Posts in category: Automotive News & In-Depth Coverage

Scout Motors is positioning itself as the opposite of today’s tech-heavy cars. Its Terra and Traveler concepts feature large screens and advanced technology, but the brand emphasizes intentional interaction. Both models include numerous physical controls, which Scout CEO Scott Keogh says “plays back to our heritage.”

Keogh explained that modern vehicles rely too heavily on digital screens, with controls buried several layers deep, requiring each passenger to have their own interface. “We think mechanical switches give you a connection, we think less screens are better, we think bench seats are cool, we think tailgates are cool. We want to build this real, authentic connection,” he said.

When the Terra and Traveler were unveiled over a year ago, Keogh highlighted their mechanical door handles, abundant physical switches, and bench seats, reflecting the brand’s heritage while blending modern technology with classic styling.

Scout has received over 130,000 reservations for the two models, with more than 80 percent opting for the extended-range powertrain. Due to slower-than-expected demand for EVs, the launch of the fully battery-electric version may be delayed.

The vehicles will use a four-cylinder engine sourced from Volkswagen Group’s Silao, Mexico, plant, positioned behind the rear axle, giving both models an estimated 500-mile range. This combination of extended-range powertrain and tactile controls may be exactly what consumers are looking for—or maybe they simply want a bench seat again.

Production for the SUV and truck is expected in 2027, with starting prices under $60,000, though it’s unclear if that applies to the electric or extended-range versions.

The Frontier Rapid Runner has 37-inch tires, Titan suspension, and no need for traditional doors.

Nissan has transformed the Frontier into a rugged, open-air off-road machine with its Rapid Runner concept. Designed for trail adventures, the truck borrows heavy-duty suspension components and the rear axle from the larger Titan. A two-inch body lift, custom Bilstein shocks, and massive 37-inch tires give it added height and capability.

The Rapid Runner rolls on prototype Nismo 17-inch wheels wrapped in 37-inch Yokohama Geolandar mud-terrain tires, providing plenty of traction for tough terrain. The truck ditches traditional doors for tube-style doors, emphasizing the open-air, adventure-ready experience. Inside, waterproof seat covers and protective floor liners keep the cabin ready for mud, sand, or water.

For hauling gear, the Rapid Runner features a tall bed rack and low-profile roof rack, outfitted with side lighting and a forward-facing light bar. There’s room to carry up to four kayaks, and the bed includes a sliding storage system. Solar panels and battery packs provide auxiliary power, and a Nismo shower kit adds a touch of comfort for off-grid excursions.

Off-road readiness continues with burly front and rear bumpers, a Nismo snorkel for water crossings, and wider fenders to accommodate the oversized tires. The Bilstein/Titan suspension setup rounds out the truck’s performance package, making it trail-ready.

Many of the Rapid Runner’s parts are expected to be available through Nismo as aftermarket add-ons, allowing Frontier enthusiasts to replicate some of the concept’s upgrades, even if full swaps like the Titan rear axle remain unlikely at a dealer level.

Overall, the Frontier Rapid Runner demonstrates Nissan’s growing embrace of enthusiast-driven off-road customization.

Nissan appears to be at a crossroads. The company’s market share has fallen sharply since its 2017 peak, and while it is refreshing its lineup, the pace hasn’t kept up with competitors. The Titan has been discontinued, the new Z made a modest impact, and the GT-R lingered without updates before being retired. Now, one frustrated dealer seems ready to speak out.

According to a letter circulated among dealers, the writer accuses the company of setting unrealistic factory sales targets that force stores to chase volume rather than profit. The dealer claims that while most retailers aim for a 2–4 percent return on sales, Nissan dealers are averaging less than 0.004 percent—virtually none at all.

A key factor behind the brand’s struggles is its aging product lineup. Dealers find it difficult to attract buyers when they can’t compete on freshness or innovation, while Nissan struggles to develop new vehicles without steady sales to fund the effort.

That said, Nissan has shown signs of progress. The redesigned 2026 Sentra has been well-received, offering improved styling, solid fuel economy, and competitive pricing—key ingredients for success in its segment.

There are also reports of an Xterra revival. A capable, body-on-frame SUV would fit perfectly into the current off-road and overlanding trend, giving the brand something rugged and exciting in its lineup.

On the performance side, fans continue to call for an affordable sports car. Executives have acknowledged the popularity of the IDx concept, suggesting potential inspiration for a future compact coupe that could rival the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, or Mazda Miata.

Another gap in Nissan’s lineup is the lack of hybrid options. In 2025, that’s a surprising omission, given the growing popularity of plug-in hybrids as a middle ground between traditional gas engines and full EVs. Nissan’s upcoming Rogue Plug-In Hybrid, expected later this year, may help bridge that gap—and dealers are eager for its arrival.

Internally, Nissan is also focused on cost-cutting, reviewing old processes that no longer serve today’s market realities. Much of the company’s structure was built around chasing high-volume sales, but the automotive landscape has changed.

Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury arm, faces similar struggles and depends heavily on Nissan’s success for its own revival. Dealers from both brands may be uniting to push for quicker, more meaningful changes in how the company operates.

Nissan has been contacted for comment, and updates will be shared if more information becomes available.

Did Stellantis forget it also owns Jeep, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati?​

Ram split off from the Dodge brand way back in the before-time of 2009. The current lineup consists of pickup trucks and vans. Ram does trucks well, too. It knows its customer, and the 1500 boasts what I’d consider to be best-in-class interior design and overall ride quality. The van… gets the job done. Either way, the family will soon add another member. Not only is there a mid-size pickup on the way, but Ram will reportedly add an SUV to the mix by 2028.

Automotive News reports that Antonio Filosa, the CEO of Stellantis, told Wall Street analysts that the automaker will soon bring an SUV to market. The on-sale date is targeted for 2028. It will arrive with a choice between a standard gas or a range-extended hybrid setup. Given that Dodge has a new Durango planned for 2029, we wouldn’t be shocked to see these two SUVs share the same platform.

Does Ram actually need an SUV in its product portfolio, though? After all, parent company Stellantis owns a number of brands that offer a wide range of SUVs. You have everything from compact crossovers on up to full-size body-on-frame trucks—from the Dodge Hornet and Jeep Compass, to the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

On the luxury side of the coin, customers can turn to the Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Grand Wagoneer side of the Stellantis dealer lots. If you prefer a rugged, adventure-ready rig, there’s a Wrangler waiting for you to rip its doors off and fill your dashboard with rubber duckies.

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Source: Dodge

Ram adding an SUV to its lineup feels similar to when Land Rover was reportedly mulling over the idea of a sedan (remember that?). I’m not sure it’s really necessary. That doesn’t mean this future product won’t be well built, offer good power, and sell more than I expect.

As I said earlier, Ram knows its audience. The automaker brought back the Hemi V-8. Customers cheered, and third-quarter sales numbers saw a noticeable uptick, all despite the fact that the Hemi V-8 is more expensive, less powerful, and less efficient than the Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-6. 

None of that matters to the customer who wants a V-8 under the hood of their Ram truck, though. And it likely won’t matter to a potential Ram SUV buyer that a Dodge Durango already exists. But it would be a bit hilarious if they used this model to revive the Ramcharger name. It’s a great name from a great bit of Dodge history, but if you have to tell people you bought a Ram Ramcharger, you’re just going to sound silly.

Regardless, I hope we eventually get an off-road-focused version of this Ram SUV. That way, we can see the return of the Trail Duster nameplate, too—a very fun trim name.

The company tells us how it’ll gradually roll out the updated badge and wordmark.​

At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show this week, Mazda finally made its new logo official. It’s been a long time coming, considering the trademark filing first surfaced over a year ago. As initially believed, this is indeed a subtle evolution of the symbol introduced in 1997. We’ve actually seen it before on a production model, as the EZ-60 crossover sold in China features the discreetly tweaked winged M.

In line with other brands such as Volkswagen and BMW, Mazda is opting for a cleaner, flatter look it believes will be more digital-friendly. The minimalist approach is described as “sleek and bold,” improving visibility online. The new logo does look sharper, but some would argue that it lacks the depth of the previous version. While the wings remain, they’re noticeably less pronounced.

There’s more to the corporate image update than the stylized M. As seen on some of Mazda’s latest models, the badge is joined by a new wordmark. The 2026 CX-5 features a sleek “Mazda” script on the tailgate and steering wheel while retaining the traditional emblem on the front grille. Similarly, China’s EZ-60 adopts this change, and the EZ-6 (called the 6e in other markets) also carries the wordmark, albeit only at the rear.

When we asked how the rollout would unfold, Mazda told us that the initial focus would be on the digital space. The company has yet to decide whether existing models will transition, but future ones will gradually adopt the new graphics. According to Tamara Mlynarczyk, manager of public affairs for Mazda North American Operations:

‘The new version is optimized to enhance visibility in digital media. Both the current and new brand marks will be used in appropriate contexts, including co-branded or joint venture communications. We will use the new brand symbol and word mark in various promotions, mainly digital, starting with the new CX-5 . In addition, we will gradually apply it to websites in each market to improve digital visibility.

The new mark has been already applied to the MAZDA EZ-60, and the all-new CX-5 has partially adopted it. We plan to introduce it to future new models subsequently. Regarding application to current models, nothing has been decided at this time.’

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Source: Mazda

It’s also worth noting that Mazda’s Vision X-Coupe and X-Compact concepts, currently on display at the Japan Mobility Show, feature the revised wordmark on the rear and the steering wheel. The pair previews the next evolution of the brand’s Kodo design language, first introduced with the 2010 Shinari concept.

The X-Compact is likely a look into the future of the Mazda2, while the Vision X-Coupe is another glimpse into a rotary sports car that may or may not arrive one day. While an RX revival is a definite maybe, at least we know a new Miata is planned.

Chris Forsberg, three-time Formula Drift champion, is known for unveiling standout custom builds at SEMA. His long-standing relationship with Nissan has produced projects ranging from vintage sports cars to modern trucks. This year, Forsberg built a custom Nissan Patrol with extreme power and off-road capability.

The Patrol has long been Nissan’s go-to off-road rig, popular in Australia, the Middle East, and other off-pavement playgrounds. In the U.S., it’s similar to the Armada. Forsberg’s build starts with a fourth-generation Patrol chassis, combined with the engine from a fifth-generation model, then significantly upgraded.

The Racing Patrol is powered by a TB48 inline-six, originally making around 250 horsepower, but now tuned to 1,000 hp with a Garrett G42-1200 turbocharger. Engine management is handled by a Link Fury ECU, air flows through a Hypertune billet intake manifold, and an ACT dual-plate clutch sends power through a manual gearbox to the ground. Recaro Sportster bucket seats provide support for the driver.

The build’s styling is striking, with a blacked-out grille and overfenders contrasting against a red, white, and blue livery. Up front, four Nismo Off-Road lights work with Holley RetroBright headlights for nighttime off-roading.

The Patrol rolls on custom 17-inch Nismo wheels wrapped in 35-inch Yokohama Geolandars. Nismo describes the suspension as custom and off-road-inspired, featuring remote reservoirs.

The stance, power, and design make this build both a beast and a beauty. Forsberg’s Racing Patrol combines 1,000 hp with a rugged SUV platform, creating a thrilling and visually stunning off-road machine.

The new Nissan Armada is a significant improvement over the previous generation, providing a strong foundation for an off-road vehicle. Nissan is exploring that potential with the Dune Patrol concept, which features a range of off-road prototype parts.

The Dune Patrol includes a heavily modified suspension with front and rear 10.0-inch 2.5 Bilstein M 9200 coilovers, upper and lower control arms, drive axles, front spindles, trailing arms, and tie rods, all with extended brake lines. The Custom CJD Racing long-travel suspension allows up to 16.0 inches of articulation.

The SUV also showcases several prototype Nismo components, including 18-inch bronze AXIS beadlock wheels wrapped in 37-inch Yokohama Geolander MT tires, along with numerous exterior upgrades that could eventually appear in Nissan’s parts catalog.

Other highlights include a prototype high-clearance off-road front bumper with an integrated skid plate, front recovery tow shackles, and four six-inch amber Nismo off-road lights. The rear features a matching high-clearance bumper, a spare tire carrier, and an accessory mount for MaxTrac traction boards.

Additional upgrades include rock sliders, A-pillar lights, a custom vehicle wrap, a low-profile prototype roof rack, 40-inch front and 30-inch rear LED light bars, and custom MOLLE panels.

Nissan hasn’t indicated any powertrain changes, so the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 producing 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque likely remains. The SUV does include a prototype Nismo cat-back exhaust.

Non-prototype parts on the Dune Patrol include high-wall floor mats, seatback organizers, and door scuff protectors, which are genuine accessories.

While Nissan is unlikely to produce a full desert-ready Armada, the company could turn many of these prototype Nismo parts into production accessories. Enthusiasts are already imagining how to make their own Armadas look as capable and aggressive as this SEMA concept.

The Dune Patrol is one of several Nissan concepts featured at this year’s SEMA Show.