Car news, 25 November ’24: Stellantis delays first electric ute, Cupra could join forces with Penske for US debut, and more

---

Thanks for joining us this Monday 25 November 2024. Notably in car news today: Stellantis has delayed the launch of its first ute, the Ram 1500 REV, and Cupra will seek to distribute their vehicles in the US market with help from Penske Automotive.

Browse this issue:

• Stellantis delays its first electric ute, the Ram 1500 REV
• Cupra looks to Penske for 2030 US distribution of models 
• CATL announces new sodium-ion battery 
• Want more downforce? Manthey Racing kit revealed for Porsche 911 GT3 RS 
• Reviewed: 2024 MG ZS Hybrid+

Stellantis delays first electric Ram, the REV 1500 

• While Ford USA has had its F-150 Lightning in the market since April 2022, Stellantis has had to delay its first electric pickup truck, the Ram 1500 REV. It’s now due by the second half of 2025 after having been first previewed early in 2023.  

• Stellantis has developed a body-on-frame STLA Frame platform for its future pickups, but it’s not just for electric variants. It’ll underpin many of the brand’s commercial vehicles.

• The new platform will be able to accommodate a standard 168kWh battery pack, but can also fit a gigantic 229kWh battery pack, too. 

• If you’d rather have a hybrid version, Ram will also sell a Ramcharger variant that utilises a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired to a 92kWh battery pack and electric motors.

• Stellantis also has the STLA Medium which underpins the Peugeot e-3008 and e-5008, while STLA Small and STLA Large platforms are also set to launch in time. 

Cupra could team up with Penske Automotive to make 2030 US debut 

• Volkswagen’s Spanish sub-brand Cupra could use the Penske Automotive Group to distribute their product in the US market in 2030.

• Preliminary talks have been held between Cupra and Penske, with Cupra’s CEO Wayne Griffiths saying “[Penske’s] leadership in the industry and experience with the Volkswagen Group make this a very promising potential partnership”. 

• In March 2024, Cupra confirmed its 2030 arrival in the USA, where it will sell the next-generation Formentor SUV and a larger unnamed model. 

• Cupra won’t be the only Volkswagen Group product to enter America. The brand’s Scout Motors division will also launch, along with a new partnership with EV automaker Rivian.

• Cupra will join Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche and, of course, Volkswagen, on US shores.  

CATL develops its second-gen sodium-ion battery

• CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has announced it has developed its second-generation sodium-ion battery. The battery reportedly has normal discharge at temperatures as low as -40 degrees. 

• Sodium-iron batteries are said to not only have better performance at low temperatures, but are also safer. 

• However, sodium batteries have less energy density when compared to more common lithium-ion batteries. 

• According to Car News China, BYD last year stated that it expected to see sodium-ion batteries reach price parity with lithium-iron phosphate examples as soon as 2025. 

• Mass production for CATL’s new sodium battery is not set to start until 2027.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS gets even more intense with Manthey Racing kit

• Porsche has announced a new Manthey Racing kit for its current 992-generation 911 GT3 RS, adding more aerodynamics and new active suspension to the mix. 

• The Manthey Kit adds more than 1000kg of downforce to the 911 at 285km/h thanks to a new spoiler lip, dive planes, shark fin and an additional six roof fins. 

• Also new to the Manthey Kit is semi-active coilover suspension which can be adjusted based on which drive mode is selected. Racing brake pads have also been added, with optional pads available for the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake. 

• Several visual touches have also been added, including illuminated door sill guards, LED door projectors and decals, to set the Manthey Racing kit apart from a ‘standard’ 911 GT3 RS.

• The kit will be available for markets outside the European Union from March 2025. 

2024 MG ZS Hybrid+ reviewed

• Chasing Cars editor and head Jez Spink’s written and video reviews of the 2024 MG ZS Hybrid+ was published, including his thoughts on the all-new generation of popular small SUV..
  
• Jez found the new MG ZS to be one of the cheapest hybrid SUVs around, had punchy performance around town and had a long warranty and low servicing costs.
  
• Some things Jez found could be improved included its economy versus some other hybrid rivals, noticeable tyre noise and the lack of wireless charging or wireless phone mirroring.
  
• Jez concluded his review by saying that “the new generation is a more convincing package… we’d say sharp pricing remains ZS’s biggest asset”.
  

READ: Link to written review 

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Tuesday 26 November at 4.30pm Sydney time.