Much of the RAV4’s appeal comes from the fact that it’s available in unnoticeably electrified mild-hybrid and more obviously EV-leaning plug-in hybrid forms, and that continues for the new model year, with front- and all-wheel-drive options (AWD standard on PHEVs). Affordability is also a factor, but unfortunately, Toyota has been unable to avoid a price increase.

2027 Toyota RAV4: Greater Off-Road Potential, Neater Linings, Higher Cost

The 2027 Toyota RAV4 mild-hybrid range kicks off at $32,300, excluding a destination charge of $1,595 (up from $1,450 for 2026), while the cheapest 2027 RAV4 PHEV starts at $42,100 before destination. Those base MSRPs represent increases of $400 and $600, respectively, and while they’re not huge, the destination price also rising by $145 means swallowing the price hike is a little more bitter than before – $33,895 minimum for the HEV and $43,695 minimum for the PHEV (a full pricing breakdown is included at the bottom of this article). That said, the money is well spent on physical and digital upgrades; Toyota has increased the Remote Connect system trial period from a single year to five, roughly as long as most buyers are likely to hold onto their purchase (seems that charging customers for subscriptions isn’t as lucrative as initially forecast), and Woodland trims, whether mild- or plug-in hybrid, get updated springs, shock absorbers, and jounce bumpers. This increases ground clearance to 9.1 inches, up from 8.5 inches for 2026 (other trims have 8.1 inches, except the GR Sport at 7.5 inches), and perfectionists on Reddit will appreciate redesigned all-weather floor and cargo mats since the old ones didn’t always line up on the left side (apparently because Toyota used a one-size-fits-all mat whether RAV4s had a JBL subwoofer or not).

For the new model year, all Toyota RAV4 trims have a rearview camera washer; all PHEVs have an NACS port (the charging door is now on the driver’s side) and Level 3 DC fast-charging capability enabling Tesla Supercharger access and quicker charging, and all PHEVs get an upgraded onboard AC charger (Level 1 and 2) that now peaks at 11kW. Finally, AWD models get Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select off-road technology, replacing Trail mode. Snow mode has also now moved to the drive mode select button, through which Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom modes are accessed. That’s the button under the driver-side center HVAC vent. Curiously, the 2027 imagery still shows Trail and Snow modes on the similar, seemingly redundant selector switch under the passenger-side HVAC vent. Hmmm…

Autoblog’s Take

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With the 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid continuing to deliver a combined 222 horsepower in front-wheel-drive form and 229 hp in AWD form, and the PHEVs offering a total of 321 hp thanks to the addition of an electric motor, Toyota has not fiddled with the RAV4’s fundamentals, only made the crossover a little more capable, neater, and more convenient. Granted, perhaps one of those improvements should never have needed to be made in the first place, but 2026 RAV4 owners who really care will surely be able to buy well-fitting liners from a Toyota dealer. Or they might try to sue. Regardless, we see no reason the lightly updated crossover will lose any of its widespread popularity in 2027, only increase it. The 2027 RAV arrives at U.S. dealers before the end of the year, while plug-in hybrids will arrive early in 2027.

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BMW Is Bringing Its Driver Assistance Tech Into Cities

BMW’s upgraded City Assistant will use active route guidance through BMW Maps to anticipate upcoming maneuvers. It will help drivers navigate intersections, change lanes in urban traffic, and negotiate roundabouts. The system will also work alongside BMW’s existing Motorway Assistant, extending partially automated driving from highways and country roads into cities.

The technology will use BMW’s Symbiotic Drive approach, which allows drivers to continue steering, accelerating and braking while the assistance system is active. It will remain an SAE Level 2 system, meaning drivers must stay attentive and ready to take control. Germany will get the new functions first in 2027, with other markets following gradually. BMW says the required hardware is already fitted to the iX3, iX4, 3 Series, 7 Series and X5, with the additional functions delivered through over-the-air software updates. BMW’s official announcement confirms that the system has completed the necessary real-world testing for type approval, subject to official confirmation.

How BMW’s Approach Compares With Tesla FSD

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is designed to handle a wider range of driving situations, including residential streets, intersections, lane changes, roundabouts and highway navigation. It uses the vehicle’s onboard cameras and AI-based driving software to follow a route under the driver’s active supervision. Tesla also offers features such as automated parking and Summon on compatible vehicles. Its official FSD documentation makes clear that the system does not make its cars autonomous.

BMW’s strategy is more focused on integrating assistance into its existing navigation and driver-monitoring systems. Tesla has built much of its identity around developing software that can handle increasingly complex driving tasks, while BMW is emphasizing cooperation between the driver and the vehicle. Both approaches still require human supervision, but Tesla’s system currently covers a broader range of driving scenarios.

BMW’s Retreat From Level 3 Explains The Shift

This new direction follows BMW’s decision to drop its Personal Pilot L3 system from the updated 7 Series. The technology allowed drivers to take their eyes off the road under specific conditions, but its high development costs and limited customer demand made it difficult to justify commercially. The optional system cost around $6,700, and only a small number of customers chose it.

BMW’s decision was part of a wider industry reassessment, with Mercedes-Benz also stepping back from its Level 3 ambitions. As we previously reported in our coverage of BMW and Mercedes’ retreat from Level 3 driving, automakers are increasingly looking at advanced Level 2 systems as a more commercially practical way to bring automated driving features to more customers. BMW’s new city functions suggest that it hasn’t abandoned the technology altogether. It’s simply taking a different route toward making it useful in everyday driving.

2027 Toyota Tundra Refresh Brings Improved Capability

For the new model year, the Toyota Tundra gets a redesigned front end that it says is better balanced and more sophisticated. The black border surrounding the central grille is now painted the same color as the rest of the bodywork, and the gap between the opening under each headlight and the grille surround has grown, while the dark middle element of the front bumper is now more upright, giving the front end a wider, more squared look. Changes have also taken place inside with a new steering wheel design, and all trims now get a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14-inch touchscreen as standard, replacing the 4.2-inch and 8.0-inch displays, respectively, found in base 2026 Tundras. Alongside new Arene software, the system includes 5G connectivity and a configurable home screen with shortcuts that keep relevant info on the screen at all times, but it also adds a built-in dash cam with playback possible directly on the center display, with which owners can record 20-second clips of manual and triggered events. Digital Key functionality is now offered, and all 2027 Tundras get a 5-year trial for the service.

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Mechanically, the adaptive variable suspension system (now standard on the Capstone trim) has been refined for a more composed ride, and a simpler three-mode selector makes understanding the vehicle’s changing abilities clearer. In addition, this system can now be combined with air suspension, replacing the air-only configuration formerly available on some trims. This improves off-road ability, ride comfort, and towing management, the latter of which has been improved with the introduction of an integrated Trailer Advanced Driver Assistance Systems suite (alongside standard Toyota Safety Sense 4.0). Automated trailer detection is offered alongside a trailer blind-spot monitor, trailer lane trace assist, and a trailer backup guide with dynamic on-screen steering guidelines and semi-automated steering for complex maneuvers. Towing capacity sits at up to 12,000 pounds (as with 2026 models), but the Tundra’s Trailer Garage now appears on the infotainment display, making it easier to see and use. 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX (hybrid) powertrains are unchanged, offering 389 horsepower nd 479 b-ft of torque or 437 hp and 583 lb-ft, directed to the wheels through a 10-speed automatic, but a 32.2-gallon gas tank is now standard on all trims, along with a standard tow hitch and 7/4 pin connector. Optionally, a 2.4-kW inverter provides onboard power.

2027 Toyota Tundra Gets Better Off-Road

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The highlight of the refresh is the Tundra’s new Trailhunter package, which adds $5,880 to the cost of a base SR ($50,965 total, including destination). This provides Michelin LTX Trail rubber measuring 265/70R18, Old Emu suspension upgrades, recovery hooks in the front bumper, and extra underbody protection. The 4WD Tundra comes with a locking rear diff, Crawl Control (low-speed off-road cruise control), and Multi-Terrain Select. Color-selectable fog lamps, unique bronze wheels, and trim-specific interior badges complete the enhancement process. Those who want an off-roader with more sporting presence can consider the costlier TRD Pro, which starts at $77,595 including destination and gets newly designed Tundra-specific Fox QS3 shock absorbers with manual adjustability and red tow hooks. The trim also offers a new Honeycomb exterior color and the option of ISO-dynamic seats to help occupants’ backs absorb big jumps, and Toyota has increased the lumen output of the integrated light bar and fog lights (preferably only used off-road so oncoming traffic isn’t blinded). If any of these interest you, the 2027 Toyota Tundra build & price configurator is already open.

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What’s New For The 2027 Toyota Sequoia

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We’ll cover the all-new changes announced by Toyota this week, as other updates were previously published in July. The latest changes to the Sequoia are as follows:

• Upgraded TRD Pro trim
• New towing technologies
• Standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• New Advanced Rear Seat Reminder

The TRD Pro’s upgraded suspension now features FOX-enhanced QS3 adjustable shocks which are unique to the Sequoia. These promise customizable damping and stability when navigating either high-speed desert running or rocky terrain. Red tow hooks and a new color called Honeycomb have also been added for the TRD Pro.

Always a leading SUV for towing, Toyota has further optimized the Sequoia for this role. A new suite of fully integrated Trailer Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (TADS) takes the stress out of towing. The following technologies are available:

• Automated Trailer Detection. Using rear radar and a camera, this system detects the physical characteristics of a trailer, automatically displaying them in the Trailer Garage menu on the center screen.
• Trailer Blind Spot Monitor. This expands the blind-spot monitoring area to compensate for the size of the trailer.
• Trailer Lane Trace Assist. This system provides automated steering to keep the vehicle and its trailer in the lane in certain conditions.
• Trailer Backup Guide. Upgraded for 2027, this system now includes on-screen guidelines, a slider interface, and semi-automated steering support. It can even detect jackknife risks.

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The Sequoia’s maximum towing capacity has decreased despite the new tech. At up to 9,120 lbs, it’s still competitive, but the 2026 model could tow up to 9,520. That’s because the previous rear-wheel-drive model is gone, and it was the SR5 RWD variant that unlocked the 9,520-lb towing capacity.

Besides the new towing tech, the Sequoia’s 12.3-inch gauge cluster is much larger than the previously standard eight-inch display. The new rear seat reminder makes use of millimeter-wave radar in the headliner that detects movement in the second and third rows once the driver exits. Warnings like chimes, the horn, and even SMS text messages can alert the driver.

Sequoia Gets Big Price Bump

With the new equipment comes a fairly significant price increase. The same six trim levels are still available, but here’s a look at how prices have changed:

The lower two trims were hit by the largest price hikes, with the SR5 now $4,175 more expensive. However, it now gets standard four-wheel drive, which was previously a $3,000 option. That’s before you’ve added the new Trailhunter Package, which costs $3,500 on the SR5. This pack brings real off-road capability to the Sequoia on a lower trim level, adding equipment like an electronically controlled locking rear differential and an off-road suspension with OME shocks.

All Sequoias still use a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. 

Final Thoughts

The 2027 Sequoia is a logical upgrade for anyone looking for the latest technology, both in terms of infotainment and effortless towing. Standard four-wheel drive, the new Trailhunter Package, and an upgraded TRD Pro also boost the SUV’s off-roading capabilities. 

However, the 2026 model may be a better bet for some buyers. It can tow 400 lbs more and was available in RWD form, which boosted combined efficiency numbers by 2 mpg. Not everybody needs 4WD, but Toyota presumably saw enough demand for 4WD to make this standard. Buyers looking to save a good few thousand dollars may want to consider a 2026 model, especially if they’re shopping for one of the lower trim levels.

Over 200,000 Miles Later, One Dispute Remains

Eduardo and Celia Espinosa say the CMBS system in their 2020 CR-V and 2021 Insight braked at odd moments, and that dealers have brushed off repeated visits. According to CVN, the couple’s lawyer is accusing Honda (specifically the Honda distributor that sold the couple their cars) of violating California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act by refusing to replace or refund their two cars with the alleged faulty braking system. Further, the lawyer says Honda hasn’t established an internal system for processing these complaints, in violation of the same lemon law in California. 

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The defense, on the other hand, argues that the Espinosas both drove their cars over 100,000 miles each within a six-year time frame, and they have continued to drive their cars even after filing the lawsuit, even buying the CR-V off-lease knowing it was a “lemon”. The couple insists that they didn’t know their cars came with the automated braking system, and didn’t understand how the system worked. 

The Safety Tech Drivers Keep Switching Off

On paper, automatic emergency braking is a triumph. The IIHS has found it cuts rear-end crashes by about half. Yet the NHTSA opened a probe after 278 complaints about Honda’s system, then widened it to nearly 3 million vehicles, with 47 crashes and 93 injuries possibly linked. An Erie Insurance survey found 17 percent of drivers had turned off automatic braking, with distrust among the reasons. The irony is hard to miss. The very system that exists to prevent rear-end crashes can unwittingly cause them when the system stomps on the brakes when the driver least expects it.

We’ve seen several Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 builds over the years, with plenty of modern interpretations of the classic muscle car combining vintage styling with contemporary performance. Classic Recreations, however, has taken a slightly different approach with its latest project. Called the GT500CR Carbon, this 1967-68 Shelby GT500 is described as the world’s only officially Shelby-licensed carbon-fiber version of the classic muscle car.

The company recently brought the car to the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, marking its first appearance at the event under Velocity Restorations ownership. Displayed at the FuelTech booth, the build also serves as an introduction to the direction Classic Recreations plans to take with its limited-production American performance cars.

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Carbon-Fiber Body Meets a Modernized Cabin

The GT500CR Carbon retains the unmistakable appearance of the 1967 Shelby GT500, including its familiar front fascia, dual racing stripes, and muscular proportions. However, its construction is considerably different from the original steel-bodied car.

The carbon-fiber body is finished in BASF Glasurit paint and features Ringbrothers hood and trunk hinges. It also sits on a modern chassis setup, with a Detroit Speed Aluma-Frame front suspension and QuadraLink rear suspension. Nitron Elec-Tron electronically controlled shocks provide adjustable ride control.

Forgeline Carbon Grudge wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, while Brembo CCM-R carbon-ceramic brakes handle stopping duties. These include 380 x 34 mm front discs with six-piston calipers and 380 x 28 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers.

Inside, the classic Mustang gets a more contemporary treatment. Scheel-Mann seats, a custom Classic Recreations center console, and a Dakota Digital instrument cluster modernize the cabin. There’s also an Ididit steering column and Vintage Air air-conditioning system.

Audio comes from Focal K2 speakers paired with a Mosconi amplifier and Alpine head unit. Dynamat sound-deadening material is also installed to make the cabin more refined without completely muting the supercharged V8.

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Three Performance Stages, Up to 900 Horsepower

The GT500CR Carbon is available in three performance configurations, although the example displayed at SEMA takes things a step further. The production lineup starts with a naturally aspirated Ford Performance Gen 4X Coyote 5.0-liter V8, with buyers able to move up to supercharged configurations.

Here’s how the three catalog versions compare:

All three versions use Detroit Speed QuadraLink suspension. The Stage 1 and Stage 2 models get aluminum driveshafts and Wilwood 14-inch six-piston brakes, while the Stage 3 upgrades to a carbon-fiber driveshaft and Brembo 14-inch six-piston carbon-ceramic brakes.

The SEMA show car, meanwhile, features a more powerful setup than the catalog’s Stage 3 configuration. It uses a Wegner-built Gen 4X Coyote V8 with a Whipple 3.0-liter inverted supercharger, producing 1,000 hp. Power is sent through a Suncoast-built 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission, with a FuelTech FT700 standalone ECU managing engine operation and traction control.

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A $549,900 Starting Price for a Limited-Production Shelby

Classic Recreations lists the GT500CR Carbon at $549,900 for Stage 1, $624,900 for Stage 2, and $724,900 for Stage 3. That’s a considerable amount of money for a classic Mustang, although the carbon-fiber construction, modern performance hardware, and official Shelby licensing help explain its positioning.

Each car receives a unique Shelby serial number and is recorded in the Shelby American Worldwide Registry. Classic Recreations also says it invests more than 2,500 hours into each build at its 135,000-square-foot facility in Pensacola, Florida.

That said, the GT500CR Carbon is more than a restomod with a different body material. It combines the styling of a late-1960s Shelby with contemporary engineering and a level of customization aimed at collectors who still want to drive their cars.

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If you want to stir up the comments section of any social media platform, just bring up the Ferrari Luce and let the people type. To say it’s been controversial would be a massive disservice to the word controversial. There was an outpouring of outrage, mainly because of the car’s styling.

Months have passed since its release, and customer deliveries are just about to start. Yes, people actually bought the car, and Ferrari claims that it’s sold out, with a big chunk of these going to China. Still, it hasn’t stopped the internet from slinging hate towards it, even if it’s actually making Ferrari money.

Actually Clever?

Beneath the styling that, in our words, tests your faith is a car that’s actually pretty clever. For instance, its batteries are designed to be swappable to help extend the life of the car, and the chassis was built to accommodate it. The cabin, like it or not, has its highlights from the way it looks to the quirky swiveling infotainment screen.

Ferrari knew it was a big challenge to develop its very first EV. It’s why the Italian automaker also partnered with Korean company SK On to develop pouch-type battery cells. Why is this significant, you ask? This is the kind of battery you’d see in a smartphone, and while it sounds easy to scale it up for automotive applications, it’s always easier said than done.

Pouch-type batteries aren’t entirely a new thing, but making one for a high-performance EV has its challenges. “SK On was willing to customize the cell tab design to enable higher current delivery than the nominal rating, thereby increasing power density,” said Luce Project Leader Andrea Binotti.

What Are Pouch Cells?

Pouch cells are soft, flat, and flexible cells encased in a laminated aluminum-plastic film. As mentioned, you can often find this type of battery in smaller applications, mainly for packaging reasons. It’s the reason why phones are a lot slimmer now, and why devices can be made smaller.

So, what are the advantages? For starters, it’s a lot lighter than steel-cased and aluminum-cased cells, and saving weight is crucial for performance and range. At the same time, it can be custom-sized and made to fit irregular spaces, and the slimmer size allows for greater space efficiency in the cabin.

But the most important bit is power density and delivery. Higher discharge rates and better pulse current delivery are achieved by stacked electrode structures. These cells also have a wider surface area, which helps in cooling and heat dissipation. All of this means that the battery can deliver energy more efficiently as it runs cooler.

Thinking Ahead

The Luce boasts a lot of advances and innovations. But while one will say that its styling is holding it back, the car is looking like a success for Ferrari. We wouldn’t call the car a technological dead end, either, as some of the things applied here can be used in future models.

Ferrari is slowly electrifying its core lineup, and it’s no longer about the engine making as much power as possible. The hybrid drive systems also have to be just as potent to deliver a powerful punch. At the same time, it has to adapt to ever-changing emissions standards, even if the brand doesn’t have to comply with the much stricter rules bigger automakers need to follow. This is Ferrari future-proofing its cars so it doesn’t have to scramble in case regulators clamp down on low-volume automakers.

The automaker has unveiled the next-generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system for the 911, Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne with up to five times the computing power of the previous generation.

Up to Five Times the Computing Power of the Previous Generation PCM

Sitting on a new hardware consisting of a modern system-on-chip architecture, the latest version of PCM is said to bring faster system start-ups, shorter loading times and smoother operation.

According to Porsche, this enables users to run multiple applications in parallel more conveniently, “while apps remain active in the background and are available more quickly when switching between them.”

The system is also said to allow future digital functions and continuous development through “comprehensive over-the-air updates.” This means that software and selected functions will be further developed during customer ownership. 

Of course, the interface is what Porsche owners will notice first, and they’ll probably be happy to learn that the design and interaction language introduced with the Cayenne Electric are now coming to the 911, Taycan, Panamera and the Cayenne models with combustion and hybrid powertrains through Porsche Digital Interaction.

New Interface, Navigation Plus System and LLM-Based AI-Powered Voice Pilot

This combines modern UX/UI design, a consistent operating logic and extensive personalization options, according to the automaker. The new interface features clear layouts, fast responses and a uniform operating logic for a cohesive digital experience across various displays.

The highlight of Porsche Digital Interaction is a freely rotatable 3D model of the car in its actual exterior color. Directly via the virtual car, users can access selected vehicle functions and settings. The operating concept is complemented by five selectable themes and configurable widgets.

New interface aside, the new PCM gains a new Navigation Plus system that uses state-of-the-art mapping technology and a new 3D map display, with route guidance supported by online map data and real-time traffic information. In the Taycan, the Porsche Charging Planner plans charging stops and takes battery preconditioning into account.

The new PCM also brings an enhanced Voice Pilot powered by AI and based on an unnamed large language model (LLM). The system can therefore process natural language, multi-step requests and follow-up questions. Voice Pilot can also control navigation, selected vehicle functions, media and selected apps.

New App Center Enables Seamless Integration of Vehicle Apps and Smartphone Apps

Finally, the new infotainment system allows customers to merge the Porsche ecosystem with their own digital ecosystems. Apps and services from the vehicle, the smartphone and third-party providers are integrated via standardized interfaces to create a unified digital experience.

That is done via the App Center, which enables Porsche and third-party apps to be integrated directly into the vehicle and allows customers to select, download and update they apps they want. The range currently includes navigation, parking and charging services, as well as audio and video streaming—for the first time Apple Music is available directly in the car and it supports Dolby Atmos.

Dolby Atmos can also be used by other compatible apps via Apple CarPlay. Speaking of smartphone mirroring, it now also offers a deeper level of integration that includes map display in the instrument cluster and EV routing with battery preconditioning (depending on the market).

Porsche’s new generation of infotainment, including Porsche Digital Interaction, will be gradually introduced in newly produced vehicles from the 911, Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne model lines. The bad news here is that it won’t be available as a retrofit equipment on existing vehicles.

Steering problems are something automakers would rather avoid, especially when they involve components that could separate while a vehicle is moving. Unfortunately, General Motors has another issue to address involving its Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans.

The automaker is expanding a previous recall after discovering that some potentially defective steering gear assemblies were mistakenly excluded from the original inspection campaign. This means certain vehicles already inspected and cleared by dealers may need another visit to the workshop. The latest action is listed under NHTSA recall number 26V718.

More Than 12,000 Vans Need Another Inspection

The recall covers 12,715 vehicles from the 2025 and 2026 model years. These include 5,434 2025 Chevrolet Express vans, 3,259 2026 Chevrolet Express units, 3,568 2025 GMC Savana vans, and 454 2026 GMC Savana units.

The problem involves a nut inside the steering gear assembly that may not have been properly tightened. According to GM, a malfunctioning part sensor at supplier Nexteer Automotive Group allowed some assemblies to pass without the required tightening.

GM thought it had this sorted with recall 26V399 back in June this year, but the inspection only covered 51 suspect steering gear serial numbers. Another 108 potentially dodgy serials were left out, since they were thought to be handled at the supplier. Oops.

The slip-up came to light in September, when a dealer found a loose nut in a 2025 Chevrolet Express that had supposedly already passed inspection. GM dug in and found two more warranty claims that might be linked to vans already marked as fixed.

If that nut decides to make a break for it while you’re driving, you could lose steering control – never a good thing. You might also notice the steering feels sloppy or the wheel sits off-center. GM says there haven’t been any crashes or injuries so far, and only about 1% of the recalled vans are actually affected.

What GM Will Do About the Problem

Dealers will check steering gear serial numbers against a longer list this time. If your van’s assembly matches the suspects, it gets swapped out. If not, you’re good to go after a quick inspection.

GM says the supplier contained the problem in May, and vehicles produced after June 1 received properly tightened steering gear assemblies. Dealers were notified last month, while owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on December 14. Owners can check their VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup or contact an authorized Chevrolet or GMC dealer.

Snow Totals Across The Sierra

The heaviest snow from the Halloween weekend storm fell at the highest elevations. The National Weather Service in Sacramento forecast up to 10 inches above 7,000 feet and up to 18 inches on the tallest summits, while the Record Courier reported nearly 2 feet near the top of the East Fork on the Nevada side, Active NorCal reports. Flurries reached as low as 5,500 feet. On the eastern side of the range, Mammoth Mountain reports 12 to 20 inches across the mountain, 9 to 15 of them from the weekend storm alone, according to Fox Weather.

Next Week’s Forecast For The Sierra

The National Weather Service in Reno expects dry, mild conditions through the weekend, with Sunday highs in the low to mid 60s in Sierra communities, before what its forecast discussion calls “a significant pattern change” around Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Forecasters note that the latest Climate Prediction Center guidance shows a moderate, 40 to 60 percent risk of heavy snow in the Sierra from Nov. 12 to 15, and that an atmospheric river tool projects a good amount of moisture heading toward the region in the second half of next week. Model solutions still diverge on the details, so amounts and timing remain open, but the office advises planning for wetter, cooler and windier weather late next week.

Mountain Pass Closures And US 395

With that snow on the ground, Mammoth Mountain moves its opening date up by a week to Thursday, Nov. 5, according to Fox Weather, bringing early-season skiers to the eastern Sierra just as winter restrictions return to several high-elevation routes.

Caltrans fully closed Sonora Pass on SR 108 and Monitor Pass on SR 89 during the storm, and Yosemite shut Tioga Road ahead of it. Chain controls went up on I-80 over Donner Summit, US 50 over Echo Summit and SR 88 over Carson Pass, where controls were still in place Sunday afternoon from east of Ham’s Station to five miles west of Picketts Junction.

For drivers coming from the west, US 395 is the main road along the eastern side of the range. With Tioga unlikely to be an option this late in the year, the drive from Sacramento to Mammoth Lakes runs about five and a half hours via US 50 and US 395, according to Active NorCal, which puts Echo Summit and its chain controls on the main route. Pass status changes with each storm, so Caltrans points drivers to its QuickMap or the CHIN line at 800-427-7623 before setting out.

California Chain Control Levels

Under R-1, passenger cars and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds with snow tires on at least two drive wheels are exempt from installing chains but must carry them. Under R-2, four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires, marked M+S, M/S or MUD AND SNOW on the sidewall, on all four wheels are exempt from installing chains but must carry traction devices, while every other vehicle needs them fitted. Under R-3, all vehicles must use chains or traction devices, with no exceptions, though Caltrans notes that a highway is often closed before R-3 is imposed.

Caltrans sets the speed limit at 25 or 30 mph whenever chains are required, and the California Highway Patrol can cite drivers who pass a chain-up sign without fitting them. Chains go on only after pulling completely off the road to the right, never in a traffic lane, and come off only after the “End of Chain Control” sign.

In the coming weeks the pundits will try to divine what led to this repudiation of Pres. Donald Trump and the MAGA movement he spearheaded. The next question is what the election results will mean in terms of legislation and policy – and whether Trump will follow through on his threat to become the “Veto President,” setting up roadblocks wherever possible.

The 120^th Congress will face intense pressure to deal with issues like the Iran War, tariffs, inflation and the overall health of the economy. What – if anything – lawmakers accomplish could also have a significant impact on the auto industry.

It’s the Economy, Stupid

Concerns about the economy have been mounting for months, especially in light of inflation – which hit an annualized rate of 3.7% in September, according to federal data. Consumers feel it every time they go for groceries or fill up their gas tanks. Gasoline is up almost 50% since the start of the Iran War. Diesel has surged even higher and that is adding to inflationary pressure since the fuel is used for everything from farm and construction equipment to last-mile delivery vans. Experts fear energy costs won’t come down until there’s an end to the Iran War which has led to the closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of world petroleum supplies normally transit.

Affordability is a particularly serious problem for the auto industry as average transaction prices climb to record levels month after month – reaching just over $52,000 in October, according to tracking service Cloud Theory. Surprisingly, vehicles sales have remained more robust than expected, said Cox Automotive analyst Erin Keating, who forecasts the year will come in at 16.1 million vehicles. But that’s still well off the record 17.57 million vehicles sold in 2016, as millions of potential buyers are priced out of the market.

Tariffs and Trade

The Iran War is just one reason why vehicle prices have reached the stratosphere. A Democratically-controlled Congress is likely to seek ways to force the president to roll back the tariffs that have added to production costs. While Trump’s trade war impacts vast sectors of the economy, he has put particular emphasis on the transportation sector with hefty tariffs on not only imported autos and auto parts but the foreign-made steel and aluminum used in virtually every vehicle assembled in the U.S.

Related: Your Next Car Could Cost Nearly $1,000 More as Material Prices Surge

As with the Iran War, however, it’s uncertain what, if anything, Congress will be able to do. Short of some unlikely compromise they’d be forced to modify or eliminate existing trade legislation. And, on the trade front, Congress is likely to put pressure on the White House to finally wrap up negotiations over the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The trade pact originally inked during Trump’s first term maintained decades of relatively open trade borders between the three countries. The lack of clarity as talks drag on has made it difficult for automakers to lay out mid to long-term investment strategies. Getting an update to USMCA in place is critical, said Keating who added that, “Automakers want something solid and stable, something they can plan against.”

Clearing the Air

The environment is a subject the president has addressed repeatedly through his many Executive Orders. These include a controversial rollback of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy mandates of more than 50 mpg set in place under former Pres. Joe Biden. New legislation could attempt to reinstate that target which, in turn, “would effectively force the industry to come up with more efficient vehicles, including hybrids and EVs,” said Sam Abuelsamid, lead auto analyst with Telemetry Research. Research has repeatedly shown Americans demanding better mileage. But it’s unlikely such polls would get Trump to reverse his stand.

Congress also could seek to force the administration to collect the billions of dollars in fines automakers technically owe for missing their CAFE targets. The White House has decided not to seek payment.

Separately, lawmakers might try to reinstate the incentives of up to $7,500 for EV buyers that were phased out by Congress last year under the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act Trump signed into law on July 4, 2025. The new House and Senate majority might also press to continue spending federal funds previously allocated for a nationwide EV charging network.

The Veto President

Whatever the new Congress chooses to do faces the reality of Constitutional checks and balances – here the equivalent of an irresistible force running headlong into an immovable object.

None of the more dire scenarios outlined by White House critics – such as the placement of federal troops at polling stations – played out on Tuesday. Few observers now see the likelihood that newly elected lawmakers will have trouble taking their places on Capitol Hill come January. But that doesn’t mean the new majority will simply flip the direction that the federal government has taken under Trump.

Indeed, after recognizing the extent of the Democratic victory on Tuesday night, the president posted an image on his Truth Social media site showing a MAGA-red hat emblazoned with a single word, “VETO.”

Bringing Back Bipartisanship

As a result, there may be “very little done” the new Congress can accomplish, said Keating, short of pressing the president to “slow down…on the use of executive power.” Vetoes can be overridden with support from two-thirds of the members of both Houses. But a Republican-led legislature failed to pull together the supermajority needed after Trump vetoed two bills during his second term.

Nonetheless, Keating sees some opportunities ahead. “We’ve seen bipartisan cooperation on China,” she noted. That could be critical if lawmakers decide to move ahead on the Connected Vehicle Security Act.

Locking Out China

At first glance, that measure is meant to codify an executive move by former Pres. Biden banning the sale of vehicles using Chinese connected car hardware and software. But, as written, it also would ban Chinese automakers from both building and selling vehicles in the U.S. The measure was sponsored by Michigan’s Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin and Ohio’s Republican Bernie Moreno – a former car dealer – while picking up solid support on both sides of the aisle.

There’s no question automakers such as General Motors, Ford and Toyota would like to lock out Chinese brands like BYD, Geely and Chery – the latter reportedly looking to buy an existing U.S. plant to establish a beachhead. For his part, Ford CEO Jim Farley has described such a possibility as “an existential threat.”

Related: Ford Says It Can’t Keep Chinese Cars Out Forever

But don’t count on the anti-Chinese measure to pass – or even make it to a floor vote in either House or Senate. While “there is bipartisan support, I think it will be a low priority” in the new Congress, said analyst Abuelsamid. The problem is that while automakers want to lock the Chinese out, consumer surveys find strong interest in the low-cost products from brands Like Geely, Chery and BYD that could help put the brakes on rising vehicle prices.

Where the Big Changes Might Take Place

For his part, Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions believes “Democrats won’t be able to get much through” Congress and then signed into law by Trump. Most of the other analysts we spoke to echoed that concern.

That doesn’t mean we won’t see change, however. “There’ll be a lot more impact at the state level,” predicts Keating. Democrats scored well in a number of state elections, notably in Texas, one of the country’s largest automotive markets. She anticipates that could result in new legislation covering a wide range of automotive issues, including EV mandates, infrastructure, franchised dealer requirements and right-to-repair rules.

There’s no question automakers and auto buyers alike could use some legislative help. The midterm results hold out the possibility of new momentum on Capitol Hill. But Trump’s veto threat could simply result in paralysis unless at least some Republican survivors of the Blue Wave see their best opportunity is bringing back some level of bipartisanship to Washington.

Weaver brings serious credentials to the table, having previously helped shape quirky hits like the original Juke and iconic details like the bent C-pillar on the R35 GT-R. His strategy to achieve “China Speed” relies on three core pillars: advanced artificial intelligence, dramatically streamlined executive decision-making, and manufacturing tricks learned directly from their Chinese joint ventures. The goal is to avoid safe, boring designs while getting fresh sheet metal to dealership lots in record time.

Artificial Intelligence and Quick Approvals

According to a recent interview with Automotive News , Weaver’s team has already slashed the time from first sketch to design freeze down to just five months. By utilizing new digital tools, they can effectively finish vehicle designs twice as fast as before. “We’re showing feature length films of the car as if it’s operating from desert and it’s been shot, you know, in the Sahara,” Weaver noted, explaining how these hyper-realistic renderings allow executives to green-light designs much earlier in the process.

While advanced algorithms are certainly speeding things up, the sudden reliance on digital generation naturally sparks industry fears regarding human jobs in the styling department. However, Weaver views these tools as empowering, allowing individual stylists to act as their own directors and generate an endless variety of concepts. Furthermore, the final corporate approval process has been completely gutted. Instead of requiring a dozen executives to sign off on a design, CEO Ivan Espinosa reduced the panel to just four people.

Best Practices and Future Products

Beyond software, Weaver is looking directly at Chinese manufacturing techniques to elevate Nissan’s global fit and finish. By visiting the brand’s China studios monthly, the team is identifying upscale flourishes that domestic rivals have mastered, such as flush glazing between the door and window glass. While these premium touches are typically too expensive to produce in legacy markets, observing how joint ventures execute them cheaply gives Nissan a blueprint for improving the appearance of its mass-market models.

Fans will not have to wait long to see the first manifestations of this faster, bolder design philosophy. The initial hints of this character shift will arrive with the new Skyline sedan slated to debut this December, followed closely by the next-generation electric Juke and a rugged Xterra SUV around 2028. As Weaver puts it, the brand is determined to stay brave in the mass market, because fortune ultimately favors the bold and the quick.

Last year, it was reported that the Audi A8’s future was in doubt. Sales haven’t been great, either, as full-size flagship sedans have lost their customers to large luxury SUVs. At the time, even the company admitted it doesn’t entirely know what’s next for its S-Class challenger, mainly because there’s no new platform to build upon.

Then, in March 2026, Audi stopped accepting orders for the A8 in its Fatherland, and German customers had to go for what’s available on dealer lots, if there were any at all. It’s still hanging on in the U.S. and even got a couple of updates for 2027, but the model itself won’t be around for long.

The Last A8…

It was previously announced that A8 production would be coming to a close, but what we didn’t know was how soon it would happen. A report from German motoring publication Auto Motor und Sport said that the last of the current generation models have been built, with the very last one rolling off in mid-October. That marks the end of 32 years of continuous production in Neckarsulm, home to the A8 since 1994. Since the last one made, Audi has used the space once occupied by the flagship sedan for greater A5 and A6 production.

The A8 was the replacement for the advanced but ultimately unsuccessful V8, and it was instrumental in showing Audi’s engineering might. It took on the E38 BMW 7 Series, UCF10 Lexus LS, and W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, undoubtedly some of the greatest flagship sedans ever made. The first-gen A8 held its head high amongst that esteemed group, and continued to do so for over 30 years.

…For Now?

While this is the end of 32 years of straight production, several reports have indicated that the A8 may still come back someday. It has been said that it may return in 2030, but it will no longer be built in Neckarsulm. Production will allegedly be moved to Leipzig, which may sound strange because Audi doesn’t have a factory there.

Instead, it’s Porsche, and it has been said that the revived A8 will share the same platform as the next-generation Panamera. Of note, Porsche and Audi will be working together more closely, and the Premium Platform Combustion chassis will be utilized by the two brands. The gas-powered Macan successor and Q5 will share the same bones, as well as the future large three-row Porsche SUV and the Q9. As VW Group aims to cut costs by maximizing plant capacities and platforms, this sounds plausible.

That said, German business publication Manager Magazin presented another take on possibly saving the A8. It claims that Audi CEO Gernot Döllner is tapping Huawei to help develop the car and build it in China, as large sedan sales there are still strong. It’s a bold claim, but also another development worth watching.

Where Have all the Flagship Sedans Gone?

Whatever the future holds for the A8, there’s no denying the fact that the full-size luxury sedan has gone from volume to niche, and it’s a segment where fewer automakers are willing to invest. Lexus axed the LS in several key markets, while Infiniti has been out of the game for decades. Lincoln has no plans to revive a large sedan following the commercial failure of the Continental, and while Cadillac has the Celestiq, its price tag of around $400,000 means it’s really more of a showcase of tech that happens to be for sale.

European marques are fighting hard to keep this genre of vehicle alive. Most recently, Jaguar unveiled the Type 01, a full-electric full-size sedan that represents the brand’s biggest redirection since its founding. Mercedes-Benz also updated the S-Class, and it even sports a new V8 engine, while BMW gave the 7 Series a major overhaul inside and out. Perhaps that’s some motivation for Audi to revive the A8 at some point, but it won’t be happening immediately.

Sub-Zero Takes Color Palette to 11

The new Sub-Zero color (a $595 option) is a solid blue-gray hue that first debuted on the Charger earlier in 2026. In the shade, it has a deep and subtle look, while direct sunlight shows off a brighter blue effect. The color looks especially good when combined with the racy striping and sporty wheels the Durango can be equipped with.

“Durango is the muscle SUV that never blends in, and Sub-Zero gives our customers another way to stand out,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. “Hemi power, attention-getting color and more ways to personalize it from the factory give our customers the freedom to build the Durango they want.”

There are now 11 exterior colors for the Durango, following the launch of Smokescreen last month and After Dark in September. Other colors are Redeye, B5 Blue, Destroyer Grey, Green Machine, Night Moves, Pitch Black, Red Oxide, and White Knuckle. 

The Durango can be personalized far beyond the color customers choose, though. In particular, the Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak has over 22 million configuration options. That’s based on the various designs and colors for wheels, brake calipers, seats, stripes, and more.

Configuring The Wildest Durango We Could

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To give you an idea of how extreme buyers can go when ordering one of these SUVs, we configured a Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak with some of the more extreme options. The model we configured has the following:

• Green Machine paint ($595)
• Flame Red Dual Stripes by Mopar ($1,695)
• Yellow SRT Hellcat fender badges ($595)
• 20-inch Brass Monkey wheels
• Red brake calipers

Configured in this way, the Durango stands out from the masses of grayscale SUVs in the average parking lot; you will not find a Toyota Grand Highlander or Honda Pilot with anything approaching the Durango’s adventurous options. In the cabin, we added Demonic Red seats ($2,995) and Sepia seat belts ($495), along with a suede headliner ($495). 

This particular Durango has a base price of $82,490, but the options take the total cost up to $90,160. That’s a lot to pay for a non-luxury SUV, although this SRT Hellcat does come with a ballistic 710-horsepower supercharged V8 engine.

Next-Gen Durango Still Years Away

An all-new Dodge Durango is only expected to debut in 2029, which means we can expect several more updates and special editions for the current model. The new model will align with the latest emission standards, with a combination of hybrid and pure gasoline powertrains expected. Even with a hybrid powertrain, we expect the next Durango to retain its performance edge over rivals. Not much else has been confirmed about the next-gen model, but the current one continues to defy expectations with strong sales over the last two years.

The fabrication process required extensive modifications to the base vehicle. The builders chose the midsize Tacoma because its proportions aligned much better with the Lexus GX 550 than the larger Tundra platform. The team chopped the front and rear sections of the Tacoma to graft on the GX 550 grille, headlights, and hood. Using custom 3D-printed body panels, they seamlessly integrated ultra-wide fenders to accommodate the new premium aesthetic.

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Functional Tailgate and Serious Hardware

The rear section of the vehicle is arguably the most impressive engineering feat on the build. According to a recent report from CarScoops, Meso Customs chopped an actual GX rear hatch to construct a functional tailgate, utilizing heavy-duty Rivian latches to secure the assembly. When opened, this custom tailgate doubles as a sophisticated rear bench, featuring integrated heated seats and Bluetooth speakers that elevate the typical tailgating experience.

Beyond the luxury bodywork, the TX1 remains a capable off-road machine. The chassis rides on King Off-Road Racing shocks and 74 Weld upper control arms, a suspension setup designed to significantly improve the ride over rough terrain. The truck sits aggressively on beadlock wheels wrapped in oversized Toyo Open Country R/T Trail tires, while a front-mounted intercooler and a new intake system help the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder breathe easier.

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Not Slated for Production

While the exterior is completely finished, Meso Customs has not yet revealed the interior of the TX1 concept. To truly justify the premium badging, the cabin would require a massive overhaul from the base Toyota specifications, potentially integrating the modern multimedia experiencecurrently found in the official Lexus lineup.

Despite the incredible attention to detail, Meso Customs clarified that the Lexus TX1 is strictly a one-off concept build for SEMA. The company has no current plans to offer this conversion as a mass-market package for consumers. Nevertheless, this extensive project proves that a midsize luxury pickup with a cargo bed is physically possible, provided a builder has the technical expertise and a massive fabrication budget.

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Every part of a car matters, but if I had to choose, brakes are among the top three components that shouldn’t fail under any circumstances. Unlike other vehicle problems, a braking malfunction can quickly put occupants and other road users in danger.

General Motors is now dealing with precisely this concern, announcing a safety recall covering 67,380 electric vehicles across its Cadillac and Chevrolet lineups. According to a recall report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain vehicles could experience a temporary loss of braking power because of a software defect in the brake system control module (BSCM).

Affected vehicles include the 2023-2027 Cadillac Lyriq, 2024-2027 Chevrolet Blazer EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac Celestiq, and 2026-2027 Cadillac Vistiq.

A Software Glitch Can Temporarily Disable Braking

The recall covers 44,585 Cadillac Lyriqs, 3,911 Chevrolet Blazer EVs, 82 Celestiqs, and 18,802 Vistiqs. GM estimates that 100% of the recalled population has the defect.

Here’s how it happens: if you’re creeping along, turning sharply, and hit a bump while gently pressing the brakes, the software can get confused and decide to take a breather. The brakes might cut out for a moment, but pressing the pedal again brings them back to life.

GM discovered the problem after a technical expert reported an incident involving a Cadillac Lyriq that struck a garage at low speed in April. Testing successfully reproduced the condition, even though the vehicle had received software improvements from an earlier recall.

The automaker subsequently identified 24 potentially related complaints, including 20 minor accidents and two allegations of minor injuries. The condition increases the risk of a crash.

GM Will Address the Problem Through Software Updates

GM’s fix is a software update for the brake system control module. If your car can get over-the-air updates and you’ve ticked all the right boxes, the patch will beam straight to your driveway. Otherwise, it’s a trip to the dealership for a manual update.

GM plans to begin notifying owners on December 14, 2026, through a phased recall campaign. The affected vehicles’ VINs have been searchable since October 29, 2026, through the NHTSA recall system.

The software correction has also been implemented in production for specified 2026 and 2027 model-year vehicles, depending on the model.

Unsurprisingly, the vehicle’s problems resurfaced almost instantly. The check engine light began flashing just 20 miles after picking up the truck, and the owners struggled with erratic coolant levels and an oil pan that was severely overfilled. This scenario perfectly illustrates why consumers must be incredibly wary of shady repair practices in the aftermarket. Replacing expensive hardware without actually fixing the underlying condition guarantees the new parts will suffer the exact same fate.

The Real Root Cause

After a thorough diagnostic process, the team at Dave’s Auto Center discovered the actual mechanical issue. The previous shop had severely overfilled the replacement engine with oil, causing the rapidly spinning crankshaft to whip the lubricant into a froth that was then burned straight through the cylinders. More importantly, using a temperature gun and scan tools, the technicians confirmed that both catalytic converters were completely destroyed.

The severe misfires from the original engine had dumped raw, unburned fuel directly into the exhaust system, literally melting the internal honeycomb substrate into broken chunks. The previous mechanics had bolted a replacement engine to a completely plugged exhaust system, choking the versatile Coyote V8 and triggering immediate fault codes. While the 5.0-liter block is generally a robust and reliable powerplant, it simply cannot survive if it cannot exhale properly.

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What Made The Truck Going Again

To get the truck back on the road, Dave’s Auto Center replaced the ruined catalytic converters completely free of charge. The technicians also properly set the vital fluid levels, replaced missing exhaust hardware left out by the previous mechanics, and ran a complete drive cycle to ensure all emission monitors were permanently set. The thorough approach finally returned a healthy, fully legal truck to the relieved owners.

This expensive ordeal highlights the absolute necessity of proper repair confirmation. As Dave explained to the owners, a reputable shop must follow four strict steps to succeed: identify the condition, diagnose the cause, execute the correction, and thoroughly confirm the fix with a test drive. Because the first shop skipped that critical final step, they created a cascading financial disaster that almost ruined a perfectly good pickup truck.

What Owners Are Reporting

One owner said Carvana offered him “just a little less than we paid new,” and that he got more than $48,000 for the truck. He ordered an R2, saying his family rarely used the bed and wanted something smaller. Others reported offers of $47,500 for a 2024 Lariat and about $46,000 for a 2024 Flash. Torque News says one owner sold through Plug because he didn’t trust Ford to keep supporting the truck. These are individual offers, not market averages.

Why Now?

Used EV prices are rising. Data suggests that prices are up more than 5 percent since January this year. Analysts tie a part of this demand to high gas prices. A member of the owners group also credited the end of new Lightning production for the strong values.

If you own a Lightning, get several offers before deciding. Support concerns may be overstated: Ford has said it will provide OEM parts for at least 10 years from the final model year and keep delivering over-the-air updates, according to reports. The batteries are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. If you stay, you’re not abandoned. If you sell, the market may be kinder than you expected.

Where Rivian Comes In

The Rivian R2 with Launch Package starts at $57,990, plus destination, with 656 hp, a 3.6-second 0-60 mph time, and an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles. The Premium trim is $53,990 and arrives later this year, and the Standard starts at $48,490 in 2027. A cheaper Standard at around $45,000 follows later in 2027. That gap is why a strong trade-in matters: the cheapest R2 is still a year away, so you may want to weigh your options soon to cash in on this currently inflated market.

One doesn’t have to ask what Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling model is in the land. One quick look and you’ll know that it’s the GLC. Dealers are also fully stocked with the compact luxury crossover, so there’s no shortage of these cars to sell. Last year, Mercedes managed to shift nearly 72,000 of these, and 2026 is looking like yet another strong year for the model.

The GLC is also Mercedes’ top-selling model worldwide, although that’s not really a surprise at this point. The world has well and truly embraced the luxury compact crossover, and that should sound like good news and a whole lot of revenue for the company.

However…

Mercedes can sell bucketloads of GLCs in America with ease. However, making money from sales is the hard part. Tariffs eat up a good part of the company’s revenue in the U.S., and the more it has to bring in, the higher the bill. As the U.S-market GLC is sourced from Bremen in Germany, each car that comes in is slapped with a 15% tariff.

That 15% could’ve been additional income for Mercedes, but alas, it’s not the case. That said, the company is investing $4 billion into tooling its plant in Alabama to accommodate its best-seller. However, there is a wrench in the gears here, as it’s been reported that it’s been pushed back.

Why the Delay?

A report from Automotive News cites two people close to the matter regarding the delay. The first batch of U.S.-made GLCs was initially planned for December 2027, and postponing it to 2030 means Mercedes will bear the brunt of tariffs for the next two years. Per its sources, the Alabama-made GLCs will roll out by the second quarter of 2030 instead.

So, why is it being pushed back? “Investing in the plant for about half a life cycle and then having to retool for the next-generation GLC doesn’t make a lot of sense financially,” said AutoForecast Vice President Sam Fiorani. The current model was introduced in 2022 for the 2023 model year. That means the car will be in its sixth year by 2027 and heading towards the end of its life cycle.

Had Mercedes pushed through with the initial plan, that would mean retooling the plant twice for the GLC. That would be a costly exercise that could easily be avoided by simply finishing out the current model cycle. It’s a practical decision if true, and one that could save the brand millions more in the long run.

How It Started

Toyota specialist The Car Care Nut on YouTube says the SUV’s battery died and was jumped backwards, which blew the 140-amp main fuse. He says that’s usually where the damage stops on a Toyota. A semi-truck mechanic replaced the fuse and, finding a bad alternator, fitted an aftermarket one. The 2019 Toyota 4Runner then kept dying and wouldn’t restart. A Toyota dealer replaced the crank position sensor after a code, but it stalled the next day again while reversing. The dealer couldn’t reproduce it.

What They Found

On a test drive, the SUV ran perfectly. The owner said it only happened at low speeds while parking. Then the mechanic tapped the fuse block under the hood, and the engine shut off. After taking it apart, he found four loose pins on the starter relay. He suspects someone spread them open with a tool while testing, but that’s his theory.

Why would a starter relay stall a running engine? He says the power management computer watches for a ground through the starter circuit. When contact flickers, it can shut the engine off or refuse to start it. He says he reproduced the stall on another Toyota with a similar setup. It’s one shop’s explanation, not a Toyota statement.

What It Means For You

If you need a jump, connect red to the dead battery’s positive terminal, red to the donor’s positive, black to the donor’s negative, and the last black clamp to unpainted metal on the dead car, away from the battery. Check your owner’s manual first. If a problem is intermittent, tell the shop exactly when it happens and offer to ride along, which is what cracked this case. And if a shop wants to replace a part, ask what test showed it had failed. The mechanic believes the alternator and crank sensor swaps weren’t needed.

Two Memorable Sports Cars Disappear

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Research from CarsDirect confirmed that new examples of the BMW Z4 and Toyota GR Supra are gone. That leaves enthusiasts with only the used market to turn to if they’re interested in either of these cars. 

In 2025, BMW sold 2,113 Z4 models and Toyota sold 2,953 examples of the Supra. Those are low numbers, even for niche sports cars, and slow sales likely contributed to the decision to end production without immediate predecessors in sight. 

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The crown jewel of both cars was the six-cylinder turbocharged engine found in top trims. Producing 382 horsepower, the sonorous six-pot is a joy, especially when paired with the manual gearbox available with both cars. The Supra was the more precise and engaging car to drive, but the Z4 had the badge cachet and more upscale finishes. Both cars were available in cheaper four-cylinder guise, too.

Various special editions of each car were available through the years, particularly the Supra, which went out on a high with the MkV Final Edition. The departure of these models leaves not much more than the Nissan Z for enthusiasts looking for a manual six-cylinder sports car at an attainable price point.

A New Supra Is Coming, But Not A Z4

BMW has made no mention of intentions to develop or launch a successor to the Z4. That leaves the German brand without a two-door roadster for the first time in ages, and without a Z4 since the original launched 24 years ago.

There’s better news for Toyota Supra fans, though. Rumors indicate that Toyota will launch a new Supra late in 2027 or early in 2028. Unlike the outgoing model, the new Supra will have a Toyota-engineered powertrain, not one shared with BMW. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with hybrid assistance is expected, and while we’ll miss the sonic pleasures of a six-cylinder, the new setup is said to produce around 400 horsepower.

Whether Toyota introduces a six-cylinder model and keeps the manual gearbox remains to be seen, but at least it’s not the end of the road for the iconic nameplate.

It’s been a little over a month since BMW pulled the covers off the eighth-generation 3 Series. The initial lineup has also been revealed, and we practically know what the car looks like from entry-level to the top. More trims will be added down the line, and of course, we’re anticipating the premiere of the pure-combustion M3.

Now, BMW has revealed that production is well and truly in full swing. It’ll only be a matter of time before the U.S specifications appear, but the mass rollout in Europe is well underway. This also marks the first time production has been split between gas and electric models, the latter called the i3.

Production Shift

Traditionally, Munich has been the home of 3 Series production since 1975. The Dingolfing plant later accommodated production to meet demand, but as plants outside Germany started building more cars, the need to produce 3 Series models there was no longer needed.

It all changes with the all-new 3 Series and first-ever i3. The i3 will be built in Munich, while the 3 Series will now call Dingolfing home. That’s mainly because Munich will be exclusively an electric car production facility. The i3 and 3 Series may be the same in spirit, but the platforms are completely different. I3 models have a dedicated EV platform that isn’t made to accommodate a combustion engine, while the 3 Series rides on an evolution of the outgoing model’s chassis. Their respective chassis codes are different (NA0 for i3, G50 for 3 Series), and that is also the reason why they look different.

This is a significant shift, mainly because Dingolfing has been the home of the larger 5 Series and 7 Series. The 3 Series returns production there after more than 20 years, and for as long as there are gas-fed models, it’ll be staying there for good. That probably also explains the Neue Klasse-fied 5 Series making an accidental cameo in a now-deleted BMW video.

When Will the U.S. Get It?

Pricing and variants have been announced for Europe, so it’s only a matter of time before the cars start appearing in showrooms there. As for North America, the specs have yet to be revealed, so it might be a longer wait. That said, it’s been estimated that the cars will land stateside by the first quarter of 2027 for the 2028 model year.

So, what to expect from the U.S. version of the 3 Series? The M350 is pretty much a sure bet at this point, although the lower models are still yet to be determined. That said, it’s likely that the entry-level model will simply be called the 330, as BMW has dropped the ‘i’ in its nomenclature. It could be joined by a plug-in hybrid, as the company promised it’s coming soon. A 330e, perhaps? We’ll be waiting for BMW USA’s official announcement for that.

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It’s been a good year for Honda, with the automaker maintaining steady sales growth in the US. The CR-V has been one of the biggest contributors to that momentum, helping the brand stay competitive in a market where demand for SUVs and electrified vehicles remains strong.

October followed pretty much the same pattern, although Honda had another reason to celebrate. American Honda recorded 119,952 vehicle sales for the month, an 8% increase from the 111,095 units sold in October 2025. That also makes it the company’s best October sales performance in six years, dating back to 2020.

The results were supported by growth in both passenger cars and light trucks, alongside record October hybrid sales. Honda’s passenger car segment increased 4.5% to 36,393 units, while truck sales climbed 9.6% to 83,559 units.

Year-to-date, American Honda has sold 1,269,213 vehicles, up 5% compared to the same period last year. That’s a decent showing heading into the final stretch of 2026.

Honda’s SUVs and Hybrids Lead the Charge

The Honda division accounted for 109,162 sales in October, representing a 9.1% increase year over year. Its biggest contributor remained the CR-V, which recorded 34,815 sales, up 9.8%. The SUV also achieved a new October sales record, with hybrid variants accounting for 53% of its sales mix.

Honda’s overall hybrid lineup also had a record month, moving 32,519 units. The CR-V Hybrid contributed 18,534 units, while the Accord Hybrid recorded 7,130 sales and the Civic Hybrid accounted for 6,433.

Other models had their share of good results. The Accord posted 15,915 sales, up 10.6%, while the HR-V reached 12,353 units, an 11% increase. The Odyssey also enjoyed a particularly good month, with sales jumping 32.2% to 7,202 units.

The Passport kept climbing with 5,419 sales, up nearly 15%. The Ridgeline wasn’t slacking either, posting 4,410 units for a 7.9% boost. And the Civic? Still a crowd favorite, racking up 17,960 sales and pushing its year-to-date total to 213,095.

Of course, not every Honda is riding the wave. The Prologue managed 1,241 sales – up 54% for October – but it’s still lagging behind last year’s pace overall. The Pilot also hit a speed bump, dropping 4.3% for the month.

Acura Sees Mixed Results Despite MDX Growth

Acura had a bit of a tougher October, with 10,790 sales – a 2.5% dip from last year. Still, the luxury arm is holding its own for 2026, with 114,458 units sold so far, up 3.7% year to date.

SUVs kept Acura in the game, with 8,694 units sold in October, up nearly 2%. The MDX stole the spotlight, jumping 54.3% to 5,232 sales. It’s already blown past its total 2025 numbers, with year-to-date sales up 28.1%.

The Acura Integra also continued to perform well, with 2,096 units sold, up 11.5% for the month and 34.4% year to date. The ADX, meanwhile, recorded 2,508 sales, bringing its year-to-date growth to 91.5%.

But it wasn’t all sunshine for Acura. The RDX took a nosedive, down 60.2% to just 954 units, and both the TLX and ZDX sat out October with zero sales.

All told, October was another win for American Honda, especially on the mainstream side. With the CR-V, hybrids, and light trucks doing the heavy lifting, Honda looks set to keep its foot on the gas as 2026 winds down.

A perfect storm of prohibitive U.S. import tariffs on China-made EVs, significant EV sales slump in the wake of the federal EV tax credit’s termination and the ban of sister brand Polestar from selling cars in the U.S. have proved devastating for the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker. As a result, Volvo is finding it really difficult to stay profitable in North America’s largest car market.

The company’s third-quarter results show that, and on the earnings call its top brass admitted that consumer optimism in the brand is at the lowest in 50 years.

Volvo Admits It Did a Poor Job of Assessing the Tariffs’ Impact on Its U.S. Unit

“U.S. has proven to be a difficult market to find profitability,” Volvo’s Chief Commercial Officer, Erik Severinson, said during the third-quarter earnings call last week, according to Automotive News. “The consumer sentiment in the U.S. […] is at a 50-year low.”

Severinson’s comments were echoed by those of CEO Hakan Samuelsson, who noted that Volvo did a poor job of assessing how tariffs would affect its business in the U.S. He said Volvo would need to “localize more in the U.S.” to address them.

Samuelsson added that Volvo is currently working on ways to deal with tariff-related shortcomings, mainly by increasing localization. Volvo also noted that it divided the U.S. market in four regions “to enable faster decision-making and improve sales.”

The fact remains that the discontinuation of its cheapest EVs in the U.S.—the EX30 and EX40—after the 2026MY, as well as the botched launch of the EX60, were bitter pills to swallow for U.S. dealers and customers. Still, Volvo has promised a new global EV that will also be sold in the U.S. from 2027 with a sub-$40,000 base price.

Increasing Production Localization Is Key to Reviving U.S. Sales

Increasing production localization of Volvo models in the United States should be a no-brainer, especially since its plant in South Carolina is currently running at just 20% of its 150,000-vehicle-a-year capacity.

The factory makes the Volvo EX90 and will soon add the XC60, its global best seller. By the end of the decade, the automaker will also build a next-generation hybrid model at the Ridgeville plant near Charleston.

The facility also assembles the Polestar 3 SUV, but production will end after the 2026 model year as Volvo’s sister brand has been banned from the U.S. market starting in 2027.

Earlier this year, Volvo Cars’ CEO said the company was willing to open up the doors of its U.S. plant to other automakers in a bid to increase production capacity at the underutilized factory.

Volvo Cars Posted a $482 Million Net Loss Globally in Q3

Globally, Volvo Cars posted a third-quarter net loss of around $482 million and an operating loss of $378 million driven by severe market contractions in China and the aforementioned headwinds in the United States. 

The Q3 results were also affected by a negative revaluation of $112 million in CAFE credits due to legislation changes in the U.S., negative raw material developments, and $92 million due to the recognition of Polestar’s losses in Q2 2026.

In the U.S., Volvo Cars sold 23,766 vehicles in the third quarter, down 8.7% year over year due to “weaker consumer sentiment, increased SUV competition and softer electrified-vehicle demand.”

The automaker said it is fast-tracking the production start of long-range plug-in hybrid versions of the XC90 and XC60. These models will start deliveries this year in Europe and in the U.S. shortly after. 

Alpina is no stranger in turning the BMW 7 Series into an absolute Autobahn stormer. It all started with the B11 3.5 from the E32 generation, along with the B11 4.0 and B12 5.0 V12 from the same era. Then there was the B12 5.7 and B12 6.0, both based on the much-loved E38 7 Series.

Alpina adopted the B7 name officially by the E65 7 Series era, and has stuck with it ever since. It’s been away for a couple of years now, and the company hasn’t laid its hands on the current-gen 7 Series just yet. Then, in a surprising move, BMW moved in to make Alpina part of its group. From there, the company promised that its first car will be a new full-sized high-performance sedan based on BMW’s flagship.

A First Look

More recently, Alpina has taken its first new model in years around the Nardo Ring for high-speed testing. The company also took a couple of pictures along the way, giving us a glimpse of what to expect. It probably won’t surprise a lot of people, though, as it looks very much like a 7 Series.

For those expecting it to look a little bit more like the stunning Vision BMW Alpina concept that was shown a couple of months ago, we’re sorry to disappoint. Still, the facelift of the large sedan has done it wonders, and we reckon some unique Alpina bits will make it look even better. So, the camoflaged car is unmistakably a 7 Series, but the wrap couldn’t hide the signature multi-spoke wheels that Alpina has had for decades, and we also see a glimpse of its Alpina Green paintwork and the four oval exhaust pipes.

The Important Bit

We already have a general idea of what it’ll look like, but the more important matter here is the engine. Alpina says it has a V8, and it’s likely to be the familiar 4.4-liter twin-turbo unit that has powered many BMW products over the years. From our understanding, it’s not aided by any electrification bits, so there’s a good chance that it’ll be a pure combustion affair.

Of course, the engine has been tuned, and at the very least, it needs to make a little bit more power over the M760. For reference, that car makes 563 hp and 553 lb-ft, so the bar is set pretty high for the Alpina. However, BMWBlog noted a little easter egg in Alpina’s teaser video. There, figures of 439 kW and 784 Nm were shown, and convert that to imperial figures, that’s 589 hp and 578 lb-ft. The publication noted that it may not be the final figure just yet, and output could actually be even higher.

Whatever the final number will be, there will be high expectations. But if there’s anyone questioning the car’s ground covering abilities, Alpina managed to max the car out beyond 186 mph (300 km/h). Speed, not Sport, says Alpina, and this potentially could be a 200 mph leather-lined boardroom on wheels.

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This year has been rough for the Toyota RAV4. After ruling the sales charts last year, the compact SUV stumbled out of the gate this year, giving the Honda CR-V a chance to snatch the crown. The problem? Not enough new RAV4s to go around, leaving eager buyers waiting and dealerships with empty lots.

But things are starting to look up for Toyota’s crowd-pleaser. October numbers reveal the RAV4 is finally clawing its way back, notching its first monthly sales bump of the year. With more cars hitting the lots, the RAV4 is regaining some lost ground, though there’s still a long road ahead before the year wraps up.

Finally Getting Back on Track

According to Automotive News, Toyota moved 39,888 RAV4s in the US this October, a modest 0.6% uptick over last year. Sure, it’s not a jaw-dropping leap, but for a model that’s been hamstrung by inventory woes all year, it’s a much-needed shot in the arm.

That boost also nudged Toyota’s overall US sales up by 5.7%, with 188,392 vehicles finding new homes in October. The RAV4 is back on top as Toyota’s best-seller, stealing the spotlight from the Camry sedan after months in second place.

Zooming out, though, the bigger picture isn’t quite as rosy. Toyota has shifted 293,552 RAV4s through October, which is still down over 26% from last year’s pace. Toyota’s been hustling to ramp up production of the new-look RAV4, now only available with electrified powertrains. With factories in Canada, Japan, and the US all pitching in, the supply situation is slowly getting better.

Hybrids Are Doing Most of the Heavy Lifting

It’s also worth peeking under the hood at the RAV4’s new powertrain game plan. Gone are the days of plain old gas engines – now it’s hybrids or plug-in hybrids, take your pick. Toyota’s October sales breakdown shows regular hybrids doing the heavy lifting, making up about 84% of RAV4 sales, while plug-in hybrids fill in the rest.

It’s a play straight out of the Camry’s playbook, which went all-hybrid last year. Toyota’s clearly doubling down on electrification, but isn’t ready to ditch tried-and-true hybrid tech just yet. In fact, about 57% of Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in October packed some kind of electrified powertrain – whether that’s a hybrid, plug-in, full EV, or even hydrogen.

Inventory is inching up, but there’s still work to do. Toyota wrapped up October with a 29-day supply overall – 31 days for light trucks, 23 for passenger cars. The catch? Over half of that stock was still on the move, not parked at dealerships yet.

The Honda CR-V Still Has the Advantage

Stacked up against the CR-V, the RAV4 actually had a better October. Honda sold just over 34,000 CR-Vs, so Toyota edged ahead for the month.

But if you look at the scoreboard for the year, Honda’s still in the lead. The CR-V is holding onto its advantage, which sets up a nail-biter finish for 2026 – especially now that Toyota seems to be sorting out its supply headaches.

The RAV4 still has a mountain to climb, and a good month doesn’t mean it’s a shoo-in for the yearly crown. But with more fresh models landing at dealerships, Toyota finally has a real shot at closing the gap. Whether that’s enough to topple the CR-V is anyone’s guess.

While corporate engineers occasionally tease official rugged concepts for auto shows, independent builders are the ones truly pushing the boundaries of this legacy platform. To make the Frontier sheet metal flow naturally, the team trimmed the A-pillars and spliced the rear doors in half, physically merging Frontier and Pathfinder styling lines. Both vehicles also share a rare Ruby Slate Pearl paint, a striking color originally reserved for the 2021 Maxima anniversary edition.

Track Weapon Meets Trail Monster

The Trackfinder is a dedicated street build engineered to dominate track days. It features a supercharged VQ40 V6 pushing 501 wheel horsepower, mated directly to a six-speed manual transmission salvaged from an older Xterra. The chassis sits low on a custom coilover suspension, rolling on 20-inch forged wheels that hide massive Z1 big brakes and breathing through a functional quad exhaust system.

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In complete contrast, the Trailfinder embraces the SUV’s traditional off-road roots by swapping in a factory VK56 V8 engine. This dirt-focused variant utilizes a heavy-duty Titan suspension swap, sitting aggressively on 35-inch Hankook mud tires and robust 17-inch steel wheels. The custom throwback graphics capture the nostalgia surrounding the brand’s recent retro design packages, delivering a capable modern off-roader with a distinct vintage aesthetic.

The Factory Should Take Notes

Executing two different interpretations of the exact same vehicle is a brilliant way to showcase Nissan’s engineering modularity. While overseas markets currently benefit from sleek, modern crossover designs, these twin SEMA builds prove the older body-on-frame American chassis remains a spectacular canvas for serious enthusiasts. The fabrication required to blend three different eras of Nissan trucks into one cohesive package is staggering.

Industry rumors strongly suggest that Nissan corporate plans to eventually split the lineup into two distinct passenger models by the end of the decade. This future strategy aims to satisfy both street-focused crossover buyers and traditional off-road enthusiasts without compromising either segment. By delivering a manual-swapped track weapon right alongside a V8-powered trail monster, Nismo Nick just beat the factory to the punch.

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The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is often touted as a budget hypercar, but perhaps this Arkansas-based dealership didn’t get the memo. The dealer reportedly placed a staggering $696,445 price tag on a 2027 Corvette ZR1X 3LZ Convertible finished in Red Mist Metallic, which is more than double the vehicle’s original sticker price.

Social media user Abomination shared photos of the car and its pricing sticker, showing a $296,445 MSRP and an additional $400,000 “Exclusive Market Value Adjustment.” The latter is attributed to limited dealer allocations, extreme exclusivity, and a hypercar demand premium. The listing states that the “market adjustments reflect authentic real-time secondary and primary market demand.”

This Chevy dealer wants $400,000 over sticker for a Zr1x lmao pic.twitter.com/bDhJKZ9iqY

— Abomination (@Abomination81) October 30, 2026

Putting Things Into Perspective

To be fair, the 3LZ is the top trim of the Corvette ZR1X. This particular example also comes with a convertible roof, which costs about $10,000 more than the coupe. Moreover, while the ZR1X isn’t a limited-production model per se, dealers have received limited allocations, making availability scarce.

Its hypercar status is also warranted, given that the vehicle has shown in different tests that it can go head-to-head with more expensive and exotic models from brands like Lamborghini. The ZR1X is the flagship model of the Corvette range, coming with a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged LT7 V8 paired with a front axle-mounted electric motor, producing a combined output of 1,250 horsepower.

However, whether the reported “Exclusive Market Value Adjustment” is justified is up for debate. At the $696,445 asking price, buyers could instead get a brand-new Ferrari 849 Testarossa at its starting MSRP and still have about $130,000 to spare.

Read the Sticker Twice

Dealer markups will likely remain a common practice, as they also help keep the lights on. That’s why buyers should understand a vehicle’s market value to negotiate better deals and avoid overpaying, especially for exclusive cars like the Corvette ZR1X that are prone to hefty premiums.

For reference, the 2027 Chevy Corvette ZR1X has a starting MSRP of $227,800 following two price hikes this year. Buyers who don’t fancy hybridization can opt for the Corvette ZR1, which uses the same twin-turbocharged V8 but without the front-mounted electric motor and all-wheel-drive system, and starts at $198,000. Budget-conscious Corvette buyers can also consider the entry-level Stingray, which starts at $71,300 but is already capable of reaching 200 mph in its base configuration, thanks to a new 6.7-liter LS6 small-block V8.

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Mazda CX-70 Sales Rise In October

Last month, sales of the Mazda CX-70 increased by 296% year-on-year. No other Mazda model saw such a big jump in sales relative to October 2025.

With 1,358 units sold in October, the CX-70 has now reached 11,044 sales in 2026 so far. Looking back even further, CX-70 sales also increased in September (+96.7%). This late-2026 surge is unexpected for a model that many people considered redundant.

The value proposition of the CX-70 was always confusing, since you could buy a CX-90 for roughly the same price and get a third seating row whenever you needed it. Not everyone needs to seat seven people, but having the option doesn’t hurt.

Like the CX-90, the CX-70 is offered with either a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six (making 280 or 340 horsepower) or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (323 horsepower). In typical Mazda style, the CX-70 handles better than most rivals and boasts a feature-rich, upscale interior. 

For now, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is still available to order via the brand’s site, but it’s expected to fall away imminently with the launch of the two-row CX-90.

Mazda Posts Second-Best October Sales Ever

Beyond the CX-70, Mazda had another strong U.S. sales month in October. It sold 31,446 vehicles, an increase of 25% and making this the automaker’s second-best October sales month ever. The standard, non-hybrid Mazda CX-90 had its best October yet, while the non-hybrid CX-50 posted its second-best October so far.

Here’s a look at October sales across the Mazda lineup.

Mazda said it planned “unprecedented” changes to its SUV range after poor sales earlier in the year, and while those have not yet taken effect, its larger SUVs have rebounded in October. Along with the CX-70, CX-90 sales also improved versus a year ago.

The Mazda 3, one of the few vehicles in its class to still offer a manual, continues to sell well despite its age, with a 145% increase across the hatchback and sedan lineup. Only the CX-30 and CX-50 registered year-on-year declines, but these were marginal.

What It Means

While Mazda will be pleased to see the CX-70 experiencing an uptick in sales, the decision has already been made to shelve the model. Besides, it’s nowhere near as popular as the CX-90, with the latter still ahead by almost 30,000 units for the year. It’s safe to say that selling both was a flawed strategy that only confused buyers, as nice as the CX-70 is. What will be more important are the major upgrades to designs, interiors, and powertrains expected at some stage; Mazda is still well short of its goal to sell 200,000 SUVs globally, and it ranks far behind models from Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota in this market.

For the first time, there is now a Jeep Wrangler with an independent front suspension. That comes in the form of the new Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept, which made its debut during SEMA 2026 in Las Vegas. The problem is that, for now, this is still a concept, and Jeep has yet to confirm whether its unusual suspension setup will make it to a regular production Wrangler.

However, Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands for Stellantis, has already floated the idea of offering independent front suspension as an option for production Wranglers. It is an interesting proposition, considering that the solid front axle has been one of the nameplate’s defining mechanical characteristics for decades.

The idea is not necessarily to replace the existing setup. Instead, Stellantis could give customers the option to choose between two different suspension configurations depending on how they intend to use their SUVs.

Kuniskis Wants to Know What Wrangler Buyers Think

As reported by The Drive, Kuniskis raised the possibility during his presentation at SEMA, asking whether independent front suspension should remain exclusive to the SRT version or become an option for all Wrangler customers. He was also quick to clarify that he wasn’t suggesting Jeep should abandon its traditional solid front axle.

“Before I start getting the hate mail, I’m not asking you to give that up, I’m asking you can you have both,” Kuniskis said.

“The bigger question is, do we leave this only for SRT, or do we make this an option for all Wrangler customers? I don’t know the answer. But I’m pretty sure in the next two or three days we are going to find out because we are going to get flooded with love mail and hate mail, and we are going to have to figure out where the tide breaks,” he added.

There’s actually some logic here. Independent front suspension lets each wheel do its own thing, which means better steering, stability, and control when you’re blasting over rough ground at speed. The solid axle, on the other hand, is still king for rock crawling thanks to its flex and old-school toughness.

A Shot Versus the Bronco

Jeep’s consideration of independent front suspension also brings up its longtime competitor, the Ford Bronco. When Ford revived the Bronco, it went with an independent front suspension paired with a solid rear axle. This gave the SUV a more modern driving character, particularly on paved roads and faster off-road sections. The Wrangler, meanwhile, retained solid axles at both ends, staying closer to its traditional off-road formula.

That difference has helped distinguish the two models, although it has also given the Bronco an advantage in certain driving situations.

Offering independent front suspension could help Jeep address some of those differences without taking away what traditional Wrangler buyers appreciate. Those who spend their weekends crawling over rocks could stick with the solid axle, while customers who prefer desert trails and faster off-road driving could opt for the independent setup.

There’s no official word yet on whether Stellantis will actually put this setup in regular Wranglers. But with Kuniskis dropping hints, it sounds like they’re at least thinking about it – and what buyers say next could tip the scales.

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Rumors about Toyota bringing back the Celica nameplate have been floating around for quite some time. If true, the Celica, which could be called the GR Celica, might slot above the GR86, potentially with an all-wheel-drive system and a turbocharged engine.

Well, that comeback may be one step closer to becoming a reality after Toyota announced a new entry in the World Rally Championship (WRC) called the GR Celica Rally1. The GR Celica will not replace the GR Yaris Rally1, but rather run alongside it. Before anything else, though, the 2027 WRC regulations allow bespoke rally designs without requiring an equivalent road car, so this shouldn’t be treated as confirmation that the Celica will return to dealership floors anytime soon.

A Road Car in the Making?

Still, fielding the GR Celica name on major rally stages could help Toyota build excitement around the nameplate. With some wishful thinking, perhaps that could eventually lead to a road-going version. After all, Gazoo Racing is now a standalone brand within Toyota, and expanding its portfolio could help it compete more effectively with the likes of Mercedes-AMG and BMW M.

For now, the Celica nameplate is returning to competitive rally racing following its successful run in the 1990s. The car helped Carlos Sainz win the Drivers’ Championship in 1990 and 1992, followed by Juha Kankkunen in 1993 and Didier Auriol in 1994.

At the time, the Lancia Delta Integrale was a dominant force in the sport, while the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was beginning to make its mark before Tommi Mäkinen won four consecutive drivers’ titles from 1996 to 1999. Toyota, however, claimed the Manufacturers’ Championship in 1999 with the Corolla WRC before leaving the sport to focus on Formula 1.

Rallying Into a New Era

For the 2027 WRC season, the new Rally1 cars, including the GR Celica, will run with sustainably fueled 1.6-liter turbocharged engines producing around 290 horsepower. The engines will be paired with four-wheel-drive systems and 5-speed sequential manual gearboxes.

The GR Celica Rally1 will be driven by Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg, and Sami Pajari under the Toyota Racing banner, while the GR Yaris Rally1 will be driven by Ott Tänak, Takamoto Katsuta, and Kalle Rovanperä under the Gazoo Racing Toyota banner. With homologation expected to be completed by the end of 2026, Toyota will reveal more details about both cars, including their liveries, ahead of the 2027 season.

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Tucson Vs. Santa Fe Sales

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While the Santa Fe set a new record for October sales, the Tucson experienced a decline. However, the Tucson remains the best-selling Hyundai model in 2026 so far.

With a huge 52% increase in sales versus October 2025, the Hyundai Santa Fe outsold its smaller sibling by just 151 units. The Santa Fe’s boxy styling, spacious interior, and punchy 277-horsepower engine appear to have found favor with American buyers. Starting at $35,300 for the 2027 model year, it’s one of the cheapest three-row crossovers on sale in the country.

The Tucson’s decline last month may be due to the fact that an all-new generation of the two-row crossover was revealed recently. Expected to go on sale in 2027, it has an entirely fresh design and a decidedly premium interior. As good as the current model still is, some buyers may have decided to wait for the new one.

The Santa Fe and Tucson have both seen a 6% increase in year-to-date sales.

Related: Hyundai Santa Fe’s Controversial Looks May Be About to Change

Hyundai Posts Record October Sales

As with Kia, its corporate sibling, Hyundai’s overall sales shattered more records in October. Hyundai sold 73,452 vehicles in the U.S. last month, an increase of 5%. Besides the Santa Fe, the Palisade also set a new October record with 10,840 units of the SUV being sold. After the Santa Fe, the fastest-growing models were the Kona (+21%), Ioniq 5 (+21%), and Elantra (+17%).

Sales of hybrid Hyundai models also set a new record, with a 20% increase. Of all Hyundais sold, 29% of them were hybrids in October. For the year, hybrid sales are up by 50% so far.

“We had our best October ever, and customers responded across our lineup,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Retail grew 9%, a clear sign that customers are choosing Hyundai, and hybrids surged 20% to account for 29% of our total sales. Santa Fe grew 52%, Kona and Ioniq 5 each grew 21%, Elantra grew 17% and Palisade grew 14%, with Santa Fe and Palisade setting October records. Whether shoppers want an SUV, a hybrid or an EV, we have something for them.”

Not every Hyundai had a great October, though. The Ioniq 9 was down to just 169 units, a 47% drop. The midsize Sonata reached sales of 3,054 units, a decline of 29%.

Related: I Drove the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy: Here’s My Honest Review

What It Means

The Hyundai Santa Fe has flown somewhat under the radar for many years. The brand’s Tucson has been a consistent sales hit, while the Palisade provides the space, power, and luxury customers love at a higher price point. However, the latest Santa Fe may just be the sweet spot in the Hyundai SUV lineup and it seems that buyers are noticing.

As a brand, Hyundai continues to have a strong year. Year-to-date sales are up by 3% and the brand is seeing high demand for electrified models. However, Kia is growing at an even faster rate (+6% YTD), suggesting that Hyundai may not be the best-selling Korean marque in the U.S. for much longer.

Related: Kia’s Telluride Is Closing In On The Sportage’s U.S. Sales Crown

This aggressive product expansion perfectly aligns with the company’s recent strategic maneuvers. Stellantis recently revived the SRT brand as a dedicated performance division overseeing direct connection and motorsports. It also proves that despite the industry’s rapid shift toward electrification and the introduction of the new twin-turbo inline-six HurriCrate engines, traditional V8 power remains a massive priority. Just like the decision to bring back the Ram HEMI V8 for traditional truck buyers, Stellantis understands that for a massive segment of American enthusiasts, nothing replaces the sound and fury of a supercharged HEMI.

A Package for Every Power Level

The new Direct Connection lineup is incredibly diverse, offering builders a clear path to exactly the amount of power they desire. The entry point is the 345 Crate HEMI, available in both Street Strip and Super Stock configurations, delivering a highly reliable 385 horsepower. Stepping up a tier, builders can opt for the naturally aspirated 392 Crate HEMI, which also features Street Strip and Super Stock variants, boasting internal upgrades like Redeye valve springs, an SRT Hellcat oil pump, and an advanced SRT oil cooler for sustained high-RPM driving.

The undisputed kings of the new lineup are the supercharged variants. Direct Connection is offering a Hellcrate Redeye 6.2L Supercharged package, but the true halo product is the monstrous Hellephant C170 6.2L Supercharged Crate HEMI. First introduced a few years ago for less than you might think, the updated Hellephant now delivers a staggering 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque when running on an E85 fuel blend, breathing through a massive 3.0L IHI supercharger.

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Plug-and-Play Performance

Every single engine package comes fully bundled with a crate engine wiring harness, a power distribution center, a flashed powertrain control module, and essential O2 sensors. Furthermore, Direct Connection explicitly designed these packages for seamless plug-and-play integration with either the Tremec manual transmission or the highly capable TorqueFlite 8HP90 automatic.

Backed by a factory three-year or 100,000-mile warranty, these comprehensive kits take the painful electrical guesswork out of high-horsepower classic restorations. While official pricing has not yet been announced, Direct Connection confirmed that all six HEMI crate engine packages will be available to purchase through the Mopar dealer network starting in the first quarter of 2027.

The last thing you’d expect from a brand-new luxury car is creaks and squeaks, but General Motors has noticed customer complaints about the Cadillac Escalade IQ and IQL. In a recent service bulletin, GM is reportedly investigating the unexpected noise on these luxury SUVs. The company has since launched an investigation into the matter, but with no clear repair protocol yet.

Preliminary Service Bulletin PIT6558 identifies that the rear upper control arm bushings of the Cadillac Escalade IQ and IQL are the possible source of the noise. The year models that were covered in the bulletin are the 2025 to 2026 model years of the Escalade IQ and 2026 Escalade IQL. Furthermore, it appears that even the 2024 to 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV are also included.

Electric Models

It may look like there is a correlation between the full-size electric SUVs and pickups at GM’s manufacturing plant, or it may just be a questionable batch of parts. In any case, these concerns involve electric GM vehicles, and the automaker has already noted customer complaints regarding the issue.

According to the report from GM Authority, “owners may hear the noise from the rear when driving over bumps or turning.” The other weird bit of info is that GM, themselves, have noted that technicians might be hard-pressed to pinpoint the exact location of the sound. It’s undetectable enough that GM even recommended using chassis ears or a PicoScope on or near the upper control arm bushing to rule the part out.

However, even if the noise is coming from the upper control arm bushing, GM technicians are advised not to replace it. Instead, GM Engineering is working on an update that will roll out soon once the corrected component(s) are available.

Safe to Drive

For now, GM states that the vehicles are safe to drive. It’s not as bad as a cracking subframe or a cabin leak, but it’s definitely annoying. At this point in time, it doesn’t appear like it’s going to be a court case, nor has the NHTSA deemed it dangerous enough to warrant an official recall yet.

GM’s warranty should cover the squeaks in due time, and the company has also advised owners not to repair or modify the suspension themselves. Owners who notice the sound can contact their nearest GM service center to determine whether the sound is coming from the upper control arm bushing.

Fat Fender Garage has made a name for itself by bringing classic trucks back to life through modern engineering, custom fabrication, and contemporary performance components. Based in Gilbert, Arizona, the company has evolved from a restoration shop into a builder and parts manufacturer that gives old American trucks a new lease on life.

Its latest creation, the GT/FX, is a good example of what the company can accomplish. Unveiled at the Meguiar’s booth during SEMA 2026, the project takes a 1956 Ford F-100 and gives it the attitude and performance of a modern performance machine.

Owner Tony Peressini waited five years for this beast, with Fat Fender Garage pouring over 15,000 hours into design, engineering, and fabrication. It’s easily the shop’s most ambitious build to date.

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An 800-HP Supercharged V8 Under the Hood

Power comes from a third-generation Ford 5.0-liter Coyote V8 fitted with a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger. The combination produces 800 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque, with a Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission handling the output.

The engine also gets custom valve covers and a Fat Fender Garage-built three-inch exhaust system featuring Borla XR-1 Raceline mufflers, JMD resonators, and electric cutouts.

Getting all that power to the ground is an FF1 Performance Coilover Chassis. The setup was engineered to give the classic pickup modern handling characteristics, with an emphasis on body control, cornering response, and stability under acceleration and braking.

Stopping power comes from six-piston Wilwood front brakes and four-piston rear units. These sit behind custom HRE wheels measuring 20 inches, wrapped in Toyo Proxes Sport 2 tires measuring 245/45R20 at the front and 315/35R20 at the rear.

The exterior receives equally extensive attention. Its all-steel body features a pancaked roof and hood, a two-inch sectioned cab, and widened front and rear fenders. Custom running boards, chin splitters, and a Ford Mustang GT350 rear diffuser add to its performance-inspired appearance.

Other details include flush-mounted glass, one-piece side windows, carbon-fiber mirrors, custom LED rear lighting, and a double-walled cargo bed with unique flares. Interestingly, the original factory grille remains, while the stainless-steel bumpers, trim, and hardware receive a Cerakote finish. Custom BASF champagne paint and racing stripes complete the look.

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A Custom Black Cabin Completes the Build

Inside, it’s all custom black everything – premium leather, bucket seats, and a leather-wrapped dash. Modern gauges, a fresh audio system, and hidden climate controls that funnel air through a single custom vent keep things slick and up to date.

Fat Fender Garage also integrated its own wiring harness, steering column kit, and air-conditioning components. Custom door actuators and a push-button tailgate release add modern convenience without taking away from the truck’s handcrafted character.

As for the price, Fat Fender Garage and the build sheet do not provide an official figure. However, Meguiar’s announcement puts the project’s reported cost at more than $1 million. Of note, Fat Fender’s Designer Series starts at $400,000 (but can exceed $600,000) – in case you want something similar to this one.

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According to the leaked timeline, both the next-generation Carnival and the all-new Sorento will enter production in 2028. This rapid development cycle proves Kia is committed to maintaining the Carnival’s status as one of the best minivans on the global market. Furthermore, replacing the Sorento quickly ensures the brand’s midsize SUV offering stays competitive against freshly redesigned rivals from Toyota, Honda, and Ford.

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Hydrogen Power and a New EV Nameplate

According to the original report detailing the leak from The Korean Car Blog, the most shocking revelation hidden within the internal document is the confirmation of a hydrogen-powered Carnival. Slated for production in 2029, this unique powertrain variant suggests Kia is actively exploring zero-emission alternatives beyond traditional battery packs for its largest passenger models.

While the hydrogen Carnival represents a fascinating engineering experiment, the document also confirms a more mainstream addition to the brand’s zero-emission lineup: the first-ever Kia EV7. While technical specifications remain strictly guarded, the EV7 name implies a midsize, three-row electric SUV positioned carefully between the compact EV6 and the flagship EV9. This strategic addition will help sustain the massive Kia hybrid boom and EV sales momentum the company continues to enjoy.

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Maintaining the Momentum

This aggressive future product strategy illustrates exactly why modern Kia vehicles are experiencing slow depreciation on the secondary market. By consistently refreshing its core lineup with advanced technology and in-demand powertrains, the brand has successfully shed its former budget-brand image, transforming into a true segment leader.

Buyers can expect the current iterations of these vehicles to remain excellent options. While the automaker recently implemented a tiny price hike for the 2027 Carnival, the popular family hauler remains an exceptional value. However, for buyers willing to wait, the leaked 2028 and 2029 product pipeline proves that Kia’s most innovative family vehicles are still on the horizon.

The Range Rover brand was once seen as a luxury reserved for the wealthy, until Jaguar Land Rover introduced the Evoque and Velar in the 2010s. These two provided alternatives for buyers who weren’t willing to spend flagship Range Rover money but still wanted to own a vehicle from the brand. The Evoque even sold 125,364 units globally in 2014, making it one of the brand’s biggest commercial successes.

But times are changing, and now, Range Rover boss Martin Limpert has confirmed to Autocar that the Evoque and Velar will be discontinued. Their production will continue into 2027, but the British luxury marque isn’t planning direct replacements. Instead, the entry-level role will be shared by the upcoming Range Rover GT and the Range Rover Sport.

A Different Kind of Growth

This is an interesting development, given that the Range Rover GT was initially announced as the fifth member of the Range Rover family, alongside the Evoque, Velar, Range Rover Sport, and flagship Range Rover. It suggests that there may have been a change of plans, which may not come as a surprise to some, as the automaker wants to prioritize profitability rather than chase sales volume.

The plan is to prioritize more expensive, higher-margin vehicles rather than sell more units. This approach could help Range Rover avoid competing directly with growing Chinese brands that have become increasingly popular in more affordable segments. Another strategy is to sell more bespoke creations, with the company saying it doesn’t see a price ceiling for these commissions.

But this upmarket push comes at the expense of the Evoque and Velar. In the U.S., the Evoque starts at $49,900, excluding destination charges, while the Velar starts at $61,600. The Range Rover GT is expected to start at £100,000 (about $135,000 at current exchange rates) as an EV. Its Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform will also accommodate a hybrid version, reportedly priced from around £90,000 ($121,000).

The New Order of Things

In the broader JLR business, the discontinuation of the Evoque and Velar could help Range Rover move even further upmarket. JLR has also repositioned Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery as distinct brands, so the latter two will continue to cater to the more attainable side of the luxury market. Jaguar, meanwhile, is rebooting as an all-electric luxury brand, starting with the Type 01.

The Range Rover and Range Rover Sport have also gained fully electric versions, though both retain the MLA-Flex platform, which supports different powertrains, including diesels.

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• NWS Pueblo now extends the advisory to Leadville and Lake County below 11,000 feet, with an additional 5 to 8 inches expected through 7 a.m. ET.
• Additional accumulations of 3 to 9 inches remain possible across the high terrain of the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges and Pikes Peak until 7 a.m. ET.
• The NWS Denver advisory covering Summit County and the Eisenhower Tunnel ends at 4 a.m. ET, while the Grand Junction advisory for Vail Pass stays in place until 7 a.m. ET.

Up to 11 inches of snow is forecast over high terrain into Thursday morning under new winter weather advisories from the National Weather Service. Forecasters expect slippery roads during the Wednesday evening commute, and when the state activates the traction law on the mountain highways covered by the advisories, every passenger car has to meet its traction requirements, either with qualifying tires or with chains or an approved alternative traction device.

Snow Totals And Timing Across Three Advisory Zones

NWS Denver has the winter weather advisory in effect from 4 p.m. ET Wednesday to 4 a.m. ET Thursday for the mountains of Summit County, the Mosquito Range, the Indian Peaks and South Park, including the Eisenhower Tunnel, Berthoud Pass, Breckenridge, Winter Park and Fairplay. Total accumulation is forecast at 3 to 10 inches, with locally higher amounts in the Mosquito Range, and the office expects slippery spots along the US 285 corridor.

Two neighboring offices run from the same hour to 7 a.m. ET Thursday. NWS Pueblo forecasts 4 to 9 inches, locally up to 11, for the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges and Pikes Peak, mostly above 11,000 feet, and says travel could be very difficult. NWS Grand Junction expects 4 to 8 inches above 10,000 feet in the Gore and Elk Mountains, covering Vail Pass, Vail and Aspen, and warns that bridges and overpasses will likely turn slick. Vail Pass remains under an advisory until 7 a.m. ET Thursday, three hours after the one covering Summit County expires.

Colorado’s Traction Law Now Covers Every Passenger Car

CDOT can activate the passenger vehicle traction law on any state highway, and on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison it applies from Sept. 1 through May 31, according to the agency. Each activation is posted on overhead message boards and the COtrip map. A new state law signed May 5 makes clear that it applies to all passenger vehicles, two-wheel drive included, not only four-wheel and all-wheel drive models, the Post Independent reports.

To comply, tires need at least 3/16 inch of tread and an all weather rating, an M+S or M/S marking, or the mountain and snowflake symbol. Cars without qualifying tires need chains or an approved alternative traction device on at least two tires, and CDOT lists the fine at $100 plus a $33 surcharge, rising to $500 plus $157 if the vehicle ends up closing a travel lane. A separate passenger vehicle chain law, which requires chains or an approved alternative traction device on every car regardless of tire type, is a last resort that CDOT last activated in March 2019. NWS Denver points drivers to cotrip.org or the 511 phone line for current road conditions.

A Closer Look At The Numbers

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From EVs to hybrids and conventional gas-powered models, Kia’s current lineup is proving to be a fine match for American tastes and budgets. In October, the brand also set new sales records for hybrids and electrified vehicles (including EVs), with hybrids alone increasing by 114%. The following Kia models achieved best-ever October sales:

• Telluride: 14,009 units
• Seltos: 8,052 units
• Carnival: 7,751 units
• K4/Forte: 11,391 units 
• Sportage: 17,977 units

In terms of year-over-year sales growth, the EV9 led the way, with sales of 1,406 units in October, an increase of 111%. In a year where total EV sales in the U.S. are down by roughly 30%, that’s a significant achievement. The new EV3 went on sale last quarter and tallied 976 sales in October, taking its total to 1,496 for the year. 

 “With six consecutive months of record-breaking sales, Kia is accelerating toward a fourth straight annual sales record, powered by the strength of our world-class model lineup and our nationwide network of retail partners,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “An expanding hybrid lineup, the arrival of the all-new, all-electric EV3, and the success of the all-new Telluride and Seltos are adding even more momentum to our growth. We’re confident this record-setting pace will carry us through the fourth quarter and well into 2027.”

Sportage Under Threat As Best-Selling Kia

One number that jumped out to us is the slim gap between the Sportage (traditionally Kia’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S.) and the Telluride in October. In October 2025, the Sportage was ahead of the Telluride by 7,486 units. That gap narrowed to only 3,968 models last month. 

This change could come down to the fact that the Sportage is deep into its current life cycle and demand has tapered off slightly, whereas the Telluride is still fresh. If the current trends continue, Kia’s best-selling model could very well be the Telluride in a few months, despite it costing thousands more than the two-row Sportage.

Final Thoughts

Kia is killing it in the United States right now. While many automakers find success in just a few segments, what’s noticeable about Kia is that it’s growing across the board. Hybrids and EVs are thriving, while buyers have expressed increasing interest in the brand’s three-row crossovers, electric SUVs, minivans, and small hatchbacks/sedans. Kia’s growth is also outpacing the industry. According to Automotive News, automakers that have reported October sales results saw an overall 8.6% increase, but Kia alone is up by almost double that, at 16%. Kia also outsold Hyundai, its corporate sibling, for the third month in 2026.

Related: Hyundai Kona Vs. Kia Seltos Sales: The Tables Have Turned

1,200-HP Megazilla 2.0 Engine Is Beefy

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Ford is quick to point out that creating Megazilla 2.0 wasn’t as simple as bolting a supercharger to Megazilla 1.0, noting that the program required developing a stronger block, a camshaft specifically designed to work with a supercharger, beefier pistons, bigger fuel injectors, a different belt drive and damper, and the Gen 6 version of Whipple’s 3.0-liter blower, with a bright blue painted cover. But an engine sitting on a stand in a SEMA hall struggles to stand out, impressive as it may be, and that’s why the Frostwarden Bronco was built. The idea was based around a Bronco used for search and rescue operations in Arctic conditions, and that means the off-roader needed more than just a glow-up under the hood.

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In association with Kincer Chassis in Tennessee, the widened Bronco was given portal gear lifts from 74Weld, custom 18-inch Weld bead-lock wheels wrapped in 42-inch BFGoodrich rubber, steel bumpers (with a winch in front), and custom Bilstein dampers. Driveline hardware was upgraded with help from Dana, and various accessories were added to the roof and tailgate, including traction board holders from RTR and extra lighting from Rigid. With a black-and-mustard theme on the exterior, the cabin was given similar treatment, along with additional carbon fiber highlights. Altogether, it looks as good as an OEM vehicle that might be offered on a dealer floor, and we quite like the dual-exit exhaust tips, but the Frostwarden, like other SEMA concepts, is not destined for series production.

Autoblog’s Take

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The Frostwarden is basically one big, expensive advertisement for Ford Racing Parts and the scope of customization open to the Blue Oval’s products, but the main focus is undoubtedly this wild new version of the Megazilla supercharged V8. While a production vehicle with such an engine may not be feasible, builds like this help enthusiasts envision what is possible in a Ford, encouraging drag racers, drifters, off-roaders, and more to explore buying a one-size-fits-all engine regardless of their specific motoring application. So what does it cost? Ford has not said, but a naturally aspirated Megazilla 1.0 starts well over $20,000, and a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger costs anything from $7,000 to $15,000, so Megazilla 2.0 will surely be in the $30k bracket.

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How The Snow-Removal System Works

The German patent was discovered by Car Moses and published on October 29, 2026. It describes a roof element with nozzles, presumably built into the area close to where a roof rail would be positioned. Air is blown through these nozzles to remove snow sitting on the vehicle, particularly in areas above or around the door opening, where snow can accumulate and fall into the interior.

A compressed air supply delivers the blast of air needed to remove the snow, but the document does not detail the pressure, flow rate, compressor type, or whether the air is heated. Heated air could partially melt the snow, but that alone wouldn’t fully alleviate the issue. A more logical expectation is that the force of the air will be sufficient to physically propel the snow off the door/roof. A simple button could be pressed to allow the snow-removal system to do its job. 

By preventing snow and liquid from entering the cabin, the invention would also have the secondary benefit of protecting electronic components and control units, which could lead to expensive repairs if damaged.

The invention would be of particular value in states where it’s legally required to clear snow from the roof, hood, trunk, windows, and windshield before driving, as in New Jersey. The Mercedes solution won’t clear snow from all these areas, but it should make at least part of the task easier.

What Mercedes Model Could Get The Tech?

Since any vehicle with this technology would need a compressed air supply, one likely candidate for the feature is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain. This luxury wagon comes with a standard air suspension, as do several other high-end Mercs. Additionally, the patent also includes a sketch of what is obviously a Mercedes wagon.

However, there’s no reason that Mercedes couldn’t install a dedicated air supply for the snow-removal nozzles, whether or not the vehicle in question has an air suspension. If the feature ever makes it to production, Mercedes may choose to bundle the option into a Winter Package. Currently, the E-Class All-Terrain can be equipped with a Winter Package for $450, which includes a heated steering wheel and heated windshield washers. The snow-removing nozzles would be a sensible addition, assuming the system can be fitted at a price that makes sense for the automaker and buyers.

Related: Maintaining your car's heating and cooling system for winter

What It Means

A patent application is no guarantee that a particular feature will make it to production. Automakers are constantly innovating behind the scenes and like to secure the rights to certain technologies, whether or not they end up being used. It’s obvious that people living in snowy states like Vermont, Alaska, and New York could benefit from the tech. Mercedes is also in a position to charge a premium for the feature, as German automakers are known to do. We’ll now have to wait and see if the innovation makes it into your next GLE SUV or S-Class sedan.

Related: Is Your Car Ready for Snow? Here’s a Winter Maintenance Checklist to Find Out

Shaq was simply passing time in the showroom alongside Mike Tyson. When O’Neal began asking about pricing, an impatient salesman completely misjudged his casual attire. The employee condescendingly called him “sonny boy” and flatly asked if the massive athlete could even afford the luxury vehicles. Insulted by the assumption, O’Neal immediately bypassed the salesman, found the manager, and purchased three V12 Phantoms on the spot.

The Packaging Problem

According to a recent report from Autoevolution, before taking immediate delivery of his newly acquired luxury trio, O’Neal had one strict mechanical demand. He required the dealership to permanently relocate the driver seats as far back as physically possible. Because standard luxury cars are rarely engineered for his massive frame, O’Neal frequently relies on extreme modifications, like when he famously stretched his Corvette to safely fit behind the steering wheel.

Unfortunately, even with the seats pushed against the rear cabin wall, the stock Rolls-Royce Phantoms still lacked sufficient headroom and legroom. As a result, the expensive sedans essentially became permanent garage art that he rarely drove. O’Neal later admitted the spiteful transaction was one of the dumbest financial decisions of his entire life, especially since the condescending salesman ultimately walked away with a massive commission check from the triple sale.

A Wild Automotive Legacy

Despite the financial misstep, O’Neal’s sprawling vehicle collection remains one of the most eccentric in the celebrity world. He eventually unloaded the three Phantoms, famously gifting one directly to teammate LeBron James, while another from that fateful afternoon is currently listed for auction on Bring a Trailer. The Hall of Famer routinely funds other ridiculous custom projects, ranging from a customized Impala jet boat to a bizarre electric salvage coupe that completely confused the automotive industry.

Beyond luxury flexes, the big man has occasionally channeled his automotive obsession into much more sentimental projects. O’Neal recently made headlines when he meticulously restored Kobe’s Cruiser to honor his legendary late teammate. While he no longer spite-buys British luxury sedans, his massive and chaotic footprint on global car culture remains entirely undeniable.

The aftermarket scene is home to builds that automakers wouldn’t otherwise create due to factors such as brand identity and development costs. The community gathers every November at the SEMA Show, showcasing unique creations that can inspire enthusiasts to push the boundaries of automotive customization.

Two Porsche 911s at this year’s SEMA Show are taking an unconventional approach with V8 engine swaps. Both builds, sponsored by Japanese oil company Eneos, depart from the 911’s traditional flat-six formula, a move that could either upset purists or leave them impressed. One is based on a 1978 911 SC and uses a Ferrari-built Maserati V8, while the other started life as a 2007 911 GT3 before receiving a GM LS2 small-block engine.

A Change of Heart

Given the use of a Ferrari-built engine, the modified 911 is nicknamed “Porrari.” The engine was sourced from a 2007 Maserati Quattroporte. Maserati and Ferrari once had a close engineering relationship, but the arrangement ended in 2023.

To make the swap possible, the builder, Jimmy Oakes, installed a custom bellhousing, clutch, and flywheel to mate the V8 with a 6-speed manual transmission from a Porsche 996. It also features individual throttle bodies adapted from an E90/E92 BMW M3’s S65 V8, a custom exhaust system, period-correct Volk Racing VRX-10 wheels, upgraded brakes, coilover suspension, and a roll cage.

On the other hand, the LS-swapped 911 was built by Faruk Kugay, who previously ran the car with a Subaru STI EJ25 flat-four engine. The latest engine was chosen for the drift-focused build, likely because the LS2 has a relatively compact pushrod design and delivers strong torque, which can be useful for maintaining wheelspin while drifting.

The engine features LS3 cylinder heads and a dry-sump lubrication system, helping maintain consistent oil delivery during the sustained lateral forces experienced while drifting. Other notable specifications include a Porsche 996 Turbo gearbox with a custom two-way limited-slip differential, a hydraulic handbrake, a Wisefab steering-angle kit, and a widebody conversion.

The Road Porsche Never Took

Porsche is no stranger to V8s, having used the engine configuration in models like the 928, Cayenne, and 918 Spyder. However, the automaker has never fitted one to a production 911, potentially due in part to packaging and cooling challenges associated with its rear-engine layout, as well as concerns over weight distribution. As such, these builds offer a glimpse of what the iconic sports car could be like with two extra cylinders thrown into the mix.

The 2026 SEMA Show runs through November 6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Last week, General Motors agreed to pay $220 million to settle allegations that it improperly sold customers’ driving behavior and location data to third-party data brokers, which subsequently passed the information to insurance companies. The controversy has put a bigger question in front of the automotive industry: How much information should automakers collect from connected vehicles, and how much control should owners have over it?

Ford, meanwhile, is making its position clear through a newly announced initiative called the Privacy Promise.

Ford Wants Customers to Have More Control Over Their Data

Ford says its Privacy Promise is intended to make the company’s commitment to protecting customer information more transparent. Alongside the announcement, the automaker launched a dedicated website explaining its privacy practices and showing customers how to adjust their vehicle data-sharing preferences.

The initiative revolves around three principles. First, Ford says privacy should be considered throughout the development of its products, covering how information is collected, used, stored, and eventually disposed of. The company also says it may use anonymization and data aggregation technologies to provide additional protection.

Second, Ford promises to ditch the legalese and actually explain what data your car is collecting and where it’s going, instead of burying it in a mountain of fine print.

The third principle puts customers in charge of their privacy choices. Ford acknowledges that connected vehicle features rely on certain information, but says owners can customize their data-sharing settings depending on which services they want to use.

One particularly relevant clarification is that Ford says it never sells information about how customers drive their vehicles to data brokers.

What Happens When You Turn Off Data Sharing?

Ford’s Privacy Promise also comes with some practical considerations. Connected vehicles can collect different types of information, including diagnostic data, driving characteristics, and location details. According to the automaker, this information helps power services such as embedded navigation, real-time traffic updates, and roadside assistance.

It also helps with troubleshooting, product tweaks, and those personalized touches. But if you’d rather keep your data to yourself, you can opt out right from your car’s screen. Just know that some features – like BlueCruise, internet access, and tracking your car with the Ford App – might stop working.

Ford says vehicles manufactured in 2018 or later should have privacy settings accessible through their infotainment screens. The company also surveyed just over 1,000 American consumers, including Ford owners and people driving other brands. The findings suggested that privacy matters to customers, but so does having the ability to adjust permissions whenever they want.

Ford has been hyping up its affordable EV truck lately. We all know it’ll be called the Fathom, and the prototype has been spotted multiple times already. Ford has even released ‘official spy shots’ of the battery-powered pickup, getting buzz going as early as now.

The Fathom is scheduled to make its world premiere during the second half of 2027, with preorders opening early next year. Ford has even launched a teaser website showing off some features that we may see in the production model.

Key Details, as Told by Ford

Per the Detroit Free Press, Ford CEO Jim Farley gave some hints on what we could expect from the Fathom. During a Wall Street analysts call, Farley said “It completely blew me away. Zero to 60 is huge … and the hands free experience was like something I’ve never experienced. Fathom is really a breakthrough product. It’s highly capable, innovative, affordable.”

Farley also reiterated the price of the Fathom, promising it’ll start under $30,000. Upon checking the teaser site, the CEO is, so far, making good on that, as the base price is currently listed at $28,350. At the very least, that’s the target base price, and that may still move up as its launch date draws closer.

Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and Ford Model e, provided even more details about the Fathom. It won’t just be sold in one trim, but rather, several will be available. For now, there’s now mention how many variants the electric pickup will have, but said “we’ll have a range that goes to the high $30,000 range. 
And we’ll have a couple different offerings within that.”

Wide Price Span

Should Ford be able to keep the promise of a sub-$30,000 base price, the Fathom will have a price spread of about $10,000. That leaves a lot of room for trims to be made, along with other options. Either way, it will be interesting to see how Ford will structure the model lineup, given that it’s gunning for EV owners looking for more utility, as well as conquest sales from hybrids and pure combustion vehicle owners. The fact that the company aims to make the entire Fathom lineup go for under $40,000 is a bold and ambitious move, but it should help the company see more success in the EV market.

Frick says they expect the Fathom “to attract new and used EV buyers, but also (gasoline) and hybrid customers, especially because we’re going to have much lower operating costs than even a mainstream hybrid vehicle.”

The pickup rides on the UEV architecture, and it’s also known as the Universal Electric Vehicle platform. It’s a clean-sheet design developed by a skunkworks team based in Long Beach, California. Ford needs the Fathom to be a great success, especially since the company invested greatly in to the new chassis. Should it be able to do that, it has the potential to spawn more models from the UEV platform, such as affordable EV crossovers and sedans, and hopefully banish memories of the F-150 Lightning’s slow sales.

The Chevrolet Trax is arriving for the 2027 model year with a mid-cycle update, adding new features inside and out while streamlining the trim range from five to three. Full specifications haven’t been disclosed yet, but apparently, the engine has been updated as well.

According to GM Authority, the upcoming Trax will retain the same 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, but will produce 140 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. That’s a three-horsepower increase over the outgoing model, while the torque figure remains unchanged. However, peak torque now arrives at 4,000 rpm instead of 2,500 rpm.

Not So Fast

Judging how the reported engine tuning changes will affect the driving experience is difficult, especially since the full torque curve isn’t available. But generally, because peak torque arrives later, the engine may need to rev higher to deliver its maximum pulling power, potentially affecting acceleration at lower speeds. If this results in gentler, less abrupt acceleration, it could improve passenger comfort, potentially a welcome change for a vehicle primarily used as a daily driver.

The Trax retains a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive across all trims. All-wheel drive remains unavailable, but on the bright side, sticking with FWD helps keep costs down.

Arguably, the reported engine changes won’t be as significant as the other updates, particularly the new connectivity features and vehicle electronics. There’s also a larger 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, updates that would likely be more meaningful to mainstream buyers. Still, some may appreciate knowing the ins and outs of the 2027 model.

Already on the Right Trax

This mid-cycle update comes at a time when the Trax is selling well in the U.S. The subcompact crossover sold 206,339 units in 2025, up 2.8% compared to the previous year and marking its best annual sales ever. It also sold 57,917 units in Q3 2026, up 16.3% year over year. As such, Chevrolet is refreshing an already popular vehicle rather than attempting to revive a struggling nameplate. With the Malibu discontinued, the Trax stands as the brand’s most affordable model.

The Trax is still sourced from General Motors’ Changwon plant in South Korea, leaving it exposed to U.S. import tariffs. The 2027 model will be offered in three trims: LT, RS, and Activ, but pricing has yet to be announced.

We want you to imagine a Rolls-Royce owner. If you pictured someone a little bit older, then we can’t blame you. The name conjures images of old-world luxury with massive estates and links to royalty. It’s either that or said owner is a captain of industry, being whisked away to important social gatherings across cities.

But while the automaker still offers traditional luxury in spades, it’s also managed to lower the average age of its buyers. As it turns out, classic luxury cars have a strong appeal for younger, affluent shoppers. The thing is, Rolls-Royce didn’t just become a brand that suddenly attracted a new era of customers, but rather, it made the effort to make it happen.

How Rolls-Royce Pulled it Off

Julian Jenkins is the director of sales and brand for Rolls-Royce, and he recently told Automotive News that the average customer is 43 years old. You read that right; it’s older millennials who are now buying these cars. Before 2010, the average age was 56 years old, so how did the brand do it?

He added that, in some markets, the brand is showing relevance among the ultra-wealthy Gen-Z crowd. “In China, for example, we have some of our youngest clients who are in their mid to late 20s,” said Jenkins. There’s no doubt that China played a part in making Rolls-Royce a ‘young’ brand.

Jenkins pointed out that the Cullinan played a key role in bringing in younger customers to the marque, but it’s not the only reason for the drop in average ages. “Black Badge, Cullinan and also some of our bespoke creations have done that,” Jenkins said, further adding that it’s the ultra-exclusive Coachbuild division models such as the Boat Tail and Droptail actually attracting a younger crowd. “Those are Rolls-Royce models that have stimulated interest,” added the executive.

More Boutique than Showroom

Rolls-Royce has since responded to the new wave of customers by transforming its showrooms. Case in point, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Beverly Hills went from merely selling cars to a place that hosts gatherings with its speakeasy-inspired lounge and bar. It’s called the Black Badge Lounge, and before anyone dismisses it as a gimmick, it’s actually become a destination for current and prospective owners. The showroom overhaul gives the client a more immersive experience.

Rival Bentley has also adapted a similar approach when it unveiled its new look for its shops. Jack Barclay Bentley in London was the first to get the boutique treatment, and like Rolls-Royce Beverly Hills, a large part of the store is dedicated as a bar that doubles as the reception area. As for Mercedes, it’s building standalone stores for the Maybach division to provide an exclusive and unique experience that’s far elevated from the usual Mercedes-Benz showroom. The aim is to make the visit feel less transactional and more warm and welcoming.

Also, Milton Pedraza, CEO of Luxury Institute, mentioned that the baby boomers who once made up a big chunk of Rolls-Royce sales are gradually fading out. Instead of simply sticking firmly to tradition, the British automaker managed to infuse its values while tailoring it to a new generation of customers. “Rolls-Royce truly is an iconic brand. It’s one of those like Hermes: It’s been around for generations and it continues to reinvent itself. Now reinventing itself into more bespoke. You pay half a million for the base and then you spend another half a million on ‘Customize it for me,'” said Pedraza.

Of course, the brand’s customers have always wanted a more bespoke vehicle, so it’s not a generational thing. The difference now is, it’s tweaked the formula and moved with the times.

What’s Wrong With Honda’s Wiper Design?

There are two separate issues with the CR-V’s wiper design, both of which have been spoken about at length on several social media forums. We also found complaints listed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

The first issue involves the placement of the wiper system spray nozzles, which are situated on the wiper arms themselves. Many owners have found that when attempting to clean the windshield, the nozzles only begin spraying water when the wiper blades are roughly halfway up the windshield. As a result, many owners have complained that it’s not possible to properly clean the windshield, particularly in snowy or icy conditions, where hood-mounted nozzles would be more practical and better able to disperse the water.

“I will die on this hill. The wipers (especially when I’m using them w/windshield wiper fluid) are my ONLY gripe about this car. The design is terrible,” said one owner on Reddit. 

“Having the windshield wiper fluid come out of the blades rather than spraying directly onto the windshield is useless as the fluid comes out while the wipers are half way up and fluid then gets pushed off the windshield and flows down the driver’s side window again affecting the driver’s visibility,” said another owner of a 2023 CR-V, who is based in Connecticut. This owner shared their experience on the NHTSA’s website.

These wiper-mounted nozzles are meant to eliminate the wind deflection or blind spots created by traditional, hood-mounted nozzles, but it appears that the current CR-V’s nozzles have not been properly engineered.

Not The CR-V’s Only Wiper Issue

The second issue involves the driver’s-side wiper, which several owners say does not reach the edge of the windshield on the left. This leaves a significant portion of the windshield covered in dirt, creating another visibility concern. Some owners say the wipers only work properly if the vehicle is in Accessory Mode, while others were told by dealerships that the gap left on the driver’s side is normal.

“While driving my 2025 Hybrid CRV with 4K miles in a light rain, the wiper stopped going all the way to the edge and now only goes 90% of the way up no matter the setting. In a heavy rain, it will go 96%, and in accessory mode it goes up 100% of the way,” said an owner of a 2025 CR-V on Reddit. Other owners in the thread reported the same issue, with many filing complaints with the NHTSA and hoping for a recall. After all, visibility-related safety defects are often considered serious enough to initiate a recall.

A video posted by another Reddit user shows that an unacceptably large portion of the CR-V’s windshield isn’t reached by the left wiper blade, with a few commenters suggesting that it’s a software issue, not a mechanical alignment problem. 

Related: How to change wiper blades and washer fluid | Autoblog Wrenched

Autoblog’s Take

Manufacturers have invested heavily in technologies that enhance driver visibility, from blind-spot monitoring systems to surround-view monitors and pedestrian detection systems. But all of that doesn’t mean much if one of the most basic safety features, the windshield wiper, doesn’t do its job properly. At the very least, the performance of the current CR-V’s windshield wipers are inconsistent from one model to the next. While no recall has been issued for this condition and windshield wiper testing does not form part of safety tests run by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, that does not mean there isn’t a genuine concern. As visibility impacts overall safety, we would like to see Honda address the concern.

Related: Honda CR-V Generations Overview: Honda’s Most Important Crossover

The Ford Ranger Raptor is the horsepower king among gas-powered midsize pickups, at least on paper, with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 producing 405 horsepower. That exceeds the 326-hp output of the 2.4-liter i-Force Max turbo hybrid powertrain in the Toyota Tacoma, America’s best-selling midsize pickup. The Nissan Frontier takes a different approach with its naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6, but the automaker is apparently exploring a more powerful formula.

At this year’s SEMA Show, Nissan has brought a new Frontier-based concept called the Ronin, which adopts twin-turbocharging hardware from one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates, the GT-R. Both may have the same displacement, but the truck retains its VQ38DD engine rather than swapping in the GT-R’s VR38DETT V6. The automaker didn’t say how much the forced induction boosted its output, but for reference, the regular model already makes 310 horsepower.

Unlocking the Potential

This concept is particularly noteworthy given that the production Frontier makes 310 horsepower across the lineup, including the off-road-focused Pro-4X. Some may argue that this is more than enough, even for off-road driving, while others may see the single-engine lineup as limiting its appeal, especially compared with the Ford Ranger, which offers multiple engine options.

Nissan paired the GT-R-derived turbocharging system with EcuTek engine management, a custom front-mounted intercooler, dual off-road air intakes, and a Nismo Off Road exhaust. The suspension also received extensive upgrades, including modified Titan components, a rear axle swap, Bilstein Black Hawk shocks, and custom racing control arms. CJD Racing’s long-travel suspension components provide a four-inch lift, a 12-inch wider track, and 14 inches of suspension travel.

Other notable modifications include a custom front fascia, grille, and bumpers; prototype Nismo Off Road fender flares and running lights; Nismo Off Road 6-inch driving lights, 4-inch A-pillar lights, rock sliders, and all-weather floor mats; custom Kinetic sport bucket seats; and a dashboard gauge pod displaying boost, oil pressure, and exhaust temperature.

A Turbocharged Tease

As a concept truck, the Frontier Ronin has no confirmed production plans, though Nissan can gather feedback that could influence future products. The automaker cites the Rock Creek lineup as an example of how previous SEMA concepts have inspired production models. So, with enough interest, the Japanese marque might consider adding a new, more powerful trim above the Pro-4X, potentially matching or even exceeding the Ranger Raptor’s horsepower on paper.

Nissan has already collaborated with Roush Performance to build a more extreme version of the Frontier called the Pro-4X R, featuring upgrades such as a two-inch suspension lift, Öhlins 2.0 off-road shocks, and 17-inch titanium-finished wheels. However, it retains the standard powertrain.

Aside from the Frontier Ronin, the automaker has brought two other concepts to the 2026 SEMA Show: the Pathfinder XE-V6 Concept, which celebrates the model’s 40th anniversary, and the Armada Jungle Patrol Concept. The event runs from November 3 to 6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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The larger DEF tank pairs directly with the new 34-gallon extended-range fuel tanks arriving across the half-ton lineup. For drivers who rely on the Duramax for heavy towing, this means stretching the distance between mandatory fill-ups and minimizing service visits for routine maintenance. This diesel upgrade arrives alongside sweeping changes to the broader engine lineup, which will also introduce larger displacement options and heftier price tags for traditional gasoline buyers.

Range vs Versatility

According to a recent report from GM Authority, GM fitting these larger fluid reservoirs forces a tough design trade-off. To squeeze both the bigger DEF and the massive 34-gallon fuel tank beneath the floorboards, engineers had to completely eliminate the rear under-seat storage bins. For years, owners have relied on these hidden compartments to securely stash expensive tools, emergency gear, and everyday items.

Losing this built-in utility confirms earlier reports that the redesigned trucks would suffer from shrinking cabin volume compared to the outgoing 2026 models. Moving forward, 2027 Silverado and Sierra owners will need to adapt. Drivers will have to depend on the redesigned front center console, stick to the standard gloveboxes, or purchase lockable aftermarket bed boxes to keep their valuables out of sight.

Range is all the Rage These Days

GM is making the right call for its core truck buyers. Customers who spend extra money on the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel care more about uninterrupted highway range and towing convenience than saving a few cubic inches of cab storage. The ability to pull heavy trailers for much longer distances without frantically hunting down a truck stop DEF pump is a massive win for both fleet operators and private owners.

While giving up the rear under-seat storage is definitely frustrating for everyday family utility, the extra fluid capacity ultimately makes the Silverado and Sierra much better workhorses. When weighed against the massive towing and range improvements arriving for the next production cycle, losing a couple of plastic storage bins is a perfectly acceptable trade-off for serious truck owners.