Ask Nathan: Future Ford Thunderbird and Nissan…What Now?

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February 16, 2025

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

Might we see a future Ford Thunderbird?
Is there any hope for Nissan after the Honda merger tanked?

The first question comes from a fan who there’s a future Ford Thunderbird in the works.

Q: (Via: NathanAdlen@Twitter/X) RE: Future Ford Thunderbird

No one has given me a good answer about some of the names Ford reuses. I was wondering about the future Ford Thunderbird and what Ford might do with it. It’s a name we all know right? Maybe the time is now for a return of the Thunderbird. My grandpa had a Thunderbird in the 1970s that was made in the 1960s and it was a boat! I think they went from small to big and back to small in the end.

What does Nathan think?

— The watchmaker’s son

A: There’s always a chance the Ford will bring back the name.

Before giving my two-cents, I wanted to thank you for the message. I am a former ninth-generation (1984) T-Bird owner, and there have been many Thunderbirds in my family, going all the way back to the 1950s. Like the Maverick name, there’s no reason it can’t make a return, but there may be some vexed fans.

There are only a few ways I see Ford bringing back the Thunderbird nameplate in the near future. Either they use an existing platform, or build something new. I sincerely doubt they will do the latter. If they keep this theroridecial T-Bird a “car,” they only have two (current) options. One: use the preexisting Ford GE1 electric platform, underpinning the Mach-E – and use the rumored Lincoln interior that was never used to gussy it up. Or, use the seventh-generation (S650) Ford Mustang as a starting point, and build a true successor to the Thunderbird name.

I highly doubt either of these options are viable. The only other way to make this work (without risking too much dough) is to use a current crossover/SUV platform. I suppose they could try using the Lincoln Corsair, or Nautilus as a starting point, but that just seems wrong. Yet again, this is hard to imagine for me.

Ford has made no mention of any plans to revive the name. There has been no chatter on updating any trademarks, names or concepts that have anything to do with the Thunderbird.

Sorry, I wish I had more to offer you.

— N

P.S.: I was asked this question way back in 2017…and I had a different perspective back then.

The last question comes from a Nissan fan who is worried about the recent news regarding Honda. I think..

Q: (Via: WeChat) RE: Is Nissan done for?

Hi Nathan,

Is Nissan finished?

— Bill W

A: If you’re referring to the failed talks with Honda, things looked bleak, but there’s a few options out there.

Right after we heard the talks were finished between Honda and Nissan, there was word of another player interested in Nissan — Foxconn. Based in Taiwan, Foxconn (Hon Hai Technology Group) is a multinational juggernaut. They have already dipped into the EV auto industry, but appear ready for a real expansion. According to reports, they are not interested in acquiring Nissan, but partnering with them. This could be great for Nissan as they would have a partner to help build upward and onward.

Mind you, these are the early days of talks, and (just like Honda) it could all come crashing down rapidly. Still, this could be an ideal partnership for a company that wants to hit the auto industry, and for an automaker intent on building more EVs. We should hear more soon.

There are other rumored interested parties, but the Foxconn is the one I’m watching right now.

Stand by, I think Nissan will figure something out soon.

– N

Yep, It’s Real: Meet the Blazer EV.R, Chevy’s First Electric NASCAR Prototype

By

Zach Butler

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February 14, 2025

While saying its V8 tech isn’t going anywhere, Chevrolet debuted a Blazer EV race prototype.

In the grand scheme of things, if there’s one racing series where electric race cars are less welcome, I’d wager it’s NASCAR. That hasn’t stopped the association or automakers from thinking up what such a series might look like, and Chevrolet is the latest example. This week, it debuted the Blazer EV.R concept — a glimpse at the sort of technology and engineering that could well make its way into consumer EVs, even if it doesn’t ultimately make its way onto the track as a real stock car.

“Motorsports is a test bed for innovation, and a training ground for our engineers,” the company said in its statement on the Blazer EV.R. “[It] allows Chevrolet to try out new technologies in a fast-paced environment against the best competition”. To wit, Ford debuted its own electric prototype Mach-E stock car a couple weeks ago.

Using a modified version of the Next Gen chassis underpinning its current V8-powered stock cars with the same suspension, the Chevy Blazer EV.R packs in three six-phase electric motors, all-wheel drive and a 78-kWh battery. And against your typical stock car’s 670 horsepower output, this electric concept manages a stratospheric 1,300 horsepower.

GM says its design department and motorsports engineers worked to build a stock car prototype based around — you guessed it — the standard Blazer EV SS, with lower and wider proportions as well as far more aggressive aerodynamics. It honed the EV.R prototype through laps “at race pace” at Carolina Motorsports Park before its official Daytona debut.

Again, this is strictly a concept, at least for the time being. NASCAR’s own prototype and Ford’s operate around a similar set of parameters as the Chevy Blazer EV.R (like the Next Gen chassis and suspension components). On that basis, it could evolve into an electric race series if other automakers jump on. But will spectators actually be excited about that sort of racing and want to tune in, especially when questions arise like how many laps will the battery last, and what would pit stops involving battery charging or swaps look like? There is some precedent with Formula E…though it’s struggled to really gain traction in the 10 years it’s been around.

Then after all that, there’s the cultural question surrounding it all, and the answer to that one will (probably) keep EVs out for awhile yet. As ever, we’ll have to wait and see whether NASCAR gives it a shot, at least as an experiment.

Acura’s New Entry-Level ADX Crossover Will Cost You Between $36,350 and $45,350

By

Zach Butler

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February 14, 2025

Acura is about to launch a new small crossover to compete against the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, among others.

While it’s also updated its flagship MDX and compact RDX SUVs for 2025, Acura is further expanding its lineup by bringing in another contender with the small ADX. The automaker aims to offer a crossover option alongside the Integra for folks wanting to jump into the premium brand, but without paying an eye-watering price tag for the privilege. Now, we know exactly how much the new ADX will cost, as pricing for the base model starts at $36,350 (including $1,350 destination).

The base 2025 Acura ADX brings front-wheel drive to the mix, along with a turbocharged 1.5-liter turbocharged engine yoked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It’s the exact same setup that’s in the base Integra and the Honda Civic Si, though both of those cars do offer a 6-speed manual transmission. You don’t get that here, naturally. For some reason, Acura is playing coy when it comes to the ADX’s power output, but I’d expect to see numbers pretty close to the 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque we’ve seen in those other models. As far as standard kit, the base ADX brings in a 9-inch infotainment display, a 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot and a 15-watt wireless smartphone charger.

Above the entry-level model, Acura offers two more trim options akin to its other cars: A-Spec or A-Spec with Advance Package. The former mainly focuses on sportier bits, including Ultrasuede seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, stainless steel-effect sport pedals, red gauge needles in the cluster, red contrast stitching throughout the cabin and a chrome shift knob. That said, the $39,350 A-Spec also throws in a panoramic moonroof.

The A-Spec with Advance, starting off at $43,350, brings more features on top of the sportier looking elements. On that model, you get Berlina Black 19-inch gloss wheels, Google Built-in apps with a 3-year unlimited data plan (you’ll have to pay to keep up the subscription beyond that), a heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera system and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Across all three trims, all-wheel drive is available for an extra $2,000.

Price-wise, much like the RDX, Acura has priced the ADX competitively against its European competition. The $36,350 to $45,350 band brings it pretty close to the Lexus UX, while the closest rival from Mercedes-Benz or BMW both clock in over $40,000 to start.

Acura ADX crossovers will arrive at the brand’s franchise dealers later this spring.

The Merger’s Off: Nissan and Honda Officially Scrap Partnership Talks

By

Zach Butler

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February 13, 2025

(Images: Honda/Nissan (as part of earlier joint announcement))

Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi all announced December’s memorandum of understanding had been terminated, killing the potential merger of the three automakers.

After rumors swirled last week about Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi scuttling plans to merge shortly after announcing a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU), all three confirmed partnership talks are off Thursday. This means the deal that would have created the world’s third largest automaker is officially dead, as is the direct co-development of next-generation vehicles among the three.

However, even with the partnership dead, the Japanese automakers aren’t walling themselves off completely. Instead, according to Thursday’s memo, they will still collaborate on electrified vehicles and software development. At this point, it’s unclear exactly how such collaboration would play out. With the full-scale merger entirely dead, a lot is still up in the air, especially when it comes to Nissan’s future prospects as well as potential vehicles the partnership could have gestated.

Leading up to this announcement, earlier reports cited sticking points on both sides preventing the merger talks from moving forward. Nissan’s recent financial troubles and restructuring worried Honda executives. As for Nissan’s part, their executives supposedly pulled the plug due to Honda’s undervaluation of the company and concerns it would not have the status it aimed for in the resulting entity. As Nissan is already part of a three-automaker alliance with Mitsubishi and French automaker Renault, and it was unclear how that would have been resolved as each company owns at least some stake in the others (Renault, for instance, owns 15% of Nissan).

Now, the focus once again returns to Nissan’s financial future and what it might do moving forward. In some respects, Renault may hold the key as Taiwan’s Foxconn — one of the largest iPhone manufacturers — is reportedly exploring a deal to buy out that 15% stake, if it is up for grabs.

Chevrolet Announces 615-Horsepower Blazer EV SS Will Go on Sale in Q1, After Pacing This Weekend’s Daytona 500

By

Zach Butler

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February 12, 2025

Chevy Blazer SS - Daytona 500 Pace Car — (Images: General Motors | Chevrolet)

GM is moving forward with its EV rollout, and that (finally) includes the Chevy Blazer EV SS.

Back when we initially covered the Chevy Blazer EV launch, we were told that the high-performance SS model was just around the corner in 2024. Well, hindsight’s always 20-20, and that obviously didn’t happen on schedule. Fast forward several months, though, and Chevrolet couched the announcement that the SS is finally launching later this quarter. Ironically, the Blazer EV SS will pace the 67th Daytona 500 this weekend too, leading the 40-car field of V8-powered stock cars.

There are a couple different ways you could look at the Blazer EV SS: A Cadillac Lyriq-V with a more affordable price tag, or a spiritual successor to the V8-powered TrailBlazer SS of the late 2000s (if you can get past the whole ‘it’s an electric car’ thing). This midsize electric family hauler packs 615 horsepower from its dual-motor setup, as well as 650 lb-ft of torque and standard all-wheel drive. Despite the delay, that is a hefty improvement on the 577 horsepower Chevy originally promised, but there is a caveat. To unlock all that power, you need to be in what it calls “Wide Open Watts” mode. That’ll get you a 0-60 time as low as 3.4 seconds — or a tenth of a second quicker than an equally powerful, supercharged Camaro ZL1 (though not quite as quick as the C8 Corvette…it is still a big and monstrously heavy EV, after all).

The 2025 Chevy Blazer EV SS gets a few choice upgrades over the standard models to handle that extra juice, including Brembo brakes and sport-tuned suspension. On the tech side, you still get a 17.7-inch infotainment display and standard Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving capability. And even with more than 600 horsepower, Chevy is claiming a 303-mile range from the 102-kWh battery pack. I suspect you’ll only actually get that figure if you granny drive it everywhere, which really defeats the purpose of having the fast version, but there you have it.

When it does go on sale, the Chevy Blazer EV SS will carry a starting price of $61,995.

As for the Daytona 500, this weekend’s NASCAR Cup coverage kicks off at 2:30 PM Eastern on Fox Sports. Racing fans can get a closer look at the Blazer EV SS, the Blazer EV.R, the Corvette Stingray and the Silverado RST — the latter two pacing the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300 and Craftsman Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250, respectively — at Daytona International Speedway.

Volkswagen Announces Pricing for the Updated 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R

By

Zach Butler

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February 12, 2025

The Volkswagen Golf GTI gets a modest price increase, while the Golf R is substantially more expensive.

For the past few years, your only options if you want VW’s iconic hatchback in America have been the Golf GTI hot hatch or the even hotter, all-wheel drive Golf R. Now, both cars are getting a range of updates for the 2025 model year, and you know what that means: Both have gotten more expensive. Volkswagen announced official pricing for the latest versions, with the Golf GTI setting you back anywhere from $375 to $505 over the outgoing car, and the Golf R getting a $1,435 price bump.

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI details

In line with your typical mid-cycle refresh, the updated Mk8.5 GTI gets a new front bumper and headlight design, as well as an illuminated VW badge and front light bar. That carries through the whole trim stack, while Alpine Silver Metallic and Slate Blue Metallic are two new options in the color palette. On the inside, Carbon Gray interior accents adorn the cabin, rather than a sea of Titan Black.

The base GTI S remains the entry point for 2025, with the base trim setting you back $33,670 (including $1,225 destination). For that, you get an upgraded 12.9-inch standard touchscreen (compared to the outgoing car’s 8.0-inch unit), with built-in navigation and VW’s latest AI-assisted operating system. If you prefer to use smartphone projection instead, you do also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality integrated through VW’s “App-Connect” setup. Hard buttons return to the steering wheel in place of haptic switches, and you get a new ventilated 15-watt wireless charging pad.

Above the S, the mid-range GTI SE comes in at $38,645. This trim offers a different set of 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic high-beam functionality and new ClubSport ArtVelours seat covers. Harman Kardon premium audio, a sunroof and keyless entry are also part of the next step up from the base trim. You can get leather seats if you want through a $1,300 Leather Seats Package, that also adds in driver’s side power seat adjustment and memory functionality and ventilation for both front seats.

At the top end, the GTI Autobahn offers the fully loaded experience for $42,105. Above and beyond the SE, you get DCC adaptive damping, larger 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires over all-seasons in the other trims. A head-up display, three-zone climate control, Park Assist Plus, ventilated leather seats and heated rear seats round out the feature list.

Under the hood, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI still manages 241 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This time around, though, you can only get the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, as the 6-speed manual is no longer an option.

What if I want the Golf R?

Like the GTI, the Golf R (sadly) ditches its 6-speed manual for the 7-speed DSG as the sole transmission option. Unlike the GTI, though, you actually do get more horsepower this time around, with the Mk8.5 Golf R managing 328 horsepower from its EA888 engine (up from 315). You’ll have to pay more for that extra grunt, though, with the $48,325 base model representing a $110 per horsepower price bump over what you got in 2024.

Broadly speaking, the updated Golf R brings the same changes inside and out as its GTI sibling. You get ventilated Nappa leather seats, heated seats all around, and the 15-watt wireless charging pad as standard equipment. The 12.9-inch infotainment screen and all its accoutrements also feature here.

If you’re looking for a bit more flair, the $3,795 Euro Style Package is the only major option for the base Golf R. That deletes the sunroof, swaps the leather seats out for fabric ones, and brings in an Akrapovič exhaust system which itself shaves 15 pounds off the all-wheel drive hot hatch’s overall curb weight.

For a cool $49,640, the Golf R Black Edition is the most expensive version in the updated lineup. Beyond the standard Golf R, this special model gets you 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, genuine carbon fiber interior trim, blacked out accents and special badging inside and out. Despite being called the “Black Edition” and the fact that you can get it in Mythic Black Metallic (shown above), you can also get it in either Pure White or Lapiz Blue Metallic.

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Proves Its Performance Cred With Five New Track Records

By

Zach Butler

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February 11, 2025

With 1,064 horsepower, you’d expect the Chevy Corvette ZR1 to be quick…and you aren’t wrong.

When Chevrolet first introduced the C8 generation ZR1 last summer, it came with an absolute torrent of mind-bending numbers. Beyond the headline power figure, the fastest ZR1 ever manages a similarly massive 828 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 233 mph. Oh, and it’ll do 0-60 in a scant 2.3 seconds, like you do. It can be a bit tough to wrap your head around those numbers — and we haven’t had an opportunity to drive it, so we’re right there with you. To that end, the automaker announced some of this Corvette’s latest achievements, including not one, not two, but five lap records around some of America’s most iconic tracks.

The Corvette ZR1’s engineering team aimed to throw down against the world’s high-performance hypercars with a slate of track records. To that end, they took a preproduction unit to Road America, Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen and Virginia International Raceway to show, without a shadow of doubt, that they aren’t screwing around with this car. And they succeeded with the following record-breaking times:

Road Atlanta – 1:22.8 (Chris Barber, Lead Development Engineer)
Virginia International Raceway Full Course – 1:47.7 (Aaron Link, Global Vehicle Performance Manager)
Virginia International Raceway Grand Course – 2:32.3 (also Aaron Link)
Watkins Glen – 1:52.7 (Bill Wise, Lead Performance Engineer, Chassis Controls)
Road America – 2:08.6 (Brian Wallace, Lead Vehicle Dynamics Engineer)

Last year, the development team also fleshed out the ZR1’s top speed in Germany.

The particular test car they used had the optional ZTK package to add in more aggressive aerodynamics including a high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes and a tall hood Gurney lip made from woven carbon fiber. The suspension tuning also incorporates stiffer front springs, and the standard high-performance rubber is swapped out for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R ZP tires.

Naturally, this sort of performance doesn’t come cheap. Chevy’s always marketed the Corvette as a relative performance bargain against European exotics, and with a starting MSRP of $174,995 for the 1LZ, it’s tough to argue that point. Even the top-end 3LZ tops out at $185,995 with the convertible commanding another $10,000 premium (assuming you can get one at MSRP, of course).

Revamped 2026 Honda Passport Priced Between $46,200 and $55,100

By

Zach Butler

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February 11, 2025

2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite — (Images: Honda)

The 2026 Honda Passport is officially on sale, and we now have a complete look at pricing.

When you’re talking about a major generational change, as we are with this brand-new Passport model, you can expect pricing to go up a fair bit. After taking the prototype off-road in Moab and getting a closer look at the production-spec SUV’s details in LA, we finally have an answer on just how much more expensive it is. If you’re looking to pick up a next-gen passport, it’ll set you back at least $46,200 for the base RTL model (including Honda’s $1,450 destination fee).

If you’re keeping score, that MSRP announcement means the Passport starts off $2,350 than the outgoing 2025 model. Above the RTL that replaces the EX-L, the only other trims, at least at launch, are the more off-road-focused TrailSport and the TrailSport Elite. Go for the fully loaded version, and you’re looking at a potential price tag of $55,100.

All 2026 Honda Passport models come standard with some good features like a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Like most of Honda’s other recent models, Google Built-in software puts popular apps within the native operating system, while you still get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. There are a couple package options if you want to stick with the RTL: a $700 towing package that adds in recovery points and a receiver hitch so you can tow up to 5,000 pounds; and a $1,200 Blackout trim, which adds in darker 18-inch alloy wheels, HPD center caps, lug nuts and badges. As a small clarification point, you can still get the integrated trailer wiring harness and receiver hitch with the Blackout Package — it’s just a $735 standalone option.

The 2026 Honda Passport carries on with an updated version of the automaker’s 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. This time around, it puts out 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain includes a 10-speed automatic transmission like the new Pilot, rather than the old 9-speed, and you also get standard torque-vectoring i-VTM4 all-wheel drive (so front-wheel drive is no longer an option, which partially explains the price hike). Fuel economy for the RTL is the best of the bunch, with an EPA rating of 19/25/21 City/Highway/Combined mpg. That’s the same as the old Passport, if not as remarkable as some of the Passport’s closest competitors. Step up to the TrailSport or TrailSport Elite and its beefier all-terrain tires, and you’ll lose 1-2 mpg across the board.

What do you get with the TrailSport?

Honda’s new design language moves it away from the Pilot, offering a beefier and boxier two-row SUV for those who want to get out there and do some adventuring. At the tip of that spear is the TrailSport model, which starts at $49,900 and brings you a host of changes above and beyond the base RTL. You get amber daytime running lights rather than white ones, as well as orange recovery hooks, specially designed General Grabber all-terrain tires, steel skid plates and off-road tuned suspension. When Nathan and I drove the prototype, we were impressed at just how capable this new rig can be, with our only real gripe being the relative lack of ground clearance compared to some of the body-on-frame off-road SUVs you might cross-shop at a low-to-mid-$50,000 price point.

The TrailSport Elite comes in at $53,900, and focuses mainly on creature comforts, as the name suggests. You get a 12-speaker Bose audio system, smart entry (so you don’t need to use the key fob to unlock it), perforated and ventilated leather seats with piping, a heated steering wheel, rear climate controls, rear sunshades and expanded ambient lighting capability. Most importantly for the off-road kit, however, the Elite also adds in Honda’s “TrailWatch” camera system, which automatically activates at slow speeds in Trail mode to help you maneuver through tricky obstacles. Normally I wouldn’t weigh in on which trim you should buy, but if you are really planning to take your Passport off-road…it is a useful option, even at a $4,000 premium over the standard TrailSport.

Like the RTL, the $1,200 Blackout package is also available with the TrailSport and TrailSport Elite. Go for it, and you’ll push the pricing up to $51,100 or $55,100, respectively. The Towing package comes standard on the TrailSport models.

If you’re interested in the 2026 Honda Passport, they’re hitting dealerships right now. We won’t have our next outing in the new Passport until next month, but we will have a few more special videos coming up at that point, so stay tuned!

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

Q: (Via: NathanAdlen@Twitter/X) RE: Future Ford Thunderbird

A: There’s always a chance the Ford will bring back the name.

Q: (Via: WeChat) RE: Is Nissan done for?

A: If you’re referring to the failed talks with Honda, things looked bleak, but there’s a few options out there.

While saying its V8 tech isn’t going anywhere, Chevrolet debuted a Blazer EV race prototype.

Acura is about to launch a new small crossover to compete against the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, among others.

Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi all announced December’s memorandum of understanding had been terminated, killing the potential merger of the three automakers.

GM is moving forward with its EV rollout, and that (finally) includes the Chevy Blazer EV SS.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI gets a modest price increase, while the Golf R is substantially more expensive.

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI details

What if I want the Golf R?

With 1,064 horsepower, you’d expect the Chevy Corvette ZR1 to be quick…and you aren’t wrong.

The 2026 Honda Passport is officially on sale, and we now have a complete look at pricing.

What do you get with the TrailSport?

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