Akio Toyoda Speaking as an Enthusiast

Akio Toyoda, Toyota's current chairman, candidly expressed his concerns regarding the industry's singular focus on electric vehicles. Toyoda said unequivocally that he feared this industry-wide embrace of BEVs, and unlike executives even within Toyota's walls, he was not ready to write off internal combustion engines.

In recent years, Akio Toyoda has emerged as one of the world's most prominent advocates for traditional gas-powered cars. He noted, recently during an interview, that he feels "very alone" in his desire to preserve engines, stating his deep appreciation for the sound, the feel, and the smells of traditional combustion-powered vehicles. Toyoda also emphasized the importance of protecting thousands of global suppliers and technicians tied to traditional engine production.

The Business Angle

Toyota’s strategic divergence is not rooted in an anti-EV sentiment, but rather a realistic assessment of consumer needs and infrastructure readiness. In the United States, where EV charging networks remain inconsistent across rural and suburban landscapes, Toyota’s robust lineup of hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles offers a highly practical bridge. By investing heavily in a diversified powertrain portfolio, Toyota ensures that drivers have access to sustainable, fuel-efficient options that fit their specific lifestyles and geographic realities.

This commitment to traditional and alternative powertrains extends well beyond everyday commuter vehicles. Through its performance division, Toyota Gazoo Racing, the automaker is actively keeping the spirit of the internal combustion engine alive for driving enthusiasts. The brand continues to develop high-performance, gas-powered models and is actively testing experimental hydrogen-combustion prototypes on the racetrack. Toyoda views motorsport as an essential crucible for developing future technologies.

True to Toyota

Ultimately, Toyota’s strategy reflects a pragmatic belief that carbon emissions are the true enemy, not any specific powertrain. By resisting the immense pressure to put all its chips on battery-electric vehicles, the automaker aims to provide practical, accessible, and thrilling mobility solutions for every type of driver. As the automotive market evolves, Toyoda’s seemingly lonely stance is slowly but surely proving to be the industry's most resilient and consumer-friendly strategy.

Stellantis' current challenges center on its powertrains, particularly the now-discontinued 4xe plug-in hybrid models, as well as its overestimation of electric-vehicle demand, including products such as the all-electric Dodge Charger. However, before Fiat took control of Chrysler following its 2009 bankruptcy, the automaker faced a very different problem: poor interior quality. That issue was one of the key areas veteran Chrysler designer and current Stellantis Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles sought to address.

Automotive News reported that Gilles described Chrysler's interior design heading into the 2009 bankruptcy as “water-pistol grade,” recalling his frustration by asking, “Why does ours look like plastic and theirs look so good?” In 2008, the brand's flagship model, the Chrysler 300, had a plain and straightforward interior, especially compared with rivals such as the Buick Lucerne and Toyota Avalon. For Gilles, the turning point came after seeing the Audi A4, which, in his words, left him “pissed off.”

A Pickup With A Bigger Mission

The first response from Chrysler came with the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, which featured a more upscale and visually appealing interior, highlighted by a redesigned center stack that gave the cabin a more commanding truck-like presence. The automaker gradually applied the same philosophy across its lineup, a trend that continues to be reflected in modern vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500, with the latter now available in several trims, including the luxury-oriented Tungsten.

So, what specifically helped Stellantis transform its interiors? The formation of Stellantis in 2021, after FCA merged with France's PSA Group – the parent company of brands such as Peugeot and Citroën – may have brought new ideas to the design team. Gilles acknowledged that influence, saying, “The French do phenomenal interiors.”

The team hired millennial and Generation Z designers to gain fresh perspectives on what younger buyers may want. At the same time, the team focused on balancing design ambitions with cost discipline, helping Stellantis decide where to allocate resources as the company works toward reducing annual costs by about $7 billion by 2028.

A Better Reputation, But More Work Ahead

Today, some of the most criticized automotive interiors are those that rely heavily on in-car technology. Examples include vehicles that replace traditional buttons with haptic controls, an approach Volkswagen later acknowledged was a mistake. Others point to the growing trend of massive screens, such as the 56-inch Hyperscreen available in the Mercedes-Benz EQS. Tesla's interiors are also divisive, with some critics arguing that the brand sacrifices usability for an ultra-minimalist design philosophy.

At least Stellantis is no longer as prominent in negative interior-quality conversations as Chrysler was in the 2000s. However, the automaker still has plenty to address, including recalls, with 17 so far this year, tied with General Motors for second-most, and the billions in EV-related writedowns it has taken.

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Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV Makes the Expedition More Imposing

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Hennessey gives the Ford Expedition Tremor a new front bumper with branded steel skid plates and LED lighting, integrating these aftermarket upgrades into the factory fascia without taking away the Tremor's trademark accents. As is common with any aftermarket off-road enhancement, there's a suspension lift raising the SUV by two inches. The lift is complemented by custom 20-inch Hennessey Performance wheels wrapped in new all-terrain rubber, hiding upgraded Brembo brakes on the front axle. With the Tremor gaining an electronic locking rear differential missing from the regular Expedition, along with features like Trail Control (effectively off-road cruise control) and Trail Turn Assist (locking a rear wheel to enable tight pivots), Hennessey hasn't needed to go too crazy with alterations.

Related: Hennessey Celebrates 35 Years with Ultra-Limited 850-HP Mustang, Hints at New Hypercar

Since the raised suspension makes getting in and out more difficult, Hennessey also adds power side steps, but that's the extent of the exterior changes. Basically, Hennessey has made the Expedition Tremor more capable without turning it into an attention-grabbing monster truck. Inside, the changes are even subtler, with only serialized plaques indicating that the SUV has been modified. As these suggest, production will be limited, though Hennessey hasn't said how many examples will be produced. As usual, each VelociRaptor carries a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, and sales will be made exclusively through authorized Ford dealers. Unfortunately, pricing has not been revealed, but considering how mild the changes are, it won't be too expensive.

Hennessey Still Does Extreme Builds

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While this Expedition Tremor VelociRaptor is a relatively mild build, Hennessey still caters to the extreme. Earlier this year, it created a monstrous diesel super truck with 1,200 lb-ft of torque in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, which it followed up with a supercharged 700-hp Chevy Silverado ZR2. Not forgetting Ram, Hennessey has also applied its skills to the 1500 RHO, upgrading the six-cylinder engine to 700 ponies. Given that the Expedition Tremor uses the same engine as the F-150 Raptor, with which Hennessey has plenty of experience, we're pretty sure the company can make your Expedition Tremor just as wild as the above builds.

BMW M's Mystery Model Is Wilder Than the i3

While the lighting signature and general shape of the mystery vehicle call to mind the i3 sedan, the fenders bulge further out, and the wing mirrors sit on thin stalks that have a motorsport feel. We can also see additional lighting units on each side of the lower front fascia, creating a more aggressive presence than an i3. It's certainly more extreme than an M Performance model would traditionally be (an i3 M60 will sit above the 50 xDrive), but it's unlikely that BMW is about to reveal the electric M3 production car because that has been earmarked for 2027. Then again, this shadowy teaser closely resembles the leaked image of the electric M3 seen in March, just with different mirrors. BMW Blog presents a plausible theory: BMW M is about to show a motorsport-inspired electric concept car. That could explain Frank van Meel's post - showing the M Hybrid V8 endurance racer together with an i3-based vehicle may be his way of hinting that BMW is about to reveal an electric BMW race car concept built on i3 architecture. The only hole in this theory is that the post van Meel shared included the following tagline: "Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets." That suggests this mystery vehicle is a road car.

What to Expect from the Electric M3

We'll have our answers soon enough, as the 94th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans starts tomorrow, 10 June, and concludes on the 14th, and Autoblog will be present to see what BMW has in store. While we wait for more information, here's a quick recap of what we do know so far. The electric M3 (potentially called the iM3) will have a quad-motor powertrain enabling torque vectoring, with around 800 horsepower expected. More power is possible (BMW has said that up to 1,341 hp can be extracted from the powertrain), but that will likely be reserved for things like the electric M5. We also know that BMW intends to sell the EV at roughly the same price as the combustion M3.

Related: BMW Alpina Is Going Electric, But Gas Engines Are Staying

Every time BMW has shown its quad-motor M development vehicle so far, it has been clad in camouflage, and this display at the 24 Hours of Le Mans may be the first time we get a clear look at how the automaker plans to add M-specific styling to future road cars, electric or otherwise. We'll bring you more info as it becomes available through this week.

Convenient Hands-Free Driving

Lucid Gravity just got smarter overnight.

With our latest over-the-air update, you’ll experience hands-free driving assist with automatic lane change on compatible highways when equipped with DreamDrive ™ 2 Pro, smarter navigation, new battery preconditioning insights for more… pic.twitter.com/indmoVBhhV

— Lucid Motors (@LucidMotors) June 8, 2026

Vehicles equipped with DreamDrive 2 Pro now benefit from convenient hands-free driving tech. The suite includes the following features:

• Hands-Free Drive Assist
• Hands-Free Lane Change Assist
• Automatic Lane Changes
• Driving Styles
• Enhanced DreamDrive Visualization

Essentially, the Lucid Gravity can now assist with steering, acceleration, and braking, taking some of the strain off the driver on longer journeys. This system only works on compatible highways, though, so it’s not comparable with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system; in the Tesla, point-to-point driving in urban areas can also be handled by the vehicle. 

The Gravity will also be able to change lanes automatically by simply activating the turn signal, and it can independently initiate lane changes to overtake slower vehicles. Using Driving Styles, the driver can decide whether the EV should navigate highway traffic more conservatively or more aggressively, the latter encouraging more frequent lane changes/overtakes. Finally, the Clearview Cockpit now creates a five-lane visualization of surrounding traffic, accurately portraying buses, SUVs, and pickups in the display.

These features still require the driver to remain attentive at all times.

What Else Is New For The Gravity?

Hands-free driving isn’t all that’s new for the Gravity. The automaker has also improved connectivity, Google Maps integration, and night-time driving. Here’s an overview of what’s new:

• Google Maps Places API
• Improved visibility over energy status
• Smoother system startup
• Proactive Auto Lock & Unlock
• Mirror tilt control
• Improved videos for drive recorder

The Google Maps Places API now forms part of the Lucid Navigation system. Benefits include richer search results (like more up-to-date business hours), improved search functionality for specific destinations, and true driving distances instead of estimates. The system also does a better job of showing you charging station availability.

For energy management, Lucid has made a number of improvements. Users can now track preconditioning for DC fast charging more easily, thanks to a new battery readiness indicator. In Energy Saver Mode, it’s now possible to adjust temperature and other HVAC settings without compromising efficiency. Lucid also says efficiency readings are more accurate than before. These changes are for an SUV that’s already a range and efficiency leader; it gets up to 111 MPGe combined and can be driven for up to 450 miles on a single charge.

Several smaller updates make the daily experience of interacting with the Gravity more seamless. Displays and driving features now start up more smoothly and are ready as soon as you get into the driver’s seat. Door handles extend sooner and recognize an approaching driver earlier, while both side mirrors can now automatically tilt down when reversing. Finally, the drive recorder now creates videos with corrected edges and automatically straightened curve lines, so they appear more natural.

Related: I Drove The 2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring At Mudfest: Here's My Honest On- And Off-Road Review

Final Thoughts

The Lucid Gravity impressed us deeply when we drove it. Not only is it stylish, but it’s also quick, rides well, and plays the role of a family SUV brilliantly. It’s now an even better vehicle for long trips, thanks to the various hands-free driving features. It’s little wonder that it was named the 2026 World Luxury Car of the Year.

Unfortunately, this round of updates is unlikely to dramatically spike sales or change the brand’s short-term prospects. This is still an expensive SUV that starts at $79,900, so it’s out of reach for many. Lucid’s precarious financial situation, supplier issues, and a recent change of leadership have hit the company’s shares hard this week too. Smaller Lucid EVs are in the pipeline and we have little reason to doubt they’ll be good, but producing capable EVs has never been the company’s problem. It needs to demonstrate profitability and scalability, too.

Related: Lucid’s Cheaper Electric SUV Spied Testing Beside Tesla Model Y

Since joining the 24 Hours of Le Mans as an official factory race team back in 2000, the Corvette Racing program has captured 9 overall class wins across 2 decades of competition. This team has continued to ride out every installment of the world's most demanding race, finding success across four generations of the Corvette (C5-C8).

Looking to recapture an overall win, this year's Corvette Racing Le Mans team will comprise four cars, the largest team assembled to compete in over a decade.

Corvette Quartet

The last time the team took the top step of the podium was in 2023, when it took the overall win in the now-defunct GTE classification. While the newer GT3-class Corvette took 3rd place in last year's race, it's its first podium since its debut in 2024.

In 2026, the 4 Corvettes will compete under the stewardship of the official race program. TF Sport is fielding three of the four Corvettes, including two cars that compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), with the third featuring drivers and crew from Johor Motorsports Racing. The fourth car will be from 13 Autosport, coming off a second consecutive Bob Akin Award in the 2025 IMSA season.

Here is the full driver and team lineup:

• No. 33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Nicky Catsburg/Jonny Edgar/Ben Keating
• No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Charlie Eastwood/Salih Yoluc/Peter Dempsey
• No. 2 TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Ben Green/Lorcan Hanafin/HH Prince Jefri Ibrahim
• No. 13 13 Autosport Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Matt Bell/Orey Fidani/Lars Kern

Le Mans Crucial For Points

Since Le Mans is officially part of the WEC calendar, major points are on the line for the teams competing in the whole WEC season. No. 33 and No. 34 are the Corvettes looking to capitalize on this grueling race to advance further in the standings. Le Mans is a double-points race with huge implications for the rest of the season. Every GT3 Le Mans winner since 2021 has won its class championship at the end of the year.

The third TF Sport car, No. 2, is no slouch and was the overall winner of last year's European Le Mans Series. Only Hanafin has raced at Circuit De la Sarthe, with the other two bolstering the lineup with experience in endurance races in Bathurst and Spa. 13 Autosport No. 13, meanwhile, finished a respectable 10th at last year's race, but was a fan favorite with the red Canadian-themed Corvette.

Ram recently unveiled its new muscle truck, or street truck for the modern era, with the 1500 Rumble Bee. The new model sets itself apart from the off-road-focused trucks that seem to saturate the market, including nameplates like the Ford F-150 Raptor R. Longtime enthusiasts may already know what to expect, as Ram has built similar performance trucks before, including the SRT-10, which featured a Dodge Viper V10 engine.

To share more about Ram’s latest project, or gamble, Stellantis head of American brands Tim Kuniskis visited Jay Leno’s Garage to offer insight and an early driving impression. Two examples were shown in the presentation, including the entry-level 5.7-liter Hemi V8 model and a range-topping SRT model with a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 producing 777 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque – the same powertrain as in the 1500 TRX.

The Rumble Bee is also available with a 6.4-liter Apache V8, which serves as the mid-tier trim in the lineup.

Why Ram Built It Anyway

Right off the bat, Kuniskis addressed concerns around this type of vehicle, saying the data suggests Ram should not build it. He admitted it could be either a good idea or a bad one, though he argued that for every person who buys a muscle car like the Dodge Charger, 10 are expected to buy a muscle truck. But perhaps only time will tell.

The Ram 1500 Rumble Bee features a unique Quad Cab configuration and a shorter bed configuration. The shorter wheelbase is expected to help improve maneuverability, while available air suspension allows the truck to be lowered when enhanced on-road performance is desired.

The first thing Leno noticed was the ride height, which made it easy for him to get into the truck, something not always common with full-size pickups. During the drive, the renowned car collector said that if he closed his eyes, he would think he was in a Challenger. He also noted that the ride was comfortable and that the steering feel was very similar to the Challenger’s.

Leno asked whether a manual-transmission version could be offered, to which Kuniskis replied that Ram could build one, but there simply is not enough market demand to justify it.

Putting Up Serious Numbers

Pricing has not yet been announced. However, Kuniskis said Ram is targeting a price point in the $60,000 range for the 5.7-liter Hemi version, which he expects to be the volume seller. As such, the more powerful variants will likely carry higher price tags.

Other figures enthusiasts can expect from the new truck include a 0–60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, which is noteworthy for a 6,000-pound vehicle, and an 11.6-second quarter-mile run. Ram is also targeting a 170-mph top speed, which would beat the SRT-10’s 154.5-mph record as the world’s fastest production pickup truck.

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Toyota's new generation of midsize truck-based models runs on downsized four-cylinder turbo engines. From the Tacoma to the Land Cruiser, all use the now-familiar boosted 2.4-liter mill. While there are some fuel economy gains, the engine has so far been criticized for its refinement, or lack thereof.

Of course, many manufacturers are replacing displacement with turbos, but Nissan refuses to go that route for its more rugged offerings. After all, this is the same company that held 'V6 Day', which celebrates larger engines. The thing is, the company isn't doing that just for the sake of fan service.

Social Media Feedback

Speaking to Motor1, Brent Hagan, Nissan North America's senior product planner, spoke in length about the pickup, as well as a few tidbits about the upcoming Xterra. Motor1 then asked Hagan if sticking with V6 power over four-cylinder turbos was an advantage, despite the latter's supposed economy and emissions advantages. As it turns out, Hagan does scour many groups and forums for feedback. There, he found a common denominator: people are actually considering the Nissan over the Tacoma mainly because of the standard six-cylinder engine.

"I see a lot of people posting recently saying, 'I'm a Toyota guy, or I'm an XYZ company guy. I've been with them for a while, but they've gone away from V6s, and I really prefer V6. I prefer the linearity. I prefer the durability. I prefer the overall performance, and I've never considered a Nissan or a Frontier, but now I'm looking at it because of the V6.' So we know it is a differentiator for sure," said Hagan.

Of course, larger-capacity engines are bound to be more understressed than boosted small engines. Folks who use their pickups for work, or simply want something simpler, are likely to prefer the Frontier. While the Tacoma still dominates the midsize pickup market in terms of sales, Nissan is more than ready to accept shoppers who were put off by the Toyota's turbo-four-only offer.

Not Just the Frontier

Despite its electrification push, Nissan is doing its part in keeping V6s around for longer. We already know that the Xterra will have six cylinders, while the truck-based Pathfinder and its more luxurious Infiniti counterpart will likely pack a brawnier engine under the hood. Simply put, there are customers who expect a bigger engine in a bigger vehicle, and not a small engine with a turbo strapped to it.

Those 'it must have a V6' comments may have played a part in the brand's decision to stick with a more traditional powertrain configuration for its ladder-frame vehicles. But it's not just with rugged models where Nissan is staying committed to sixes. The next Skyline and Infiniti Q50 are touted to get it, too, and the Z will stick with that engine for more years to come. As for the next GT-R, you can bet it'll get a V6, too.

"Our internal tagline is 'We're too V6 to quit,' because we built our heritage on V6s, from the GT-R and Xterra to the current Frontier and Pathfinder. We've got generations upon generations of V6s, and it does give us a differentiator because we're using tried-and-true technology that's durable, reliable, and of high quality," said Hagan.

Dodge has an interesting history in Europe, a past marked by an aggressive expansion plan in the mid-2000's that failed by the early 2010's. In fact, the brand has not been officially on sale in Europe since 2011; the parent company, Stellantis, has chosen to keep the European brands under its umbrella as the region's main mass-market drivers.

Since the 2011 pullout, Dodge had remained present in the region due to "grey market" imports that were (sort of) backed by the brand. Demand for the Durango, Charger, and Challenger V8s amassed a small following over the years. Now, Stellantis is announcing another European play, ushering in a new era with the Dodge Charger.

60 Years Of the Charger

The all-new Dodge Charger and Daytona EV are making their European debuts very soon, and the approach seems aggressive again. Announced last June 8, Dodge said it will make the entire lineup available in the European market, including gasoline-powered and electric-powered two- and four-door models.

Despite the grandiose aspirations for the new Dodge Charger in Europe, the plan to market it is actually quite simple and measured. In Dodge's announcement, the vehicles will continue to be distributed through the official importer, KW Automotive, the group responsible for bringing in and "Europeanizing" the Dodge models after the brand pulled out in 2011. Another group, called Iron Parts, will be in charge of the operation's spare parts.

At the moment, the announcement didn't say when the Charger will start being imported into Europe, with the brand more keen to hype up the nameplate's heritage and continued evolution. Fabio Catone, Head of Brand for Dodge in Europe, said bringing the Charger to Europe is a significant moment for the brand. He goes on further to say that "It means reintroducing an unmistakable American nameplate to customers that values character and authenticity. Charger has always been about standing apart, and that attitude is exactly what defines its return.”

Desperate Gamble?

As triumphant an announcement as this seems for Dodge and the Charger, a different picture is painted in its own home country. Muscle cars are still very much in high demand in the U.S., but the new Charger hasn't captured the American market like it used to. In 2025, Dodge sold just 7,421 units, and things haven't changed much this year, with first-quarter sales only reaching 240 cars.

Could moving some sales and inventory pay off for the Charger? We'll have to wait and see, but Europe hasn't always taken to the muscle car easily due to smaller roads and different market needs.

It's no secret that Honda is going through a challenging time right now. The company's bet on EVs had crumbled, costing it billions and, for the first time in nearly 70 years, causing annual operating losses. The next couple of years will be crucial for the brand, and it won't be easy as it has to tighten its belts while continuously developing new products.

With that, Honda has to stretch the life cycles of its midsize offerings. That means cars like the Accord, Odyssey, and Passport will have to hang on to their respective current generations for a little longer. However, that doesn't mean Honda will let these models go stagnant.

As Confirmed by Honda

A few weeks ago, there was a report from Japan saying the Accord was set to get a facelift. It has since been confirmed by Honda, and Gary Robinson, American Honda's head of product planning, told Automotive News there will be major changes to the midsize sedan.

Not only that, but the Passport will also get a host of updates to further broaden its appeal. That's despite the fact that the SUV is new for 2026, but given that the model will be using the same platform for a while, every little tweak and update counts.

What the Insiders Said

Starting with the Passport, the two-row midsize SUV will be getting a more rugged appearance. The extent of the changes is still unknown, but it was said that it will benefit from new bumpers, additional colors, and a revamped fascia. The major bit here will be mechanical changes, as there are apparently talks of making the vehicle more off-road-capable despite its car-based underpinnings.

As for the Accord, the comments made by Robinson backed those up from the previous report. That said, it could go beyond the usual fascia tweaks and interior add-ons. With that in mind, it's possible the U.S won't get the look currently applied to the Chinese-market model. Instead, we might see some elements from the hybrid sedan concept shown earlier this year for the refreshed Accord.

Hybrid Push

Aside from updating its larger models, Honda will invest more in something it's very familiar with: hybrid powertrains. The company will release 15 new hybrid models in the coming years, including more electrified SUVs. There are no specifics just yet, but we can be certain that the Accord will be one of them.

There's also a strong indication that the Pilot and other similarly-sized models will finally have hybrid options. Toyota has offered larger hybrid vehicles for quite some time now, and it's rather surprising that Honda didn't respond to that earlier. Still, better late than never, and Honda needs a strong sales push to bounce back from its disastrous 2025.

The NHTSA has finally released the official safety recall report and stipulated the following:

• As of May 18, 2026, FCA US is aware of 63 customer assistance records, 0 warranty claims, and 72 field reports (35 of which are confirmed to originate at the EHPSP interface), and 12 other service records potentially relating to this issue for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from July 13, 2019, to March 28, 2026.
• As of May 18, 2026, FCA US is not aware of any accidents and 1 injury potentially related to this issue for all markets.

The document describes the remedy as "an inspection and repair or replacement of affected parts as necessary."

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The Boxy Icons

You can't miss a Jeep Wrangler or a Gladiator on the road. Whether it's a Wrangler chilling in a driveway or a Gladiator loaded up for a weekend adventure, these hulking boxes on wheels are everywhere – and they're the backbone of the Jeep lineup.

But now, if you own a newer Wrangler or Gladiator, Jeep wants you to park outside “out of an abundance of caution.” Not for the fresh air, but because things could get a little too hot for comfort.

In an official statement, Stellantis says that an estimated 1,076,999 Wranglers and Gladiators in the US are on the recall list thanks to a fire risk. Until they figure out a fix, owners are being told to keep their Jeeps away from anything flammable – including your house and your neighbor's shiny new SUV.

A Recall Affecting More Than One Million Vehicles

The recall targets 2021 to 2025 Wranglers and Gladiators, so if your Jeep is fresh off the lot, you might want to pay attention. Jeep's own investigation found a possible electrical gremlin in the wiring of the electric-hydraulic power steering pump. In rare cases, this could make things under the hood get toasty enough to start a fire.

Right now, there's no official fix. Dealers will check the wiring harness and swap out parts if needed, but the full repair plan is still in the works.

Owners will get a letter when it's time to book a service appointment. Stellantis says a fix should be ready by July. And it's not just an American problem – over 100,000 Jeeps in Canada, nearly 24,000 in Mexico, and another 124,000-plus elsewhere are also affected.

Not the First Wrangler and Gladiator Recall

This isn't the first time Wranglers and Gladiators have been called back to the shop. Remember when manual models were recalled because their clutches got so hot they could catch fire? Yeah, that happened.

The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid hasn't escaped recall drama either. At one point, hundreds of thousands were called back over battery worries, and owners had to follow a laundry list of parking and charging rules while Jeep sorted things out.

If you own a Wrangler or Gladiator, now's a good time to check if your ride is on the list, and stay tuned for more updates as Jeep works on a real fix.

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For those in the market for a midsize pickup with a manual transmission, the only thing you can do is head on down to your nearest Toyota dealer and go for that Tacoma. It is, quite literally, the only model in its segment to offer such a transmission, and quite literally, the only pickup with a manual you can get in the U.S.

Oh, how times have changed in the midsize pickup market. Back in the day, the manual was the standard transmission, but as customer demands and the market changed, far fewer people are going for the three-pedal option. Still, we laud Toyota for hanging in there, as it could've easily dropped that transmission when it redesigned the Tacoma a few years ago.

Manual Frontier, Anyone?

Motor1 asked Brent Hagan, senior product planner at Nissan USA, whether it was possible to add a manual transmission option to the Frontier. The last time the midsize pickup was offered with one, it was way back in 2020. Predictably, it was stopped due to a lack of demand.

Still, it's worth asking if there's any chance, or even a sliver of consideration for a row-your-own Frontier. Hagan responded, "We are enthusiasts too, and we care about what customers care about. But we're also a business; we're not a charity." It's a realistic and straightforward answer, much like Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis' response to calls for a single-cab 1500 with a 6.4 Hemi. Admittedly, a little more blunt compared to Hagan's answer, but you get the picture.

Not Closing the Door

Still, Hagan isn't shutting down the idea of a manual Frontier. Sure, it's a nice product to have, but the issue here will be demand. For Nissan to reintroduce a manual for its midsize pickup, certain conditions have to be met before the company would give it greater consideration.

Nissan's action (or inaction) will depend on the sales of manual-equipped cars in America. "The best thing that customers can do if they want to see manual vehicles come back is to go out and buy the manual vehicles that exist. There are a few vehicles out there that still have a manual—we've talked about some of our own—and so the more the customers can go out there and buy them, show us as a manufacturer that they want them, the more likely that everyone's going to be fully supportive of them," said Hagan.

Hagan did say that manual Nissan models are coming, but it seems that the odds of a stick-shift Frontier happening are on the slim side. That said, if a business case can be proven for that, then Nissan will '1000%' get it done. Ironically, then, for the manual Frontier to happen, more people will have to buy a six-speed Tacoma.

Automakers typically introduce a facelift or mid-cycle update about three years into a model’s production run, followed by a major overhaul or next-generation version a few years later. This helps vehicles stay current with the latest trends, remain relevant in the market, and stay competitive against rivals.

But as the saying goes, there is always an exception to the rule, and the Chevrolet Express may be the perfect example. According to GM Authority, the 2026 Express will essentially carry over into the 2027 model year, which could be seen as the Bowtie brand being unwilling to devote significant resources to a major update. On the other hand, it also reflects another familiar saying: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Chevrolet's Commercial Time Machine

The Express was introduced for the 1996 model year and received its first and only major facelift for 2003. As a result, the commercial van remains instantly recognizable today, though it also appears dated compared to newer rivals such as the Ford Transit. The Transit received a significant update for 2020, and Ford now also offers an all-electric variant known as the E-Transit.

Chevrolet offered an all-electric commercial van under the BrightDrop name, but it is a separate, purpose-built EV and shares little with the aging Express.

But perhaps the most notable development is that General Motors will end production of the Chevrolet Silverado MD later this year. The medium-duty truck reportedly shares an assembly facility with certain Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cutaway models, which could make the move significant for GM's broader commercial vehicle operations. Even so, the Express continues to soldier on despite going more than two decades without a major redesign.

Business As Usual For 2027

Because the MY2027 Express will be a carryover, the commercial van will still be offered in cargo and passenger configurations, with the latter available in either LS or the slightly more premium-looking LT trim. The 4.3-liter V6, producing 276 horsepower and 298 lb-ft of torque, will remain the base engine, while the 6.6-liter V8, rated at 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, will be available for buyers looking for additional muscle.

The report did not disclose pricing, but for reference, the MY2026 Chevrolet Express starts at $42,200 before destination charges.

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Mazda turned heads at last year’s Japan Mobility Show with the Vision X-Coupe – a futuristic take on the brand’s Kodo design language that had everyone guessing it was the next Mazda3 in disguise. But under the sharp sheet metal and rotary-powered electric guts, Mazda dropped something even bolder: Mobile Carbon Capture.

For the uninitiated, Mazda’s Mobile Carbon Capture sucks carbon dioxide (CO2) straight out of the exhaust while you drive. At the time, it sounded like one of those auto-show pipe dreams, but now, Mazda claims it’s actually getting closer to making that wild vision real.

The Japanese automaker just wrapped up a second round of real-world testing during the Super Taikyu endurance racing series. This time, not only did it capture more CO2, but it also managed to stash it on board while the car was still tearing up the track – a big step if this tech is ever going to make sense outside a lab.

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A Big Improvement Over Last Year’s Test

Mazda’s first crack at this was back in November 2025, using the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Future Concept – a race car running on hydrotreated vegetable oil, a carbon-neutral fuel already making the rounds in Europe. During that initial demonstration, the system captured 84 grams of carbon dioxide. While modest, it proved that the concept could work in a real racing environment.

For the latest round in the 2026 Super Taikyu Series (the same event where Akio Toyoda revealed a 7-cylinder Toyota Camry), Mazda leveled up the system with a CO2 desorption trick and an onboard tank. Now, the car could grab, squeeze, and stash the carbon dioxide while still in the heat of battle.

The result was a substantial improvement. Over the course of the 24-hour endurance event, the system captured 804 grams of CO2 – around 9.6 times more than the amount recovered during the first test. According to Mazda, this marks the first successful demonstration of the complete capture, release, compression, and storage process operating as an integrated system.

Mazda also claims that, in certain conditions, the combo of carbon-neutral fuel and captured emissions actually beats the carbon-cutting numbers of your average production car. In other words, going carbon-negative might not be just a fantasy.

How Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture Works

The secret sauce here is zeolite – a porous mineral that basically acts like a CO2 sponge. As exhaust flows through, the zeolite grabs onto CO2. When it’s full, waste heat from the engine bakes the zeolite, kicking the carbon dioxide loose so it can be collected. An electric compressor then squeezes the gas and shoves it into a storage tank in the car.

Mazda’s big-picture plan is simple: run cars on carbon-neutral fuel and catch the CO2 as you go. The more you drive, the better it gets for the atmosphere – or so the theory goes. Mazda wants to make this a reality by 2035.

Still a Long Road Ahead

Carbon capture is usually something you hear about at factories or power plants, not in your daily driver. That’s what makes Mazda’s move so weird – and kind of cool. Of course, there’s a massive gap between a race car demo and something you can actually buy, especially with big questions about cost, packaging, and where all that CO2 is supposed to go.

However, moving from simply capturing CO2 to actually storing it onboard during real-world driving is a notable step forward. Whether it eventually reaches road cars or not, Mazda deserves some credit for exploring an alternative path to reducing emissions rather than focusing solely on electrification.

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2027 Audi Q7 SUV Has Real Presence

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The new Q7 and SQ7 both feature an enormous Singleframe front grille flanked by headlight clusters that are separate from the daytime running lights. These headlights feature adaptive matrix technology for the first time in the U.S., a system the new Q9 flagship will also offer. Below this grille with its expanded mesh are functional lower intakes that increase the sense of width, and this commanding presence is enhanced by blistered fenders, the rears of which taper into a taller D-pillar that makes the roof flatter, thus providing more interior room. At the back, OLED taillights are available with a full-width light strip, and these can display different patterns as required, including warning symbols in specific circumstances, like an emergency stop. Both ends of the SUV feature illuminated Audi rings, and lighting is a big part of the new Q7's talents, with a world-first advanced turn signal system available, projecting turn signals onto the ground when the low beams are on and making it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to see when the SUV is about to turn. There's also now a white rhombus projected onto the ground that functions as both a light carpet and a warning for approaching cyclists when the door is about to be opened. Audi has always been at the forefront of lighting tech, and the 2027 Q7 only reinforces that status.

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Back to the design, and the lower half of the rear end adds a lot of gloss black plastic to reduce the visual mass of the tall SUV, while a faux diffuser integrates quad tailpipes on the SQ7. As usual, optional S line treatment is available for the regular Q7, adding several dark accents, red brake calipers, and sportier wheels. Speaking of wheels, Q7 buyers can choose from four designs in sizes from 20 to 22 inches, while the SQ7 gets access to three styles in either 22- or 23-inch diameters. The SQ7 avoids the smaller options because while the regular Q7 uses 375-millimeter front brake discs and 350-mm rear rotors, the SQ7 is more powerful, so it needs 420-mm front rotors and 380-mm rear discs. To improve maneuverability, all-wheel steering can be paired wth the available adaptive air suspension system, which lowers the SUV by 62 mm to improve ingress and egress. Speaking of, automatic doors are now available and include a soft-close function.

2027 Audi Q7 Interior: Fancier and More Digital

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The chief concern with a purchase like the Audi Q7 is practicality, and the 2027 model offers 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 43.9 cubes behind the second row, and up to 78.1 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded. All of the seats are power-adjustable as standard, and the second-row bench can fit three child seats alongside each other. With these installed, the third row can still be accessed, but if your kids have graduated beyond child seats, you can spec a six-seat setup with captain's chairs in the second row. The 'sports seats plus' option adds lighting to the headrests that activate when the SUV is locked or unlocked, and these work in conjunction with a new, standard dynamic interaction light, an LED strip spanning the dashboard. Much like the interaction bar in many recent G-series BMWs, this includes a welcome function and also mimics the turn signals. The main means of interaction remains the Audi MMI panoramic display, and this applies to the climate functions, including the air vents, which are now electronically adjustable. At least the volume knob is still a physical piece of switchgear. Elsewhere, you get two wireless smartphone charging pads with cooling, USB-C ports in all three rows, some of which provide enough juice to charge laptops, and cup holders big enough to hold a large Stanley cup.

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2027 Audi Q7 interior colors:

• Stone Beige
• Black
• Tamarind Brown

2027 Audi Q7 trim options:

• Olive Ash Amber Brown
• Lime Structure Gray Brown
• Fine Grain Ash Silk Beige

2027 Audi SQ7 interior colors:

• Black
• Arras Red
• Pastel Silver
• Baikal Blue

2027 Audi SQ7 trim:

• Carbon fiber with Basalt Gray accents

In terms of audio, the new Q7 is a big step up, with Bang & Olufsen's optional system providing so-called 4D sound through headrest speakers and actuators in the front seats, which provide vibrations in sync with your music. The 22-speaker, 1,360-watt system promises ultimate quality with Fraunhofer Symphoria technology, and the vibrations can be deactivated if you prefer. We wonder how these would feel with the optional massaging activated. Look up, and Audi has joined the trend of illuminating patterns in the panoramic glass sunroof. With the 2027 model, the sunroof impacts headroom less, and optionally, buyers can spec a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal layer that allows the roof to match the ambient lighting system or be turned opaque in nine segments, which happens automatically when the car is locked to prevent people peering in. Audi says the standard coated laminated glass also negates the need for a conventional blind, as this blocks over 99.5 percent of UV radiation. Another noteworthy feature is the available integrated dash cam system, which can record automatically or manually, saving the 30 seconds before and after an incident. For your protection, the recordings are stored on your own removable SD card, not in the cloud.

Final Thoughts

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The new Q7 and SQ7 are more practical and interesting than ever, with the SUVs capable of being trained in certain parking maneuvers and then carrying them out automatically (under supervision). Porsche has a similar system, and it's great for tight spaces and narrow driveways, with the ability to remember up to five maneuvers and work over up to 650 feet. The new Q7 also offers two levels of intensity for lane-keep assist technology, and the SQ7 gets a new limited-slip center differential with preload, similar to the new RS 5. From design and technology to safety, comfort, and performance, the 2027 Q7 and SQ7 appear to be better than ever. Will they be better than the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS? On paper, they certainly look compelling. Pricing will be a key factor, but that's only going to be revealed closer to the on-sale date later this year.

Chinese companies have been dominating the global automotive stage and putting legacy companies on blast. If current projections are to be believed, they are about to topple the top brand, Toyota, any time soon. However, a new report from Reuters has put one of its biggest brands, BYD, under a harsh light for allegedly aiding the Chinese military.

On Monday, the U.S. government added EV titan BYD to a controversial list of suspected Chinese military backers. This high-profile designation threatens to inflame already tense bilateral relations. The updated 2025 roster arrives awkwardly right after President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a fragile trade truce in Beijing. While the index largely mirrors a withdrawn February list, targeting an automaker like BYD marks a massive geopolitical escalation for the global car industry.

Software Crackdowns and the Expanding Blacklist

Federal regulatory groups are actively cracking down on connected vehicles in America. Authorities are aggressively purging Chinese software codes from modern cars to prevent potential tracking and data theft. Legacy American automakers are joining this national security push.

General Motors has taken drastic measures by completely banning Chinese-made parts from its supply chain starting next year. This creates a massive hurdle for foreign manufacturers. BYD is refusing to back down from these mounting pressures. The Chinese automaker took direct legal action earlier this year. BYD sued the federal government over sweeping tariffs that it deemed unfair and designed to cripple its market expansion.

The Pentagon's updated blacklist includes various tech sectors, but the spotlight remains firmly on BYD. The Chinese embassy fiercely condemned the registry and demanded an end to discriminatory practices. Blacklisted companies like BYD can petition for removal. The Defense Department notes this is possible if a company ceases U.S. operations entirely. Lawmakers are instead using this updated roster to sound a public alarm regarding BYD and its peers.

Representative John Moolenaar framed the list as a stark warning, cautioning American businesses that these blacklisted firms actively work against national security interests.

The Lowdown

Chinese influence has been very apparent in the automotive industry. We are seeing massive shifts across the board. The impact is so vast that German titan Mercedes-Benz could be pushed out of the U.S. over Chinese ownership ties. The cultural infiltration runs deep as well. Rumors suggest that even James Bond may now be driving a Chinese electric car in his next film, a BYD no less.

Is this the price of cheaper, more advanced, more fuel-efficient, and overall better cars? Consumers want affordable electric vehicles with cutting-edge technology. BYD and its peers are delivering exactly that. They offer a stellar range and premium features at unbeatable prices. But this innovation comes with a high geopolitical cost. Buying a high-tech car now means navigating complex national security debates. We want great vehicles. We also want secure data and fair trade. The automotive world is no longer just about horsepower and handling. It is now a primary battleground for global superpower dominance. Drivers are caught right in the middle.

The Chevrolet Corvette C8 has officially lost its new kid status. As the first mid-engine Corvette, it shook up America’s sports car scene, but now it’s inching toward retirement. Chevy just confirmed there won’t be any more core C8 variants after the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X, which is a pretty big hint that the next-gen C9 is already cooking behind the scenes.

GM isn’t spilling any secrets about its next sports car just yet, but a recent interview with CEO Mary Barra might have accidentally let something slip. As cameras rolled through GM’s Technical Center in Michigan, there was a glimpse of what looked suspiciously like a next-level Corvette concept hiding in plain sight.

AI Is Changing How GM Designs Cars

The interview focused on how AI is reshaping GM’s approach to car development. Barra shared that GM now uses AI to predict a car’s aerodynamics before any physical prototype is built or a wind tunnel is used. Designers can adjust shapes digitally and get immediate feedback on airflow and efficiency, cutting out the long waits of traditional methods.

It’s not just engineers benefiting from the new tech. At GM’s Design Center, designers can now turn rough sketches into realistic renderings in minutes rather than weeks. That gives more experimental ideas a chance to be explored before any final decisions are made.

Amid all the discussion about technology, a striking, low-slung sports car stood out in the background. Designers were working on digital sketches and full-size clay models with bold proportions, a sharply styled nose, large wheels pushed to the corners, and a cockpit that looked inspired by aviation. The question is: Was that our first look at the C9?

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We've Seen This Corvette Before

As much as we’d love to believe the hype, the car in the background is actually something we’ve seen before. Based on the visible design details, the clay model and digital renderings closely match the Corvette CX concept that GM revealed earlier as part of its broader exploration of the Corvette's future. That concept features a futuristic hypercar silhouette, fighter jet-inspired canopy, and an all-electric quad-motor powertrain producing more than 2,000 horsepower.

Our guess? This isn’t the C9’s big debut. It’s more like a peek into the wild ideas GM’s designers are tossing around as they dream up what comes after the C8. The next Corvette will probably dial things back compared to the CX concept, but don’t be surprised if some of those wild shapes and tech bits sneak into the real thing.

One thing’s for sure: the next Corvette is already taking shape, even if it’s still locked away from prying eyes.

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What Failed, and Why?

This is not a new issue, and General Motors is very aware of it. While the immediate symptom was a leaking head gasket, the deeper, systemic issue with the L87 engine lies deep within the block: the crankshaft. During the teardown, microscopic analysis of the rod journals revealed improper surface finishing from the factory.

Given the recalls and legal trouble, for General Motors, the L87 powerplant is like a toothache that will not go away. In a healthy engine, oil rides smoothly across the crankshaft journals. However, the factory L87 crankshaft possesses microscopic "shelves" or uneven ridges. As oil flows over these ridges, the pressure builds up and then abruptly collapses. These rapid, localized drops in oil pressure cause the rod bearings to suffer microscopic impacts, eventually leading to catastrophic engine failure over time.

Exacerbating this mechanical flaw are modern manufacturing choices driven by fuel economy and emissions standards. To reduce internal friction and increase efficiency, these engines are designed to run on water-thin 0W-20 oil. While this reduces resistance, it offers a dangerously thin margin for error with regard to bearing lubrication. Furthermore, the factory bearing clearances on the L87 are incredibly tight.

The Fix

For the rebuild process, the shop begins by throwing out the problematic factory crankshaft and replacing it with a high-quality aftermarket crankshaft featuring a proper surface finish. Next, the engine builders open up the main bearing clearances and switch the engine to a more suitable 0W-40 oil. Finally, they install a delete for the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system and top the whole build off with a supercharger.

By spending the extra money on a comprehensive rebuild rather than taking a massive depreciation hit by selling a broken vehicle, the owner saved approximately $50,000 compared to trading up for an Escalade V, all while ensuring the luxury SUV will, hopefully, reliably stay on the road for the next 15 to 20 years. Ultimately, this 9,000-mile failure highlights a frustrating reality of modern automotive engineering, where emissions standards and rapid manufacturing can compromise longevity. But as this build proves, with the right expertise, even a factory flaw can be transformed into a high-performance masterpiece.

Trump In Disbelief Over Restricting Self-Repair

Trump said the automakers told him they didn't want people fixing their own vehicles, and his response was candid disbelief. "They don't want people to fix their car," Trump said. "I said, that's strange. I'd never heard of that.’" He also claimed that someone had reportedly received a seven-year prison sentence for repairing their own vehicle, though no further details or context were offered to clarify what legal case he was referring to. Ford has since confirmed that Andrew Frick, who heads both Ford Blue and Ford Model e, attended the June 3rd White House meeting, but the company offered no additional comment beyond that.

The Right-To-Repair Battle Continues

The right-to-repair debate has been simmering for years, and the auto industry has been one of its most contentious battlegrounds. Automakers have long argued that restricting access to vehicle software, diagnostic systems, and telematics data is a matter of safety and cybersecurity, not consumer suppression. Independent repair shops and consumer advocacy groups see it differently. Their position is that as vehicles become increasingly software-defined, locking diagnostic access to dealer networks forces owners into expensive, often unnecessary dealership visits for repairs that a local shop could handle at a fraction of the cost.

Several states have seen legislation on this. Massachusetts passed a landmark automotive right-to-repair law, which automakers challenged in court. The fight over what data owners can access and who gets to fix modern vehicles is far from settled. What Trump's remarks do is drag that ongoing tug-of-war into a very public, very political spotlight.

The Soccer-Parent Segment

For decades, minivans relied on robust, torquey V6 drivetrains. Vehicles like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, Chrysler Pacifica, and Dodge Caravan used powerful 3.5-liter motors producing around 300 horsepower. On a long stretch of interstate, a traditional minivan can haul the family, hitting 60mph in 7 seconds, as in the case of the Kia Carnival, all while still returning mpg in the mid 20s.

However, to judge minivans solely on interstate performance would be ignorant, as most minivans are used for school runs, soccer drop-offs, and stop-and-go traffic. This is where the Toyota Sienna fundamentally reshapes the segment - and all other segments.

The 4th-generation Toyota Sienna dropped the traditional V6 for a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain - achieving an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. Considerably better than its V6 counterparts. A 7-seater family van being able to return 36 mpg, while producing 245 horsepower from a four-cylinder, is far more impressive than a compact car managing 50 mpg, as in the case of the Prius.

Beyond a Proof of Concept

The hybrid 4th-generation Toyota Sienna proves the scalability and versatility of hybrid powertrains. The genius of the Sienna lies in how it manages energy. In traditional V6 minivans, the combined EPA ratings plummet into the low 20s because getting a heavy vehicle rolling from a dead stop requires a massive fuel expense. The Sienna immensely outperforms these industry stalwarts by using electric motors to get the car rolling from a stop. The planetary gearset within its eCVT seamlessly blends gas and electric power, allowing the internal engine to operate almost exclusively at its peak thermal efficiency.

Of course, physics is still applicable. Load up the Sienna with seven people and their luggage for a road trip, and this 36 mpg figure falls to around 30 mpg as the weight forces the little four-cylinder to work harder. While the Sienna is the clear winner in the city when it comes to mpg, its mpg on the interstate is only marginally lower than its V6 competitors, giving the Sienna a massive win when it comes to combined mpg, saving families hundreds of dollars on their fuel expense annually.

The Takeaway

The Toyota Sienna proved that hybrid technology is no longer just an eco-promise or a fragile hypercar's power-maxxing drivetrain. It is a robust, scalable solution capable of outperforming traditional larger displacement engines in demanding, utilitarian segments of the market. The Prius started the revolution - the Sienna is winning the war.

Tesla has once again shifted the timeline for its next-generation Roadster, pushing the long-promised public demonstration back to August 2026. This latest delay comes after Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk missed a string of self-imposed deadlines, including an April Fool's Day target and subsequent promises of a late-spring reveal. According to The Information (via Carscoops), sources familiar with the project say Texas is now slated to host the event, where the electric vehicle is expected to show off its wild rocket propulsion technology.

While chief designer Franz von Holzhausen recently hinted that a digital teaser or social media preview could arrive within a few weeks to build buzz, history suggests fans should keep their enthusiasm in check. This is far from the first setback for the halo car, as the company has pushed back its public schedule repeatedly over the last few years. Nearly nine years after its initial 2017 reveal, the flagship EV continues to test the patience of the automotive world.

Inside the SpaceX Package and Production Plans

The primary culprit for the current delay is the complex engineering required for the extreme SpaceX option pack, internally codenamed A71. This wild configuration replaces the traditional rear seats with roughly ten cold-gas rocket thrusters developed in tandem with aerospace engineers. Musk claims this setup will enable a mind-bending zero-to-sixty mph sprint of just 1.1 seconds, while providing enough downward and lateral force to dramatically alter cornering and braking, and even allow the car to briefly hover off the ground.

Company executives reportedly witnessed an early internal test of this hardware in late April, but the system clearly requires further validation before it faces a live public audience. The protracted development cycle means that while the company selected a production facility for assembly, actual assembly lines remain quiet. The physical product has stalled so extensively that Tesla has resorted to renewing its legal trademarks just to keep the nameplate active while engineers figure out how to safely marry rocket science with consumer automotive safety.

The Lowdown

Putting cold gas thrusters on a production road car sounds like a recipe for public relations chaos. We are talking about the same manufacturer that famously shattered its own armored glass during the Cybertruck debut, so unleashing literal rocket tech on a public stage brings an entirely new level of regulatory and safety scrutiny. Interestingly, as Musk pushes harder toward a fully autonomous fleet of robotaxis, internal lore suggests this performance monster might end up as the sole vehicle in the lineup that prioritizes manual human control.

Ultimately, the biggest losers in this ongoing saga are the loyal reservation holders who plunked down massive, six-figure deposits nearly a decade ago. That capital has sat idle in Tesla accounts for years, missing out on significant returns that could have been realized if it had simply been invested in the open market. Until a real rubber-hits-the-road demonstration actually materializes in Texas this August, the rocket-powered Roadster remains the industry's most expensive piece of vaporware.

Audi’s EA839 3.0-liter turbo V6 is widely used across the VW Group vehicles. You’ll see it in everything from the Audi S4 and S5 to the SQ5, A6, A7, Q7, Q8, and even some Porsche Cayennes. It has a good reputation for those who want an engine with plenty of tuning potential.

However, this force-inducted V6 mill’s reliability isn’t exactly spotless. Piston failures and oil-guzzling are common, as are scored cylinder walls and cooling-system headaches. The EA839 has even landed in the spotlight over water pump issues, with a lawsuit thrown in for good measure.

Case in point: a 2021 Audi S4 with only 47,000 miles made it through the shop of our favorite engine coroner, I Do Cars. It’s young by most standards, and yet, it has already scored a new engine thanks to a warranty extension.

Hiding a Much Bigger Problem

Everything seemed healthy at first. Spark plugs? Normal. Engine rotation? Smooth as butter. No rod knock, no signs of disaster lurking inside. Even the oil filter was clean, while the timing chains, guides, and tensioners all looked solid. Even the bottom end looked shockingly healthy. Just a bit of sludge in the oil pan, a spotless pickup screen, and barely any wear on the bearings.

However, after one cylinder came off, all three cylinders showed deep scoring. The other side? Pretty much normal. The damage was impossible to miss after pulling the pistons – severe skirt wear and scuffing everywhere, classic signs of piston slap and metal-on-metal drama.

This is a common issue among EA389 V6 engines, according to I Do Cars. The engine probably still ran, but you’d hear a tapping noise and maybe notice the oil level dropping as things got worse.

Interestingly, the car had already gotten a new water pump and thermostat before the engine swap. Makes you wonder if a bit of overheating helped kick off the trouble.

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Can Owners Prevent It?

Some experts think cooling-system gremlins accelerate damage, so swapping out dodgy water pumps and thermostats early might help. Others blame the pistons themselves or tight manufacturing tolerances.

For owners, the best move would be to stay alert. If you hear a rhythmic tapping that speeds up with the engine, spot unexplained oil loss, or catch odd noises from one side, get your car checked ASAP. A quick borescope peek should be able to spot scoring before everything gets ugly.

The good news is that not every EA839 experiences this failure. Many examples have accumulated high mileage without major engine issues. Audi has also revised components throughout the engine's production run, though it remains to be seen whether the company has fully resolved the problem.

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A Different Bronco Under the Skin

Despite wearing familiar Bronco styling, this is an entirely different vehicle from the one sold in the US. Where the American Bronco is body-on-frame and built for serious trail work, the Bronco New Energy is a unibody monocoque, based on a JMC platform. It shares no parts with the Bronco or the Bronco Sport. The EREV variant produces 415 horsepower while the full EV pushes 445 hp backed by a much larger 105 kWh battery good for around 404 miles. In China, the EREV starts around $33,000 and tops out around $40,000, with the EV pricing in the same ballpark. 

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Compare that to the US, where a base Bronco two-door starts closer to $36,000 and a well-specced four-door pushes well past $50,000, with zero electrification on offer. The trade-off for the unibody platform is real, though. The monocoque design means no convertible top, less raw off-road articulation, and a fundamentally different character from what Bronco loyalists expect. What you get instead is a more refined, family-friendly SUV that happens to wear the Bronco badge.

Why It Will Never Cross the Pacific

The reasons this Bronco stays in China are stacked. The entire supply chain lives there; the platform is JMC's, and importing it would trigger substantial tariffs. There are also open questions about whether it meets US crash test requirements or emissions standards. Then there is the growing legislative scrutiny around Chinese software and hardware in vehicles sold on American soil.

Ford is working on an EREV version of the F-150 Lightning and has hinted at broader electrification plans, but the Bronco New Energy is not part of that roadmap. Scout will launch its own EREVs in 2027, and if customer interest is any indication, it'll be popular. The technology is clearly where the market is headed. It increasingly looks like Ford built the right answer, just in the wrong place.

One of the biggest concerns about owning an electric vehicle is battery degradation, which can reduce an EV’s driving range over time. However, battery technology has advanced significantly in recent years. A study by Recurrent found that EVs retain about 97% of their original range after three years and 95% after five years.

Now, a 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper owner decided to document battery degradation himself, showing the effects of heavy EV use and frequent DC fast charging, which is generally considered more taxing on battery health than AC charging. BCTESLAGUY ran a second battery health test six months after the first test, which was conducted a few weeks after the EV was acquired.

At the time of the video, the Model Y had already accumulated 16,000 miles, which is already above the U.S. average of approximately 13,000 miles driven per year.

The Numbers Are In

The battery health test discharges Tesla EVs to between 0% and 10%, then recharges them to 100%, a process that takes about 20 hours. In this Model Y owner’s case, the EV returned a 99% battery health result, which surprised him because he expected it to be closer to 97%.

For the record, his Model Y had accumulated 2,888 kWh of DC charging and 2,588 kWh of AC charging.

The test suggests that even with 16,000 miles in about half a year of ownership and frequent DC fast charging at Tesla's Supercharger, those factors did not significantly affect this Model Y’s battery health. He said the EV is still showing 325 miles of range, the same figure it displayed when he conducted the first battery health test.

Good Habits Go A Long Way

However, it is worth noting that the owner employed several practices to help maintain battery health. He does not charge above 75% or let the battery drop below 35%, keeping it within commonly recommended limits. The battery is also preconditioned to about 40°C to 45°C (104°F to 113°F) to help ensure ideal charging conditions.

While those practices may seem tedious, owning a gasoline-powered vehicle also involves habits that can help maintain long-term engine health, such as avoiding running the fuel tank nearly empty and limiting frequent short trips in which the engine never reaches its optimal operating temperature. Still, battery degradation may not be a major reason to avoid an EV, as significant degradation often takes several years, if not a decade, to occur, by which point many owners may already be considering a replacement vehicle.

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We are talking about brand-new trucks plagued by engine seizures, dead batteries, electrical meltdowns, and software bugs. Here is the official countdown of the 11 worst pickup trucks based on Consumer Reports data, ranked from bad to absolute worst.

2026 Toyota Tundra - Reliability Score: 41/100

Toyota brand loyalty runs incredibly deep, but the 2026 Tundra is seriously testing that devotion. The primary culprit? Catastrophic main bearing failures inside the 3.4L twin-turbo V6. Bearings are spinning in the engine block, causing oil pressure to drop to zero and engines to seize, sometimes while driving at highway speeds. While Toyota initially blamed manufacturing debris, replacement engines are failing the exact same way, pointing squarely to a fatal design flaw. Throw in recalls for completely blank backup cameras and tonneau covers physically flying off the bed at speed (a massive road hazard), and it’s clear why the Tundra kicks off this list.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - Reliability Score: 40/100

One of America’s best-selling truck is suffering from a massive problem Chevy just can’t seem to cure: V8 lifter collapse. The cylinder deactivation system relies on locking pins that are prone to sticking, resulting in violent misfires, bent pushrods, and chewed-up cylinder heads. The issue is so widespread that Chevy has issued stop-sale orders, leaving dealers with inventory they legally cannot sell. Even if you opt for the TurboMax four-cylinder to escape the lifter drama, you are hit with leaking radiator hoses. Add in electrical gremlins like shorting low-voltage harnesses and random keyless entry failures, and the Silverado earns its dismal score.

Jeep Gladiator - Reliability Score: 40/100

As the only truck on the market sporting a Jeep front end, the Gladiator inherits all the infamous quirks of the Wrangler platform it’s built on. Mechanically, owners are intimately familiar with the "death wobble", hit a bump wrong, and the solid front axle design causes the steering wheel to shake violently due to premature wear on the steering linkage and track bar bushings. On the electrical side, the Gladiator's dual-battery setup is a nightmare. When the smaller auxiliary battery degrades, it acts as a parasitic drain on the main battery, leaving drivers stranded with zero warning. Combined with trailer plug wiring leaks triggering false brake fault codes, the Gladiator is a tough sell for reliability.

GMC Sierra 1500 - Reliability Score: 40/100

Sharing a platform with the Silverado 1500 means sharing its exact same headaches. The Sierra 1500 suffers from the identical V8 lifter failures and cylinder deactivation meltdowns. However, GMC adds its own unique flavor of misery at the higher trim levels. If you drop premium money on a Denali Ultimate, you get luxury features like massage seats, multi-function tailgates, and a multi-camera trailering system. The catch? None of these accessories power down properly when you turn the truck off. They continuously draw power, meaning owners of $80,000 trucks are waking up to dead batteries and jumper cables in their driveways.

GMC Sierra 2500HD - Reliability Score: 37/100

Heavy-duty trucks are bought to work hard, but the Sierra 2500HD is struggling to show up for the job. Diesel models equipped with the Allison transmission are plagued by shift lag and harsh engagements, behavior you’d expect from a battered used truck, not a brand-new $70,000 rig. Furthermore, the exhaust after-treatment systems are failing, suffering from clogged particulate filters and dead urea injectors. When this happens, the truck goes into a countdown limp mode, severely limiting your speed on the way to the dealer. Top it off with the same battery-draining, blanking multi-camera issues seen in the 1500, and this workhorse is essentially hobbled.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD - Reliability Score: 37/100

As the sister truck to the GMC Sierra 2500HD, the Silverado HD mirrors its sibling's dismal score and mechanical woes exactly. You get the same jarring transmission anomalies and diesel emission hardware failures. However, the Silverado brings a terrifying safety hazard into the spotlight: a massive recall for the trailer brake module. An electrical fault can cause the module to physically overheat, melt, and catch fire. This is not just a software glitch; it is a spontaneous combustion risk on a heavy-duty vehicle designed explicitly to tow heavy loads.

Tesla Cybertruck - Reliability Score: 34/100

Love it or hate it, the data on the Cybertruck speaks for itself. The problems fall into two distinct camps: what you can't see, and what you can't do. Outward visibility is genuinely bad thanks to massive blind spots from the thick A-pillars and sloped stainless steel body. Drivers are heavily reliant on camera feeds to park, which frequently lag or go totally blank. Furthermore, moving essential functions like shifting gears and turn signals to the touchscreen or capacitive steering wheel buttons means drivers are literally stuck if the system locks up. On the failure side, owners are reporting sudden high-voltage system shutdowns that completely immobilize the truck. Add in shearing steering rack fasteners and brake lights failing from water intrusion, and the build quality complaints are significant.

Chevrolet Colorado - Reliability Score: 29/100

As the platform twin to the GMC Canyon, the midsize Chevy Colorado suffers from serious safety and software flaws. The most alarming is a cold-weather braking crash, where freezing temperatures cause the electronic brake assist to fail, forcing the truck into a 43 mph limp mode.

Mechanically, the 8-speed automatic transmission is plagued by a classic GM torque converter shudder during low-speed deceleration. Furthermore, over-the-air software updates frequently prevent control modules from entering sleep mode, draining the 12-volt battery overnight and leaving drivers stranded.

GMC Canyon - Reliability Score: 29/100

As the mechanical twin to the Chevy Colorado, the GMC Canyon shares its catastrophic score and identical unreliability profile. Owners are facing the exact same terrifying cold-weather brake assist crashes, frustrating 8-speed transmission shudder, and battery-draining over-the-air software updates. While a mid-2025 patch fixed minor infotainment bugs, the major braking and transmission issues remain totally unaddressed, leaving Canyon owners out in the cold.

Rivian R1T - Reliability Score: 18/100

Scoring a dismal 18/100, the Rivian R1T's durability lags dangerously behind its innovation. The truck is plagued by failing air suspensions that burn out compressors and drop the vehicle onto its bump stops, requiring flatbed tows to sparse service centers.

Owners also report frequent drive-unit failures, steering pulls, and catastrophic 12-volt auxiliary-battery deaths. When these batteries fail, the entire truck breaks completely, requiring a massive wiring harness and battery replacement.

Ram 1500 - Reliability Score: 5/100

Scoring an apocalyptic 5 out of 100, the 2026 Ram 1500 is officially the worst pickup truck Consumer Reports has ever evaluated. The nightmare begins with a parasitic proximity keyless entry system that drains the battery overnight, triggering a cascade of electrical glitches and dead cells.

Under the hood, the flagship Hurricane twin-turbo inline-6 is melting catalytic converters and leaking coolant into the intake, leading to catastrophic engine failure. Even the Hemi V8 option suffers from broken manifold bolts and lifter tick. Combined with massive recalls for fire-prone trailer brake modules and blanking dashboard screens, a score of 5 means nearly every owner surveyed reported multiple, severe problems.

The Lowdown

The latest Consumer Reports data reveals a hard truth: the modern pickup truck is suffering from a massive identity crisis. In a rush to transform rugged workhorses into rolling luxury computers, automakers have traded mechanical certainty for buggy digital convenience. The result is a landscape plagued by over-engineering, where legacy brands are failing at basic engine design, and EV startups are treating six-figure buyers as paying beta testers.

When an over-the-air software update bricks your vehicle overnight, or a brand-new engine self-destructs at highway speeds, the "convenience" of modern tech becomes a massive liability. Ultimately, this is a wake-up call to look past the shiny touchscreens and aggressive marketing. Until the industry remembers that a truck’s primary job is to start reliably and do the work safely, you might want to hold onto your older model just a little bit longer.

Crashworthiness: Camry Excels, Altima Struggles in Two Tests

The IIHS runs the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side crash tests to evaluate how the vehicle holds up in various crashes. The first test involves a collision with the vehicle’s front corner, while the moderate overlap front is an offset crash between two cars. Ratings of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor are given for each test—here's how the two cars fared.

The Camry was the clear winner for crashworthiness, achieving Good ratings in every test. The Nissan, meanwhile, was off the pace in the moderate overlap front and side tests. The side crash test for the Altima was particularly disappointing, as most vehicles achieve at least a Marginal result here. In it, the IIHS discovered an increased chance of head, neck, torso, and pelvis injuries for the driver. The driver’s head moved downward beyond the side curtain airbag, striking the window sill.

Due to these results, the Altima was immediately disqualified from an IIHS award, whereas the Camry achieved a Top Safety Pick+ award—the safety authority’s top recognition for safety.

Related: Toyota Corolla Vs. Mazda 3 Vs. Honda Civic: Which Is Safest?

Crash Prevention: More Problems For The Altima

Crash prevention is an important part of modern vehicle safety. Here, the IIHS tests a vehicle’s headlights as well as its ability to avoid a crash with another vehicle or pedestrian. Collision warnings and automatic braking systems are among the technologies tested in this category.

Although its headlights missed out on a top rating, the Toyota put in an otherwise effective performance. The Nissan’s collision-avoidance systems fell short, as it often could not avoid collisions the Toyota did. For example, in the test where an adult crossed in front of the vehicles in dark conditions at a driving speed of 25 mph, the Camry avoided a collision entirely. The Altima could only reduce its speed by up to 7 mph, but failed to avoid hitting the pedestrian. In tests where both vehicles couldn’t avoid a collision, the Camry managed to lower its speed more than the Altima, which would reduce the chances of a serious injury for a pedestrian.

Related: Nissan Altima Lives On for 2026 with a Streamlined Lineup Under $30,000

Final Verdict: Toyota Wins and It’s Not Close

The Toyota Camry easily outperforms the Nissan Altima in the latest IIHS safety tests. While the Altima received better scores when it was newer, these tests are continuously optimized, and the aging Nissan has simply fallen short of the latest safety expectations. A single generation separates these sedans, demonstrating the strides automakers can make in terms of safety over a relatively short period of time. The current Altima isn’t expected to stick around for much longer, but even though it’s cheaper than the Camry, the Toyota’s superior safety scores and much better powertrain are just two reasons it’s worth the extra cost.

Related: The Safest New Cars Under $30,000, According to IIHS

Back in April of 2025, we covered a massive recall advisory issued by Ford Motor Company. In it, the specific problem was identified as a faulty rear brake hose prone to rupturing and leaking vital brake fluid. As we all know, a lack of brake fluid will dramatically affect your car's ability to stop safely and at a proper distance.

At the time, the recall totaled a whopping 499,129 units, split between Lincoln and Ford. Unfortunately, while Ford has acknowledged the issue and issued a recall, it seems the issue isn't even close to being resolved yet.

No End In Sight

The specific cars affected by the recall are the Lincoln MKX (made from 2016 to 2018) and the Ford Edge (made from 2015 to 2018). According to the initial recall, the cars used bad rear jounce hoses, which were pulled from production in December of 2017, but crucially, Ford hasn't determined what caused the hoses to rupture.

One Ford Edge owner from Massachusetts has gone live on WCVB Channel 5 Boston to express his frustration at Ford. Apparently, the owner, Paul Lonergan, had experienced a ruptured brake hose, causing his car's fluids to leak onto his driveway.

At the time his car broke down this past April 2026, he wasn't that concerned because Ford had issued him the recall advisory last September 2025. He then drove to the dealership carefully to have the issue rectified, confident that his local dealership would honor the official recall.

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Promises?

However, things quickly turned for the worse when Paul found out that Ford had yet to implement a proper recall plan. The lack of a plan meant there were no replacement parts available yet, forcing Paul to pay for the repair upfront, with Ford saying he could "potentially" be reimbursed "down the road." The total cost for his repair came out to a high of $1,854.

When Ford first issued the recall advisory last year, the report said the brand would have a fix in place by April of 2026. Instead, Paul's story shows the brand hasn't come up with a solution to the problem yet, and, according to the news report, a company spokesperson said the earliest Ford can issue an official fix is September of this year.

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When Ford launched the F-150 Lightning pickup back in 2020, people were skeptical. Yet, there were some who remained optimistic, given that this was the F-150 after all, a popular and well-loved nameplate; how bad could it really be? well...

Over the course of its 3-year production run, the Lightning was marred by multiple major recalls and small niggling issues that eventually drove people away from buying it. The plug was eventually pulled in 2025, leading to Ford regrouping and announcing that it would be working on a smaller EV pickup with a price tag starting at $30,000.

Prototype Testing

It seems that development of the new EV pickup is progressing steadily, as the Detroit Free Pressjust reported that testing of the EV pickup is set to begin on Detroit, Michigan, roads very soon. This truck will likely be unmissable given that it will be covered in the usual prototype camouflage. According to Ford spokesman Dave Tovar, while the prototypes are out and about, they aren't being driven on public roads in Michigan just yet. He did say, however, that road testing will commence in the following weeks.

While no name has been given yet, the new mid-sized truck will be the first to use the blue ovals' new Universal Electric Vehicle platform. When it was officially announced, Ford did say that the new models' target launch is sometime in 2027.

Ford's Chief Financial Officer, Sherry House, said the project is going well and on track. The group tasked with designing this truck is a "Skunk Works" department from the brand's secretive Electric Vehicle Development Center (EVDC), based in California.

Details of the new truck are still scarce, but a mid-sized form factor makes it akin to a Ranger or Maverick. Since it's an EV, in addition to the customary truck bed at the rear, it will have a frunk. Performance-wise, Ford is targeting a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds, matching a Mustang EcoBoost, and a full driving range of around 300 miles for the entry-level variant.

New EV Manufacturing

Back in 2025, CEO Jim Farley emphasized that Ford is developing a new production process for Electric Vehicles (EVs). This is being done to help Ford bring down costs and offer more affordable EV products in the future.

Ford has since promised that a whole set of new, more affordable EVs is on the way. After the pickup, there are plans for a small SUV and even a sedan, all sharing the same platform.

The Honda Insight was the first hybrid sold in the U.S., arriving in 1999. But because the Toyota Prius followed in 2000 and became a much bigger hit, it is often seen as the model that brought hybrid technology into the mainstream. More than two decades later, the market has changed dramatically, especially with the rise of electrification, as nearly every major automaker now offers some form of electrified vehicle.

As such, the Prius now faces more competition in a segment it once dominated, and according to a report from Japan's Mag X (via Creative Trend) its long-term future could be threatened by cannibalization from within Toyota's lineup, particularly from the next-generation Corolla. Central to this report is the Corolla Concept unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, which suggested the upcoming version could be more upscale and, therefore, move closer to the Prius' territory.

A Threat From Within

The next-generation Corolla is expected to adopt a multi-powertrain strategy, potentially offering EV, hydrogen fuel-cell, and hybrid variants. Such changes could push the model further upmarket, prompting speculation from the publication that Toyota may also raise the price of the next-gen Prius and position it higher in the lineup to maintain separation from the Corolla.

These factors put greater emphasis on price sensitivity. Toyota would need to price the Prius high enough to support profitability, but not so high that buyers turn to other options. If the Japanese marque cannot find a way to elevate the Prius beyond being just another hybrid model, the publication also raised the possibility that it could eventually be axed from the lineup.

A Model Too Important To Ignore

The next-generation Corolla is expected to be revealed this year before going on sale as a 2027 model. That update is long overdue, as the current-gen model has been on the market for about eight years. It is also especially important for Toyota, given that the Corolla helps keep the business moving as the best-selling car nameplate of all time, ahead of icons such as the Ford F-Series and Volkswagen Golf.

Meanwhile, the current-generation Prius debuted in 2022, making a major overhaul unlikely until the latter part of the decade. That could give Toyota more time to evaluate the Prius' position in the lineup and ensure it doesn't overlap too much with the Corolla.

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Normally, Porsche's one-off projects pay tribute to racing legends, classic cars, or the occasional celebrity. This time, though, they're taking inspiration from a Pixar icon.

To celebrate Toy Story 5, Porsche has teamed up with Disney and Pixar to build three custom 911s inspired by Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie. The partnership was announced in April, and now Porsche is teasing us with behind-the-scenes shots of the Buzz Lightyear car as it takes shape.

We don't get to see the finished car yet, but the photos give us a peek at just how much effort is going into what might be one of the strangest Sonderwunsch builds in recent memory.

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Buzz Lightyear's Influence Is Already Easy To Spot

Even with most of the car still under wraps, it's impossible to miss where the inspiration comes from. Teaser shots show technicians painstakingly laying down graphics and paint by hand, with that unmistakable lime-green-and-purple combo straight out of Buzz Lightyear's closet. One shot shows a 'Lightyear' stencil, while another reveals a half-finished body panel with black-and-yellow warning stripes circling an air intake.

There's even a 'Space Ranger' graphic with a winged badge that looks ready to land on the finished car. With all these bold colors and details, Porsche isn't just slapping on a themed paint job – it’s building a car that could pass for Buzz's official Star Command ride.

Other shots show off the hands-on work: a tech peeling off masking tape from a freshly painted panel, another buffing a body section to a shine. Porsche even shared photos of paint being mixed and custom graphics in the works, just to remind us these cars are being built the old-fashioned way, not just rolling off an assembly line.

A Different Kind Of Sonderwunsch Project

This wild build is coming together under Porsche's Sonderwunsch program – German for 'special wish.' It's the division that handles the most personalized commissions, with loads of hand-finishing, custom paint, rare materials, and one-off touches.

Pixar's Bob Pauley says the goal wasn't just to slap cartoon characters onto a sports car. Instead, the teams worked on turning each character's personality into colors, materials, and shapes, all while staying true to the originals.

Buzz Lightyear's 911 won't be flying solo for long. Porsche says Woody and Jessie-inspired Porsche 911 sports cars are also in the works, and all three will hit the red carpet at the Toy Story 5 premiere in LA before the movie drops on June 19.

After the promo tour wraps up, all three cars will be auctioned off together to raise money for charities that help kids and families in need.

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Despite Chinese automakers expanding their presence in Canada and Mexico, they are still unlikely to arrive stateside anytime soon. However, their global expansion is forcing legacy automakers to adapt and adjust to stay competitive. That could be good news for consumers who want more options, but it also presents an undeniable challenge for automakers.

Now, the latest Chinese entry is the G919 from Hongqi, a brand owned by FAW Group, one of China's "Big Four" state-owned automakers. It is essentially the brand's first off-roader powered by a four-motor extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain, putting it in competition with vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender.

Bringing The Heat

According to CarNewsChina, the Hongqi G919 pairs its EREV powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering a combined 620 kW (831 horsepower) and 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) of torque. On paper, that already surpasses the Mercedes-AMG G63, which makes 577 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.

Perhaps more interestingly, the G919 should drive like an electric vehicle, since EREVs typically use the combustion engine mainly as a generator. That means future owners could still refuel at traditional gas stations when the battery charge runs low, helping address range anxiety. The new model reportedly offers a CLTC-rated all-electric range of 280 km (174 miles) and a total driving range of 1,350 km (839 miles).

In addition to its EREV powertrain, the G919 comes equipped with genuine off-road hardware, including a body-on-frame chassis, three locking differentials, and torque vectoring. It will be interesting to see whether the SUV features any headline-grabbing tricks of its own, similar to the rival BYD Yangwang U8, which is known for its emergency floating capability.

Not Hongqi's First Ambitious Project

The report describes the new off-roader as one of Hongqi's "most technologically ambitious production vehicles" ahead of its market launch. The brand sells a wide range of vehicles in China, including the Guoya, a Mercedes-Maybach contender designed by former Rolls-Royce design chief Giles Taylor, which helps explain its resemblance to the Phantom.

If the G919 becomes a commercial success, it could influence what buyers expect from luxury off-roaders, much like electrified Chinese vehicles have already reshaped several global markets. Perhaps the best-case scenario is that it pushes established brands to develop better technology and stronger value propositions.

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BMW has a lot to put in its greatest-hits catalog, but one could say that the E9 coupes from the '60s to the mid-'70s are among the best-looking cars Munich has ever produced. Initially styled by Giovanni Michelotti and further refined by Wilhelm Hofmeister, its distinct profile defined an era at BMW and would set the template for its eventual successor, the 6 Series.

It didn't matter if it was the road car or the race car, the E9 looked great wherever it went. The car had style and substance in spades, and it had a successful racing career to back up its credentials. Without the E9, BMW M might be a different company, or probably wouldn't exist at all.

With such a classic and iconic shape, the thought of cutting one up is pretty horrifying. But if it's done right, it can transform it into an elegant hot rod.

Meet the MKO CS M5

MKO GmbH and Co. is a workshop and car dealer based in Germany that specializes in V8s. As the E9 was never available with eight cylinders, the shop decided to throw one in under the hood of the classic car. However, it wasn't going to be a simple swap, as it would require two E9 coupes and an E39 M5 to get it done.

The result was the MKO CS M5, completed over a decade ago. It has since appeared in several publications before being sold into private hands. Now, it's up for sale on Bring a Trailer with a current bid of €42,225 at the time of writing. That's about $49,000 at current exchange rates.

The Build

As mentioned, it took three cars to complete this one special vehicle. Fabricated in Romania. The entire lower half of the car is pure E39 M5 under the skin, while the top half is all E9. The floorpan was then shortened to stay true to the classic coupe's proportions, and considerable work went into turning it into a two-door.

The car gets the E39's modern suspension arrangement, and at the heart of it all is the 4.9-liter V8 straight from the M division. It's unknown whether the engine received any upgrades, but with its lighter body, the 394-hp mill should make light work of going fast. As it's mechanically an E39 M5, it comes with a six-speed manual and a limited-slip differential. It also has KW adjustable coilovers to keep things nice and planted.

Frankenstein Done Right

From the outside, it looks like a 3.0 CSL, and the only giveaway is the quad exhausts at the back. It previously rode on Style 65 wheels straight from an M5, but it's now on 19-inch Alpina wheels. On the inside, however, the dash is straight from the '90s 5 Series, along with other mod-cons.

Of course, the purists won't like what's been done to it, but we can take a moment to appreciate the effort that went into this car. The final result could've easily been butchered, but it's well-resolved and executed. We're also pretty sure that completing it cost a lot more than the current bid.

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If we ask you to picture a '90s Subaru Impreza WRX, you'll probably imagine it in World Rally Blue with matching gold wheels. We can't blame you for that, as it was the combination that was made popular by the competition model. If the rumble of the boxer engine wasn't enough to catch your attention, the cars appearance would've left just as strong of an impression.

To this day, Subaru still pairs the two colors together, albeit not so much on the road cars. But the moment a factory-built WRX hits the rally stage, you can pretty much guarantee that it'll be blue and gold. To think this all started with cigarette sponsor, State Express 555.

A Happy Accident

The now-iconic color scheme of Subaru was first used in the 1993 World Rally Championship season. It was the Legacy RS that wore it first, and as the team switched to the smaller and more nimble Impreza WRX, it carried on with the same livery. Mind you, even then the cars had gold wheels, even before the 555 sponsorship.

Fast forward to the 1997 WRC season, and the gold wheels were made even brighter, as if the car didn't pop out enough by then. According to Prodrive boss and founder David Richards, those Speedline wheels were never intended for the Impreza WRC, and the car's designer, Peter Stevens, was 'appalled' to hear that gold wheels were going on his creation.

The Backstory

So, what happened. During a live podcast shoot of The Intercooler, David Richards said the whole thing was allegedly due to a shipping error. "We turned up; the first rally of the WRC was in Monte Carlo in '97. We turned up there with the new car and the wheel manufacturer was Speedline, I think, from Italy, and they sent the wheels along," said Richards.

The '97 Impreza WRC was supposed to wear charcoal gray wheels and not the gold ones. To make matters worse, all the wheels that were brought in was finished in that color. Prodrive had no choice but to slap on the delivered set and run with it.

The Win That Sealed the Deal

Those gold wheels must've been a lucky charm, as the Impreza won the season opener, the Monte Carlo Rally. It was driven by Piero Liatti and Fabrizia Pons, and if the latter sounds familiar, she was also the co-driver of Michèle Mouton during the Group B era. Of course, Subaru and Prodrive were happy with that, but Richards had to apologize to the president of the car company for using the wrong wheels on the car.

The president's response? In a nutshell, it was effectively an 'oh, well,' as photos of the winning car was plastered pretty much everywhere. Richards said he was told by Subaru, "No, no, no, we've done all the advertising, you've got to remain with gold wheels from now on."

The Gold Hits Different

We'll probably never know the real reason behind the shipping error, although that mistake would be part of Subaru's legacy on and off the rally stages and race tracks. It's a bit of a 'time traveler moves chair' moment, but it did result in a signature look with a lasting impression. Had just one set been charcoal gray on that fateful day, the '90s motorsport scene would've looked very different.

Let's be honest, the Impreza WRC wouldn't have the same visual impact if it had grey wheels. The same goes for the special edition road cars that were inspired by the rally cars. We can't imagine anything else on those classic rally cars other than gold wheels, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

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Ford is open to re-entering the U.S. sedan market it abandoned at the start of the decade to focus on larger vehicles with better profitability. Rising new-car prices and growing affordability concerns have helped prompt this reconsideration, though there still has not been much concrete development beyond the company targeting a sub-$40,000 four-door passenger car.

Meanwhile, Ford's strategy in Europe suggests the Blue Oval is not ready to give up on passenger cars altogether. Ford’s European general head of product, Christian Weingartner, told Auto Express that a performance version of the next-generation Fiesta could be on the cards, as part of the company's plan to integrate its rally and performance heritage into future models.

Preserving the Performance DNA

As such, ST or RS variants could be offered on the Fiesta, a subcompact hatchback/sedan that was discontinued in North America in 2019 before ending production globally in 2023. Both badges are performance-oriented, with ST models typically focusing on accessible everyday performance, while RS models have historically sat higher in the range with more aggressive upgrades.

Weingartner said, “To be credible and authentic, there needs to be some kind of performance series of our vehicles; that's what we’ve got to have.”

The report suggested that the Fiesta ST could return as an all-electric model based on the RG EV Small architecture, the same platform underpinning the Alpine A290. Ford is also reportedly considering another EV aimed at the compact SUV segment as part of its collaboration with Renault.

A Tale of Two Markets

It is worth noting that smaller cars are more relevant in Europe than in the U.S., where buyers continue to prefer larger vehicles such as the Ford F-150. So while a new Fiesta expected in 2028 might sound like exciting news, its chances of reaching the U.S. remain uncertain, even as the automaker explores new affordable passenger-car options. New performance variants of other Ford models in Europe could also be in the pipeline, including a possible Puma ST and future Focus ST or RS-inspired models.

For now, the most affordable Blue Oval-badged models sold in the U.S. are the Maverick, Escape, and Bronco Sport, all of which start at around $30,000.

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The Honda Odyssey has been under scrutiny recently. After a class-action lawsuit over reported V6 engine failures, the minivan is now facing a new legal challenge related to its side airbags.

This latest complaint centers on 2018-2022 Odyssey models. Plaintiffs say the side airbags can deploy even without a collision, which raises concerns about a system designed to activate only during certain types of impacts. The lawsuit follows a recent recall in the US that covers about 440,000 Odyssey units.

Lawsuit Claims Repairs Are Inconsistent and Expensive

The main issue is that Odyssey side airbags may deploy without warning because of a fault in the airbag control unit. Honda says the problem is due to incorrect programming, which can cause the airbags to activate when driving over rough roads, potholes, or speed bumps.

Honda has identified 25 injury reports and 130 warranty claims related to this issue from January 2017 to April 2026. While the company estimates that only about 0.1% of affected vehicles could experience the problem, plaintiffs point out that even a small percentage can have real effects for owners.

The lawsuit also claims that some dealerships have declined to cover repair costs, even for vehicles still under warranty. Reported repair bills range from $3,000 to $11,000, depending on what needs to be fixed.

Plaintiffs also say the problem has lowered the Odyssey’s resale value, which adds to the concerns for current owners.

What Happens Next for Odyssey Owners

The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California while Honda was already working on a recall for the issue. Plaintiffs point out that recall notices were sent after the lawsuit was filed, which raises questions about how quickly Honda responded.

The case is still in its early stages. Honda has not yet said how it will respond in court. For now, Odyssey owners in the US should follow recall instructions and have their vehicles checked or repaired at authorized dealerships. Whether the recall fix will solve the problem for good will become clearer as the case moves forward.

Akio Toyoda is known for many things, and being a car nut is most definitely one of them. The kin of the world's biggest automaker isn't just an executive; he lives and breathes cars. A dyed-in-the-wool car enthusiast, he doesn't just appreciate the cars that bear his family's name, but also the ones from rivals around the world.

Toyoda-san, also known as Morizo, isn't shy about showing his appreciation for other brands. If there's any need for more proof, the Toyota Automobile Museum in Aichi is a testament to it. The executive is also a massive fan of the Suzuki Jimny and even collaborated with Hyundai to make rallying even more exciting.

Welcoming Rivals

Slowly but surely, U.S-built vehicles from Japanese automakers are being sent to the motherland. Toyota was the first with the Tundra and Highlander, with the Camry soon to follow. More recently, the first wave of American-made Nissan Murano units has landed in Japan.

In a surprise move, Morizo welcomed the arrival of the crossover in Japan, seemingly catching Nissan's own representatives by surprise. The Murano was shown during the recently concluded Fuji 24 Hours race, and he even asked to be filmed with the car. The cherry on top has to be Toyoda-san gleefully waving Nissan flags.

We can't imagine any other executive pulling off this sort of move. This would probably be like seeing Jim Farley or Mary Barra posing and smiling beside their competitor's products.

米国の工場で作られた
新型・日産ムラーノを
うちの会長の豊田章男
（富士24時間レース練習走行後）が
見つけた時の動画です

日産の皆さま
撮影させていただき
ありがとうございました！#豊田章男 #モリゾウ pic.twitter.com/Hl9Pkzlc4R

— トヨタ自動車株式会社 (@TOYOTA_PR) June 5, 2026

Words of Encouragement

Morizo also said a few things about the Murano in the short video. Now, we don't really speak a lick of Japanese apart from the usual customs and greetings, but thankfully, there are translations around.

Directly translated, the executive said, "We have brought an American-made car to Japan. We would love for our Japanese customers to use it. Nissan Murano." Of course, this goes beyond offering Nissan encouragement, as the automotive trade between Japan and the U.S. depends on the success of American-made Japanese cars in the home market.

Akio Toyoda isn't shy about proposing greater unity and collaboration with its fellow automakers. Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda have an agreement in which they'll invest in keeping internal combustion development alive, while partnering with some Chinese companies to further advance their technology and electrification efforts. With that, Toyoda isn't just a die-hard car nut; he's also very much interested in keeping the automotive business afloat - and thriving.

Cicio Performance has a new package for the Corvette Z06 that trades its natural aspiration for boosted performance. The stock 5.5-liter LT6 V8 engine that powers the Corvette Z06 already makes 670 horsepower. The flat-plane crank allows it to reach a high redline of 8,600 rpm, and Cicio Performance's package boosts it even higher.

"The C800 package was engineered to unlock the untapped potential of the C8 Z06 while maintaining the drivability, reliability, and refinement expected from a factory-level experience. Designed around the limitations of the stock fuel system, the C800 package safely and consistently delivers 800+ horsepower using the factory engine and transmission," said Cicio Performance in its Instagram post.

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Drivability and Reliability

An increase of 130 horsepower might not sound that great, but considering that Cicio Performance prioritized drivability, reliability, and refinement says a lot about this kit. Owners who want to buy this kit only need to purchase it. The kit is designed to work around the stock limitations of the engine, transmission, and fuel system, so if you want 800 horsepower, then it's just gonna be one big bill, and you're done.

Speaking of which, Cicio Performance priced this kit at $39,995, installed and tuned. What's more, the brand is offering its first five clients a discounted price of $37,500. There's no need to change out the internals of your engine or beef up your transmission.

Considering the complexity of an aftermarket turbo kit and the amount of work it takes to ensure safety and reliability, $39,995 seems like a good deal. Turbo kits tend to be expensive because they're not all self-contained. The system is intercooled, has two turbos, includes a matched Cicio-spec exhaust system, and has software and tuning done via HP Tuners.

Corvette Blogger secured the dyno sheets for this kit, which max out at 810 horsepower and 637 lb-ft of torque.

'Just' 800 Horsepower

It might not seem worth it at first, but who's to say that there isn't a 'stage 2' over the horizon with this kit? Cicio mentions that the package accounts for the limits of the stock systems, but is there additional performance that can be unlocked?

Could this mean that with a few more choice upgrades, more performance can be extracted? Perhaps an upgraded Z06 with additional improvements could match the Corvette ZR1, which makes 1,064 horsepower or more with a tune. Plus, considering that the Z06 can be had for about $80,000 less than a ZR1, the $40,000 twin turbo kit doesn't sound too shabby.

What I want to know now is whether or not Cicio's performance has other plans for this kit. Will it make hybrid horsepower figures with the right improvements? Or will going overboard simply wreck the engine and transmission?

The Return Of The T-Top

Nissan enthusiasts have been left T-topless for about three decades now, leaving buyers with traditional coupes and convertibles instead. According to Scherr, the new Z T-top is a "modern interpretation of what a factory-inspired T-top Nissan Z could look like in 2027." While removing sections of the roof inevitably reduces chassis rigidity compared with a fixed-roof coupe, T-tops offer a unique driving sensation by allowing occupants to enjoy fresh air without sacrificing the protection of a permanent center roof structure, similar to Porsche's Targa cars.

Celebrating Nissan's Weird Side

The T-top Z will headline what Scherr calls the "Open Air Collection," a trio of unconventional Nissan builds that celebrate some of the brand's more unusual ideas. Joining the sports car will be a reimagined version of the Murano CrossCabriolet, one of Nissan's most infamous niche vehicles, as well as a one-off convertible interpretation of the Juke crossover. Scherr says the collection is intended to showcase the creativity and enthusiasm that exist within the Nissan community.

Nissan's Sports Car Still Has Untapped Potential

Now that the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 are discontinued, there are very few sub-$50k sports cars left on the market. Despite the lack of competition, Nissan isn't finished evolving the Z just yet. The Z uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, producing up to 420 hp in Nismo spec. Yet Ponz Pandikuthira, North America Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer, sees room for additional performance upgrades in the future.

While additional power could attract performance-minded buyers, Scherr's project taps into a different part of the enthusiast market. The current Z already pays tribute to its ancestors through its styling, color options, badge, and manual transmission; a T-top conversion would push that nostalgia even further. Whether it remains a one-off build or inspires similar projects, the concept injects old-school Z-car into the latest Z car. That alone should be enough to put it on the radar of enthusiasts around the world.

Because of advancements in surveillance networks and in-car security technology, car theft has become increasingly difficult, contributing to a decline in theft rates. So when a Koenigsegg One:1 was allegedly stolen earlier this year, it made for a fascinating story, though subsequent reports suggest the theft claim was false.

Nonetheless, the story adds another layer of intrigue to the sale of this 2015 Koenigsegg One:1, which is believed to have been at the center of the controversy. RM Sotheby’s has listed the vehicle for sale, one of just six customer examples produced, with only 4,233 km (2,630 miles) on the odometer.

Conflicting Accounts

Previous reports suggested that this One:1, the third customer car and bearing chassis number 7108, had belonged to former Formula 1 driver Adrian Sutil before it was allegedly stolen by the Wagner Group. Newer reports, however, claim the car was never Sutil’s and was seized rather than stolen.

The listing appears to support that clarification. Stolen cars are either difficult to sell openly or can suffer a hit in value due to concerns over possible parts swapping and a more complicated provenance. This example, however, is expected to sell for $9.5 million to $11.5 million and comes with maintenance records, including a fresh service and factory updates completed in preparation for the sale.

One of the One:1’s most distinctive characteristics is its 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. It is powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 1,360 horsepower while maintaining a dry weight of just 1,360 kg (2,998 pounds) thanks to its extensive use of carbon fiber. That is about the same weight as a Honda Civic Si.

The 1:1 power-to-weight ratio allows the ultra-exclusive car to get from zero to 400 km/h (248 mph) in 20 seconds.

A 1:1 Masterpiece

Other notable features include a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, an active rear wing, carbon-fiber Aircore wheels, and lightweight carbon-fiber seats. The car also comes with China Pink accents on the exterior and interior, which likely contribute to it being one of the most recognizable One:1 examples.

The auction is scheduled for July 4, 2026. Beyond its exclusivity and outright performance, the car also grants its next owner access to Koenigsegg’s Ghost Squadron community, which offers owners greater access to the brand through factory events, international driving tours, and exclusive automotive gatherings.

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The rapid acceleration of electric vehicle adoption brings a steep learning curve for first responders and consumers alike. A recent instructional video from the YouTube channel StacheD Training highlights exactly why treating a lithium-ion battery fire like a standard combustion-engine blaze is a recipe for disaster. The expert host points out that using traditional smothering tools like standard foam or simple dry chemicals fails entirely to stop the underlying event. That event is a violent chemical reaction known as thermal runaway.

Instead of simply removing oxygen from the environment, emergency crews must aggressively cool the dense battery pack with thousands of gallons of water. The video forcefully emphasizes that if the cells' core temperature remains critical, the overarching danger persists indefinitely. This oversight often leads to highly dangerous situations in which an apparently extinguished vehicle suddenly reignites, with chemical reactions sparking back to life long after the initial response team has packed up and left the scene.

The Cost of Inadequate Preparation

StacheD Training makes it abundantly clear that applying the wrong approach does much more than just delay putting out the flames. Using inadequate cooling methods allows intense heat to spread rapidly to surrounding structures, highly flammable debris, and adjacent vehicles. Furthermore, the intense off-gassing of highly toxic smoke poses a severe hazard to anyone attempting a misguided civilian rescue or relying on standard fire blankets without proper secondary water-cooling strategies.

The real-world consequences of ignoring these specialized emergency protocols are undeniably severe. We have already witnessed catastrophic property losses across the globe, including entire commercial facilities burning to the ground when EV battery risks are profoundly underestimated during an active emergency. The StacheD Training video serves as a stark and urgent reminder that modern automotive shops, residential parking garages, and fleet managers must immediately adapt their internal safety measures.

The Lowdown

The transition to EVs is inevitable, but the current rollout of safety measures is fundamentally flawed. Automakers are eagerly pushing millions of heavy, battery-powered cars onto the roads well before local fire departments have the necessary budgets or specialized training to handle them. The StacheD Training video perfectly illustrates the terrifying gap between cutting-edge automotive technology and our currently lagging municipal emergency response tactics.

Fortunately, the automotive industry is not sitting completely idle while these complex vehicles burn. Top engineers and battery scientists are heavily invested in developing cutting-edge suppression systems that aim to neutralize thermal runaway before it can aggressively breach the outer battery casing. Until those vital innovations become standard in every new model, practical education and proper heavy-duty equipment remain our only real defense against a very stubborn kind of fire.

Automakers such as Toyota and Hyundai have already expanded their hybrid lineups in the U.S., where demand remains strong following a slowdown in electric vehicle adoption. That trend raises the question of why Volkswagen, one of the world's largest mass-market automakers, still does not offer a single hybrid model in the U.S. today.

According to Automotive News, Volkswagen wants to introduce hybrid models to American buyers, but it is currently facing several hurdles, primarily related to production and supply-chain development. The automaker aims to localize key components such as batteries and gearboxes in North America, a process that requires suppliers to ramp up tooling and production capacity. Testing and validation of the hybrid powertrains for U.S. market conditions will also be part of the process.

Building The Bridge

Hybridization has become so widespread in the U.S. that the Toyota RAV4 is now offered exclusively with hybrid powertrains. Volkswagen, meanwhile, plans to introduce hybrid systems across its crossover lineup, including the Tiguan, Atlas, and Atlas Cross Sport. The hybrid powertrains are expected to arrive as part of the models' mid-cycle refreshes, likely before the end of the decade.

Both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport hybrids will be built in Chattanooga, while the Tiguan hybrid could be assembled in Mexico. Although that could expose it to tariffs depending on future trade policy, producing the vehicle there may help Volkswagen offset the higher production and labor costs associated with manufacturing in the U.S.

“We would like to have them [hybrids] yesterday,” Gruner said. “That’s our customer feedback and very clear dealer feedback. Yes, we hear you. We accelerate as much as possible.”

A Change In Direction

One of Volkswagen’s earlier strategies for the U.S. market was to lean into EVs, which seemed like a sound idea at the time given the rising demand for electric cars. However, that strategy has lost momentum for several reasons, including shifting policies that once heavily favored EV adoption and are now becoming more technology-neutral, allowing buyers to choose the powertrain that best suits their needs. The brand's current EV lineup is limited to the ID.4, as the ID. Buzz has skipped the 2026 model year and is expected to return for 2027.

As such, it will be interesting to see how Volkswagen performs sales-wise once its lineup becomes more aligned with U.S. market demand through new hybrid models. In addition, the decision to move Golf production from Germany to Mexico could open the door to more affordable variants for American buyers, potentially helping the brand increase its sales volume.

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Despite the automotive industry's global diversity, there are still some models exclusive to specific countries. That's because different countries have different market needs and trends. For reference, think of one of the most recognizable nameplates in the world, the Toyota Hilux. You'd think there'd be a market for it across the globe, but in the U.S., the Hilux doesn't exist; instead, it gets the Tacoma.

The same can be said for Japan; some Japanese-branded cars aren't sold in Japan's unique market. However, one brand is considering shipping U.S.-made cars to its home country, joining Nissan and Toyota.

JDM Ascent?

Subaru Corporation just issued a press release stating that it is considering exporting and selling its largest model in Japan, the three-row Ascent SUV. What's interesting is that it seems they've already given this considerable thought, as the automaker is targeting a Japanese launch by the latter half of 2026. Subaru's interest in selling the Ascent in its home turf comes after a new trade deal between the U.S. and Japan, and they say the Ascent will be able to "meet a wide range of customer needs."

The Subaru Ascent is the most family-oriented car in the brand's lineup and is currently built at its Indiana facility. It was first introduced to the market in 2018, taking over duties from the Tribeca, which was killed off in 2014. In fact, Subaru focused on building the Ascent to address the issues that plagued the Tribeca, namely, more interior space for passengers and cargo, better engine performance and fuel economy, and a more North American-centric design, as opposed to the Tribeca's "one look fits all" approach, which was polarizing for some.

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USDM x JDM

Currently, the Ascent in North America. It was also available in Canada until this year, while the Philippines also gets the model as the Evoltis. This is because the Indiana plant only produces left-hand-drive models, which has prevented any sales in Australia, Europe, and Japan. That might soon change, though, given the news of exportations to Japan; Subaru will have to retool the plant to build right-hand-drive models. This might open up Europe and Australia as well.

Subaru isn't the only carmaker that uses its U.S. manufacturing to sell some models in Japan; Toyota sells the Camry, Highlander, and Tundra, while Nissan and Honda also sell cars that come from U.S. factories.

Jeep is considered the most successful American brand in Japan, and it offers right-hand-drive-spec models for the region, while General Motors has dedicated dealerships that sell the Corvette and select Cadillac models.

Needless to say, range is one of the most important factors when choosing an electric vehicle. That is especially true for buyers who may use an EV for specific purposes, such as city driving only, where a lower-priced, shorter-range model like the Nissan Leaf could suffice. That is why real-world range tests are useful, and one of the latest was conducted by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF).

Based on the test conducted during the Norwegian summer, the BMW iX3 topped the rankings with a real-world range of 485 miles. That was about seven miles more than its WLTP-rated range – a testing standard used in Europe that is generally more generous than the EPA standard used in the U.S. – representing a positive deviation of 1.5%.

Hits and Misses

Speaking of deviation, it may be one of the most telling results from the test, as it helps show whether buyers are getting the range they were promised. Notably, the model with the worst deviation, the MG IM6, is not sold in the U.S. It returned 277 miles in real-world testing, 11.7% below its WLTP-rated range. On the other hand, the Xpeng X9, another Chinese model on the list, had the best positive deviation, going from 360 miles to 401 miles, an increase of 11.4%.

The Toyota bZ4X, sold as the bZ in the U.S., showed virtually no deviation, with both its WLTP-rated range and NAF's real-world test result coming in at 314 miles.

Following the list-leading BMW iX3 was the Lucid Gravity, which posted a real-world range of 447 miles, 3.7% below its WLTP-rated range of 465 miles. Completing the top five were the Mercedes-Benz CLA, Mercedes-Benz GLC 400, and Xpeng X9.

The Efficiency Race

While the BMW iX3 topped the rankings, it is worth noting that real-world range can still vary depending on charging and driving habits, particularly for those who accelerate aggressively or drive at higher speeds. Still, automakers continue to push EV range higher through advances in EV architecture and battery technology, as well as efficiency gains from improved aerodynamics and lighter construction.

In the U.S., BMW lists the iX3 with an estimated range of up to 434 miles. It is also the first BMW model underpinned by the all-electric Neue Klasse platform, with an 800-volt architecture that enables a 10% to 80% DC fast-charging time of 21 minutes under ideal conditions.

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Lee Griffin, 55, died of carbon monoxide poisoning in 2022 after he left his Toyota Tacoma running in the garage, pumping emissions throughout the house. The plaintiff, Lee's wife, argued that Toyota's smart key system was defective, which caused the death of her husband.

Toyota argued that the incident was caused by Griffin, but the plaintiff asserted that the 2017 Toyota Tacoma had design defects because it didn't shut off on its own after her husband left it running in the garage, and that Toyota failed to warn her husband about "the risk of the engine continuing to run after the Smart Key was removed from the truck in an enclosed space."

Furthermore, Toyota argued that the couple knew about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, but the judge in the case deemed Toyota's argument to be "insufficient."

Also, Toyota told the judge that there was no evidence that the plaintiff or her husband had read the warnings and instructions in the owner's manual regarding the operation of the smart key system, and the company said that the system had sufficient audible alerts and that there was no evidence that contradicted Toyota's claim.

What Happened?

According to the lawsuit, Mr. Griffin moved his 2017 Toyota Tacoma out of his garage to get his lawnmower. He then listened to music through a pair of earbuds. After he finished his work, with his earbuds still in and music playing, he brought his truck back in and got out, not realizing his engine was still running.

Toyota's Smart Key system will make an audible noise if the driver leaves the engine running without the keys; however, Mr. Griffin was unable to hear the beeps and simply went back into the house.

Hours later, Mr. Griffin woke up sick that night and fainted in the bathroom. Caroline Griffin, his wife and the plaintiff in this case, helped him back to bed. Mr. Griffin regained consciousness and asked his wife to bring him back to the bathroom. However, Mrs. Griffin ended up fainting after she helped her husband.

When Mrs. Griffin came to, she saw her husband lying unconscious on the floor of the bathroom. After that, she called 911. The fire department detected high levels of carbon monoxide. While Caroline Griffin was carried out of the house, Lee Griffin was pronounced dead on the spot. The autopsy revealed that carbon monoxide was the cause of death, coming from the Toyota Tacoma's emissions in the garage.

A Confidential Settlement

Recent jury verdicts didn't bode well for some brands like Ford, according to Car Complaints. The report also notes that, following recent jury trials in Georgia involving a wrongful death, Toyota has since agreed to a confidential settlement.

It looks like Toyota has agreed to settle. The case has been going on for more than three years now. Perhaps in a bid to avoid more legal expenses, this is where we're at.

Ford's Fundamental Issue

The issue, summarized, is Ford's electrification program and its turbulent chain of events. The automaker’s highly anticipated next-generation electric truck, once dubbed the "Millennium Falcon of trucks" by CEO Jim Farley, was initially slated for 2025. Facing cooling EV demand and supply chain volatility, Ford systematically pushed production at its massive Tennessee BlueOval City campus to 2026, then 2027, and recently, all the way back to 2029. This delay is not superficial; it involves a significant pivot away from all-electric and toward an extended-range EV (EREV). This multi-year vacuum leaves Ford dangerously exposed, especially because anchoring the next-generation of F-series trucks to this electrification strategy means that Ford will likely lag by a couple of years while its competitors make the transition to the next generation.

Manned by the Maverick

Enter the Ford Maverick. Originally perceived as a niche entry-level experiment, it has evolved into a corporate lifeline. A look at the most recent sales figures illustrates a vehicle carrying far more weight than its unibody chassis suggests. In 2025, Ford delivered a record 155,051 Mavericks in the United States. If Ford didn't lump its sales figures together for the entire F-series, the comparison of solely F-150 vs Maverick sales would be very interesting. This staggering volume represents an 18 percent year-over-year increase from 2024, absolutely dwarfing its only direct competitor, the Hyundai Santa Cruz. More importantly, over half of those sales—81,034 units—were the highly efficient hybrid variant.

In 2025, the Maverick Hybrid out-sold the F-150 Lightning EV by nearly a 3-to-1 margin (81,034 Maverick Hybrids vs. 27,307 Lightnings). This hybrid dominance is Ford's secret weapon. While the grand, expensive pivot to battery-electric trucks has stalled, the Maverick Hybrid is actively bailing out Ford’s fleet emission averages today. It provides the crucial regulatory breathing room Ford needs to keep building highly profitable, V8-powered Super Duty trucks and standard F-150s while waiting for the electrification program to yield results.

Truck Takeaway

The Maverick is solving a demographic crisis. Ford effectively abandoned the affordable car market when it discontinued the Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion, largely leaving younger, first-time buyers to Honda and Toyota. The Maverick was a massive gamble to see if those buyers could be coaxed into an affordable, fuel-efficient compact truck. The gambit succeeded brilliantly. Over half of all Maverick buyers are entirely new to the Ford brand, actively trading in Civics and RAV4s for a Blue Oval.

While the F-150 retains the traditional truck loyalist, no automaker can survive without a reliable pipeline of new blood. The Maverick provides exactly that. If Ford successfully navigates this brutal, heavily delayed transition during an already turbulent period for the industry to an electrified future, it won't be just because the F-Series held its ground. It will be because the Maverick secured the next generation of buyers and subsidized the entire transition.

Audi has been introducing intriguing new designs with the Concept C and Nuvolari, seen as spiritual successors to the TT and the R8. These designs appear to be highly intentional under the leadership of Massimo Frascella, who became Audi’s chief creative officer in 2024. In an interview with the UK’s Car Magazine, Frascella shed light on the brand’s new design direction, which is built around “extreme solidity” and “absolute simplicity.”

These principles can be seen in the Concept C and Nuvolari, with the latter looking so clean and minimalist that it could almost be mistaken for another concept car despite being headed for production. Both cars also carry some of the same bold, design-led appeal as the Jaguar Type 00, perhaps unsurprising given Frascella’s previous role at JaguarLand Rover before joining Audi. His goal is ambitious: to help Audi change car design this century in the same way past models like the original Quattro and TT did in the last one.

The Design Formula

Frascella told the publication, “In my view, Audis should exude extreme solidity and absolute simplicity. The secret sauce is the perfect coexistence of radii and tensions, incredibly controlled but never organic, a strong sense of solid metal supported by very precise geometric shutlines.”

The chief creative officer said future Audi models will borrow elements from the Concept C, including the “super-precise” wheel arches, scaled-back glass area, and broad-shouldered plan view, among others. Its minimalist interior will also help guide upcoming models, marking a clear contrast with rivals such as Mercedes-Benz, which has leaned heavily into screen-heavy cabins with features like its pillar-to-pillar Hyperscreen.

The Nuvolari, the first production model to showcase Audi’s new design philosophy, will be limited to 499 plug-in hybrid twin-turbo V8 units, with reports suggesting a convertible variant could also be in the works.

Beyond The Halo Car

But while Audi’s new design direction is interesting, Frascella suggested that the bigger challenge is applying it to the brand’s crossover and SUV lineup, including the Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7, Q8, and Q9, along with a large body-on-frame SUV related to the Scout Traveler. Those models will carry the brand's sales volume, while the Nuvolari is described as more of a “nice-to-have,” likely because it functions more as an image-building sports car, much like the R8, which was discontinued in 2024.

Whatever the German marque's future lineup looks like, Frascella appears more interested in collaboration than internal rivalry within the Volkswagen Group, saying he does not believe competition improves creativity.

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A few months ago, Hyundai sparked significant excitement by teasing two mysterious new vehicles, the Venus and Earth concepts. Automotive enthusiasts eagerly speculated about what these futuristic designs would ultimately entail. Now, spy shots from CarNewsChinagive us a glimpse of the Hyundai Ioniq V, the brand's all-new electric sedan.

The vehicle stretches into a dramatic sixteen-foot fastback silhouette that commands attention on the pavement. Striking spy shots reveal a low-slung aerodynamic stance wrapped in gorgeous bronze and sleek grey hues, looking incredibly production-ready. The exterior is defined by frameless doors, flush semi-hidden door handles, and sharp, cyber-styled LED lighting that creates quite the light show, especially at night.

Mid-grade Specs, Flagship Looks

Underneath its beautifully sculpted sheet metal, the Ioniq V packs some serious technological muscle. The sedan rides on a generous 114-inch wheelbase and utilizes an advanced 800V electrical architecture for blistering charging speeds. Buyers will have the choice between battery-electric and extended-range electric configurations. The electric motors will deliver either 188 or 225 horsepower. This flexible dual powertrain strategy is designed to maximize consumer appeal in increasingly competitive automotive markets.

Stepping inside, the dashboard is dominated by a sweeping 27-inch 4K integrated dual-screen layout powered by a high-end Snapdragon chip. Interior photos reveal a distinct two-tone motif featuring vibrant orange accents slashed across the dash. Practicality has not been ignored either, as evidenced by photos showing roomy rear seats that fold completely flat for versatile cargo hauling. The vehicle also boasts an advanced assisted driving system for seamless highway navigation.

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Unfortunately, Not for the US Market

While traditional compliance cars struggled to excite, the gorgeous Ioniq V fastback proves that going green no longer requires sacrificing style. Historically volatile fuel prices consistently push weary drivers toward electric vehicle showrooms. When combined with such a commanding road presence, the economic argument for going electric becomes almost impossible to ignore. However, for stateside buyers, this highly desirable silhouette remains strictly a China-exclusive model.

Despite its restricted market, such beautifully sculpted aesthetics can powerfully accelerate the consumer transition to electric vehicles. When gas prices spike, shoppers seek alternatives, but jaw-dropping design and cutting-edge tech ultimately seal the deal. Interestingly, a recent survey shows that 49% of prospective American buyers rate Chinese electric vehicles as an excellent value, with 40% supporting their entry into the United States market. By wrapping ultra-fast charging and high efficiency inside an attractive package, standout vehicles like the Ioniq V transform battery power from a rational budget choice into a genuine object of desire, easily pulling hesitant holdouts onto the electric bandwagon.

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BMW has a strong U.S. footprint thanks to its Spartanburg plant, which produces much of the brand’s crossover/SUV lineup and has helped make it the largest automotive exporter by value for more than a decade. But apparently, the Bavarian automaker also has a so-called “secret vault” where several models, including some built at the plant, are preserved.

Thanks to the Petersen Automotive Museum, Thomas Plucinsky from BMW Group Classic shared a glimpse of the collection, though he did not disclose its location. The collection aims to chronicle the history of the Spartanburg plant and the cars assembled there, while also highlighting BMW’s broader history in North America, which began in 1975.

The Cars That Defined Generations

Of course, an in-house BMW collection wouldn't be the real deal without the M3 and M5 lineages, including the E39 M5, which is often considered one of the most beloved generations of the model. There is also a lineup of Z3 variants, including the M Coupe, better known as the “clown shoe” for its quirky shape, though it remains a cult classic among enthusiasts.

Some represent milestones for the Spartanburg plant, such as the Toronto Red X5 M, which was the 5 millionth vehicle built by the facility, fittingly matching the “5” and “M” in its nameplate. Following that theme was the Java Green X6 M next to it, which, living up to its badge again, was the 6 millionth vehicle assembled in South Carolina.

The plant assembled its 7 millionth vehicle earlier this year with an ultra-exclusive Alpina XB7, though it does not appear to be featured in this tour of the collection.

Preserving the Past

Other interesting cars mentioned include the E36 328i used in the torch relay when BMW sponsored the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, a diesel-powered 3 Series, GTP race cars, a Formula 2 car, and a 1959 503 Coupe, which predates the establishment of BMW North America. There are also all-electric models, including the Mini E, ActiveE 1 Series, and i3, not the current model underpinned by the Neue Klasse platform.

The collection still contains plenty of cars, but Plucinsky decided to save them for Part 2 of the tour, which will be available on the Petersen Automotive Museum’s YouTube channel. Again, he did not disclose the location, so enthusiasts cannot visit it. That said, those looking for a BMW pilgrimage can still visit the Zentrum museum near the Spartanburg plant.

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Tesla announced that its robotaxi ride-hailing services will roll out in the Austin Metro area of Texas. Things are speeding up for the electric automaker on the ride-hailing front, and you can now expect to see more of these unsupervised cars doing the rounds in Austin.

This is part of a larger shift in Tesla's focus, which began with cars and is now expanding into AI and robotics. "Unsupervised Robotaxi now in the entire Austin Metro area," according to the official X account of Tesla.

They're Everywhere

While the service is nothing new in the Austin Metro, for nearly a year customers sometimes waited up to 30 minutes for a ride. The initial rollout had roughly 50 vehicles operating in the city, small compared to other similar services like Waymo, which operates up to 250 vehicles.

Elon Musk envisions these driverless cars operating in more U.S. cities soon enough. Concerns about safety remain, however, with news breaking here and there about safety issues, recalls, and accidents involving robotaxis.

Concerns?

It's been a year since Tesla first launched its autonomous service, but now the company is looking to expand its operations to offer better service with shorter wait times and broader coverage.

Thanks to its Texas-sized advantage in the state, the expansion appears set to progress quickly. The electric automaker also stated that it has plans to roll out more of its robotaxis in Dallas and Houston.

Still no word on that Cybercab, though, because the service right now appears to be made up of Model Ys. Being the only certified vehicle to operate under the robotaxi service in the state, it's naturally the only car that can be fielded. Right now, the Cybercab still isn't approved for legal road use, so we'll have to wait a bit more in case that's what you want to see.

While the trickiest part is getting to the Moon again, one should not underestimate the importance of the lunar rovers for this endeavor, as they will be used not only to explore Earth’s natural satellite but also to help build the Moon Base, “America’s and humanity’s first outpost on another celestial world,” as NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described it.

The Moon Base Event held in late May at NASA’s headquarters in Washington gave the world a better idea of what the agency is preparing when it comes to lunar rovers. That’s because the agency announced new contracts for lunar rovers for crew to drive and uncrewed cargo landers bound for the Moon.

“Every mission, crewed and uncrewed, will be a learning opportunity as we return to the lunar surface, build the infrastructure to stay, and master the skills required to live and operate in one of the most demanding and dangerous environments imaginable,” said Isaacman.

NASA Picked Two Different Lunar Rover Projects Worth $220 Million Each

The two finalists for the lunar rover contracts are Astrolab and Lunar Outpost, which were awarded $219 million and $220 million, respectively, to build and deliver the first phase of Lunar Terrain Vehicles (LTVs).

Lunar Outpost’s Pegasus rover and Astrolab’s CLV-1 (Crewed Lunar Vehicle) look similar as both clearly take inspiration from side-by-side vehicles. Each vehicle tips the scales at around a ton—not that light for our planet, but light enough on the Moon where 1 ton feels like 333 pounds—and is designed to carry two astronauts.

The rest of the specs won’t blow anyone away, as the top speed is 6 miles per hour for the Pegasus and 9 miles per hour for the CLV-1 on a flat lunar surface, and the rovers can tackle 20-degree inclines on the surface of the Moon.

As you can imagine, both rovers are all-electric and can be driven either by astronauts onboard or remotely operated from Earth; if need be, they can also navigate autonomously.

How Are They Different?

There are some differences between them. Astrolab’s CLV-1, which is adapted from the company’s FLEX architecture, can transport astronauts, carry supplies, and support remote operations. It also comes in a compact stowed configuration that helps NASA save space during transportation.

Lunar Outpost’s Pegasus, which is a lighter, mission-ready evolution of its Eagle rover designed to meet NASA’s updated crewed LTV requirements, incorporates Apollo‑heritage technologies and is powered by GM batteries that enable a driving range of 560 miles.

Both rovers will need to prove themselves in harsh conditions, as the Moon’s surface features dust that is very sharp and abrasive—Apollo astronauts described it as powdered glass—while the temperature variations are massive and there’s no atmosphere, among other things.

It goes without saying that one technical failure can become critical in an environment so hostile to human life, so Astrolab and Lunar Outpost need to pull out all the stops to deliver rovers that are as reliable as possible and more robust than they may look.