News Roundup: Nov 10, 2025
- Adam Bernard
- Nov 11
- 4 min read
Check out the video: https://youtu.be/ijmIHmxxhIY
Renault Reboots the Twingo
Over three decades after its initial launch, the Twingo is back as an affordable EV for Europe, following up on the concept shown in late 2023. Sharing the same basic architecture as the new Renault 5 E-Tech, the new Twingo evokes the original with its semi-circular lamps, one-box profile, and playful touches--all for a starting price of 20,000 euros. It will compete against the upcoming VW “ID.1” (which will get a new name when it launches in 2027) as well as incoming Chinese competitors like the BYD Dolphin Mini. A key part of the program was speed to market, enabled by ACDC, the Renault Group R&D center based in Shanghai. The 150-employee tech center “accelerated the project by working with the local ecosystem and new industrial partners.”
It features clear visual ties to the original, with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and up to 18” wheels, as well as a very efficient interior package, with individual sliding and reclining rear seats (and a fold-flat front passenger seat). The small 27.5kWh LFP battery charges relatively quickly—under 5hrs at home, 30min at a DC fast charger—and cell-to-pack technology optimizes energy density and helps reduce battery costs by 20%. It will be built in Slovenia, leveraging the local supply chain—so no worries about Chinese tariffs. Like the original, there is a strong focus on simplification—only four body colors—but even the base model gets a standard 10” touchscreen, as well as a portfolio of 3D printed accessories and YouClip attachment points. The only downsides? A rather short 163-mile range (WLTP), and an almost unrelentingly dark interior (despite some pops of color) with an awkward, stuck-on central touchscreen.
WHY IT MATTERS: Affordability and speed to market are big issues these days, and Renault seems to have conquered both with an inexpensive EV that doesn’t look and was brought to market at ‘China speed’. This will help attract entry-level buyers and could also result in faster product development on other programs.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The new Renault 4 and 5 seem to be doing well with both critics and customers, and the Twingo appears poised to follow in their footsteps.
Lexus Sport Concept—and a New V8
After a reveal at Pebble Beach in August, the Lexus Sport Concept—a likely replacement for the LFA supercar (a/k/a LFR)—gets an interior with an asymmetrical color scheme, steering yoke, and multi-screen IP cluster. Toyota also announced a new V8, derived from their upcoming new four-cylinder engine, and likely to be deployed in twin-turbo hybrid form in both the LFR and Toyota’s upcoming GR GT3.
WHY IT MATTERS: As EV demand softens, many automakers are diverting additional funds to next-generation internal combustion engines—and Toyota’s move is intended to guarantee them a place in the high-performance part of the market. The LFR will also serve as an engineering and talent showcase for Toyota, not unlike the role of the Corvette within General Motors.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Toyota seems committed to both keeping the Lexus brand relevant and keeping a portfolio of state-of-the-art internal combustion engines.
Sharp + Foxconn Unveil the LDK+
The well-known electronics brand has teamed up with the iPhone manufacturer (and aspiring EV maker) to update its concept from a year ago, leveraging Foxconn’s Model A minivan platform. LDK stands for ‘living + dining + kitchen’, and this new concept is a rolling theatre, with a projector, swiveling seats, and a retractable movie screen. It’s designed to showcase how large language models, AI, and the internet of things can be integrated into passenger vehicles, and features roof-mounted solar cells and V2H capability.
WHY IT MATTERS: China’s Huawei and Xiaomi electronics giants are already in the EV market, and Sharp may be exploring opportunities as well. This also showcases Foxconn’s ability to work with a partner, as they search for an OEM to leverage their EV platforms.
THE BOTTOM LINE: There have been plenty of failed startups in the EV realm, so this may not amount to much more than gentle exploration rather than a business commitment.
Lexus for One
With Lexus’ new “To Discover” motto, the brand is exploring how to deliver a luxury mobility experience for one. The Micro LS is a three-wheeler, around the size of a Citroen Ami. Created in California, it was “designed for point-to-point intercity travel where roads are tight and traditional cars aren’t allowed.” It features a canopy-style entrance, a custom Lexus luggage set, and a glassware set, with a leather armchair as the driver’s seat and bamboo floors and walls.
WHY IT MATTERS: No luxury brand has explored this space since the Aston Martin Cygnet—and the launch of the new Century brand means Lexus has the space to play around a bit.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Intriguing but unlikely to result in any actual new product.
Honda Micro EV
Only a design, the Micro EV is another Citroen Ami competitor, although this looks more production-ready. It features a bench seat integrated into the body structure and skateboard stowage under the bench seat. The yoke-style steering wheel includes a smartphone dock, replacing a traditional touchscreen.
WHY IT MATTERS: Several European automakers are entering the quadricycle space, and this could provide Honda with a viable entry for Europe—if they decided to go ahead with it.
THE BOTTOM LINE: No big innovations here, but something that bridges the gap between Honda’s two-wheel and four-wheel portfolio.
Toyota’s Do-It-Yourself Truck
The IMV Origin is tied to Toyota’s IMV platform designed for emerging markets. It’s essentially like a flat-pack truck—Toyota builds the base, but the customer finishes it. Basically a skateboard layout, it has a drop in the front to put your feet, a patio-cushion type seat, and dashboard-mounted headlights.
WHY IT MATTERS: Not a lot of automakers put much thought into emerging-market vehicles, and this super-low-cost approach could have applications in Asia and Africa.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Could be clever if there’s an ecosystem to support the notion of the customer ‘finishing’ the vehicle.
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