• Redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner teased

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    Redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner teased

    Toyota has provided the first evidence that a redesigned 4Runner is coming soon.

    The automaker took to Instagram on Thursday to post a series of photos of each generation of the 4Runner.

    The final photo in the series showed a portion of the redesigned 4Runner, the nameplate’s sixth generation.

    Included with the photos was a challenge for fans to guess the model year each time the 4Runner was redesigned.

    Instagram post by Toyota made on March 28, 2024

    Instagram post by Toyota made on March 28, 2024

    Toyota hasn’t said anything about the vehicle but like previous generations, it should be twinned with the Tacoma midsize pickup truck which itself was redesigned for the 2024 model year around Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform shared with the full-size Tundra and Sequoia SUV. Considering Toyota has started the teaser campaign for the new 4Runner, we’ll likely see the SUV arrive for the 2025 model year, meaning a debut later this year is likely.

    The current 4Runner is available for the 2024 model year and comes exclusively with a 4.0-liter V-6 rated at 270 hp and paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the grade, it comes with rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive.

    Given all the options available on the new Tacoma, it’s likely the new 4Runner will have more to offer than the current generation. In the case of the Tacoma, there’s a 2.4-liter turbo-4 that has three power ratings, depending on the grade. The engine is also available in a hybrid configuration. Nearly every Tacoma comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but a 6-speed manual transmission with rev-matching is available on the base SR trim.

    Expect the current 4Runner’s various grades to continue for the new generations, including the multiple TRD off-road grades. The starting price might see an uptick from the current $41,850 sticker, though.

  • See If You Can Spot The Difference In Lamborghini's New Logo

    It’s a big day for people whose passion is graphic design, as Italian supercar maker Lamborghini has just rolled out its first logo refresh in almost 20 years. Don’t worry though, as it’s nothing too revolutionary. Instead, the new logo is merely a refinement of the bull badge that the firm first introduced in the 1960s.

    For its new emblem, Lamborghini took a page out of the same design book several automakers have already used to refresh their brands with new badges. Lambo opted for a simplified, flattened version of its old logo, similar to the design refreshes from brands like Skoda, Nissan and Lamborghini’s own parent company, Volkswagen.

    As a result is a two-dimensional image of the bull, in the middle of a gold and black shield. The Lamborghini font up top remains, in the same soft-gold hue, which Lamborghini describes as “minimal yet bold.”

    It’s a smart and understated rework of the Lambo logo, and will soon start appearing on corporate materials shared by the brand. What’s more, Lamborghini said in its unveiling that the bull at the center of its badge could soon appear alone, and free from its shield prison going forward.

    Don’t worry about the signature Lamborghini text in the badge, though, as the brand says it developed a bespoke Lamborghini typeface that’ll be used across its products and communications going forward. Just what that means for Lamborghini owners, though, remains to be seen. Here’s hoping it means we can soon start sending out wedding invites in the Lamborghini font though.

    See If You Can Spot The Difference In Lamborghini's New LogoSee If You Can Spot The Difference In Lamborghini's New Logo

    Photo: Lamborghini

    What do you think of the new emblem? You can see it side by side with the outgoing badge in the slider above. Unlike some other redesigns we’ve seen recently, it does remain unmistakably Lamborghini despite the changes, and it’s a more thorough rebrand that the one Porsche recently rolled out.

    The athletic straining of the bull is something that’s been present on Lambos for decades. Sure, the outgoing logo has only been appearing on the Italian cars since 1998, but the bull imagery traces its origins back to 1963.

    Back then, Lamborghini used a red shield with a black bull as its badge. This was replaced by the first black and gold shield in the 1970s, before a black and white badges was used between 1974 and 1998.

  • اینها بیشترین و کم هزینه ترین ایالت ها برای تعمیر خودرو هستند

    اکنون همه چیز گران تر است و این شامل تعمیر خودرو نیز می شود. کمبود نیروی کار، قطعات و اختلالات زنجیره تامین و تورم با هم برخورد کرده اند و طوفانی کامل از هزینه های نگهداری بالا برای صاحبان خودرو ایجاد کرده اند. NetCreditیک شرکت تامین مالی و وام شخصی، اخیرا یافته‌های خود را در مورد گران‌ترین و کم‌هزینه‌ترین ایالت‌ها برای تعمیرات خودرو منتشر کرده است، و اعداد دلسردکننده هستند، اما چندان هم تعجب‌آور نیستند.

    کالیفرنیا، یکی از گران‌ترین ایالت‌های ایالات متحده در کل، بالاترین هزینه‌های تعمیر را با ۱۲.۱۷ درصد بالاتر از میانگین ملی داشت. ویرجینیای غربی با 18.97 درصد کمتر از حد متوسط، کمترین میزان را داشت.

    10 ایالت گران قیمت برای تعمیر خودرو:

    1. کالیفرنیا: +12.17٪
    2. هاوایی: + 11.89٪
    3. فلوریدا: +8.13٪
    4. مریلند: +7.99٪
    5. نوادا: +6.11٪
    6. نیوجرسی: +5.61٪
    7. آریزونا: +5.32٪
    8. واشنگتن: +3.37٪
    9. ماساچوست: +2.02٪
    10. اوکلاهما: +1.29٪

    10 ایالت کم هزینه برای تعمیر خودرو:

    1. ویرجینیای غربی: -18.97٪
    2. وایومینگ: -18.82٪
    3. ورمونت: -18.49٪
    4. مونتانا: -16.89٪
    5. داکوتای جنوبی: -16.3٪
    6. آلاسکا: -15.88٪
    7. مین: -15.20٪
    8. داکوتای شمالی: -13.76٪
    9. آرکانزاس: -11.13٪
    10. نیومکزیکو: -10.34٪

    جای تعجب نیست که شهرهای کالیفرنیا در لیست گران ترین مناطق شهری برای تعمیر خودرو غالب هستند. دو شهر در تگزاس، آماریلو و لاردو، کم هزینه ترین مناطق بودند.

    اینها بیشترین و کم هزینه ترین ایالت ها برای تعمیر خودرو هستند

    NetCredit اشاره کرد که قیمت خودروهای جدید افزایش یافته است و باعث شده تا خریداران به سمت مدل های قدیمی تر که نیاز به تعمیر بیشتری دارند، گرایش پیدا کنند. در عین حال، خودروهای جدید به طور فزاینده‌ای پیچیده می‌شوند که منجر به هزینه‌های تعمیر بیشتر برای سیستم‌های کمک راننده و سایر ویژگی‌های فنی می‌شود.

    این شرکت از داده ها استفاده کرد RepairPal برای مقایسه هزینه های 10 رایج ترین تعمیرات خودرو برای یک خودروی نمونه هوندا آکورد 2021.

    در حالی که مسافت پیموده شده شما ممکن است بسته به نوع ماشینی که می‌رانید متفاوت باشد، می‌توانید با چند روش ساده از رفع سردرد خود جلوگیری کنید:

    • اول، با تعمیر و نگهداری معمولی مانند تعویض روغن، چرخش لاستیک و خدمات ترمز همراه باشید. مراقبت منظم می تواند از مشکلات شدیدتر در مسیر جلوگیری کند.
    • به نحوه رانندگی خود توجه کنید و از شتاب گیری و ترمز تهاجمی خودداری کنید.
    • در نهایت، اگرچه درست است که نگه‌داشتن یک خودروی قدیمی در جاده اغلب ارزان‌تر از خرید یک خودروی جدید است، اما باید آماده باشید تا زمانی که هزینه‌های تعمیر به دلیل خراب شدن خودروی قدیمی‌تر افزایش می‌یابد، ضررهای خود را کاهش دهید.
  • Maserati MCXtrema enters final tests ahead of summer launch

    Maserati is developing a hardcore, track-only version of its MC20 supercar. It’s known as the MCXtrema, and just 62 examples will be built, with all build slots likely already claimed.

    The car was shown for the first time last summer during 2023 Monterey Car Week. The final track testing is now taking place ahead of the start of deliveries in late summer.

    The MCXtrema won’t be legal on the street. It is being developed exclusively as a track toy—it also doesn’t meet any racing regulations—and Maserati plans to offer future owners a range of services built around the vehicle, consisting of driver coaching courses, track experiences, logistics support, and more. The services will be part of a program known as MCXperience.

    Maserati will also offer a customization program known as MCXlusiva, enabling owners to make their cars stand out. There will be set options owners can choose from, plus a bespoke option that Maserati calls Beastspoke. It will enable owners to choose their own racing number and also some of the accent colors in the cabin.

    The MCXtrema features a carbon-fiber body wrapped around the same Dallara-developed carbon tub found in the MC20, but augmented with an FIA-homologated roll cage. The engine is the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 found in the MC20, but tuned here to deliver 730 hp instead of the MC20’s 621 hp. New turbos were the key upgrade, according to Maserati.

    Other features include a 6-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters, adjustable aero, adjustable suspension, lightweight Lexan windows, Brembo brakes, and 18-inch forged wheels with center locks.

    Maserati’s Fuoriserie personalization department is handling production. In the future, the department could churn out additional low-volume cars, including commissioned one-offs. The MCXtrema is meant to serve as an example of what’s possible at Fuoriserie.

    The MCXtrema isn’t the first time Maserati has launched a track-only supercar. The company’s previous MC12 supercar also had a track version. It was called the MC12 Versione Corse, and just 12 were built.

  • Cops End Slowest Chase Ever By Flipping Stolen Front-Loader With Another Front-Loader

    If someone steals a car, police don’t chase after them on foot in the hope they’ll be able to keep up, do they? So it stands to reason that if someone steals some heavy machinery, then a standard cop car probably won’t be much help in bringing them to justice. This way of thinking led Georgia police to decide the only way to prevent a crime getting out of had was to fight fire with fire.

    On Monday, a 38-year-old from Georgia attempted to make off with a massive front-loader, leading police on a chase through the streets while they tried to flee in the massive truck. However, not wanting to let the man get away, Georgia police reportedly called for backup in the form of another front-loader, reports Car Scoops.

    The 75,000 pound front loader was stolen from a waste management site in Gwinnett County, Georgia, following a disagreement with an employee. When police tried and failed to bring the altercation to an end before things got out of hand, the stolen front-loader was driven off the site and onto the streets.

    Police chased the stolen vehicle onto the streets, but one stayed behind to commandeer a front-loader of their own. As Car Scoops reports:

    At this point, the police split up their efforts a bit. Most continued chasing the suspect while one returned to the business. That officer rounded up a driver and a second front-loader to help end the chase. Bodycam shows some of the conversations where an employee and officer discuss how fast these machines go. “They can get up to probably about 30,” an employee says.

    Officers then escorted the second front-loader to the chase where the two began to battle. After several collisions caught on dashcam, the pursuing front-loader managed to pick up a corner of the fleeing vehicle and flip it onto its side. That’s when officers swooped in and arrested the suspect.

    This honestly sounds like the plotline of a bad “Fast & Furious” knockoff, or maybe it’s the kind of battle we’ll be left fighting for our next meal when the world runs out of food.

    Disgruntled Former Employee Hijacks Front Loader and Leads Police on a Slow-Speed Chase

    Either way, the chase resulted in the perpetrator needing to head to hospital for checks following their arrest. Now, they’re facing a barrage of charges, including Criminal Trespass, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, Reckless Driving, and Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer.

  • A Used Mini Cooper S Is The Cheaper, Sillier GTI Alternative You’re Overlooking

    Allow me to begin by admitting my bias. I own a 2017 Mini Cooper S that I bought used, and I love my car more than most. When I was shopping for a fun, affordable, practical daily driver, my wishlist included Volkswagen GTIs, but my bank account disagreed. The Volkswagen GTI is largely credited with starting the hot hatch revolution in the 1970s, but Mini introduced the zesty Cooper S in the 1960s, with numerous notable racing wins throughout the decade.

    Though the modern GTI is one of the best balances of performance, practicality, and efficiency on the market today, even used MK7 GTIs are still too expensive for many buyers (me included). Good thing comparable Mini Cooper S hatchbacks are around $10,000 cheaper than GTIs right, and they offer higher reliability rankings, comparably fun driving dynamics and similar hatchback versatility with an much more zesty personality.

    A screenshot from AutoTrader.com showing how affordable low mileage Mini Cooper S' are

    A screenshot from Autotrader showing how much more expensive Volkswagen GTIs are than Mini Cooper S'

    Let’s start with some titillating statistical comparisons. The facelift model of the previous-gen GTI had 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and it weighed around 3,100 pounds. The contemporary Mini Cooper S had 189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, but it weighed a few hundred pounds less than the GTI. Car and Driver recorded a 6.2-second 0-to-60-mph time when they tested an automatic Cooper S four-door hatchback in 2015, while a DSG-equipped 2015 GTI achieved a 5.6-second 0-to-60 time.

    So the Mini is slower in a straight line, and probably around a track too, but real-life driving doesn’t involve acceleration times or hot laps, it includes commuting and sitting in traffic and occasionally taking your car out to the canyons on an early morning. Flip the car into Sport mode and the throttle sharpens, the suspension stiffens (if it has adaptive dampers), and the steering weights up, prepping you for a grin-inducing romp wherever you’re going.

    I can zip around street corners with ease, squirt through traffic and easily fit into most parking spaces, and it’s a joy in the canyons, too. The Mini is so playful, and that’s what you want in a car. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and though it might not be as fast as a GTI, you’ll still be having a blast every time you get behind the wheel.

    A front 3/4 shot of my blue Mini parked in front of a dry field

    Photo: Logan Carter

    The legend of the GTI is well known, and used car prices reflect that. (It doesn’t help that the new MK8 model hasn’t been as well received as the previous model.) Hot hatches have grown more expensive, so the used market is where to find affordable hot hatches, and that’s where you’ll find Mini Cooper S models for much lower prices than GTIs. Even four-door Mini Cooper S hatches are cheaper than most comparable GTIs and provide similar practicality.

    Aside from initial affordability on the used market, Mini has worked its way up to the third most reliable manufacturer on the market, according to Consumer Reports, only trailing reliability legends Toyota and Lexus. Volkswagen, in stark contrast, placed fourth-from-last in reliability rankings — yikes. I bought my 2017 Mini Cooper S with under 50,000 miles, and now it’s pushing 91,000. All I’ve had to replace are an engine mount, a water pump, and the sunroof toggle switch.

    So if you’re in the market for an affordable, economical, reliable and fun small hatchback that comfortably fits a 6’8” driver behind the wheel, look out for the Mini Cooper S. You won’t miss out on the Volkswagen GTI’s reliability, price, or traditional looks inside or out. The Mini offers just as enjoyable of a driving experience and it oozes character. Just stick with 2015 or newer Minis, since that’s when they got the BMW B48 turbocharged inline-4 that contributed to Minis laudable reliability rankings.

    A photo of my blue Mini Cooper S 5-door hatchback from the rear 3/4

    Photo: Logan Carter

  • نیسان به فکر احیای Xterra است.  "باید معتبر باشد"

    نیسان به فکر احیای Xterra است. "باید معتبر باشد"

    احیا و احیای آفرودهای کلاسیک در بین خریداران بسیار محبوب است و برای خودروسازان بسیار سودآور است، به ویژه با مدل‌هایی مانند Defender، Bronco و لندکروزر اصلاح‌شده. چند استثنا وجود دارد که به نظر نمی رسد به طور کامل از این روند استفاده کنند، به عنوان مثال قابل توجه نیسان است. به طور بالقوه شناخته شده ترین آفرود آن، Xterra مبتنی بر Frontier، از مدل سال 2015، نزدیک به یک دهه پیش، غایب بوده است. اما پس از صحبت با پونز پاندیکوتیرا، معاون ارشد و مدیر ارشد برنامه‌ریزی نیسان آمریکا، به نظر می‌رسد که هنوز شاهد احیایی باشیم.

    برای اینکه کاملا واضح باشد، پاندیکوتیرا این کار را کرد نه یک Xterra را تایید کنید. اما او گفت که این ایده “بسیار فعالانه” در حال بررسی است. علاوه بر این، متوجه شدیم که او ایده روشن‌تری از Xterra مدرن نسبت به چیزی که واقعاً تأیید نشده است، دارد. یکی از معیارهای اصلی او این بود که “باید معتبر باشد” و اینکه “کامیون جدی” باشد. اساساً، نمی‌توان آن را فقط یک Rogue با لاستیک‌های همه‌جانبه، بلکه چیزی با قابلیت کامیون واقعی باشد. او همچنین خاطرنشان کرد که هم باید نسبتاً ارزان باشد و هم برخی از جزئیات طراحی مدرن را در خود جای دهد. هر دوی آن‌ها در دنیایی از دکل‌های آفرود بسیار گران‌قیمت و سبک قدیمی به نظر می‌رسند. علاوه بر این، به نظر می‌رسد که این با چیزی همخوانی دارد که آلفونسو آلبایسا، معاون ارشد طراحی جهانی نیسان، در مورد اینکه او این فرصت را در حال حاضر برای داشتن طرح‌های یکپارچهسازی با سیستم‌عامل که ظریف‌تر هستند و به نشانه‌های طراحی گذشته بدون محدود شدن توسط آن‌ها اشاره می‌کنند، به ما گفت.

    به این ترتیب، در حالی که ما می‌توانیم برخی نشانه‌ها و ویژگی‌های قدیمی را ببینیم، به نظرمان می‌رسد که این neo-Xterra فرضی احتمالاً مبتنی بر یک پلت‌فرم کامیون موجود است، احتمالاً Frontier، که دقیقاً مطابق با نسخه اصلی است، و احتمالاً طرفداران مدل می خواهند. اما ممکن است آن طور که انتظار می رود یکپارچهسازی با سیستمعامل نباشد، با تکان دادن سر پایین و کمتر واضح است. نیسان در سال گذشته نیز کانسپت‌های بسیار رادیکالی را عرضه کرده است. یکی از آنها مفهوم Hyper Adventure است که در بالا می بینید. این می تواند الهام بخش طراحی محصول نهایی باشد.

    اینها بهترین حدس های ما بر اساس آنچه می دانیم هستند، و به نظر می رسد که به طور کلی با هم جمع می شوند. بازار درست به نظر می رسد، استفاده از یک پلتفرم موجود هزینه ها را پایین می آورد و امکان سنجی را بالا می برد، و به نظر می رسد که نیسان های بالاتر علاقه مند هستند. بنابراین ما فکر می کنیم یک Xterra جدید می تواند شات خوبی در واقعیت داشته باشد. اگر هیچ چیز دیگری نباشد، به نظر ما یک ایده عالی است.

  • McLaren's new design language draws on racing heritage, F1 supercar

    McLaren has provided some insight on the design language that will shape the automaker’s next generation of supercars and hypercars.

    The new design language, which has been formulated under current design chief Tobias Sühlmann, relies on elements inspired by six decades of racing heritage, as well as certain key models, namely the F1 supercar. These elements will be interpreted for the future, McLaren said, so don’t expect any retro designs.

    A key trait is what McLaren calls the Performance Line. This is a signature shoulder line that has featured on most McLaren road cars in the past, including the F1, and results in cab-forward designs with short overhangs and a low front end.

    For the front of the vehicles, the designs will feature two main symmetrical elements with a horizontal orientation in the lower fascia, likely serving as intakes. The headlights will also use the eye-socket style design with integrated intakes similar to what’s found on the 750S and its 720S predecessor.

    2024 McLaren 750S first drive, Las Vegas, February 2024

    2024 McLaren 750S first drive, Las Vegas, February 2024

    At the rear, McLaren will stick with the open fascia design that was used on the F1 and has been transferred to all modern McLaren road cars. Also borrowed from the F1 will be a wraparound dash design that McLaren will use for its new interiors.

    At a more high level, McLaren said the design language is built on five core principles: Epic, Athletic, Functional, Focused, and Intelligent. Most are self explanatory, but in the case of the Intelligent principle, McLaren is referring to the use of advanced materials, plus a deeper, more seamless integration of various design elements.

    Crucially, McLaren said the design language is flexible enough to allow for an expanded lineup while also catering to future powertrain technologies.

    McLaren hasn’t said when and where we’ll see the first application of its new design language, but a likely bet is the P1 successor rumored to debut later this year. A recent report suggested the new hypercar will stick with a V-8-based plug-in hybrid powertrain, à la the P1, but introduce a much lighter hybrid system and even roof-mounted gullwing doors.

  • در اینجا ویژگی هایی است که فولکس واگن ID.7 2025 به صورت استاندارد با آنها عرضه خواهد شد

    در اینجا ویژگی هایی است که فولکس واگن ID.7 2025 به صورت استاندارد با آنها عرضه خواهد شد

    ID.7 که اواخر سال 2024 عرضه می شود، برای اولین بار فولکس واگن را وارد بخش سدان های برقی خواهد کرد. ما باید صبور باشیم تا بفهمیم چقدر هزینه دارد و چقدر می‌تواند با شارژ کردن پیش برود، اما این شرکت آلمانی ویژگی‌هایی را که جدیدترین خودروی الکتریکی خود به‌صورت استاندارد ارائه می‌شود، توضیح داده است.

    در زمان عرضه، خریداران دو سطح تریم به نام های Pro S و Pro S Plus را برای انتخاب خواهند داشت. هر دو دارای باتری لیتیوم یونی 82 کیلووات ساعتی هستند و با سیستم چهار چرخ متحرک یا عقب ارائه می شوند. مدل دیفرانسیل عقب دارای قدرت 282 اسب بخار و گشتاور 402 پوند فوت است، در حالی که انتخاب سیستم تمام چرخ محرک موتوری را به اکسل جلو اضافه می کند که مجموعا 335 اسب بخار قدرت دارد (گشتاور هنوز منتشر نشده است). .

    تریم پایه Pro S به صورت استاندارد با چرخ‌های 19 اینچی، آرم‌های فولکس‌واگن روشن در دو طرف، سقف شیشه‌ای پانوراما، صندلی‌های جلوی گرم‌کن و قابل تنظیم برقی با عملکرد ماساژ، آینه‌های درب تاشو برقی، فرمان گرم کن، هوای الکترونیکی عرضه می‌شود. دریچه‌ها، دریچه برقی، صفحه نمایش لمسی 15 اینچی برای سیستم اطلاعات سرگرمی و نمایشگر هدآپ واقعیت افزوده از جمله ویژگی‌های دیگر است. مجموعه کمک های رانندگی IQ.Drive نیز به صورت استاندارد ارائه می شود. این به ویژه به ID.7 این امکان را می دهد که تغییر خطوط خودکار را توسط راننده انجام دهد.

    تریم پرو اس پلاس، رینگ‌های 20 اینچی، فرمان پویا و سیستم میرایی تطبیقی ​​DCC را به ارمغان می‌آورد. رانندگان همچنین از صندلی‌های Climatronic بهره می‌برند که عملکرد ماساژ ارتقا یافته را ارائه می‌دهند و سیستم صوتی 700 واتی هارمن کاردون با 14 بلندگو.

    فولکس واگن پنج رنگ بیرونی ارائه خواهد کرد: Mythos Black، Glacier White، Moonstone Grey، Aquamarine Blue و Kings Red. تزیینات روشن و قوسی شکل بالای پنجره ها بدون توجه به رنگ باقی می ماند. در داخل، خریداران می‌توانند بین Galaxy که شامل صندلی‌های مشکی، دوخت سفید و تزئینات تیره است، و Lunar که صندلی‌های خاکستری، دوخت خاکستری با تضاد خاکستری و تزئینات با رنگ روشن‌تر را در خود جای داده است، یکی را انتخاب کنند.

    جزئیات قیمت و محدوده نزدیکتر به عرضه ID.7 در سه ماهه چهارم سال 2024 اعلام خواهد شد. انتظار می رود این سدان در نزدیکی بالای محدوده فولکس واگن قرار گیرد. و هیچ چیز نشان نمی دهد که استیشن واگن ID.7 تورر که در اروپا فروخته می شود، در کنار این سدان در ایالات متحده نیز فروخته خواهد شد.

  • Fisker Lost Millions In Customer Payments And Had To Do An Internal Audit: Report

    Fisker is in a state of disarray right now. The company continues to inch closer to bankruptcy, and the only car it sells right now, the Ocean EV, just had prices on its remaining inventory heavily slashed as the automaker attempts to move more metal in the face of falling stock prices. What’s been going on behind the scenes of the company, however, is much worse. A report from TechCrunch details how Fisker lost millions in customer payments, forcing an internal audit to find the money.

    The troubles with Fisker started in late 2023. SEC filings show the company reported having internal accounting issues. Simply put: Fisker didn’t have enough accountants to go over its books, as the filing highlights. Speaking as someone with an accounting and finance background, a company the size of an automaker should have at least dozens or even hundreds of accountants, each working together to keep track of the company finances as well as acting as each other’s backup in case something like this goes wrong. Also mentioned in the filing was an even problem as TechCrunch pointed out.

    In that same filing, Fisker revealed a second material weakness involving the “risks of material misstatement over the accounting for inventory and related income statement accounts.

    By the end of February 2024, Fisker admitted its troubles around handling the balance sheets in a press release. The scope of this problem reared its ugly head upon an internal audit, as sources familiar with what’s going on described to TechCrunch.

    Fisker struggled to keep tabs on these transactions, which included down payments and in some cases, the full price of the vehicles, because of lax internal procedures for keeping track of them, according to the people. In a few cases, it delivered vehicles without collecting any form of payment at all, they said.

    “Checks were not cashed in a timely manner or just lost altogether,” one of the people told TechCrunch. “We were often scrambling to find checks, credit card receipts and any wired funds a few months after a vehicle was sold.”

    The situation was so bad that one of the big four accounting firms, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), was brought in to sort through things and find out where the money went. According to sources, PwC wanted more information about Ocean sales, but Fisker couldn’t even produce documentation for that, which apparently led to more information requests from PwC.

    Making matters worse, this problem spilled over into other departments resulting in issues with things like state DMVs not being paid on time, tying up customer registrations, and pulling people away from the sales team to help with the internal audit at a time when sales itself needed all the help it could get. TechCrunch said the DMV problem was solved, but there was a massive backlog to work through.

    As for the internal audit, sources say the company was ultimately able to track down the payments. Unfortunately, some of those payments had to be re-requested from the customers that gave them because the payments expired while they were lost. Neither Fisker nor PwC would make a comment to TechCrunch about the situation.