2025 VW JETTA GLI KEEPS MANUAL! + 2025 GOLF R, 2025 BMW M5 + MORE! WEEKLY UPDATE

EV Channels Review

This weekly update covers several significant automotive news items, with a strong focus on upcoming model year refreshes and industry shifts. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI receive a notable refresh, with the highlight being the continued availability of a manual transmission in the GLI, a rarity in today's market. The reviewer praises VW for retaining this option and for keeping the GLI's price competitive, even suggesting it might be one of the last manual-equipped Volkswagens in the US. The update also details the refreshed Golf R, which loses its manual option, and the highly anticipated 2025 BMW M5, which is criticized for its substantial weight gain despite impressive horsepower figures. The Bentley Continental GT Speed is also discussed, noting its hybrid powertrain and surprisingly similar weight to the M5. Other news includes updates on the Audi RS Q8 Performance and RS3, Genesis X Gran Racer VGT concept, Aston Martin Valiant, and delays for the Dodge Charger Daytona and Volvo EX30. The significant investment by Volkswagen in Rivian and Rivian's hints at five new models are also covered, alongside Rimac's new autonomous robo-taxi brand, Verne.