Jonny Lieberman is Motor Trend's lead analyst on electrification strategies and performance vehicle development. Based in Detroit, his work combines engineering analysis with executive profiling, making him essential reading for automotive professionals and enthusiasts.
Lieberman's awards include the 2024 International Automotive Media Award for technical communication. His video series Behind the Wheel has become an industry reference standard, blending telemetry analysis with accessible storytelling.
Jonny Lieberman has established himself as a leading voice in automotive journalism through his work at Motor Trend, where he combines technical expertise with narrative flair. His career spans two decades of analyzing industry trends, profiling engineering breakthroughs, and translating complex automotive concepts into engaging stories for enthusiasts and general readers alike.
Lieberman's 2024 analysis of General Motors' luxury EV strategy dissected Cadillac's four-pronged approach to electrification. Through interviews with design chief Bryan Nesbitt and engineering leads, the piece revealed how GM is leveraging its Ultium platform across market segments while maintaining brand differentiation. The article's detailed breakdown of the $300,000 Celestiq's hand-built production process became industry reference material, cited by competitors and analysts alike.
Methodologically, Lieberman combined factory floor access with consumer psychology analysis, contrasting Cadillac's heritage with its technological ambitions. His prediction that the mid-priced Optiq would become the brand's volume leader sparked debates about luxury EV pricing strategies.
This 2025 exclusive with Scout CEO Chris Benjamin marked Lieberman's transition into executive profiling. The interview revealed previously undisclosed details about VW Group's $4 billion investment in South Carolina manufacturing infrastructure while analyzing the risks of reviving a heritage off-road brand in the EV era.
Lieberman's technical questioning about body-on-frame versus unibody construction demonstrated his engineering literacy, while his exploration of Scout's "restomod" design philosophy bridged nostalgia with innovation. Automotive historians praised his contextualization of Scout's 1960s legacy against modern sustainability requirements.
As lead writer for this video series, Lieberman developed a signature format combining instrumented testing data with experiential storytelling. His 2023 episode comparing the Porsche Taycan Turbo S against the Lucid Air Sapphire set new standards for EV performance journalism, using VBOX telemetry to analyze real-world range versus manufacturer claims.
Lieberman prioritizes stories explaining engineering breakthroughs over marketing narratives. Successful pitches demonstrate understanding of a vehicle's USP through quantifiable metrics - e.g., "This new battery cooling system reduces charge time by 18% in real-world testing." His analysis of the Cadillac Lyriq's thermal management system [Article 1] exemplifies this preference for substance over speculation.
Pitches should position products within broader market shifts. When covering Scout Motors' revival [Article 2], Lieberman framed the story through competing strategies from Rivian and Ford. Effective pitches might suggest angles like "How our modular platform addresses charging infrastructure gaps in rural markets."
Lieberman's most impactful work features C-suite leaders explaining strategic decisions. A successful pitch offers not just interview access, but commitment to discuss specific technical or financial challenges - similar to his Scout Motors CEO interview where production cost tradeoffs were explored in detail.
With his Head 2 Head background, Lieberman favors pitches enabling direct competitor comparisons. A pitch might propose: "We'll provide early access to test our new EV truck against the F-150 Lightning in towing scenarios." His methodology always seeks measurable performance differentiators.
Lieberman consistently avoids coverage of racing culture, aftermarket modifications, and mobility-as-a-service models. Pitches about autonomous driving should focus on engineering challenges rather than ethical implications.
Awarded for Lieberman's deep dive into GM's Ultium battery scalability, this honor recognizes journalists who elevate industry discourse through rigorous examination of emerging technologies. The judging panel noted his "ability to make battery cell architecture compelling to mainstream audiences."
Lieberman's Behind the Wheel episode on Porsche's synthetic fuel development earned recognition for balancing environmental reporting with performance journalism. The series has become required viewing for engineering students at 14 automotive technical programs.
