2025 VW GTI DROPS THE MANUAL, PORSCHE MACAN ELECTRIC DEBUT + MORE! WEEKLY UPDATE

EV Channels Review

This weekly update covers several significant automotive news items, with the 2025 Volkswagen GTI refresh being a major focus. The presenter notes the unfortunate confirmation that the manual transmission will be dropped for the GTI in Europe, though expresses hope for a US-specific manual option. Key improvements for the GTI include a power bump to 262 horsepower, updated exterior lighting, a larger touchscreen with illuminated sliders, and the return of physical buttons on the steering wheel. The review also details the debut of the 2024 Porsche Macan Electric, highlighting its new PPE platform, dual-motor configurations with impressive horsepower and torque figures, and rapid charging capabilities via its 800-volt system. Other news includes the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox receiving styling updates and interior tech improvements like standard digital gauges and a larger touchscreen, though it adopts a CVT for FWD models. The Genesis X Snow Speedium Concept, teased Buick Enclave, and Alfa Romeo Milano are also briefly covered, alongside improvements to the 2024 Subaru Solterra's charging speed and the intriguing addition of a free rental car voucher for road trips. Finally, the update touches on the reported delay of Apple's car project to 2028 and a scaled-back feature set.