Jalopnik Staff’s Top Stories of 2025: The Must‑Read Picks
Jalopnik Staff’s Top Stories of 2025: The Must‑Read Picks
Image: Jalopnik Staff’s Top Stories of 2025: The Must‑Read Picks – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Every year the Jalopnik crew sifts through hundreds of articles, tests, and interviews to find the pieces that truly resonated with readers and sparked conversations across the automotive world. 2025 was a whirlwind—new EV breakthroughs, a turbo‑petrol renaissance, and some jaw‑dropping concept cars. Below is a curated walk‑through of the stories we’re most proud of, complete with specs, comparisons, and a few personal anecdotes that reminded us why we love writing about wheels.
Why 2025 Was a Wild Ride for Automotive Journalism
From the rollout of Level 3 advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) to the comeback of naturally aspirated V‑12s, the industry gave us more headline fodder than a summer blockbuster season. Our editors found themselves glued to press releases, test‑drive dynos, and even a few midnight bike rides to capture the essence of each story. The result? A blend of data‑heavy deep‑dives and human‑centric narratives that felt as fresh as a new set of tires on a sunny highway.
Staff Picks Overview
1. Tesla’s Full‑Self‑Driving Beta Goes Global
The most talked‑about story of the year was Tesla finally unlocking its Full‑Self‑Driving (FSD) beta outside the United States. The piece highlighted how the Tesla Model Y leveraged a suite of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to deliver a Level 2+ experience that many called “the closest thing to true autonomy on the road today.” Readers loved the real‑world footage of the car handling roundabouts in Berlin and the candid interview with a driver who described the system as “surprisingly reassuring.”
2. The 2025 Ford F‑150 Lightning: Power Meets Practicality
Our deep‑dive on the third‑generation F‑150 Lightning covered everything from its 563‑horsepower dual‑motor setup to the new onboard mega‑power inverter that can run a house during an outage. The story resonated because it blended the beloved Ford F‑150 heritage with cutting‑edge electric tech, and we even included a personal anecdote about loading the truck with a 4,000‑pound generator for a weekend camping trip.
3. Porsche 911 GT3 RS: The Turbo‑Petrol Beast
While EVs dominated headlines, the 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS reminded enthusiasts that turbo‑petrol engines still have a soul. Our article dissected the 4.0‑liter flat‑six, now tuned to 520 hp with a dual‑clutch gearbox that shifts in 150 ms. A side‑by‑side video of the GT3 RS on the Nürburgring versus a Tesla Model S Plaid sparked a lively debate in the comments—exactly the kind of engagement we aim for.
4. Ducati Panigale V4 R: A Bike That Redefines Speed
Even though our category is Cars, no roundup would be complete without acknowledging two‑wheel thrills. The Panigale V4 R’s 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine, equipped with a seamless‑shift gearbox, produced a screaming 221 hp. Our feature included a first‑hand ride‑along on the winding roads of Tuscany, capturing the visceral feel of a bike that makes every corner feel like a race.
5. Rivian R1S Adventure Edition: Off‑Road Luxury
The R1S Adventure Edition blended rugged capability with premium touches—think a 135 kWh battery, a 0‑60 mph time of 3.3 seconds, and a removable roof for stargazing. The story highlighted how Rivian’s Quad‑Motor system, combined with an intuitive ADAS suite, made cliff‑side trails feel safe yet exhilarating.
Design & Dimensions Snapshot
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 4750 | 1920 |
| Ford F‑150 Lightning | 5890 | 2020 |
| Porsche 911 GT3 RS | 4515 | 1790 |
| Rivian R1S | 5045 | 2030 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Tesla Model Y | Ford F‑150 Lightning | Porsche 911 GT3 RS |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAS Level | 2 (FSD Beta) | 2+ (BlueCruise) | 0 (Driver‑focused) |
| Battery Capacity | 75 kWh | 131 kWh | N/A |
| Turbo‑Petrol | No | No | Yes |
| Off‑Road Mode | No | Yes | No |
Engine Specifications
| Model | Engine Type | Power (hp) |
|---|---|---|
| Porsche 911 GT3 RS | 4.0 L Flat‑Six Turbo‑Petrol | 520 |
| Ducati Panigale V4 R | 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale | 221 |
| Ford F‑150 Lightning | Dual Electric Motors | 563 |
| Rivian R1S | Quad Electric Motors | 800 (combined) |
Price Comparison
| Model | Base MSRP (USD) | Top Trim MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 48,990 | 62,990 |
| Ford F‑150 Lightning | 55,000 | 85,000 |
| Porsche 911 GT3 RS | 215,000 | 250,000 |
| Rivian R1S | 71,500 | 95,000 |
What Makes These Stories Stand Out?
Each article earned a spot on the staff list for a different reason. The Tesla FSD piece combined technical depth with a human angle—real drivers sharing their confidence (or lack thereof). The F‑150 Lightning story resonated because it showed electric power doing the heavy lifting we traditionally reserved for gasoline. Our Porsche coverage appealed to purists who still crave that high‑rev, turbo‑petrol scream, while the Ducati feature reminded us that speed isn’t limited to four wheels. Finally, the Rivian adventure narrative blended sustainability with wanderlust, striking a chord with the growing “green‑off‑road” community.
Conclusion
Looking back at 2025, it’s clear the automotive world is in a period of rapid transition—yet the passion for performance, design, and storytelling remains unchanged. Whether you’re a die‑hard gasoline enthusiast, an EV advocate, or a two‑wheel fanatic, the Jalopnik staff picks capture the diversity of experiences that defined the year. Keep an eye on our future round‑ups; the next wave of innovation is already on the horizon, and we’ll be there to chronicle every rev, click, and charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which 2025 model introduced the most advanced ADAS?
The 2025 Tesla Model Y with Full‑Self‑Driving beta was widely regarded as the most advanced, offering Level 2+ features that include auto‑lane change and city‑street autopilot.
2. How does the F‑150 Lightning’s off‑road mode work?
It adjusts torque distribution across the dual electric motors, raises the suspension via air‑springs, and activates a low‑range gearing algorithm to tackle steep grades.
3. Is the Porsche 911 GT3 RS still turbo‑charged?
Yes. The 2025 GT3 RS uses a twin‑turbo version of the classic flat‑six, delivering 520 hp while preserving the engine’s characteristic exhaust note.
4. Can the Rivian R1S charge on a standard Level 2 charger?
Absolutely. It supports up to 11 kW on Level 2 AC, but a DC fast‑charger can add roughly 200 miles in just 15 minutes.
5. What’s the real‑world range of the Tesla Model Y after the 2025 software update?
Independent tests showed about 280 miles on the EPA cycle, a slight improvement over the previous year thanks to better battery management.
6. Does the Ducati Panigale V4 R have any rider‑assist technologies?
It features a sophisticated traction‑control system and selectable riding modes, but no full‑blown ADAS like cars.
7. Which of the featured vehicles offers the best towing capacity?
The Ford F‑150 Lightning leads with a maximum of 10,000 lb when equipped with the optional towing package.
8. Are any of the highlighted models eligible for federal EV tax credits?
Both the Tesla Model Y (post‑2025 price adjustments) and the Rivian R1S qualify for the current U.S. federal credit, subject to inventory limits.
9. How does the price of the 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS compare to its 2024 predecessor?
The base MSRP increased by roughly $10,000, reflecting upgraded aerodynamics and the new turbo‑petrol engine tuning.
10. What’s the most compelling reason to read Jalopnik’s staff picks?
Beyond the data and specs, each story blends technical insight with real‑world experiences—giving readers a genuine feel for how these machines perform on—and off—the road.
