Three Steps to Ferrari’s Electric Future

The journey to Ferrari’s debut EV is mapped out in three significant phases:

• On October 9, Ferrari will reveal the “technological heart” of the electric model during its capital markets day, offering a preview of the innovation powering the new vehicle.
• The world premiere of the full car is scheduled for spring 2025, marking the first public unveiling of Ferrari’s inaugural battery-powered supercar.
• Sales are set to begin in October 2026, bringing Ferrari’s storied badge to the electric vehicle segment for the first time.

This is the first official timeline Ferrari has provided for its EV launch. While some analysts had anticipated seeing the entire car this October, Vigna’s announcement confirmed a staggered approach, reflecting Ferrari’s focus on precision and anticipation.

EV Launch Amidst Record Earnings and Market Challenges

Ferrari’s announcement came as it reported a 15 percent increase in first-quarter core earnings, reaching €693 million, and confirmed its full-year forecasts despite fresh tariffs and an uncertain global market. Revenue rose 13 percent to €1.79 billion, powered by higher shipments to Europe and the Americas, a premium product lineup, and personalized orders.

The company kept its EBITDA guidance for 2024 at €2.68 billion and a margin of at least 38.3 percent, even as U.S. tariffs threaten to trim 50 basis points off profit margins next year. Analysts at Bernstein noted Ferrari’s confidence and stability, contrasting it with peers like Mercedes, Ford, and Stellantis, which have all suspended financial guidance in the current climate.

Mixed Global Performance: U.S. Grows, China Slumps

Ferrari sells about a quarter of its cars in the U.S. its largest market. In March, the company announced price increases of up to 10 percent on some models in the U.S. to offset tariffs. The Americas and Europe drove growth, while sales in Greater China fell by 25 percent in the first quarter, compounding a 21 percent decline in the prior quarter. Ferrari, however, remains less exposed to China than other luxury brands, limiting its shipments there to just 10 percent of total sales to safeguard margins.

New Models and Hybrid Momentum

While all eyes are on Ferrari’s first electric car, the automaker continues to diversify. Last week, Ferrari unveiled the 296 Speciale plug-in hybrid and its convertible version, pushing its hybrid technology further. Hybrid models made up more than half of Ferrari’s sales in 2023, and the company has promised six new models this year, including the highly anticipated EV.

Ferrari’s approach signals that it will continue to offer gasoline and hybrid models alongside electric cars for the foreseeable future, giving buyers a range of performance options.

As the countdown begins for Ferrari’s electric debut, the company remains committed to growth, innovation, and exclusivity—even in the face of shifting markets and regulatory hurdles. With its signature flair, Ferrari is betting that the EV era can be as thrilling as its storied past.

The post Ferrari’s First Electric Car to Debut in Three Acts as Profits Surge first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

A Modern Homage to Coachbuilding and Shooting Brakes

The Speedtop reimagines the classic shooting brake with modern proportions and luxury. Drawing inspiration from the earlier Skytop concept, also limited to 50 units the Speedtop shares its platform and 625-horsepower, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with the BMW M8 Competition. The result: 750 Nm of torque, a striking roofline, and a design intended to turn heads while respecting BMW’s long-standing traditions of elegance and dynamism.

At 5,000 mm long and 2,000 mm wide, the Speedtop echoes the dimensions of BMW’s 5 Series, but sits a dramatic 150 mm lower at 1,360 mm. The elongated roof and signature rear tailgate reminiscent of BMW Touring wagons deliver unmistakable style, while the luggage compartment features a two-level design extending between the seats for optimal cargo flexibility.

Craftsmanship, Exclusivity, and Signature Details

Each Speedtop will be fitted with custom leather luggage, crafted by Italian luxury specialists Schedoni to fit perfectly into the car’s dedicated compartments. The interior features two-tone leather inspired by the production 8 Series, preserving luxury while accommodating unique Speedtop proportions.

Exterior highlights include BMW’s signature double kidney grille outlined in white LEDs, and a showstopping gradient roof paint finish that shifts color as light hits it. “A true BMW exudes dynamism and elegance even when it’s standing still,” said BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk, emphasizing the model’s “exotic, quite extreme” presence.

Production Challenges and Collectibility

Limiting production to 70 units allows BMW to offer an ultra-exclusive experience while keeping costs and complexity in check critical for a car with unique design elements and coachbuilt details. “If you change just the position of one of the car’s 12 airbags, this will create the need for significant re-engineering and the costs will grow substantially, something you cannot afford for a limited-production run,” van Hooydonk noted.

Following strong demand for the Skytop, BMW expanded the Speedtop’s run, making this car available for collectors and enthusiasts willing to move quickly. “We will make 70 units of this extraordinary vehicle, which is now available for order,” announced Bernd Körber, head of brand and product management at BMW.

With its blend of heritage, bespoke details, and supercar performance, the BMW Speedtop stands as a modern icon for collectors—combining rarity, craftsmanship, and a striking new silhouette in the world of high-end automotive design.

The post BMW Unveils €500,000 Speedtop: A 625-HP Shooting Brake for 70 Lucky Owners first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

Electrified Might

In a market increasingly focused on driving range and efficiency, Cadillac is making a strong statement. The Escalade IQ boasts a GM-estimated 450 miles of range thanks to a massive 24-module, 200-kWh Ultium battery. In standard configuration, it produces 680 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque. Tap into Velocity Max mode and those figures leap to 750 hp and 785 lb-ft, enabling 0–60 mph acceleration in under five seconds. With an 8,000-pound towing capacity, this EV retains the muscle to match its size.

Dimensions and Design

The IQ’s scale reinforces its flagship status. It’s over a foot longer and more than 4 inches wider than the standard Escalade, yet its sculpted design lends it a sleek, aerodynamic edge. Rear-wheel steering up to 10 degrees makes it surprisingly agile, while Arrival Mode (similar to the Hummer EV’s CrabWalk) lets it maneuver diagonally in tight spaces.

Interior Overhaul

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a futuristic sanctuary. Dominating the dashboard is a 55-inch curved LED display that spans from pillar to pillar. Every surface is covered in premium materials, with an emphasis on tactile luxury from heated, cooled, and massaging seats to carefully crafted ambient lighting.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Though the Escalade IQ lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Cadillac’s Google-based native interface is robust. Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Play Store ensure functionality is not compromised. Front passengers enjoy a dedicated entertainment section on the main screen, while second-row passengers get individual displays perfect for streaming YouTube or Hulu during long drives.

• Optional 36- or 40-speaker AKG sound systems
• Executive Second Row package adds reclining rear seats and tray tables
• Integrated Google voice assistant and navigation

Real-World Road Manners

Despite its weight nearly 9,000 pounds the Escalade IQ moves with surprising grace. The combination of Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, air suspension, and a low center of gravity delivers composed handling, whether on city streets or winding rural roads.

Comfort for Every Passenger

The second-row executive seats mimic the plushness of the front seats, offering 14-way adjustability, massage, and heated/ventilated features. But there’s a trade-off with a fixed center console in the executive layout, accessing the third row becomes a bit more difficult. Even so, the third row is usable and standard across all trims, a nod to Escalade’s family-friendly reputation.

Charging and Energy Management

Cadillac equips the Escalade IQ with an 800-volt electrical architecture and peak charging rate of 350 kW, allowing it to add 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes under ideal conditions. The vehicle also supports Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality, giving owners the ability to power parts of their home during outages though this feature requires significant home electrical upgrades.

Regenerative Tech

Drivers can engage One-Pedal Driving or fine-tune deceleration via a steering wheel-mounted paddle, allowing energy to be recaptured during stops. These systems enhance efficiency while easing the driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Minor Grievances and Design Quirks

While reviews have praised the massive screen and intuitive interface, some usability decisions drew criticism. For instance, the blind-spot camera feed interrupts navigation on the main screen a frustrating experience for those relying heavily on maps. Additionally, some portions of the digital instrument cluster feel underutilized given the screen real estate.

Verdict: A Supermassive Leap Forward

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is a triumph of ambition and execution. It manages to retain the grandeur of the Escalade while infusing it with future-ready tech and electrified muscle. At a starting price of roughly $130,000, it’s aimed at a niche audience, but delivers unmatched presence, performance, and luxury for those willing to invest.

Whether you’re being chauffeured in executive comfort or piloting the nearly 9,000-pound beast yourself, the Escalade IQ proves that even the most iconic nameplates can evolve dramatically without losing their essence.

The post 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ: An Electric Icon Supercharged with Power, Tech and Presence first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

Design Evolution and Smart Packaging

The new CLA combines elegant aesthetics with practicality and technological ambition. Mercedes calls it the brand’s “most intelligent and efficient car” and it’s more than just marketing hyperbole.

The Frunk Makes a Comeback

After decades without one, Mercedes is reintroducing a front trunk. The new CLA features a 110-liter frunk under the hood, adding to its 405-liter traditional trunk. This is the brand’s first frunk since the 1930s-era W23 model and a clear nod to the packaging advantages of EVs.

More Space, More Presence

Dimensionally, the CLA has grown in all directions. It’s 35 mm longer, 25 mm wider, 29 mm taller, and its wheelbase has stretched by 61 mm. Interior space is improved, with a notable gain of 16 mm in front headroom and 28 mm in the rear. While pricing hasn’t been confirmed, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius hinted that the electric and ICE versions would be priced similarly and more profitably than current models.

Digital Soul: MB.OS and AI Assistants

Underpinning the CLA’s functionality is MB.OS Mercedes’ brand-new proprietary operating system, making its full debut here. It replaces nearly 50 electronic control units with just four high-performance domain-specific supercomputers.

An Empathetic Co-Pilot

The CLA’s infotainment runs on an upgraded MBUX system supported by generative AI tools from ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing. A voice-activated digital assistant appears as an animated three-pointed star, capable of engaging in natural conversations and shifting emotional tones. The system can toggle between ChatGPT and Google’s Automotive AI, depending on the context.

The Superscreen Arrives

Borrowing from Mercedes’ upper-tier models, the CLA features an optional panoramic MBUX Superscreen a full-width display composed of three seamlessly integrated screens: a 10.25-inch driver’s display, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and another 14-inch passenger screen, all beneath a single pane of glass.

Advanced Driver Assistance

With approximately 25 sensors and a water-cooled supercomputer managing driving functions, the CLA is brimming with semi-autonomous potential. But Mercedes isn’t rushing into Level 3 territory yet.

On the Edge of Autonomy

• Drive Assist: Offers lane centering and turn-signal activated lane changes (Level 2).
• Drive Assist Plus: Adds automatic lane changes (Level 2+).
• Drive Assist Pro: Aims for point-to-point driving (Level 2++), with launch planned in China for 2024 and the U.S. in 2026.

European regulatory approval for higher levels of autonomy is still pending, but the CLA is being engineered with readiness in mind.

Championing Range and Efficiency

The electric CLA promises a staggering 792 km (492 miles) of range under WLTP outpacing even Mercedes’ flagship EQS models despite using a smaller 85 kWh battery.

Engineering Highlights

• 800-volt architecture and silicon carbide inverter
• Two-speed transmission and a 0.21 drag coefficient
• Brake-by-wire system with up to 200 kW of recuperation
• Energy usage as low as 12.2 kWh/100 km
• Charge 325 km of range in just 10 minutes

Internal Combustion Is Still in the Picture

For those not ready to go electric, Mercedes is developing a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid engine, co-produced with Geely’s Aurobay. The powertrain includes a 48-volt system and a 1.3-kWh battery, enabling electric-only driving at city speeds.

Efficiency Without Compromise

The hybrid features:

• Integrated electric motor within an eight-speed automatic transmission
• Boosted acceleration during low-speed driving
• “Electric sailing” functionality coasting with the engine off

What’s Next?

The CLA will launch in Europe with BEV variants this summer, followed by the mild hybrids in 2026. A stylish shooting brake version is set to arrive later this year, expanding the model’s reach in the premium compact market.

A Premium Reboot of the Entry-Lux Segment

With its tech-forward approach, spacious interior, and unmatched EV range, the new CLA aims to reinvigorate Mercedes’ presence in the compact luxury category. While pricing remains a mystery, Mercedes is clearly betting that design, software, and versatility will justify a premium whether you’re plugging in or topping off the tank.

The post The Frunk Returns: What to Know About the All-New Mercedes CLA first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

No Electric Folgore for the MC20

The MC20 Folgore the anticipated all-electric sibling of Maserati’s flagship sports car was originally scheduled for launch this year. However, citing limited commercial potential, the Italian automaker has opted to pull the plug before production began.

Consumer Readiness Not There Yet

“The decision was based on projected demand,” a Maserati spokesperson said. “Our current MC20 customer base values the visceral performance and emotional connection of a combustion engine they’re simply not ready to transition to BEVs in this category.”

Since its launch in 2020, the MC20 has represented Maserati’s return to serious supercar territory, delivering 630 horsepower via a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Built in Modena and priced from around €240,000 ($262,000), the vehicle was expected to serve as a halo product for the brand’s electrification journey. That vision, at least for this model, has now shifted.

Electrification Strategy Revisited

The cancellation comes on the heels of broader uncertainty surrounding Maserati’s long-term product roadmap. In a 2023 meeting with labor unions, Stellantis declined to reaffirm its full electrification timeline for the brand a red flag that now appears more telling.

Sales Slump and Financial Strains

Maserati’s global sales dipped sharply in 2024, with just 11,300 vehicles sold a significant drop from the 26,600 units it moved the previous year. The result: an adjusted operating loss of €260 million ($284 million), placing further pressure on Stellantis to reassess the brand’s viability and strategic focus.

Where Do Rivals Stand?

While Maserati hits pause, its competitors are pressing forward. Ferrari, for instance, is set to debut its first all-electric model in October, and Lamborghini has committed to launching its own BEV by 2029. Porsche, meanwhile, has been in the EV game since the Taycan’s arrival in 2019.

Maserati does still offer electric options including BEV versions of the GranTurismo coupe, GranCabrio convertible, and Grecale SUV but the absence of a supercar like the MC20 Folgore now leaves a conspicuous gap in its future-facing portfolio.

Product Pipeline Uncertain

Beyond the GT2 Stradale a track-focused derivative of the MC20 due later this year Maserati currently has no new vehicle launches on the calendar. With Stellantis placing the brand’s business plan under review, any near-term expansion or renewal of the lineup remains in flux.

Electric Dreams Deferred

• MC20 Folgore: Canceled due to lack of demand
• Customer sentiment: Still leans toward high-performance combustion engines
• Current EV lineup: GranTurismo, GranCabrio, Grecale
• Next launch: GT2 Stradale expected Q1
• Future plans: On hold as Stellantis reassesses brand direction

While the industry charges ahead with electrification, Maserati’s latest decision reveals that not all segments or customers are moving at the same pace. For now, the roar of the combustion engine continues to define the MC20’s legacy, even as the brand’s future hangs in the balance.

The post Maserati Shelves Electric MC20 Project Amid Weak Market Outlook first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.