Ford's Stance on Raptor Power
It appears that enthusiasts waiting for an even more aggressive 'R' variant of the Ranger Raptor or Bronco Raptor will be disappointed. According to Carl Widmann, the chief engineer for Ford Racing production vehicles, the current configuration is sufficient. He noted, «If anything, the Ranger Raptor might even already have too much power.» The current model is equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering a robust 405 horsepower.
Significant Safety Recalls
Several manufacturers have issued major safety recalls. According to reports from Reuters, Ford is recalling over 500,000 Expedition SUVs (model years 2018–2024). The issue involves the chrome plating on the center console, which can peel and bubble, potentially creating sharp surfaces that pose a risk of lacerations to passengers.
Simultaneously, Honda is initiating a recall for more than one million tire repair kits provided with certain vehicles. The sealant bottles contain a flaw that can cause pressure to build up, potentially turning the bottle cap into a projectile. The affected kits were primarily sold with hybrid models of the Accord and CR-V.
Market Shifts and Brand Updates
In terms of sales performance, Ford has effectively transitioned customers from its discontinued Edge and Escape models toward the larger Explorer. This shift has helped the Explorer see an 18 percent increase in sales this year, as reported by Automotive News. Elsewhere, Nissan has announced aesthetic updates for the 2027 Z, drawing inspiration from classic models with a split-grille design and new wheel styling reminiscent of the Z31.
Corporate and Racing News
In Europe, Volkswagen is reportedly aiming to reduce its German workforce by 19,000 positions before the conclusion of the year. This move is part of a broader strategy to eliminate at least 28,000 jobs by the end of the decade from its 300,000-strong national workforce. On the racing circuit, veteran driver Fernando Alonso has hinted at his impending departure from Formula 1, citing the removal of the Barcelona track from the upcoming season calendar. Meanwhile, the 94th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is set to begin with the #15 BMW hypercar taking the pole position.