For over 70 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has been America’s true sports car. After all, it originally drew inspiration from Europe’s open-top sports cars and eventually evolved into what it is today. Sure, it had large V8s over the years, but it was never a muscle car, per se.

But in 2020, the Corvette shifted to a mid-engine layout, something legendary GM engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov had always wanted. But while Arkus-Duntov never saw his dream realized, the mid-engined Corvette silences anyone still doubting its sports car credibility. Countless wins in international sports car racing further solidify its lineage, and it is by far the most successful American nameplate in the world of endurance racing, having won Le Mans nine times.

The Mighty ZR1X

The ZR1X is possibly the most extreme production Corvette ever produced, at least so far. Its Twin-turbo 5.5-liter LT7 V8 is paired with an electric motor in the front axle, giving this hybrid all-wheel-drive sports car a combined output of 1,250 hp. It starts at $227,695, which is a lot, but given the performance, it’s still a relative bargain.

It’s not just a straight-line rocket, as it’s proven itself on the world’s most demanding track, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. With Drew Cattell behind the wheel, it lapped The Green Hell in 6:49.275, making it the fastest street-legal American car to do it. Its record, however, was later broken by the Mustang GTD, which completed the circuit/derestricted one-way toll road in 6:40.835.

That said, the Mustang’s record is still being debated to this day, as it was a specially prepped car that did the lap. Nonetheless, the ZR1X is absolutely no slouch, as breaking 7 minutes around the ‘Ring is no easy task. As for a rematch, we’re sorry to say that it’s not happening, folks.

No More Mustang Chasing

In an interview with GM Authority, GM Senior Vice President of Product Safety, Integration and Motorsports Ken Morris explained why the company won’t be trying to beat the Mustang’s record, nor is it interested in doing so. “So I’ll start by saying the cars we set the numbers with are exactly the cars you buy, other than we put things like racing brake fluid in, and things like that. But it’s a production car, and we put a production car time out.”

Improvements are possible, but Morris explained that the company won’t go down a rabbit hole adding mode development just to settle a grudge. He also said GM has no interest in building a car specifically for lap times that won’t benefit the customer. “You know, we’re always looking for things to improve, but it’s not like we’re gonna get into some crazy competition with stuff that doesn’t exist that we don’t sell to people,” added the executive.

Point Proven

The Mustang GTD may have posted the faster lap time on the ‘Ring, but Chevrolet is adamant it used a showroom-stock example for the ZR1X’s run. That should still count for something, and GM can be proud of its car either way.

The ZR1X has shown its capabilities through and through, from setting blistering 0-150 mph-0 times to actually beating the GTD on other race tracks. Of course, it’s been said that it could’ve gone about 10 seconds faster in the Nordschleife, but it will have to be another driver, and not GM, to prove that point.

The revival of Scout Motors is bringing significant direct industrial investment to South Carolina as preparations for vehicle production accelerate. Across the state’s Upstate region, seven key automotive suppliers are committing over $82 million in private capital to expand their existing facilities. This localized component supply network is designed to furnish vital body, chassis, and electronic parts for the brand’s upcoming electric truck and SUV lines well before full vehicle assembly officially kicks off.

Establishing a tightly integrated supply chain adjacent to the primary assembly facility represents a strategic move in modern automotive manufacturing. Sourcing heavy assemblies and subcomponents nearby drastically reduces logistics costs, minimizes vulnerability to global shipping bottlenecks, and solidifies South Carolina’s growing standing as a central hub for North American electric vehicle production.

Upstate Jobs Arrive Alongside Factory and Budget Complications

The newly announced supplier expansions will directly generate more than 200 permanent manufacturing jobs across multiple South Carolina counties. These positions range from skilled assembly technicians to component engineering roles, offering competitive wages and long-term industrial employment for local workers who are eager to participate in the region’s expanding clean-energy automotive ecosystem.

However, the rapid industrial expansion required to build out the brand’s main assembly footprint has created real friction within adjacent communities. As land acquisition progressed for the mega-site, the company’s construction footprint displaced an elderly couple who had resided on their family property for four decades. This displacement serves as a stark reminder of the human cost that often accompanies large-scale corporate development.

Beyond community challenges, financial pressures are mounting rapidly behind the scenes. Industry reports indicate that project expenditures have resulted in massive budget overruns reaching roughly one billion dollars before a single vehicle reaches consumers. To build consumer enthusiasm despite these financial strains, the company signed a major sponsorship deal, while industry insiders continue to raise concerns over potential production delays affecting the initial launch of the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV.

Early Hype Meets the Hard Realities of Assembly

Scout’s expanding footprint brings tangible economic advantages to South Carolina that cannot be overlooked. Securing 200 additional supplier jobs demonstrates that real capital is flowing into the region’s manufacturing sector. This influx builds an essential operational foundation that strengthens the local industrial economy and provides viable career opportunities for skilled regional labor.

Nevertheless, launching a new automotive brand remains a brutal operational challenge regardless of corporate backing. Between skyrocketing construction budgets, community resistance, and delicate supply timing, Scout faces a steep climb. To convert initial public enthusiasm into lasting market success, the automaker must quickly move past promotional activities and execute a seamless, on-time assembly rollout.

Green SM, the ride-hailing mobility company associated with Vietnamese automaker VinFast, officially launched its all-electric taxi service in Los Angeles on October 13, 2026. This deployment marks the first North American market entry for the mobility brand, expanding its global operational footprint to nine countries. The service exclusively utilizes a fleet of VinFast VF 8 electric sport utility vehicles to provide emissions-free transportation across the metropolitan area.

The Los Angeles launch represents a strategic effort by VinFast to establish a physical presence in a highly competitive commercial mobility sector. Green SM aims to provide transportation for daily commuting, local errands, and regional airport transfers. The company intends to continually hire local drivers and build an operational infrastructure tailored to the regional transit landscape while promoting green energy mobility solutions.

Service Features Face Challenging United States Retail Market

Residents can access the Green SM transportation service through a dedicated mobile application, a traditional telephone hotline, or standard street hailing. The company is currently offering promotional discounts to build early ridership, providing new users with half off their first five trips. Additionally, a complimentary membership gives regular commuters monthly reduced-fare transit vouchers to encourage routine use.

This commercial fleet deployment arrives at a notably challenging time for the manufacturer’s retail operations. Recent industry reports indicate that regional sales fell sharply in the United States, prompting the company to restructure its market approach. Introducing the VF 8 through a subsidized taxi service lets cautious consumers experience the vehicles without assuming the financial commitment of conventional automobile ownership.

Maintaining this international expansion is currently costing billions in operational capital, yet the automaker remains definitively committed to establishing a North American foothold. While the current taxi fleet consists entirely of midsize utility vehicles, the manufacturer also produces a tiny new EV that could potentially serve dense urban transit environments if imported for commercial dispatch.

Fleet Operations Offer Practical Strategy For Brand Exposure

Utilizing a proprietary ride-hailing service is a practical business strategy for an emerging automotive manufacturer struggling with retail consumer hesitation. By placing potential buyers in the passenger seat of a controlled VF 8, VinFast bypasses the traditional dealership test-drive process. This model creates an organic environment for public exposure, addressing the immediate corporate need for brand visibility on public California roads.

However, managing an active commercial taxi fleet introduces logistical complexities entirely distinct from standard automotive manufacturing. Green SM must consistently maintain high service standards, charging infrastructure, and reliable vehicle performance to genuinely improve broader public perception. If the Los Angeles transit deployment proves successful, it could serve as a viable template for other foreign automakers trying to enter the U.S. consumer market.

What We Know

CEO Mary Barra has mentioned to the public that the eyes-off, hands-off system remains on track, according to TIKR‘s summary of the interview. She said a recent test ride showed clear improvement since her March drive. According to GM, the debut vehicle is the electric Cadillac Escalade IQ, with other models to follow. When GM unveiled the system in October 2025, reports said it would use lidar, radar, and cameras and start on highways, including roads GM hasn’t mapped. It builds on the Cruise robotaxi work GM suspended in December 2024 after spending more than $10 billion. Barra says the focus is personal cars: “We’re not in the taxi business.”

What We Don’t

How much it will cost – GM hasn’t announced pricing, and it hasn’t said whether the feature will be standard, optional, or a subscription. TIKR, citing GM’s July earnings call, says Super Cruise subscriptions already convert 30 to 40 percent of customers after the trial period. That is secondhand, but it hints at how GM thinks about software revenue, and from what we know, GM sees subscriptions as a bigger business.

Which cars get it next? – GM’s wording is “starting with” the Escalade IQ. No other models have been named.

What “compatible conditions” means – GM says drivers can look away under those conditions, but hasn’t defined them.

Reports say human takeover is mainly needed for off-ramps. How does it compare to today? Super Cruise already lets drivers go hands-free, but drivers must watch the road. Eyes-off is the legal and safety leap, and GM hasn’t said how it will handle drivers who aren’t paying attention. From what is apparent, GM might not be able to answer these questions because the legal framework to support this technology may simply not be ready yet.

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword for autonomous driving. It is fundamentally changing how automakers manufacture vehicles globally. While software developers embraced machine learning early, the physical auto industry is catching up. Brands are leaning into algorithmic assistance to streamline production and reduce overhead costs.

This manufacturing shift is happening at breakneck speed. For example, Audi’s manufacturing strategy relies heavily on algorithms to maximize factory floor efficiency. Across the Pacific, Nissan’s production speed has increased dramatically by using intelligent robotics. American giants are also pushing the envelope, with Ford’s durable engines setting a new standard for AI-assisted longevity. While factory automation is expected, the leap into creative departments has the industry reeling.

Skoda Design Chief Sounds the Alarm on AI Renderings

Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design at VW Group’s Skoda brand, recently admitted to Auto Week that he is shocked by the capabilities of modern artificial intelligence. The days of endlessly refining digital surfaces are disappearing. Today, advanced neural networks generate flawless automotive concepts in seconds.

Neuhold explained that simple text prompts let these AI systems take a rough hand-drawn sketch and turn it into a photorealistic digital rendering. The technology computes complex lighting, realistic shadows, and proportional accuracy. While earlier versions struggled with brand logos, recent software updates have ironed out those awkward visual glitches.

This technological leap is a double-edged sword for the styling community. Because these tools let design studios work exponentially faster, automakers need fewer people to finalize exteriors. Neuhold warned this efficiency poses a genuine threat to human labor, making it difficult for young artists to break into the automotive profession.

Why Human Intuition Will Always Beat the Algorithm

Algorithms can easily spit out a perfectly proportioned crossover, but truly great cars require a soul. Iconic vehicles like the original Mustang were born from the fiery passion and gut instincts of human artists.

Computers have a hard limit on what they can synthesize without real-world emotional understanding and mechanical knowledge. We have already seen the limits of trusting software, as Ford’s veteran engineers have irreplaceable hands-on intuition that computers completely lack. If we allow artificial intelligence to dictate aesthetic direction, we risk entering a bleak era of soulless, cookie-cutter transportation appliances.

Bugatti’s La Maison Pur Sang program helps keep its special supercars alive. It lets collectors trace a car’s history, check its authenticity, and restore it to how it was meant to be. The program also offers certification and refurbishment, making sure rare Bugattis keep their story as they move from one owner to another.

The program’s latest project involves chassis 8.100 – a one-off Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse built for someone who clearly wanted to stand out at every cars and coffee. The showstopper here is the exposed, polished aluminum body. To pull this off, Bugatti had to haul in aluminum blocks that weighed as much as a small herd of elephants. Subtle, this car is not.

Over ten years after it first left the factory, this Veyron returned home. Bugatti’s team removed the aftermarket changes and got to work, bringing the car back to its original, jaw-dropping glory. They checked every detail carefully to make sure the car’s story remained complete.

Polished Aluminum Meets a Carmine Red Interior

The star of the show is this Veyron’s bodywork. Forget paint – this thing is all about raw, polished aluminum that shows off every curve and crease. Depending on the light, it can look like a mirror or a piece of modern art. Either way, you won’t mistake it for anything else on the road.

Achieving this look was no simple task. Bugatti says its designers spent a long time studying how light would reflect off the metal and how each angle would catch your eye. Only after all that did the master craftsmen step in to turn the bold idea into a real, drivable car.

Inside, there’s Carmine Red leather everywhere, clashing in the best way possible with the silver outside. There’s exposed carbon fiber, polished metal, and enough handcrafted touches to remind you this isn’t just a car – it’s a statement.

The end result is a roadster that mixes high-tech materials with show-car flair. Everything about it screams engineering on display, but with enough personality to make it feel like rolling art.

A Collector’s Prized Masterpiece

Of course, all the flash wouldn’t mean much without the firepower. Under the skin, this Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse still packs the monstrous 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16, good for 1,200 metric horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque. It’s every bit the hypercar legend you’d expect.

Bugatti isn’t saying how much the restoration cost or who the lucky new owner is. What we do know is that this one-off Veyron now lives on the French Riviera with its new caretaker.

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Almost all new cars sold in the U.S. come with some form of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), offering safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. However, these systems are far from perfect, as demonstrated by the widely reported issues involving Tesla’s Autopilot.

Now, Hyundai is facing one of the latest lawsuits involving an alleged ADAS defect. According to ClassAction.org, the Korean marque was sued over its Direct Driver Monitoring System (DDMS), which allegedly misreads drivers’ eyes and head positions, causing false warnings, sudden braking, and even the loss of certain functions like cruise control. The vehicles named in the lawsuit include the 2024–2026 Santa Fe, 2025–2026 Ioniq 5, 2025–2026 Tucson, 2025–2026 Santa Cruz, and 2026 Palisade.

Eye Spy a Problem

DDMS uses an in-cabin camera to monitor drivers’ faces and eyes to determine whether they are paying attention to the road or have become unresponsive. But because of the alleged defects, the system has reportedly become more of an inconvenience than a safety measure, with plaintiffs arguing they wouldn’t have bought or leased an affected Hyundai model, or would have paid less, had they known about the issue.

The lawsuit claims that the system, which works with the Forward Attention Warning (FAW) function, can misread drivers wearing heavy makeup or hats, moving their heads up and down, or sitting too high or too low. Factors such as sunlight reflecting off sunglasses and driving on rough roads were also mentioned in the complaint.

The plaintiffs argue that Hyundai knew about the alleged defect, citing a technical service bulletin issued in January 2025. According to the lawsuit, the automaker told service centers to explain the limitations of DDMS to customers, recommending different sunglasses or glasses and adjustments to seating positions, but didn’t offer a repair or replacement to resolve the alleged problem.

Safety Under Pressure

As the legal battle continues, Hyundai also addressed a separate Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) issue earlier this year, which could cause more than 421,000 vehicles to brake unexpectedly. These vehicles were recalled, though the problem involved the exterior-facing camera, not the driver-facing one at the center of this lawsuit.

Still, the lawsuit highlights how even modern driver-assistance systems can allegedly misinterpret driving conditions and respond incorrectly. Despite concerns about advanced safety systems taking greater control of vehicles, their adoption is becoming increasingly common. Automakers face growing pressure to improve driver-monitoring technology as safety standards become stricter, with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) factoring driver-monitoring safeguards into its ratings.

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The XC60 is easily Volvo’s best-selling model, not just annually but of all time. That said, the Swedish automaker would also like to see some of that success with its XC60-sized electric crossover, the EX60. Revealed back in January, one could say that this is possibly the most important EV that Volvo has launched, and it’s aimed at the likes of the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric.

Production kicked off in April 2026, and at the time, Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson said: “We are now focused on a steady ramp-up of high-quality EX60 production, making sure this game-changing car will be a profitable growth driver in the coming years.” Reservation bookings in the U.S. opened in May, and the first batches of orders have just started coming in.

Production Woes

Volvo’s target was to sell 7,000 EX60s in the U.S., which is a fair chunk of the brand’s annual EV sales. However, a report from Automotive News has dealers worried about 2027, as the company has faced manufacturing issues with the car. Per the story, that meant Volvo has been achieving only one-tenth of the 2,000 units per week it set for itself.

So, what’s the culprit? Apparently, megacasting is causing issues for Volvo. It’s a major blow for a crucial model, especially as the company wants to push its EVs more. GlobalData estimates have stated that only 500 cars were sold in July, and just 250 in August.

The EX60 is Volvo’s first megacasting-built car and the first to use a cell-to-body platform. Innovation has growing pains, and Volvo spokesperson Jacquelyn Johnson said that megacasting, cell-to-body, and more introduce industry-first, state-of-the-art concepts with no blueprints to copy. Therefore, the ramp-up phase takes a little longer than initially planned.”

Deliveries Pushed Back

It’s safe to say Volvo is trying its best to reach full production capacity as soon as possible. However, as the months roll by, the low supply and stock are presenting massive opportunity costs for the company. Further slowing the EX60’s progress is the reallocation of units.

Volvo will prioritize deliveries for the European market, meaning U.S. allocations won’t be high. That also means dealers won’t have much in stock, or even any at all in some locations. It’s been estimated that things will normalize by the second half of the year, which will allow the competition to welcome car buyers who had been considering an EX60. Volvo didn’t need it now, and it will have a lot of catching up to do.

The car itself is promising. There’s up to 400 miles of range, and the price premium over the XC60 isn’t too large. It starts at $58,400 for a base P6 RWD model, while the all-wheel drive P10 bumps that up to $60,750, and the Ultra goes for $66,400.

BMW iX5 Exceeds Range Estimate By Over 100 Miles

BMW completed the iX5 drive with an initial goal to reach 400 miles, but as the trip continued, it became clear that the iX5 was capable of more. The midsize SUV eventually reached 500 miles on a single charge, but it was still capable of another 50 miles. That takes the distance up to 550 miles, a full 115 miles more than the original EPA-based estimate of 435 miles. BMW Blog reported on the achievement, which was confirmed by Chris Corral on X, a BMW salesman based in Las Vegas.

BMW just drove an electric X5 500 miles on one charge.

San Francisco to Newport Beach.⁰About 50 miles still left.

BMW’s own EPA-procedure estimate is 435. Your mileage will vary, but range anxiety is shrinking.

— bmwbychris (@bmwbychris) October 15, 2026

Not much more is known about the trip or to what extent the driver was hypermiling, but the fact that the iX5 can reach over 500 miles on a single charge at all puts it in rare company. The only EV with an EPA range of over 500 miles is the Lucid Air Grand Touring, which can hit 512 miles. That’s a sleek, low-slung sedan, which gives it an aerodynamic advantage over the taller BMW.

In the electric SUV segment, the Cadillac Escalade IQ and Lucid Gravity can reach over 400 miles, but neither gets close to 500. The iX5’s direct rival, the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, only gets up to 302 miles.

Related: BMW’s Hydrogen X5 Could Fix Two Big Problems With EVs

Range Isn’t The iX5’s Only Strength

The 2027 BMW iX5 will initially launch in 60 xDrive guise at a cost of $79,800. With dual electric motors, it produces 570 horsepower and 593 lb-ft of torque combined. The 0-60 mph time is 4.4 seconds and it can go on to a top speed of 130 mph.

As an all-new model and the first-ever electric X5, the iX5 features the very best battery technologies on offer from BMW. Its 800V system enables charging speeds of up to 460 kW, allowing the huge battery to be replenished from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes. As standard, it supports AC charging at up to 15.4 kWh.

The SUV also comes with bidirectional charging capability, so it can be used as an energy source to power electrical devices or even a home, via the Vehicle-to-Home function. The Gen6 high-voltage battery features cylindrical cells, which deliver 20% greater energy density than the Gen5 with its prismatic battery cells.

Related: BMW iX3 Goes 628 Miles on One Charge, Far Beyond Its EPA Range

What It Means

We’ll now wait to see if the official EPA results get anywhere close to BMW’s 500-mile run. Even if it matches the original 435-mile claim, the iX5 will be one of the range leaders in the midsize electric SUV segment. It exceeds the range expectations Americans expect, as per a recent BMW EV study.

But the iX5’s range alone won’t dictate the model’s success. What will be more telling is how buyers respond to the vehicle’s polarizing design and spaceship-like interior, which are nothing like what we’re accustomed to from the X5 nameplate. The new iX5 will be available early in 2027.

Related: The Longest Range EVs You Can Buy in 2026

The Chery Omoda 5 is facing severe regulatory action in Malaysia after reports emerged of the crossover suffering catastrophic suspension failures under normal driving conditions. Authorities have stepped in to ground the fast-selling compact SUV after online evidence showed rear axles breaking apart. This unexpected defect has suddenly stalled the brand’s local momentum.

What began as an isolated mechanical failure has rapidly escalated into a nationwide safety intervention. The structural failures quickly caught the attention of transport regulators, who had to prioritize public safety over commercial interests. This situation has prompted an abrupt halt to the Chinese automaker’s local sales while regulators conduct a thorough investigation.

Viral Video Triggers Sweeping Regulatory Recall

According to a report from Malaysian outlet, Paultan.org, the regulatory action was triggered by a viral incident showing a relatively new Omoda 5 stranded on a busy road with its rear wheels completely detached from the chassis without any prior collision. In response, Malaysia’s Road Transport Department officially suspended the Vehicle Type Approval for the model. This strict mandate blocks any new units from legally entering the road.

Dealerships are currently prohibited from processing new registrations or delivering showroom vehicles to customers until a comprehensive technical audit completely clears the manufacturing process. Chery Auto Malaysia has publicly acknowledged the defect, initiated an immediate recall for the affected production batches, and is working directly with transport officials to replace the faulty axle components at no cost to owners.

The fallout has rippled into neighboring automotive markets, though some remain insulated from the specific manufacturing defect. Transport authorities in Singapore quickly investigated their local Omoda 5 fleet and confirmed the vehicles are unaffected because they come from a different regional supply chain. Despite this, the incident has placed heavy international scrutiny on the model’s overall production quality.

Production Flaws Highlight Market Expansion Risks

This situation serves as a stark warning regarding rapid manufacturing output. Domestic consumers eagerly await affordable EV imports to break up the monotony of high-priced local options. However, China is currently prioritizing immense export volume to offset stagnant domestic sales. This rush to ship vehicles abroad often pushes assembly-line speeds far beyond reasonable quality-assurance limits.

This aggressive global expansion is artificially supported by automakers absorbing severe financial deficits to undercut established automotive brands on sticker price. While analysts maintain that relentless buyer demand will eventually push these budget vehicles into the United States, incidents like the Malaysian recall prove a crucial point. A rock-bottom price tag simply cannot justify compromising basic structural integrity on the open highway.

GM’s L87 V8 is known as one of the most problematic modern truck engines because of its many failures, recalls, and lawsuits. Now, Dave’s Auto Center is taking another look, searching for new evidence and a possible fix.

The engine builder thinks the real culprit might be a messy combo of crankshaft surface issues and the variable-displacement oil pump. To make things even messier, he’s just found damage to yet another part, which only adds to the mystery.

In the video, the aim is to find a solution for owners whose engines do not qualify for replacement under GM’s current diagnostic rules. The investigation is still in progress, and the suggested fix has not yet been tested.

A Damaged Lifter Could Be Part of the Problem

Cracking open the engine, the builder finds a bent pushrod, a lifter that’s seen better days, and a camshaft lobe that’s clearly been through the wringer. He figures the lifter spun a full 180 degrees in its guide, probably because the plastic retainers just couldn’t keep it in line.

This opens up a new theory beyond just crankshaft and oil pressure woes. That busted lifter could have scattered metal shrapnel through the engine, which might explain the damage on the number-one main bearing.

A handful of connecting-rod bearings are polished in all the wrong places, which the builder sees as proof of metal-on-metal contact. He thinks these scars back up his theory: the oil film that’s supposed to protect the bearings and crankshaft is vanishing when it’s needed most.

Still, the teardown can’t say for sure which came first – the oiling issues or the lifter carnage – or if either one explains every L87 meltdown.

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Could Higher Oil Pressure Help Prevent Failures?

The builder’s fix? Reprogram the variable oil pump so it keeps oil pressure up, even when the engine’s just loafing along or idling. Right now, the pump drops pressure to save fuel, but he thinks that move leaves the bearings exposed.

Testing is still underway, though. The plan is to run these modified engines on a dynamometer, then take them apart to check for bearing wear and metal debris. He is also considering whether stronger lifter retainers could prevent the damage found earlier.

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New GM V8 for New Buyers

If you’re eyeing a new Silverado 1500 or Sierra 1500, GM’s rolling out its sixth-gen small-block V8s for 2027. The fresh 5.7-liter L76 and 6.6-liter L78 promise more power and new designs, but cylinder deactivation is still along for the ride.

That makes the lifter issue worth watching, but it doesn’t mean the new engines will suffer the same fate as the L87. For now, the builder’s fix is still in the experimental stage, and owners will have to wait and see if it’s a real alternative to swapping the whole engine.

Which States Could Face Heavy Snow This Winter

National Weather Service director Ken Graham says a very strong El Niño “will likely bring a southward and eastward shift to the jet stream,” and storms tend to track along it. The clearest snow signal sits over the southern Rockies. CNN notes that record warm oceans give this winter’s storms extra moisture, which raises the potential for unusually heavy mountain snow. Asked where to find a white Christmas, James Belanger, vice president of meteorology for the Weather Company, pointed to the southern Rockies. By region, the December through February precipitation outlook and private forecasts compare like this:

• Arizona and New Mexico: 40 to 50 percent odds of above normal precipitation, with neither a warm nor a cold winter favored.
• Colorado and southern Utah: a weaker signal, mostly 33 to 40 percent. AccuWeather is more bullish, according to the Associated Press, forecasting 10 to 18 days with at least 2 inches of snow in Denver against a historical average of 9, and naming Salt Lake City as the only big metro area likely to see above normal snow.
• Oklahoma and northern Texas: the same 40 to 50 percent odds as Arizona and New Mexico under a neutral temperature signal.
• Southeast: CNN reports that El Niño’s cooler, wetter pattern sets the table for snow, sleet and freezing rain when cold air arrives at the same time as a storm.

How The Outlook Has Shifted Since September

When Autoblog took a first look at El Niño’s snow outlook in early September, the Climate Prediction Center gave October through December a 69 percent chance of an El Niño stronger than any since 1950, and that figure now stands at 83 percent. Ocean temperatures in parts of the eastern equatorial Pacific have also climbed from more than 3 degrees Celsius above normal to more than 4. On the maps, September’s November through January outlook put the strongest wet signal over parts of the Southeast at more than 60 percent, and the new December through February map pushes it to 70 to 80 percent over southern Georgia and northern Florida. The Southwest and southern Rockies remain the most favored areas for snow, as they were in September, and the next set of maps arrives November 19.

East Coast Storm Risk

AccuWeather expects Chicago, Boston, New York and Philadelphia to get about half or less of their usual winter snow. Jon Gottschalck, a branch chief at the Climate Prediction Center, told CNN that some southern storms may turn northeast along the coast and bring heavy rain and snow to the big Mid-Atlantic and Northeast cities if cold air is in place. “These storms could be very strong,” he said.

AccuWeather’s lead long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok points to late January and February as the period to watch, noting that “it only takes one storm to flip the script, especially for the East Coast cities.”

What It Means For Drivers

The seasonal maps show where storms are more likely over three months, and they cannot tell drivers what a given trip will look like. A milder north still gets snowstorms. “It doesn’t erase the risk,” Graham said at the briefing. For the storms that do hit, the National Weather Service this season adds “Particularly Dangerous Situation” wording to select Blizzard and Ice Storm Warnings. It is reserved for high confidence events of historic severity.

Earlier reports claimed that Dodge cars could once again race on NASCAR tracks in 2028 or even earlier. Dodge last competed in the stock car racing series in 2012 when Brad Keselowski won the championship with Team Penske, but it looks like parent company Stellantis will throw Dodge in the stock car arena once again much sooner than anyone thought possible.

Dodge’s NASCAR Comeback Is Almost Set for the Next Daytona 500

Stellantis has already entered Ram in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series earlier this year after a 13-year hiatus and following the successful return of the Hemi V8 engine in the Ram 1500 pickup.

Dodge’s comeback to the NASCAR Cup Series seems like the next logical step. The timing aligns nicely with reports on the Dodge Charger getting a supercharged Hellcat V8 next year. Logic would have it that Dodge’s NASCAR entry will be based on the Charger Hellcat.

“It’s no secret we’re exploring the Cup Series,” Stellantis NV spokesperson Tony Sapienza said in an interview, according to the Detroit News. “Everyone said it was impossible for us to come back in 2027. So we are targeting 2028.”

But that could happen much sooner—as early as the Daytona 500 on February 21, 2027. Citing “multiple people briefed on the situation but not authorized to speak publicly,” The Athletic earlier this week reported that Dodge is putting the finishing touches on its Cup return for the 2027 season as the series’ fourth manufacturer besides Chevrolet (with the Camaro), Ford (Mustang), and Toyota (Camry).

According to the report, Dodge’s return to NASCAR would be facilitated by Kaulig Racing, the same outfit that manages the five-truck Ram Truck Series entry. The team would enter two Dodge NASCARs in the Cup Series, replacing its current two-car Chevy Camaro entry.

Chevy, Ford and Toyota Are Helping Dodge Return to NASCAR

Dodge’s NASCAR return would be timed with the return of the supercharged V8 Charger in its roadgoing Charger. Ironically, the biggest hurdle in this plan may be the racing engine. In the NASCAR Cup Series, each manufacturer uses a different engine built by engine shops, unlike the Truck Series where teams use a shared-spec V8 engine.

Designing and building an engine in such a short time span is almost impossible. But The Athletic notes that Dodge has partnered with an existing Chevrolet engine supplier—Earnhardt-Childress Racing (ECR)—to accelerate its entry into NASCAR. The only problem is that ECR is not allowed to supply Dodge with a recast Chevy engine; it must provide a powerplant with distinct technical differences to the Chevrolet-bound motor.

The arrangement has Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota’s blessing, but only as a short-term solution until Dodge finds a different engine builder. The three automakers are reportedly aware that Dodge’s entry will increase NASCAR Cup Series’ appeal, which is something they all stand to gain from.

NASCAR is America’s most-watched motorsport with a fan base of 20 million and an average TV viewership of 2.4 million per race. NASCAR has Three National Series: the top-tier Cup Series, the second-tier O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity Series), and the third-tier Craftsman Truck Series featuring pickup-style race trucks.

BMW has invested heavily in the Neue Klasse cars. It all started with the iX3, and it’s being followed through by the i3. These cars have set the blueprint for what we can expect from Munich in the coming years, and even cars that don’t utilize the platform are getting tech from its electric stablemates.

But the Neue Klasse cars didn’t just signal a new design language for the brand; rather, the tech in these will be rolled out to more models down the line. What we’re witnessing is a bit of a repeat of the Bangle era, but cranked up to 11.

Bold Range Claims

The BMW i3 made its world premiere a few months ago, and it’s been making all the right noises. Demand has been so high that the company had to open the order books early, and it looks like it’ll be a hit for BMW. But what makes the i3 attractive is its range, or at least the claimed range.

In European testing methods, the i3 can travel up to 559 miles on a single charge. Meanwhile, EPA estimates rate the electric sedan at 440 miles per full charge. By building an EV with range that rivals combustion-powered vehicles, BMW made a battery-powered vehicle that’s worth considering.

Meanwhile, in China

China has its own version of the i3, as that market prefers its cars stretched. The i3 50L debuted not long after the global version, and BMW also builds it there. More recently, the first China-produced i3s have rolled out, and BMW has an even bolder claim for it.

BMW China announced that it recently tested one of its cars, and it traveled 1,213 ‘real-world’ kilometers. In imperial units, that’s 753.7 miles on a full charge, far more than the claim in Germany. BMW China says the car was driven through a wide variety of conditions, from highways, city streets, provincial roads, and more. It adds that the car made it to its destination with 1% charge left.

Granted, that was an extreme test, and we probably would start looking for a charger once it hits 20%. That said, it’s an impressive feat, and we’ve come a long way in electric mobility. There is a bit of a disclaimer, though, as the Chinese i3 has a different battery composition from the rest of the world. Still, the i3’s range is nothing to sneeze at, and it will be interesting to see if it can do at least 400 miles once owners have it.

However, recent incidents show that even the most prestigious authorized service centers are vulnerable to catastrophic failures. In a separate incident highlighting these facility risks, emergency crews recently battled an intense dealership fire that destroyed several premium electric SUVs on a commercial lot, illustrating how quickly routine automotive operations can escalate into disasters.

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Erroneous Fluid Drain Causes Bronco Sport Engine Bay Smoke

A Tennessee woman recently shared her completely disastrous experience online following a standard oil service at Ford of Franklin. According to her detailed account, she departed the facility only to have concerned bystanders immediately flag her down because her newly serviced Bronco Sport was actively smoking and emitting visible flames.

The dealership’s service center initially diagnosed the violent jerking and thick smoke as a simple combination of overfilled engine oil and under-inflated tires. Dissatisfied with this dismissive explanation, the profoundly frustrated owner immediately sought an independent mechanical inspection to uncover the true root cause of her vehicle’s sudden, severe mechanical failure.

The secondary mechanic concluded that dealership technicians had accidentally drained the essential transmission fluid instead of the engine oil, then haphazardly added fresh oil directly on top of the old oil. This severe error caused major internal transmission damage, prompting a staggering fifteen-thousand-dollar replacement estimate. Furthermore, this vehicle model currently faces intense scrutiny due to an engine-bay wiring defect that greatly increases general combustion risks.

Manufacturers Must Enforce Stricter Service Department Quality Controls

Automotive manufacturers cannot afford to overlook the negligence that frequently occurs within their franchised dealer networks. When a loyal customer pays premium hourly rates for basic factory maintenance, destroying their vehicle’s transmission and sparking a fire is a catastrophic, entirely unacceptable breach of fundamental consumer trust.

Brand loyalty quickly evaporates when local service directors arrogantly refuse to take full accountability for egregiously careless, costly mistakes. Ford already struggles with public reliability optics, having recently launched multiple safety recall campaigns over faulty engine block heaters. Corporate leadership must aggressively mandate stricter accountability standards before these thoroughly preventable service disasters permanently erode overall consumer confidence nationwide.

The S650-generation Mustang is already shaking things up with its latest high-powered flavors. Ford rolled out a supercharged version of the pony car, but instead of dusting off the legendary GT500 badge, it went with Mustang Dark Horse SC. Turns out, that wasn’t the first name on Ford’s list.

Ford’s first idea? Call it the Mustang Dark Horse Boss. The Blue Oval even went so far as to file a trademark before deciding to steer in a different direction.

The reason behind the change was reportedly pretty straightforward – the phrase “Horse Boss” has a weird ring to it. While both words have strong connections to Mustang branding, putting them together apparently didn’t produce the result Ford wanted.

The Boss Name Has Plenty of Mustang History

Sources familiar with the issue confirmed the name change and the reason behind it with Ford Authority. Although Dark Horse Boss might sound a little awkward, the Boss name itself is an important part of Mustang history. Ford first introduced the Boss 302 and Boss 429 in 1969, giving the Mustang a pair of performance variants aimed at enthusiasts who wanted more than the standard pony car could offer.

The Boss 302 was built for Trans-Am glory, while the Boss 429 existed just so Ford could sneak its monster 429-cube V8 into NASCAR. Both cars wrote some of the wildest chapters in Mustang’s early performance saga. The Boss 302 name returned for 2012 and 2013, pairing a screaming 5.0-liter V8 with sharper suspension and track-ready bits. It was the Mustang GT’s overachieving sibling, built for drivers who wanted more bite with their bark – a distinction still present with the new Dark Horse SC.

With all that history, slapping Boss on a supercharged Mustang would have made sense. But Dark Horse is already carving out its own legend, and tacking on Boss might have just made things messier instead of cooler.

For what it’s worth, Dark Horse SC is a sensible choice. It keeps the car in the Mustang family, makes it obvious there’s a supercharger under the hood, and sidesteps any confusion about reviving an old Boss legend with all the baggage that comes with it.

Why Not Call It the GT500, Though?

The other question is why Ford didn’t simply revive the Shelby GT500 name. Previous GT500 models established a strong reputation for combining supercharged V8 power with serious performance, making the badge a natural fit for another high-output Mustang.

Turns out, money talks – well, allegedly. Slapping Shelby on the trunk reportedly costs Ford millions in licensing fees, so ditching the name gives them more control over their performance lineup and keeps a few extra bucks in the bank.

However, Ford maintained that the Dark Horse SC name firmly put the car in the Ford Racing camp, tying it to the brand’s own motorsport efforts instead of leaning on Shelby’s legacy.

Whether enthusiasts would have preferred Dark Horse Boss or GT500 is another discussion. For now, Ford has settled on Dark Horse SC, a name that communicates what the car is without forcing two familiar Mustang terms together. Considering the reported reasoning behind the original name change, the company may have made the right call.

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Overheating Seat Motors To Blame

The recall report, published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), lists the following model years as being impacted by this issue.

These are essentially the same cars, but the Hyundai Genesis was rebranded as the Genesis G80 for the 2017 model year, when the Genesis brand was separated from Hyundai in the United States. In total, the recall affects 94,622 models.

Both sedans were found to have front power seat motors that could overheat due to a stuck power seat control switch. If this occurs, it could ignite a fire, whether the car is parked or driving. 

“The front seat slider and height adjustment control switch used on non-memory power seats in the subject vehicles may become dislodged or damaged when subjected to external force(s), potentially causing the switch to remain engaged and the seat adjustment motor to operate continuously, even after the occupant exits the vehicle,” states the recall report.

Owners may notice a burning smell or an inoperative seat control switch if the problem occurs. Two fire incidents have been reported, but there have been no related injuries or crashes. 

What Owners Should Do Now

The automaker has issued an official fire risk warning for this recall, so owners with affected Genesis models are strongly advised to park outside and away from structures wherever possible. 

Owner notification letters will be mailed on December 7, 2026, and Hyundai is currently in the process of developing a remedy. When the remedy becomes available, owners will need to take their vehicle to an official Hyundai or Genesis dealer to have the car inspected and repaired, if necessary; this will be done free of charge.

Hyundai’s customer service number is 1-855-371-9460. Owners can call this number for more information using the recall numbers 308 (Hyundai recall number) or 035G (Genesis recall number). On the NHTSA’s site, owners can also check if their vehicle is part of the recall population using their vehicle identification numbers.

Hyundai Seat-Related Recalls Rise In 2026

Hyundai has experienced a strangely high number of seat-related defects/safety recalls over the course of 2026. These issues have not been related, with the most serious being a powered rear seat in the Palisade SUV that tragically trapped and killed a young child. A stop sale and recall of over 61,000 Palisade SUVs followed.

In April 2026, almost 300,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles were recalled for a seat belt fault. These cars could experience detaching seat belt anchors, which could result in an increased injury risk in a crash. In another seat belt recall, almost 50,000 Kona crossovers were recalled for failing seat belt buckles. 

Although these recalls are concerning, Hyundai maintains a generally strong safety record, with many of its models having achieved a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Related: Hyundai and Genesis Recall Nearly 300,000 Cars with a Dangerous Seat Belt Fault

Toyota brought the Crown family to the U.S. for the 2023 model year with the Crown (known as the Crown Crossover in Japan), followed by the wagon-style Crown Signia. However, two other models in the premium lineup, the Crown Sedan and Crown Sport, have yet to make their way stateside, but a recent development could change that.

Japan’s Kuruma News reported that the Crown Sport is now available in a left-hand-drive configuration for the first time. It will be sold in Taiwan, where preorders began in mid-September 2026. The report didn’t mention a possible U.S. arrival, but the new left-hand-drive version removes one obstacle to that. Of course, Toyota still has to decide whether the Crown Sport would fit into its U.S. lineup, especially since it could overlap with models like the Crown Signia and Lexus NX.

A Sporty Proposition

As its name suggests, the Crown Sport is the sportiest of the four models in the Crown family. The five-seat crossover emphasizes driving dynamics, performance, and design, with features such as a specially tuned suspension designed to provide drivers with better feedback. While the vehicle may be sporty, it is still designed with comfort and practicality in mind, distinguishing it from more performance-focused GR models like the GR Corolla while retaining the premium appeal associated with the Crown family.

Under the hood, the Crown Sport is available with two powertrain options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system making around 230 horsepower. That’s comparable to the hybrid powertrains found in the U.S.-spec Crown and Crown Signia. The other option is a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain, delivering 302 horsepower and an electric-only range of 56 miles, based on Japan’s WLTC testing cycle.

The report stated that the Crown Sport is arriving in Taiwan with a preorder price starting at NT$1.75 million (about $54,000 at current exchange rates). In Japan, where all four Crown models are sold, the Crown Sport sits in the middle of the lineup, above the entry-level Crown Crossover (simply called the Crown in the U.S.) but below the Crown Estate (U.S. Crown Signia) and Crown Sedan.

The American Equation

In the U.S., the Crown starts at $41,640, excluding destination charges, while the Crown Signia starts at $44,690. These models essentially succeeded the Avalon and Venza, respectively, targeting buyers who may want something more premium than mainstream models such as the Camry and RAV4 without opting for a Lexus.

While Toyota hasn’t commented on a potential U.S. arrival for the Crown Sport, the prospects for the Crown Sedan appear more uncertain, despite its availability in a left-hand-drive configuration in China. American buyers have increasingly shifted away from traditional luxury sedans, a trend reflected in the discontinuation of the Lexus LS after the 2026 model year.

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After about nine years of waiting, Elon Musk has finally delivered a closer look at the next-generation Tesla Roadster. First announced in 2017, the electric sports car has spent much of its life as a collection of ambitious promises, revised timelines, and occasional updates that left prospective buyers wondering when it would actually arrive.

The latest presentation offered more than another round of renderings. Tesla showed off a car equipped with technologies that would look more appropriate on an experimental aircraft than a conventional sports car, including rocket-inspired thrusters and a system designed to generate enough suction to hold the vehicle upside down à la McMurtry Spéirling.

Musk described the Roadster as a car that would be “better than a James Bond vehicle.” He also joked that the demonstration would probably work, adding that if it did not, the audience would be at a safe distance.

That comment set the tone for a showcase packed with off-the-wall engineering. But while the demos gave us plenty to gawk at, we’re still left scratching our heads about what the production car will actually deliver – or if it’ll be remotely practical for daily use.

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Performance Promises Have Changed

When Tesla first announced the Roadster, the spec sheet promised a tri-motor setup with over 7,300 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, and a top speed north of 250 mph. They even promised a 200-kWh battery and a claimed 620-mile range – numbers that would make even hypercar engineers do a double take.

The latest presentation raises the performance target further in one area. Musk now claims the Roadster can reach 60 mph in one second, potentially dipping below that mark. During the demonstration, a figure of 0.81 seconds was mentioned, although the livestream did not establish how the run was timed or verified.

Tesla also cited a top speed of 230 mph, with Musk expressing hope that the car could eventually go faster. That is notably lower than the original promise of more than 250 mph, and the company did not provide a complete updated specification sheet to explain the difference.

The Roadster’s more unusual hardware could prove just as significant as its acceleration. Tesla says its multi-mode fan system pulls air from beneath the car, generating downforce even at very low speeds. Combined with ground sealing and active aerodynamics, the setup is designed to improve traction and cornering.

The cold-gas thrusters use electrically operated actuators to make rapid adjustments that help stabilize the car during flight. Tesla’s presentation even showed the Roadster performing an airborne stunt, although such demonstrations should not be confused with verified production-car performance.

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A Minimalist Exterior Hides the Unusual Hardware

The new Roadster retains a sleek, low-slung sports-car silhouette, with a two-seat layout and sharply sculpted bodywork – far from the Roadster concept shown in 2017. Its design follows what Tesla calls a hidden-aero approach, incorporating concealed headlights, a full-width rear taillight, and flush-mounted aerodynamic elements.

Lightweight wheels with thin spokes complete the exterior, while an automatically adjusting rear wing helps manage aerodynamic performance. Tesla also highlights its Ano White finish, which it says draws inspiration from aerospace technology and offers specialized protective properties.

Inside, the company has so far revealed relatively little. The presentation identified a steer-by-wire system, which replaces a conventional mechanical steering connection with electronic controls. Tesla describes the Roadster as a driver’s car rather than an autonomous vehicle, suggesting that manual driving will remain central to its purpose.

The fan system and thrusters are positioned at the rear, according to the livestream. Their integration is central to the car’s identity, although Tesla has yet to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the production interior, controls, or standard equipment.

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Production Is Targeted for 2028 “For Real”

The biggest question is whether the Roadster will finally reach customers. Musk said production is planned for 2028 “for real,” emphasizing that the timeline is now serious. Given the project’s history, however, the date remains a target rather than a confirmed delivery schedule.

Tesla’s website also teases extra SpaceX goodies that could take the Roadster’s performance to another planet, calling it a mashup of car and rocket tech. But as usual, there’s not enough detail to know what you’ll actually get, when you’ll get it, or what the catch might be.

Pricing and the complete production specifications were also not established in the supplied presentation notes. For now, the next-generation Roadster is a more tangible proposition than it was during its long wait for a follow-up reveal. But with production still targeted for 2028, Tesla has another milestone to meet before the car becomes more than an ambitious display of engineering.

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The first to arrive was the Corvette E-Ray, which was recently replaced by the Grand Sport X for the 2027 model year, followed by the bonkers ZR1X with 1,250 horsepower. Each of these models features a front-axle electric motor for electric all-wheel-drive capability.

While the performance boost enabled by the electric motor is unquestionable and the presence of a V8 retains the Corvette’s character, the question on everyone’s lips is when GM will summon the courage to go all the way and launch a fully electric Corvette.

All-Electric Corvette Is Still Coming

Traditional Corvette enthusiasts may scoff at that possibility, but the signs are there—and have been for quite a while. Back in 2022, GM President Mark Reuss told CNBC that an all-electric Corvette would arrive at some point. Of course, the comments were made at a time when GM’s strategy was to exclusively sell electric vehicles by 2035.

Things have changed since then, with GM last year abandoning its 2035 EV-only goal. The automaker announced a new strategy relying on a diversified powertrain mix, especially gas and hybrids. But that doesn’t mean the all-electric Corvette is off the table.

GM’s Executive Chief Engineer for Global Corvette and Performance Cars, Tony Roma, told The Drive that a battery electric Corvette is inevitable in the future. “The electric cars are the end game, so someday there will be an electric Corvette, and I think that’s what Mark was trying to say,” Roma said on the latest episode of The Drivecast podcast.

The key thing here is when an all-electric Corvette will launch, but Roma was not willing to get into specifics. “Yeah, someday we will announce something to the world, but yeah, I’m not going to take anything away from Mark’s statement, it stands on its own, and someday we will fully electrify Corvette. But not today,” Roma said.

EV Version Could Launch As Part of the C9 Corvette Generation

Since the C8 Corvette is nearing the end of its career, it’s probably safe to assume that an all-electric variant will arrive as part of the next C9 generation. Production of the C8 Corvette is expected to end in late 2027-early 2028, with the all-new C9 likely to be unveiled in late 2028, with production reportedly starting sometime in 2029.

That means we could see a battery electric powertrain in the 2030 Corvette at the earliest, unless GM decides to launch the EV version further down the line.

The key thing to remember is that GM is sticking with plans to fully electrify the Corvette, one of its (if not the) most iconic models, unlike Porsche, whose CEO Michael Leiters has repeatedly dismissed the possibility of an all-electric 911, recently saying the legendary sports car “will never be fully electric.” Then again, Porsche has made a series of strategy changes over the last few years, so anything is possible at this point.

Note: All-electric Chevrolet Corvette CX Concept shown

Porsche has revealed the Mission S, a vision model that previews the next evolution of the brand’s design identity and introduces plans for a new mid-engined super sports car platform.

More importantly, this isn’t just another one-off hypercar concept. The Mission S is Porsche’s way of showing us how it plans to shake up its sports car lineup in the next few years, all under the banner of its Sportwagenschmiede (Sports car builder) ’35 strategy.

Porsche is cooking up a new mid-engined supercar platform that’ll sit above the legendary 911. Porsche boss Michael Leiters says this isn’t just a flash-in-the-pan special edition – it’s meant to be a permanent, versatile part of the lineup.

The Mission S debuted on a pier in Queens, New York – the same place the iconic 550 Spyder was photographed back in 1953. That car put Porsche on the map as a true sports car maker, so it’s a clever nod to the past as the brand looks ahead.

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Familiar Porsche Design Gets a New Interpretation

The Mission S keeps plenty of classic Porsche cues, but gives them a fresh twist with sharper proportions and sleeker surfaces. Up front, you get those signature rounded headlights, beefy fenders, a nose that hugs the ground, and a roofline you can spot from a mile away. Porsche clearly raided its own trophy cabinet for inspiration – the 911, GT1, and 959 all get a nod, with the rear end borrowing some GT1 attitude.

Thanks to its mid-engine setup, the Mission S nails those classic Porsche proportions, with the engine smack in the middle and that unmistakable flyline. Look closer, and you’ll spot an active rear wing, cooling tricks borrowed from the 917, and lightweight wheels that riff on the old-school 928’s dial design.

Porsche calls the design authentic, consistent, and timeless. Translation: they want you to know it’s a Porsche at a glance, but with enough new tricks to shape what’s coming next.

Inside, things stay pretty clean and classic. The dash and doors flow with lines straight out of the 550 Spyder and 356 playbook, while the white, grey, and red color scheme nods to Porsche’s racing roots.

A Driver-Focused Cabin and a New Platform

Porsche isn’t going screen-crazy inside, either. Instead, you get a mix of real buttons and digital displays, keeping things simple and driver-focused.

Behind the wheel, five round gauges greet you, with an old-school rev counter front and center. The layout changes with your drive mode, and the Sport Chrono setup mixes classic looks with modern tech.

Forget the usual fixed center screen or passenger display. Porsche went with a retractable MagSafe smartphone holder instead, so you can pop your phone in for navigation or info only when you actually need it.

All of this points to one thing: Porsche wants its future sports cars to keep that raw, driver-first feel, even as the tech ramps up.

For now, the Mission S is just a vision, with no specs, performance numbers, or launch date in sight. But the fact that it’s set to sit above the 911 means it’s a big clue about where Porsche’s sports car game is headed – far from the screen-heavy cars of today.

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Related: The 2027 Kia Sorento Is Still a Three-Row SUV for Under $33K

2027 Kia Sorento Hybrid Pricing and Changes

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The 2027 Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at $39,090, which is only $200 more than the 2026 version. Kia has also added a new X-Line trim. Here’s a look at pricing for the entire 2027 lineup:

• EX FWD: $39,090
• EX AWD: $40,890
• X-Line EX AWD: $43,090
• X-Line SX-Prestige AWD: $47,590

These prices exclude a destination charge of $1,495. 

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The new EX X-Line builds on the specification of the EX but adds gloss-black wheels and exterior accents, giving it a more exclusive appearance that some buyers may prefer. It also comes with machined wood inlays on the instrument panel and doors. The top X-Line SX-Prestige adds a panoramic sunroof, Bose sound system, second-row captain’s chairs, and head-up display.

Kia has added new HEV emblems to the tailgate, while Pale Gray replaces Steel Gray in the selection of exterior colors.

Nothing else has changed, so all trims still come with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 232 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque combined. Only the base trim has front-wheel drive, which allows it to hit 37 mpg combined. AWD models get 34 mpg.

Related: How Good is the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD as a Daily Family SUV? Here’s My Honest Take

Kia Sorento Hybrid Vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

While the Sorento Hybrid is much more affordable than the larger Telluride Hybrid ($46,490), it’s not the best-value three-row electrified crossover you can buy. Hyundai’s Santa Fe Hybrid was completely redesigned for the 2024 model year, and the 2027 hybrid version starts at just $36,650; that’s $2,440 less than the equivalent Sorento.

The Santa Fe Hybrid has near-identical outputs to the Kia (231 hp and 271 lb-ft) and matches its efficiency. However, the slightly larger Hyundai has more space in its rear seating rows and a larger cargo area when all three seating rows are upright. Fold all the seats down, and the Santa Fe also has more space (79.6 cubic feet to 75.5 in the Kia).

If you want features like ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, they’re more cheaply available in the Santa Fe Hybrid Limited, which costs $45,950 ($1,640 less than the equivalent Kia).

While the latest Santa Fe’s boxy look is an acquired taste, it’s more distinctive than the Sorento. All things considered, it’s the better buy between these two crossovers right now. Buyers have already picked up on this; the Santa Fe is easily outselling the Sorento in the U.S. this year.

Related: Hyundai Santa Fe Vs. Kia Sorento Sales: It’s Not Even Close

Related: BMW X3 Vs. Audi Q5 Sales: The Gap Is Getting Hard to Ignore

X5 Is Crushing Q7 In 2026

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Looking at the sales figures, it’s hard to believe these two vehicles are in the same class and from two equally prestigious brands. The BMW X5 has outsold the Audi Q7 for some time, but its lead in 2026 over the first three quarters has increased versus the same period in 2025. Here’s what the numbers look like.

For every Q7 Audi sold this year, BMW sold approximately 4.6 X5 models. The X5 is BMW’s best-selling model and saw a nearly 23% increase in sales, while Audi’s best-seller in 2026 is the Q5, at 33,509 units. The BMW X5 is now ahead of its rival by over 50,000 units, which shows that despite both vehicles showing a few wrinkles, the X5 has remained the overwhelmingly more popular model.

While the X5 is more fun to drive, its enormous sales lead is hard to explain. The outgoing Q7 is a plush, comfortable luxury SUV with an immaculate interior, but it simply hasn’t resonated with American buyers like the BMW has. 

The X5 is a key reason that BMW is on track to finish 2026 as the best-selling luxury automaker in the U.S., which would extend a seven-year streak. 

Related: All-New Audi Q7 Debuts with More Space, Better Tech, and a V8 Sibling

What’s Next For The X5 and Q7?

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The fifth-generation X5 was unveiled in June. It adopts the design featured on other Neue Klasse BMWs like the iX3, and is an entirely revolutionary step forward for the X5 nameplate. BMW went to town with the new X5’s powertrain options, as mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and hydrogen options will all be available. It features a tech-forward dashboard layout with some zany steering wheel designs, hexagonal touchscreens, and a full-width display below the windshield. If it drives as well as the outgoing model, there should be no reason that the X5’s domination won’t continue.

Also in June, Audi took the covers off the new Q7. It doesn’t offer the same powertrain diversity as the BMW and its design isn’t quite as groundbreaking, but it’s also less polarizing. V6 and V8 engines are on offer, with the latter producing 591 horsepower. The plush interior is also dominated by screens, with three of them arranged across the dashboard. Despite the arrival of the larger Q9, the Q7 is still a large and spacious SUV with three rows, and like the new X5, auto opening/closing doors are available.

Whether the Q7 has evolved enough to eat into the X5’s lead on the sales charts will become clearer over the next year or so, but the new-generation models have upped their game in a competitive segment.

Related: Audi Q7 Vs. BMW X5 Reliability: One Luxury SUV Pulls Ahead

The destroyed vehicles were predominantly Cadillac Escalade IQs, luxury electric SUVs with starting prices around $130,000. Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the initial ignition. Because electric vehicle fires require specialized containment strategies, local emergency crews were forced into a prolonged standoff to ensure the dealership and its surrounding inventory remained completely safe.

Sealed Batteries and Containment Tactics Prolong the Response

The Fort Worth Fire Department maintained a continuous presence at the dealership until 10:28 a.m. the following morning, rotating exhausted crews every two hours. Electric vehicle battery packs burn significantly hotter than traditional gasoline fires. Because battery fires require extensive monitoring, crews had to stay on the scene overnight to prevent secondary flare-ups.

The structural design of modern electric vehicles complicates the extinguishing process. The battery compartments are heavily sealed to protect the internal electrical components from daily driving conditions like rain and road debris. As first responders often note, this robust armor actively prevents cooling water from entering the pack to suppress the chemical reactions causing the thermal runaway.

To manage the situation safely, firefighters deployed specialized thermal blankets designed specifically for electric vehicle fires. These heavy-duty blankets helped contain the intense flames and radiant heat, allowing dealership employees to safely relocate the surrounding inventory away from the immediate danger zone.

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Automakers Must Address Safety Perception as EV Production Grows

This extended firefighting effort presents a challenging narrative for General Motors as it ramps up production of its flagship electric luxury vehicles. The Escalade IQ is designed to showcase the pinnacle of modern automotive engineering. When high-profile fires require 18-hour emergency responses, they highlight the unique infrastructure and safety hurdles that still accompany mass electric vehicle adoption.

General Motors is already under significant scrutiny over overall vehicle reliability. A widespread federal probe currently involves over a million vehicles due to separate braking concerns. Adding an unexplained, highly destructive dealership fire to the news cycle places additional pressure on the automaker to reassure luxury buyers that their premium investments are inherently safe.

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Legendary Toughness, Modern Hiccups 

A 1991 recall covered over 38,000 older Land Cruisers over leaking fuel tanks, with an otherwise pretty stellar reliability record. But there’s been a few recalls piling up around the hybrid generation. The current US Land Cruiser returned for the 2024 model year with a new 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid setup, rather than the V8 setup in the previous generation. 

The old V8 was thirsty but simple. The 2.4-liter turbo hybrid makes 326 hp and 465 lb-ft while returning 23 mpg combined, versus the V8’s 14 mpg. More electronics mean more places for gremlins to hide, but nobody misses the extra fuel stops of the earlier models. This isn’t the first recent recall to affect the latest Land Cruiser. Certain 2024–2025 models were included in a broader Toyota and Lexus recall involving instrument displays that could go blank, while another wide-ranging campaign addressed backup-camera malfunctions. However, those recalls affected multiple models.

The Badge Still Buys You The Reputation

The 2026 Land Cruiser 1958 started at $57,200, putting it firmly in the territory where buyers expect more than off-road capability and retro styling. Toyota’s free repair should help address the immediate problem, but the bigger test is whether the company can maintain the confidence that has made the Land Cruiser name so valuable. Owners can check their VIN through Toyota or NHTSA to find out whether their vehicle is affected.

Why BMW And Mercedes Should Care

According to a report from Bloomberg, the brand is considering launching its own vehicle-financing business in Europe, possibly starting in 2027. It’s a possibility, not a confirmed launch, and there’s no word yet on who owns it, which banks are involved, or where it would start. In Europe’s premium segment, payments and resale values often decide which badge ends up in your driveway, which is why BMW and Mercedes-Benz both run huge in-house finance arms to fund leases and loans at their dealers. A Denza version could offer loans, leasing, and other payment packages right next to the car, so you wouldn’t need to haggle with a bank at all. Whether the deals would actually be cheaper is a different question, and nothing has been announced on terms.

The Catch: Nobody Knows What A Denza Is Worth Used

Running a car bank isn’t easy. Denza would have to fund the loans, vet borrowers, absorb the ones that go bad, and predict what its cars will be worth in three years. That last part is the problem for a brand that only launched in Paris in April and has no European used-car history. Partnering with an existing lender is the easier route, and the report says no structure has been picked.

It Isn’t Starting From Zero

Denza began life as a BYD-Mercedes-Benz joint venture before BYD bought it outright. Its first models outside China are the Z9 GT electric shooting brake and the D9 plug-in hybrid minivan, and it says it will be in more than 30 European countries with over 150 outlets by the end of 2026. Chinese brands are also gaining fast: they took a record 11.7 percent of European registrations in August, up 111 percent from a year earlier. BYD alone held 3.1 percent of the EU, EFTA, and UK market, up from 1.4 percent, per ACEA data. BYD first passed Tesla in Europe in 2025, and it hasn’t slowed down.

There’s no doubt Maserati has made some of the greatest cars ever. Whether it’s exquisite grand tourers or successful race cars, the Italian automaker knows how to make anyone’s heart flutter. But throughout its 111-year history, stability hasn’t always been part of its vernacular.

Maserati is currently under the wing of Stellantis, along with 14 other brands. Sales haven’t been the best, having cratered to just 7,900 cars last year. The worst part is, 2026 is looking even more dire, so it’s no surprise that reports of the brand being let go have been persistent.

Stellantis Speaks…Again

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa recently went on record regarding the future of Maserati. Speaking to Bloomberg, Filosa answered whether the brand will be sold off with a simple “not at all.” That should also quash any notions of Chinese automakers acquiring the Italian marque.

He didn’t elaborate further, although he shot down suggestions of splitting Stellantis into two, seperating its North American and European operations. He said all are “playing a unique role,” including Maserati. Of course, it’s understandable that Maserati’s future is being questioned yet again. Beyond the sales implosion, Stellantis as a whole posted losses in 2025, so cutting unprofitable parts of the business would be a totally understandable move.

What’s Next?

There could be more Chinese input in future models, as Stellantis is intent on maximizing its partnerships in the Middle Kingdom. The company is negotiating a strategic partnership Huawei and JAC Motors to help Maserati with its turnaround. That’s on top of its current ties with Leapmotor and Dongfeng Motors.

As for new products, a report from AutoExpress claims that there will be an electric Levante coming soon, as well as a shooting brake (wagon). In a previous report, the company also stated that it would like to return to the luxury sedan market, and even said that a car is already being developed for that. A new product offensive might help Maserati achieve some stability, but it will be an uphill battle.

This news bit isn’t brought to you by Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit; it’s an official announcement from the Dubai Police. This scene looks like it comes straight out of a video game, but it’s definitely not the first time that the Dubai Police has welcomed a Lambo into its fleet.

The thing is, if your country is known for its substantial population of supercars, the last thing you want is for your police force to be outgunned and outclassed at every turn. So, congratulations to the Dubai Police for welcoming the newest member of their illustrious fleet, the Lamborghini Temerario.

Not too long ago, the Dubai Police also welcomed another Lamborghini into its fleet, the Revuelto. Other notable inclusions in recent years include a Ferrari 812 Superfast, Ferrari Purosangue, and even a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Luxury Patrol Fleet

Dubai’s Luxury Patrol Fleet isn’t just for show; it’s a collection of cars dressed in white and green, with sirens and lights, that protect and serve Dubai’s citizens. While the Lamborghini looks fast and like it can catch anyone, it also plays another role: giving the country a positive image and raising awareness.

Brigadier Saeed Al Hajri, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation at Dubai Police, said: “Our luxury patrol fleet represents an innovative approach to policing, combining an effective security presence with community and tourist engagement. These vehicles help people feel safe, showcase Dubai’s positive image to visitors worldwide, and raise awareness of police services and public safety. Above all, they reinforce our commitment to being a police force that is close to the community.”

Welcome: Temerario

Lamborghini and the Dubai Police have been partners for a while now. The Middle Eastern nation has had a knack for introducing these kinds of patrol cars for quite some time, and Lamborghini has been one of the force’s favorites for over a decade.

The Lamborghini Temerario is one of the latest and greatest from the Italian supercar maker. It features a hybrid system that’s built and tuned for performance, and it makes 920 horsepower, probably more than enough to give some ne’er-do-wells a taste of justice! The High Performance Electric Vehicle (HPEV) has a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to three electric motors, bringing it up to 62 miles per hour in just 2.7 seconds.

This new model signals a shift into a new era for Lamborghini and the Dubai Police, not just because it’s new, but because of its powertrain and cutting-edge technology.

Honda’s electric vehicle lineup is looking uncertain after the discontinuation of the Prologue, the brand’s first high-volume, mass-market EV in North America, after just over two years on sale. It also canceled three EV projects earlier this year, including one from its luxury and performance division, Acura.

But apparently, Honda is not giving up. A report from Japan’s Creative Trend stated that the automaker will unveil a new EV model by the end of the year. Dubbed the 0 Alpha, the all-electric crossover has been spotted testing in India and Japan, though heavy camouflage hides much of its design for now.

謎のテストカーを発見！

車体全体がカモフラージュされていて、サイズはRAV4くらい。

これってどこのメーカーの何という車種なんだろう？🤔

車に詳しい方、分かりますか？#テストカー #開発車両 #スクープ pic.twitter.com/uBWVlsIbJe

— MattSUN（マットサン）＠スクナファミリー (@MattSUN_mAATsun) October 10, 2026

Still Under Wraps

What the prototype couldn’t hide was its boxy proportions. They are also consistent with the 0 Alpha concept unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in October 2025, which featured an abruptly cut-off rear end. That design cue does look kind of quirky, but as with many EVs, its shape might have something to do with aerodynamics.

Honda said last year that the 0 Alpha would not make its way to the U.S. Instead, some of its technology could be used to develop an affordable EV for American buyers. But given that the U.S. EV market has significantly slowed down since the end of the $7,500 federal tax credit in September 2025, the arrival of that affordable EV remains uncertain.

So far, the production version of the 0 Alpha is expected to be sold in Japan and India, with production planned at Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, India. It is currently being tested in challenging conditions, including extreme temperatures and heavy rainfall. No technical details are available yet, so battery capacity, driving range, motor output, charging capabilities, and pricing remain undisclosed.

The Countdown Begins

Creative Trend reported that the 0 Alpha is expected to make its global debut on December 2, 2026. It will join Honda’s growing EV lineup in Japan, alongside the likes of the Super-One and Insight EV, whereas in the U.S., the discontinuation of the Prologue means the automaker will be out of the battery-electric vehicle market in the near term.

Honda’s focus right now is hybrids, even fast-tracking the launch of its next-generation hybrid models, including the CR-V. It is a similar strategy adopted by Toyota and Hyundai; the former offers the RAV4 exclusively in hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains in North America. If Honda somehow manages to deliver an affordable EV inspired by the 0 Alpha, it would likely be a welcome addition, given the affordability issues in the U.S. market.

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Ford’s luxury division isn’t exactly brimming with activity right now, save for a few updates here and there. After all, it only has three models in showrooms at the moment. But while it doesn’t have the stoutest lineup among its peers, movement and sales have been steady.

That said, Lincoln has been trimming its dealer count in recent years following consolidation efforts. So far, it’s proving to be the right move for the brand, and its finances look healthy right now.

Trimming Excess

Lincoln currently has 387 standalone stores, down from as many as 797 in 2019. Apparently, Lincoln had more dealerships than any other luxury brand in the U.S, which sounds excessive given that its behind Cadillac in terms of sales, and far away the current luxury leaders, BMW and Lexus. Sure, sales were there, but it wasn’t exactly the leanest operation.

These days, it’s quality over quantity, but Automotive News reports that executives want to cut down the number of stores even more. The target? Less than 300 stores by the end of 2027.

Less is More

The massive reduction of stores has done Lincoln well, particularly for the remaining dealers. Per the report, the remaining locations have higher throughput, meaning more deals are being closed. In addition, profitability is up, even as sales are down 12% year-on-year in 2026 so far.

“We’re much better when we take a look at the health of the dealer network; their throughput has increased tremendously. It’s really important to have that healthy network that allows those stores to reinvest back into the client experience,” said Shawn McDermott, director of the U.S. Lincoln retail network, to Automotive News.

Right now, Lincoln is speaking to more dealers to let go of their franchises for it to reach its goal of fewer than 300 stores by the end of 2027. Of course, that won’t be easy, but the company won’t be forcing those who still want to keep their facilities.

2027 Might be Even Better

The primary reason why sales slid this year is because of the Corsair’s absence in the lineup. The Corsair was dropped from the range as the plant that assembled it (the Louisville assembly plant) is being retooled for EVs. That led to the discontinuation of the Ford Escape and the temporary stoppage of Corsair sales in North America.

Unlike the Escape, the Corsair will be back in 2027, but this time, it’ll come from China as a hybrid-only model. Its comeback should help the brand claw back the sales it lost during the model’s hiatus. Given that profits are healthier even without it, the Corsair’s return could signal even greater returns.

Earlier this year, Honda recalled over one million vehicles over defective tire repair kits that could injure users. The remedy involved replacing either the tire repair kit nozzle or the sealant bottle, but apparently, this issue isn’t over. Nearly 5,000 previously repaired vehicles are being recalled again because defective components were mistakenly shipped as replacement parts.

The recall population under NHTSA 26V663 includes one 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV (hydrogen), 2,745 2023–2026 CR-V Hybrids, and 2,058 2023–2026 Accord Hybrids. The issue stems from a nozzle with a one-way valve that, if improperly connected to the tire valve, could allow pressure to build within the sealant bottle. If the pressure relief valve fails, excessive pressure could cause the bottle cap to detach, increasing the risk of injury.

No Spare Plan

Looking at the recall population, all affected vehicles are electrified. However, that doesn’t mean they have powertrain issues; rather, they come from the factory with tire repair kits instead of the spare tires available in conventional gas models. Possible explanations include the need for additional space to accommodate electrified powertrain components, such as batteries, and weight savings, as tire repair kits are lighter than spare tires.

Whatever the case may be, affected owners will have to make another visit to the dealership for the remedy, which consists of inspecting and replacing the tire repair kit nozzle, if necessary. Honda estimates that only 1% of the recall population has the defect.

It is worth noting that this recall isn’t addressing a new design flaw, but rather a supplier mix-up. The safety campaign states that the supplier did not implement adequate change-point management, resulting in older defective parts being mixed with redesigned components and mistakenly shipped. So far, though, the Japanese marque is not aware of any warranty claims or reports of injury or death related to this latest issue.

The Recall Scoreboard

Honda will start notifying affected owners on November 16, 2026.

This year, Honda has issued 14 recalls, including those involving motorcycles, and one affecting over 880,000 Pilot, Ridgeline, Passport, and Acura MDX vehicles over a rear suspension defect. That’s fewer than fellow Asian rivals Toyota, with 25 recalls, and Hyundai, with 19. Ford continues to lead the unwanted list with 78 recalls, followed by Stellantis and General Motors with 38 and 25 recalls, respectively.

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The next-generation Toyota Corolla is coming soon, and there are already some interesting rumors ahead of its expected 2027 launch. While people are talking about a new design and hybrid system, the main news is about the technology inside. Toyota plans to use a four-domain electronic system that could allow the Corolla to work with many different types of engines.

According to reports out of Japan, the new Corolla will split its electronic guts into four separate groups. That’s a big departure from the playbook of Tesla and most Chinese EVs, where everything gets crammed into a handful of supercomputers running the whole show.

Four Domains Could Give Toyota More Flexibility

According to Nikkei CrossTech, the Corolla’s new system will be divided into four areas: driver-assist technology, motion control, cockpit features, and body electronics. This means that things like crash-avoidance, braking, infotainment, power windows, and headlights will each have their own dedicated systems.

Each of these areas will reportedly have its own controller, allowing Toyota to adjust them as needed. The main advantage is flexibility. Instead of redesigning the entire system for each new engine or electric vehicle, Toyota can simply update the motion-control part to match the engine type.

This is important because Toyota is not focusing only on electric vehicles. With this flexible system, the Corolla could use a traditional gas engine, a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or a fully electric setup, with the automaker having the capability to easily switch between them.

Splitting things up like this also helps with safety. If your radio glitches out, it’s not going to mess with your brakes or driver-assist tech. Keeping these systems in their own lanes makes it easier to spot problems and keep everything up to code. Over-the-air software updates are another potential benefit, allowing certain vehicle functions to receive improvements after purchase.

However, there are some drawbacks. Using four domains means more wiring, heavier harnesses, and extra control units compared to centralized electronic systems. Also, having several powerful controllers does not help reduce hardware costs.

What Else We Know About the Next Corolla

The next Corolla is expected to arrive in 2027, with the sedan likely coming first. It will probably have a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and there will also be a hybrid version. Some reports mention a possible 70 mpg for the hybrid, but this has not been confirmed by Toyota.

For now, Toyota has not shared many details, so the specifications and timing may still change. However, this four-domain system seems like a smart choice, as it allows Toyota to create different versions of the Corolla without starting from scratch each time.

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The Nissan Altima might be showing its age, but the automaker isn’t ready to pull the plug just yet. The 2027 model is official, with the nameplate sticking around for another lap – though the trim lineup is now even simpler, and the price tag has crept up a bit.

This time around, the choices are down to SV and SR – front-wheel drive comes standard, and if you want all-wheel drive, you’ll need to spring for the SR. The SV Special Edition and SR Midnight Edition have quietly left the building.

The 2027 Altima now starts at $27,790, plus a $1,275 destination fee. That’s a slight bump, but it keeps the Altima in familiar territory – just with fewer trim flavors to choose from.

What’s New for 2027? Not Much, Really

If you were expecting major updates, you will have to wait. The Altima still uses the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and Xtronic CVT. The power remains unchanged: 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque for front-wheel drive, or 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft for all-wheel drive.

Fuel economy is still decent for a good old gas-powered sedan: up to 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway for front-wheel drive, or 25/33 mpg if you opt for all-wheel drive.

The SV keeps it simple: 17-inch alloys, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and those Zero Gravity seats. The SR gets you a sportier look, 19-inch wheels, a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless phone integration, paddle shifters, and a sport-tuned suspension if you stick with front-wheel drive.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is still standard, so you get all the usual driver-assist goodies: automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear auto braking, and lane-departure warning. If you want ProPILOT Assist, it’s still an option on the SV.

Getting Ready to Leave the Lineup

The 2027 Altima is already on sale in the US, giving sedan fans one more choice while the rest of the industry chases after crossovers and SUVs.

But the Altima’s days look numbered. Nissan has confirmed it’s preparing to pull the plug as part of a bigger lineup shakeup, so the 2027 model could be one of the last chances to grab on.

Notably, Altima sales are declining. Nissan sold 56,424 units in the US through September, which is a 26% decrease from last year. The Altima remains a well-known midsize sedan, but the lower sales numbers show why Nissan may be considering discontinuing it.

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Speaking to Autoblog at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Alfa Romeo Head of Products Daniele Chiari criticised the direction of modern automotive interior design and explained how the brand intends to break away from the competition. More importantly, he revealed that some of the technology previewed by the new Cuorerosso concept will make its way into future production cars.

“What we want to do is to detox our interior,” Chiari revealed, pointing to the increasingly repetitive designs emerging across the industry. “All of them have a small screen, big screen, two cup holders, and a flat console. That’s it.”

Related: Alfa Romeo’s Next SUV Could Come To America After All

Alfa Romeo Wants To Stop Following The Competition

Chiari was particularly critical of European automakers following the same approach as Chinese manufacturers, arguing that competing on their terms would make it difficult for established European brands to stand out.

“If we follow China on what they are doing, probably the European industry cannot win at the end because they are so powerful,” he explained, adding that “we need to invent something different.”

It’s an interesting position for a company owned by Stellantis, which shares platforms and technology across numerous brands. But Chiari believes Alfa Romeo needs to preserve its identity, particularly through the driver’s interaction with the vehicle.

The comments come as the industry begins questioning its reliance on touchscreens. Several manufacturers have started reconsidering physical controls after years of replacing conventional buttons and switches with touchscreen menus. For Alfa Romeo, however, the objective isn’t simply to reinstall a few buttons. Chiari wants to rethink how information and controls are presented to the driver.

Alfa Romeo’s Screens Could Disappear When Not Needed

The newly revealed Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso concept provides a glimpse of that thinking. One of its most distinctive features is the Cannocchiale Vivente instrument cluster, which reimagines the traditional twin-dial arrangement found in Alfa Romeo vehicles. In normal driving, the two displays remain separate, but during more enthusiastic driving, they physically move together to form a single instrument.

Chiari explained that the idea is to show drivers only the information they actually need when concentrating on driving. The center console takes an equally unconventional approach. Called the Magma Display, it integrates digital information into the console’s surface rather than placing a conventional tablet-style screen above the dashboard.

When the vehicle is switched off, the display effectively disappears into the surrounding material. Switch it on, and information becomes visible through the surface. Importantly, Alfa Romeo isn’t abandoning touchscreens entirely. According to the company’s official announcement, the Magma Display combines a digital touch surface with a rotary dial, drive-mode selector, and physical toggle switches.

Chiari also emphasised the importance of giving customers physical controls, describing the desire for precise knobs and tactile switches as part of Alfa Romeo’s future interior philosophy.

This Isn’t Just Concept-Car Technology

Perhaps the most interesting revelation from our conversation was Chiari’s confirmation that Alfa Romeo doesn’t intend to leave all these ideas on the motor show stand. He explained that the Cuorerosso wasn’t developed solely as a design study, but also as a collection of technologies and features that could eventually appear in series-production vehicles. Discussing the center-console technology, Chiari told us: “This will see the light in one of our future cars.”

He subsequently discussed Alfa Romeo’s upcoming hatchback, suggesting it could be a possible recipient of the new interior approach. However, he stopped short of confirming exactly which features would reach that model or when they would arrive.

The Cuorerosso itself isn’t destined for production, although Chiari hinted that with enough interest it might arrive in limited numbers, and Alfa Romeo hasn’t committed to bringing its more radical features, including the moving instrument cluster, into showrooms. Nevertheless, Chiari’s comments suggest a clear change in direction. Rather than adding bigger screens and eliminating more buttons, Alfa Romeo wants future interiors to deliver something increasingly rare in modern cars: a driving experience that feels genuinely different.

The M2 Turbo Edition Is A Tribute To 1974

The styling is a love letter to the 2002 Turbo, the first European production car with a turbo engine. Paint is Alpine White only, with hand-painted M stripes, a black power dome on the hood, and a reversed “turbo” script, meant to be read the right way in a rearview mirror. There’s a carbon fiber roof and spoiler, with gold-bronze forged wheels (19 inches in front, 20 inches at the rear) on the options list. Inside, there are carbon bucket seats, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and that historic turbo badge on the cupholder cover. There’s no visual separation on the xDrive car, though, apart from the missing clutch pedal and 6-speed shifter. 

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Americans Can’t Have The Special That Makes More Sense 

Considering the M2 Turbo began life as a US-only edition, with a 30-unit run for Mexico later, the fact that America gets the stick while India gets the grip is ironic. Buyers in snowy states would probably happily give up the manual shifter for the xDrive traction. All M2 models with the 8-speed automatic also get a 37 lb-ft bump in torque to 442 lb-ft, which, when combined with the quicker-shifting gearbox, helps explain the quicker 0-62 mph times.

Pricing for the M2 Turbo AWD hasn’t been announced in its target market yet. Base pricing for the M2 Turbo in the US is around $84,000, a $15k markup on a base M2. Meanwhile, ticking everything on the options list bloats that to around $96,000, with some examples trading for well above that. Whether this India-only model will have the same cachet remains to be seen.

Automakers like Volkswagen recently released their Q3 2026 U.S. sales reports, and the numbers clearly reflect the decline in EV demand. This downward trend has continued since the expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit in September 2025, with more American buyers turning to hybrids instead.

At the same time, a study from iSeeCars projects that 2026 will have the slowest EV charger growth rate since 2011, at just 15.5%, following more than a decade when annual growth mostly exceeded 30%. That means the total number of chargers is projected to increase from 259,555 in 2025 to 299,798 in 2026. The EV situation in the U.S. looks uncertain, especially now that the Trump administration has rolled back EV-friendly policies.

But thanks to this study, prospective EV buyers and owners can see which metro areas are the most and least EV-friendly in terms of charging access. It can help them gauge how accessible public charging is in their area and whether owning an EV would be practical.

The Power Rankings

Los Angeles (CA) leads the list with the most EV chargers at 36,318, which iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer partly attributes to California’s “EV-friendly weather and tech-oriented communities.” San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose (CA) ranks second with 22,430 chargers, followed by New York (NY) with 19,036, Boston (MA)-Manchester (NH) with 12,017, and Denver (CO) with 8,300.

On the other hand, the metro area with the fewest EV chargers is Louisville (KY), at just 621. Next is Greensboro-Winston-Salem (NC) with 700 chargers, followed by Milwaukee (WI) with 852, Birmingham (AL) with 857, and Oklahoma City (OK) with 867.

But if population is factored in, the rankings become slightly different. San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose (CA) leads the list with just 334 residents per charger, followed by San Diego (CA) at 432. Los Angeles (CA) may have the most chargers, but it only ranks third in this category with 500 residents per charger, ahead of Denver (CO) at 569 and Boston (MA)-Manchester (NH) at 571.

Louisville (KY) is also the worst-ranking metro area in this category, with 2,904 residents per charger, followed by Indianapolis (IN) with 2,758, Milwaukee (WI) with 2,716, Greensboro-Winston-Salem (NC) with 2,669, and San Antonio (TX) with 2,666.

Steady Charge

The study also projects that the ratio of residents per charger will improve by 13.2%, from 1,317 in 2025 to 1,143 in 2026. That means charging infrastructure is still becoming more plentiful relative to the U.S. population, even as the rate of network expansion slows. These figures were obtained by analyzing Level 2 and Level 3/DC fast charger counts using data from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.

Aside from charging infrastructure, it is worth noting that some states continue to offer EV incentives. For instance, California’s MyFirstEV program provides a $3,500 rebate for eligible first-time buyers of new zero-emission vehicles through participating automakers. Tesla was among them, but its allocated funds were exhausted in just five days.

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What’s Next For The ID.Buzz

The current ID.Buzz is now only expected to return in the first half of 2027, most likely as a 2028 model-year vehicle. VW did not go into detail about what changes we can expect, but it’s a conspicuously long break for a still-fresh vehicle that arrived as recently as the 2025 model year.

The bigger story appears to be what the brand’s plans are for the second-gen ID.Buzz, and some of those details have now come to light in a new interview. According to VW CEO Thomas Schäfer, the next-gen model will be based on the VW Group’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) architecture, which will succeed the current ID.Buzz’s MEB Platform.

“The car is iconic, absolutely,” said Schäfer in an interview with Auto Express at this week’s Paris Motor Show. However, he admitted that pricing has been an issue and said the VW retro minivan “is on the wrong cost base. That makes it difficult to really be successful and get into volume in the market, unfortunately.”

Starting at around $60,000 when last on sale in the U.S., the ID.Buzz is significantly pricier than gas-powered minivans. Asked about how the next ID.Buzz could be more affordable, Schäfer pointed to new lithium-iron phosphate batteries as a key part of the puzzle. That, along with the fact that the SSP platform will underpin a vast number of VW Group vehicles, could help to bring down costs. Faster charging, an improved range, and better software are further SSP benefits that we can expect to see in the next ID.Buzz. We also expect the next iteration of the van to adopt the more user-friendly controls found in the new ID.Tiguan.

As for when the second-gen model arrives, that’s unclear, but we may have to wait until the end of the decade for the it.

Alternatives To The ID.Buzz

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With the ID.Buzz on a longer-than-expected hiatus and the second-generation model still some way off, the two closest competitors—with three rows of seating and an electric powertrain—are the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. Yes, these are crossovers rather than minivans, but they deliver an experience that’s closer to the ID.Buzz than traditional minivans like the Honda Odyssey.

Both these vehicles are cheaper than the most recently available ID.Buzz. The EV9 starts at $54,900 and the Ioniq 9 has a base MSRP of $58,955. Both have more range than the VW; the EV9 gets up to 305 miles and the Ioniq 9’s most capable trim gets 335 miles. The ID.Buzz is way down at 234 miles.

In our comparison of the Ioniq 9 and ID.Buzz, the Hyundai stood out for its range, usability, performance, comfort, and lower price. The VW’s main advantage is its irresistible character; it elicits more smiles than any other minivan or SUV on the road. But the emotional pull of the VW has not been enough to convince most buyers.

Final Thoughts

The next-gen ID.Buzz could have a much better chance of succeeding with an improved range and a base price that’s closer to $50,000. We only hope VW doesn’t mess too much with the cheerful design, which distinguishes the ID.Buzz from its rivals. By the time the next ID.Buzz arrives, the three-row EV space will have welcomed new talent. Toyota will soon launch the Highlander EV and the related Subaru Getaway is coming, too. Buyers now expect substance from their EVs, not just visual charm, and that’s what we’re hoping to see more of in the next ID.Buzz.

Related: I Drove the VW ID. Buzz & Now I Know Exactly Why It Turns So Many Heads: Here’s My Review

Mazda’s September report shows 3,704 Mazda3s and 3,706 CX-30s, a gap of two vehicles. In last year’s figures through September, the crossover leads by more than two to one.

Cars Are Up And SUVs Are Down At Both Brands

Honda figures are for the Honda brand only and exclude Acura.

Honda sells more than eight times as many cars as Mazda, so its 16.5% gain adds far more vehicles. Cars are about one in eight Mazdas sold this year, and the brand is down 2.9% overall. Mazda called September its best-ever month, with 34,519 sales, but it is still behind last year year to date. Honda is up 4.7% and passed 1 million sales in September, a month earlier than last year.

The Mazda3 Is Catching Its Own Crossover

Through September last year, the CX-30 led the Mazda3 by more than 24,000 sales. This year the gap is 1,900. The hatchback is up 70%, and the sedan still sells nearly twice as many.

Most of Mazda’s other crossovers are down this year too, with the CX-50 the main exception. Mazda’s report doesn’t explain the shift toward its car or away from the CX-30.

Related: Mazda3 Sales Jump 147% as Detroit Three Lose Ground

Honda’s Cars Lead Its Best Quarter In Years

Honda’s car sales rose 20.9% in the third quarter, its best third quarter for passenger cars since 2020. The Accord is up 32.7% this year, and hybrids made up 44% of Accord sales in the third quarter.

Honda’s SUVs are holding steady. The CR-V set a third-quarter record with 110,730 sales, and Honda says it did that with about 17 days of supply. Honda’s light trucks are flat for the year and up 4.3% in the third quarter.

Lance Woelfer, vice president of auto sales at American Honda, credits “a winning formula focused on affordability, record sales of hybrid models and a commitment to offer our customers a balanced lineup of passenger cars and light trucks.”

Related: Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4: 2026 Sales Reveal a Stunning Reversal

Verdict: Honda’s Cars Pay Off, Mazda’s Aren’t Enough Yet

Honda’s car gains are large enough in units to lift the whole brand while its SUVs hold steady. Mazda’s cars are growing faster in percentage terms, adding roughly 10,000 sales, but its SUV losses of roughly 19,000 are larger than anything the Mazda3 and MX-5 can make up.

Beyond Woelfer’s comments, Honda’s report doesn’t break down what drove the shift. Pricing, incentives and inventory could all play a part.

If you’re shopping:

• Mazda3 or CX-30: The 2026 Mazda3 sedan starts at $24,650 and the hatchback at $25,650, against $26,375 for the CX-30. Destination is $1,315 on the Mazda3 and $1,595 on the CX-30, so with delivery the sedan is $2,005 cheaper and the hatchback $1,005 cheaper.
• Civic or HR-V: The 2027 Civic sedan starts at $24,995, against $26,600 for the 2027 HR-V. Destination is $1,295 on the Civic and $1,550 on the HR-V, so with delivery the Civic is $1,860 cheaper.
• Stock: Honda reports 16 to 17 days of supply on key models, which may limit choice at some dealerships. Mazda doesn’t publish a supply figure in its report.

While the rich have plenty of purchasing power to customize their cars to the extreme, some automakers, like Ferrari, may restrict certain modifications to protect brand identity and exclusivity. That difference in approach helped bring this unique Pagani Utopia to life, with a paint finish containing real gold and moon dust, according to owner Kris Singh.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie was Singh’s first choice. But according to the collector, Aston Martin wasn’t willing to handle the valuable lunar material, prompting him to say on social media that it’s “their loss” and that “the show must go on.” Now, this Utopia has received the treatment instead. He recently took delivery of the car in Italy and named it the “Madonna of the Car Nation.”

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The Art of Excess

Madonna of the Car Nation is inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Madonna of the Carnation painting, particularly its gold tones. Referencing the Italian polymath is a recurring theme in Singh’s car collection. He previously owned a Huayra La Monza Lisa, a nod to da Vinci’s most famous painting, and a Huayra BC Macchina Volante, referencing the Renaissance genius’ flying machine designs.

As for this latest creation, the paint was developed by Karosserie, which combined crushed moon rock with shavings from 24K gold bars. The gold theme carries over into the interior, which features black leather seating with an abundance of gold trim on the seats, doors, dashboard, and pedals.

The gear shifter is also finished in gold and is connected to the optional 7-speed manual transmission. As standard, the Utopia is powered by a 6.0-liter Mercedes-AMG-developed twin-turbocharged V12 engine making 864 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. It makes less horsepower than the naturally aspirated hybrid V12 in the Aston Martin Valkyrie, but considering the nature of this build, the focus appears to be more on customization than outright performance anyway.

Moon Tax

Singh didn’t disclose the total build cost. But for reference, Pagani is limiting Utopia production to 229 units, 99 of which are coupes, with the latter starting at around $2.5 million. Adding real gold and extraterrestrial materials could only mean the modifications sent the price into orbit.

But perhaps the biggest luxury here isn’t the exotic touches themselves, but the freedom to customize a car without compromise.

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Sold Out Before It’s Built

Renault is capping production at 1,980 cars, and a PistonHeads report suggests that over half of these cars have been spoken for already. Buyers are paying at least $181,000 at current exchange rates, with some cars even expected to sell for over $396,000 with options. For a car this small, with an electric drivetrain, this might be the most expensive dollar-per-square-foot expense in the automotive world.

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The Hardware

The 3E is rear-wheel drive and uses two electric motors mounted in the rear wheels. Reported horsepower ranges from 536 horsepower with a 70kWh battery to 555 horsepower, making it capable of a 3-second 0-60 mph sprint and a top speed of 168mph. Final horsepower figures are still to be confirmed by Renault, and Renault also mentions that this in-wheel motor design could find application in other electric models in its range.

A Longer Wait

With over half of its allocation already spoken for, the full tailor-made configuration program doesn’t start until mid-2027, with deliveries beginning the following year – which is later than reports first suggested. Renault CEO François Provost has said that the car is “a very meaningful project,” and stressed the importance of executing it correctly, even if, in his own words, they don’t need to “become Ferrari”.

Don’t Expect One Stateside

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The 3E isn’t headed to the U.S. Neither the 3E, nor its normie sibling, the Renault 5 E-Tech, which we like for its style and price, will be on sale in America. Americans who want a 3E will have to hunt for one on the European used market in a few years, assuming owners ever let go of them.

Every year since 1995, WardsAuto has released its list of the 10 best engines. But for the first time, not a single pure combustion engine made the cut in 2026, highlighting the growing competitiveness of electrified powertrains and automakers’ continued investment in more diverse vehicle lineups.

The winners of the 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems include the Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic Electric (dual-motor BEV), Rivian R2 Performance (dual-motor BEV), Subaru Trailseeker (dual-motor BEV), Volvo EX60 P10 AWD (dual-motor BEV), Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X (5.5-liter twin-turbo hybrid V8), Hyundai Palisade Hybrid (2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid inline-four), Nissan Rogue Hybrid (1.5-liter turbocharged hybrid inline-three), Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid (3.6-liter eTurbocharged flat-six), BMW M5 Touring (4.4-liter turbocharged V8 PHEV), and Toyota RAV4 PHEV GR Sport (2.5-liter inline-four PHEV).

Electrification Across the Board

That means the 2026 list consists of four fully electric vehicles, four hybrids, and two plug-in hybrids. It’s similar to last year’s list, when the Chevy Corvette ZR1 was the only non-electrified winner. The Corvette returned this year in ZR1X form with a 1,250-horsepower twin-turbo hybrid V8, which, as mentioned, helped WardsAuto post its first-ever list of exclusively electrified winners.

A list without a pure gas engine may sound ironic, but electrified cars have long been part of the awards. The first electrified car to win was the first-generation Toyota Prius hybrid in 2001, a time when Honda was the only other automaker offering a hybrid in the U.S. with the Insight. Because of this growing trend, the competition’s name was changed in 2020 to “Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems.”

This year, judges tested 26 powertrains in real-world driving conditions, assessing their horsepower, torque, refinement, efficiency, and technological innovations. The only nominated vehicles with pure gas engines were the Chevrolet Corvette (6.7-liter LS6 V8), Dodge Charger Scat Pack (3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six), Infiniti QX65 (2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four), Ram 1500 TRX (6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8), and Volkswagen Atlas (2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four).

The Best of Both Worlds

Considering the 2026 Wards list, electrification isn’t just about fuel economy anymore, but also performance, as seen with the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X and Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid. It’s becoming more than just a “more fuel-efficient” option, emerging as a major driver of automotive engineering innovation.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see future results, especially now that automakers are scrambling to invest in the right powertrains for their respective lineups. Some EV plans, such as the all-electric Ram 1500, have been canceled amid slower-than-expected demand, while some automakers are renewing their commitment to combustion engines.

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Jaguar’s New EV Has Eyes On A Different Kind Of Buyer

The highlight of Jaguar’s relaunch is the Type 01, a four-door electric grand tourer unveiled in New York on October 6. It follows the controversial Type 00 concept and represents a major update from the brand’s previous lineup. Jaguar is venturing further into the luxury market, targeting buyers willing to pay more for unique design, performance and exclusivity.

That step comes with its own risks. Jaguar previously sold models such as the XE and XF at more accessible price points, but the Type 01 is expected to start around $130,000 in the US. The company is betting that a more expensive, all-electric lineup will attract customers who might never have considered a Jaguar before.

Can Jaguar Turn The Hype Into Sales? 

The early response suggests Jaguar’s new direction is well beyond its existing customer base. But signing up for updates is a relatively easy commitment, particularly when a car has attracted attention for its unconventional styling and ambitious positioning. Turning that interest into a purchase will be a different task altogether.

The Type 01 is expected to offer more than 1,000 horsepower, a claimed range of up to 400 miles and rapid charging that can add 200 miles of range in around 13 minutes. Orders are scheduled to open in early 2027, with first deliveries expected in the second half of the year. Until buyers start placing deposits and taking delivery, the 50,000 registrations are best viewed as an encouraging interest rather than proof that Jaguar’s reinvention is already paying off.

While new F-150 Lightnings haven’t been available for almost a year now, Ford’s electric pickup has actually become very popular in the used market.

Used F-150 Lightnings Are Selling for Half the Sticker Price Now

According to a Bloomberg report, used F-150 Lightning EVs are currently sold at up to 50% off, which represents a pretty good deal for many buyers who are in the market for a full-size electric truck.

“When Ford was selling it brand new, the math was complicated. But used, the Lightning is 50% to 60% of the sticker price and that is really a sweet spot; it’s an incredible truck for the money,” Jimmy Douglas, CEO of Plug, a wholesale EV dealer, told Bloomberg.

As it turns out, used F-150 Lightnings are selling like hotcakes, taking only 20 days on average to find a buyer—less than half the 44-day average for used vehicles in the United States. The increased demand has pushed the F-150 Lightning’s average transaction price up 4% to $50,000 since the start of the year, according to Edmunds.com.

Interestingly, the report notes that nearly a third of used Lightnings are being sold by dealerships that promote other brands. Generally, those stores would flip a used Ford to a Ford dealer, Douglas said, but many are choosing to list the vehicle directly to cash in on the strong demand for the Lightning.

Why Is the F-150 Lightning So Popular All Of A Sudden?

There are several causes for the Lightning’s newfound popularity with American truck buyers, and the main one is obviously the attractive pricing. On the used market, Lightning prices are comparable to those of gas-powered F-150s, making the electric version a no-brainer for many buyers.

Surging gas prices are also a big factor as a lot of buyers are looking to save on fuel costs by going electric. According to the EV Group, which sells pre-owned EVs nationwide from three dealerships, many customers buy Lightnings as their second truck, driving it during the weekly commute and then driving the gas model on weekends.

Then there’s the Lightning’s scarcity in the market, as the gas-powered F-150 used to outsell it by 9 to 1 when the electric version was available. It may look similar to the gas truck, but the F-150 Lightning certainly gets itself noticed in a sea of gas F-150 trucks.

As you probably know, Ford currently lacks an electric truck in the lineup, but is putting the finishing touches on an all-new midsize electric pickup named Fathom. Launching in 2027 (hopefully), the Fathom will start around $28,000 and Ford hopes to sell 100,000 units every year. For comparison, the F-150 Lightning sold 33,500 units in 2024, its best year on the market.

DeLorean is one of the most recognizable car brands ever due to its pop culture association with the Back To The Future movie franchise. To car lovers, DeLorean stands for the DMC-12, which was the automaker’s attempt to create a revolutionary sports car that ultimately gained notoriety more than fame. The brand’s struggles are well publicized and make for an entertaining read, but it died shortly after it was born.

Recently, though, the DeLorean name has made a comeback and is trying to reinvent itself as a better automotive manufacturer. Part of its brand image building is its latest attempt to join a newfound race series that, for all intents and purposes, fits the DeLorean brief well.

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DeLorean Airspeeder Race Team

During TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, the revived American carmaker announced it will join and field a team in the first-ever Airspeeder International Series. If you haven’t heard of Airspeeder, let us be the first to tell you it’s slated to be the first-ever electric flying car race series. The team will compete as the DeLorean Airspeeder Team during the 2026-2027 race season; the first race is set for this coming November. It also means DeLorean is the first American constructor in flying car racing, lining up against national teams from around the world in the first international season of the series.

“DeLorean has always stood for the courage to imagine transportation differently,” said Cameron Wynne, Chief Brand Officer, DeLorean Motor Company. “People have pictured a DeLorean in the sky for forty years. We decided it was time to stop picturing it. Echoing Wynne’s sentiments is Airpseeder CEO and Founder Matt Pearson, who said that DeLorean was the original flying car brand, saying that long before one was ever built, everyone already knew what a flying DeLorean looked like.

What Is Airpseeder?

In the Airspeeder International Series, national teams race electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in three dimensions through augmented reality-defined courses, rather than around a conventional circuit. In the first season, the teams will use a standardized electric race platform built by Alauda Aeronautics called the Airspeeder Mk3C. In fact, the Mk3C has a higher power-to-weight ratio than a fighter jet or a Formula 1 car. It’ll be interesting to see how Airspeeder gets on as a race series, but the novelty of the idea intrigues us, and with DeLorean attached, the project takes on a nostalgic element that could draw in more spectators.

Xavier Peugeot, the head of Jeep Brand Europe, outlined the next steps for the brand which combine a strong product plan to expand the European lineup with a vision for the future.

New Jeep Renegade, Recon and Unnamed D-Segment SUV Coming to Europe

The big news is the Renegade is coming back for a new generation by 2030 to strengthen the brand’s portfolio and reach new customers.

Including the new Renegade, Jeep will be expanding its European lineup up to six models by 2030 and will re-enter the D-segment with the all-electric Recon off-roader and a new model arriving in 2028.

The Recon will sit above the all-new Jeep Compass compact SUV, which is also one of the six models.

Jeep said it will boost its presence across the B-, C-, and D-SUV segments and give the brand coverage of around 90% of the European SUV market by 2030.

Jeep Did Not Say Whether the New Renegade Is Coming to U.S.

It will be interesting to see how the Renegade will fit in the lineup as Jeep already has a B-segment model, the Avenger. Logic would dictate that the new Renegade bridge the gap between the Avenger and the Compass.

The fact that Jeep said the new Renegade would target a broader audience “in one of Europe’s key SUV segments” seems to support that hypothesis. There’s no official word yet on the Renegade returning to the U.S., though.

As for powertrains, the automaker said its European roadmap focuses on multi-energy platforms, which suggests the Renegade will feature some form of electrification.

Jeep stressed that its “Freedom of Choice” powertrain strategy remains central to its approach, with different powertrain solutions allowing customers “to choose the technology that best fits their needs and preferences.” Staying true to the brand’s DNA, every model will feature a 4×4 version.

Jeep has sold more than 610,000 Renegade SUVs in Europe since the first-generation model launched in 2014, but the new Avenger hasn’t done bad either, selling nearly 300,000 units since its launch in early 2023.

What Happens Beyond 2030?

Now, if you do the math, you’ll notice that Jeep hasn’t named the sixth model that will be part of its lineup by 2030 in Europe. The list includes the facelifted Avenger, all-new Renegade, all-new Compass, the Recon electric off-roader, and an unnamed new D-SUV, so what’s missing?

Normally, that should be the Wrangler, but Jeep recently stopped taking orders for its core model in Europe due to its incompatibility with a number of European regulations; that explains why the Recon is coming to Europe.

That leaves room for a sixth model in Jeep’s European lineup, and two teaser images may provide some clues about what it could be. The images show a big crate with the words “Not Fragile” written on it and a Willys MB military vehicle in front of it. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the shadow projected on the crate does not belong to the Willys; it suggests a boxy rugged SUV with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

So what could it be? Jeep says that beyond 2030, it is “exploring new ways to respond to evolving mobility needs,” namely growing demand for “compact, sustainable vehicles equally suited to everyday city driving and getting away from it all.”

Jeep notes that this changing context opens the way to a new vision for the brand: “a future inspired by Jeep icons, such as the Willys with capable, compact and electrified vehicles designed to meet tomorrow’s mobility needs.”

This sounds exciting and suggests Jeep is working on a small off-roader—likely all-electric—that will revive the Willys’ rugged, bare-bones philosophy for the 21st century.

Toyota, as a brand, has been the most outspoken non-EV believer. Not that Toyota hates EVs; it just thinks they shouldn’t be the only option for the mobility future we’re headed toward. To pave its own way, the Japanese auto giant has launched a multi-pathway approach that aims to develop and study different, innovative internal combustion engine technologies.

One of the latest projects born out of the multi-pathway approach is the use of Ammonia as a fuel and a helper to hydrogen technology. Toyota has entrusted the project to its small carmaker, Daihatsu.

Ammonia Fuel?

We know Ammonia as a pungent-smelling substance mainly used for agricultural purposes. Data show that 85% to 90% of all industrially produced ammonia is used globally to make chemical fertilizers like urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium phosphate.

Daihatsu has other plans for it; it recently debuted at the Japan Mobility Show 2026 Bizweek as a 658cc inline 3-cylinder engine for kei cars with an ammonia/hydrogen co-firing engine. Basically, the car’s fuel tank will be filled completely with ammonia, but the technology will reform it into hydrogen, which will improve combustion.

According to a report by Motor Fan, ammonia is gaining attention as an energy carrier for a decarbonized society because it already contains hydrogen and is easier to store and transport than hydrogen itself. Another important point is that ammonia contains no carbon, so burning it does not produce CO2 emissions.

The engine’s overall layout will include a hydrogen production system that uses a portion of the car’s ammonia fuel and converts it to hydrogen. On top of the engine will be a small square plasma reactor and a bigger rectangular catalytic reformer. According to the Daihatsu team, “At low temperatures or during startup, we use electricity to produce hydrogen from ammonia. Once the temperature rises to a certain level, we hand over to the catalyst, which then produces a large flow rate of hydrogen.”

Side Effects

As promising as this new engine technology seems, the team behind it acknowledges a few challenges. First, ammonia, when combusted, produces nitrogen oxides, but even more concerning is that unburned ammonia creates nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.

Another issue is that while the test engine is a Kei car-derived unit, the overall package might be too big to actually install in a Kei car. Regardless, the developers are pressing on with testing to sort out the problems and see whether it’s viable for production.

Sometimes automakers tweak their cars’ features and creature comforts; most of the time, it’s to improve something that will better benefit buyers and customers. Rarely do we see an automotive brand downgrade one of its main features to the point that owners and future buyers notice.

Rivian’s attempt to update its ventilated seat feature has prompted backlash from its current and future customers. It has apparently gotten to a point where the updated feature is deterring future buyers of its R2 SUV.

Revised Seat Ventilation

Apparently, Rivian quietly updated its seat ventilation feature in the R2. The changes mean the seat ventilation no longer circulates and pumps air out of the backrest; instead, it focuses all vented air out of the seat base only. The news of the update first popped up on the forums and was reported by the RivianTrackr Blog.

According to the reports, the Rivian community has “exploded” in anger over the new update. The backlash and outrage are so intense that some customers have canceled their orders and are also threatening to file credit card chargebacks on non-refundable order fees. You’d think that a brand that has properly cultivated and built up its fanbase would have its defenders, but no, even the fans are angry about it. Most would-be buyers were fooled into buying a car that wasn’t what they test-drove and that made them choose the R2 in the first place.

Lack Of Transparency

Other potential buyers were turned off by Rivian’s lack of transparency about removing the seat-back coolers. In a statement to InsideEVs, Rivian said that the excessive cabin noise from the old system was the main reason. “R2 ventilated seats are designed to deliver active airflow through the seat cushion, where occupants retain the most heat,” the spokesperson said. “Because the seat back ventilation generated excessive cabin noise, we streamlined the system. R2 seat heating is unchanged.”

Another thing that hasn’t been made clear yet is how the system will be streamlined for previous R2 buyers who bought the car with the back coolers. Rivian hasn’t said whether a software update will remove that from earlier R2s as well.

The third-generation Toyota Tundra arrived in 2021 with a 3.4-liter V35A twin-turbo V6, which has been subject to reliability issues currently being addressed through recalls. But aside from the safety campaigns filed with NHTSA, Toyota sent an email to an engine builder, Eric, who had torn down a failed V35A on his YouTube channel, I Do Cars, and attributed its failure to catastrophic bearing damage.

Toyota disputed that explanation, claiming the failure stemmed from an oil filter that was somehow loose or removed from the vehicle. That’s different from the common culprit identified in the recalls, which is machining debris left inside the engines during production. As such, the engine builder got hold of another failed engine of the full-size truck to get to the bottom of it.

Third Time’s The Charm?

This particular example was a replacement engine manufactured on September 20, 2025, for a 2023 Toyota Tundra. It was estimated to have accumulated between 12,000 and 15,000 miles, fewer than the previous engine, which suffered a catastrophic bearing failure.

What set this latest engine apart was that the crankshaft turned easily during the manual rotation test, suggesting it hadn’t suffered a catastrophic bearing failure. But as the teardown progressed, Eric found crusty deposits in the cooling system. The head gasket was also breached, potentially allowing combustion gases to enter and pressurize the cooling system. The cylinder heads showed signs of severe overheating, including warping.

After inspecting the oil filter and oil pan, Eric found no large metal debris that could explain a catastrophic bearing failure. The main and rod bearings, however, showed uneven wear, although they weren’t destroyed like those in the previous V35A engines he had torn down.

A Hot Mess

While severe overheating was evident, it’s unclear exactly what caused it. Eric offered a few possibilities, including assembly issues or external factors, such as the engine being left running after an accident. That said, some measures to help avoid overheating include following proper maintenance schedules, maintaining coolant levels, and avoiding prolonged heavy engine loads without adequate cooling.

This replacement engine may not have suffered from the machining debris problem Toyota is addressing through recalls, but it gives Eric another opportunity to investigate the V35A’s reliability issues. He said the engine offers a narrow window for inspection before catastrophic bearing damage occurs. With plans to send components and oil samples for further analysis, his investigation into the Toyota engine isn’t over.

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2027 Toyota Camry Pricing, Availability, and Specs

The 2027 Camry now starts at $29,700 for the base LE, representing a small $100 increase over the 2026 model. The trim structure remains unchanged for 2027, including the sporty Nightshade introduced for 2026. After the LE, pricing is as follows: SE ($32,200), Nightshade ($33,200), XLE ($34,900), and XSE ($36,100).

The entire Camry range is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. In standard front-wheel-drive guise, it produces 225 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive models make 232 hp. As before, it still costs $1,525 to upgrade to AWD. Efficiency is exceptional, with EPA ratings of up to 52/49/51 mpg city/highway/combined for the LE with FWD. That variant can cover 663 miles on a full tank.

The 2027 Toyota Camry will arrive at U.S. dealerships this fall.

Three Camry Alternatives

While most buyers in this segment choose the Camry, there are three rivals well worth considering, depending on what your priorities are.

Honda Accord

The Accord remains the Camry’s fiercest rival, both on the sales charts and in terms of raw capability. It starts at $28,395 for the 2026 model year, so undercuts the Camry on pricing. However, that’s for a non-hybrid Accord with 192 hp. If you want an Accord Hybrid, it costs at least $33,795, which introduces a 204-hp powertrain with up to 48 mpg combined. The Accord is better to drive and upper trims feel a touch more premium, while some buyers may prefer the mechanical simplicity of the base non-hybrid version.

Related: Toyota Camry Vs. Honda Accord: Five Differences That Actually Matter

Kia K5

Often unfairly overlooked, the Kia K5 offers tremendous value. It starts at only $27,690 for 2027, over $2,000 less than the Camry. The K5 comes with many standard features, a better warranty than the Camry, and particularly sporty styling. On the downside, the standard 191-hp engine can’t match the Camry’s hybrid. Kia does offer a 290-hp turbocharged version of the K5, though. Easily one of the more enjoyable vehicles in this class, it starts at $33,790 and outperforms any Camry or Accord. It’s the midsize sedan to get for buyers who want performance and are willing to sacrifice some efficiency to get it.

Hyundai Sonata

A refreshed 2027 Sonata was introduced in Korea recently, but the 2026 version is still on sale in America. Like the K5, the Sonata is a high-value option as it starts at only $27,450. Unlike the K5, the Sonata is available with an exceptionally frugal hybrid, which begins at $29,200. This model makes 192 hp and achieves 51 mpg combined, matching the Camry. There’s also a 290-hp turbocharged Sonata, which is roughly as quick as the K5 turbo and quicker than its Japanese rivals. The Sonata isn’t the most engaging driver’s car or the most spacious, but its powertrain diversity, stylish looks, and low price are hard to ignore.

Related: Hyundai Gives the Sonata New Life With a 2027 Refresh

Final Thoughts

Toyota doesn’t need to do anything remarkable to the Camry to keep buyers interested. It outsells all its rivals by far, so the automaker has not messed with a winning recipe for the 2027 model year. Of course, complacency is always a risk for any brand, no matter how reputable they may be, but we expect a more thorough update to the Camry for 2028. Until then, it’s set to remain the default sedan choice in the midsize segment, although its rivals are worth a look for customers in search of more performance or an even lower price tag.

Related: China’s Toyota Camry Gets a Laptop-Sized Screen Update for 2027

After hints and various reports, Porsche made the surprise announcement of a new hypercar. While we expect at least one every decade since the ’80s, the gap between the teaser and the reveal is pretty short. For those wondering, it’s just a week.

The teaser came just days after the company announced its turnaround plans dubbed Sports Car Company 2035. And before you think that the hypercar is an afterthought, it’s actually part of Porsche’s plan to rake in more cash for the brand. As with all previous Porsche hypercars, it’ll be a limited-run model with an astonishing price tag.

In a Matter of Hours

The concept model is called the Mission S, and it’ll be launched on October 15, 2026. That means by the time you read this, it’ll be less than a day before the full reveal. Still, that didn’t stop folks from finding leaks or any advanced information on the car. The Supercar Blog found one, likely from the Pistonheads forums, and it gives us a general idea of its shape.

Mind you, this isn’t a full reveal just yet, as the alleged photo leak shows the car still draped under a cover. Still, it shows the car looks very much mid-engined and incredibly low. It also appears to have a fixed roof, a departure from two successive models with detachable tops: the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder. There’s no big wing sticking out, but it could have a deployable spoiler.

What We Know So Far

The Mission S likely isn’t the production model’s name, and trademark databases haven’t turned up anything interesting yet. That said, it’s confirmed to be combustion-powered but likely to have some form of electrification like the 918 Spyder.

The big question now is what kind of engine will power the car. Some reports have hinted at either a V8 or, more interestingly, a flat-8. If so, it’ll be Porsche’s first flat-8 in over 50 years, with the last flat-8-powered model being the 908. This might also be the first flat-8 application paired with a hybrid system.

As for the platform, it is said to be based on a highly modified 911 chassis. If so, it won’t be bespoke like the Carrera GT or 918, but something more in line with the 959 and GT1. Again, it’s only a matter of hours before we see actual photos of the car, and while it’s still a concept, the road car shouldn’t stray too far from what we’ll see tomorrow.