The latest automotive headlines cover Audi’s five-cylinder engine, a major Stellantis camera recall, U.S.-Canada vehicle tariff negotiations, potential Honda and Acura hybrids, Tesla’s Cybercab plans, Jaguar Land Rover’s U.S. production strategy, a possible manual V16 Bugatti, and a denied Porsche-Ruf sale report.
Audi Five-Cylinder Engine Could Have More Life Ahead
Audi has not indicated that its trademark five-cylinder engine is nearing the end of its life, although increasingly strict emissions regulations continue to threaten unusual enthusiast powertrains.
Audi Sport boss Rolf Michl offered encouraging comments about the engine’s future, saying, “We’re well aware about the historical meaning of the five-cylinder,” and adding, “Evaluations are still running, and people who know me know that I also have a personal relationship to the five-cylinder engine. It’s so characteristic and also deeply rooted in history—so let’s see.”
The engine is currently used only in the RS3.
Stellantis Recalls Nearly 850,000 Vehicles
Stellantis is facing a recall involving just under 850,000 vehicles across 15 model lines covering Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram.
U.S. and Canada Discuss Vehicle Tariffs
Negotiations remain underway over the U.S. tariff rate on Canadian vehicles, which currently stands at 25%.
A key issue is whether North American content, or specifically U.S. content, could be deducted from the tariff rate. The stated goal is to reduce the rate to 15%, although the “effective rate” could fall into the single digits depending on the final content rules.
Honda and Acura Hybrids Face Cost Barrier
Honda and Acura currently do not offer hybrid powertrains in the HR-V subcompact SUV or its more luxurious counterpart, the ADX.
Gary Robinson, American Honda product planning boss, said in an interview that cost is the primary barrier to adding such technology, particularly because these vehicles compete in an entry-level segment.
Tesla Could Launch Cybercab Fleet in Austin
Tesla may be preparing to launch its Cybercab robotaxi fleet in Austin as soon as this month, according to a report citing anonymous individuals with knowledge of the company’s plans.
Jaguar Land Rover Targets U.S. Production
Additional details have emerged about Jaguar Land Rover’s plan to work with Stellantis and use some of its production capacity to build vehicles in the United States.
JLR Chief Financial Officer Richard Molyneux said the company is specifically considering production in the U.S., rather than Canada or Mexico, while emphasizing the importance of the American market.
“Remember, the US has 40% of the world’s millionaires, has a propensity to SUVs where we’re strong, and has a strong affinity to our brands: Range Rover, Defender, and Jaguar, in particular.”
Mate Rimac Open to a Manual V16 Bugatti
Mate Rimac is not dismissing the possibility of a Bugatti powered by a V16 engine and paired with a manual transmission.
Asked whether such a vehicle has a place at the brand, the chief executive responded, “Yes, definitely. Definitely. I agree one hundred percent. Imagine [a] V-16 with a manual. Real manual.”
Ruf Denies Potential Porsche Sale
Porsche specialist Ruf has rejected a report that it was negotiating a potential sale to Porsche.
The company said it is “not for sale, and reports suggesting otherwise are false.”
