Latest News from Auto Blog
Auto Blog
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Alpine's New A390 Is a Performance EV Crossover With French Flair
Alpine aims to take on the big names In recent years, legendary French performance and sports car brand Alpine has been reimagining itself as a performance-oriented electric car brand. Last year, the Renault-owned marque launched its first electric car, the A290, a compact hatchback designed to be a faster and more agile version of one of its parent company's smallest offerings. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Tesla sales in Europe drop yet again Watch More But if sales figures are any indication, many electric vehicle customers are opting for the kind of space and usability found in crossovers like Tesla's Model Y and BYD's Seal U. However, Alpine's lineup of electric vehicles is expanding, and its latest offering is its take on other cars from the popular segment. Alpine A390 GTS — Source: Alpine Meet the A390, the electric 'sport fastback' Alpine has recently unveiled the A390, a five-door electric crossover that it insists you call a 'sport fastback.' Based almost entirely on the A390_β (beta) concept, the new Alpine takes some crucial styling cues from its A110 sports car and remixes them into a package that looks a little more futuristically aggressive and edgy than most crossovers on the road. From the outside, the A390 slightly resembles the A110, as subtle and sporty features like hidden and flush door handles and a sloped roof give the top half of the crossover the same distinct shape. At the same time, Alpine has also given the A390 some aggressive looks to separate itself from its 'egg-shaped' competition, including triangular-shaped LED cutouts, pencil-thin headlights, and oversized air intakes on the front bumper. Alpine A390 GTS — Source: Alpine Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The A390 may blend modern and futuristic styling, but it is Alpine's biggest car ever. Its raw numbers show that it has a 106.6-inch wheelbase and measures 181.7 inches in length, 74.2 inches in width, and 60.3 inches in height. Underneath the stylish skin, Alpine proves that it means business with its performance. The new A390 rides on Renault's AmpR Medium platform, which is also used in the Renault Megane E-Tech, Scenic E-Tech, and the Nissan Ariya. However, it features some tweaks for a better driving experience, including an all-wheel drive system with an Active Torque Vectoring system to enhance its handling in the corners. Alpine A390 GTS — Source: Alpine Its power matches its looks The A390 comes in two different trims: the GT and GTS. Both feature a tri-motor setup with one motor in the front and two in the back. The base GT model delivers 396 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, capable of 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph. Conversely, the GTS makes 463 hp and a massive 596 lb-ft of torque, cutting the 0-60 time to just 3.9 seconds and bumping the top speed to 137 mph. Both versions use an 89 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides 323 to 345 miles of WLTP range and can be charged at charging stations offering up to 190 kW DC fast charging. The A390 also features a steering wheel-mounted 'overtake' function that provides a boost of power for approximately 10 seconds, although it takes 30 seconds to cool down before it can be used again. In addition, Alpine's two distinct 'Drive Sound' profiles, called 'Daily' and 'Sport,' feature different synthetic engine sounds that can be adjusted according to your mood or throttle position. Alpine A390 GTS — Source: Alpine The Alpine A390 shares much of its interior with other Alpine and Renault models, including familiar bits like the steering wheel, drive selector, and dashboard electronics. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12-inch 'portrait mode' infotainment screen with some physical switches are pointed toward the driver. However, some Alpine-specific features suggest this is a more premium offering than other models. Top-of-the-line A390 GTSs get Nappa leather Sabelt bucket seats with massage functionality and a 13-speaker, 850-watt Devialet audio system. Pricing has not been announced yet, but it's pegged to be competitive against electric rivals like the $75,300 Porsche Macan Electric and the $109,000 Maserati Grecale Folgore. Alpine A390 GTS — Source: Alpine Final thoughts Alpine is currently offering the A390 solely in Europe, as it is putting its plans to expand to the U.S. on hold due to the tariff situation. Initially, the brand was due to launch in the States during the 2027 model year. Politics aside, French cars are an anomaly in the United States. Though established car enthusiasts may stray away, I can picture a new generation of well-to-do people searching for the avant-garde, adopting the Alpine as their vehicle of choice.
Auto Blog
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Used Porsche Taycan Values Crash as UK Dealers Halt Sales
Pre-2025 Taycans are losing nearly 50% of their value in the UK, prompting a pause in sales. Here's why buyers and dealers are shifting focus to the 2025 model. Porsche Responds to Reports of UK Taycan Sales Suspension Porsche UK has reportedly instructed its dealers to suspend sales of used first-generation (pre-2025) Taycan electric vehicles (EVs), according to a report from Car Dealer. Porsche has told Autoblog that the report is greatly exaggerated, as just 135 cars require a fix for a battery issue. The remaining cars are all still on sale, according to the manufacturer's UK arm. Porsche Taycan — Source: Porsche But the Taycan's problems are perhaps deeper as the performance EV faces broader market challenges. As a used car it just isn't going well with the British buying public. Prices have been tumbling and stocks piling up. Used Taycans See Steep Depreciation Compared to Panamera Used Taycans are experiencing significant depreciation across the pond, with values dropping by nearly 50% within twelve months for some models. For instance, a Taycan S that cost £186,300 new in 2024 was valued at approximately £97,680 at the start of this year. In contrast, a Panamera that cost £168,700 is now valued at £111,555, a drop of just under 34%, according to Parkers. In the U.S., similar trends are evident. A new Porsche Taycan depreciates just over 61% after five years, while a new Porsche Panamera depreciates just under 48% in the same period. The UK used car website Autotrader has 578 used 2020-24 Taycans up for offer. In comparison, there are fewer than 100 Panameras of the same vintage, and they attract higher prices. Porsche Taycan Turbo GT EV Tax Incentives Favor New Buyers, Not the Used Market Part of this is a specific UK issue, as the new-car tax regime heavily favors buyers who run EVs as company vehicles, saving them thousands of dollars a year. There are no such incentives for used EVs. There are also significant advantages for the companies themselves, both in terms of tax breaks and in their performance on Corporate Social Responsibility scores that boost share price. Why the 2025 Taycan Is the One Buyers Want The pre-2025 Taycan also suffered from a range disadvantage compared to the Tesla Model S. That changed with the 2025 model, which brought a major boost in both range and efficiency, making it the version most buyers now prefer. Interestingly, the Taycan's troubles in the UK have been somewhat eased by the fact that Tesla no longer sells the Model S in right-hand drive, limiting direct competition in that market. Porsche Taycan 4 — Source: Porsche
Auto Blog
11 hours ago
- Business
- Auto Blog
EV Charger Installations Decline Amid Trump Criticism
High-speed charger growth slowed in the first quarter of the year, as stalled infrastructure plans and tariff threats shake investor and automaker confidence. Charger installation slowdown raises alarm The growth of high-speed electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the U.S. has hit a major speed bump. Installations dropped more than 21% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to BloombergNEF analysis of Energy Department data. Analysts say the sharp decline could threaten broader EV adoption just as the U.S. market needs to scale rapidly to meet climate goals and consumer demand. Volkswagen ID.4 charging in California — Source: Getty Politics cast a long shadow over the EV future The dip in installations comes amid heightened political uncertainty. President Donald Trump has vowed to dismantle much of the Biden-era climate agenda, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides up to $7,500 in tax credits for EV buyers. Trump's allies in Congress have also proposed eliminating those credits, and his administration has already rolled back auto emissions standards and paused implementation of federally funded charging programs. 2026 Toyota bZ That has led to a 'negative feedback loop,' says BloombergNEF analyst Ash Wang. 'The uncertainty has automakers scaling back EV investments.'. BloombergNEF has already revised its charging installation forecast for 2025 downward, from 360,000 new chargers to just 285,000. State-funded projects hit the brakes Although the bipartisan infrastructure law designated $5 billion for EV charging buildout, some states have halted or delayed projects tied to that money, citing the Trump administration's freeze on implementation. With federal momentum stalled and no clarity on whether tax credits will be preserved, private sector investment has also cooled. Wood Mackenzie analyst Emil Koenig noted that his firm's charging projections are still based on the existing EV credit, but even so, they've lowered expectations. 'If the credit is repealed, it would materially affect our forecast,' Koenig said. BP America, President & CEO, Orlando Alvarez, left and BP Executive Vice President of Customers and Products, Emma Delaney, right, stand by as Chief Executive Officer, BP Pulse, Sujay Sharma, cuts the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the Pulse Gigahub EV charging station Wednesday, March 20, 2024. — Source: Houston Chronicle/Tariffs could stall affordable EV rollout Beyond tax credits and infrastructure, analysts are also eyeing how Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods and foreign-sourced auto parts could further stifle EV momentum. About 35% of EVs sold in the U.S. last year were imported, and even some U.S.-assembled models rely heavily on global supply chains. Rivian R2 — Source: Rivian Rising costs could kill or delay the launch of affordable EVs in the $25,000 range — models that are crucial for mass adoption. 'Any delay in low-cost EV models will also materially set back charging infrastructure deployment,' said Koenig. Final thoughts With more than 208,000 public EV charging ports currently online, the U.S. still lags far behind what's needed to support projected EV adoption by 2030. BNEF estimates that nearly 174,000 new charging points need to be added every year just to stay on track, assuming no new policies are introduced. Without continued federal support, experts warn, EV infrastructure could fall dangerously short, discouraging new buyers and risking a major setback in the transition away from fossil fuels.
Auto Blog
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
End of an Era? The Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition Hints at the Model's Farewell
The Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Ultimate Edition is here with special features and the same V8 engine. Limited to just 500 units, it could be the last IS. Lexus is making an already wonderful V8 sports sedan more appealing with a final iteration The naturally-aspirated V8-powered Lexus IS 500 isn't the quickest sports sedan around, but there are few that look and sound this good. You might be sad to hear that with the introduction of the IS 500 F Sport Performance Ultimate Edition, Lexus could be signaling the end of the road for the venerable IS. The Ultimate Edition retains the IS 500's naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 horsepower, unchanged from stock. While Lexus hasn't officially confirmed the IS's discontinuation, the limited-run nature of this model and its debut as a 2025 model year vehicle suggest there may not be a 2026 IS. How is the IS 500 Ultimate Edition different? 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition Mechanically, the Ultimate Edition is unchanged from the standard IS 500, retaining the powerful V8 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive only. The Ultimate Edition retains the handsome body and sporty interior but adds some special touches. It gets a special exterior paint color called Wind, a metallic light gray finish that's probably better looking in person than in photos, where it appears as a variation on the model's Ultra White paint. It also gets 19-inch matte-black BBS wheels, red brake calipers, and special IS 500 Ultimate Edition badging. The cabin features a two-tone red and black colorway, complemented by racy red seatbelts, a numbered 1-of-500 plaque, and unique door scuff plates that signify its special designation. 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition The IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium is a beast in itself 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition — Source: Lexus The 472-horsepower V8 sports sedan will launch to 60 mph from a standstill in the mid-fours, which is properly quick, about the same as the Genesis G70 3.3T. The top trim IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium, gets a 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, voice command, configurable gauge cluster, a panoramic view monitor, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system with QuantumLogic surround technology. The upholstery features NuLuxe faux leather wrapped over heated and ventilated front seats (19-way power adjustable for the driver), a power moonroof, embossed door trim, and numerous physical controls for audio and climate. One vestige of the previous IS that we could do without is the wonky touchpad, which unfortunately remains in the IS 500. 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance When it comes to safety, the IS 500 Sport Performance comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 and includes features like pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The IS 500 also boasts a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. 2025 Lexus IS 2025 Lexus IS Pricing for the 2025 IS 500 F Sport Performance Ultimate Edition has not yet been announced, but the stock IS 500 F SPORT Performance starts at $60,595, while the F SPORT Performance Premium variant begins at $65,095. The Ultimate Edition will, no doubt, exceed that price point. Too bad it won't be offered in some of our favorite colors from the IS 500's palette history, like Flare Yellow and Molten Pearl. Final thoughts We don't care if the IS 500 F Sport Performance Ultimate Edition isn't the quickest, most tractable sports sedan around. The IS 500's naturally aspirated V8 offers a refreshing and nostalgic driving experience, as well as an absolutely intoxicating sound, appealing to enthusiasts who love sport and luxury. The Ultimate Edition will be totally worth the extra money, especially since the V8 will likely disappear from the Lexus stable in the next few years.
Auto Blog
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
BYD Passes Tesla in Europe as Chinese EV Maker Gains Ground
Despite tariffs and political tensions, BYD outsold Tesla in Europe last month, marking a turning point for the continent's electric car market. A narrow lead, but a big shift For the first time, Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD outsold Tesla in Europe, signaling a dramatic shift in the region's EV landscape. According to new data from JATO Dynamics, BYD sold 7,231 fully electric vehicles across 28 European countries in April, edging out Tesla by just 66 units. But analysts say the significance goes far beyond the numbers. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More 'It's a watershed moment for Europe's car market,' said Felipe Munoz, an analyst at JATO. European consumers appear increasingly open to Chinese-made EVs, drawn by their lower prices, even after the European Union imposed tariffs last year to shield domestic automakers. Tesla loses ground in a key market Tesla's once-dominant position in Europe is faltering. The company's EV sales dropped a steep 49% compared to April of last year, falling to 11th place for the month. Just a year ago, Tesla ranked second in quarterly EV sales, behind Germany's Volkswagen. Now, it's struggling in major markets like Germany and the U.K., where April sales hit two-year lows. Tesla Gigafactory Berlin Brandenburg. Tesla began selling in Europe more than a decade ago and opened its Berlin Gigafactory in 2022. But recent political backlash tied to CEO Elon Musk, who has poured millions into supporting President Trump and taken a controversial advisory role in Washington, may be accelerating the brand's decline abroad. BYD's rapid expansion continues BYD, short for 'Build Your Dreams,' has aggressively scaled up its European operations. It started selling in Norway and the Netherlands in 2022 and is now building factories in Hungary and Turkey. The Hungarian plant will help BYD avoid EU tariffs, while also serving as the automaker's European headquarters, expected to create 2,000 jobs. April sales tell a story of momentum: BYD's electric car sales surged 170% year-over-year. If you include its plug-in hybrids, sales grew more than 300%, surpassing brands like Fiat, Dacia, and Seat in some key countries. Volkswagen still leads — for now Despite BYD's gains and Tesla's slide, Europe's top EV seller last month was Volkswagen, which notched over 23,500 new electric car registrations. That figure represents a nearly 60% year-over-year increase — proof that local brands still carry weight, even as global competition intensifies. But the trend lines are clear. BYD's swift ascent in Europe, in the face of trade restrictions and growing geopolitical tensions, signals that Chinese automakers are here to stay and may soon reshape the European auto industry as we know it. Final thoughts BYD's narrow victory over Tesla last month may seem like a statistical blip, but it reflects deeper undercurrents in Europe's rapidly evolving EV market. With competitive pricing, expanding local operations, and a broader lineup that includes hybrids, BYD is positioning itself as a long-term player on the continent. Meanwhile, Tesla faces not only growing competition but also reputational headwinds that could further erode its foothold. As Chinese automakers grow more entrenched in Europe and legacy brands like Volkswagen fight to maintain dominance, the region's EV race is no longer a two-player contest.
