01/25/24 - Introducing the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V 🚗, Ford Recalls 1.9 Million Explorers | USPS agrees to buy six Canoo LDV electric vans 🏭

GM. Rev up your day with the latest automotive news and insights delivered to your inbox in our exclusive newsletter! What we cover in today’s edition:

• 🚗 Car reveal/review: 

  • Introducing the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing

  • Olympian Model 01 brings a touch of old-timey class to EVs

  • 2025 Porche Taycan Facelift Updates Will Be As Extensive As An All-New Model

• 🏭 Industry trend: Ford Recalls 1.9 Million Explorers Due to Hazardous Pieces Posing Crash Risk, USPS agrees to buy six Canoo LDV electric vans, delivered by April, Should Volvo take Polestar (PSNY) private?

Introducing the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing (7 mins read)

The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing showcase bold design and cutting-edge tech. The CT5-V boasts a 3.0L Twin-Turbo V-6 with 360 hp, while the CT5-V Blackwing features a potent 6.2L Supercharged V-8 delivering 668 hp. With multiple transmission options, Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, and elegant exterior dimensions, these luxury sedans prioritize both performance and style. Production starts in summer 2024 at GM's Lansing Grand River Assembly, reinforcing Cadillac's commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles. Read more.

Olympian Model 01 brings a touch of old-timey class to the world of EVs (2 mins read)

Olympian Motors introduces the Model 01, a classic four-door electric sedan with a minimalist interior. Manufactured in New York, it features a military-grade carbon fiber and titanium body, a 310-hp motor, 400V/82-kWh battery, and a range of 305 miles. The cabin uses sustainably sourced materials and emphasizes a HUD display and voice commands over buttons and screens. Priced at $80,000, the Founders Edition is available for preorder with test drives starting in April and deliveries in May. Read more.

2025 Porche Taycan Facelift Updates Will Be As Extensive As An All-New Model (2 mins read)

The upgraded 2024 Porsche Taycan is set for a global launch in spring, debuting in March. Despite a familiar appearance, extensive testing covering 2.2 million miles promises significant improvements. Testing includes extreme environments in Finland and California, showcasing exceptional driving dynamics on snow and ice. Charging time is halved in cold temperatures. Porsche plans to unveil a top-spec Taycan Turbo GT with 1,000 horsepower, outperforming the Tesla Model S Plaid. Read more.

Ford Recalls 1.9 Million Explorers Due to Hazardous Pieces Posing Crash Risk (3 mins read)

Ford recalls nearly 1.9 million Explorer SUVs in the U.S. (2011-2019) due to a safety hazard involving trim pieces near the windshield. The recall follows 164 consumer complaints and concerns about potential detachment of the trim, posing a collision risk. Ford initially hesitated, citing low mass, but reversed after regulators identified a genuine safety hazard. The recall addresses A-pillar trim retention clips and affects around 5% of recalled Explorers. Owners are advised to contact dealers for inspection and preventive measures. Read more.

The USPS agrees to buy six Canoo LDV electric vans, delivered by April (3 mins read)

Canoo signs a purchase agreement with the U.S. Postal Service to supply six LDV 190 EVs by end of March. The electric vans feature a right-hand drive configuration for ease of deliveries and a unique low-profile suspension system. The USPS, leading in EV adoption, plans to install around 14,000 EV chargers and aims for the world's largest electric delivery vehicle fleet. Canoo previously won a NASA contract for crew transport vehicles. The USPS envisions an entirely electric delivery fleet for shorter, ideal mail routes. Read more.

Should Volvo take Polestar (PSNY) private? Bernstein weighs in (4 mins read)

Polestar, the independent EV brand associated with Volvo, faces financial challenges with its stock falling over 62% in the past year. Despite delivering 54,600 vehicles in 2023, missing its target, Polestar struggles with rising costs and a 33% operating loss. Analysts suggest it may make more sense for Polestar to merge back into the Volvo Cars-Geely ecosystem. Polestar aims to boost demand with upcoming electric SUVs, including the delayed Polestar 3 and the already-in-production Polestar 4. Read more.