Getting that brand-new car one always wanted is one thing, but the after-sales service is another matter. The joy of owning the car can quickly be soured by a nasty experience from the dealer. It’s not a rare occurrence, either, with loads of stories like that floating around the web.

One such case is from a GMC Yukon owner who documented their taxing experience over the last couple of months. It all started with a sensor failure, and problems snowballed from there.

The Start of the Problems

In a report by Motor1, Kristen Negri’s 2021 GMC Yukon started suffering from low oil pressure and levels, followed by valve lifter and camshaft issues. It reached a point where the car became undrivable when it started shaking, leading Negri to bring her Yukon to the dealer for repairs.

Negri was told it would take $9,900 to repair her Yukon, to which she gave the green light to get things started. However, she was later told that the parts she needed were backordered or unavailable, and that the repairs would take about two months, more or less. Do note that the owner says the vehicle is well-maintained, and before you ask, it has the 5.3-liter and not the 6.2-liter that’s seen its fair share of problems.

Can of Worms

Unhappy with the service, Negri pulled her Yukon out of the dealer and sent it to an independent shop instead. The SUV got a new camshaft and all 16 lifters were replaced, but a barrage of other issues then cropped up, allegedly due to the previous work done by the dealer to address the original problem. It was discovered that one valve was shorter than the other, and that a valve seat had shifted during installation. At the time of writing, the Yukon is still out of commission.

Negri said GM tried to help by offering partial assistance for the lifter replacement, as well as covering rental car costs. GM then pulled that offer when Negri brought the Yukon to an independent mechanic. The company then tried to fix the matter by offering $3,500 off her next vehicle, an offer she refused.

It’s been a saga for Negri and the Yukon, but she did say she loved the car and hoped for a better resolution. Instead, the opposite happened. Speaking to Motor1, she said, “I loved this vehicle. Its space and usefulness are exactly why we bought it, and I would have preferred to repair it and continue driving it confidently. Instead, our family has spent approximately $10,000, gone almost 60 days without the Yukon, and dealt with repeated repairs and uncertainty. I have had to consider replacing a vehicle I wanted to keep.”

Service Expectations

She’s questioning why the parts would take that long and why the prior oil issues weren’t addressed. Considering her Yukon is still the current generation (pre-facelift), one would also think that it wouldn’t take too long for the parts needed to arrive. She has since filed a complaint and sent it to the Better Business Bureau and has attempted to make contact with Rivard Buick GMC and GM corporate. The dealer and GM have allegedly ignored her.

“The most frustrating part is that I sought help through the dealership first. When GM could not supply the parts, I found another way to get our family vehicle repaired. GM then used that choice as the reason to deny reimbursement, while offering a discount to buy another vehicle from the same company. My official position is that GM does not care about its customers whatsoever, and I’m considered one of the lucky ones that made it to 100k,” said Negri.

People turn to dealers for any concerns in their cars, and when they fail to meet service expectations, the more you hear statements like ‘never take your car to the stealership.’ One bad dealer experience can also ruin one’s experience with an entire brand; it’s extremely difficult or even impossible to repair the relationship once that trust is broken.

Audi has made a lot of fast cars over the years, but many have typically had four doors or more. Some notable exceptions include the Quattro, the S2 Coupe, the TT, and of course, the R8. Right now, it only has the Nuvolari as its high-performance two-door, and even that is a limited-run model that isn’t immediately accessible to most folks.

But that will soon change, as it’s been confirmed that it will be building a new sports car. Audi unveiled the Concept C about a year ago, and it didn’t take long before it was confirmed for production. It’s slated to go into production in 2027, likely for the 2028 model year.

Confirmation

At the time, the concept packed an electric powertrain, although it was unknown if that would change once series production began. It was also said to be based on the upcoming electric Porsche Boxster and Cayman, but that wasn’t set in stone.

Now, more details have emerged, and it’s actually Porsche that mentioned a key piece of information. Motor1 noted CFO Jochen Breckner saying something crucial during the third-quarter earnings call relating to the project.

There, he said, “We are offering our electric platform for the 718 Boxster and Cayman, which is about to be launched next year for an Audi project. They call it C-Sport internally, and we will get cash from their side. That payment is expected to come in 2027.”

Electric-Only?

It was clear that Breckner said electric platform in the quote, but will there be any hope for a gas-powered version? By the looks of things, it’s highly unlikely, as the platform is supposedly for electric applications only. While that doesn’t shut the door for a range extender, it’s starting to look more and more like it will be EV only.

Porsche also poured cold water on reports that the combustion-powered Boxster and Cayman will make a comeback someday. The company has been adamant that the roadster and coupe will be electric-only affairs, and has been hyping it up by saying the prototypes have been good to drive.

Back to the Audi, it was also reported that it will only come in one body style as a Targa-top. That’s understandable given that the convertible version will be the Boxster, while the coupe will be the Cayman. Technical details are still unknown at the time of writing, but it should benefit from Porsche’s E-Core architecture that’s said to have characteristics of a mid-engined car.

Can you believe that Porsche enthusiasts are already clamoring for Porsche’s non-existent supercar? The Mission S was recently unveiled, and the “vision model” has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans, some of which have resulted in genuine inquiries for a car that has yet to go into production.

Remember, the Mission S is just a concept, so it will take the German automaker a while before it even announces production or settles on a retail price. Even so, that hasn’t stopped the hardcore fans with Porsche supercar money burning a hole in their pockets. In fact, these prospective Mission S customers have even asked for contracts and paperwork they can sign right now to get them a Mission S, or whatever derivative comes, in the future.

As Porsche’s CFO, Jochen Breckner stated in Porsche’s Q3 2026 earnings call, “That car [Mission S] received really overwhelming feedback from all the stakeholders and groups that we were targeting with that car. From our perspective, that vision model is, in terms of design and positioning of the brand, a great proof point for our strategy. It’s still a vision model and a design model, but it received really fantastic feedback, and we are really happy with the feedback we received since then.’

What a Concept!

The Mission S is more than just a concept for a new flagship model, but also a concept for Porsche’s vision for the future. It would be awesome to have another Porsche supercar, because it’s been over a decade since we got the 918 Spyder, and even longer since the legendary Carrera GT. It might be high time for Porsche to flex its engineering chops on another limited-run flagship supercar.

However, unlike those legendary nameplates, reports indicate its platform will be in production and won’t be relegated to the archives right after the last production number rolls off the factory floor. This will be a monumental shift for the brand’s lineup because it will be like Porsche (sort of) admitting that putting the engine in the middle, instead of the back, is part of the brand’s future.

The Mission S seems to be more than just a standalone supercar; it will also spawn a new generation of models from the brand. Porsche has already confirmed that the Mission S will set the tone for a new model above the 911. Will it still be called the Mission S? We don’t yet know.

No Price, No Specs, but… Porsche has “Orders”

A manual transmission is also possible in the Mission S, as well as Porsche’s PDK. As usual, Porsche can chuck a three-pedal transmission with high enough demand. Also, according to sources from its debut in New York, the sound that came out of the Mission S was that of a flat engine, but Porsche hasn’t confirmed or denied a flat-eight at this point in time. On that note, Porsche is reportedly considering pure internal combustion and a hybrid powertrain. Perhaps something similar in operation to the 911 GTS, which launched earlier this year.

The thing is, “it will all take some time,” said Breckner. It will be a while before the Mission S turns into a production car, which may mean that we won’t see the final production model until perhaps 2030 or beyond, as per source estimates. If anything, this is a future product for Porsche, with the brand’s future plans of making more money from fewer cars in mind.

Beneath the headline loss, there are genuine signs of financial life. Adjusted operating income actually surged 184 percent to roughly $284 million for the quarter. This profitability jump was heavily driven by nearly $919 million in industrial cost savings generated by the company’s aggressive Value Creation Program. The automaker’s global shipments remained relatively flat at 1.3 million units, but net revenues still managed to tick up by 1 percent.

The American Profit Engine

The absolute bedrock of Stellantis’s ongoing recovery relies heavily on its North American portfolio. While pricing out buyers with expensive domestic models remains a constant risk, the automaker managed to secure a $467 million net pricing gain in the region. This financial victory is largely because American brands are executing a massive product offensive.

New product launches, including the completely sold-out Ram Rumble Bee, are generating critical showroom traffic. Management is acutely aware that leaning on their most profitable SUVs and trucks is the only viable path to stability, banking on the fact that strong domestic demand will ultimately pull the broader company out of the red.

Waiting for 2027

While North America and South America delivered positive margins, the automaker is still fighting a bitter price war across Europe, where it posted a painful $345 million operating loss. Even with these regional struggles, there are still a few unexpected bright spots, including the fact that luxury division Alfa Romeo is growing against all odds.

Stellantis is currently executing a brutal but necessary financial reset. The automaker is actively cutting the dead weight while heavily leaning on its most proven truck and SUV nameplates. According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, CEO Antonio Filosa remains highly optimistic, using the Q3 earnings call to officially reaffirm the company’s ambitious goal of returning to positive industrial free cash flow by 2027. It will be a grueling road ahead, but this quarter proves the turnaround plan is finally starting to work.

What It Means For Drivers

From a report cited by Reuters, we know that the architecture is the electronic backbone behind a car’s software, including over-the-air updates. The main draw is price. Schäfer’s team reportedly estimates savings of about $4.5 billion to $5.5 billion on the most important segment, and development hours in China cost about a quarter as much as at the Rivian joint venture in Palo Alto. The next electric Tiguan could cost roughly $9,000 less to develop. Whether that reaches the sticker is unknown. VW has been fighting to hold its ground against cheaper Chinese rivals, so cost is the obvious motivation.

Not Really “Chinese” Software

VW and Xpeng began working together in 2023, when VW invested $700 million in the Chinese EV maker, and the architecture was built for China first. According to the report, VW holds the intellectual property rights, so this isn’t a ready-made purchase from a supplier. Reports say the system is already used in production vehicles in China.

The plan would reportedly replace the separate technology VW has developed with Rivian for Western markets, a $5.8 billion partnership central to CEO Oliver Blume’s software strategy. Rivian’s supporters worry that reduced use could affect cost-sharing, and some inside VW doubt that adapting the system to European rules will be simple or cheap. Questions about data and security weren’t addressed in either report.

What To Watch

The first Rivian-based car is expected to be the entry-level electric hatchback due in 2027, based on the ID. Every1. Whether or not it keeps that software is a good early sign for things to come. Porsche has also been leaning on China to solve problems at home, so VW isn’t the only German name looking east.

Over the past year, Toyota’s been busy filing patents for all sorts of clever ways to cram hybrid and EV bits into their cars. Some of these ideas were about squeezing out more space, others about shaking up how powertrains fit into the overall design. Now, it seems Toyota is finally ready to show its hand, rolling out a next-gen hybrid system packed with some genuinely interesting twists.

Toyota wants its BEVs, PHEVs, and regular hybrids all riding on the same basic bones. Rather than building a different platform for every powertrain, the plan is to create a flexible foundation that can handle whatever electrification flavor you want, without watering down what makes each one tick.

This is all part of Toyota’s so-called multi-pathway approach. Basically, they know not every market has the same needs, wallets, or charging plugs. A shared platform also means Toyota can keep a tighter grip on development and production costs.

A New 1.5-Liter Engine Designed for Electrification

The star of the show is a brand-new 1.5-liter four-cylinder, which comes in both naturally aspirated and turbo flavors. Instead of just slapping hybrid bits onto an old engine, Toyota built this one from scratch, designing it hand-in-hand with the hybrid system and all the power electronics.

The naturally aspirated version is set to replace what Toyota’s 1.8-liter and current 1.5-liter three-cylinder engines do now. If you want a bit more punch, there’s a turbocharged option waiting in the wings.

Toyota’s also matching these engines with lighter, more compact electric motors, power units, and inverters. The secret sauce? Their own silicon carbide power electronics, which should help cut down on wasted juice.

The goal here is a fuel economy bump of over 15%. Toyota says it’ll get there by trimming mechanical friction, keeping things cooler, and squeezing out fewer electrical losses, plus a few other tricks up its sleeve.

Smaller Packaging Could Give Designers More Freedom

But efficiency is just half the story. Toyota claims this new hybrid setup is way smaller than before, which means it can slot right into platforms that were originally meant for EVs.

Why does that matter? Because cramming an engine, electric motor, and all the hybrid hardware into a car usually means designers have to make some tough calls. With this more compact setup, Toyota wants hybrids and plug-in hybrids to share the same basic architecture as EVs, without eating into cabin space, messing with the car’s shape, or sacrificing capability.

There’s also good news for anyone who cares about how a car looks. With a lower-profile engine and hybrid package, Toyota says designers can drop the hood height and go for sleeker, more dynamic proportions. Fewer mechanical headaches mean more freedom to get creative with future models.

What Happens Next for Toyota’s Hybrid Strategy?

Don’t expect to see this new hybrid system in showrooms just yet. Toyota hasn’t named any specific models or given a launch date, though reports suggest the next Corolla could be one of the first to get it. For now, they’re just laying out the tech and hinting at how it’ll fit into their future plans.

The shared platform should also let Toyota spread out its engineering and manufacturing costs across hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs. Factories can tweak the mix of powertrains on the fly as demand shifts.

Toyota also intends to develop the system for renewable and carbon-neutral fuels while expanding external sales of its engine and hybrid technologies in the coming years. The announcement does not establish when those plans will translate into showroom models, but it offers a clearer look at how Toyota intends to keep improving hybrids alongside battery-electric vehicles.

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

The custom-curated fleet includes a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette C8 dubbed “The South Beach Supercar,” a 2006 Dodge Viper known as “The Street Icon,” a 1992 BMW 325i Convertible titled “The Classic Getaway,” and a 1975 Chevrolet Nova called “The Hot Pink Hi-riser.” Just like previous high-profile charity vehicle build-offs, the online marketplace utilized its massive inventory to source both the base vehicles and the specific aftermarket parts needed to bring these digital concepts to life on the show floor.

View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article

Livestream Bidding for a Cause

While seeing these video game-inspired customs parked at SEMA is certainly cool, eBay is taking the activation a massive step further. Starting on November 5 at 12 p.m. PT, all four vehicles will cross the virtual auction block during the very first marquee vehicle livestream on eBay Live. Incredibly, the starting bid for each high-end custom vehicle is set at just $6, and 100 percent of the final auction proceeds will go directly to benefit The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

To hype the event, the live auction will be co-hosted by automotive creator Hertrech “Hert” Eugene Jr. and actor Sung Kang. Kang is no stranger to bridging the gap between SEMA builds and gaming culture; his own custom Datsun 240Z, known as the “Fugu Z,” famously started as a real-world track project before being scanned and officially immortalized in the video game universe.

View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article

Making the Impossible Accessible

From an editorial perspective, launching an interactive vehicle auction directly from the SEMA floor is a brilliant marketing strategy for eBay Motors. High-profile, insane SEMA builds frequently go up for auction after the event concludes, but actively livestreaming the bidding process to a global audience of enthusiasts completely changes the dynamic.

By starting the bidding at just six dollars, eBay is generating massive hype while simultaneously raising critical funds for charity. The entire collection serves as a clever, physical reminder of the platform’s core premise, whether you are searching for an obscure part to finish a digital-inspired project car, or trying to buy a custom Dodge Viper outright, the marketplace allows you to build the garage you have always dreamed of.

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

What You’re Paying For

According to Brabus’ spec sheet, the twin-turbo V8 is bored out to about 4.5 liters, with forged pistons, a billet crankshaft, and larger turbos, making 888 hp and 922 lb-ft of torque. Torque is electronically capped at 774 lb-ft to protect the transmission. Brabus claims 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and duPont Registry reports top speed is limited to 149 mph. Coilovers drop the truck by 1.8 inches, and it rides on 24-inch wheels.

The Truck Part

Behind the rear seats is a new steel bulkhead with a heated rear window. The bed has a metal floor and tailgate, carbon-fiber side panels and, according to duPont Registry, soft-teak decking and two lockable waterproof storage boxes. A matte black sports bar sits over the bed. Brabus has built plenty of ultra-luxury G-Wagens, and this one adds a cargo bed. Payload and towing numbers weren’t given, which is the question any real truck buyer would ask.

Why It’s Not For The Rest Of Us

Inside, there’s leather and Alcantara with red quilted stitching and carbon trim. Every car is built to order, and prices climb with personalization. At $800,000, this is more collectible than commuter. If you want a Brabus G-Class you can actually buy, the used market is a more realistic route.

With the GT-R out of the picture, the Z is now flying the performance flag for Nissan. This rear-wheel-drive coupe has a legacy to uphold, and Nissan’s engineers are clearly itching to show what it can do when it’s let loose off the leash and onto the track.

Enter Project NAT2: a Nissan Z built by the Nissan Acceleration Team, or NAT for short. But don’t picture a corporate-backed race team – this is a crew of Nissan employees wrenching after hours, turning their passion for the brand into a full-blown competition car.

Built to SCCA Touring 2 specs, the NAT2 Z gets the works: upgraded powertrain, suspension, brakes, and a stripped-out cabin. The finishing touch? A custom racing livery that nods to Nissan’s glory days on the track, tying this modern coupe to its racing ancestors.

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Turbocharged Power With Track-Focused Hardware

Under the hood, Project NAT2 keeps the Z’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, but it’s far from stock. To play by Touring 2 rules, it gets 38-millimeter turbo inlet restrictors, a NISMO cold-air intake, and a custom Z1 Motorsports tune – because rules are rules, but power is still the name of the game.

The exhaust is a NISMO GT4 single-exit stainless setup, ready to sing at full throttle. There’s also an upgraded fuel system to keep up with the action, and a laundry list of cooling upgrades – aluminum radiator, NISMO heat exchanger, oil and diff coolers – because nobody wants to see this Z overheat mid-corner.

Nissan’s keeping the final power numbers under wraps, but all these upgrades matter when you’re pounding out lap after lap. Heat management is just as crucial as horsepower here, and the Z gets a Z1 Motorsports aluminum oil pan plus Motul fluids everywhere to keep things running smooth.

The chassis isn’t left out either: NISMO coilovers, upper control arms, sway bars front and rear, and adjustable end links all make the cut. SuperPro and Z1 bushings and mounts finish off the suspension and drivetrain tweaks.

Braking gets serious up front with Z1’s Track Big Brake Kit – six-piston calipers, massive 380-millimeter rotors, and Hawk DTC-60 pads. Out back, the stock setup stays (Touring 2 rules again), but it still gets Hawk pads for good measure. It rolls on chunky 18×11-inch forged NISMO wheels from the GT4 program, shod in sticky Maxxis RC-1 competition rubber – 275s all around.

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

A Retro-Inspired Exterior and Stripped-Out Cabin

The first thing you’ll spot is the custom livery from NISMO Design Japan. It’s a tribute to Nissan’s racing legends, giving the Z a retro vibe without copying any one classic outright. Flying Lizard Motorsports took care of the wrap, so you know it’s done right. Trackspec hood louvers punch up the cooling game, and every detail outside is there for a reason – this Z means business on the track.

Inside, you’ll find the comfort features have been tossed in favor of pure race gear. Out go the carpet, sound deadening, trim, HVAC, audio – pretty much anything not essential for speed. Even the door panels are trimmed down, and the windows are gone.

Safety equipment includes an SCCA-specification roll cage, a Sabelt full-halo racing seat, a six-point harness, window and center nets, and a Lifeline fire suppression system. A Sabelt flat-bottom steering wheel, quick-release system, and paddle-shifter kit complete the driver’s controls.

There’s a custom dash, lightweight aluminum floor tray, and an AiM lap timer and data logger to keep tabs on every lap. A cockpit camera is along for the ride, perfect for reviewing sessions and catching every on-track moment.

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Project NAT2 Heads to SEMA

Don’t expect to see a price tag or order form for Project NAT2 – this isn’t a production car. Instead, it’s a rolling showcase of what Nissan’s own gearheads can pull off when they mix factory parts with the right aftermarket goodies.

You’ll catch this Z at the 2026 SEMA Show, sharing the spotlight with Nissan’s other performance projects, most notably the Sentra SE-R Spec-V. More than just a showpiece, it’s proof of what happens when the folks behind the scenes get to let their racing passion run wild.

View the 16 images of this gallery on the original article

This profitability is particularly impressive given the broader macroeconomic environment. Ford is currently battling an estimated $2.5 billion in increased year-over-year commodity and logistics costs, driven higher by geopolitical tensions and supply chain volatility. Additionally, overall sales volume was negatively impacted by the planned phase-out of the Escape and Corsair crossovers to prepare the Louisville Assembly Plant for a new electric vehicle platform. The fact that Ford beat Wall Street expectations under these conditions suggests their core business remains highly resilient.

The EV Balancing Act

The absolute bedrock of Ford’s financial stability continues to be its legendary truck business. As detailed in a release, the automaker is strictly focused on maintaining a unified, diverse portfolio of gas, hybrid, and electric options rather than fracturing its lineup. Despite higher gas prices, consumer demand for the F-Series remains incredibly strong. While late September saw a minor supplier issue temporarily slow F-150 production, Ford quickly contained the disruption, ensuring the financial impact wouldn’t derail their annual targets.

The success of the F-Series was heavily bolstered by the commercial-focused Ford Pro division, which generated an impressive $1.7 billion in EBIT during the quarter. This profitability is crucial because it effectively subsidizes the massive ongoing investments required to build out the company’s future EV architecture. As the automaker prepares to launch an all-new F-150 in 2028, the continued dominance of its truck lineup ensures it has the necessary capital to compete globally.

The EV Balancing Act

While the traditional internal combustion business is thriving, According to a report from Automotive News, Ford’s electric vehicle division continues to act as a significant financial drag. The unit posted a $1.1 billion loss for the quarter. However, this actually represents a 25% improvement compared to the previous year, showing that Ford is actively moving the needle in the right direction.

The pressure to achieve EV profitability is immense, especially since China’s BYD overtakes Ford in global sales purely on the strength of affordable electrification. To combat this, Ford is actively developing a new, highly efficient Universal EV platform centered around the upcoming $28,350 Fathom pickup. By incorporating advanced manufacturing techniques to drastically reduce costs, Ford hopes this new platform will finally allow the Model e division to break even by 2029. Given that Ford once posted an $8.2 billion loss, their current ability to absorb massive EV investments while still returning billions in net income is a testament to the underlying strength of the Blue Oval.

The Datsun S30 gave us the original 240Z – the car that put Nissan on the map for anyone who loves good looks, real-world speed, and a drive that actually feels alive. With a long hood, short rear, and clean lines, there’s a reason the S30 is still one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars out there.

Nissan is doubling down on that appeal for the 2026 SEMA Show, rolling out a modern take on the classic that keeps the old-school shape but stuffs it full of today’s Nissan Z hardware.

They’re calling it the Datsun S30 Concept, and it’s a team-up with Chris Forsberg – Formula Drift champ, Nissan regular, and Z fanatic. Instead of just bringing an old Z back to life, Forsberg and crew went full restomod: classic vibes on the outside, serious upgrades everywhere else.

Nissan Z’s Twin-Turbo V6 Donor

Pop the hood and you’ll find Nissan’s VR30DDTT 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 – the same beast you get in the current Nissan Z. No official power numbers announced, but with the right tweaks, this thing can easily blow past the stock Z’s 400 horses.

Forsberg’s crew didn’t stop there. Garrett PMAX turbos, NISMO cold-air intakes, a NISMO heat exchanger, and a twin-disc clutch all make the cut. The six-speed manual from the Nissan Z is in play, and power heads out back through a NISMO R200 limited-slip diff – just the way we like it.

Fuel delivery is handled by a Radium Engineering 10-gallon fuel cell and fuel cell surge tank, supported by a DeatschWerks 450-liter-per-hour fuel pump. A carbon-fiber NISMO engine cover adds another motorsport-inspired detail to the engine bay.

Chassis upgrades include Techno Toy Tuning’s full suspension arsenal: coilovers, control arms, sway bars, strut tower bars, and fresh steering bits. Wilwood brakes handle stopping duty, with six-piston calipers and big rotors up front, four-pots and chunky discs out back.

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Carbon Fiber Meets Classic Z Styling

Outside, the S30’s classic shape is still there, but now it’s rocking carbon-fiber fenders, hood, air dam, bumpers, rear hatch, and spoiler. The Nissan Seiran Blue paint gives it a modern pop, and the NISMO 40th anniversary decals seal the motorsport vibe.

The wheels are equally purposeful. NISMO LM-RS6 forged wheels measure 17 by 9 inches and wear 245/40R17 X-Comp HP tires. Together with the upgraded suspension and brakes, they help distinguish this build from a conventional restoration.

Inside, it’s old-school meets new-school. OMP Silverstone racing seats, custom door cards, and a Grip Royal wheel set the tone. Custom Speed Hut gauges and a Techno Toy Tuning harness bar remind you this Z is ready for more than just Sunday drives. A black aluminum NISMO shift knob tops off the manual setup. The cabin still looks like an S30, just with a lot more intent.

Coming to SEMA 2026

The Datsun S30 Concept is Nissan’s showstopper for SEMA 2026. It’s a one-off, so don’t expect to see it at your local dealer or get a price tag anytime soon. This is the sort of restomod the Z badge deserves. The S30’s shape is still there, but now it’s packing a twin-turbo V6, a manual, carbon-fiber everything, and serious hardware underneath. Sure, we don’t have a final power number, but with this parts list, it’s clearly more than just a pretty engine swap.

Most importantly, this build proves you can push a classic Japanese sports car into the future without losing what made it cool in the first place.

View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article

Snow Totals And Timing

NWS Anchorage has the winter storm warning in effect from 5 p.m. ET Thursday to 6 p.m. ET Friday for the Northern Susitna Valley, including the Parks Highway corridor through Broad Pass, the Denali Highway and Chulitna. Total accumulation is forecast at 7 to 15 inches.

Light snow starts first, with 3 to 6 inches possible before the warning begins. Snowfall picks up during Thursday afternoon, and the heaviest snow falls Thursday night into Friday morning. On Friday afternoon temperatures are expected to rise above freezing, and the snow could mix with or change to rain before the warning ends.

The Parks Highway is the main road link between Anchorage and Fairbanks, and NWS Anchorage warns of low visibility and rapidly accumulating snow along it. The Denali Highway, also named in the warning, is a seasonal route that Alaska’s Department of Transportation and Public Facilities maintained only through Oct. 1 this year.

Driving In Quarter-Mile Visibility

A quarter mile is about 1,320 feet, and in heavy snow that distance can shrink without warning as bands move through. Alaska DOT&PF’s winter guidance asks drivers to keep headlights on so others can see them, which matters on a two-lane highway where the main risk is a slower vehicle appearing late out of the snow. Daytime running lights on many cars leave the taillights off, so switching the headlights on manually is what lights up the rear of the vehicle.

Related: Why Your Car’s LED Running Lights Turn Yellow Over Time

DOT&PF also warns that snow removal equipment can create whiteout conditions for drivers following too closely, and it advises staying at least 200 feet back and not passing a plow on the right.

Snow Turning To Rain On Friday

On Friday afternoon, temperatures rising above freezing could turn the snow to rain, which could leave wet slush on top of the fresh snow. DOT&PF notes that stopping takes longer on wet or icy roads and that ice forms first on bridges and overpasses, even when the rest of the road looks clear.

NWS Anchorage points drivers to 511.alaska.gov or the 511 phone line for current road conditions, and recommends keeping an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.

The Sentra SE-R made its debut with the B13 generation in the early ’90s, and it wasn’t just another compact sedan. Packing a 140-hp SR20DE engine, independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a viscous limited-slip diff, this little two-door punched well above its weight and gave pricier performance cars a run for their money.

Fast forward thirty-five years, and Nissan is back at it for SEMA 2026 with the Sentra Spec-V concept. This one’s a nod to the die-hard fans who made the SE-R a legend in the import scene, and it takes the current Nissan Sentra and cranks the aggression up to eleven.

Instead of slapping on a body kit and calling it a day, Nissan went all-in on performance. The Sentra Spec-V borrows bits and inspiration from two wildly different parts of the Nissan family tree: the GT-R and the Juke NISMO RS. The result is a compact sedan that looks like it’s itching for a track day, while tipping its hat to old-school Nissan fans.

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

GT-R brakes, Juke NISMO RS Manual Gearbox, and 300 HP

Under the hood, the Sentra SE-R comes with a turbocharged MR20DD 2.0-liter engine that makes up to 300 horsepower at the wheels. There’s a Garrett G25-550 turbo, a front-mount Garrett intercooler, forged Carrillo rods, JE pistons, and extra port injection for good measure. Supporting mods? Upgraded internals, an AEM fuel pump, and a custom Jim Wolf Technologies intake manifold spacer to feed those secondary injectors.

All that power gets funneled through a six-speed manual yanked from the Juke NISMO RS, now beefed up for the job. There’s also a helical limited-slip diff, lightweight flywheel, upgraded clutch, and a short-throw shifter to keep things lively.

The chassis isn’t left out, either. The Sentra gets a set of NISMO coilovers tuned for the track, with beefier front shocks sporting external reservoirs, stiffer springs, and proper track-ready damping. NISMO sway bars round out the suspension setup.

The brakes are straight from the R35 GT-R NISMO, with six-piston Brembos up front and four-piston units out back, clamping down on massive two-piece rotors. The whole thing sits on NISMO LM-RS1 forged 19-inch wheels wrapped in sticky 265-section Yokohama ADVAN NEOVA AD09 rubber.

On the outside, a BOMEX widebody kit, functional vented hood, custom side-exit exhaust, and GT-R NISMO rear spoiler give the Sentra a distinctly motorsport-inspired appearance.

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

The Catch: No Production Plans… Yet

Inside, the Sentra SE-R gets GT-R NISMO Recaro buckets up front, a NISMO steering wheel, blacked-out trim, and a harness bar in place of any luxury fluff. The cabin is built for track days, not comfort cruises.

The Sentra Spec-V concept is a strong argument for reviving the sport compact, especially now that performance cars are getting pricier and more complicated by the day. A 300-horsepower Sentra with a stick, a limited-slip diff, and brakes that mean business? That’s the kind of car that stands out from the usual hot hatch crowd. The GT-R bits are a nice flex, but the real magic is in turning a regular sedan into something you actually want to drive. Will Nissan ever build it? Who knows, but at least SE-R fans have something to get excited about again.

For now, think of this as Nissan showing off what happens when you throw all the best performance parts and a healthy dose of heritage into a humble sedan. The original SE-R made its name by offering real performance without the sports car price tag. The Spec-V concept just takes that idea and dials it up, packing gear you’d expect to see on something way more expensive.

View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article

After all the new metal BMW has been putting out, the company is turning its attention back to its moneymaker: the X3. Unveiled in 2024 for the 2025 model year, the fourth-generation model has since continued to be the brand’s global best-seller. Now, it’s getting a few updates for 2027.

We reported on it just a month ago when it was first shown for the German/European market. It was only a matter of time before BMW made the same announcement for North America. Some of these include interior enhancements that throw in more soft-touch materials, along with the addition of the Black Package.

The Big News for ’27

If you’re in the market for an X3 right now, particularly the M50 model, it’s probably worth waiting for the ’27 models to arrive on the lot this December. That’s because it gets a healthy dose of extra power, not that the current one needed any more unless you’re coming from the previous-generation X3 M.

The major update for the X3 M50 is that it now packs 437 hp, although torque is retained at a still impressive 428 lb-ft. This horsepower bump is largely thanks to the M350, which has the exact same rating. Instead of keeping the crossover as is, it’s nice of BMW to give the X3 the same amount of power as the new 3 Series.

For reference, the one sitting in showrooms right now makes 393 hp, so the 2027 update brings with it a 44 hp upgrade. Those extra horses mean BMW claims 0 to 60 times in 4 seconds. Knowing the brand, however, the numbers are conservative, and we wouldn’t be surprised if instrumented testing shows a 0 to 60 figure in the high-threes.

How Much?

One would think that the significant power hike brings with it a much higher price. The X3 M50 currently retails for $66,500 plus $1,350 for destination charge. The punchier 2027 model is priced at $67,500, a relatively modest increase of $1,000.

To put that into perspective, that’s about $23 for every additional horsepower. That’s not too bad considering it shaves off a good amount of time from acceleration times. Some folks pay more to get the same amount of gains. You don’t even have to order the Black Package to get the extra power, but if you prefer your X3 blacked-out, that’s an extra $3,800. Yes, the cosmetic package is more expensive than the power upgrade.

What about the X3 30 for those who think 437 hp is too much for a crossover? Well, BMW is quiet about it, so we’re assuming the outputs are still the same.

Future Chevrolet Silverado owners won’t need to visit their dealers as often. Apparently, GM is developing a system to deliver more advanced over-the-air (OTA) updates to its cars, which would reduce how often an owner has to travel to a dealership to get new software loaded into their system.

While current GM-brand vehicles are capable of OTA updates, the current system is limited in its scope and hampered by multiple subsets of software for different cars. Right now, GM has electric, hybrid, and ICE vehicles, all of which are running software that’s different from one another. This new system plans to rectify that, unifying it to one set of software for all cars.

Advanced Features and OTA

General Motors’ Senior Vice President of Vehicle Products, Jaclyn McQuaid, went on an interview with The Drive in order to talk more about the new central compute system that GM has planned. Among the features that were discussed, McQuaid said that OTA updates will be a part of the system’s capabilities.

While the verdict on the new future-thinking features is still up in the air, the confirmation of OTA updates means that vehicle owners, whose cars are capable of receiving OTA updates, won’t have to visit dealers anymore to update their vehicles’ software, saving them a trip or two to the dealership, which “could have been an email,” so to speak.

McQuaid told the drive: “The goal is to significantly reduce what would need a dealership visit versus what can be done OTA.” GM’s new central compute system will also become the bedrock for its new features, and it will also revolve around the AI reboot of OnStar, LMR-powered BEVs, and autonomous driving features for the company’s new vehicles.

McQuaid did still mention that owners will have to visit dealerships for maintenance and for worn-out or damaged hardware. No amount of compute power can fix a ruptured airbag or fix a broken windshield, so don’t expect your next oil change to come over-the-air. The goal here is to eliminate the need for in-dealer software updates for some parts of the car. The new compute system will simply allow OTA updates to reach more vehicle systems.

Scheduled for 2028

The new central compute system will use multiple modules and put them into one system. The new computational architecture will allow GM to go further and deeper with its OTA updates. McQuaid also mentioned that the new central compute system will have more capabilities than today’s systems because of the “dozens of different modules,” which, paired with the central compute, will “significantly expand what is capable of an OTA,” McQuaid continued.

Unlike some brands that use several ECUs to govern and control different parts of the car, we can expect GM’s central compute system to have less fragmentation. This arrangement will be key to unlocking the next big features for GM, and the brand is designing its architecture and software to have 40 times more computational power than the systems of today. This development has been in the works since 2019, and the company’s goals remain the same, which is to deliver a more powerful computer for the car and enable more powerful OTA updates.

Tesla Still Miles Ahead, But It’s Not The Biggest Growth Story

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

Based on 2026 sales so far, the Model Y is still the best-selling EV in America. It’s followed by the Model 3 and Ioniq 5. The Toyota bZ has leapfrogged multiple other EVs to occupy the fourth spot. Here’s how the three models compare.

According to an EV sales report from Cox Automotive, sales of the Model Y have been generally flat this year, with a drop of just 1%. Still, nothing else comes close; even the Model 3 is well behind its sibling with year-to-date sales of 106,962 units.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has experienced a fairly large decline, despite receiving massive price cuts. It’s still one of the most popular EVs in the country, but its trajectory hasn’t been encouraging; sales of the Hyundai fell by 52.8% in the third quarter.

One of the main storylines in 2026 has been the huge jump in Toyota EV sales, and the bZ is no exception. It’s now catching up to the Ioniq 5 rapidly, thanks to a bevy of updates introduced for the 2026 model year. More range, sleeker styling, and an increase in power have not gone unnoticed by EV buyers. If current trends continue, Toyota may soon have the country’s best-selling non-Tesla EV.

The EV Landscape Changes Rapidly

Whereas sales of gas- and hybrid-powered cars remain more predictable, the EV landscape is more volatile. Tesla has been a consistent force at the top of the sales charts, even after discontinuing the larger Model X and Model S. Below Tesla, things have been turned on its head.

A year ago, Rivian was only ranked as the 10th-best-selling EV brand, but it has bounded up the rankings and is now at number 2. The new R2, Rivian’s first mainstream EV, has contributed to this change. At the same time, there have been major declines for models that performed strongly in 2025. 

Sales are way down in 2026 for the Chevrolet Equinox EV (-65.6%), Ford Mustang Mach-E (-59%), Nissan Leaf (-50.1%), and Volkswagen ID.4 (-85.6%). These are all relatively affordable EVs and most were outselling the Toyota bZ a year ago.

It’s been chaos for most automakers as they cancel some EVs and/or prematurely introduce entirely refreshed models, as VW is doing with the ID.4 and ID. Tiguan. Predicting EV demand has been all but impossible, and according to Automotive News, EVs accounted for just 10% of U.S. car sales in 2025. That’s in stark contrast to China, where EV share was at 53% last year.

Toyota and Subaru are the only legacy brands that have demonstrated meaningful EV growth in 2026, and their rivals have their work cut out to keep up.

Related: Toyota bZ Keeps Its Unbeatable Value for 2027 as EV Sales Surge

Snow Totals For The Cascades

The NWS Portland winter weather advisory splits the range in two. In the North Oregon Cascades and the South Washington Cascades, it runs until 2 a.m. ET Thursday and calls for 1 to 3 inches above 4,500 feet, with 3 to 6 inches above 6,000 feet. Government Camp, Bennett Pass, Timothy Lake, Lost Lake, Larch Mountain, Mount St. Helens and the Indian Heaven Wilderness fall inside it.

Farther south, the Cascades of Marion, Linn and Lane counties are under a shorter advisory that ends at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday. Forecasters expect a trace to 3 inches above 4,500 feet, with the most in the Marion and Linn County Cascades, covering Santiam Pass, Santiam Junction, McKenzie Pass, Willamette Pass, Tombstone Summit, Breitenbush Springs and Waldo Lake. In both zones, Portland warns that roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous.

How Oregon Chain Rules Work For Passenger Cars

Oregon posts its requirements on signs at the snow zones, and the wording matters. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, a “Carry chains or traction tires” sign means the equipment has to be in the vehicle, while “Chains required, traction tires allowed on vehicles under 10,000 GVW” means passenger cars can keep going on traction tires instead of chains, as long as they are not towing. When chains do go on a car or light truck, ODOT requires them on one tire on each side of the primary drive axle.

Ignoring a sign that only requires carrying the equipment is a Class C traffic violation. Failing to use chains or traction tires when the sign requires them can bring a specific fine of $800.

What Counts As A Traction Tire

A tire qualifies when it carries the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall, and studded tires count as well. Studs stay illegal in Oregon until Nov. 1, though, so for this storm the tire has to earn the rating without them.

Where AWD And 4WD Fit In

All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles get an exemption from chain requirements in most winter conditions, but ODOT attaches a list of conditions. The vehicle must power both axles, weigh no more than 6,500 pounds unloaded, wear mud and snow, all-weather radial or traction tires on all four wheels, avoid towing, and still carry chains. A crossover on summer tires with no chains in the cargo area does not meet the exemption.

During a conditional road closure, ODOT can extend chain requirements to AWD and 4WD vehicles as well, depending on the conditions. Portland’s advisories send drivers to TripCheck or 511 for current Oregon road conditions and chain restrictions, and to the WSDOT real-time map for the Washington side of the zone.

Despite brands like Ford and Toyota growing their hybrid lineups, General Motors remained firm with its electric vehicle program, so much so that the Chevrolet Corvette is its only hybrid nameplate in the U.S. Given the broader U.S. market, where EV sales have been struggling, GM has now announced plans to introduce new hybrid models as early as 2027, but didn’t mention which nameplates will get electrified.

However, a new press release about GM investing in future hybrid production at Lansing Delta Township Assembly in Michigan may offer some hints. This investment is part of a broader commitment to the Lansing region, estimated to exceed $2 billion over the next several years. The plant produces the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia, all of which share GM’s C1 platform, which could, in theory, make hybridization across these three models more seamless.

Connecting the Dots

But again, GM hasn’t confirmed which models will pair their combustion engines with electric motors first, so take that more as speculation. What’s certain is that hybrids are gaining ground in the U.S., with the U.S. Energy Information Administration reporting that 16% of new U.S. light-duty vehicle sales in Q3 2026 were conventional hybrids. EVs, meanwhile, accounted for 6%.

As such, pivoting toward hybrids may be crucial for GM to navigate the U.S. market. After all, the automaker had strong truck sales in Q3 2026, but its overall sales declined by 5.5%, largely because of falling EV sales and discontinued models. This investment, which involves restructuring a previously awarded Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grant, should help kickstart its modern hybrid lineup.

GM could build on Lansing Delta Township’s momentum after the plant produced a record of over 291,000 vehicles in 2025. This year marks the plant’s 20th anniversary, too. Another Lansing plant covered in the broader investment is Lansing Grand River Assembly, which is being prepared for future vehicle production, including the next-gen Cadillac CT5. That suggests combustion engines are still part of the automaker’s plans moving forward, though the next-gen CT5 reportedly won’t arrive until 2028, so Lansing Grand River could face a period of reduced production or downtime in the meantime.

GM Isn’t Pulling the Plug Just Yet

Despite recording $11.2 billion in EV-related restructuring charges since the second half of 2025, GM will continue offering electric vehicles, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV and GMC Sierra EV. Even an all-electric version of the Chevy Corvette remains in the plans, but isn’t arriving anytime soon.

With the hybrid plans locked in, GM could be better positioned to address demand among American buyers, especially as Toyota and Hyundai continue to enjoy growing hybrid sales. Ford is also in the game with hybrid models like the F-150 with the PowerBoost system and Maverick Hybrid.

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB made its world premiere earlier this year. Now based on the redesigned CLA four-door coupe, it combines the combustion-powered and electric versions into just one model, retiring the EQB nameplate. Given that the CLA has seen a great deal of success and received accolades along the way, Mercedes would like to replicate that with this compact crossover.

From what we’ve gathered, the all-new GLB will make its way to U.S. showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year, so it should be on the way to dealer lots by now. It will first come as an EV as the single-motor GLB 250+ and the dual-motor GLB 350 4Matic, with the mild-hybrids to follow soon after. The spec of the mild-hybrid is yet to be determined, although the latest variant to be shown in Germany should provide some answers.

The GLB 250

Just unveiled in Germany is the GLB 250, and the lack of a ‘+’ symbol means it’s a hybrid model. At the moment, the European range consists of the 180, 200, 200 4Matic, 220, and 220 4Matic. That puts the 250 and 250 4Matic right at the top of the GLB’s combustion-powered roster.

Moving to specifications, it still uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter mill that’s internally known as the M252 LS. It’s the same block that powers the rest of the hybrid GLB range, but as the higher number suggests, it makes more power. For those who want to know the numbers, it’s 228 hp, while the 48v mild-hybrid setup offers up to 31 hp of assistance. Mercedes is rather proud of the fact that its electric turbocharger comes straight from its Formula 1 exploits.

Coming to America?

It’s also rather interesting that it’s the GLB that got the higher number designation first ahead of the smaller and presumably sportier CLA. It’s unknown if the 250 will be applied to the four-door coupe eventuall, but what we do know is that the 220 will make it to America.

At the time Mercedes-Benz USA released initial details for the GLB, it simply mentioned that it will come with the aforementioned 1.5-liter hybrid, but did’t state a specific version. At the time, the safe bet was the 220 4Matic, but now that the 250 has been announced, it’s quite possible that the U.S. version will be offered with this engine. It’s worth pointing out that the 220 makes 188 hp plus up to 30 hp from the mild-hybrid system, but extra horses in the 250 should come in handy for anyone interested in it.

Honda launched its first TrailSport model in 2021 with the Passport. Since then, the badge has shown up on more Hondas, adding features like chunkier tires, rugged trim, and outdoor-inspired colors for a more adventurous look.

But that dress-up game is about to get a serious overhaul. Honda’s TrailSport crew says the days of just slapping on some rugged bits are numbered. Instead, future TrailSport models are set to get real engineering upgrades aimed at making them actually useful when the pavement ends, led by the 2027 Passport TrailSport.

Honda’s TrailSport Team Has Real Off-Road Credentials

This change is being pushed by a handful of Honda engineers and product planners who actually live and breathe off-roading. According to MotorTrend, these folks have garages full of classic off-roaders – some heavily modified for extra trail cred. A few even have International Four Wheel Drive Training Association certifications, and they’ve racked up miles on trails from North America to Japan.

That experience is important, because building a true off-roader requires more than just adding bigger tires and plastic protection. Suspension geometry, ground clearance, traction systems, recovery gear, and the software that controls everything all determine whether your SUV can handle tough terrain or just look rugged in a parking lot.

Of course, the team still has to sell the idea to the higher-ups. Honda’s engineers are busy convincing the execs back in Japan that going all-in on off-road hardware could give the brand a real boost – especially in the US, where trail-ready SUVs are practically a rite of passage.

Electrification could also be part of the plan. Honda is developing a V6-based hybrid system for its larger vehicles, and the electric power could provide instant torque when needed, such as when climbing over rocks or going up a steep hill.

Future TrailSport Models

The next-generation Honda CR-V, which will likely be revealed next year, is likely to receive the tougher TrailSport upgrades. The Ridgeline is also expected to get a new version in 2028. Honda may use suspension parts from the Passport, following its usual parts-sharing approach. The Pilot could also be included, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Acura could collect strays, too, with the premium arm recently confirming its move to introduce a rugged model.

Meanwhile, Honda and Mitsubishi are working together on a Honda-branded pickup based on the Mitsubishi Triton’s ladder frame, with sales starting in ASEAN markets in 2028. This could give Honda a true pickup in a region where traditional body-on-frame trucks are still very popular. However, there is no information yet about a TrailSport version of this model, though we’re seeing it as a potential application of this newfound TrailSport direction.

That era of makeshift electric cruisers is officially over. According to Ford Authority, the Blue Oval is launching the 2027 Ford Mustang Mach-E Special Service Vehicle (SSV), marking the very first time this official fleet designation has been applied to the electric crossover. Instead of a compromised civilian retrofit, this purpose-built factory vehicle starts life as a base Select model but completely bypasses the standard battery in favor of a massive 91-kWh extended-range pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.

Built for Support, Not Pursuits

Ford’s new SSV designation is distinctly different from its pursuit-rated Police Interceptor badge. The first-ever Mach-E SSV is strictly designed to serve as a reliable municipal support vehicle for detectives, administrators, and non-pursuit patrol divisions. Even without the pursuit rating, it easily ranks among the more unusual police cars on the road, coming standard with aggressive Brembo front brakes and red-painted calipers lifted directly from the high-performance GT model.

Earning this official SSV badge means Ford now fully backs the Mach-E for grueling municipal duty cycles right from the assembly line. Police departments no longer have to cross their fingers and hope a consumer EV can survive the daily abuse of law enforcement work. With a documented civilian Mach-E recently passing 316,000 driven miles on its original battery pack, Ford’s decision to finally stamp the crossover with an official fleet designation shows its confidence in the platform’s durability.

A New Era for the Blue Oval

When a police department rolls out a flashy, high-horsepower vehicle, it usually serves as a promotional tool, with one even winning a recent cruiser beauty contest as a community outreach prop. However, the introduction of the first-ever Mach-E SSV isn’t a novelty act or a temporary PR stunt but a permanent, factory-supported fixture seamlessly integrating into Ford’s legendary law enforcement lineup.

Formally granting the Mach-E the SSV badge is a massive milestone for Ford’s commercial electrification strategy. By engineering a dedicated, stripped-down, high-capacity fleet model, the automaker is officially acknowledging that the electric crossover has finally earned its stripes in the field. The Mach-E is now an official, purpose-built tool ready for active duty.

For the longest time, Honda has sworn by its mechanical all-wheel drive systems. Even as more of its cars have shifted to hybrid power, the AWD models still sent power to the rear wheels via a mechanical connection. Many of its competitors have since adapted to an e-AWD system wherein a rear motor takes care of waking up the rear wheels.

But that may soon change as the company has announced that it will soon build its very first e-AWD system. It’s all part of the brand’s next-generation hybrid system, simply called Honda Hybrid. In its own words, the system has already been developed, so we can expect this to be applied to the next wave of models coming soon.

More AWD Hondas Coming Soon?

Honda has typically offered all-wheel drive versions of its non-crossover/SUV in its home market, but it hasn’t been the case for the rest of the world. That said, it now appears the e-AWD system is likely to be applied to global models, as this latest development was announced in Honda’s plans for the world.

At the moment, Honda says it’s for midsize vehicles, but we wouldn’t be totally surprised if it appears on smaller models down the line, given its more compact layout. With the driveshaft gone, it should also free up more space in the cabin, as well as offer even larger cargo capacities.

But aside from packaging advantages, this system should give Honda hybrids even better fuel economy. There will be less energy used to spin the heavy driveshaft, and the light electric motor will simply draw energy from the battery to power the rear wheels. Honda also claims more immediate throttle response and all-wheel drive activation with this setup.

Potential Applications

Given that Honda mentioned midsize models, one thinks of its midsize crossovers getting this new bit of kit first. The thing is, the company wants people to take its Trailsport models more seriously, so we doubt that it will replace the clever VTM-4 system that’s currently in place. Instead, we turn our attention to the less off-road-oriented models for this.

The first car we think that can use this e-AWD system is the next-generation Odyssey. Right now, the minivan isn’t available with all-wheel drive, let alone a hybrid system. Those are things its main rival, the Toyota Sienna, has, and it would be a good move to do that for future versions of the family van. There’s also the Accord that also isn’t available with all-wheel drive at the moment, and having that should make it a good match for the all-wheel drive Camry hybrid.

Of course, the e-AWD system could stand to benefit many more cars in the Honda lineup. The new-generation CR-V is a strong candidate to get it, as well as the HR-V and the rumored Accord Crosstour wagon. While we’re at it, this could also work in the Civic to go head-to-head with the Corolla Hybrid AWD. We’ll find out soon enough once the new wave of Hondas start coming in.

Chinese automakers have sometimes drawn criticism for mimicking established car designs. The formula can work because buyers get a familiar-looking vehicle, but usually without the premium price tag. One upcoming model, however, may be more than just a copycat, as it will reportedly feature a solid-state battery and a price tag of around 2 million yuan (about $300,000).

The model in question is a luxury sedan from Yangwang called the Altior. Yangwang is BYD’s ultra-luxury division, similar to the relationship between Lexus and Toyota, helping explain its expected eye-watering price tag. Given its design elements, the Altior draws similarities to the Rolls-Royce Ghost, from its traditional three-box sedan shape to its coach doors.

View this post on Instagram

A Flagship Full of Possibilities

One reason this upcoming model may be worth following is its flagship status, meaning it could showcase Yangwang’s best technologies. The full specs haven’t been disclosed yet, but if the Yangwang U7, another full-size luxury electric sedan, already makes 1,287 horsepower, then the Altior could offer similar output.

Another noteworthy feature is the rumored use of a solid-state battery, given that this technology promises higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries used in most modern EVs. Even Toyota, the world’s best-selling automaker, isn’t expected to introduce its first solid-state battery EVs until 2027 or 2028. One of the biggest downsides is manufacturing cost, but for a vehicle expected to be in the same price range as the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, it may not be a huge concern.

The Altior may take design cues from the Rolls-Royce Ghost, but one thing Yangwang couldn’t deliver, at least in the near term, is Rolls-Royce’s decades of prestige, craftsmanship, customization, and brand recognition. That’s not to belittle Yangwang in any way. After all, the Chinese marque once held the record for the fastest production EV at the Nürburgring in Germany with the U9 Xtreme, until the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit finished about four seconds faster, clocking 6:55.533 earlier this year.

Chasing the Spirit of Ecstasy

Reports suggest that the Yangwang Altior will debut in Dubai on November 5. The location suggests that BYD wants to establish Yangwang as a globally recognized luxury brand rather than one aimed exclusively at Chinese buyers.

But despite the global push, the U.S. continues to keep its doors largely closed to Chinese automakers over concerns about national security and protecting domestic manufacturing. Americans will have to watch from the other side of the world to see whether the Altior can shake up the luxury EV segment, much like affordable Chinese EVs have been doing in the broader market.

The costly ordeal began when customer Kirby Sewell ordered a new Chevrolet Corvette from Gardner Chevrolet-Buick-GMC. When the highly anticipated sports car finally arrived at the dealership in 2024, it was unfortunately missing several specific performance enhancements he had originally requested. Understandably hesitant, Sewell decided to take the vehicle for a solo test drive to determine if he still wanted to finalize the purchase despite the missing factory options.

A Very Expensive Mistake

According to a recent report from Automotive News, Sewell parked the Corvette next to a concrete barrier at a local Flying J truck stop to inspect and take pictures of the exterior. When a large semi-truck suddenly needed to squeeze past the parked sports car, Sewell panicked. In a frantic attempt to quickly move the vehicle out of the semi’s path, he scraped and significantly damaged the entire passenger side of the car against the rigid concrete barrier.

Following the costly mishap, Sewell attempted to argue in court that taking the test drive effectively made him a de facto employee of the dealership. He claimed this legislative loophole meant the dealer’s policy should cover the damage. While liability can admittedly get murky when a mechanic crashes cars, the judge vehemently rejected Sewell’s creative defense. The court ruled that his employment argument defied common sense, leaving him entirely liable for the damages.

You Break It, You Buy It

The dealership was ultimately forced to pay roughly $7,000 to repair the damaged fiberglass and paint, eventually selling the repaired sports car to another buyer for a reduced price of $82,000. To recoup their losses on the diminished value, the dealer took Sewell to court. The Supreme Court of British Columbia upheld the initial ruling, officially ordering the customer to pay the dealership a staggering $12,250 for the damages caused during the brief joyride.

The ultimate takeaway for consumers is to treat any dealership inventory with the utmost respect. Unlike a notoriously reckless Corvette driver who happily bought a replacement after totaling his car, Sewell walked away empty-handed and thousands of dollars poorer. As the presiding judge eloquently wrote, motor vehicle legislation is strictly intended to protect innocent third parties, not to protect a negligent driver from their own mistakes behind the wheel.

For its 90th anniversary, Dodge is going to reveal a new Mopar package for the 2027 Dodge Charger at SEMA 2026. This will be the fourth time that the American automaker has done this to a Dodge Charger since 2011, and it will be available for the two-door’s select trims.

In total, Dodge says that there will be 270 units of this package, 90 of which will be on vehicles offered in three exterior colors: Bludicrous, Diamond Black, and White Knuckle, which are hues that also give a nod to Mopar’s 90-year heritage. That leaves the remaining 180 units available for would-be buyers of the 2027 Dodge Charger, which can be purchased on top of a brand-new Charger for $10,995.

Charging Ten Grand More for a Charger

The official U.S. MSRP has already been unveiled ahead of time: $10,995, which leaves customers some time to decide and travel to Vegas for the SEMA show, where it will be first showcased. Either that or you can wait for in-the-metal photos and decide from there. Stellantis and Dodge haven’t sent out detailed photos just yet, but we have a group shot of the three cars in the three Mopar colors that are set aside for the commemorative units.

For customers who want the package on any of the Dodge Chargers and their various trims, don’t fret because Dodge is making this Mopar package available for select trims. The two-door Dodge Charger R/T and Dodge Charger Scat Pack plus models will be eligible to spec out with this limited-edition package.

As for the contents, the Mopar ’27 package includes the following:

• Direct Connection carbon-fiber front splitter  
• Direct Connection carbon-fiber hood with functional scoop 
• Direct Connection cold-air intake system  
• Direct Connection carbon-fiber rear spoiler 
• Unique bodyside and hood graphics  
• Serialized Mopar ’27 / Mopar 90th anniversary under-hood plaque mounted on the radiator closeout panel 
• Unique interior badge on dashboard 

Mopar Models

For the Mopar ’27 models, the production run will start with the Charger R/T variant. The R/T delivers 420 horsepower from the twin-turbo Sixpack engine. It has all-wheel drive and on-demand rear-wheel drive. Acceleration is said to be 4.6 seconds from 0 to 60 miles per hour, and Dodge claims that it can run a quarter mile in just 12.9 seconds.

The Scat Pack Plus turns things up a notch, with leather performance seats, 20 inch by 11 inch wheels, the Carbon and Suede Package, and the Blacktop Package. For collectors and enthusiasts, this is the configuration to get if you want the best version of the Mopar Package. Power is up from the R/T, now at 550 horsepower from the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Sixpack motor that’s been upgraded with forged internals, twin Garret turbos, and a charge air cooler from the factory. The same all-wheel drive and on-demand rear-wheel drive are still available, but 0 to 60 times are now 3.9 seconds, and the quarter-mile time goes down to 12.2 seconds.

In addition to that, there will be three additional factory-backed performance parts for the Dodge Charger for customers who want to further personalize their cars. These performance bits include a cat-back exhaust for the 3.0-liter inline six, a performance suspension spring kit, and 21 inch by 11 inch Brass Monkey wheels.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is going to compete at the 2027 Score World Desert Championship. The Honda Passport “Baja Spec” race truck will be unveiled on October 29, 2026, and if you want to see it in the metal, it’s going to be on display at the 2026 SEMA Show from November 3 to 6, 2026.

Who knew that the Passport could look so bad-ass? The teaser shows a side profile of the soon-to-be-unveiled race truck, and it looks like it will be absolutely ridiculous. The Honda Passport Baja Spec will have 1,300 under the hood, feature Honda’s latest and greatest technologies for going fast off-road, and it will also be driven by two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies.

HRC Returns to The Desert in 2027

The Big H is no stranger to Baja racing. Honda is the winningest manufacturer in Baja-spec motorcycle history, with 22 victories in its trophy cabinet and numerous class wins. The Japanese brand has also taken its two-wheeled expertise to the four-wheeler classes, amassing 17 class victories since 2015, which include four wins at the Baja 1000 and five at the Baja 500. Now, the brand has already set its sights on the 2027 Score World Desert Championship, and it has the right Passport for the job, figuratively and literally.

All we see is a side-profile silhouette of the Honda Passport Trophy Truck, but we can already tell it’s going to be an absolute menace in person. In fact, so much was done that I guess corporate had to put the “Passport” nameplate on the side of the car, lest people forget the car that it is based on. However, as with most Trophy Trucks, it’s obvious that a lot of reengineering was done in order to get this up to a Baja Spec.

Stay Tuned for the Dunes

For now, this is just a sneak peek, but the reveal is shaping up to be one for the books, especially for Passport fans and owners. With 1,300 horses under the hood, massive tires, and bodywork that’s sure to make its mark on the desert dunes, Honda might have a very eventful season in front of it.

This truck takes all of the latest and greatest technologies from Honda’s motorsports efforts, ranging from Formula 1, IndyCar, and IMSA, in addition to its already storied history in the desert rally stage. HRC U.S., if you’re unaware, heads all of Honda’s racing efforts, and engineers cars to compete at the highest levels.

Again, the reveal is set for October 29, 2026, and it will be held at a private event in Downtown Los Angeles and hosted by the Menzies. Following that is a public unveiling at the HRC booth at SEMA 2026 from November 3 to 6, 2026.

Ford is following through on its promise to offer a sub-$30,000 electric pickup truck with the Fathom. It promises the utility of a truck running solely on electricity without breaking the bank amid a more challenging EV market in the U.S. But aside from affordability at the dealership, the Blue Oval brand wants the Fathom to help owners save on electricity bills through bidirectional charging.

What sets the Fathom’s bidirectional charging apart is that the EV truck comes with a built-in inverter, something the now-discontinued F-150 Lightning didn’t have, requiring an external inverter system instead. The inverter converts DC power from the high-voltage battery into AC power used in homes. Ford also expects about 50% cheaper home chargers and at least 60% cheaper home backup hardware compared to its first-generation systems, lowering the barrier to entry for bidirectional charging.

Keeping the Lights On

Ford hasn’t disclosed specific electricity bill savings for the Fathom yet. For reference, the F-150 Lightning required $5,205 in hardware costs for the Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System, excluding installation. The automaker also hasn’t released the Fathom’s full specifications, though its bidirectional charging system is projected to deliver more than 10 kW of power.

Bidirectional charging can work in two primary ways: home power management and home backup power. Home power management allows the system to use energy from the truck during peak hours when electricity costs are higher, and recharge the truck when electricity costs are lower. Meanwhile, home backup power can automatically power homes during an outage, serving as a cleaner and quieter alternative to traditional gas or diesel generators.

A Cheaper Ticket to Home Backup

But right now, Ford still has to work with utility companies to make bidirectional charging more accessible. The automaker formed a working group with five utilities in July 2026 to simplify the approval process, particularly by distinguishing between owners who use their trucks solely for isolated home backup power and those who operate bidirectional systems while connected to the grid. With more than 3,000 utilities operating across the U.S. and Canada, each with different requirements, widespread adoption could still face regulatory hurdles.

Still, the proposition of an affordable truck offering more affordable bidirectional charging could be something to look forward to. The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, which also has a starting price under $30,000, supports vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging but requires a separate inverter at home. The Tesla Cybertruck is another EV with a built-in inverter, but it doesn’t offer the same affordability, with a starting price of $74,990.

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

One of the best perks of EVs? Automakers can play Tetris with all the hardware underneath. Forget the old days of squeezing in a bulky engine and transmission – electric cars let you shuffle things around and make the most of every inch.

This flexibility is important for electric sports cars. Many people like the look of a low hood, but fitting motors, electronics, and cooling parts into a small front end can make it difficult to keep that classic shape.

Toyota thinks it has a fix. A recent Japanese patent application shows off a clever way to squeeze everything in and drop the nose for those sportier proportions.

Toyota’s Trick Is in the Component Layout

Patent JP 2026-171370 A, first spotted by CarMoses, isn’t about reinventing the electric powertrain. Instead, it’s all about where you stick the front drive units, electrical gear, and the air-conditioning condenser.

According to the patent, Toyota’s trick is to line up the electric motor, reduction gearbox, and driveshaft along a single axis. This makes the whole drive unit shorter and squatter, though it does get a bit wider. But here’s the payoff: a lower drive unit means more space to drop the front end.

Toyota doesn’t stop there. They tilt the air-conditioning condenser forward, making use of the space in front of the drive unit. Normally, this part chills the refrigerant and hangs out behind the grille, catching fresh air.

Instead of standing the condenser straight up, Toyota angles it so the top juts forward. That way, the condenser’s top edge can sit lower than the stack of electrical gear above the drive unit. The patent mentions things like a DC-DC converter and onboard charger, but there are other possible setups too.

Put it all together, and you get a front end that doesn’t need as much vertical space for hardware, but still lets the condenser breathe.

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Could This Lead to a Lower-Nosed Toyota Sports Car?

The upshot? Designers get more room to sculpt a lower hood and give future electric coupes or performance cars the kind of sleek silhouette that turns heads.

Of course, the patent doesn’t name any specific model, and there’s no sign Toyota is actually building this into a real car yet. It’s just an engineering idea for now, but maybe something we can look forward to after the electric Lexus LFA arrives to the market.

Like most patents, this one might never see the light of day. Automakers love to lock down clever ideas just in case, even if they never make it to the showroom. So don’t hold your breath – but it’s fun to imagine what could be coming.

What’s Wrong With Ford’s Tailgates?

Ford has traced the issue to a left-side tailgate cable that could fail. If a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) or equivalent load is applied to affected tailgates, the cable on the right may not be able to support the load. If this happens, the tailgate can drop onto the rear bumper. Either the falling tailgate or the load could potentially injure customers.

“An incomplete crimp in the tailgate cable bolt end eyelet allows the cable to detach from the cable eyelet under heavy load. The incomplete crimping is due to a broken crimping die,” stated the recall report, which was published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The following models and model years are affected by this recall:

• 2026-2027 Ford F-150 (18,412 units)
• 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty (7,387 units)
• 2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty (3,537 units)
• 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty (787 units)

In total, 30,123 pickups are involved in this recall.

As of October 19, 2026, there have been no warranty claims or field reports linked to this tailgate issue. Wisely, Ford has issued the recall before any customers are impacted.

What Ford Pickup Owners Must Do Now

Weeks ago, we highlighted that Ford is averaging over five months to fix recalled vehicles. This comes as the automaker has surpassed 80 recalls in 2026 alone. Unfortunately, it’s going to be another long wait for customers with defective tailgates.

Interim owner notification letters are only expected to be sent between December 14, 2026, and December 18, 2026. Between January 18 and 22, 2027, remedy owner notification letters will be sent out, which means that the tailgate issue is unlikely to be resolved for at least the next three months.

When a fix is eventually available, customers will have to take their trucks to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the tailgate cable on the left replaced. This will be completed at no charge. For now, owners of these trucks can contact Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for more information. On December 7, 2026, the VINs of affected models will become searchable on the NHTSA’s website.

Anyone who owns a full-size Ford pickup should exercise caution when operating the tailgate or loading heavy items into the bed.

Related: Ford Hits 80 Recalls In 2026 As F-150 Faces Another Safety Issue

Ford’s 2026 Recall Count Hits 84

Ford has now issued 84 recalls over the course of 2026 to lead all automakers. Stellantis is a distant second with 39 recalls, followed by Toyota (28), General Motors (25), and Hyundai Motor America (22).

Not every recall is serious, widespread, or has even been noticed by owners. Many have been proactive measures to address quality issues on older models before they inconvenience customers. Some recalls have been more concerning, though, such as the 4,653 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles that were handed a Do Not Drive warning in May. In these vehicles, a detached control arm could cause a loss of vehicle control.

On a positive note, Ford is well short of the 153 recalls it issued in 2025. If there’s one record it won’t want to break, it’s that one.

Related: Ford Tells Thousands Of Bronco Sport And Maverick Owners Not To Drive Over Crash Risk

The Aston Martin Valhalla is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid supercar, tapping into the segment Ferrari and Lamborghini compete in with the 849 Testarossa and Revuelto, respectively. Now, Aston Martin wants to further widen the Valhalla’s appeal with a new Spider version. But the Valhalla Spider isn’t just any other open-top alternative, as it manages to retain the performance of the coupe.

Unlike many models with coupe and open-top options, the Valhalla Spider retains the 217-mph top speed of the Valhalla Coupe, even with the roof removed. Spiders tend to have lower top speeds because of increased aerodynamic drag and additional weight, something that also affects Aston Martin’s flagship model, the Valkyrie. While the Valkyrie Coupe has a listed top speed of 220 mph, the Spider is rated at over 217 mph with the roof on and over 205 mph with the roof off.

The Little Brother Has a Big Trick

So despite the Valkyrie Spider making more horsepower from a naturally aspirated hybrid V12, the Valhalla Spider is the British marque’s fastest open-cockpit model ever. It retains the same powertrain setup as the coupe, which is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with three electric motors, producing a combined output of 1,064 horsepower.

The Valhalla Spider achieves this feat thanks to revised aerodynamics, including a rear snorkel that’s 35 mm (1.38 inches) taller and a wind deflector that redirects airflow above the occupants while supplying cooling air to the engine intake. The active aerodynamics and electronic stability control are also recalibrated for both open- and closed-roof driving. However, while the optional carbon-fiber hardtop preserves the full 217-mph top speed, the standard fabric roof limits it to 124 mph when fitted. In the U.S., the carbon-fiber hardtop reportedly comes standard instead.

Another new feature in the open-top version is the standard carbon-fiber Touring Seats, although customers can retain the coupe’s sportier seats at no extra cost.

Supercars Without Ceilings

The press release didn’t disclose how many Aston Martin Valhalla Spiders will be produced or how much each will cost. However, reports say that the Spider will account for about 25% of the Valhalla’s 999-unit production run, which works out to roughly 250 examples. The coupe also starts at a little over $1 million in the U.S., so given that Spiders traditionally cost more, the new Valhalla variant is expected to carry a premium. For now, the new open-top version is scheduled to make its global debut at the 2026 Concours at Wynn Las Vegas this weekend, with deliveries starting in Q3 2027.

One alternative is the Ferrari 849 Testarossa, which is also available in coupe and open-top versions. Unlike the Valhalla, the Ferrari PHEV supercar doesn’t have a fixed production cap. The Lamborghini Revuelto is currently limited to coupe configurations, with the track-ready SV trim being the latest addition to the range.

View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article

Snow Totals And Timing

NWS Fairbanks has the winter storm warning in effect from 2 p.m. ET Tuesday to 8 p.m. ET Thursday for the south slopes of the Western Brooks Range and the Noatak Valley, including Red Dog Mine, Noatak and Walker Lake. Total accumulation ranges from 6 to 18 inches, with winds gusting as high as 35 mph and areas of blowing snow.

Below 800 feet the forecast is mostly rain, and some rain is possible near Red Dog Mine on Tuesday. Precipitation peaks Tuesday and Wednesday, the heaviest snow arrives Wednesday, and temperatures cool from Wednesday into Thursday. For anyone who has to travel, NWS Fairbanks recommends keeping an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle.

A Run Of Winter Alerts Since The Weekend

The new warning covers the same zone as one that expired at 8 p.m. ET Sunday, which forecast up to 20 inches on higher terrain with gusts to 55 mph. A second warning over the south slopes of the Central Brooks Range, including the Dalton Highway from Mile Post 165 to Mile Post 232, called for 8 to 16 inches in two waves and ran until 2 a.m. ET Tuesday. A winter weather advisory over the Dalton Highway summits, the Elliott and Steese highways and the Taylor Highway north of Mile Post 9 expired at 8 a.m. ET Tuesday, with NWS Fairbanks noting that most of the snow from that storm had passed and only isolated snow showers remained.

Related: Walmart Is Selling a Heavy-Duty Cordless Snow Blower That Can Throw Snow Up to 25 Feet for 42% Off

Heavy Snow On Headlights And Sensors

LED headlamps need roughly 75 percent less electricity than halogens for the same light output and do not get hot enough to melt snow and ice off the lens, according to The Drive, which reports the problem is worse where snow is wet and sticks readily. Heavy snow can also cover the radar units in the bumper or grille and the camera at the top of the windshield that automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist rely on, and Ford advises that driver-assist features may become unavailable in heavy snow. Clearing the headlight lenses, front bumper and camera area along with the glass, and repeating it on a longer drive, helps keep the lights and sensors clear.

Toyota Snowhunter SEMA Concepts: Ready for Deep Snow

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

Toyota’s CALTY Design Research department in Ann Arbor, Michigan, led the project, with Toyota and TRD lifting parts helping complete each. Rigid Industries also contributed to each vehicle with additional lighting, but Toyota hasn’t revealed which aftermarket entity it worked with on the tracks. Nevertheless, all the concepts look ready for brutal blizzards, starting with the Tundra Snowhunter Concept. This is designed as a mobile basecamp and features billet rear control arms from TRD, Predator Step running boards, and the aforementioned lighting. It also has a CALTY-designed TrailLift Pro Rack System Concept, which turns the truck bed into a flexible platform that can accommodate bicycles, kayaks, canoes, and more.

Next up is the Tacoma Snowhunter Concept, which gets a roof rack, a full-length bed rack with MOLLE panels, an awning, recovery equipment, and bed lighting. Extra storage is also unlocked, and this less extreme concept is designed to handle tight trails with agility, while the 4Runner Snowhunter Concept adds skid plates to protect the underbody, extra cargo carrying capacity, and upgrades like Toyota rock rails, a Prinsu roof rack with accessory panels, and a Thule Pulse 2 cargo box. The Prinsu and Thule upgrades also appear on the Land Cruiser Snowhunter and the Sequoia Snowhunter, with the former adding a Thule SnowPack ski rack and the latter a TRD front skid plate and cast aluminum running boards.

Autoblog’s Insight

View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article

Toyota’s Snowhunter concepts are too extreme to become production vehicles, and they’d cater to an extremely small niche if they did. But they do serve a purpose. The Snowhunter concepts’ snow tracks create a wow factor and grab our attention, and after the shock wears off, the other accessories and enhancements take the limelight, showcasing what a Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, or Sequoia could be with enough aftermarket upgrades, many of which are factory-approved. Builds like these help the pensive enthusiast envision what the most extreme version of their truck or SUV might be like, and that can be enough to warrant at least a visit to a TRD parts store. If that happens, the concepts accomplish their ultimate mission.

View the 19 images of this gallery on the original article

Bugatti’s lineage may span over a century, but over the last 20 years, it’s been known as the purveyor of some of the most extreme hypercars the world has ever seen. From the Veyron to the Tourbillon, its cars will happily blow past 250 mph while offering a dash of luxury, all while being undaunted to drive at saner speeds.

More recently, the French automaker has been churning out exquisite one-offs for its very special (and ultra-wealthy) clients. Some fine examples include the Brouillard that just went home to its owner, the stunning Destrier, and the wonderful F.K.P Hommage. Also, it’s just started to explore more ideas and options for the Tourbillon.

The CEO Says Expect Even More

Mate Rimac, the current CEO of Bugatti, says it now has the freedom to do even more extreme projects. That’s mainly because the Rimac Group has bought the brand in its entirety from the Volkswagen Auto Group, with Porsche selling the last of its stake just a few months ago.

Rimac recently sat down with Top Gear and shared what he wants to happen to Bugatti in the coming years. Hint: There will be simpler cars and a whole lot of horsepower coming soon. “Now with the freedom, having the company independent from any car manufacturer, we can really think long-term and do bold things. And we will do lots of cool stuff,” said Rimac.

No Holding Back

That’s not to say VW had a short leash on Bugatti, but being part of a conglomerate has limitations. Now that it’s on its own, the company can let its hair down even more. When asked if sticking with a manual in a Tourbillon was possible, Rimac simply said, “Absolutely. You bet.”

Now, this doesn’t mean the project manual Tourbillon is a go, but rather that Bugatti says it has the capacity to build it. That would mean dropping the electrification bits, which would also shave off about 600 lbs. It would also mean 986 hp, 16 cylinders, and three pedals, making it a recipe for a really wild ride.

Rimac didn’t go into greater detail, but at least we know the gears are moving with that idea. As it’s now a smaller, independent automaker, Bugatti isn’t bound by strict emission rules and regulations that have forced many automakers to electrify their performance vehicles.

Back to Basics?

The Tourbillon is an amazing feat of engineering, and you don’t have to like cars to appreciate the work and attention to detail that was put into building it. That said, Rimac would also like to go back to basics with the brand. “I think the Tourbillon as it is now made a lot of sense as a successor to the Chiron. It’s an incredible car. But I wonder myself, what’s next for Bugatti and what would be interesting to do? And I think light weight and simplification of stuff,” said the CEO.

Now, this doesn’t mean the company will stop making its luxury hypercars. However, Rimac has a different kind of Bugatti in mind to complement its leather-lined top-speed missiles. The man would like something in the lines of the Type 35, one of the most successful race cars of all time. “Instead of a sledgehammer as Bugattis were the last 20 years, could you do something that’s also more engaging, more back to the roots, more Type 35? There’s so many ideas,” said Rimac.

Again, he didn’t delve deeper into that idea; it would certainly be an interesting concept. A lightweight, eight-cylinder, open-top speedster with a manual and zero electrification would be the perfect contrast and complement to what Bugatti has been building for over 20 years.

Younger generations may find it hard to believe that Porsche was nearly bankrupt in the early-’90s. In the late-’80s recession, slumping sales, and internal mismanagement nearly brought the company to its knees. To save the company, it needed an overhaul, and it got help from Toyota to fix how it was run. It worked, but Porsche needed new products to actually make money again.

First, the Boxster brought more people into its showrooms. But the breakthrough came in 2002 with the Cayenne, Porsche’s first-ever SUV. It may have angered Porschephiles, but it printed money for the brand and became the company’s fastest-selling model. That was until the Macan arrived in 2014, and it quickly took that title from its big brother in practically no time.

It took the Macan just 12 years to hit a million cars. For comparison, the Cayenne took 18 years, while the 911, admittedly a specialty model, took over half a century to achieve that. The first-gen Macan had a long production run, and the last cars rolled off the assembly line just this year. Right now, the second-gen Macan is electric-only, and there has been a noticeable sales dip. Still, at least Porsche will make a second-gen combustion-powered Macan successor, possibly called the Octan, but we’ll have to wait for it a little longer.

An Interesting Development from Germany

We know that the future gas-fed Macan/Octan will share more bones with the Audi Q5. Porsche isn’t making much of an effort to hide it, either, as the test mules have literally been wearing the Q5’s body. But underneath the Audi skin (for now) is the promise that it’ll still drive as a Porsche should.

However, a new report from Germany recently piqued our interest. A report from Auto Motor und Sport has mentioned that the compact luxury crossover might be offered with V8 engine. That was from spies scouting around the Nürburgring, observing that the test mule didn’t sound like a V6 at all. A spy video backs that claim, and you can hear it for yourself below.

Unmistakable Soundtrack

For our ears at least, the soundtrack is unmistakably V8. If the burble at low speeds isn’t enough to convince you, the sound it makes at full throttle should remove any remaining doubts. Now, there are two scenarios we can think of here: the first is that Porsche might actually stick a V8 in its compact crossover.

The other theory? This could be a test bed for V8 power in smaller applications of Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion architecture, which will also be shared with more Porsche models. Either way, it’s an interesting development, and it could be a first for Stuttgart’s compact crossover.

As for the engine, it’s likely to be the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that’s seeing service in the Cayenne and Panamera. It could have more power, or it could be detuned since the Macan/Octan is a smaller vehicle. But if Porsche puts a V8 in it, we might see at least 468 hp and 442 lb-ft, like in the current Cayenne S. Optimistically, output could reach 591 hp and 590 lb-ft, matching the all-new Audi SQ7. Still, we’ll have to wait a while for the full picture, as the compact Porsche crossover is expected to premiere in the first half of 2027.

View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article

Mazda and Seiko are two very important Japanese companies; both exhibit true heritage and precision when it comes to car making and watchmaking. Between the two of them is an expansive back catalog that features some of the most iconic Japanese creations of all time.

So it wouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that these 2 companies would work together to create more icons, but this time in the form of a timekeeper. The latest collaboration model has just been launched in Japan, leaving the rest of the world in envy.

Mazda x Seiko Chronograph

Mazda just dropped its newest collaboration timepiece with Seiko (BF9504), a chronograph that embodies what Mazda calls the “aesthetics of subtraction and condensed elegance.” Mazda says the BF9504 draws on its award-winning design language while keeping the functionality of a chronograph. Both brands wanted a minimalist design, free of unnecessary colors and decorations on the dial, while the red stopwatch second hand and crown serve as an accent.

One thing that makes this collaboration stand out from the others is that it’s the first to use curved Hardlex glass. The curved glass gives the design a 3D impression, and the glass itself has been further strengthened to resist scratches. The 3D glass also offers a unique viewing experience depending on the angle, which the designers were also aiming for.

The dial itself was inspired by Mazda’s clusters and meters, boasting excellent legibility. Its design contrasts black metal with red accents, and the font is called Mazda Type, an original to the brand. Another key detail is embedded on the watch: “ESTD 1920 HIROSHIMA, JAPAN.” This small detail shows just how long the Mazda story has been and how far it’s come.

Sold In Japan Only

The complete package includes two interchangeable straps in leather or steel. Even the watchbox is special, featuring a tri-color design that echoes the watch it houses. For the very lucky who can purchase the watch in Japan, it’ll cost 69,300 Japanese yen ($439 converted), and it will be available for order through dealers starting October 29.

As a fun fact, this model is the third collaboration between Mazda and Seiko; the first was in 2001, a vintage rotary-themed model. The most recent was a watch commemorating Mazda’s race team, the Mazda Spirit Racing model, which was sold last year.

2027 Jeep Compass Gets Safer and More Convenient

The 2027 Jeep Compass now gets adaptive cruise control as standard on all trims, while the mid-range Limited, Limited Altitude, and Trailhawk add a wireless charging pad and second-row USB ports. Optionally, the Premium Lighting Group gives these trims LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, while the Driver Assist Package adds a 360-degree camera and a garage door opener. Stellantis adds that the 2027 Compass has a smaller price variance between the Limited trim and the slightly better-equipped Limited Altitude, now down to $995. The Altitude adds blacked-out exterior and interior elements, painted wheels, and contrast stitching. Unfortunately, the automaker has not provided a full breakdown of pricing for each trim, but besides the 85th Anniversary Edition, all 2026 trims carry over, including the Limited (~$33,500), the Trailhawk (~$34,000), and the Limited Altitude (~$36,000).

2027 Jeep Compass Colors and Availability

The color palette is unusually large for this segment, with Joose, Diamond Black, Bright White, Sting Gray, Red Hot, Hydro Blue, and Fathom Blue already available. But for 2027, Jeep is adding four new hues: Ghost, Copper Shino, ’41, and Goldilocks (availability TBC). As before, the Mexico-made Compass is powered by one engine across all trims, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot making 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, capable of a 2,000-pound towing capacity as standard. Orders are currently open, but Stellantis has yet to announce when deliveries will begin. Late in 2027 (the 20th anniversary of the now-aging Compass), a new model will begin production in Belvidere, Illinois, arriving for the 2028 model year. We’re probably dreaming, but perhaps domestic production will bring the price down again.

Toyota Sienna Hybrid: Why and How a Recall Began

The NHTSA recall report explains the issue in detail and says that the vehicles in question have an integrated seatbelt with a pretensioner that quickly retracts during high-speed frontal crashes, securing the passenger. The seatbelt systems feature an outboard recliner that uses interlocking teeth to secure the belt, and when the pretensioner deploys, it creates oscillation between the cam and pawls within this recliner mechanism. In certain scenarios – with variables including the type of crash, the seat back’s position, and pretensioner deployment times – this oscillation can allow the cam to rotate. If this happens, the recliner mechanism disengages from the locked position, and that can have obvious negative consequences. But despite this issue appearing across multiple model years, it was only discovered last year. Fortunately, it was discovered by Toyota, not an extremely unlucky buyer.

Related: The Best Minivans for 2027: Four Contenders, One Clear Winner

Over the course of January to November 2025, Toyota says it was conducting sled testing using a modified seatbelt and second-row seat assembly with an eye to finding improvements for future seats when certain tests revealed the disengagement of the rear seatback’s outboard recliner mechanism. This led to an investigation that ran from December 2025 to August of this year. More sled testing was conducted, during which Toyota found that internal friction affected the recliner. Yet more testing was undertaken, and the automaker began field recoveries to assess how Sienna second-row seat assemblies being used every day were performing. Over September and October, Toyota conducted crash tests to validate the results of sled testing, and that’s when it discovered the issue and began the process of initiating a voluntary recall.

What Toyota Sienna Owners Need to Know

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Dealers have already been informed of the impending Toyota Sienna recall, but owners will only be notified of a remedy in December. When the remedy is ready, Toyota Siennas must be brought to dealers for assessment, and most vehicles will need nothing more than an updated SRS ECU software file to better control the pretensioner. However, roughly 200 2022-2025 Sienna Hybrid minivans will need their two second-row seatbacks replaced with new components featuring a different recliner mechanism. Whichever group owners fall into, a dealer visit is necessary, and the fix will be applied at no cost.

Why Honda Finally Caved 

The pressure started with 7News, which reported on the family’s predicament last year and stayed on it. Senator Chris Van Holler and Representative Jamie Raskin then contacted Honda and the NHTSA. Raskin sent the automaker six questions about the engine failure and its decision not to cover the repair. Honda then replied, saying it would recover the engine and put in a new one at no cost. Shea credited the two lawmakers and the news team as the deciding factors. While Honda initially shrugged off responsibility, a letter from a member of Congress was much harder to wave off. Honda’s statement to 7News said inspecting the engine could help its ongoing investigation, which isn’t really an admission of fault either. 

1.4 Million Hondas Still Under Review

The NHTSA is investigating connecting rod bearing failures across roughly 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles, and seven crashes or fires have been documented. No recall has been issued yet. A 2023 NHTSA recall covering about 250,000 vehicles from the 2016, 2018, and 2019 model years left 2017 out, which is exactly where the Shea family’s Pilot sat. Had the family paid for the replacement engine, they would have been out $25,000 for a failure regulators were already studying. Congress may need to legislate tighter investigation timelines so that other owners who aren’t so lucky don’t end up paying for a company’s mistakes. 

FROM A $25,000 REPAIR BILL TO A BRAND NEW ENGINE… FOR FREE.

Ellie Shea’s 2017 Honda Pilot had just 56,000 miles when she heard a strange noise from the engine. Honda initially denied coverage, and the SUV sat in the family’s driveway for more than a year.

After the @7NewsDC… pic.twitter.com/WPqgbaruIh

— Scott Taylor (@ScottTaylorTV) October 21, 2026

Related: Best Electric SUVs for 2027: Our Winner Starts Under $60,000

2027 Kia EV9 Pricing

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

The latest EV9 costs just $90 more than the 2026 model in entry-level guise. Here’s a full breakdown of trims and their prices for 2027:

• EV9 Light (Short Range): $54,990
• EV9 Light (Long Range): $57,990
• EV9 Wind: $64,090
• EV9 Land: $69,990
• EV9 GT-Line: $71,990

The EV9 Land now costs $1,090 more than before, which is the largest price increase for any trim. However, Kia has justified the increase by making the previously optional Nightfall Edition Package ($1,500) standard. With this package, the Land gains features like 20-inch black wheels, a gloss black finish for exterior components like the skid plates and grille, a black headliner, and seating upholstery with an exclusive pattern. Added to that, the 2027 EV9 Land also gets a healthy increase in torque to 516 lb-ft, placing it on par with the range-topping GT-Line.

No other changes have been announced for the 2027 Kia EV9, which is expected to be available imminently.

Related: I Drove the 2026 Kia EV9, and This is My Honest Review

EV9 Lineup At A Glance

The base EV9 still uses a 215-horsepower motor sending power to the rear wheels. In Light Long Range guise, power drops to 201 hp. The top three trims all make 379 hp and have all-wheel drive. In the Wind, you get 443 lb-ft, while the Land and GT-Line make 516 lb-ft. The top two trims are quick, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of just five seconds; they’re far quicker than any three-row Telluride.

The maximum range on a full charge goes to the Light Long Range, which can cover up to 305 miles. The Light Short Range gets just 230 miles, but it’s fractionally the most efficient model in the lineup in city driving (101 MPGe).

Depending on the trim, the EV9 can seat six or seven occupants. Standard features include an eight-way power driver’s seat, SynTex imitation leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, automatic tri-zone climate control, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Working your way up the trim ladder avails high-end features like a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable second-row seats, heated/ventilated second-row seats, and the choice of a power sunroof or fixed glass roof.

We rated the EV9 GT-Line 9 out of 10 when we drove it earlier this year. This top trim may not be cheap, but the plush ride, potent acceleration, and huge interior make for a fantastic family vehicle. It does an equally competent job of keeping the driver and the kids happy.

Related: I Drove the 2026 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD. Here’s My Honest Review

Possibly Worth Waiting For: Toyota Highlander EV

As impressive as the Kia EV9 is, buyers looking for a three-row electric SUV may want to wait for the all-new Toyota Highlander. Despite reports claiming it will be delayed for a second time, Toyota as confirmed that it’s still on track to launch the new Highlander early in 2027. For clarity, the Highlander EV is not to be confused with the current, gas-powered Highlander.

Besides the sheer clout of the Toyota badge and the fact that Toyota EVs are selling up a storm right now, the Highlander has much to offer. It will have a competitive range of up to 315 miles, up to 338 hp in AWD variants, and plenty of useful tech, including a vehicle-to-load system that can power appliances and other devices.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but if the Highlander can undercut the EV9 in this segment, it has every chance of becoming the best-selling three-row EV in America.

Related: 2027 Toyota Highlander EV Vs. 2026 Kia EV9: 3 Key Differences

Aside from limited production and extreme powertrains, film provenance can also help increase a car’s value. That’s evident in cars like the original Batmobile from the 1966 TV series, which sold for $4.62 million in 2013. This time, however, the spotlight turns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with an Acura NSX Roadster Concept used in 2012’s The Avengers now up for auction.

In the movie, the NSX Roadster Concept was driven by Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.), who was known for putting the Audi R8 on the big screen in the earlier Iron Man movies. The car has been listed on Cars & Bids by Acura itself, which said that 100% of the winning bid proceeds will go to a charity mutually agreed upon with the buyer. The Japanese luxury marque will also contribute to the Sundance Institute to support independent filmmakers and artists.

More Than Meets the Armor

Because the first Avengers movie came out in 2012, this car isn’t based on the production second-generation NSX, which debuted in 2016. Instead, the design, courtesy of Acura’s Advanced Design Studio, was inspired by the second-gen NSX Concept, while the underpinnings came from a first-gen model. The original NSX was so iconic that it challenged Ferrari’s dominance in the exotic car market in the 1990s, with three-time Formula 1 World Champion Ayrton Senna helping with its development.

This means the NSX Roadster Concept for sale comes with a 3.0-liter VTEC V6 engine, not the twin-turbo hybrid powertrain in the second-gen NSX, despite looking like one. The engine makes about 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The exterior features custom resin and fiberglass bodywork built by Trans FX, finished in a paint color matching Iron Man’s armor. It also features the “STARK 33” license plate that appeared in the movie.

An Avenger Goes Under the Hammer

It’s worth noting, however, that the NSX Roadster Concept – which has clocked about 252,000 miles – cannot be registered, titled, or driven on public roads. That means the new owner will primarily be getting a collector’s item, which can be displayed in private collections or at car events. As of this writing, the bid stands at $98,500, with the auction set to end on October 31.

Before the car goes to a new home, Acura will display it at the Las Vegas Concours alongside the Nexera Vision. The Nexera Vision represents a new design direction for the brand, with futuristic elements and bodywork reminiscent of a Ferrari or McLaren. Its new lighting signature is expected to debut on the next-gen RDX Hybrid, one of several upcoming Acura models, alongside an adventure-focused model – reportedly based on a Honda Passport – and an eight-seater flagship SUV.

View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article

Scout Motors hasn’t even sold a single car yet, and it’s still at odds with the ‘volks’ that can sell them ‘wagens.’ Under the startup’s business model, the Volkswagen-backed brand is planning to go directly to consumers, but it’s encountered stiff resistance because of certain laws that prevent automakers from doing so.

Chief Judge Cynthia Bashant of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California has denied both Volkswagen Group of America and Scout Motors the motion to dismiss a California New Car Dealers Association lawsuit that’s against the startup’s direct-to-consumer plans.

Dealer Franchises Are Not Happy

Scout Motors’ legal team seems to be working overtime, serving suits to protect its interests and standing its ground in court at the same time. Because the brand wants to sell straight to the end consumers, franchised dealers under the Volkswagen Group of America are strongly opposed to this, so much so that some dealers have even banded together in order to assert the franchise laws that protect them.

The California New Car Dealers Association filed the suit in April 2025, stating that Scout is wholly owned by the Volkswagen Group of America, and the association claims that the company cannot use a subsidiary to sell cars, even if it is under a different brand. Additionally, the association also “plausibly” alleges that the Volkswagen Group of America violated California’s Unfair Competition Law through Scout Motors.

Under an amendment to the state’s franchise law, which took effect on January 1, 2024, the association claims that the direct-to-consumer model that Scout is planning to employ violates the amended state law. Specifically, that state law requires affiliated brands to use franchised dealers to sell and service vehicles, according to the suit. The other allegation that the association is holding against VW and Scout is that VW is circumventing California law by positioning Scout as a different brand altogether and competing with its own existing franchisees.

California is only one state that has filed a suit against Volkswagen of America for the Scout brand. Even in Florida, Scout fought existing franchises because of its direct-to-consumer business model.

Motion Denied… Twice

This development was reported by Automotive News. Scout Motors moved to dismiss the case once before, but it was eventually denied. Now the same situation is playing out. During the first denial, the Volkswagen Group of America raised several arguments, but the case continued anyway. Now, another motion to dismiss was denied once again, and the case will proceed with more discovery.

“The court told Volkswagen and Scout essentially what it told them in March, said Anthony Bento, the California New Car Dealers Association chief legal officer. “They raised arguments that were available to them the first time around, and the court declined to dismiss the case – now twice. Our claims stand, and we continue with discovery in the case.”

As usual, Scout Motors and Volkswagen Group of America declined to comment.

While Toyota is known as one of the world’s top-selling automakers, it is also planning to expand its role as an engine supplier with a new family of inline-four engines. These engines have been downsized to help meet stricter emissions regulations, but turbochargers and hybrid systems are still in the cards to maintain performance. Interestingly, one of the new engines is being tested in a Toyota GR86 concept car in Japan, suggesting the next-gen GR86 could come with an in-house powertrain instead.

This engine is the 2.0-liter inline-four codenamed G20E, but according to Japan’s Car Watch, the concept car runs without a turbocharger. Removing forced induction would continue the nameplate’s tradition of staying naturally aspirated, from the GT86 to the GR86. The latter currently uses a 2.4-liter boxer engine developed by Subaru, which also uses it for the BRZ. Kazuya Oshima, who is in charge of the concept’s development, highlighted how running without forced induction can provide more predictable and linear power delivery. The lack of turbo hardware also helps reduce weight.

A New Engine Enters the Picture

Interestingly, the engine in question reportedly produces only around 220 horsepower, about eight horsepower fewer than the Subaru-sourced power unit. Sure, it is quite normal for models to make less horsepower after a major overhaul, as seen in the Land Cruiser when it traded its V8 for a 2.4-liter i-Force Max powertrain, but one of the biggest complaints about the GT86 was its output of around 200 hp.

The GR86 received an evolved version of the boxer engine with a larger 2.4-liter displacement, addressing concerns about power. However, if the next-gen model uses the G20E in its current form, it could be perceived as a downgrade, at least on paper.

However, it will all come down to the actual driving experience. One of the challenges could be preserving the GR86’s handling characteristics, especially considering that boxer engines help lower the center of gravity, so switching to an inline-four could change that. There’s also the packaging and chassis development, with Car Watch reporting that the concept car uses double-wishbone suspension at both the front and rear, instead of the MacPherson struts currently installed at the front of the production model.

Taking The Reins

Aside from the technical aspects, a future switch to Toyota’s inline-four could potentially give the automaker greater control over powertrain development.

It is still unclear when the next-gen GR86 will come out. For reference, the current generation debuted in 2021, nearly a decade after the first-gen GT86 arrived. Based on Oshima’s comments, the nameplate will likely retain its lightweight characteristics, which have helped define a shrinking sports car segment that includes the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Subaru BRZ.

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

Rearview cameras are important not only to help drivers see behind their vehicles when backing up, but also to comply with U.S. safety regulations. This is why Ford addressed rearview camera display defects in the Maverick under NHTSA recall 24V684 in September 2024. The fix was an update to the Connected Touch Radio (CTR) software, but apparently, the remedy may not have been completely effective.

NHTSA opened a Recall Query (RQ) to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2024 recall. The safety agency estimates that the investigation covers about 273,301 units of the 2022–2024 Maverick and Maverick Hybrid, which could experience frozen rearview camera images while reversing. Such a failure could provide false information to the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

A Second Look at the First Fix

The investigation does not establish that all 273,301 vehicles remain defective. But the RQ 26004 raises questions about whether the remedy fully addressed the problem. The 2024 recall stated that a memory leak could result in a frozen rearview camera display. A memory leak happens when software fails to release unused memory.

NHTSA received five Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging frozen rearview camera images even after the recall remedy was performed. Although the new investigation lists no crashes, the original recall report says Ford was aware of two accident reports and no injuries associated with the defect.

If the investigation shows that the fix was inadequate, another safety recall could potentially be issued. It could mean owners would have to allocate time to bring their pickup trucks back to dealerships for repairs. That’s become a familiar theme for some Ford owners, especially this decade, as the Blue Oval has led the industry in recall counts in recent years.

More Than Just a Camera Glitch

Ford has maintained that its high number of recalls reflects efforts to identify and address potential problems as early as possible. Some may view that as an excuse for poor quality control, but, to be fair, the company earned the top honor in the mass-market category of the 2026 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, suggesting its efforts to improve quality are paying off, at least during the first 90 days of ownership.

While the investigation into the Maverick’s rearview camera issue continues, Ford also recalled about 1.74 million vehicles under two separate safety campaigns earlier this year over rearview camera display problems. One recall involved overheating of the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), while the other dealt with displays that could flip or invert.

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

General Motors may have introduced several new engines for its upcoming trucks, including a new V8 and a massive diesel mill for heavy-duty models, but the American automaker appears to have more ideas in the works. A recently published patent points to another approach to improving the way internal-combustion engines operate.

First spotted by CarMoses, the patent was filed last year and published last week. Titled “Extended Expansion Engine With Variable Compression Ratio for Longitudinal Mounting Applications,” it describes a mechanical arrangement designed to change piston movement and vary the engine’s compression ratio.

How Does GM’s Engine Design Work?

In a conventional engine, pistons move up and down inside cylinders, with connecting rods transferring that motion to the crankshaft. GM’s proposed design, which is an inline-six according to the sketches, adds a more elaborate arrangement of gears, links, and control components to change the relationship between these moving parts.

With this setup, the engine could play with how much it squeezes the air-fuel mix before lighting it up. Compression ratio is a big deal – it affects everything from efficiency to power, and even how the engine handles a heavy load.

Then there’s the extended-expansion trick. After the bang pushes the piston down, those hot gases still have some juice left. Letting them expand a bit more means you can squeeze out extra work before they head out the tailpipe.

On paper, this could mean better fuel economy – at least when the stars align. Of course, tossing in more moving parts means more complexity, higher costs, and extra friction. GM will have to prove the gains are worth the headaches.

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Could It Power Future GM Vehicles?

The patent specifically addresses longitudinal engine mounting, a layout commonly used in rear-wheel-drive vehicles and many trucks and SUVs. That makes the concept relevant to some of GM’s existing vehicle architectures, although the company has not identified a particular model for the technology.

If developed further, the design could offer another way to improve gasoline-engine efficiency without changing the basic fuel source. Still, GM has not provided production plans, performance figures, or fuel-economy estimates for the proposed arrangement.

Like most car patents, this is just a peek at what could be, not a guarantee you’ll see it at your local dealer. Most of these ideas never make it past the drawing board.

View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article

2027 Lexus RZ Pricing

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

The 2027 RZ is still available in six variants, starting with the 350e and leading up to the powerful 550e F Sport. Here’s a look at 2027 pricing versus the 2026 model.

The 350e Premium, 450e Premium AWD, and 550e F Sport AWD trims have been handed the biggest price bumps of $375 each. The base trim is only $100 more than before. These prices all include the delivery fee.

As before, the range starts with the 221-horsepower 350e with front-wheel drive. The 450e AWD has 308 hp from dual motors, while the 550e F Sport produces 402 hp and is the performer of the lineup; this model can reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The base 350e has the best range on a full charge, at 301 miles. That drops all the way down to 228 miles for the 450e with 20-inch wheels.

The RZ’s best quality is that it feels like a true Lexus, from the smooth ride to the top-notch build quality. However, its overall range (across all trim levels) is lower than many rivals. It doesn’t have a genuine one-pedal-driving mode, and the top performance model isn’t as fun as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or the Genesis GV60 Magma.

Lexus has confirmed that the 2027 RZ will arrive at dealerships early next year.

Related: I Drove The New Lexus RZ, And I Have Mixed Feelings

Lexus RZ Key Rivals

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

Based on price, the Lexus RZ’s primary rivals include the following:

• Tesla Model Y ($39,990–$57,990)
• Cadillac Optiq ($49,995–$67,500)
• Genesis GV60 ($46,250–$69,950)

The RZ matches the luxurious feel of the Optiq and GV60, while surpassing the Model Y in that regard. The Tesla isn’t as opulent, but it starts much cheaper, is quicker, and can travel up to 355 miles on a full charge. It’s ultimately better at being an EV than the Lexus, but it’s not a better luxury car.

The Optiq lineup has a range of between 250 and 317 miles, so it also outclasses the Lexus in that area. It offers more standard and available power than the Lexus, and is more engaging to drive. Pricing is similar, so we’d favor the Optiq.

Finally, there’s the GV60. It has between 222 and 306 miles of range, which isn’t fantastic but closely matches the RZ. The Genesis can feel a bit cramped inside for taller occupants, but the detailing and quality can’t be faulted. It has similar power to the RZ, although Lexus has nothing to match the incredible GV60 Magma, which produces 641 hp.

Final Thoughts

Last year, Lexus sold 5,340 units of the RZ through the first three quarters of the year. Over the same period in 2026, sales have increased to 10,214 units. It’s now within striking distance of outselling the Optiq, but the Model Y is still way out in front.

For anyone coming from an NX or RX, transitioning to the RZ will feel entirely natural—assuming you can live with the limited range. It’s quiet, comfortable, and promises to be reliable. However, for buyers coming from another EV, the RZ may come across as merely good rather than great. It doesn’t move the goalposts in this segment in any one area, which is why it’s worth considering one of its rivals before making a decision.

Related: 2026 Lexus RZ 550e F SPORT Review: A Swift Luxury Bargain With a Short Leash

This year’s SEMA Show (Nov. 3-6) marks the world debut of the 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition, the most rugged variant yet of the brand’s bread-and-butter SUV. The Japanese automaker obviously wants a bigger slice of the popular off-road SUV market, and a cheap way to do that is to give the existing Outlander some off-road chops.

A New Off-Road Mode for the AWD System

The off-road model gets an array of exterior, interior and hardware upgrades that make it “the most capable and adventure-focused Outlander ever offered in North America”—Mitsubishi’s words, not ours.

For starters, the Diamond Trail Edition adds a new Rock mode to the Outlander’s standard Super-All Wheel Control System (S-AWC) for more capability off the beaten track. The setting is said to use enhanced brake control to quickly suppress wheel-slip and help secure traction. Furthermore, Rock mode is said to activate faster than other S-AWC modes.

Additionally, when Rock mode is selected, the Hill Descent Control (HDC) system is automatically activated as well to help the driver control speed in rocky or mogul terrain. HDC can also be adjusted for the speed at which it holds the vehicle.

Another new addition is a screen that can be displayed in the instrument cluster showing front-wheel steering angle, individual wheel-slip and traction-control intervention. The Multi-View Camera System can also be activated and remains on up to 18.6 mph, a 6.2 mph increase from the standard model.

More Rugged Bumpers for Increased Approach and Departure Angles

Seen from the outside, the 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition looks significantly more rugged thanks to redesigned bumpers that improve approach and departure angles—from 18.3 to 20.5 degrees (approach) and from 22.2 to 23.1 degrees (departure). The bumpers match the aggressive over-fenders and the unique 18×7.5″ black alloy wheels shod with dedicated Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tires, contributing to a rugged, trail-ready look.

The Outlander Diamond Trail Edition also gets a new matte black grille with black Dynamic Shield, as well as a black finish for the headlights. Keeping with the off-road-capable theme, the SUV also gets two round projectors attached to the front bumper and raised roof rails that allow easy installation of roof racks. Finally, the Outlander Diamond Trail Edition debuts a new Trail Green Metallic color that can be offset with a white roof.

Moving to the cabin, there’s an all-new seating material finished in dark grey with khaki stitching. Unique to the Diamond Trail Edition, this material repels water and is easier to clean, which should come in handy for an adventure vehicle.

The interior also features unified matte and dark tones, as well as textured matte black, dark chrome and dark satin. The Diamond Trail Edition logo, which represents skilled athletes on a downhill course, is found on the seat backs, floor mats and the door trim.

View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article

A New Generation of Off-Road-Capable Vehicles Is Coming to USA

While Mitsubishi has yet to confirm whether the all-new Montero/Pajero body-on-frame SUV is coming stateside, its Momentum 2030 long-term business plan notes that the 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition will head a new generation of off-road-capable vehicles for North America.

Future models will focus on adventure and vehicle capability while building on the brand’s history of quality, dependability and reliability.

This vehicle represents the next step in our Momentum 2030 vision, combining Mitsubishi Motors' off-road heritage with the capability, technology and versatility today's customer demands. From the production model to the customized concepts on display, we're showing enthusiasts how far their adventures can go, while reinforcing our goal to helping customers truly ‘Drive their Ambition.’

Mitsubishi will showcase three Outlander Diamond Trail models at SEMA. One vehicle will be stock except some Mitsubishi Genuine Accessories and a color-matched Thule roof box, while the other two will be heavily modified.

Toyota is undoubtedly a leader in the global automotive landscape, competing against the likes of Volkswagen Group and Hyundai Motor Group. The Japanese automaker may be best known as a vehicle manufacturer, but moving forward, it also plans to expand its role as an engine supplier, targeting €1.5 billion (about $1.7 billion) in annual revenue by 2032.

According to Automotive News, the engines and hybrid systems could arrive in 2027, with plans to sell them to automotive partners. No customers have been named yet, but Subaru, Mazda, Suzuki, and Daihatsu are among the potential frontrunners. There’s one potential obstacle: while Subaru and Mazda already use some Toyota technology in their vehicles, they are developing new engines of their own, which differ from Toyota’s offerings.

Not Quite on the Same Wavelength

Subaru typically uses boxer engines, which, by the way, celebrate their 60th anniversary this year. Boxer or flat engines have become a signature of the brand, along with its all-wheel-drive system, so adopting Toyota’s new inline-fours could be complicated. Subaru’s next-generation boxer engines are targeting improved fuel-air mixing and 50% thermal efficiency, which could be crucial, especially considering the automaker plans to stop selling combustion-engine vehicles in Europe by the end of 2027 at the latest due to stricter emissions and other regulations.

Meanwhile, Mazda is developing a proprietary hybrid system, which will be paired with its new 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z inline-four engine. The powertrain is expected to arrive in the CX-5, the brand’s best-selling model, by the end of 2027. The company is also developing rotary engine technology, a signature that has defined the brand with models like the RX-7. In this context, these projects could further complicate Toyota’s engine-supply ambitions.

Toyota’s new inline-four engines include a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated, a 1.5-liter turbo, and a 2.0-liter turbo. The 1.5-liter engines are intended for hybrid applications, while the 2.0-liter turbo could be used independently or with a hybrid system. These engines are intentionally downsized to help manufacturers meet stricter emissions requirements without abandoning combustion powertrains. They’re also compact enough to fit various vehicle designs, including those originally intended for EVs, enabling a multi-powertrain approach.

A Billion-Dollar Side Hustle

It remains to be seen whether Toyota can meet its 2032 target, especially with some of its biggest partners developing their own engines. Still, Toyota and its Japanese alliance partners account for roughly 16 million vehicle sales annually. That doesn’t mean all those vehicles will use the automaker’s new engines, but it highlights the potential scale of its engine-supply business.

In addition, Toyota aims to expand its Arene software platform from two to 50 nameplates and 10 million vehicles annually by 2030, with plans to eventually share the technology with alliance partners.

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

After last week’s leak, Mazda has finally announced the 2027 CX-90’s pricing and packaging. The big news? The midsize SUV now comes with two-row configurations, which means the Mazda CX-70 is officially out and the two nameplates are merging into one.

The new seating arrangements will be available on the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport and 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport. Both will retain the CX-90 name while offering buyers a more cargo-focused alternative to the standard three-row SUV.

Modest Price Hike

Mazda isn’t going wild with price hikes this year. The base 3.3 Turbo Select now starts at $39,700, just $400 more than last year. The Preferred trim also climbs by $400 to $43,850, and the Premium Plus now sits at $50,670. If you want the Premium Sport, it’s $46,880 for two rows or $48,080 for three. The Turbo S Premium Sport? That’ll be $53,540 with two rows, $54,740 with three.

Compared with the 2026 CX-70, the new two-row CX-90 Premium Sport costs $46,880, just $100 more than the outgoing CX-70 3.3 Turbo Premium. The two-row Turbo S Premium Sport costs $53,540, also $100 more than its CX-70 counterpart. Of note, these are price comparisons between differently named trims, rather than exact equipment-for-equipment matches.

Mazda’s destination and handling charge remains $1,645, excluding taxes and other fees. That is unchanged even as the automaker adjusts vehicle pricing, unlike the destination-charge changes seen with the CX-5.

What’s New for 2027?

Beyond the additional seating configurations, every Mazda CX-90 for 2027 receives a revised rear suspension crossmember and updated rear suspension bushings intended to improve passenger comfort over rough pavement.

Mazda is also expanding the color palette with Navy Blue Mica, Aero Gray Metallic, Melting Copper Metallic, and Zircon Sand Metallic. Melting Copper and Zircon Sand are exclusive to two-row models.

Some trims gain additional standard equipment. The Turbo Preferred adds roof rails, while the Turbo Premium Sport and PHEV Premium Sport gain Alexa Built-In. Mazda Online Navigation becomes standard on the Turbo Premium Plus and PHEV Premium Plus.

The CX-90 PHEV also receives an electric drive motor update with external insulation material intended to make low-speed operation quieter. Its 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain continues to produce 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated electric range of up to 27 miles.

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Availability and Other Details

The 2027 CX-90 will continue to offer both mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six powertrains and a plug-in hybrid option. The standard 3.3-liter turbo engine produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, while the Turbo S version delivers up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft on premium fuel.

All models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Three-row configurations offer seating for up to eight, depending on the trim and seat arrangement.

Mazda has not provided a specific dealership arrival date in its pricing announcement. The new two-row configurations are intended to simplify the brand’s US midsize SUV range, giving buyers a choice between additional passenger capacity and more flexible cargo space without moving to a different nameplate.

View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article

Manufacturers love tacking on more sales to customers; they find ways to entice buyers to spend more on their cars. This is even more common with performance or special-edition cars. Even though these cars are engineered and built with top performance in mind, car makers still offer extra performance goodies you have to pay extra for.

In Cadillac’s case, the CT5-V Blackwing already represents the most extreme version of this model. Yet, as an add-on, you can get the Precision Package, which will give you extra performance parts. Unfortunately, it seems Cadillac forgot to include a vital part of that package when delivering the car to some customers.

Missing Links

General Motors (GM) just released a Customer Satisfaction Program bulletin (N262573420). In collaboration with NHTSA, this bulletin covers a strange mistake on Cadillac’s part. According to the document, certain Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing owners who purchased the Precision Package have missing rear suspension toe links. The document describes the mishap as: “Certain vehicles listed above, equipped with the Precision Package, may be missing the supplementary performance toe links that were to be delivered in the vehicle’s trunk.”

The bulletin also lists the specific parts that were supposed to be included in the package but are missing:

Dealers are advised not to order the missing parts in stock and are told to identify the exact customers affected by this bulletin. Affected customers will be notified about getting the missing parts via a mailing advisory. The document also simply lists the fix procedure as putting the missing parts in the trunk of the car. The document does not list the exact number of affected cars, but GM believes only a small batch is affected.

Precision Pack

Cadillac’s Precision Package is an $18,000 performance-oriented add-on. It was primarily designed as a track-focused chassis upgrade that significantly alters how the CT5-V Blackwing performs and handles on track. It features a reworked, stiffened suspension system; new steering knuckles; the (missing) rear suspension links; carbon-ceramic brakes; and a digital software retune that changes how the limited-slip differential reacts.

Mitsubishi recently brought back the Pajero for its fifth generation, but unlike previous generations, the latest iteration so far comes only in a five-door configuration. Introducing a three-door version could broaden its appeal while also offering a potentially more affordable alternative, similar to the five-door/three-door options (known as four-door/two-door in the U.S.) offered with the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

Russia’s Kolesa, however, decided to take matters into its own hands and rendered what a three-door version of the Pajero could look like. While the rendering retains the looks of the new fifth-gen model, it features several changes, including a shorter wheelbase and rear overhang, longer front doors, a wider B-pillar with horizontal decorative detailing, and blacked-out pillars.

Small Package With Serious Hardware

A three-door Pajero would likely retain the body-on-frame platform shared with the Triton, a midsize pickup truck primarily sold outside North America. This means the Pajero gets traditional SUV architecture, unlike current models like the Eclipse Cross and Outlander, which use unibody platforms similar to those found in sedans.

Powering the Pajero is a 2.4-liter turbodiesel inline-four engine that makes 204 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque (354 lb-ft). It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II). The SUV also features Active Yaw Control, a torque-vectoring technology Mitsubishi pioneered with the Lancer Evolution.

Another benefit of a three-door version would be improved off-road capabilities. The shorter wheelbase could improve its breakover angle and maneuverability on narrow trails. However, the trade-off would be reduced rear-seat access, passenger space, and cargo capacity.

No Ticket to America Yet

Mitsubishi said the fifth-gen Pajero will be sold in about 100 countries, but it didn’t mention North America. The last time the nameplate was sold stateside was in 2006, back when it was called the Montero. Eventually, the automaker shifted its focus to mainstream crossovers, which may have helped it stay financially viable but also diminished the brand enthusiasm once ignited by models like the Eclipse and Lancer Evo.

While a three-door Pajero would be a welcome addition to the lineup, the five-door version would likely account for most sales, similar to how the five-door Ford Bronco outsells its three-door counterpart. What U.S. buyers can expect from Mitsubishi, however, is a new midsize truck developed in collaboration with Nissan. It will allow Mitsubishi to re-enter the truck segment, which it left in 2009 with the Raider.

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article