Electric Cars

Lincoln is rolling out highly attractive lease incentives this December for its 2025 Aviator model, making this sophisticated luxury SUV more accessible than ever. With monthly payments starting below $800, these offers come at an opportune time, especially considering the vehicle's recent extensive refresh. The 2025 Aviator showcases a striking exterior redesign, a significantly enhanced cabin experience, and a robust powertrain, aiming to capture a broader audience seeking a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and classic opulence. This initiative reflects Lincoln's strategy to boost the market presence of its understated yet potent three-row crossover.

The Lincoln Aviator's journey has been marked by a two-part narrative. Initially introduced in 2003, it shared its underpinnings with the Explorer but presented a more refined aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the larger Navigator. This first iteration had a brief run, concluding in 2005 and succeeded by the MKX. After a hiatus of 15 years, the Aviator nameplate was revitalized in 2020. While still sharing a platform with the Explorer, the modern Aviator distinguishes itself with a unique design identity, securing its longevity beyond its predecessor. The 2025 model year brings a substantial facelift, signaling a renewed commitment to its luxury SUV segment.

Prospective buyers can take advantage of December's lease promotions, which begin at an appealing $739 per month with an initial payment of $3,999 for a 36-month term. Lincoln's Red Carpet Lease program provides flexible terms to suit various needs. Currently, the most prominent offer is tailored for the Premiere RWD trim. Customers interested in other configurations are encouraged to consult their local Lincoln dealerships for personalized options. It is important to note that lessees are responsible for any excess wear and tear, and a charge of $0.25 per mile applies for mileage exceeding 32,500 miles. These special offers are valid through January 2, 2026.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator arrives with a host of impressive features across its three available trims: Premiere, Reserve, and the top-tier Black Label, with pricing spanning from $59,295 to $87,395. All variants come standard with a hands-free power tailgate, the advanced Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver-assistance technologies, and the Lincoln Digital Experience, seamlessly integrated with Google. The Reserve trim elevates the experience with premium leather upholstery, a second-row climate control touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, and an automatic air refreshment system. The pinnacle Black Label trim incorporates all Reserve features, alongside exclusive interior design themes, Perfect Position front seats, and the immersive Revel Ultima 3D sound system.

Under the hood, every 2025 Aviator is powered by a commanding twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering a formidable 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. While all-wheel drive is an available option for the Premiere and Reserve trims, it comes standard on the luxurious Black Label, ensuring confident performance in diverse driving conditions. These specifications underline the Aviator's commitment to delivering both power and sophistication.

The Lincoln Aviator exemplifies traditional luxury, incorporating an abundance of technology while simultaneously enchanting with its meticulous craftsmanship and sumptuous materials. This harmonious blend of contemporary features and timeless elegance is precisely what makes the Aviator an attractive choice for a diverse demographic. Despite some perceptions regarding Lincoln's market standing compared to European luxury brands, this three-row luxury SUV undoubtedly merits serious consideration for those seeking a premium driving experience.

Nissan is poised to significantly broaden its Nismo performance division, with plans to expand its model range from the current five to ten vehicles in the upcoming years. This strategic initiative underscores a renewed focus on high-performance vehicles, aiming to elevate Nismo's annual sales figures from 100,000 to an ambitious 150,000 units by the close of 2028. This growth trajectory may even involve collaborations with external automotive partners to introduce new Nismo-branded models.

The announcement arrives as the Nissan GT-R R35 concludes its production run in 2025, leaving enthusiasts with the promise of an exciting future for Nissan's performance offerings. While the exact timeline for the next-generation GT-R remains undisclosed, the expansion of the Nismo portfolio offers a compelling vision for the brand's commitment to dynamic driving experiences. The current Nismo lineup is spearheaded by the Z model, complemented by regional variants such as the recently launched Patrol Nismo in the Middle East and the Armada Nismo in North America. Other notable Nismo additions include an electric Ariya Nismo, a Nismo version of the X-Trail (known as Rogue in some markets), and the Note Aura Nismo hot hatchback available in Japan.

This aggressive push for Nismo is a key component of Nissan's overarching "Re:Nissan" strategy, which not only involves stringent cost-cutting measures but also a substantial product launch offensive. Recent introductions under this plan include refreshed models like the Leaf, Sentra, and Elgrand. Interestingly, some new models, such as the Rogue Plug-In Hybrid (a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) and the 2026 Micra (a re-engineered Renault 5), highlight Nissan's strategy of leveraging existing platforms and partnerships. Similarly, the new Navara mid-size pickup truck shares its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Triton, and two new sedans, the N6 and Teana, have just been unveiled for the Chinese market.

The identities of the five forthcoming Nismo models are currently under wraps. However, industry speculation suggests the Sentra could be an ideal candidate for a performance makeover. A strong contender for a Nismo variant is also the new Skyline sports sedan, which is anticipated to debut in 2027 with a rear-wheel-drive configuration and a manual transmission. The previous-generation Skyline in Japan already received a limited-edition Nismo treatment, making a performance version of the new model a logical progression.

Nissan's global design director, Alfonso Albaisa, indicated that the four-door Skyline will occupy a market position between the Z and the GT-R. Furthermore, Nissan has reaffirmed its intention to revive the Xterra, though a Nismo iteration remains speculative. The return of the iconic GT-R is also a clear goal, with CEO Ivan Espinosa stating the company's dedication to "reimagining the future generation of GT-R." Enthusiasts are hopeful that the next-generation R36 GT-R will be among the ten expanded Nismo offerings.

Looking ahead, Nissan plans to introduce Nismo-branded race car prototypes starting in fiscal year 2026, which commences next April. The insights and advancements garnered from these competitive vehicles will be instrumental in the development of future street-legal Nismo models, further reinforcing the brand's commitment to performance and innovation.