Electric Cars

Nissan is currently navigating a complex period regarding the future of its iconic GT-R sports car. Following the conclusion of the R35 generation's production after 18 successful years, the automotive manufacturer faces critical decisions for its next-generation halo model. Despite showcasing an ambitious all-electric Hyper Force concept two years ago, the journey to develop a successor has encountered significant obstacles, primarily stemming from a lukewarm demand for electric sports vehicles and the company's own financial constraints. This has led Nissan to explore various alternatives, including a potential shift from a purely electric design to a hybrid system, as they strive to maintain the GT-R's legacy while adapting to evolving market dynamics and technological advancements. The objective remains to launch a new GT-R in the 2030s, underscoring the brand's commitment to its performance lineage.

The Nissan GT-R R35, a vehicle renowned for its performance capabilities and ability to rival high-end supercars, concluded its manufacturing run in August 2025. Its departure leaves a void in Nissan's sports car lineup, with the Z model now serving as the flagship. While the Z offers an engaging driving experience, it distinctively differs from the GT-R's unique blend of speed and sophisticated engineering. The anticipation for an R35 successor was initially fueled by the reveal of the Hyper Force Concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. This concept promised an all-electric future for the GT-R, boasting impressive specifications such as over 1,300 horsepower and advanced solid-state battery technology designed for extended range.

However, recent reports indicate that the development of this electric supercar is not proceeding as smoothly as anticipated, with Nissan reportedly lacking a definitive plan for its construction. This uncertainty is exacerbated by the current market's hesitance towards purely electric sports cars. Competitors like Porsche have reconsidered their plans for all-electric versions of models like the 718 Boxster and Cayman, and even Ferrari has reportedly postponed the launch of its second electric vehicle. The mixed reception of new electric performance models, such as the MG Cyberster, further highlights the challenges in this niche market segment.

In light of these developments, Nissan is contemplating a pivot towards a hybrid powertrain for the next GT-R. This strategic adjustment is not entirely unexpected, especially considering the sentiments of key figures within the company. Hiroshi Tamura, a veteran Nissan engineer and the project leader for the R35 GT-R, has openly expressed a preference for the next iteration to retain a combustion engine, albeit with hybrid integration. Such a move would align with the existing trend of successful hybrid performance vehicles, offering a balance between traditional power and modern efficiency. Despite the complexities and the need for a revised strategy, Nissan remains steadfast in its resolve to introduce a worthy successor to the legendary GT-R.

The road ahead for the Nissan GT-R successor is undoubtedly filled with both challenges and opportunities. As the automotive industry transitions towards more sustainable solutions, the decision to potentially integrate hybrid technology reflects a pragmatic approach to preserving the GT-R's performance heritage while adapting to future environmental and market demands. The commitment to delivering a new GT-R, even if it means altering the initial all-electric vision, underscores Nissan's dedication to its fan base and its storied history in high-performance automotive engineering. This ongoing exploration of different pathways demonstrates a flexible strategy aimed at overcoming current hurdles and ultimately delivering a vehicle that lives up to the GT-R name.

The 2025 Ford F-150 Lariat PowerBoost is poised to redefine expectations for modern pickup trucks, blending formidable hybrid performance with cutting-edge utility. As the F-150 lineage continues its reign as America's top-selling vehicle, this new iteration directly addresses evolving automotive landscapes and intensifying competition. This review explores how Ford's strategic shift toward a "smarter" powertrain, the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid, aims to maintain its market dominance by offering an experience that is both exhilaratingly fast and remarkably efficient. We'll examine its impressive power delivery, the revolutionary Pro Power Onboard system, interior and exterior design considerations, and overall value proposition in a highly competitive segment.

At the core of the Lariat PowerBoost lies a sophisticated powertrain featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine integrated with a 35-kilowatt electric motor and a 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. This combination unleashes a staggering 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. What truly distinguishes this setup is its instantaneous torque delivery from the electric motor, a phenomenon Ford engineers refer to as "torque fill." This feature effectively eliminates turbo lag, providing an immediate and powerful acceleration experience that is genuinely surprising for a truck of its size. The seamless transition from electric to V6 power ensures rapid response at all speeds, particularly noticeable during highway overtakes where the F-150 lunges forward with remarkable urgency.

Beyond raw power, the PowerBoost engine also contributes to impressive fuel efficiency for its class, with the 4x4 variant achieving an EPA-rated 23 MPG combined. While the truck's ride remains stable and composed, the traditional leaf-spring rear suspension does not quite match the unladen comfort of coil-sprung rivals like the Ram 1500 or the refined dynamics of the GMC Sierra 1500. Nevertheless, the F-150's overall driving dynamics remain robust, underpinned by a high-strength steel frame and an aluminum-alloy body, reinforcing its status as a premier truck with an unmatched powertrain.

Technological innovation is another cornerstone of the 2025 F-150 Lariat PowerBoost. The integrated Pro Power Onboard system transforms the truck into a mobile power station. Standard with a 2.4-kW output, it's capable of powering tailgate parties or basic tools. The optional 7.2-kW system, however, is a game-changer, providing enough electricity to run an entire construction site, a full travel trailer, or even essential household appliances during a blackout. Inside the cabin, the technology is intuitively designed, featuring a standard 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a responsive 12-inch landscape-oriented center touchscreen powered by SYNC 4. Crucially, Ford has retained physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions like audio volume and climate control, offering a user-friendly "dual-mode" interface that combines digital sophistication with tactile practicality. Higher trims further enhance the experience with a Head-Up Display and Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system, making long journeys less fatiguing.

Positioned as the entry point to Ford's premium truck lineup, the Lariat trim comes with a premium price tag. A base 2025 Lariat 4x4 starts around $63,000, with the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain adding a reasonable $1,900 premium over the standard 5.0L V8. This upgrade provides an additional 30 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque, along with the 2.4-kW mobile generator. However, the true cost escalates with equipment packages; the desirable "Lariat High" (502A) package, which includes BlueCruise, the B&O Unleashed sound system, and a head-up display, can push the total price into the mid-$70,000 range, placing it among the pricier options in the light-duty truck segment. Visually, the 2025 F-150 Lariat features a refreshed design with a new grille, headlights, and standard LED lamps. It maintains a familiar, conservative aesthetic that appeals to its core audience, prioritizing functionality over dramatic stylistic flair, unlike some competitors.

While the Lariat’s exterior design plays it safe, the interior presents a minor area for improvement in terms of material quality. Despite excellent ergonomics, comfortable seating, and the clever "Interior Work Surface" feature (where the shifter folds flat to create a desk), the cabin's overall material richness feels somewhat less luxurious compared to the Ram 1500 Laramie, especially given its price point. The standard "ActiveX" synthetic seat trim, while high-grade, may not fully satisfy expectations for a vehicle costing upwards of $70,000. Ultimately, the 2025 Ford F-150 Lariat PowerBoost is not designed for the environmentally conscious minimalist but rather for the versatile professional who demands a single, highly capable vehicle. It caters to the successful contractor needing on-site power, the RV enthusiast towing heavy loads, and the tech-savvy individual seeking unparalleled utility and performance. This truck masterfully combines a powerful, efficient hybrid system with advanced technology, making it a compelling choice for those who require both brawn and brains in their daily drives and demanding tasks.