Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday March 19th 2025. Notably in car news today: Audi commits to ICE model launches beyond 2026, and Cupra outlines its local model rollout through 2027.
Audi revises full-EV targets and commits to new ICE models beyond 2026
Audi AG had backpedalled on prior plans to cease the introduction of ICE-based models beyond 2026.
A report in the Financial Times quotes Audi chief executive Gernot Dollner as stating that “with the delayed transformation towards electric mobility we have to assess those [EV-only] dates and deadlines”.
Audi AG had previously announced that it would no longer launch new ICE-based models beyond 2026 with a view that the Ingolstadt-based Volkswagen Group brand would go all-electric by 2032.
The report also states that Audi’s operating profits had dropped 38 per cent in 2024 from the year prior and plans to shed 7500 jobs by 2029. It’s also been proposed that Audi models sold in the US might cop significant price increases in allowance for recent US government tariffs, as the brand does not manufacture vehicles stateside.
Cupra outlines model onslaught through to 2027
Cupra has outlined its model line-up through to 2027 promising a widespread portfolio for what remains a challenger brand still fighting for sales traction in the Australian market.
Speaking to Chasing Cars at the launch of the Tavascan EV this week, head of product Jeff Shafer explained that something of a delayed model rollout has been strategic, but there’s a slew of newcomers due soon, with the July arrival of the Terramar ICE/hybrid model following Tavascan.
Q3 of 2025 will see the delayed release of the facelifted Leon small hatchback and Formentor midsize crossover, both nameplates of which are currently offered locally. The debut of the Sportstourer wagon will have similar timing. An upgraded Born will round out 2025.
Beyond 2025, Cupra plans to debut its compact Raval electric car in 2026, followed by a new, yet-to-be-named large SUV some time in 2027.
Alfa Romeo calling time on petrol-powered Giulia and Stelvio
Alfa Romeois dropping the axe on the wondrous 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 and 2.0-litre turbo petrol four versions of the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV, putting the Quadrifoglio badge to rest for both ageing nameplates.
Production for petrol Giulia will cease at the end of this month, with petrol versions of Stelvio following onto the chopping block in April, according to a memo sent to European dealers.
The move comes after the Quadrifoglio versions were removed from sale in the US market last year. It’s expected that both Giulia and Stelvio will continue to be produced for a time in diesel form only.
Timing suggests that petrol stock should remain available in most markets — including Australia — through 2025. Alfa Romeo Australia has yet to announce any ‘adjustments’ to the local Giulia and Stelvio lineups.
Audi A5 to launch under $80K…but Avant wagon option is in question
Audi’s new-generation B10 A5 is set to launch mid-year from $79,900, undercutting the entry points of key rivals in BMW 3-Series (from $92,900) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $87,800).
Only the pricing of the entry Sportback five-door liftback has been revealed, which is powered by a 150kW turbocharged petrol four with 48-volt ‘mild hybrid plus’ assistance. The A5 will be joined by S5 variants bringing 270kW 3.0-litre turbo V6 power and Quattro all-wheel drive.
Audi Australia is yet to confirm whether the A5 will launch with the option of an Avant wagon body style though, at the time of writing, the A5 Avant appears as an upcoming model variant on its public website.
It’s quite feasible that, at least initially, the only wagon option will be for customers to stump up for the confirmed if yet-to-be-priced S5 Avant, which will also be available as a Sportback liftback.
Maserati GranTurismo Modena reviewed
Chasing Cars deputy editor Curt Dupriez’s road test of the 2025 Maserati GranTurismo Modena was published, including his praise for intoxicating styling but disappointment in some of the execution.
Dupriez found the presence and stance of the two-door coupe befitting the Italian grand touring brief.
However, the Maser succumbed to much criticism in many areas, from the lacklustre (and thirsty) powertrain to the uncomfortable and poorly packaged interior.
In short, the entry point to the GranTurismo stable proved underbaked and homogenised in the places where it needs to shine the most and is, at $375K, simply too pricey for what amounts to only a small grab bag of virtues.
