Like the Wildcat, Buick’s new concept proves once again what it’s capable of

In its current form, Buick’s American lineup isn’t one that truly excites us. There are no muscle cars or luxury sedans as there were in Buick’s heyday, just several anonymous crossovers. And, even though Buick sells itself as a premium brand, we recently demonstrated why this isn’t the case at all.

But there is a tiny light at the end of the tunnel, and that is Buick’s recent string of stunning concept cars. These have a design language that could revitalize the brand, assuming the production models they may spawn aren’t too watered-down. Well, Buick has just revealed another incredible concept known as the Electra Orbit. Let’s take a closer look.

Inspired By Space-Age Spacecraft, Jets, And Classic Buick Concepts

Inspired by its illustrious past while also incorporating cutting-edge design, the retro-futuristic Electra Orbit officially has a 2+2 layout. But we’re surprised it’s not a 2+2+2, such is the concept’s enormous proportions. It’s around 235 inches in length, making it roughly as long as a Cadillac Escalade ESV. The width of close to 80 inches is also SUV-like, although it sits lower to the ground like a sporty coupe or sedan.

In front, a trio of daytime running lights sit on either side of the illuminated Buick badge, and the hood flows seamlessly into the lower front fascia. The extended rear overhang has a hint of McLaren Speedtail about it, so it’s presumably quite an aerodynamic beast. Filling the arches almost to capacity are 24-inch wheels, and the Electra Orbit is finished in a neutral metallic hue called “Space”.

“Electra Orbit is a bold exploration of what Buick can be when we blend heritage inspiration with visionary innovation,” said Stuart Norris, Vice President of Design for GM China and GM International and Chief of Design at SAIC-GM. “By reinterpreting space-age motifs and pushing electric-architecture freedoms, we wanted to create a concept that feels both familiar in its Buick DNA and thrillingly new.” 

Occupants enter the cabin via scissor doors, and what a cabin it is.

Plush Seating For Four

The interior of the Electra Orbit features what the brand refers to as the “Ring”—this is an arch-shaped display that spans from one A-pillar to the other. Depending on the driving mode, the instrument panel and steering wheel will reconfigure, based on whether the driver or the car has control.

A ball-shaped center controller and a wormhole-inspired interface with an intelligent AI assistant are other touches that could only be found in a concept car. 

The interior uses a ‘Ground’ theme for its textures and colors. A two-tone palette with a red clay-inspired color has been inspired by natural earth tones. Plush fabrics and crystal accents add a touch of class, and as an ode to the romance of travel, GM has added a dual, center-pivoting frunk with custom luggage.

There is no word on the Electra Orbit going into production, and as this is a creation by the GM China team, it probably won’t even reach America if it does end up being produced. However, the Electra Orbit shows that Buick has the talented team it needs to once again capture the public’s imagination, just as the Wildcat concept did a few years ago.

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Related: Meet the Buick Electra GS Concept, a 7 Series-Sized Luxury EV

The U.S. auto industry’s bill under a 25% uniform tariff rate is eye-watering

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) has released a new analysis projecting the impact of a uniform 25% tariff on imported parts and light vehicles on the U.S. auto industry in 2025, with the total figure for all manufacturers exceeding $100 billion. CAR’s study estimates an increased cost of $107.7 billion to all automakers, and $41.9 billion for Detroit’s “Big Three” manufacturers, Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors (GM). A uniform 25% tariff would also impact an estimated production volume of 6.8 million vehicles. Dr. K. Venkatesh Prasad, Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Innovation Officer at CAR, said in a release: “The modern automotive supply chain is both global and complex, convoluting the seemingly simple question of the cost of 25% tariffs on the industry.” Dr. Prasad added: “Automakers and their suppliers are often multinational companies with facilities spread out across the world, making it difficult to discern how much of a vehicle is domestically produced.”

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CAR’s study used top-down and bottom-up approaches to form its findings. In other words, it evaluated big-picture trade data and combined this with details for individual vehicle models. The top-down approach included using 2024 U.S. trade data and applying key assumptions to estimate light vehicle and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) shares of auto parts imports. In contrast, the bottom-up approach used Model Year 2025 American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) Part 583 data, since this data requires automakers to disclose specific details about a vehicle’s parts and assembly origins. The study also acknowledges that the accuracy of its estimated figures relies on the data’s stated assumptions, whereas U.S. tariffs on automotive parts and light vehicle imports are subject to policy changes. 

Some key U.S. trade partners avoided the 25% tariff, but one country isn’t done negotiating

Countries such as the U.K., South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, and the European Union have negotiated U.S. trade deals before President Trump’s August 1 deadline to avoid 25% higher or steeper tariffs on products, including automotive exports. The U.K., South Korea, Japan, and the European Union’s automotive exports are more significant than those of the other listed countries, and the U.K. was the first to strike a deal with the first 100,000 annually exported vehicles facing a 10% tariff. South Korea, Japan, and the European Union will be subject to a 15% tariff rate on automotive exports. However, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Monday that he would have “absolutely no hesitation” to speak with President Trump about implementing a cut to this 15% rate soon, Reuters reports. Additionally, there’s no clear timeline for when tariffs on countries that have made a U.S. trade deal will decrease from their original 25% figure.

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Final thoughts 

While GM, Stellantis, and Ford revised their 2025 financial outlooks to include estimated tariff impacts of around $10 billion, which is significantly lower than the CAR study’s projected $41.9 billion, CAR’s analysis is based on a uniform 25% tariff rate. However, this 25% figure is especially relevant right now, given that several U.S. foreign trade partners have reached a revised tariff deal but are unsure when the lower rates will take effect. The Detroit Big Three automakers’ updated financial guidance takes into account factors such as real-world interest rates, mitigation efforts, and company-specific factors. For example, Ford said that it expects to offset $1 billion of its 2025 tariff impact.

A Quiet Exit for Genesis’ Lone Electric Sedan

The Genesis Electrified G80 was the luxury brand’s only electric sedan in the US. It was also the second EV the automaker introduced in the market, following the smaller GV60 crossover. Unlike its crossover siblings, however, the G80 EV never found much traction with American buyers.

Despite its elegant styling and respectable performance, Genesis only managed to sell a disappointing 77 units of the Electrified G80 in the first half of 2025, according to the data collected by Cox Auto.

The model’s low sales figures didn’t go unnoticed. A quick visit to Genesis’ consumer website shows that the Electrified G80 has been quietly removed from the lineup. The company later confirmed to InsideEVs that the car had been officially discontinued, with the last US-bound unit sold in July. No formal press release was issued. The model was simply scrubbed without ceremony.

Genesis Confirms the Model’s Departure

Genesis has attributed the discontinuation of the G80 Electrified to changing market conditions and evolving consumer preferences. The company’s statement didn’t elaborate, but it aligns with broader trends. Demand for electric sedans, especially in the luxury segment, has remained soft, while EV buyers continue to gravitate toward crossovers and SUVs.

Another likely factor was the car’s production origin. Unlike the Electrified GV70, which is partially assembled in Alabama and eligible for federal tax credits, the G80 EV is built entirely in Ulsan, South Korea. That exposed it to uncertainties, including possible tariff hikes and shifting US trade policies.

Although based on a gasoline-powered platform, the G80 Electrified delivered solid performance. With a dual-motor setup generating 365 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, it offered up to 282 miles of range from its 87.2-kWh battery and fast charging at up to 191 kW. However, compromises in rear passenger space and trunk capacity made it less practical than its gas-powered counterpart.

A Facelifted Model Exists—Just Not Here

While the US market says goodbye to the Electrified G80, Genesis has already revealed an updated version in South Korea. The facelift brings a longer body and a more luxurious interior, along with expected technical improvements. However, the company says it has no details to share regarding future availability in America.

For now, the only units of the G80 Electrified still available are sitting on dealership lots. Once those are gone, buyers looking for a fully electric Genesis sedan will be left without an option.

Infiniti gives its top SUV more swagger for 2026

Infiniti finally introduced a new flagship SUV for the 2025 model year in the form of the new QX80. It comprehensively trumps its predecessor, which had become outdated with its thirsty V8 and below-average driving dynamics. 

The 2026 Infiniti QX80 has now been introduced, and although there are no major under-the-skin changes, it does have a new Sport trim that sits close to the top of the range. This trim replaces the Sensory, and its introduction coincides with a price increase for the range. Here’s a look at all the details for Infiniti’s Cadillac Escalade rival.

Sport Gets Darker Appearance But Same Performance

The Sport trim—the first of its kind for the QX80 SUV—gets an almost full house of features, as it sits below only the Autograph in the lineup. Primarily, it’s a cosmetic makeover, giving Infiniti’s top SUV a blacked-out makeover.

The changes to the QX80 Sport start in front, where it gains a new grille and a tweaked bumper design. The roof rails, emblems, lower bumper finishers, and mirror caps all get the black treatment, and it rides on 22-inch wheels. This trim can be had in one of four colors: Mineral Black, Radiant White, Grand Blue, and Dynamic Metal. A Black Obsidian roof is available with the last three colors for those who like the contrasting look.

What hasn’t changed is the engine, which is still a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. All models have a nine-speed automatic, while the Sport is one of two trims to get standard four-wheel drive. No apparent changes have been made to the suspension, which is a bit of a pity, as we did note that the body-on-frame SUV doesn’t have a very settled ride when we drove a 2025 version.

If you want an even sportier Japanese full-size SUV, consider Nissan’s even more powerful Armada Nismo.

The Dark Look Continues Inside

Open the door, and the Infiniti QX80 Sport greets you with a luxurious interior finished in a Dusk Blue color scheme. There are black/blue seat inserts and diamond-pattern perforations on the seats, while graphite has been used for the pillars and headliner. Open pore wood trim and dark matter chrome accents are applied strategically. Overall, the Dusk Blue is a more unique choice than the all-black look that typically accompanies such trims.

Since it is positioned below only the Autograph, the Sport is highly specified with the following items:

Semi-aniline leather for the first two rowsBiometric cooling24-speaker Klipsch sound systemMassaging front seatsFrameless smart rearview mirror

Features shared with the cheaper Luxe trim include an electronic air suspension, seating for eight, a head-up display, dual 14.3-inch screens, and heated seats in the first two rows.

This is a practical vehicle, with 22 cubic feet of space behind the third row and just under 60 cubic feet when the third row is folded flat. 

Related: 2026 Infiniti QX60 Upgrades Are Subtle, But The Price Bump Isn’t

Pricing Goes Up For 2026

For the new model year, the Infiniti QX80 starts at $83,750 for the Pure trim with rear-wheel drive, which is $1,300 more than the 2025 equivalent. Pricing for the 2026 range is as follows:

Pure RWD: $83,750Pure 4WD: $86,850Luxe RWD: $90,850Luxe 4WD: $93,950Sport 4WD: $101,950Autograph 4WD: $111,500

All prices exclude a destination and handling charge of $2,190. This is still a cheaper vehicle than the Cadillac Escalade, which starts at $90,700 for the 2025 model year. The equivalent Escalade to the QX80 Sport is the Escalade Sport 4WD, which costs $103,500, but that doesn’t feel like an enormous price gap as the Cadillac still offers a more luxurious experience and better badge cachet. The previous-gen QX80 was also a lot cheaper, but not nearly as good as the new one.

“A year after its dramatic introduction, the Infiniti QX80 continues to elevate the standard in luxury SUVs, thrilling Infiniti clients with bold design and technology, while propelling strong sales at Infiniti retailers,” said Tiago Castro, vice president, Infiniti Americas. “We know that luxury drivers are looking to make a bold entrance wherever they go, so for 2026 we are dramatically amplifying QX80’s Artistry in Motion styling with a Sport grade offering a sleek, darkened appearance.”

The 2026 QX80 will arrive in showrooms in late summer 2025.

States that do and don’t have a hands-free driving law

U.S. states have been adopting hands-free driving laws at an increasing rate, but there are still 19 states that don’t have one. Hands-free driving legislation outlaws using any handheld electronic device while driving, and while several states haven’t enacted a full ban, some have less strict rules. 

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The following states, plus the District of Columbia, have hands-free driving laws: 

AlabamaArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMissouriNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew YorkOhioOregonPennsylvania Rhode IslandTennesseeVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest Virginia

In contrast, the states below don’t have a hands-free driving law:

AlaskaArkansasFloridaGeorgiaKentuckyMississippiMontanaNebraskaNew MexicoNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTexasUtahWisconsinWyomingKansasOklahoma

A closer look at states without a hands-free driving law

While texting and driving is illegal for all Arkansas drivers, the state allows motorists over 21 to make calls. However, Arkansas drivers aged 18-21 are required to use Bluetooth for calls, while those under 18 can’t make any calls. In Florida, drivers are prohibited from texting behind the wheel or using a wireless device in a handheld manner in school zones or active construction zones. Some sources list Georgia as having a hands-free driving law, but as of July 2018, the state only prohibits drivers from having a phone in their hand or touching any part of their body while operating a vehicle. 

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In Kentucky, manual cell phone use is banned, and hands-free cell phone methods are prohibited for drivers under 18. Still, Kentucky doesn’t have a comprehensive hands-free electronics driving law, similar to Alaska, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Mississippi bans texting behind the wheel, but drivers with full licenses can make handheld calls. Montana is currently the only U.S. state without a law banning texting or making handheld calls while driving. Nebraska law just prohibits texting while driving, but it’s a secondary offense, meaning a motorist won’t get a citation unless they’re pulled over for another violation. While South Carolina doesn’t currently have an active hands-free driving law, its ban on all handheld electronic devices behind the wheel starts September 1.

Final thoughts 

The U.S. has gotten more serious in recent years about enacting laws aimed at deterring distracted driving, which most often occurs through handheld phone use, and there’s evidence of positive results. In 2024, rates of drivers texting, using apps, or interacting with their phones dropped 8.4%, according to Cambridge Mobile Telematics. During the first nine months of 2024, traffic fatalities declined an estimated 4.4%, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports. The NHTSA also shared that in 2023, 3,275 people were killed in vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers, down slightly from 2022’s 3,308 figure. While several U.S. states lack comprehensive distracted driving laws, most have legislation banning handheld cell phone use behind the wheel, and Montana is the only state that hasn’t prohibited both handheld calls and texting.