News Roundup: Ford Mustang GTD, Acura ZDX EV, New Cheaper Tesla Model S, X, More

2025 Ford Mustang GTD

Ford is going after the likes of Ferrari and Porsche with the 2025 Mustang GTD. The GTD looks like a Mustang on steroids (or at least with an early 2000s body kit), but is an 800-hp monster that will be built by Canada's Multimatic for the Blue Oval. It starts with a standard Mustang body in white that is sent to Multimatic. Carbon fibre panels including the hood, fenders, roof, and doors are fitted and an 800 hp 5.2L supercharged V8 is packed under the hood. There's an eight-speed dual-clutch living in the back where it is surrounded by a trick pushrod rear suspension with active spring rates, DSSV dampers, and adjustable ride height. The big rear wing is both optional and active, and Ford says it is going after the world's great track cars. And a sub-seven 'Ring time thanks to aero tricks that aren't legal on its race cars. Pricing starts from U.S. $300,000 and the name is the IMSA version of the FIA's GT3 class. So GTD is Ford's version of a GT3 car.

2024 Acura ZDX EV



Acura has just revealed its first all-electric model, bringing back the ZDX badge for the EV crossover. The 2024 Acura ZDX is a two-row crossover about the same size as the MDX and is based on the General Motors Ultium battery architecture. The new luxury crossover will be offered in two grades, starting with the $80,000 A-Spec. That model will get two electric motors (there was no power output given) and has an estimated range of 500 km. The second grade will be the ZDX Type-S, a 500-hp model that will be the most powerful Acura SUV yet. The ZDX will offer features that are new to Acura including a Google Built-In infotainment system, Bang & Olufsen audio, and (on Type-S) Hands Free Cruise, a hands-off highway driving assistant. The Type-S model is expected to cost north of $90,000 and offer a slightly shorter electric range. The 2024 Acura ZDX EV goes on sale in the spring of 2024.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250



The EQB 250 is a new front-drive version of the EQB that will sit below the EQB 350 4Matic. The Benz EQB 250's front-mount motor makes 188 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. The lighter and more efficient model gets an estimated 394 km electric range, and it will start at a federal and provincial incentive-friendly $59,990. While two rows and five seats are standard, the EQB will have an optional third row. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloys, 10.25-inch digital cluster and matching multimedia display, ambient lighting, and plenty of driver assists. Expect it at dealers this fall.

Ford Becancour Battery Plant



Ford has announced an investment into a new battery cathode materials plant in Quebec. A $1.2B investment will go toward the site in Becancour, PQ, which is quickly becoming Canada's EV battery hub. Ford said it expects to process enough battery cathode materials - which includes lithium and other metals - to supply batteries for up to 225,000 EVs per year. Other factory investors include Ford battery partners EcoPro BM and SK On, and the plant is expected to employ 345 people when it opens in 2026.

Short Range Tesla Model S, Model X



Tesla has just launched new Standard Range variants of the Model S and Model X EVs, lowering the price of each by more than $10,000. The Model S Standard Range offers an estimated 515 km instead of the 652 of a Long Range, is about half a second slower in acceleration, and will run $108,990. $13,000 less than the Model S LR. The Model X electric crossover has 433 km instead of 560 and will cost $122,990. The shorter range comes via a software-locked battery, not a new smaller pack, meaning you will be dragging around unused (or underused) cells.