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Volkswagen has been on a mission to build excitement ahead of the reveal of the all-new Atlas. The three-row crossover originally went into production back in 2017, so it’s overdue for a replacement. VW has been hard at work teasing that replacement, initially showing off a camouflaged version of the SUV in February. That was followed by a first look at its high-tech interior a few days ago, and now we have another look at the exterior proportions of what will be a key launch for the German automaker. Related: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas: First Look at Kia Telluride Rival New Atlas Looks Large VW While it’s not possible to gauge dimensions from images alone, the 2027 Atlas looks like it has a substantial footprint in the new side view. Overhangs are substantial and the roofline is long, gently tapering towards the rear of the vehicle. The current Atlas is already over 200 inches long, so any growth spurt for the new one will see it challenge a few full-size SUVs for sheer size. “The all-new 2027 Volkswagen Atlas has the space and features to make everyday life easier for real-life families,” said the automaker in a statement, suggesting the SUV will have an expansive interior. Volkswagen No other details were shared, but the new Atlas is expected to stick with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, specifically the EA888 Evo5 mill used in the new Tiguan. It makes 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in the Tiguan, which would fall short of the 274-hp/311-lb-ft engine in the latest Kia Telluride. VW may have tuned this four-pot for more power in the larger Atlas, though. Glitzy interior lighting and the latest infotainment system are expected inside, with the overall look expected to closely mirror the VW Teramont Pro sold in China. Related: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Teased Ahead of New York Auto Show Debut What Are The VW Atlas SUV's Rivals? 2026 Hyundai Palisade Kristen Brown View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The 2027 VW Atlas will enter a three-row crossover segment that’s brimming with talent. The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are both new, and they also come with the option of efficient hybrids, something the Atlas will need at some point to remain truly competitive. The Koreans feel more upmarket than ever, so we hope VW has injected some personality and a premium feel into the new Atlas interior. Segment stalwarts like the Toyota Grand Highlander and heavily revised Honda Pilot still sell strongly, as do brawnier alternatives like the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse. In fact, the Explorer was the top-selling three-row SUV in the U.S. in 2025. The outgoing Atlas failed to stand out in any single area, which is why it was often overlooked. Early signs point to the new one being a significant improvement, which it will need to be if VW hopes to turn around declining sales in this market. The 2027 VW Atlas will be fully revealed on March 31, 2026. View the full article

There are worse ways to spend a Thursday than being handed the keys to a Maserati and pointed toward one of the most storied circuits in British motorsport. Last week, a select group of women from across the motorsport and automotive world got to do exactly that at Goodwood Motor Circuit, courtesy of the Italian marque's inaugural Women's Drive Summit. The event served a dual purpose. First, it celebrated the centenary of Maria Teresa de Filippis, the Neapolitan trailblazer who, in 1958, became the first woman to race in a Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix. Second, it marked 100 years since the Maserati Trident first appeared on a racing car, with the Tipo 26 debuting at the Targa Florio in 1926 and promptly winning its class. Two centenary milestones, one afternoon at Goodwood, and enough horsepower to make the ground shake. De Filippis: the woman who made F1 history in a MaseratiFor those unfamiliar with Maria Teresa de Filippis, her story reads like the kind of screenplay a producer would reject as too improbable. Born in Naples in 1926, she began racing in the late 1940s, an era when women competing in motorsport was about as common as a quiet day in the Italian parliament. Undeterred, she carved out a career that culminated in her qualifying for and competing in a Formula 1 Grand Prix behind the wheel of a privately entered Maserati 250F. Her achievement in 1958 wasn't just a personal victory. It was a crack in a wall that had kept women out of the pinnacle of motor racing for decades. The fact that she did it in a Maserati only adds to the poetry of the occasion, and it was this legacy that formed the emotional centrepiece of last week's summit. Hot laps, high performance, and an all-female crewThe summit wasn't just a retrospective. Guests were invited to take to the Goodwood circuit in a lineup of current Maserati models that would make any car enthusiast weak at the knees. The MC Pura, GranTurismo Trofeo, GranCabrio Trofeo, and Grecale Trofeo were all on hand, with an all-female team of professional racing drivers on duty to accompany guests around the track. If you've ever wanted to experience what Goodwood felt like during its heyday as the home of British motor racing between 1948 and 1966, this was about as close as it gets without a time machine. Parked trackside for good measure was the Maserati MC Xtrema, the brand's most extreme performance offering, presumably there to remind everyone that Maserati's ambitions haven't mellowed with age. More than an event: Maserati's broader push for inclusionThe Women's Drive Summit wasn't a standalone gesture. It sits within a wider effort by Maserati to promote inclusion and expand female representation across its operations. In 2025, the company launched the Maserati Women's Business Resource Group, known internally as BRG Donna. The initiative is designed to support the professional development of female talent within the company and to foster the working environment Maserati describes as open, international, and multicultural. Mariangela Del Vecchio, Managing Director of Maserati North Europe, framed the event in terms of legacy and continuity. She noted that de Filippis's story remains defined by passion and audacity, and that her influence continues to inspire women across the motorsport world. Del Vecchio added that the summit was an opportunity to honour the pioneer while also celebrating the women who are actively shaping the automotive industry today. The bigger picture: a centenary worth celebratingMaserati's 2026 centenary celebrations are about more than nostalgia. The Tipo 26's debut at the Targa Florio in 1926 wasn't just the birth of a brand. It was the beginning of a lineage that stretches from Sicilian Mountain roads to the Formula 1 grid and beyond. De Filippis's story is woven into that lineage, a reminder that the Trident has always been associated with people willing to push boundaries, regardless of the obstacles placed in front of them. The chequered flagAt its core, the Women's Drive Summit achieved something that too many corporate events fail to manage: it felt earned. Maserati could have marked its centenary with a champagne reception and a slideshow. Instead, it handed the keys to the people who represent the best of what its legacy stands for and let them drive. That feels about right. View the full article

There once was a time when Infiniti built vehicles that felt seriously radical. The original FX—launched in the early 2000s—was one of those cars. It arrived well before the “coupe SUV” became a global luxury trend, blending sports-car-inspired proportions with the practicality of an SUV. At the time, it felt daring and embodied Infiniti's "bionic cheetah" aesthetic perhaps better than anything else. Two whole decades later, the luxury segment is now crowded with sloping-roof crossovers chasing that same formula. But with the all-new 2027 Infiniti QX65, Infiniti is hoping to reclaim some of that original spirit. Infiniti Inspired by the FX and positioned as a sporty fastback alternative in Infiniti's midsize SUV lineup, the QX65 aims to combine expressive design, modern technology, and a refined driving experience into a convincing, cohesive package. Built in Smyrna, Tennessee and expected to reach dealerships in early summer this year, the new model debuts what Infiniti describes as the brand's “next era.” Infiniti invited us to a private backgrounder for the all-new QX65, where we got an early look at the brand's latest fastback luxury SUV—and the FX-inspired philosophy behind it. Here's everything we know so far. Infiniti A Coupe SUV With Strong FX DNAIf the QX65 reminds you of something, there's a good reason for that. Infiniti's designers openly cite the original FX as a key influence for the new model's proportions and philosophy. The QX65 adopts a dramatic fastback silhouette, with an arcing roofline that flows into a crisp rear spoiler and a wide stance created by muscular fenders and wheels pushed out toward the corners. At the front, the SUV wears Infiniti's latest interpretation of its “Artistry in Motion” design language, featuring a layered grille inspired by Japan's bamboo forests and flanked by the brand's signature “digital piano key” lighting elements. One of the most distinctive exterior touches is a new colour called Sunfire Red, which contains genuine gold-coated glass flakes embedded in the paint. Infiniti says the finish requires three separate layers of coating to achieve its shimmering effect, and that the inspiration comes from a similar red used on the Nissan GT-R—a subtle nod to the brand's performance heritage. From the rear, the QX65 is defined by a full-width LED tail lamp with vertical elements inspired by aircraft fins. Infiniti also hid the rear wiper inside the spoiler to keep the shape clean. Wheel sizes range from 20 inches on the "Luxe" and "Sport" trims to 21 inches on the flagship "Autograph" model, reinforcing the athletic stance and enhancing top-trim appeal. Need New Tires? Save Up To 30% at Tire RackFind the perfect tires for your exact vehicle and driving style. Click here to shop all top-tier brands, including Michelin, Bridgestone, and more, directly at Tire Rack. Infiniti Three Trims: Luxe, Sport, and AutographThe QX65 will launch in three trim levels, each targeting a slightly different interpretation of luxury and performance. The entry-level "Luxe" trim already comes well-equipped, with 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in services, and Infiniti's ProPILOT Assist driver-assistance system. "Luxe" will start at $53,990 before fees and taxes. The "Sport" model leans further into cosmetic aggression. It swaps in gloss-black exterior accents, a more aggressive, bamboo-inspired grille mesh, and unique 20-inch black wheels. Inside, the "Sport" trim adopts a similarly darkened aesthetic, with a graphite headliner and carbonite-patterned interior trim. "Sport" will start at $55,690 before fees and taxes. At the top of the range sits "Autograph," which transforms the cabin into something closer to a first-class lounge. It adds semi-aniline leather seating with asymmetrical quilting inspired by Japanese kimono folds, open-pore wood trim, heated rear seats, and massaging front seats. "Autograph" also features a larger 21-inch wheel design and satin-chrome exterior accents, distinguishing it visually from the "Sport" model's blacked-out theme. "Autograph" will start at $62,590 before fees and taxes. Destination and handling fees are priced at $1,545 across the board. Infiniti A Cabin Focused on Space and HospitalityDespite its coupe-inspired roofline, Infiniti says practicality remains a priority. The QX65 offers 35.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 67.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, placing it competitively within the midsize luxury SUV segment. The second-row seats slide, recline, and fold to prioritize either passenger comfort or cargo flexibility depending on the situation. Many of the cabin's enhanced proportions can be attributed to the QX65's transversely-mounted powertrain, which leaves plenty of extra room for occupant comfort, unlike the original FX, which Infiniti's own designers admit suffered from a cramped cabin. Inside, Infiniti continues its focus on what the brand calls “elevated hospitality.” The cabin can be configured with 64-colour ambient lighting, including four preset themes inspired by Japanese seasons. Passengers are also greeted by an animated welcome sequence when the vehicle unlocks. Exterior lights illuminate in stages—beginning with the Infiniti emblem and moving through the front lighting elements—while available Infiniti Light Path projections create wing-like patterns on the pavement beside the vehicle. Infiniti Technology Built Around Google IntegrationThe QX65's interior tech centers around dual 12.3-inch displays, one serving as the digital instrument cluster and the other operating as the infotainment system. Infiniti has integrated Google built in, allowing drivers to use Google Maps directly from the dashboard, download apps through Google Play, and interact with the vehicle using natural voice commands via Google Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with four USB-C ports and a new Qi2 wireless charging pad capable of up to 15 watts of charging power that also features a fan to prevent devices from overheating. Infiniti Audio is another area Infiniti has clearly prioritized. Two Klipsch sound systems are available: a 16-speaker Klipsch Premium audio system (Sport) or a 20-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere system (Autograph). The flagship system produces up to 1,200 watts of power and introduces “Individual Audio,” which routes navigation prompts or phone calls to the driver through headrest speakers while passengers continue listening to music. Drivers can also customize the sound profile through a Personalized Sound app, which conducts a hearing test and automatically adjusts audio output to match the user's hearing characteristics. Infiniti VC-Turbo Power and Standard AWDUnder the hood, every QX65 is powered by Infiniti's 2.0-litre VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. The engine uses variable compression technology—one of the first production systems capable of dynamically adjusting compression ratios between 8.0:1 and 14.0:1 depending on performance or efficiency demands. Power is routed through a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Infiniti's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, which comes standard across the lineup. Infiniti says the transmission has been calibrated with a sportier shift schedule to deliver stronger acceleration and a more decisive response when merging or passing. The QX65 can also tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. To enhance the driving experience, the vehicle uses Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement to filter out unwanted noise and amplify more desirable engine sounds. Infiniti Safety and Driver AssistanceInfiniti has packed the QX65 with a wide array of standard driver assistance features. Standard systems include: Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention, Rear parking sensors, High Beam Assist, and ProPILOT Assist adaptive driving technology. Higher trims add advanced camera systems such as 3D Around View Monitor, Front Wide View, and Invisible Hood View, which digitally reconstruct the terrain beneath the vehicle's front for off-road visibility. The top Autograph trim can also be equipped with ProPILOT Assist 2.1, enabling hands-free driving in certain freeway conditions while the driver remains attentive and ready to intervene. Infiniti Where the QX65 Fits in the Luxury SUV MarketThe QX65 will enter the highly competitive D-segment luxury SUV class, one of the most important battlegrounds in the modern premium market. That puts it squarely against established names like the Lexus RX, Lincoln Nautilus, Cadillac XT5, and Genesis GV80—vehicles that have defined the expectations for comfort, technology, and everyday usability in this category. What sets the QX65 apart from its rivals is its overarching design philosophy. While most of its rivals prioritize upright SUV proportions and traditional luxury cues, Infiniti is leaning more heavily into "sport-forward" style. The fastback silhouette aims to give the QX65 a more expressive presence than the RX or XT5, positioning it closer to the emotional design territory that originally made the FX such a standout. That strategy may appeal to buyers who want something a little more visually distinctive than the conservative luxury crossovers that dominate the segment today. The RX remains the benchmark for reliability and refinement; the GV80 pushes the class forward in interior craftsmanship and with its rear-biased drivetrain; and the Nautilus has recently made a splash with its dramatic, tech-heavy cabin. The QX65, meanwhile, appears to be chasing a slightly different formula—blending the practicality expected of a midsize luxury SUV with a stronger emphasis on design and driver engagement. Infiniti Final Thoughts: Infiniti's Attempt at a Fashionable RenaissanceFor Infiniti, the QX65 represents more than just another addition to its SUV lineup. The brand has spent the past several years redefining its design identity and repositioning itself within the luxury market. By reviving the fastback SUV formula that the FX helped popularize, Infiniti is tapping into its own heritage while aligning with modern market trends. It's a strategy that will feel familiar to longtime enthusiasts—including readers of our partner site, Road Ethos, who celebrate the original FX as one of the brand's most distinctive creations. Whether the QX65 can recreate that same magic remains to be seen. But on paper, it combines the right ingredients: expressive styling, meaningful technology upgrades, and a renewed focus on driver engagement, even if it lacks the rear-biased, V6- or even V8-powered driving dynamics that the original FX championed. And if Infiniti's ambitions for the QX65 play out as intended, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the brand—one that reconnects its future with the spirit that made its past so compelling. For enthusiasts who remember the FX era, and for readers of Road Ethos, who still appreciate bold automotive design, that alone makes the QX65 a new vehicle worth keeping an eye on. View the full article

Has Mazda Finally Committed to EV Tech?Mazda has been hesitant, to say the least, when it comes to electrification. For years, the brand has leaned on its Jinba Ittai philosophy, prioritizing driver engagement over outright technological leaps. Hybrids came late, full EVs even later. But at the 47th Bangkok International Motor Show, that resistance finally felt like it was cracking. Seeing the 2026 Mazda 6e in the metal, it's clear Mazda is testing how far it can stretch that philosophy into the electric era. What makes the 6e fascinating is that it doesn’t pretend to be a clean-sheet Mazda. Underneath, it shares its architecture with the Deepal L07 from Changan Automobile. Same platform, same battery fundamentals, same core EV package. But Mazda has gone to great lengths to make it feel like its own. The proportions, the surfacing, even the stance carry familiar cues. It’s not just badge engineering. It’s Mazda interpreting someone else’s hardware through its own design lens. Leroy Marion/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Mazda on the Outside, Something Else InsideUp close, the redesign effort is obvious. Every exterior panel has been reworked, highlighted by a new front fascia and slim split LED lighting with daytime running lights up top and the main beams tucked below. It’s a clean evolution of Mazda’s design language. The silhouette adds another layer of intrigue. What looks like a conventional sedan is actually a five-door hatchback, with a coupe-like roofline flowing into a full tailgate. The payoff is real usability: 16 cubic feet of cargo space expands to over 35 cubic feet with the seats folded, plus a small frunk up front. Inside, Mazda leans heavily into tech. A 14.6-inch touchscreen dominates and controls nearly everything, paired with a 10.2-inch digital cluster and an augmented reality head-up display. Material quality remains a strong point, with suede-like trim, soft-touch surfaces, and a standard panoramic roof. But there are compromises. The battery raises the floor, forcing a slightly knees-up seating position in the rear compared to rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.7. This collaborative approach isn’t new either, with models like the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid already borrowing Toyota tech, and future projects like a reworked Deepal E07 signaling that the 6e is less a stopgap and more a preview of Mazda’s partnership-driven future. Leroy Marion/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article A Different Kind of EV StrategyThe powertrain is competitive if not class-leading. A 68.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery feeds a rear-mounted motor producing 258 horsepower and 236.0 lb-ft of torque. Performance is respectable, with 0–100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and a WLTP range of 479 km. Charging is where it punches above its weight. On a 165 kW DC fast charger, it can go from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes, putting it in the conversation with more expensive EVs like the BMW i4. Walking the show floor in Bangkok, it’s clear this isn’t just about one car. Thailand is becoming a critical hub for electrification, not just for Mazda but for the broader industry. The 6e reflects how seriously the brand is taking that shift. It’s leaning into partnerships to bridge gaps in engineering and scale, while preserving its driver-first identity. Whether that balance holds on the road is still an open question, and the 6e feels like a serious turning point. Mazda View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Laying down your hard-earned cash on almost any new car comes with the inherent knowledge that it’s going to start losing value from day one. Unless you’re lucky enough to be spending big bucks on some kind of ultra-limited hypercar that might actually go up in value, then depreciation is just a fact of life. There are ways of minimizing the hit you take on depreciation though, as market analyst iSeeCars has just revealed the results of its latest study into the cars that lose the least and most value over five years. With 12 months spent analyzing over 950,000 five-year-old used cars, there’s one big conclusion to take away from the study: if you want to lose as little of your car’s value as possible, buy a sports car. Sports Cars and Trucks Triumph Chevrolet Of the top 10 lowest-depreciating cars in the US, no fewer than five are sports cars, including all three podium spots. Owners of Porsche 718 Caymans can be happy in the knowledge that their cars have, on average, lost just 9.6% of their value over the last five years – an average difference of $6,998. Close behind it is its big sibling, the Porsche 911 (11.1%), followed in third by the Chevrolet Corvette (18.7%). The seventh-least depreciating car, meanwhile, is the Subaru BRZ (23.7%), with the Toyota GR Supra (24.0%) in eighth. The remainder of the top five is made up of Toyota trucks, with the Tacoma losing an average of 19.9% of its value and the Tundra 21.2%. In fact, it’s good news for Toyota almost across the board – the RAV4 is ninth with 25.2%, and the Corolla Hatchback and 4Runner are tied in 10th with 25.5%. The Honda Civic, meanwhile, comes in at sixth with an average loss of 22.9%. Toyota A glance at the wider list shows that Japanese brands continue to resist depreciation seriously well, with 20 of the top 25 cars coming from them – the exceptions are the two Porsches, the Corvette, the Ford Mustang (26.8%) and the Ford Ranger (30.2%). EV, SUV Depreciation Remains High Nissan There aren’t many surprises at the other end of the list either, with the 10 most depreciating cars dominated by electric cars and luxury SUVs – both segments notorious for shedding value at a quick rate. The Nissan Leaf takes the dubious honor of America’s most depreciating car, on average losing 63.1%, or $17,743, of its value over five years. It’s followed by the Infiniti QX80 (62.8%) and Volkswagen ID4 (62.1%). Also representing EVs in the bottom 10 are the Tesla Model S (62.0%) and Model X (61.2%) and Ford Mustang Mach-E (60.8%0), while the luxury SUV numbers are made up by the Range Rover (61.7%) and Infiniti QX60 (58.3%). In fact, among the bottom 10, only two cars don’t belong in these groups, and they’re both BMW sedans – the 7 Series loses 61.6% of its value on average, and the 5 Series Hybrid 59.5%. Everything else in the bottom 25, barring the Audi A7 and A8 L, belongs to either the EV or SUV markets. Wider TrendsWhile anyone who’s been following the used car market won’t be surprised to see EVs still losing such a big percentage of their values, it’s worth noting that the rate is stabilising as the market matures – the average depreciation for a five-year-old EV in 2026 is 57.2%, compared to 58.8% last year. That’s down from a whopping 67.1% in the 2019 study, when the EV market was much smaller, although back up from 49.1% in 2023, when EV demand was generally higher. Hybrids and trucks held their values the best, with average rates of 35.4% and 34.2%, respectively. Overall average depreciation, meanwhile, has dropped to 41.8% after nearly five years of continuous increases, something iSeeCars executive analyst Karl Brauer attributes to rising used car demand – not all that surprising, given that the average price of a new car in the US recently topped $50,000. With those prices not likely to start dropping any time soon, it wouldn’t surprise us to see further drops in the rate of depreciation as more and more buyers look to the used market instead. View the full article

Tesla Wants to Push BackTesla has spent the past few years navigating an increasingly crowded legal docket. From claims that defective door handles are impacting resale value to a lawsuit alleging that a Tesla Cybertrucknearly careened off an overpass while using Full Self-Driving, the company has faced scrutiny across both hardware and software fronts. Add to that a failed attempt to overturn a $243 million verdict tied to a fatal Autopilot crash, and a pattern begins to emerge: Tesla’s rapid innovation cycle is being matched by equally rapid legal challenges. What’s different this time is tone. Rather than settling or quietly contesting claims, Tesla is going on the offensive. In the case surrounding a fatal crash involving a Tesla Model 3, the automaker is actively seeking to dismantle the plaintiff’s central argument. Tesla Competing Narratives Around a Fatal CrashAt the center of the lawsuit is Hans Von Ohain, a 33-year-old Tesla employee who died in a 2022 crash while driving a 2021 Model 3. The wrongful death suit, filed by his wife, alleges that a defective Autopilot system caused the vehicle to veer off the road and ultimately crash into a tree, resulting in a fatal fire. The complaint paints a picture of a driver attempting to regain control but being overridden by the vehicle’s own automated systems. Tesla’s counterargument relies heavily on data. According to findings from the Colorado State Patrol and the vehicle’s event data recorder, Autopilot had been disengaged approximately 10 minutes before the crash. The same data shows the car traveling at 88 mph, well above the speed limit, while toxicology reports indicate a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal threshold. Tesla is now asking the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the plaintiff’s claims ignore critical evidence and that Autopilot was not a contributing factor. Reputation, Responsibility, and RealityTesla’s situation reflects a broader truth about fast-rising tech-driven automakers: scale amplifies scrutiny. The company’s aggressive push into semi-autonomous driving has positioned it as both a pioneer and a target. Each lawsuit, regardless of outcome, feeds into a narrative that questions whether innovation is outpacing accountability. That tension is becoming harder to ignore; even their biggest fans are getting tired. At the same time, it’s worth acknowledging that disruption rarely comes without friction. Tesla has built an empire by challenging industry norms, but that approach also means missteps are magnified. If the company can pair its engineering ambition with clearer communication, stronger safeguards, and a willingness to own mistakes where they exist, it has a path to stabilizing its reputation. Otherwise, the courtroom may remain as central to its story as the showroom. Tesla View the full article

Judge Susan C. Rodriguez of the Western District of North Carolina heard arguments from all parties involved in the Joe Gibbs Racing vs Chris Gabehart and Spire Motorsports case on Thursday but ultimately did not render a preliminary injunction ruling. Specifically, Joe Gibbs Racing is seeking an injunction from the court that would prevent Gabehart from working for Spire in any function ...Keep readingView the full article

A Short American Stay, A Different Direction AbroadWhen the Volvo EX30 landed in the US, it seemed like the perfect way to get into a Scandinavian EV. Compact, affordable, and loaded with the clean design and tech that make modern Volvos stand out, it looked like the right car for the moment. But things didn’t go as planned. Volvo has already confirmed the EX30 will leave the U.S. after the 2026 model year. Considering deliveries only start in early 2025, that’s a quick exit. Meanwhile, in Europe, the EX30 is heading in a different direction. The latest version isn’t for city commuters or first-time EV buyers. It’s aimed at businesses. This is the EX30 Cargo – a practical, work-ready take on Volvo’s smallest electric SUV. Volvo Turning a Compact EV Into a Practical HaulerVolvo turned the EX30 into a van by pulling out the rear seats and dropping in a flat load floor. That simple change unlocks about 35.3 cubic feet of cargo space and lets you haul up to 860 pounds – plenty for most daily jobs. A solid bulkhead separates the cabin from the cargo bay, while wider-opening rear doors make loading easier. There’s also an underfloor storage section, extra mounting points for securing equipment, and a dedicated cargo light to make the space more usable in low-visibility conditions. You can get the EX30 Cargo in two versions: the standard model or the Cross Country Cargo, which sits a bit higher for rougher roads. Powertrains are the same as the regular EX30, including a new 150 hp extended range setup for fleets, plus the usual 272 hp and 428 hp AWD options. Even with its work-ready setup, the EX30 Cargo keeps the comfort. You still get Google-based infotainment, adaptive cruise control, and options like a Harman Kardon sound system and heated seats. It’s still a Volvo – just with gear in the back instead of people. Volvo Why America Lost the EX30So why is the EX30 leaving America so soon? It comes down to money and policy. Volvo cites changing market conditions and costs, but the real reasons are easier to spot. Import tariffs were a big factor. US-spec EX30s come from Belgium, so they get hit with a 15 percent tariff. Add in fewer incentives and tougher regulations for EVs, and the numbers just didn’t work out. Volvo already tried to dodge tariffs by shifting away from Chinese-built models, but even building in Europe couldn’t make the math work. The EX30 will keep rolling in places like Canada and Europe, where the market is friendlier. Volvo View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Rolls-Royce is no stranger to drawing on nautical themes for its cars. There’s the yacht-like teak decking it likes to incorporate into its convertibles, and there’s the ultra-limited Boat Tail, quite possibly the most expensive new car ever created. Plus, while it’s not exactly sailing, there’s all those possibly apocryphal tales of old Silver Shadows ending up in swimming pools, something Rolls itself tipped its hat to last year. Now, there’s another connection between Rolls and boats, this time in the form of a very limited edition of the Cullinan SUV. It’s called the Cullinan Yachting, and it’s inspired by… yachting. Rolls-Royce View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article One of FourRolls-Royce says its connection to yachting goes back to its co-founder, Charles Rolls, whose family owned a steam yacht called the Santa Maria, upon which he briefly served as Third Engineer as a fresh-faced Cambridge graduate. Seems as good a reason as any to launch a special edition of a car bearing his name, of which just four will be produced, each representing a cardinal point of a compass. Each one wears a unique exterior spec intended to evoke their assigned direction: the North car, finished in Light Blue, is supposed to bring to mind colder waters, and the Arabian Blue South is said to represent warmer seas. Meanwhile, the East, in Dark Silk Teal, is designed to suggest ‘the calm and mystery of dark seas’, and the West, painted in Sapphire Gunmetal, ‘a storm-lit ocean sky’. Each car gets a red and white ‘Twin Coachline’ stripe along the side along with a compass motif on the fenders – all painstakingly applied by hand, natch. Rolls-Royce View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Cabin FeverAs it often does with its limited edition and bespoke commissions, Rolls has arguably poured even more effort into the interior. The dash and rear fold-down tables feature hand-applied artworks depicting a boat’s wake, while much of the wooden elements are made from open-pore teak, a material more often found on the decks of yachts than in cars. Rolls-Royce The leather is finished in Arctic White with Navy Blue accents, with the seat inserts getting a bespoke pattern echoing nautical rope, and apparently hand-created by someone with ‘a personal connection’ to Britain’s Royal Navy. It is, of course, topped off with Rolls’ signature Starlight Headliner, in this case incorporated in a pattern inspired by Mediterranean wind maps. Whatever they are. It even incorporates subtle brightening and dimming elements to represent shifting air currents. Rolls-Royce View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Rolls-Royce Anchors AwayThere are no mechanical changes to speak of, meaning the Cullinan Yachting retains the base car’s 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12, developing a healthy 553 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, Rolls doesn’t make mention of how much each one of these will cost, or whether they’re all already spoken for, but we’re fairly sure Rolls won’t have any issue selling all four Yachtings – most likely to people who own actual yachts. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Quick Trip to the Tropics Inside Your LincolnAutomakers have been putting more emphasis on wellness features in cars lately. Whether it's a massage seat, a scent diffuser, or even a rest-and-relaxation mode, as many brands call it – it's essentially a preset that plays some relaxing music while putting on a screensaver and adjusting the cabin's ambient lights. We're seeing a lot of these features on electric vehicles to help occupants relax while waiting for the 20 or so minutes needed to charge up their car. Lincoln likes to call it Rejuvenate and gets an update for the 2025 and 2026 model years of the Navigator and Nautilus. As part of the Lincoln Rejuvenate package, the feature now has five themes: Aurora Borealis, Elements, Waterfall Meditation, Forest Meditation, and, new for 2026, Tropical Paradise. Lincoln A New Experience Awaits Over-The-Air Lincoln clients who own select trims of the 2025 and 2026 Navigator and Nautilus models will receive the new Tropical Paradise theme over the air. As the brand describes it, Tropical Paradise is "a sensory escape that flows from vibrant coral reefs to a calm, serene beachfront." The new beach theme, Lincoln Rejuvenate, adds underwater and beach soundscapes to its arsenal of relaxation themes. Tropical Paradise starts underwater, with coral reefs and ocean sounds, and transitions to a beachfront complete with sand and crashing waves. Lincoln recommends loading the onboard diffuser with the "Sunlight Retreat" digital scent to keep everything on theme. Lincoln More About Lincoln RejuvenateLincoln's feature not only plays sound effects but also affects other vehicle functions, such as seating position, massage, climate control, ambient lighting, and digital scents. The feature is backed by a Lincoln-commissioned engineering study with Purdue University, which states that there are short-term benefits, including relaxation and reduced stress, while the Rejuvenate feature is active. The feature will be available while the vehicle is in Park. All the doors must be closed, and the vehicle must be on. Because of this, enclosed areas and closed garages are no-go zones for this feature. Perhaps the biggest con of this feature is the fact that it is on a gasoline-powered vehicle. Full EVs are a better candidate for features like this, as it's a small penalty to the user and the environment to stay inside the car for extended periods of time. Lincoln View the full article

While introducing its new Apple Business platform this week, Apple announced that sponsored search results will appear on Apple Maps this summer, on April 14. That's annoying news, but there's one silver lining to the cloud of capitalism: Apple will not be adding sponsored results to searches when using CarPlay, only for Maps users on iOS and iPadOS. At least, that's the good news for now; who knows when Apple will start making in-car navigation another place from which to draw ad revenue? Apple announced that U.S. and Canadian companies will be able to pay to appear at the top of searches and at the top of a new feature called Suggested Places, which will recommend places to go depending on trending and recent searches. It's something Google Maps and Waze have been doing for years, but it's frustrating that yet another platform will show you locations that are paid for rather than locations that make the most sense. Ads Are Everywhere, Including Cars Apple While Apple Maps in CarPlay may not yet show sponsored (paid-for) results, automakers are turning the automobile into yet another place to sell your attention. Ford has patented a way to put ads into the car cabin, and Stellantis has been showing pop-up ads on the screens of Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler vehicles. Reports from Motor1 and The Autopian last year also showed how Tesla and Subaru used in-car screens to sell to a captive audience, too, and Uber launched in-car ads in New York City after a longstanding ban was overturned. In a way, we don't blame these automakers and service providers. Automakers are facing increasing competition in every segment, and earning a few extra cents and dollars from ad revenue can be the difference between red and black on the quarterly balance sheet. No longer can an automaker sell a car and wait until that car needs replacing to earn more income—they need to find new ways of making sure there's money flowing in constantly, like charging a subscription for heated seats, or shareholders will seek new board members. Subscription Services Are an Annoying Norm Copyright 2015 Brandon Turkus / AOL While some states are now pushing back on subscription services, a study last year showed that more than half of Americans surveyed were open to a subscription model for their next car, and it would not be surprising if Apple someday offered a "premium" subscription service to remove ads from Maps. Big corporations are always looking for ways to eke every cent out of their customers, and as long as the law allows them to, they'll keep finding more inventive ways of selling your anonymized data. Back in 2010, we reported how California was even considering allowing ads on license plates. Hopefully, we never fall that far into dystopia. View the full article

If you can’t beat them, join them. That seems to be Ford’s reasoning behind adding a new all-electric van to its Transit family of commercial vehicles in Europe, the mid-sized Transit City. We’re saying that because the all-electric van is not exactly a Ford. While the US automaker already has a similarly sized van in Europe that also comes in an all-electric version—the E-Transit Custom—the Transit City is essentially a rebadged JMC Touring, a Chinese electric van built by Ford’s joint venture partner Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC). Made in China and Sold in Europe with an American Badge Ford of Europe The Ford Transit City is also built in China, at JMC’s plant in Nanchang. This has allowed Ford to offer an electric van at a much lower price than its existing E-Transit Custom, which starts at around €47,000 ($54,200) in Germany, including VAT. In comparison, the Ford Transit City promises to be a much more affordable proposition. While the automaker hasn’t disclosed pricing yet, Autocar claims the Transit City will be positioned close to the starting price of Ford’s smallest electric van in Europe, the E-Transit Courier, which is priced from €34,800 ($40,100) in Germany. Ford of Europe In order to keep the price down, the Transit City is stripped to its essentials and offers no optional extras. Still, the standard equipment is decent and includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, manual air conditioning, heated driver’s seat, a backup camera and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford has borrowed not only the dedicated EV platform from JMC, but also the design, as the Transit City looks almost identical to the JMC Touring, with the only exceptions being the different headlights, front bumper and badging. Mind you, Ford says there are fundamental differences between the two models, including the battery and drive layout—the JMC van features a less powerful motor and slightly smaller battery. Up to 158 Miles of Range, 2,392-Lb Payload Ford of Europe The Transit City features a front axle electric motor rated at 148 hp (110 kW), powered by a 56-kWh LFP battery, which is significantly smaller than the E-Transit Custom’s 71-kWh pack. Fitting a smaller battery results in a maximum payload of 2,811 pounds (1,275 kg) for the long-wheelbase model, while the short-wheelbase variant gets a 2,392-lb (1,085-kg) maximum. The cargo volume for the LWB model is approximately 8 cubic meters (282.5 cubic feet). As its name suggests, the new battery electric van is designed especially for city use, as it has a driving range of up to 158 miles in the WLTP cycle in the most efficient short-wheelbase version. That makes the Transit City best suited as a last-mile delivery van for fleets. As for charging, it has a maximum charging speed of 87kW, which means it can add 31 miles of range in 10 minutes or go from 10 to 80 percent state-of-charge in 33 minutes. Ford of Europe Ford will offer the new electric van in three body types: a short-wheelbase, low-roof van (L1H1), a long-wheelbase, taller van (L2HD), and a chassis cab. The latter version marks Ford’s entry into the one-tonne chassis-cab segment, which means that factory-approved conversions should follow shortly. Box van and dropside conversions have already been announced by Ford Pro partners including VFS, but other models, including a refrigerated body and a tipper variant, will follow early next year. Ford will start taking orders for the Transit City this month, with deliveries in Europe expected later in the year. View the full article

No New Inventory The launch of the 2026 RAV4 has had a weird effect on Toyota dealerships. The Japanese brand unveiled the new 2026 version of the RAV4 for the United States, but the announcement resulted in an odd effect: people are still lining up to buy the remaining 2025 model-year units. As the best-selling vehicle in the United States, demand for the RAV4 doesn't stop. Toyota dealerships are now faced with a good problem: they're all sold out. However, there will be no new shipments of the 2026 RAV4 in the near future. Dealers will have to go through a sales drought until Toyota can deliver the 2026 models. According to CarsDirect, the gas-only 2025 RAV4s are sold out in dealers across the U.S., and the Plug-In Hybrid versions are almost nonexistent. You might think that Toyota dealerships are discounting the 2025 RAV4s en masse to make room for the new 2026 models, but that's not the case. Toyota did not discount the 2025 RAV4s, and they still sold out. Now dealers will have to wait for the new models, which will be hybrid-only, but where are they? Toyota The 2026 RAV4 is Still on the Way Toyota's stock of 2025 RAV4s is pretty much gone at this point, leaving many car buyers with no option but to wait for the new model, which has been a wait-and-a-half in itself. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has pledged to be all-hybrid for the U.S. market, marking the 2025 model year as the last to be solely powered by gasoline. Buyers who want a gas-only version of the RAV4 are pretty much out of luck, while shoppers looking for the PHEV versions will have to wait until the 2026 model year arrives at dealerships. The factories historically responsible for producing the Toyota RAV4 for the U.S. market include Toyota Woodstock and Toyota Cambridge North, both in Ontario, Canada; the Takaoka Assembly plant in Toyota City, Japan; and Georgetown Assembly in Kentucky. Up to 80 percent of Toyota RAV4 production is handled by the Toyota assembly lines in Canada, while the remaining 20 percent is split between Japan and the United States. Toyota even delayed the 2026 RAV4's official launch to give the plants some time to retool and reform their molds to accommodate the new model. Retooling an assembly line for a new model requires the plant to pause and make changes. It's also not uncommon for old models to continue being assembled alongside retooling, but due to the RAV4's demand, Toyota wasn't fast enough, and now demand has outpaced supply. Toyota Why Did the 2025 Model RAV4s Still Sell? Typically, when a new model is announced, sales of the old one will grind to a near halt. Getting the newest model for around the same price is pretty much a no-brainer, but for a nameplate like the RAV4's, sales never seem to sleep. Currently, we're seeing the RAV4's supply outpace its demand, and it might remain that way until factories can get up to speed on the new models. Aside from the strong brand and nameplate retention in the United States, another possible reason why the 2025 RAV4 sold out is its current price point. Because Toyota will no longer offer a gasoline-only variant in the U.S., the crossover's base price is set to go up. Being hybrid only comes with several pros, but it also means a higher sticker price up front: gasoline-only 2025 RAV4s start at $31,250, while the new 2026 RAV4 starts at $33,350. What this all means is that, because there are no more RAV4s to sell brand-new at dealerships, sales of the nameplate will completely stop for now. Undoubtedly, Toyota's cash cow, the RAV4, should see its sales return to normal once production is back at full capacity. Toyota View the full article

BYD's Monthly DeclineBack in February, it was reported that BYD recorded its fifth straight month of sales decline. That said, it was the world leader in EVs, surpassing Tesla by about 600,000 units in 2025. Still, the Chinese automaker isn't having a very good first quarter this year, and the situation in its home market isn't helping. Cooling demand for EVs isn't making the situation any better, and the Chinese auto industry's fiercely competitive nature means you may be up for a few months, but quickly tumble down the sales charts after that. Further compounding the issues is BYD's God's Eye advanced driver-assist systems, which include supervised self-driving capabilities. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog BYD God's Eye in a NutshellGod's Eye was introduced to the Chinese market in 2025 by BYD. It was first fitted to the company's flagship marque, Yangwang, most notably in the U8 luxury SUV. It eventually trickled down to the rest of the range in level packages, and it's now standard even on entry-level subcompact EVs. The tiers are split into three, namely God's Eye A or DiPilot 600, God's Eye B or DiPilot 300, and God's Eye C or DiPilot 100. A is exclusively for Yangwang models and features three ultra-long-range LiDARs, which are accompanied by multiple millimeter-wave radars and high-definition cameras. With 600 trillion operations per second, it allows vehicles equipped with such technology to make real-time decisions in full autonomous driving modes. It also comes with Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) in city and highway conditions, as well as an automated valet mode. Moving to B, it's for Denza and premium BYD models and has either one or two LiDARs. It still has millimeter-wave radars and HD cameras, but operations per second are down to 300 trillion, although NOA and the autonomous valet are still included. As for C, it's a camera and radar-based system and standard in mainstream BYD models. It comes with the usual ADAS features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking, plus autonomous valet and highway-only NOA. Denza The IssuesAutomotive News recently covered a number of God's Eye-related incidents in a recent story. Per its report, there have been instances of phantom braking, steering assist issues, and infotainment meltdowns, among other issues. However, one case was covered in greater detail. One particular U8 owner reported an incident wherein the car 'suddenly accelerated to 93 km/h (58 mph) from 60 km/h (37 mph).' The same owner experienced an unprompted activation of its autonomous emergency steering after it had falsely detected an obstacle on the road. It nearly resulted in a collision. John Keeble/Getty Images The Gap Between Promise and ExecutionIt's not just BYD that has experienced a flurry of complaints since it introduced this high-tech system. You don't have to look that far to see similar incidents from other automakers. Phantom braking is one of the more common occurrences. Varun Murthy, a senior manager and ADAS Principal at SBD Automotive, spoke to Automotive News about the issues that God's Eye has been encountering. "Putting advanced ADAS hardware across virtually its entire lineup at no cost is a scale that Western OEMs simply have not matched, but there is a real gap between the hardware promise and the software execution," said Murthy. If anything, this is another reminder to automakers to iron out as many kinks as possible before putting such systems on the market. It won't be perfect, but it should help lessen cases like the ones mentioned above. BYD View the full article

What Is It?The new Kicks e-Power has just landed in Thailand, and while Nissan calls it all-new, the reality sits somewhere in between. Underneath, it’s closely related to what Americans know as the Kicks Play – built in Mexico and one of the most affordable crossovers you can buy in the US. Here’s where it gets interesting. The US Kicks Play sticks with a regular 1.6-liter engine, but the Thai-market Kicks e-Power swaps that out for Nissan’s e-Power system. This setup is similar to what’s coming soon in the US with the Rogue e-Power, though with a bit less power here. In a way, this Kicks gives us an early look at what Nissan might bring to American showrooms. Nissan is adamant that this is a new model, and to be fair, there are plenty of updates. The styling is fresher, the cabin feels more up-to-date, and the tech is a clear step up. But if you look at the bones and the size, it’s still very much the same Kicks underneath. If – and that’s a big if – the Kicks Play ever gets this hybrid setup in the US, the Thai-spec version shows exactly how Nissan could move its entry-level crossover forward without forcing buyers into a full EV just yet. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog The SpecsThe heart of the Kicks e-Power is a hybrid system that does things differently. Here, the gas engine never drives the wheels – it just acts as a generator for the electric motor, which handles all the actual driving. That motor puts out 134 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, so the Kicks feels more like an EV than a typical hybrid when you’re on the road. The gas engine is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder with about 81 hp, but its only job is to keep the battery charged. It never turns the wheels directly. Power goes through a single-speed reduction gear, which keeps things simple and delivers that smooth, EV-like drive. In terms of size, the Kicks e-Power sticks to the same formula as the current Kicks Play. It’s about 169 inches long, rides on a 103-inch wheelbase, and has 6.9 inches of ground clearance. So while the tech is new, the overall footprint is exactly what you’d expect from Nissan’s smallest crossover. The tank holds 10.8 gallons, and Nissan says you can get up to 59 mpg. Real-world numbers will probably be lower, but it’s clear the goal is to squeeze out as much efficiency as possible while giving you that EV-style drive – no plug needed. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog What’s It Like?Seeing it in person, the Kicks e-Power actually looks better than photos suggest, especially if you pick one of the brighter colors. The new V-Motion grille ties it in with the latest Nissan lineup, and the updated lights give the front end a cleaner, more modern look. At first, it almost passes for a full redesign. But look closer at the C-pillar, and you’ll see it’s really a major refresh. Still, thoughtful details, like the hidden rear door handles tucked into the pillar, give it a bit of a playful vibe. There’s one quirky detail: the “KICKS” badge on the tailgate sits just a bit off-center. It’s not an error – it’s just how the spacing works out with the letter “I.” But once you notice it, you can’t really ignore it. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog Step inside and the changes are obvious. The dashboard layout is tidier, the materials feel a notch better, and the new Moonstone interior theme brightens things up. There’s a 12.3-inch screen at the center for infotainment, while there’s another for the gauges, finally putting the Kicks on par with other new crossovers. Some parts are familiar, though. The steering wheel is straight out of the Nissan Versa, and overall cabin space hasn’t changed much. If you’ve been in a Kicks Play, this will feel immediately familiar in terms of size. Once you’re driving, the e-Power system really sets the tone. With the electric motor doing all the work, you get instant, smooth response when you pull away from a stop. It feels lively around town, but the punch fades a bit as you pick up speed. Handling is a step up from the regular gas Kicks, partly because the battery sits low in the chassis. The Kicks e-Power feels more planted in corners, and Nissan has given the suspension a touch of sportiness without making the ride harsh. Regenerative braking is pretty aggressive, which makes sense with the small battery. It does a good job of recapturing energy and means the gas engine doesn’t have to kick in as often, especially when you’re driving in traffic. All in all, the Kicks e-Power drives more like an EV than most hybrids out there, but you never have to worry about plugging it in. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog VerdictIf Nissan brings this setup to the US, the Kicks Play e-Power could easily become the brand’s most affordable electrified model. It would fit right below the Rogue e-Power and give buyers an easy way to try out hybrid tech. There are also reports suggesting that the larger, newer, second-generation Kicks could adopt the same system, though nothing has been confirmed yet. Right now, the Thai-market Kicks e-Power is a bridge between regular gas crossovers and full EVs, and it's priced at an accessible point, just like the American Kicks Play. It doesn’t rewrite the rulebook, but it does change the driving experience in meaningful ways. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Nearly half of American car buyers think Chinese electric vehicles offer strong value. Two in five even want them in the US. But thanks to tariffs north of 100%, they remain completely out of reach. The average new car in the US now costs close to $50,000, and for buyers who want an electric vehicle, the options thin out fast at the affordable end. That frustration is quietly pushing a surprising number of Americans toward a category of cars they have never been able to buy. A Cox Automotive survey of 802 prospective car buyers found that 49% rated Chinese vehicles as offering very good or excellent value, and 40% said they support the idea of Chinese auto brands entering the US market. If all these people are signaling that the current situation is not working for them, that says a lot. Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images What Americans Are Actually Missing Out OnIn the UK, Chinese EVs routinely sell for well under $25,000, even when list prices may not seem that enticing. They all come loaded with features that feel almost absurd at that price point. Advanced driver assistance software, built-in mini fridges, and even in-car karaoke. Take the wildly popular MG4 EV, for example. Listed at nearly $41,000 but regularly on sale around $25,000, it offers up to 280 miles of real-world range and charges from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. It comes with a large touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a 7-year warranty as standard. The closest American equivalent, a base Chevy Equinox EV, starts at over $35,000 and offers similar range but less tech. Tariffs and Politics Keeping Chinese EVs At BayThe reason these cars do not exist on American roads is straightforward. The US government has effectively shut the door with tariffs exceeding 100%, citing data security concerns and the need to protect American jobs. Both major political parties have backed this position, making it one of the rare areas of bipartisan agreement. Younger buyers are the most open to Chinese brands, which means the appetite is only going to grow. For now, some enthusiasts are exploring workarounds, including buying in Mexico and driving across the border, which is hardly a viable solution for a budget car shopper. The gap between what American buyers want and what policy allows is no longer theoretical, it’s measurable. And it seems to only be growing wider. View the full article

The idea that a manual Corvette C8 could become a reality has taken the internet by storm after Tremec showed a new 6-speed transaxle at the SEMA Show last November. While many fans took that as a sign that General Motors is seriously considering the manual gearbox as a factory option for the C8—after all, Tremec is the official supplier of mid-engine Corvette’s TR-9080 8-speed dual-clutch transmission—the Corvette team shut down the rumors in a rather unusual way. Last week, Corvette chief engineer Tony Roma said at the 12 Hours of Sebring that the Tremec 6-speed transaxle “is not real” and the Corvette team doesn’t have “any plans to talk about a manual transmission.” “I love manual transmissions. All I can say is our eight-speed DCT is tremendous, it’s awesome. The car is faster and essentially better with the transmission we make,” Roma said. Roma’s comments were echoed by Corvette engineer Josh Holder, who noted that demand for manual Corvettes tanked near the end of the C7 era. “The market was voting with their wallets, and we didn’t get enough votes,” he said. Tremec Disagrees With Corvette Chief Engineer's Comments Now, Tremec never implied that the six-speed manual transaxle was anything more than an aftermarket replacement for the Corvette’s factory DCT. Its SEMA Show press release simply stated that the manual gearbox features the same mounting points as the TR-9080 DCT and therefore is compatible with the C8. Now, since Roma’s comments seemed to suggest the Tremec 6-speed transaxle isn’t real, The Drive reached out to the Mexican gearbox manufacturer for clarification. Tremec’s reply was very diplomatic. “At this time, we do not have any comment to share regarding the statements referenced,” a Tremec marketing representative told The Drive. “We respect that our customers and partners are entitled to their own perspectives but unfortunately, we cannot comment at this time.” By saying that Corvette engineers are “entitled to their own perspectives,” Tremec respectfully disagrees with their comments, therefore implying that the transaxle is real. And quite spectacular, we might add. Tremec's 6-Speed Transaxle to Hit Stores in 2027 Tremec By using the same basic housing shape and mounting points as the Tremec TR-9080 8-speed DCT, the 6-speed transaxle is compatible not only with the Corvette C8 but also the Ford Mustang GTD. Tremec is dead serious about its 6-speed transaxle and has already installed one in a C8 Corvette in November 2025, according to Road & Track. While the manual gearbox is at an early development stage, it's definitely going into production and it's expected to reach aftermarket stores in 2027, targeting custom-car builders and racing teams. No price is available yet, but those who will be brave enough to attempt the conversion should know that a custom engine control software will also be required, in addition to the obvious task of fitting a manual shifter and clutch pedal in the cabin. As a reminder, the Tremec 6-speed transaxle can handle up to 800 lb-ft of torque, 1,000 horsepower and a maximum of 8,600 RPM. This means it can theoretically be fitted to any Corvette C8 model south of the ZR1 and ZR1X. View the full article

A Bold ReportA recent story from the Financial Times has stirred up rather interesting headlines for the last few days. It was said that Volkswagen is considering a deal with an Israeli defense company to build components for the Iron Dome. Europe's largest automaker is allegedly in talks with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is a state-owned company that was founded as Israel's National R&D Defense Laboratory. The report claims several people close to the matter have come forward, and the reason for this move is to help save jobs in Germany and to raise much-needed cash flow. Volkswagen The PlanAccording to the original source, the two companies are eyeing Volkswagen's Osnabrück assembly line in Lower Saxony. Currently, the plant is at risk of shutting down as the vehicles it produces will be discontinued by 2027. The cars produced there at the time of writing are the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet, as well as the Porsche Cayman and Boxster. Per Volkswagen, there are 2,300 jobs at that facility, and the plan is to keep all personnel on site and preserve those jobs. Should the supposed plan push through, the plant will be converted from vehicle production to air defense manufacturing. Porsche Just to be Clear...One thing to note here is that Volkswagen's plant will not be used to assemble missiles. Per Automotive News, it will be for vehicles used to transport artillery, as well as power systems for the Iron Dome. The same report also said that everything built there will also be offered to other European nations. Back to the Financial Times report, the move is supported by the German government. Once approved, the transition from automobile to defense production could be accomplished within 12 to 18 months. Volkswagen From the SpokespersonGerman broadcaster Deutsche Welle has reached out to Volkswagen regarding the matter. A spokesperson said: "The production of weapons by Volkswagen AG remains ruled out for the future, and we do not engage in speculation regarding further plans for the Osnabrück site." The spokesperson also mentioned that the company is exploring options to keep the plant running, but did not mention specifics. It remains unknown if the facility will continue building civilian vehicles or become a fully-fledged military facility. Mind you, the deal, if true, isn't set in stone yet. "The Volkswagen plant in Osnabrück has developed various vehicle concepts in recent months to explore potential market opportunities and prospects. Whether and to what extent these will result in concrete projects remains to be seen," added the spokesperson. Sean Gallup/Getty Images View the full article

Spin-Offs and RevivalsMotoring history is littered with stories of names and models being revived or spun off into their own independent brands. A key example is the Mini, which was called the Morris Mini-Minor when it was still under the British Leyland umbrella in the '60s. Upon its sale to BMW, the Germans turned it into a standalone brand with different iterations of the Mini model, which exists to this day and just celebrated a milestone in the U.S. The same type of thinking is underway with another iconic British model, the Freelander. It used to occupy the most affordable price point in the JLR lineup but was eventually discontinued. Announced last year, JLR is partnering with the Chinese auto giant Chery to bring back the Freelander as a brand. AutoNews.com Freelander Returns SoonAutomotive News reports that the CJLR joint venture in charge of the revival has announced on its WeChat social media channel that the first Freelander model will debut to the public on March 31 in Shanghai, China. According to the report, the brand's first model will be a plug-in hybrid SUV based on Chery's T1X Platform. Coincidentally, this platform is used for other Chery brands like Omoda and Jaecoo, with the latter unabashedly claiming they draw inspiration from the Land Rover brand. Freelander's debut in China shows how JLR wants to have a foothold in the highly competitive mid-priced SUV segment. In China, having a local brand joint venture is not only key, but required; the Chery partnership allows JLR to focus on high-priced imported products like the Range Rovers and Defenders, while also having a stake in the Freelander brand. A teaser of the car was shown as part of the social media announcement, with some translations saying the model itself might be called the Pathfinder or Navigator. The teaser shows a snippet of the front headlights, which feature a striking LED headlight design. ReplacementThe design of Freelander's new model was overseen by Gerry McGovern before his departure. Chery will be in charge of engineering the Freelander models, and the main manufacturing plant will be in Changshu, near Shanghai. It's also widely expected that the Freelander brand will take over the sales of the mid-priced JLR products in China, replacing the Evoque, Discovery Sport, and Jaguar XE. Primarily, Freelander will focus on the Chinese market, but JLR CFO Richard Molyneux has said it will look into expanding into other regions and markets. Part of this expansion will also include a more extensive model lineup to better meet customers' needs and demands. View the full article

It’s been an open secret since an early prototype was spotted during the run-up to last weekend’s race at Sebring. Now, Chevrolet is confirming the Corvette Grand Sport is making its return after a seven-year absence. The bowtie brand has an even bigger surprise in store for ‘Vette fans: a first-ever Corvette GS hybrid, the Grand Sport X, which adds another 186 horsepower to the package, while adding the benefits of all-wheel-drive. Even the “base” Grand Sport promises to be a beast thanks to the next-gen LS6 V8 mounted amidship making 535 hp. Adding the Grand Sport “gives us an opportunity to hit the accelerator on (Corvette) sales,” Chevy boss Scott Bell said during an online backgrounder, even though “We’re having a hard time building enough (already) to meet demand.” View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What’s NewThe Grand Sport badge first appeared back in 1962 as a special-edition package for the second-generation, or C2, Corvette. Since then, it’s only reappeared in limited runs with the C4, C6 and C7 ‘Vette’s, most recently ending its brief run with the seventh-generation sports car in 2019. Related: Chevrolet Is Building More 1,000-HP Corvette ZR1s Than Anyone Expected Chevy routinely rolls out various versions of the Corvette, and currently offers versions including the entry Stingray, Z06 and ZR1. It signaled a new Grand Sport was in the works last weekend, the new model joining the four prior generations for a parade lap ahead of the 12 Hours of Sebring. This marks the first mid-engine Grand Sport which serves as a step up from the base Stingray. It also takes things to the next level of performance with its next-generation LS6 – which produces more torque than any other naturally aspirated V8, Chevy claims - and the addition of a hybrid upgrade. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Powertrain“Grand Sport has always been the Corvette for drivers who want the spirit of a race car in a package they can enjoy every day,” said Bell, noting there will be two powertrain options for the new GS: The Corvette Grand Sport will feature the newly updated LS6 6.7-liter V8 delivering 535 hp and 520 pound-feet of torque through an 8-speed double-clutch transmission to the rear wheels. By comparison, the Stingray’s LT2 V8 maxes out at 495 hp;The Grand Sport X becomes the third hybrid in the Corvette family, following the original E-Ray and the 1,250 hp ZR1X. Here it punches horsepower up to 721, a 186-hp electric drive system mounted on the front axle drawing power from a 1.86 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The LS6 is all but completely new, said Corvette chief engineer Josh Holder. His team upgraded key parts of the engine, including the throttle body, cylinder heads, crankshaft and pistons. It gets a new cross-plane crank, direct and port injection. Cooling and lubrication have been improved and the compression ratio has been boosted to 13:1. As for the GS X hybrid system, it also brings upgrades – and an additional 26 hp – to the electric drive package that first appeared on the Corvette E-Ray. Plenty of OptionsOut the box, features including magnetic ride control dampers, a touring suspension and Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires are standard fare. There will be “hundreds of build combinations,” noted Tristan Murphy, the Corvette design manager. These include a wide range of interior and exterior colors, stripes and retro-inspired hashes for the rear fenders – and, of course, the requisite performance upgrades. The Z52 Performance Package gets a stiffer suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires and the high-performance iron brakes first used on the C8 Z06;The Z52 Track Performance Package swaps them out for carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Sport Cup 2R rubber. Its suspension is tuned for the track and the package adds numerous aero features, including a carbon-fiber splitter, dive planes, rockers and wing, plus underbody strakes. Pricing and AvailabilitySorry to say, Chevy is holding back on one key spec; it won’t release pricing for the two new Corvette packages until closer to mid-year. The Grand Sport, said Holder, will debut first, arriving in U.S. showrooms “later this summer, followed a few months later by GS-X.” To give some perspective on what we might expect, the 2026 Corvette Stingray with the Z51 Performance Package starts at $78,340, including a $1,995 destination fee. A special Grand Sport Launch Edition will be offered during the first year of production. According to Chevy, the focus will be exclusively on that package’s interior which will be finished in Santorini Blue, with red stitching and accents. Headrests will be embossed with a unique Grand Sport exterior plan view outline. There’ll also be a Launch Edition waterfall speaker plaque and a Grand Sport steering wheel badge. As a footnote, Chevrolet officials revealed the new LS6 V8 will migrate next to the Corvette Stingray in 2027. View the full article

The Toyota bZ Woodland is the unlikely performance hero in the Japanese company’s lineup. Positioned as a rugged and practical midsize crossover, its 375-horsepower output allows it to hit 60 mph in a claimed 4.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest new Toyotas on sale. But in a new independent test, the bZ Woodland shattered this claim with an even quicker sprint time, making it as quick off the mark as a GR Supra. Here’s a look at the surprisingly swift numbers put down by this Toyota. Related: The 5 Quickest Toyotas You Can Buy New In 2026 Sports Car Performance From a Midsize SUV Toyota In new testing conducted by Car and Driver, the Toyota bZ Woodland surged from 0 to 30 mph in just 1.5 seconds. Its 0 to 60 time was only 3.9 seconds, beating Toyota’s claim by half a second. Perhaps more remarkably, the same publication achieved an identical 3.9-second time for a six-cylinder GR Supra equipped with the manual transmission. If you drive one of these Supras and don’t have your wits about you, watch out for unsuspecting bZ Woodlands. The quarter-mile time of 12.5 seconds is barely slower than BMW’s M2. In our own testing, we found the acceleration to be immediate but smooth, and we also praised the Toyota’s ability to maintain traction. The Toyota EV also proved its mettle when it came to overtaking, with the 30-to-50-mph run taking just 1.6 seconds. To get from 50 to 70 mph, it took only 2.3 seconds, so passing slower traffic at highway speeds is effortless. The publication achieved these times despite the bZ Woodland running on all-terrain rubber, so it may be even quicker with standard tires. The bZ Woodland is no sports car in SUV drag, though. Its 0.78 g of skid pad grip, long stopping times (181 feet to stop from 70 mph), and noticeable body roll all remind you where it fits in. It’s a family-sized SUV that just happens to be exceptionally quick in a straight line. What It Means Toyota Over the last few years, EVs have consistently delivered neck-snapping acceleration. It’s had a desensitizing effect on many of us, making us forget just how rare this level of performance was only a generation ago. Even so, it’s a bit of a shock to see Supra levels of performance from a Toyota SUV. Legacy brands like Toyota and Subaru have been slower to jump on the high-horsepower EV bandwagon, but that’s changing. The bZ Woodland shows that traditional Toyota attributes like practicality can coexist with the sort of performance previously reserved for more exclusive brands. View the full article

Going GlobalOur world prides itself on being a global market; it used to be a struggle to ship goods across the world and sell them, but in recent years it has become easier to sell products in almost all parts of the world. The only disruption to this global economy we now enjoy has been the latest conflict in the Middle East, where the closure of vital shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz and regional instability have caused some problems getting cars from one place to another. Getty Images Stuck At SeaAny good business that thrives on moving and selling goods across continents will tell you that it is vital to deliver the goods to make a profit. A Reuters report says the conflict has affected car shipments, particularly high-performance and luxury models. Umar Hyder Ali is a Sri Lankan businessman who now lives in Japan. His business is in the used car segment. Ali's core business has been sending cars from Japan to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa under the name Kobe Motor. We all know that Japanese-sourced cars are in high demand because of the strict regulations that require they be inspected and maintained properly; buyers the world over look for them as well-kept used cars. A few days after the war broke out, Ali received news that one of his shipments, with around 500 cars, was stuck at sea. The ship carrying his cargo was unable to enter the Sri Lankan port because it was loaded with cargo diverted from Dubai. It took 10 days for his cars to finally be offloaded from the vessel. His story highlights the struggles these types of businesses have been experiencing since the war began. Ali averages around 18,000 car shipments a year, mostly to his home country, which has a high demand for compact cars from Honda and Toyota. In some cases, he also has high-end clients in Dubai with orders for Rolls-Royces, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis. 50 of these luxury cars are now stuck in Sri Lanka because they can't find a way into Dubai. SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images Sleeping Stocks Ali's case isn't isolated; South Korean shipments have also been halted due to the conflict. Both Japan and South Korea export huge amounts of cars to the Middle East. A third of the total cars South Korea exported last year went to that region, while the UAE is the biggest market for Japanese used cars. As a result of the conflict, exporters like Ali are spending a lot of money storing cars they can't ship, and, as we all know, idle stock isn't good for any business. Apart from storage, depreciation may also be a factor soon if the conflict continues, which could lead to major losses for exporters worldwide. Lamborghini View the full article

Spring is finally here. Well, maybe. But the folks planning Jeep’s annual Easter Safari are nothing if not optimistic. To mark the 60th excursion to Moab, Utah the Jeep team has come up with six wild new concepts, including one very retro package looking to the past to get a sense of the brand’s future. “Moab isn’t just a place we visit,” said Bob Broderdorf, the Jeep CEO. “Easter Jeep Safari has shaped the Jeep brand for decades, fueling the evolution of our 4x4 vehicles and strengthening our bond with the community and the thousands of passionate Jeep enthusiasts who return year after year.” “Runners”Unlike the concept vehicles you typically see at an auto show, these are real “runners,” largely based on existing Jeep products and using an array of parts and accessories already available in the Mopar parts catalog. The one exception? An original XJ Cherokee that was found in mint condition and given a major makeover – with a handful of, what else retro “Easter eggs.” While you likely won’t see production versions of any of these concept vehicles, said Vince Galante, Vice President, Jeep Global Design, they could have a big influence on what Jeep rolls out in the future. “We get a lot of knowledge out of Moab that you can’t get from design school.” And that’s translated into features like rock rails, roof racks and lighting integrated into today’s Jeeps, as well as the accessories the brand offers, he explained. Here’s a look at the six Jeep concepts that will be attacking the rugged trails of Moab over the upcoming holiday weekend. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Jeep Wrangler Anvil 715 ConceptThis overlanding concept started out as a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, picking up on the theme of the earlier Jeep Bug Out concept. The goal, the automaker explained, was to “evolve it into a more refined, boundary-pushing expression.” Powered by a Hemi V8, Anvil 715 gets a non-removable roof, appropriate for overlanding and topped by an integrated roof rack meant to handle extended trips off-road. The nose of the concept was restyled to pick up on the look of the old 1960s-era SJ-series Jeeps. Other features include auxiliary front and rear-facing lights, heavy-duty steel bumpers, and an integrated onboard air system to permit quick tire adjustments out on the trail. The interior has been updated to improve comfort on long days off-grid, with a specially modified trail-mapping system integrated into a dedicated screen on the IP. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Jeep Wrangler Buzzcut ConceptThe idea behind Buzzcut was to create a 2-seat “adventure machine, with extreme capability and expanded storage for longer excursions.” That meant out with the back seat which was replaced by a Diabolical Slipstream security enclosure with a lockable drawer storage system. Related: How Jeep’s New Four-Cylinder Makes More Power Than a V6 Powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four, this bright orange concept Jeep got a 2-inch lift, with an added steering stabilizer. It rides on 17-inch beadlock wheels with 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 all-terrain tires. Flat fenders and wide rock rails ensure it can take on just about any trail, while steel bumpers minimize the risk of damage up front. An integrated rear bumper step makes it easy to access the additional storage mounted atop Buzzcut’s reinforced roof rails. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Jeep Wrangler Laredo Concept“The Jeep Wrangler Laredo concept strips Wrangler down to its essentials, then turns the intensity back up,” the automaker explains. One of the goals behind this project SUV was to see how future Laredo models could pick up on heritage styling while blending in more modern capabilities. Related: The Jeep Wrangler Has Many Trims, But Only One Is The Smart Buy The power top has been replaced by a manually operated spatter-coat hardtop with a Sky Slider. The Laredo Concept’s suspension has been raised two inches for better off-roadability. It rides on 37‑inch BFG KM3 tires mounted on 17‑inch retro‑style slotted mag wheels, inspired by classic off‑roaders. The interior takes a back-to-basics approach. But it does come with a tailgate-mounted onboard air system. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Jeep Grand Wagoneer Commander ConceptIt’s no surprise seeing plenty of Wranglers wandering Moab’s rugged trails. But Jeep was determined to demonstrate the capabilities of its full-size flagship, the Grand Wagoneer, which underwent some major updates for the current model year. “We wanted to take a ground-up approach” with the Commander Concept, explained designer Chris Piscitelli. Upgrades includes 20-inch wheels shod in 35-inch all-terrain tires, custom skid plates, SPOD lighting and a custom roof rack. Both the rack and side panels are covered with a topographic map picking up on Moab ‘s rocky terrain. Inside, the three-row SUV stays “true to its original design,” Jeep said, hinting that it is still working on some “future upgrades.” View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Related: Jeep Wagoneer Vs. Grand Wagoneer: 5 Major Differences Jeep Gladiator Red Rock ConceptThis concept pays homage to the Red Rock 4-Wheelers, a group of volunteers who help look after the Moab trails – no easy task considering the number of folks who visit each year. They’ve been helping to manage the Jeep Easter Safari since 1982. Jeep and its Mopar parts division worked with the club to come up with this custom Gladiator. The pickup is equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar engine and gets a number of mods specifically designed for use in Moab. That includes 17-inch beadlock wheels paired with 37-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires, a steering stabilizer, a steel front bumper with an integrated Warn winch and 7-inch TYRI lights. Add a Rock Krawler 3-inch lift kit, wide rock rails and door sill guards and a Bedslide rolling truck bed cargo bay. The Armorlite flooring allows easy wash-out and an ARB onboard air system helps support rescue and recovery work. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Jeep XJ Pioneer ConceptThe wild card among the Easter Safari Concepts doesn’t just pick up on design cues from the original Cherokee XJ. It is an original XJ, the Jeep team lucking out with a 1986 model that had barely suffered any wear-and-tear over the past 40 years. Originally conceived as an “Experimental Jeep,” or XJ, it became one of the brand’s most successful models ever. And the idea was to see just how far the team could go without losing the purity of the original series. At first glance it might seem like little was done. A closer inspection reveals the way the Pioneer Concept was raised 2 inches, with all-new flares around the wheel wells – which showcase 33-inch all-terrain rubber mounted on 17-inch wheels. The XJ got new rockers and quick-disconnect anti-sway bars. The interior stays especially true to the era, down to the original cassette tape player and beaded seat covers. To add a little fun, the team threw in some nostalgic Easter eggs, including a 1980s era lunch box and even an early Apple Macintosh computer. View the full article

The New Telluride, Familiar FoundationsThe new Kia Telluride gets the expected updates – sharper looks, a refreshed cabin, and a hybrid setup that pushes the SUV in a more modern direction. But underneath, it shares its bones with the Hyundai Palisade. Sharing a platform has always meant both SUVs get the same strengths: roomy packaging, smooth ride, and family-friendly features. Now, it looks like they share the same weak spots, too. Kia has already recalled some early 2027 Telluride models because of a serious defect first spotted in the Palisade. What started as a Hyundai problem is now a Kia problem too, and it raises a bigger question: just how far does this issue go in the group’s newest three-row SUVs? Kia Small Numbers with Serious ConcernThe recall covers 568 units of the 2027 Telluride Hybrid – specifically the SX Prestige and X-Line SX Prestige with the Executive Package – built from February 2 to March 13, 2026, according to NHTSA filings. All recalled units are affected by the defect. The problem is with the second-row power seats. They’re supposed to fold and slide automatically to make third-row access easier. But the system might not notice if something – or someone – is in the way. That means the seat could keep moving even if a person is sitting down or climbing in or out. There’s no warning system to catch this, and the control units from the supplier are still being looked at. The risk is simple: if the seat moves without knowing someone’s there, someone could get hurt. Just like Hyundai, Kia doesn’t have a fix yet. For now, owners are told not to use the power-folding seats when anyone’s in the back, and to be extra careful with the controls. A real solution is coming, but this isn’t something a quick software update will solve. K Rear Seat Defect Fallout Goes GlobalThe Telluride recall is small, but it started with something much more serious in the Hyundai Palisade. Hyundai already stopped sales and issued a recall after a fatal accident tied to the same rear-seat system. That accident turned what could have been a routine recall into a top-level safety problem. Reports show the defect is with the same type of power-folding second-row seats that might not sense when someone’s there, making things dangerous fast. The problem isn’t just in the US. Korean regulators have also initiated recalls, which means this is a global issue. It’s not just one batch or one country – it’s about shared parts and design. This is the flip side of sharing platforms and suppliers. It saves money and time, but one problem can spread across several models and brands in a hurry. Kia View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Smaller Lineup, But Not a Slower PipelineTesla’s lineup is in transition. The Model S and Model X are being dropped, leaving just the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. That’s a big shift from Tesla’s earlier plans, especially for buyers looking for something more premium. The Cybercab is also coming, but it’s built for robotaxi use, not for families or buyers who want a practical, everyday vehicle. It doesn’t fill the gap left by the outgoing flagships. Here’s where it gets interesting. The Roadster is still delayed, but Tesla seems to be working on something different. It’s not a sedan, not a sports car, and not a minivan. Musk says it will be 'something way cooler than a minivan.' That shows Tesla knows there’s demand for people-movers, even if it won’t use that label. Something way cooler than a minivan is coming — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 25, 2026 A Hint Straight From MuskMusk made the comment on X after someone asked for a Tesla minivan when the eccentric billionaire touted the Cybertruck’s wide rear bench seats. His answer was short but clear: something better is coming. It’s a typical Musk move: vague, a bit provocative, and enough to get people guessing. But there’s a pattern here. Tesla doesn’t follow traditional segments. The Model X was never a standard SUV, and the Cybertruck is far from a regular pickup. So what does Tesla offer instead of a minivan? One idea is a Cybertruck-based SUV. There have been rumors about a more enclosed, passenger-focused version of the truck. Musk’s comment doesn’t confirm it, but it fits with that idea. A boxy, futuristic SUV with flexible seating and rugged looks could be what Musk means by 'cooler' than a minivan. It would follow Tesla’s habit of turning familiar categories into something new and unexpected. Tesla The Robovan FactorThere’s also the Robovan, shown with the Cybercab at Tesla’s 2024 event. Unlike the rumored SUV, this one exists as a concept. The Robovan is all about utility. It’s built to move people or cargo in a future with full autonomy. The shape is like a traditional van, but the design is pure Tesla: smooth, minimal, and focused on maximizing the interior space. There are also hints that it will evolve into a self-driving RV. It’s not clear if the Robovan is what Musk meant by 'cooler than a minivan.' It seems aimed more at fleets or commercial use than regular buyers. Still, it shows Tesla is looking at the segment, just in its own way. Between a possible Cybertruck SUV and the Robovan concept, Tesla seems to be exploring multiple interpretations of what a modern people-mover could be. Tesla View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article