Tesla Cybercab, the Verne Robotaxi is set to launch operations in Zagreb, Croatia in 2026, promising lower costs than current ride-hailing services. Like the Cybercab, it’s a two-seater with no steering wheel or pedals, offering Level 4 autonomy. The latest update from CEO Mate Rimac-known for the Rimac hypercar and as a part owner of Bugatti-showcases a fleet of 60 Ver

There has been plenty written lately about the future of auto shows, and what they mean—or don’t mean—to automakers and consumers in today’s frantic, online, instant-gratification-fueled world. I’m pleased to report that, while several automakers skipped this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, it was an altogether entertaining and educational experience. If I had to complain about one thing, it would be the singular item outside the show’s control: the rain. THE SHOW ITSELF It was