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Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Report: Maserati Under Threat of Being Sold by Parent Company
The 14-brand automaker may drop the Trident, unnamed sources told Reuters According to a new report published by Reuters, the storied Italian performance powerhouse, Maserati, may be headed toward an uncertain future. The newswire states that 'two sources familiar with the matter' told them that parent company Stellantis is exploring a potential sale of the Trident as part of a broader review of its massive portfolio of 14 distinct automotive brands. 0:02 / 0:09 Tesla sales in Europe drop yet again Watch More Discussions regarding Maserati began before Antonio Filosa was named the automaker's new CEO last month. Filosa's first day as CEO of Stellantis is Monday, June 23, where he will take the helm as Carlos Tavares's formal successor. Tavares, who led Stellantis from its inception, stepped down in December amid disappointing U.S. sales and inventory struggles and growing internal and external pressure to reassess the company's direction. Maserati Grancabrio — Source: Maserati Stellantis Chairman John Elkann has a plate and a half full when it comes to overseeing the company's wide range of global brands, which include the likes of Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Peugeot, and Alfa Romeo. The company is under pressure to streamline its operations and invest wisely. Stellantis is a publicly traded company listed on the stock exchanges of New York, Paris, and Milan, and financially savvy investors and analysts think that trimming down the 14-brand lineup could boost Stellantis' margins. Back in April, they brought in McKinsey & Co., a consulting firm based in New York, to examine the impact of new U.S. tariffs and explore options for Maserati and Alfa Romeo. According to the sources cited by Reuters, selling one or both brands is on the table, but any decisions are still in the early phases. In an emailed statement to Autoblog, a Maserati spokesperson provided the following statement: 'A spokesperson for Stellantis stated: 'Respectfully, Maserati is not for sale.'' Additionally, a McKinsey spokesperson told Autoblog in a separate emailed statement that they 'have no comment for this story.' Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Maserati is going through some tough times, too The timing of the Trident's review coincides with its efforts to position itself to navigate some significant industry challenges. Chinese brands and their affordable, tech-forward offerings are eating into the European market share. Like other European automakers, Stellantis is also trying to navigate the steep U.S. import tariffs recently imposed by President Donald Trump, which can greatly impact import brands like Maserati and the expensive motors it imports in smaller numbers. Unlike Stellantis brands like Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler, no Maserati comes from a production facility in North America; all of Maserati's U.S. lineup is exclusively imported from Italy. Maserati MCXTrema — Source: Maserati Maserati's performance has been underwhelming, as it faces tough ground in its key markets. According to Maserati Chief Executive Officer Santo Ficili, about 35% to 40% of its customers are American. In 2024, Maserati posted an adjusted operating loss of €260 million ($298 million) as it sold just 11,300 units, with 4,819 of those cars reaching drivers in the United States. One of the sources who talked to Reuters said that Stellantis is starting to realize it has more brands than it can really focus on, adding that it needs to 'set priorities' with the matter. They also report that some board members are split on this scenario: some think selling Maserati is the best move, while others worry that getting rid of its only luxury brand would hurt the company's reputation. 2025 Maserati Grecale Trofeo Final thoughts This is not the first time that Maserati has been speculated to be sold. Notably, last year, comments from former Stellantis CFO Natalie Knight suggested that the Trident may be on the way out at the 14-brand automaker, which has since been refuted. However, what we solidly know is that Maserati and Alfa Romeo's brand CEO said that it has a turnaround plan as soon as Filosa takes the helm on Monday, the 23rd. In a June 5 interview with Reuters, he not only denied that Stellantis was selling Maserati, but he also expressed optimism over the future of the Trident and that Filosa will back potential plans, which include new products on the horizon. 'We have clear ideas about what we want to do, and we hope we can be ready very soon. Let's wait for Antonio to take up his job,' Ficili told the newswire. About the Author James Ochoa View Profile
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Gallery
Take a closer look at the hottest Corvette ever It's the mind-bending power and performance figures of the Chevrolet Corvette ZRX1 that have made the headlines over the last few days, and rightly so, but let's not take away the fact that it's also got the visual punch to back up its hypercar-level speed. Here's a look at the newest Corvette from every angle. 0:06 / 0:09 Thinking about buying a Toyota RAV4? These 5 rivals might change your mind Watch More 1 Source: Chevrolet The exterior of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is seen here black, with a red center stripe and the ZTK Performance Package. 2 Source: Chevrolet From above, we can see the aggressive hood and the large rear wing. The various aerodynamic enhancements to this model create 1,200 lbs of downforce. 3 Source: Chevrolet The Corvette is nearly as mean to look at without the rear wing. This example is finished in Blade Silver Metallic, but buyers can also get the car in eye-popping shades like Sebring Orange and Competition Yellow. 4 Source: Chevrolet A quad-exit exhaust system peaks out of the back. While it makes a stunning noise at full throttle, an electric-only Stealth Mode enables driving on electric power alone at up to 45 mph, but only for 4 to 5 miles. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 5 Source: Chevrolet Massive performance means massive breaks, and the ZRX1 boasts 10-piston front calipers and six-piston items at the back. The carbon ceramic rotors measure 16.5 inches, now the biggest ever fitted to a Corvette. 6 Source: Chevrolet The flow-through hood assists with optimal airflow, while the front splitter and underwing creates suction under the car to improve downforce and lower drag. 7 Source: Chevrolet A very special engine powers this Corvette. The 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 is boosted by two 76mm turbos. This, together with a front-axle electric motor, develops 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft combined. The 0-60 time is under two seconds, and the manufacturer estimates a quarter-mile sprint of below nine seconds. 8 Santorini Blue interior on 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZRX1. Preproduction model shown, actual production model may vary. — Source: Chevrolet The basic layout of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZRX1's interior will be familiar to those who have driven other Corvettes. A new three-screen layout and updated center console form part of the changes. 9 Source: Chevrolet Even the base 1LZ gets eight-way power-adjustable GT1 or Competition sports seats. If you go for the 3LZ, expect heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats. 10 Source: Chevrolet High-quality leather and stitching are everywhere, and there's a Bose sound system with between 10 and 14 speakers, depending on the trim. 11 Source: Chevrolet The center section features glossy carbon fiber trim, dual cupholders, and a wireless charging pad. 12 Source: Chevrolet As with the exterior, the interior is highly customizable. There are at least 20 different color combinations, including the Adrenaline Red seen here. 13 Source: Chevrolet Customers can obtain plenty of information from the ZR1X's Performance App, including tire temperatures and horsepower/torque over specific time intervals. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Disenchanted Aston Martin Valkyrie Owner Files A Dramatic Lawsuit
Disenchanted Aston Martin Valkyrie Owner Files A Dramatic Lawsuit originally appeared on Autoblog. We've all seen a new hypercar and dreamed that, in the right circumstances, we'd gladly make numerous comfort and practicality concessions to experience their brilliance in other areas. But one such buyer in Germany believes the incomparable Aston Martin Valkyrie pushes the limits of one's compromise beyond all reasonable measure. With a Cosworth-developed naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 capable of delivering over 1,000 horsepower at 10,500 rpm (with a redline at 11,100), it's to be expected that the highly strung engine will be fairly loud, but a new lawsuit suggests that the visceral noise it makes is dangerous, and wearing the protective headphones that must be used whenever the car is driven could actually put drivers of the Valkyrie in danger. And that's far from the only issue he's faced in his time owning the car, reports local publication Handelsblatt. The publication protected the disenchanted owner's identity with the alias Sebastian Kunze. Herr Kunze claims that on the 27th of August, the headphone system failed. As a result of the extreme noise, he alleges, he nearly crashed into an ambulance, despite the latter blowing its horn. The publication did not use the German word for siren, but one should surely be able to hear any car horn when driving anyway. After that encounter, Kunze's lawyer, Marco Rogert, says he hasn't dared drive the car again. Not that Kunze appears to want to, anyway. Kunze bought the car in February 2022 for €3 million, or around $3.5 million. But in the three years and 271 miles since, he's allegedly had numerous issues. One of the biggest was an issue with the "Rocket Locker," a locking system that keeps the car's hydraulic suspension from sagging when power is cut off. This was allegedly removed without Kunze's knowledge, causing the car to rest on its wheels. He claims this led to visible damage "during transport and visits to the workshop." Following this, and a claim of numerous warning lights related to the high-voltage hybrid system shortly after taking delivery, he wanted to return the car, but then Aston Martin told him to pay a usage fee of roughly €55,000 (~$63,000) for the 441 km/271 miles he'd done. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article An Aston Martin statement obtained by Handelsblatt, apparently in response to the cost-per-mile Kunze was asked to pay, reportedly said, "Most owners drive around 300, and certainly no more than 1,000 kilometers per year." Kunze also reportedly took issue with the short service intervals, perhaps not understanding the highly specific nature of this barely legal hypercar. This isn't a Bugatti Tourbillon, meant to crush continents at 250 mph without breaking a sweat or allowing its occupants to. This is an Adrian Newey-designed aerodynamic wonder that does the bare minimum to meet regulations. It's not meant to be used as a daily driver, and Kunze's argument that the Valkyrie had more defects "than all my other cars combined" might seem a little sensational. Moreover, Aston Martin says that the blame for the damaged wheels lies not at the feet of the Rocket Locker system, but with the owner himself, saying that the car's issues are "typical signs of wear or marks that arise from improper wheel replacement. In this context, we point out that the plaintiff insisted on changing the wheels on the vehicle himself and even purchased a jack set from the defendant specifically for this purpose." Unfortunately, this case will likely drag on a little longer. The presiding judge suggested a mutual settlement, but after arguments about where the case could be tried, and two earlier attempts by Aston Martin to arrange trade-ins for the Valkyrie, a court ruling of some sort seems to be the objective. Each side has six weeks to submit further statements, and if the Aachen Regional Court declines jurisdiction, the case may have to be argued back in the United Kingdom, where Aston wanted the case heard in the first place. Disenchanted Aston Martin Valkyrie Owner Files A Dramatic Lawsuit first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Walmart is selling a ‘very sturdy' $97 5-tier shelving unit for only $45, and it's ‘great for additional storage'
Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. No matter what kind of home you own, additional storage is always a necessity. Thankfully, the kinds of storage options that are available seem to be endless. Whether you prefer storage bins, sheds, shelving units, or storage boxes, Walmart is the place to shop for these organizational items. One of our favorites finds from the retailer is the Ktaxon 5-Tier Shelving Unit, which is now on sale for just $45. You can save 54% on these wires shelves that can help organize your workspace, garage, basement, kitchen, bathroom, and more. Ktaxon 5-Tier Shelving Unit, $45 (was $97) at Walmart The shelving unit measures 29.13 inches high, 13.39 inches wide, and 59.06 inches high, with five shelves that can be adjusted based on your needs. Each shelf can hold up to 110 pounds and uses clips to securely and safely keep them in place. The entire unit has a weight capacity of 550 pounds, so it can be used to store heavier items. One shopper said, 'This shelf was extremely easy to assemble and is very sturdy. I may order several others to help get my garage organized.' A second customer wrote, 'I've bought several of these as they go on flash sale. The quality is solid, they look good, and are great for additional storage. Such good quality at a bargain price.' Made from a heavy-duty carbon steel, the shelves are extremely strong and durable with a 20% higher density compared to other metal shelves on the market. Putting together the unit is a breeze and requires no tools and just 25 minutes of your time. No matter where you place this in your home, you'll create an organization oasis. A third reviewer said, 'So easy to put together. Shelves snap into place. It is very strong [and] I filled it up with all my heavy saws and tools.' Don't wait. Add this $45 wire shelving unit to your living space as soon as possible. As one of Walmart's flash deals, the discount won't last forever. About the Author Victoria Garcia View Profile
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Honda Helps Keep Aging Cars Alive With New Parts Program
For Honda, Old School is Cool For decades, Honda has built its reputation on bulletproof reliability, clever engineering, and cars that often outlived their owners' expectations. Models like the Civic, Accord, CR-V, and Prelude have proven their salt as more than just dependable daily drivers – they were companions, project cars, or even family heirlooms. 0:02 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More Many Hondas from the 1980s and '90s are still running today, thanks to loyal owners and a strong aftermarket support. These cars weren't always flashy, but they forged deep emotional connections with people who came of age behind their wheels. The problem is that these discontinued Hondas are becoming increasingly challenging to maintain, with parts getting scarcer each decade. Thankfully, Honda has found a solution. Source: Honda Keeping Old Hondas on the Road To ensure that classic Hondas stay on the road, the company has announced it will begin globally supplying OEM-compatible parts for discontinued vehicles, starting in spring 2026. This is big news for enthusiasts, restorers, and long-time owners, who are struggling to find replacement components. Rather than abandon these aging models, Honda, with the cooperation of various partners, is investing in new solutions to continue supplying replacement parts that are no longer available. These solutions include 3D printing and 'remanufacturing,' which is essentially refurbishing used products and reselling them as functionally new products. Honda claims that these parts will meet the same performance and functional standards as the original ones, and are meant to preserve the function and performance of older Hondas. Original NSX Will Kickstart the Program Honda hasn't shared the list of supported models, but we know which one would kickstart the program. It will be the first-generation Acura NSX (or Honda NSX in other markets), which debuted in 1989. Yes, the mid-engine Japanese supercar is now 36 years old, and it will be the first vehicle covered under a new factory-backed restoration service launching in Japan that will operate in tandem with the parts program. This new offering will effectively replace the NSX Refresh Plan, which has been in place since 1993 and will officially end in summer 2025. Unlike the outgoing program, the new restoration effort will use both genuine and OEM-compatible parts to make service more accessible to a wider range of customers. More details are expected to be released in fall 2025, although Honda hinted that other enthusiast models could be included in the future, potentially classics like the Honda CRX or early Civic Si. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Source: Honda About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
