News Roundup: July 28, 2025
- Adam Bernard
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Check out this week's video here...
FX Super One
Remember Faraday Future? They unveiled the $300,000 FF91 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2017. Eight years later, and six years after the proposed production start date, FF has delivered exactly 16 FF91s, making it slightly more common than the seven Bugatti Royales that were built. Almost all—if not all—have been given to employees, paid spokespeople and other advocates. Faraday X, or FX, is the company's new "affordable" sub-brand, and the Super One isn't a new vehicle but a reworked Wey Gaoshan 9 minivan from China's Great Wall Motors. GWM has reportedly been discussing with FF for about a year the possibility of assembling this in the US using grille semi-knockdown (SKD) kits and 50% locally sourced parts.
The Super One itself is described as “the world’s first AI-powered luxury MPV and a true disruptor in the electric era”, debuting the Super EAI F.A.C.E. (Front AI Communication Ecosystem)--essentially a giant screen replacing the grille. FF says the MPV has "what you might call a soul" although it's unclear how much smarter the Super One is than other minivans. FF plans to have both EV and "AI Hybrid Extended Range" variants in the market in 2026, at a price of $70-100,000.
WHY IT MATTERS: This may be FF's last best hope of remaining in business--and the SKD approach could provide a path for other Chinese automakers to enter the US market.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Based on FF's history of broken promises and shattered business plans, it's unlikely the Super One is going to be any more impactful than the FF91, but will likely lead to plenty of entertaining stories.
Second Generation MG4
Originally known for building fun, affordable British sports cars, MG is now a premium brand that part of China's SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), and one of the best-selling Chinese brands in Europe. The 2nd-generation MG4 remains a compact electric rear-drive hatchback that's a bit less powerful--but about 300 lbs lighter. Part of that is due to the new semi-solid-state battery technology that promises power density of about 300 Wh/kg--among the best in industry, even better than Tesla estimates. Range is a bit on the low side (200-250 miles, EPA equivalent), but it fast charges from 30-80% in about 20 minutes. The cell-to-body structure--which bypasses the modules and packs that most EVs use--helps reduce cost, mass, and complexity. Inside is a giant central touchscreen, concealed air vents, and active-ventilated phone charging.
WHY IT MATTERS: Compact hatchbacks are still a core product for many automakers, and MG--with its recognizable brand--is wading into the thick of it with some pretty sophisticated battery tech, especially for a midlevel vehicle.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Attractive, well-equipped, competitive performance, and some state-of-the-art EV tech add up to a good move for SAIC.
California 'Vette
Pasadena, California, is the source of the second Corvette concept this year (following the earlier reveal of a UK-designed variant). The C10 badge on the fender suggests this is the Corvette after the next one, and it features a unique front-hinged, removable canopy. The carbon fiber tub houses a T-shaped battery, and like the Polestar 4, there's no rear window. Inside is a C8-style divided cockpit, yoke-style steering, and (surprisingly) no passenger display.
WHY IT MATTERS: This is GM's performance and technology icon, and if you thought the move to a mid-engine layout was controversial, the idea of a Corvette EV is an even bigger leap.
THE BOTTOM LINE: GM has been pretty clear that this just a concept, but it illustrates some of the ideas they are likely considering for both C9 and C10.
Dongfeng M-Hero M817
One of China's big four state-owned automakers is collaborating with smartphone giant Huawei on this $46,000, midsize off-road-oriented SUV--and, with nearly 10,000 pre-orders in the first 24 hours, it seems like some Chinese consumers are rather excited. You have your choice of a 687 hp PHEV or 921 hp EREV (with a ~90-mile EPA equivalent EV range), and the Offroad Edition adds beadlock wheels, a 12,500 lb electric winch, and 13.1" of ground clearance. The claimed Level 3 autonomy is supported by the first mass-produced high-precision solid-state LiDAR, the first mass-produced in-cabin laser vision sensor, and the first distributed millimeter-wave radar. There's plenty of power inside with 13 power outlets (including a 6 kW external power discharge function) and dual 50-watt air-cooled wireless chargers.
WHY IT MATTERS: Chinese automakers have been expanding their SUV portfolios, including more vehicles with aggressive off-road capability, so this new entry keeps Dongfeng in the fight.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The brand may be relatively obscure to some, but it's got government backing and capability to live up to the exterior styling, as well as state-of-the-art automated driving and electrified powertrain technology.
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