Motor News

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reportedly mandated that all new customers receive a demo of the company’s Full Self-Driving mode.The directive requires Tesla staff in North America to install and activate the latest FSD software and provide a short test ride.Musk reportedly said that although the procedure will slow down the delivery process, it’s a hard requirement.Everyone who buys a new Tesla model in North America will be required to sit through a demonstration of the company’s Full Self-Driving mode. CEO Elon Musk reportedly made the new mandate in a recent email to staff that was leaked online and then confirmed by Business Insider.In his email, Musk directs Tesla staff to install and activate the latest version of FSD, which still requires the driver to actively pay attention to the road and does not make the vehicle autonomous. Along with the driver-assist functions that come with Tesla’s standard Basic Autopilot and the $6000 Enhanced version, FSD—which is listed as a $12,000 option on the consumer site—currently enables “autosteer” on city streets as well as traffic light and stop sign control.TeslaMusk’s original mandate further required Tesla staff to give a demo to all new customers, but a follow-up email reportedly also extended the requirement to owners who have their vehicles returned from a service center. There are no details about what’s involved in the demonstrations other than that they’re a “short test ride.” In his first reported email, Musk wrote, “Almost no one actually realizes how well (supervised) FSD actually works.” He also acknowledged that the procedure will slow down the delivery process but notes that it’s a hard requirement. Musk yesterday posted on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, that all Tesla models that have Full Self-Driving capability will have access this week to a free one-month trial.More About Tesla’s AutopilotEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-class is refreshed with better aerodynamics that pave the way for the anticipated electric variant.The G550 trades its old 416-hp V-8 for a new 443-hp turbo six, while the AMG-tuned G63 retains its 577-hp V-8 but adopts a 48-volt hybrid system.For 2025, both G-wagen models also gain new off-road tech, more desirable features, and expanded personalization options.The terrain-and-tarmac-conquering Mercedes G-class is being updated for the 2025 model year with—get this–aerodynamics in mind. Don’t worry, the G hasn’t evolved into some rounded blob-shaped crossover. It remains distinctly boxy, casting a shadow similar to the original 1979 Geländewagen. The restyling is subtle but includes reshaped A-pillars, an updated grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and a subtle spoiler on the leading edge of the G-class’s roof. These changes apply to the Benz-branded G550 and the AMG-tuned G63. More importantly, they’re also expected to appear on an upcoming electric G-class model.G-Wagens Get a 48V Hybrid SystemAlong with a more aerodynamically enhanced body, both G-class models adopt a new 48-volt hybrid system. That means the G550 no longer features a 416-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, as that’s been replaced by a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six that’s good for 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. That represents an increase of 27 horses but a decrease of 37 pound-feet versus the outgoing engine. Meanwhile, the G63 retains its predecessor’s twin-turbo V-8, which still makes 577 ponies and 627 pound-feet, but now pairs with the aforementioned 48-volt system. The G63 is also now available with an adaptive suspension system. Called AMG Active Ride Control, it uses hydraulic anti-roll bars and dampers to reduce body roll during hard cornering. Plus, Mercedes claims it improves ride comfort by softening up during normal driving. The system is included with the AMG Offroad Package Pro, as the new suspension is designed to improve wheel articulation on uneven surfaces.The AMG Offroad Package Pro bundle also adds two new drive modes: AMG Tracking Pro and AMG Active Balance Control. The former uses the G63’s braking system and locking differential to improve traction, while the latter uses the suspension’s hydraulic system to let the driver manually select the proper roll stiffness on the fly to help improve control in off-road scenarios.Better Tech across the BoardBoth G-wagens now feature more off-road tech in the cabin too, including a special set of gauges that can be called up on the infotainment system to provide details such as steering angle, altitude, and vehicle position. An updated 360-degree camera system can now display a view of what’s under the G-class. Mercedes calls this feature “Transparent Hood,” and it gives drivers a better idea of the terrain directly beneath the SUV.For those planning to use the updated G-class models in a more suburban setting, Mercedes has several new convenience and comfort features for the cabin. The G550 and G63 now come with Mercedes’s MBUX infotainment interface, which brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Climate-controlled front cupholders and a wireless charging pad are now included too, and a revised rear-seat entertainment system is optional. The latter setup features two 11.6-inch touchscreens mounted to the front seatbacks, which allow rear-seat passengers to browse the web, stream video content, and control the SUV’s sound system.Driver-assistance features get a boost for 2025 too. A new adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature is available on the G-class for the first time. The system can also increase and decrease the vehicle’s speed to prepare for corners or highway exit ramps when used in conjunction with the navigation system. All models now come standard with passive entry and a Burmester surround-sound stereo. A dashcam finds its way onto the options sheet as well, and Mercedes has expanded its personalization offerings through its Manufaktur customization service. Manufaktur provides a selection of unique paint colors, interior trims, upholstery options, and rear wheel covers that can be combined to spec a G-class to an individual buyer’s taste. Production of the updated G will start soon. Mercedes says the ’25 G550 and G63 will reach U.S. dealerships in the second half of this year. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced, but we expect the price of both models to receive a slight increase. The 2024 G550 starts at $144,150, and the ’24 G63 starts at $184,150, so no matter how you slice it, the 2025 model will require very deep pockets.Gettin’ G-iggy Wit ItDrew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.       More

Genesis showed the GV60 Magma concept at an event ahead of the New York auto show.A production version isn’t far away and is expected to lead the charge for a slew of high-performance Magma vehicles.Genesis said it plans to launch a Magma model for every vehicle in its existing lineup.Along with the lavish Neolun concept, Genesis announced plans to launch a performance-focused subbrand tonight, revealing the GV60 Magma concept during an event ahead of the New York auto show. The Korean luxury brand said the sporty GV60 variant is very close to production and will hit the road soon, possibly becoming the first production vehicle under the Magma banner. The GV60 Magma concept is derived from the brand’s first EV, which shares its platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. The GV60’s two siblings have already spawned performance models, the Ioniq 5 N and EV6 GT, with the former reaching U.S. customers for the first time later this year. Although Genesis provided no technical details on the GV60 Magma, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it share components with the 576-hp EV6 GT or the 641-hp Ioniq 5 N. GenesisWhat Genesis did reveal was the striking design, which builds off the GV60’s squat, aggressive proportions with beefy wheel arches—each with a pair of vents—and a spiky rear wing. The front bumper is also revised with a larger intake to help cool the battery, motor, and brakes, while the rear gains a substantial diffuser. Unusual fins sprout from the roof and direct air to the rear wing, while the Magma concept rides on eye-catching 21-inch wheels with an aero-disc design. While Genesis didn’t provide images, the cabin is said to pack bucket seats and nappa and suede leather upholstery with orange stitching.Along with the GV60 Magma, Genesis showed off a series of other vehicles that are considered part of the Magma program. First up was the GV80 Coupe concept, which debuted ahead of last year’s New York auto show and was the first appearance for the vivid Magma paint color. A production version was revealed in November with a slightly toned-down look, but we wouldn’t be shocked to see a GV80 Coupe Magma arrive in the near future.More Genesis NewsThere was also the G80 Magma Special, a sporty version of the company’s mid-size luxury sedan that is being offered exclusively in the Middle East. Lastly was the X Gran Berlinetta concept, a slinky coupe created for the Gran Turismo video game and unveiled last December. Genesis says that it plans to create a “high-performance” Magma model for every vehicle in its current lineup, which consists of the G70, G80, and G90 sedans along with the GV70 and GV80 crossovers and GV60 EV. We’re curious to see the level of performance the Magma variants deliver, especially since the brand has signed six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx as a brand partner. He was present at the event and spoke glowingly of driving a version of the GV60 Magma concept.Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

The Genesis Neolun concept previews a future large electric SUV that we expect to be called the GV90. The concept has smooth bodywork painted in a pretty mix of Midnight Black and Majestic Blue, and it features fancy coach doors.Inside, the Neolun’s interior is covered in cashmere and leather, with a real wood floor; the front seats also swivel to face the rears.As has become tradition at the New York auto show, Genesis presented its vision for the future at its luxurious showroom, Genesis House. The Neolun concept is a large and opulent SUV, with smooth bodywork and a decadent cabin. We believe this concept previews a future electric SUV, expected to be called the GV90, that should arrive in the coming years.Neulon Is a Large, Luxe Two-Row SUVThe Neolun’s name comes from the Greek word neo for new and the Latin word luna for moon. The combination and the concept’s tranquil design are said to be inspired by Korean moon-shaped porcelain jars.GenesisThe Neolun sports a roof rack that raises when needed but otherwise hides, sitting flush with the roof. Genesis’s distinctive twin-line headlights and taillights are also integrated smoothly into the bodywork, with the headlights forming a triangular grille shape as seen previously on the sporty X series of concepts. The Neolun is painted a mixture of Midnight Black and Majestic Blue—a deep, lustrous hue.In typical concept-car fashion, the Neolun ditches B-pillars in favor of coach doors. Notably, Genesis says the development of these doors has “reached a level where its application to production vehicles is now feasible.” Electric side steps automatically lower when the doors are opened to ease ingress and egress.GenesisThe cabin is spacious, with just two rows and kingly captain’s chairs for the second row. There is a unique heating system that has heating films on the dashboard, door trims, floor, seatbacks, and console sides. This is meant to efficiently radiate heat throughout the car, instead of blowing directly out of vents in the dash. The sound system is also said to be “advanced,” with the tweeters, midrange speakers, woofers, and subwoofers situated to create an “immersive audio experience.”The front-row seats can swivel, and a large screen lowers from the roof for the rear passengers. The cabin is upholstered in Royal Indigo cashmere and Purple Silk leather, paired with a real wood floor.GenesisGenesis says that they “don’t do show cars for the show business,” indicating that a version of the Neolun concept will reach production. This flagship SUV will come soon, and we expect to see it within the next five years.Other Genesis StoriesCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

Nissan plans to launch seven new models in North America and refresh 78 percent of its U.S. lineup by 2026. Nissan’s three-year business plan will also see 30 new models launched around the globe, with a nearly even mix of electric and gas-fed powertrains.Nissan also aims to greatly reduce the price of its next-gen EVs by sharing a variety of development costs; it expects EV and ICE models to cost the same by 2030.Nissan is looking towards the future with a new three-year business plan that involves launching seven new models in North America. The company says it will also refresh 78 percent of its existing U.S. lineup during that time as it prepares for more electric vehicles. In the United States, Nissan plans to invest $200 million in its integrated customer experience too. That’s part of its goal to increase North American sales by 330,000 units in 2026 compared with 2023. Nissan hasn’t yet revealed the powertrains of the U.S.-bound vehicles. However, we know that at least some of them will be electrified, as Nissan plans to launch plug-in-hybrid models and a system called e-Power. The latter powertrain features a gas engine that acts as a generator and powers the electric motor(s), which alone will drive the wheels. As things currently stand, the company has no hybrid or plug-in-hybrid options in the United States.NissanOver the next three years, Nissan also plans to launch 30 new models around the globe, with 16 being electrified and 14 having internal-combustion engines. With those new vehicles taken into account, the brand is planning for electrified vehicles to account for 40 percent of global sales by 2026 and 60 percent by 2030. For its next generation of electric vehicles, Nissan plans to significantly reduce the price. The company says it aims to cut costs of those next-gen EVs by 30 percent compared with the current Nissan Ariya by sharing a variety development costs. Using that approach, production is slated to begin in 2027, with the company planning to achieve pricing parity between its EVs and ICE cars by 2030. Nissan says its two-part plan is intended to “drive value and strengthen competitiveness.” It will also focus on a broad product offensive, a ramped-up electrification effort, new engineering and manufacturing approaches, and the utilization of strategic partnerships to improve global sales. Globally, the company plans for 53 percent of its new models released in the next three years to be electrified, while 47 percent will be gas-powered. Nissan says its plan shows a clear path to the company’s future. “It illustrates our continuous progression and ability to navigate changing market conditions,” said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida. “This plan will enable us to go further and faster in driving value and competitiveness. Faced with extreme market volatility, Nissan is taking decisive actions guided by the new plan to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.”Related StoriesJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have issued a recall for 147,110 EVs over a damaged Integrated Charging Control Unit.The damaged component can stop charging the 12-volt battery, causing a loss of power to the wheels.A wide range of models are affected, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, the Kia EV6, and the Genesis GV60, Electrified GV70, and Electrified G80.Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have issued a recall for 147,110 electric vehicles, according to documents filed last week with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall centers around a damaged charging unit; the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) might stop charging the 12-volt battery, possibly leading to a loss of power to the wheels. A variety of EVs are affected.KiaHyundai will recall 98,878 models, which include EVs from the company’s Genesis luxury brand. The affected vehicles include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 from the 2022 through 2024 model years and the Ioniq 6 from the 2023 and 2024 model years. The Genesis GV60, Electrified GV70, and Electrified G80 from the 2023 and 2024 model years are also affected. Kia is also recalling 48,232 copies of its electric EV6 from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 model years For all brands, dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, if needed, along with performing a software update for the ICCU. This will all be done free of charge. Hyundai and Genesis owners are expected to be notified on May 14; Kia owners will receive their notification letter on April 29. Other RecallsCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

Bahrain has officially taken over full ownership of McLaren.The Bahraini fund Mumtalakat was already McLaren’s largest shareholder but now takes full ownership of the greater McLaren Group.In addition to the sports-car manufacturer, the McLaren Group owns a majority stake in McLaren Racing, which owns teams in the Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula E, and Extreme E racing series. After years of kicking desperately below the surface to keep afloat, McLaren has been sold to Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund. Mumtalakat, as the Bahraini fund is known, was already McLaren’s largest single shareholder before today, but now, the fund has taken full ownership of the McLaren Group. McLarenThe change in ownership “marks a major milestone,” according to the company, and should help inject more stability into the company after multiple years of rocky production and staff layoffs. The company has been facing financial troubles since 2020. In the years since, the automaker has been forced to lay off 1200 employees, temporarily pause production, and sell both its headquarters and heritage collection of vehicles to pay for the production of the Artura. “Marks a Major Milestone””We are delighted at Mumtalakat’s continued commitment to McLaren through this deal,” said McLaren Group executive chairman Paul Walsh.”This will further enable us to focus on delivering our long-term business plan, including investment in new products and technologies, whilst continuing to explore potential technical partnerships with industry partners,” Walsh continued. McLaren2023 McLaren Artura.His sentiments were echoed by Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat: “This reorganization and new simplified structure positions McLaren for success and opens up strategic avenues, which include exploring new partnerships to enhance the company’s growth over the coming years.”In addition to the sports-car arm of the company that currently builds the 750S, GTS, and Artura sports cars, the McLaren Group also owns a majority stake in McLaren Racing, where the company employs factory teams in sports including Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula E, and Extreme E. More on McLaren’s Financial TroublesDespite being considerably younger than most legacy automakers, McLaren has produced its fair share of historically great cars. From the three-seater F1 to the blisteringly quick P1 and Senna models, McLaren has cemented itself as one of the greats. Because of that, we’re glad to see the company story continue. Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

Stellantis is recalling nearly 285,000 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 cars from the 2018 through 2021 model years.The issue is a defective inflator in the cars’ side curtain airbags that could cause the airbags to rupture, potentially sending metal fragments into the cabin.The automaker will notify owners of the recall on May 3 and will replace the inflators free of charge. Stellantis, in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has announced the recall of 217,802 Dodge Charger and 67,180 Chrysler 300 sedans, all from 2018 through 2021 model years. The problem is a defective side curtain airbag inflator, an issue that is predicted to affect about 1 percent of the recalled vehicles.Chrysler2019 Chrysler 300.In the recall report, Stellantis says that the “suspect inflators” were used between July 2018 and May 2021 and then were no longer used in the cars, based on production records. The automaker said that its analysis of the issue shows the vehicles “may have had moisture introduced into the inflator during supplier manufacturing that may cause internal corrosion over time and potentially leading to Stress Corrosion Cracking in the inflator.”The issue could cause the airbag to rupture and even to send metal fragments into the cabin, leading to injury. Stellantis said that as of February 2024, it is aware of two warranty claims and five customer assistance records, but no reports of injuries. Recalled vehicles will get both side curtain airbags replaced with new ones using inflators manufactured outside the recall period, according to NHTSA documents.Owners will be notified of the recall starting on May 3. In the meantime, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger owners can check the NHTSA recalls site to see if their vehicle is affected. Laura Sky Brown has been involved in automotive media for a very long time, and she sees it as her calling to guard the legacy and help ensure the continued high quality of Car and Driver. She was one of the first staffers at Automobile Magazine in the ’80s and has worked for many other car magazines and websites as a writer, editor, and copy editor ever since. It has been her privilege to edit many of the greats of automotive journalism over the years, including the ones who currently write for C/D. More