Happy Friday! Welcome to this week’s edition of the Official DoubleClutch.ca News Rundown, where we recap the top automotive headlines from the week that was in one convenient package. Let’s go.
Honda kills its built-in-U.S. EV plans
Honda announced a major shift in its upcoming product plans: the upcoming Zero-series EVs (pictured above), along with the reborn Acura RSX electric crossover (we’re not bummed about that one) have been cancelled.
Honda was certainly candid in its announcement, citing the usual suspects contributing to uncertainty in these so-called unprecedented times: U.S. tariffs, the unpredictability surrounding U.S. policies and fossil fuel regulations, and shifting demand in growing overseas markets. Honda in particular noted the Chinese market, where it found buyers favoured software-based features and enhancements over traditionally tangible and quantitative stuff, like build quality and fuel economy.
Rubbing even more salt in the wound, Honda intended for the production version of its Zero-series EVs and revived Acura RSX at its Ohio plant, which it had been retooling over the last two years. Consequently, Honda candidly estimates losses totalling around ¥2.5 trillion, or US$15.6 billion.
As for filling the void, Honda says it will “reassess its resource allocations and further strengthen its hybrid models” and “initiatives toward the future introduction of EV models will be implemented flexibly from a long-term perspective.”
Lucid says three new midsize EVs are coming
While we’re on the subject of EV commitments, Lucid is doubling down on theirs, promising a trio of midsize vehicles due out in the near future.
Lucid says two of the three midsize models, the Cosmos and Earth, will target a “more accessible” US$50,000 price tag while hitting Lucid’s range, efficiency, performance, and even “driving pleasure” hallmarks. Lucid is pitching the Cosmos to buyers “seeking exceptional efficiency, space, and performance,” while the Earth “extends the company’s signature driving dynamics and efficiency” to buyers with “an even more adventurous spirit.”
The third midsize model is the Lunar, a robo-taxi aimed at—you guessed it—Tesla’s robo-taxi initiative. At this point, all Lucid has teased is a rendering of a hatchback with a wide touchscreen, no steering wheel or pedals, and no doors.
In keeping with the sparse teasers, Lucid says these new models will be powered by their new electric drive unit called Atlas. No power, torque, range, or efficiency figures were disclosed, but they’re supposedly simpler and cost less to produce.
BMW teases refreshed 7 Series
And while we’re on the subject of shadowy teaser images, BMW dropped a fresh one on their socials this week of the upcoming, soon-to-be-refreshed 7 Series.
BMW wasn’t particularly specific, only offering a motivational pick-me-up at best: “Dedication reveals the path ahead. A tribute to the pursuit. The new BMW 7. Coming soon.” And that’s it.
What we can glean from the darkened teaser is that it doesn’t seem to adapt the Neue Klasse look just yet. Instead, the split-headlight design is probably going to carry forward, albeit now with slimmer upper LEDs. The big sniff is still there, too, and it still lights up.
As for the rest? Evidently, we’ll know more soon.
