News Roundup: June 30, 2025
- Adam Bernard
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
See the video here: https://youtu.be/ZJd33tiaWXg
Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept
It's been three years since Mercedes unveiled the AMG Vision concept, which gave us a peek at the upcoming AMG.EA high-performance EV architecture. The new AMG GT XX concept gets us closer to the production model that launches in 2026, and offers up some additional tech that could show up on future AMG.EA derivatives. Among the highlights:
Three oil-cooled axial flux motors from Mercedes' new UK subsidiary, Yasa, putting out 1341 hp (1 megawatt) of power. These motors are 1/3 the size, 2/3 lighter, and have 3x the power density of conventional radial flux motors.
New battery developed from F1 technology includes new NCMA cylindrical cells boasting ~300Wh/kg--better than estimates of current Tesla batteries
800V architecture combined with new battery tech enables charging speeds up to 850 kW
Targeted performance of 223 mph top speed, ~200 miles EPA EV range in 5 minutes
MBUX Fluid Light Paint emits light in response to an electrical current
Claimed Cd of 0.198 enabled with active aero wheels, aerodynamically designed underbody, absence of a rear window, and AIRPANEL active aero system
Interior features carbon fiber bucket seats with 3D printed seat pads and illuminated orange tubes designed to evoke high voltage cables
Interior trim includes synthetic leather from recycled GT3 racing tires and biodegradable LABFIBER Biotech Silk Alternative
WHY IT MATTERS: Mercedes' first round of purpose-built EVs--the EQE and EQS--landed with a thud despite some impressive technology, and the precipitous dropoff in Taycan sales (which is admitted hampered by a less-than-impressive range) doesn't bode well, either. Notably absent from the discussion is the increasingly-invisible EQ sub-brand, as Mercedes leverages AMG's brand equity to promote all this new tech. It remains to be seen how much high-performance-specific EV tech will show up in Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and others.
THE BOTTOM LINE: This AMG trumps Porsche's tech (with what sounds like a lot of AMG-specific hardware) and the AMG brand is still relevant, which might help spur demand and help Mercedes reshape their EV story.
Mazda's Rotary Revival
Rumors of a new rotary-powered Mazda sports car have literally been floating around for years, but it now appears things are a bit closer to reality. Although the business case for the Iconic SP concept (first shown at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show) isn't quite fleshed out, the development of the dual-rotor rotary engine is apparently almost done. Mazda's CTO has suggested the production version of this 2+2 is a spiritual successor to the RX7, and would be positioned above the higher-volume Miata. The new engine will likely be part of a new EREV powertrain.
WHY IT MATTERS: With uncertainty surrounding the next-generation Supra and Nissan Z, the BMW Z4 likely dead, the Porsche 718 going electric, Chevy out of the segment, and Dodge's Challenger replaced by a gigantic coupe (and sedan), there could be an opportunity for a premium internal-combustion sports car ripe for Mazda to leverage.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Few brands can claim an engine as iconic as the ingenious rotary engine, and, in the face of increased competition from around the world, leveraging this small, powerful internal combustion engine as a range extender seems like a wise choice, especially if they tie it to the legendary RX moniker.
Giugiaro's Next Hypercar
We've already heard from Bentley and Ferrari that the bespoke business is a profit center for them, so GFG Style--the independent firm run by Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son, Fabrizio--was likely thrilled to get this one-off commission from Mexican businessman Carlos Peralta. The Peralta S is inspired by the 70s-era Maserati Boomerang concept, dropping a polished aluminum body on top of a Maserati MC20 (and its Nettuno twin-turbo V6). Look for its debut in August at Monterey Car Week.
WHY IT MATTERS: Independent design houses have been having a rough go of it lately, with VW Group rumored to be looking to sell ItalDesign, so this project helps keep the Giugiaro name in the limelight and could generate more business.
THE BOTTOM LINE: This striking retro-inspired (in both design and technology) hypercar reassures us that Giugiaro hasn't lost his touch.
Tata's "Defender Lite"
JLR owner Tata launched the original Sierra--their first SUV--in 1991, and the nameplate returns this year on a Land Rover-inspired small SUV. With its boxy profile, clamshell, hood, and floating roof, the new Sierra (which was previewed as a concept in 2023) wouldn't look out of place alongside the current Defender. The Atlas platform will likely provide ICE power, and an EV variant is possible, too.
WHY IT MATTERS: Although it's likely to be sold only in India, that's not necessarily a bad thing; Marketsandmarkets is forecasting about 50% growth from 2023 to 2030, targeting annual volumes of 7.5 million vehicles, so there should be plenty of buyers. And, while tariffs currently limit the presence of the Chinese, that barrier may not work forever, so Tata needs to up their game to remain competitive.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Tata continues to raise the bar in terms of overall product execution, which should help as Chinese exports increase to India.
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