As Thanksgiving Eve rolls in, the auto world hasn’t exactly taken the week off. From Ferrari’s bold engine philosophy to BMW’s strategic pivots and GM’s hefty factory updates, there’s plenty worth your morning coffee. Here’s the rundown.
Ferrari Says the V6 Has Overtaken the V12
Ferrari leaned into a surprising stance during a livestreamed panel at Museo Enzo Ferrari, diving deep into the development of the new F80 hypercar. The standout moment came from project manager Matteo Turconi, who didn’t mince words when explaining why the flagship uses a turbo-hybrid V6 instead of a V12.
According to Turconi, the decision wasn’t nostalgia-powered; it was pure performance logic tied to Ferrari’s recent endurance racing dominance. With three back-to-back victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans using that very configuration, Ferrari believes the V6 isn’t just competitive but superior. Turconi even put a line in the sand: today, the V6 beats the V12. Coming from Maranello, that’s a seismic statement, and you can almost hear traditionalists clutching their pearls.
BMW Z4 Bows Out (For Now)
BMW confirmed that the Z4 will take a breather, closing this chapter with a “Final Edition” announced for the US. It’s a cleaner farewell than most cars ever get, reserved exclusively for the M40i model priced at $78,675. The Z4 has had a quiet but loyal fanbase, and its departure leaves a gap in the roadster segment that BMW hasn’t hinted at filling anytime soon. Still, the language around the decision leaves the door open for a potential return, so this may be more intermission than goodbye.
Range-Extender EVs: BMW Eyes the Chinese Market
In another BMW development, the company is weighing the idea of adding gas-powered range extenders to its largest EVs, including the iX5 and i7. This move targets the Chinese market, where consumers still prioritize range security in long-distance travel. If approved, it would mark a notable shift for BMW’s EV strategy, blending battery-driven performance with small onboard combustion engines for reassurance, a hybrid approach making a quiet comeback globally.
GM Commits Over Half a Billion to Production
General Motors is doubling down on 2027 production plans with more than $500 million earmarked for two major facilities. Its Romulus Propulsion Systems plant will focus heavily on 10-speed transmissions for SUVs and trucks, core profit centers for GM. Meanwhile, the Parma Metal Center in Ohio will channel its investment into new stamping and assembly capabilities. It’s a long-term play aimed at keeping GM’s bread-and-butter vehicles competitive.
Canada Pushes GM for Answers
North of the border, Canada’s Industry Minister Melanie Joly said talks continue with GM about the company’s quiet Ontario facility, where BrightDrop electric van production has stalled since October. She previously expected an update within 15 days of the shutdown, a deadline that has now come and gone. Ottawa is pushing for clarity on the plant’s future and whether a new model mandate could revive operations.
Jeep Recon Influencer Fiasco
Stellantis called out influencers who filmed themselves inside a pre-production Jeep Recon at the LA Auto Show, intentionally damaging components and mocking build quality. The company labelled the stunt irresponsible, defending the vehicle as an unfinished prototype not meant for public testing. It’s a reminder of the friction between automakers and content creators chasing shock value.
Schumacher Nearly Landed a Cadillac F1 Seat
On the motorsport front, Mick Schumacher revealed he was “in contention” for the Cadillac-backed F1 entry before the team ultimately chose Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. Schumacher instead heads to IndyCar next season, marking a major shift but keeping him firmly in the global racing spotlight.
