VW GTI MIGHT LOSE MANUAL, ELECTRIC GR TESTING + MORE! WEEKLY UPDATE

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This weekly automotive news update covers a range of significant developments. A key takeaway is the potential discontinuation of the manual transmission for the Volkswagen GTI due to upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, though a possibility remains for the US market. Toyota is reportedly testing a manual electric GR performance vehicle, emphasizing driving fun over powertrain specifics, and also confirmed the return of the Land Cruiser. Significant advancements in battery technology were announced by Toyota, including next-generation lithium-ion batteries with a 621-mile range by 2026 and breakthrough solid-state batteries promising nearly 750 miles of range and 10-minute charging by 2027-2028. Other news includes rumors of an electric Kia Stinger successor (GT1), hints from GM's CEO about a next-generation Bolt, and refreshes for the Buick Envision and Nissan Sentra. Mercedes unveiled its electric Vision One-Eleven concept, and Fiat partially revealed the electric 600 for Europe. Volvo is reportedly dropping front-wheel-drive SUVs and the S60 Polestar Engineered.