Autoblog News

From a radical new Honda three-cylinder engine, to Ferrari's wacky oval-shaped pistons, to the latest Toyota Hilux, things aren't the way they were yesterday. Here, we'll round up the biggest news stories of the last 24 hours on AutoBlog and divvy them up into bite-sized chunks that get right to the heart of the story, allowing you to go deeper if you want.

Honda has a new V-shaped three-cylinder for motorcycles

Honda has a radical new V3 engine. Up until this engine's 2024 debut, all previous V-type...

The End of the Lightning, As We Knew It

The Ford F-150 Lightning’s future has been under a cloud since last month. Production stops, cooling EV demand in the US, and big losses in Ford’s EV division all pointed to trouble. Now it’s official: Ford will end production of the current all-electric Lightning this year. The truck launched with a lot of excitement, but it never quite found its footing.

But Ford isn’t dropping the Lightning name. Instead, it’s changing course. The next version will be called the F-150 Lightning EREV, an e...

The EV market is changing

There’s been a tonal shift when it comes to EVs. It’s not an assertion, either. Ford has shifted its focus toward hybrids, as have several other automakers. Where we once thought electrification would dominate automakers’ lineups, we’re now seeing a regression to meet consumer demand.

The expiration of federal tax credits dramatically dented EV sales and is something automakers point to as a reason they’re no longer as bullish on EVs. Now, a new study underscores that auto brands likely saw this curve in the road before any...

Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti appears ready to spawn a performance-focused sub-brand. The company has already gone on record about wanting “true performance” models capable of taking on BMW M and Mercedes-AMG, developed with help from Nismo and built in limited numbers. To Infiniti and Beyond, if you will. Now, internal developments suggest that this ambition may be moving out of the concept phase and closer to production reality, with a clear starting point and a tentative timeline.

From Ambition to Execution

Infiniti

When Infiniti leadership previously spoke about performance, the message was largel...

Chances of EV Fires are Low, But Not Zero

Statistically, EV fires are a rare occurrence compared to hybrid and ICE vehicle fires. Of course, they're reported more often than not, and understandably so. Nonetheless, it's hard to deny the stats, and there will always be the danger of a fire, regardless of propulsion.

But what makes EV fires different is the battery's composition. Most use lithium-ion cells, which, when exposed to flames or damaged, explode. Putting out said fires is a different challenge for first responders, as they also have to deal with a...

Tesla Looks to the Skies

A recent Tesla patent explores the use of radio-frequency (RF) transparent materials in the roofs of its electric vehicles, hinting at the possible future integration of Starlink connectivity. However, implementing such a system would not be as straightforward as it sounds, as these alternative materials could raise structural and compliance challenges.

The patent (Pub. No U.S. 2025/0368267) references materials such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, which, compared with traditional materials like metal and glass, can present different strength characteristics. Tesla reportedly plans to mitigate these concerns...

In a climate of regular price hikes, getting anything worthwhile for free is rare, and for 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E buyers, there's one fewer item that falls into that category. As reported by Electrek, Ford's new Mustang Mach-E brand manager, Teddy Ankeny, revealed to The Electric Duo that, for the 2026 model year, the controversially badged crossover will no longer provide a frunk for free, despite the fact that many EVs offer extra space in the area that an internal combustion engine would traditionally sit. But this decision wasn't made for nefarious reasons, says Ankeny. Instead, it's meant to save buyers...

A Dakar Icon, Revisited

The Dakar Rally is as tough as motorsport gets. It throws everything at a vehicle – deserts, mountains, rocks, and jungle. Back in 1985, the event stretched over 22 days and 6,390 miles, with 4,650 miles of that spent racing the clock in special stages. The route even forced teams to cross the Ténéré Desert twice, just to prove a point.

Out of 362 starters, Mitsubishi’s Pajero took the win – its first overall Dakar victory. Called the Montero or Shogun elsewhere, the Pajero built its reputation on results like this. That 1985 win kicked off a run tha...

Mercedes-Benz is lining up 2026 as a full-on anniversary year, stacking big historical milestones with what it calls the biggest product rollout in its history. The company will mark 140 years since Carl Benz patented his “vehicle with gas-engine drive” in 1886, 100 years since the Mercedes-Benz brand was created by the 1926 merger of Daimler and Benz, and 130 years since its first commercial vehicles.

On top of that, it is celebrating 75 years of the crumple-zone “safety body” patent, 50 years since the W123 launched as the ancestor of today’s E-Class, and 20 years of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

From The First...

Duration: 00:00:00

Ferrari Purity vs. Liberty Walk Provocation

The Ferrari 458 Italia occupies a special place in Maranello history. Introduced for the 2011 model year, it marked the brand’s transition into a new era of mid-engine V8 performance, pairing a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter engine with cutting-edge aerodynamics and a dual-clutch transmission. Even today, the 458 is widely regarded as one of the last “pure” modern Ferraris, celebrated for its sound, balance, and mechanical feel.

That purity is precisely why Ferrari has long taken a hard stance on brand protection, especially when it comes to extreme modifications. Enter Liberty Walk, the Ja...

A New Chapter Begins in Taiwan

Jeep has officially returned to the Taiwanese market after 15 years. However, the American marque noted that this move is “not a continuation of the past but the beginning of a new chapter.” The press release did not explain why the brand left in 2010, but the decision may have been linked to financial challenges at the time.

In 2009, Jeep’s parent company, then Chrysler, filed for bankruptcy following the 2008 global financial crisis—also known as the Panic of 2008—making international operations more difficult. Additionally, demand for Jeep vehicles in Taiwan was reported...

Cars Make Math More Fun

Math probably isn't everyone's favorite subject. But the reality is, numbers are what make some of the best cars out there truly memorable. Engineering isn't just throwing darts at a board and hoping for the best, but rather computing for the best possible solution... and hoping for the best.

We have channels like Jason Fenske's Engineering Explained that simplify the seemingly dizzying world of automotive engineering by explaining things to us as if we were five years old. In many ways, he's managed to make us understand why certain cars...

Hyundai’s China-developed Elexio electric SUV has been spotted in Australia for the first time, confirming that what started life as a China-only EV is now headed overseas. The midsize, five-seat model was photographed on a transporter in Melbourne, as per Cars Guide, wearing only light camouflage, and Hyundai has since confirmed it will launch locally in early 2026.

Slotting between the Kona Electric and Ioniq 5 in size and price, the Elexio is built on an 800-volt architecture, uses BYD-supplied LFP battery packs, and is aimed squarely at value-focused family buyers rather than the hardcore performance crowd.

Some cherished objects are symbolic of the people we know and love

Throughout our interconnected lives, there are certain objects that become inseparable from the people we love.

Maybe it’s your grandfather’s cool leather jacket, your mom’s favorite coffee mug, or a sport coat with a distinctive pattern that someone wore so often, it became part of their identity. These items carry memories, and when we see them, we’re transported back to moments spent with those who mattered most. They’re more than just possessions, items, or “things,” they’re time machines that tr...

A Reimagined Roadster with European Flair

The Mazda Miata is widely regarded as the benchmark for lightweight sports cars, which helps explain why designers such as Mitsuoka have chosen to work on its platform. Spanish coachbuilder Hurtan also once got its hands on the Miata, though the finished product looked completely different from the Japanese roadster enthusiasts know.

To mark Hurtan’s 30th anniversary in 2022, the company transformed the fourth-generation Mazda Miata ND into a classic European-style roadster reminiscent of the Jaguar XK120 and Alfa Romeo 6C. Reportedly limited to just six hand-built examples in Spain, the...

Tesla is all but guaranteed to miss its original claimed goal of launching the Cybercab by 2026, but the company is still making progress. While the Cybercab and the Robovan may still be some way from reaching public roads, Tesla appears to be getting closer to some sort of stopgap. The automaker was recently seen testing two different Model S sedans in California, both equipped with validation rigs previously used on the Model Y, which Tesla uses as a robotaxi while developing the aforementioned Cybercab and Robovan. This indicates that the Model S may soon be used as a robotaxi...

2026 Toyota RAV4's Online Configurator Goes Live

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 continues to play it safe in the best possible way. It’s still one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs on sale, balancing efficiency, practicality, and everyday comfort without chasing trends. In Limited Hybrid form, the RAV4 leans heavily into refinement, pairing its proven 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain with standard all-wheel drive for confident all-weather driving. Power delivery is smooth rather than exciting, but that’s precisely the point.

Inside, the RAV4 Limited focuses on usability and tech rather than flash. SofTex seating, a digital instrument clus...

A Familiar Ferrari Upgrade

Ferraridoesn’t exactly lack excitement, but for those who want something even sharper, there’s usually an upgrade. That’s where the Assetto Fiorano package comes in. It’s the track-focused option, which means lighter parts, stiffer suspension, and hardware built for serious lap work, taking cues straight from Ferrari’s own Fiorano test track.

That familiar formula won’t apply to the new Ferrari Amalfi. While the Roma’s successor is quicker and more technically advanced, Ferrari has confirmed there will be no more extreme, track-ready variant. According to the company, the A...

Over the past year and a half or so, Koenigsegg and Czinger have been trading blows in a fight for the outright production car lap record at the famed Laguna Seca Raceway in California. Each armed with multi-million dollar hypercars with four-figure horsepower outputs, the two boutique automakers have been battling for supremacy with the finest of margins. For example, the time set by the Jesko Attack last year (1:24.86) was just 0.58 seconds ahead of the time set by the 21C in 2021, and when the Swedes' Sadair's Spear took to Laguna Seca last month (with a time of 1:24.16), it only...

Only 2 of 50 Ever Made

Back in 2008, Hurst celebrated its 50th anniversary by teaming up with longtime and frequent collaborator Dodge to build a limited run of special 2008 Vipers. Dubbed the, er, Viper Hurst 50th Anniversary Edition, only 50 were ever made, and two of them will be up for sale at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

But what makes this sale particularly special is the VIN of these two cars. What you're looking at here are the first two cars made in the series. Oh, and the car will be sold as a pair, by...

Filling a Need

When it comes to rethinking the game, the new-generation Dodge Charger comes to mind. It's a pioneer in offering a legendary muscle car nameplate as either an all-electric Daytona model or the recently introduced combustion-powered turbocharged SIXPACK.

The market has come around to the new Charger, but there was still an issue that needed to be addressed: aftermarket support and parts are few and far between, which means if you want to dress up your new Charger, your choices are nonexistent. That is, until now, thanks to the folks at AeroFlow Dynamics.<...

The average transaction price of new cars in America has been hovering around the $50,000 mark for a few months now, with lower-priced vehicles (under $30,000) accounting for a measly 7.5% of total sales in November. High-priced models continue to thrive, and when looking at the average prices per brand last month, Cadillac jumps out more than any other. The average transaction price for a Caddy is now a lot higher than for BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. In fact, such is Cadillac’s resurgence in the luxury sector, that only two brands had higher average transaction prices last month.

Re...

A Post-Holiday Reality Check

After navigating a difficult year that included setbacks such as the end of key federal EV tax incentives, Tesla is preparing to introduce significant lease price increases across parts of its lineup following Christmas Day. According to CarsDirect, the changes will apply to the 2026 model-year Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck, with the Model 3 seeing the largest increase at 67%.

That means the Model 3 Premium trim will soon be offered at $499 per month with a $3,000 down payment, a significant jump from the current $299 monthly rate with $1,500 down. The report also estimates that the...

From Ferrari’s Shadow to a New Supercar Era

The Ferrari F40 and 288 GTO are legendary for several reasons, so much so that they're the object of tributes and modern takes like the SC40, Lewis Hamilton’s (apparently) canceled supercar project, and the resurrected 288 GTO by Automobili Torino. Both nameplates are built with almost zero compromise – not to mention manual transmissions that offer a raw mechanical connection with the car.

But here’s something most people miss: both the F40 and 288 GTO (and other later Ferraris) actually used turbochargers from Japan’s IHI. Fast forward to today...

Pumping the Brakes on EVs

The European Commission is reportedly preparing to scrap the 2035 ban on new combustion-engine car sales – a more concrete move than the previous declaration from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. It's being shaped by pressure from automakers, particularly as U.S. import tariffs and intensifying competition from China have made selling EVs more challenging.

Speaking at a press conference in Germany, Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party (EPP) — the largest political group in the European Parliament — said, “Next Tuesday the European Commission will be putting forward a clear proposal to abolish...

Land Rover Defender prices have climbed so far that even pre-Defender models are getting treated like blue-chip collectibles. Case in point is this 1989 Land Rover 90 V8 County Station Wagon being offered in the U.K. for £49,950 (around $66,500).

Sold new by Dutton Forshaw in Aylesbury and now with just two owners and 85,854 miles, it is being marketed as a “superbly original” truck that has spent more than a decade tucked away in a heated garage as part of a classic collection.

Original V8 County, Lightly Used

A Single-Owner Collection Heading to Paris

Car collections are as varied as the stories behind them. Some focus on a single era, others chase motorsport legends, while a select few quietly assemble the most significant badges a brand has ever worn. With so much history tucked away in garages around the world, it’s hard to pinpoint which ones really are special. A Mercedes-Benz collection in Europe, however, stands out for its exotic selection of cars – and it’s about to cross the auction block next year.

RM Sotheby’s has announced that a single-owner Mercedes...

Past Problems Point to Oil Solutions

General Motors has faced substantial engine reliability challenges with its current V8 lineup, leading to multiple recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The primary culprit behind these failures has been identified as inadequate lubrication in critical engine components. When thin oil struggles to maintain proper film strength under high temperatures and loads, metal-to-metal contact occurs, resulting in premature wear and catastrophic engine damage.

GM's response to these warranty claims has been straightforward. Service bulletins now recommend switching to higher viscosity lubricants in affected engines, effectively solving many of...

Six Cylinders Are Cool Again

With emissions regulations beginning to ease in certain markets, some automakers are reversing course and returning to larger-displacement engines. Mercedes-Benz, for example, is reportedly preparing to drop the much-criticized inline-four hybrid setup used in the C63 in favor of a more traditional inline-six. Maserati now appears to be following a similar path, having discontinued its turbocharged four-cylinder engine in favor of a V6 for the 2026 Grecale.

The V6 in question is Maserati’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno engine, a powertrain originally developed to power the MC20, as well as the new MC...

If you want the rugged crossover experience without driving something big and bulky, the Subaru Crosstrek has always been a top choice. It’s got standard all-wheel drive and doesn’t look like it’ll be out of place on a dirt road. If you want to get behind the wheel of a 2026 Crosstrek relatively affordably this month, Subaru is running a pair of lease deals on its smallest crossover. These Subaru Crosstrek leasing offers apply to the cheapest gas and hybrid trims, so here’s how much you’ll pay, plus a look at how it compares to the Toyota...

Familiar Bones, Carefully Updated

The Toyota Hilux entered its ninth generation last month, but it wasn’t sitting atop a brand-new platform. Toyota stuck with the IMV architecture, a body-on-frame setup that’s been around since 2004. The company said it’s been heavily updated and reinforced, but one can’t deny that it’s an aging underpinning.

Toyota could have gone with the newer TNGA-F platform – the same one used by the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and Lexus GX in the US – but it didn’t. Instead, it picked what actually works for Hilux buyers worldwide, not just chasing...

A barely driven 2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri coupe with just 214 miles on the odometer is being offered for $699,900 through Ferrari Dallas on duPont Registry, giving buyers a chance to skip the allocation process for Maranello’s newest front-engined V12 GT.

The car arrives as the spiritual successor to the 812 Superfast and extends a bloodline that runs from 1960s grand tourers through mid-engined icons like the Dino.

First-Year V12 GT, Loaded With Options

Under the hood, the 12Cilindri uses a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 that revs past 9,000 rpm and sends more than 800 horsepower to the rear wh...

Audi's Long History with Wagons

Among its German rivals, Audi was the first to build station wagons. Its first was the F103 Variant, a three-door wagon sold from 1965 to 1972. It was then followed up by the Audi 80 Estate, better known in America as the Fox Wagon.

The Avant name would first appear in 1977 in the C2 100 (the 5000 in the US), although that version wasn't sold stateside, and it was really more of a five-door liftback than a wagon. The first true Avant wagon came in the form of the C3 100 and 200, again called the 5000 in...

With three electric motors, a twin-turbo 4.0-liter flat-plane crank V8 spinning to 10,000 rpm, and a whopping 907 horsepower on tap, the Lamborghini Temerario is more than extreme enough, right? Not according to the people at 1016 Industries, who have decided to give the mid-engine supercar as aggressive a visual presence as its powertrain suggests, and from an aesthetic perspective at least, creating the STO variant Sant'Agata won't. The Florida-based tuner has widened the baby Lambo, but also given it elements that call to mind that most extreme of Huracán variants, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.

W...

Duration: 00:00:00

The Microcar Resurgence

One could say that microcars boomed in the postwar years in Europe. The desire for personal mobility was strong, and the 1956 Suez Crisis, which drove up fuel prices, helped their cause. Also called bubble cars, notable examples include the Messerschmitt KR200, the Peel P50, and the BMW Isetta.

Microcars eventually fell out of favor, but they would remain popular in France as Voitures Sans Permis or VSC, literally meaning car without a license. These VSCs can be driven with just a permit for drivers as young as 14 years old. There were other...

Although the Honda Accord has faced declining sales this year, it’s still one of the best-selling midsize sedans in the country. If not for a Toyota Camry-sized problem, the Accord would have no rivals to worry about on the sales charts. 

If you want to get behind the wheel of a new Accord, Honda has a couple of lease deals running this December. The cheapest of these makes the Accord marginally more affordable to lease than its Toyota rival, so let’s take a closer look at the numbers.

Related: 2025 Toyota Camry Vs. Honda Accor...

Breaking Away from Tradition

For as long as internal combustion engines have existed, pistons have been round. This wasn't necessarily because circular shapes were optimal for performance. It was simply the easiest and most cost-effective geometry to manufacture with the machinery available when engines were first being developed. Manufacturing technology has evolved dramatically since then, yet piston design has remained stubbornly circular.

European Patent Office

Ferrari's European patent application, published in March this year, proposes something different. The company has filed protection for what engineers call a stadium shaped or pill shaped piston...

A Price Hike, But Not Across the Board

Automakers typically raise vehicle prices over time, and BMW is no exception. According to a report fromCarsDirect, shoppers considering a BMW in 2026 can expect a price increase of about 1%, translating to roughly $400 to $1,500. However, the Bavarian automaker’s all-electric lineup – as well as a handful of select models – will not be affected by the upcoming price adjustment.

The report, which cites a bulletin sent to BMW dealers, notes that the entry-level versions of the 2 Series Gran Coupe, X1, X2, and X3 will receive the smallest price hikes. These mo...

The Elusive V3 Engine

V3 engines are about as rare as unicorns, having made only sporadic appearances through motorcycling history. The first known example of such a layout, with two cylinders in one bank of the V and a single on the other, was created by German motorcycle manufacturer DKW in 1955 to power their two-stroke grand prix race bikes. 

Suzuki dabbled in this configuration in the late ‘60s for a 50cc race bike that never saw the light of day due to regulation changes, after which V3 engines surfaced again only in the ‘80s, powering Honda...

Built for Revs, Still Vulnerable to Failure

High-performance engines aren’t built like your average commuter motor. They’re engineered to survive high RPM, withstand serious cylinder pressures, and take the kind of punishment that would quickly wear out a regular engine. Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 in the Huracan is a good example: it revs past 8,000 RPM and is known for thriving doing so.

That’s why this teardown from I Do Cars on YouTube is interesting to us. The engine came from a 2018 Huracan Performante with less than 20,000 miles. It allegedly failed at about...

Reverse-Importing Hondas to Japan

Car imports are now at the center of US-Japan tariff talks, with American officials pointing out that it's easier for foreign brands to sell in the US than for American-built cars to enter Japan. In response, Honda is looking at an unusual move: instead of exporting Japanese cars, the company is considering bringing US-built models back to Japan.

For a brand that built its reputation on Japan-only models, this is a significant shift. Honda has already made a habit of bringing in cars from Thailand, China, and India, so imported models...

An Era of Creation

The late 1960s-early 1970s was the era of birth for most of the supercars we look up to today. In that period, the world saw multiple automakers designing the most outrageous and sought-after cars ever seen at the time.

While some have stood the test of time, others have vanished, leaving only a trail through the cars they produced. De Tomaso was a brand born from a passion for racing, founded by Argentinian Alejandro De Tomaso. It forged its own path alongside the establishment with desirable machines and has garnered a...

One of the Most Recognizable Cars in the World

Restomodding a Volkswagen Beetle isn’t exactly a new idea – it’s practically inevitable given this model’s worldwide popularity. The original Type 1 Beetle was built for decades, right up until the last ones rolled off the Mexican assembly line in 2003. With its simple design, unmistakable personality, and the fact that you still see them everywhere, it’s no wonder people keep finding new ways to bring the Beetle into the modern era.

That’s where Knepper Bugs & More comes in. This German shop has made a name for i...

When Two Axles Aren’t Enough

The Ford Bronco already checks most boxes for buyers looking for a capable SUV. It has the right mix of tough looks and real off-road gear. For most, that’s plenty. But there’s always a group that wants to push things further.

Enter SoFlo Customs – a Florida-based outfitter with a reputation for bold builds. Introduced in 2022, one of its projects stretched the Bronco and added a third axle, turning the SUV into a short-bed pickup. The result is the Apocalypse Dark Horse, a Bronco 6x6 that’s less about prac...

Forget Lamborghinis - if you want the wildest, most extreme roadgoing experience possible, you want the Polaris Slingshot, and for 2026, there are five variants of the insane three-wheeler to choose from, including the returning Grand Touring model, with a T-top roof that offers more protection from the elements but also a less extreme look.

Based on the range-topping R trim, the limited-edition Grand Touring boasts a ProStar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 204 horsepower, which is mated to your choice of a manual or AutoDrive automatic transmission. Brembo brakes and a vented sport hood are also included, and inside...

Sony Honda Mobility will offer digital license plates as an official accessory on the upcoming Afeela 1 electric sedan, making it one of the first production cars to launch with a factory-backed electronic plate option.

The system comes via a partnership with Reviver, the company behind the RPlate, and is set to be available when the Afeela 1 reaches early customers in 2026. It is another example of how Sony and Honda are using the car’s connected platform to add services on top of the core EV hardware that is already entering pre-production at Honda’s Ohio operations.

D...

Duration: 00:00:00

Where Legends Still Clock In

The Porsche 911 has changed a lot over the years, and the modern version even comes with a hybrid-assisted powertrain. But one thing has stayed the same – every 911 has always been built at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant in Germany. Thanks to YouTube's FRAME, we now get a behind-the-scenes look at how this iconic sports car comes to life inside the factory, on a site spanning more than 6.6 million square feet.

In 2024, Porsche delivered 50,941 units of the 911, slightly higher than the previous year’s output. The U.S. market, however, saw a far shar...

Hyundai’s N division has gone from left-field upstart to serious hot-hatch and sport compact rival, and now the aftermarket is catching up. UK-based Milltek Sport has launched a full range of performance exhausts for Hyundai’s core N models, with systems for the i20 N, i30 N, Kona N, Elantra N and Veloster N.

The line covers road-legal and track-only setups, all developed in-house and at the Nürburgring, and is aimed squarely at owners who want more sound and sharper response without turning their daily driver into a race car. It also lands as Hyundai broad...

This beautifully restored Dodge Charger 500 is finished in Dark Bronze Metallic on a perfectly preserved saddle interior, and features original matching numbers for the 426 cubic inch 425 horsepower Hemi V8 engine and A833 4-speed manual transmission. It is equipped with the Dana HD SureGrip limited-slip differential, dual four-barrel carburettors, NASCAR-derived internals, high-flow exhaust, power steering, and power brakes. 

Mecum

A Rare Find

By most accounts, 392 units of the Dodge Charger 500, based on the Charger R/T and modified by Creative Industries for Dodge with t...

Modifying a Rolls-Royce could be considered a cardinal sin for some, but Novitec's Spofec division has just proven that it can be done tastefully. Spofec specializes exclusively in modifying the ultra-luxury British brand's creations, and its latest release is for the Ghost Series II, giving Goodwood's smallest sedan a big boost in power and some subtle aesthetic tweaks. Equipped as standard with a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine developing 563 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, the facelifted Ghost is far from slow, but Novitec still decided to massage the power plant to the tune of 696 hp and 739 lb-ft of torque. As...

The news you can use

From a new Porsche 911 GT3 variant to Mazda's surprising crash test come-up, to Toyota's regulator hurdles, things aren't the way they were yesterday. Here, we'll round up the biggest news stories of the last 24 hours on AutoBlog and divvy them up into bite-sized chunks that get right to the heart of the story, allowing you to go deeper if you want.

Porsche has another six-figure 911 that demands your attention

Porsche

Porsche, by now, knows how to...

More Wagons, Please

In many ways, it's our fault that wagons fell out of favor. We mostly abandoned them in the 2000s, and the very few that remained at that time weren't snatched up by many. Automakers gave us many chances to buy them, but the majority of the buying public had their eyes (and wallets) glued to SUVs. Heck, even minivans, the first cars that triggered the decline of wagons in America, are also being left in the dust by crossovers.

There is, however, a glimmer of hope. The performance wagon genre has been...

Not Your Average Hot Hatch

This hot hatch may look like a Toyota GR Corolla at first glance, but there’s far more going on under the skin. John Proulx (@1lowrx on Instagram) owns this 2009 Subaru WRX STI, and it hides a power unit almost no one would expect: a 1GZ-FE V12 from a second-generation Toyota Century.

That engine alone would be outrageous in an STI. Still, Proulx pushed things even further by adding a pair of G30-770 turbos, bringing output to a claimed 1,000 horsepower – roughly 700 hp more than the stock Century, a car orig...

In-car connectivity is a must these days

Like most drivers, one of the first things you do after purchasing a vehicle (or renting one) is sync your phone so you can use CarPlay or Android Auto. In-car navigation and messaging are essential, and automakers' services are not very good, at least compared to what Apple and Google are already doing. Why big auto hasn’t taken notes from CarPlay and Android Auto, we’ll never know.

A new study shows that the ability to use CarPlay or Android Auto in our vehicles is actually crucial for...

Today's Parts, Yesterday's Looks

If there's one benefit of modern automotive technology, it's that creative builders can easily reimagine classics with it. Despite the value and discipline of sticking to the original spec, it is costly and often challenging to keep a classic in tip-top shape.

That's where reverse-restomods come in. These special models were bred from the idea of using iconic design on a modern platform, resulting in a more reliable car with vintage looks. That's where Exomod comes in, and its latest project is the Prometheus.

Ultra-Exclusive Carbon Fiber Weave

Automotive enthusiasts are never satisfied. If Mazda launches a new Miata, people ask where the Mazdaspeed version with more power is. If Toyota updates the GR86, people clamor for a turbocharged variant. And now that Honda has revived the Prelude, people are asking about a Type R variant. Well, according to Japanese outlet Best Car, Honda is already working on not only a 1.5-liter turbo Type S with 182 horsepower for a debut in 2026, but also "considering" a Type R variant with the Civic Type R's 315-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. As enticing as those might be, is there any truth to...

“If there’s a painted line and it’s clearly marked, you can drive hands-free,” once a new update for Rivian’s R1S and R1T battery-electric vehicles is released later this month, according to James Philbin, the automaker’s vice president of autonomy and AI.

Related: Rivian’s New $2,500 Autonomy+ Package Undercuts Tesla FSD by Thousands

Giving motorists access to 3.5 million miles of U.S. and Canadian roadways, that’s more 20 times the coverage Rivian currently offers – and nearly three times more than what General Motors’ latest Super Cruise update now can handle. But that’s just the...

A Surprise Behind Closed Doors

An old, abandoned shop doesn’t look like the kind of place where you’d expect to find anything of value. But that wasn’t the case for this garage, where YouTuber FoMoCoPower’s Garage uncovered a classic Chevrolet Corvette that, according to him, had been sitting on a lift since 1976, along with a Land Rover Range Rover.

The Corvette in question is believed to be a 1975 model year, showing just 1,000 miles on the odometer, with a valid title still in hand. Finding a mid-’70s Corvette with such low mileage today is...

Reports of the W16's death have been greatly exaggerated. While the W16 Mistral was the last series-productionBugatti to feature the quad-turbocharged 16-cylinder engine, the 1% of the 1% can still commission one-offs based on the Chiron, and following the debut of the Brouillard in August, a new report from The Supercar Blog claims that another such exclusive one-off is coming in January 2026. The publication's sources haven't revealed much, but it's safe to assume that Bugatti Solitaire's second-ever creation will also be a Chiron underneath since the Tourbillon is still in development and far from having its novelty worn off.

An Anniversary With Monthly Surprises

Jeep is gearing up for its 85th birthday in 2026, but rather than dropping just one anniversary edition and calling it a day, the brand is rolling out a year-long celebration called Twelve 4 Twelve. Basically, every month, a new special-edition Wrangler arrives, each one spotlighting a different piece of Jeep’s story. Things started strong in November with the Wrangler Moab 392, a V8 brute built for serious off-roaders. December goes a bit differently with the debut of the Wrangler Whitecap.

The Whitecap isn’t about raw power – it’s about heritage. Jeep brin...

Honda is trying hard to keep its coolest cars on the road

There’s something magical about older cars. Whether it's the car that you drove during high school, the one your father took out on a drive on Sundays, or that nimble little sports car that made the twisty road on the outskirts of town feel like a video game. For car enthusiasts, older vehicles aren’t just vehicles; they’re time machines that transport their owners toward specific moments, memories, and feelings in their own special way.

Despite their coolness, the painful reality is tha...

A 2020 Ford F-150 Shelby Super Snake pickup showing just 5,930 miles is crossing the block at Barrett-Jackson’s 2026 Scottsdale auction next month, giving buyers a shot at one of the more extreme street trucks Shelby has built in recent years.

The low-mile example, listed as CSM No. 20SSS0133 and consigned from the Centre Pointe Collection, is scheduled to roll through WestWorld of Scottsdale in January, where it will test demand for modern, high-output Shelby-badged pickups at a time when Ford performance fans are just as likely to be shopping brand-new muscle.

When OEM Isn't Enough

Bentley is known for making bespoke, exquisite machines that should not leave its customers wanting more. However, if that happens, there are tuning companies that add their own touch to boost performance and further individualize looks.

Brabus is one such company, a German firm that gained notoriety by modifying Mercedes-Benz models. Brabus creations became known for their sinister styling and over-the-top performance enhancements – even adding Smart cars as part of the company's portfolio.

With a strong reputation for Mercedes-Benz tuning, the brand is looking to diversify and has now se...

Fire Alert

Volkswagen is recalling certain ID.4 units due to a fire risk linked to irregularities in the high-voltage battery cells. The issue is serious enough that the automaker is advising owners to park their EVs outside after charging and not to leave them inside the garage overnight, as a potential fire could cause severe property damage.

According to the recall report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected units may contain individual battery cells with misaligned electrodes caused by a quality deviation during manufacturing. A misaligned electrode can compromise the internal...

Likely the Wildest Cruiser We've Seen to Date

Dubai Police have expanded their already headline-grabbing fleet with a new addition that manages to outshine even their Bugattis and Lamborghinis. The force has officially taken delivery of a Mansory-modified Ferrari Purosangue, unveiled during the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE 2025. Even for a city that treats hypercars as daily tools of governance, this might be the most outrageous patrol vehicle yet.

The one-off build, known as the Mansory Pugnator, was commissioned specifically for the Dubai Police, marking the first time the force has adopted Ferrari’s V12 family hauler in...

Slow-Selling Electric VWs

As of September 2025, Volkswagen's slowest sellers are the performance models, the Golf GTI and Golf R (5,700 and 2,684 units, respectively), and its EVs, the ID.4 and ID. Buzz (22,125 and 4,934 units, respectively). Clearly, demand for battery-electric Volkswagens isn't there in America, and the automaker may have a solution: range-extended EVs.

Range-extended EVs sit between pure electrics and traditional hybrids. You drive on battery power most of the time, but there’s a small gasoline engine onboard that works only as a generator when the battery runs low. This setup means you don’t have to w...

BMW has hit a massive milestone with its iconic 3 Series. The sedan has now been in production for 50 years, with over 18 million models manufactured since 1975. The 3 Series helped establish the compact luxury sedan segment after the larger 5 Series arrived on the scene a few years prior. The car soon came to be associated with sporty driving dynamics, especially once the E30 generation went on sale. Today, the X3 and X5 SUVs easily outsell the 3 Series, but the sedan remains a core product within BMW’s lineup.

Munich Production Base Eventually Expanded to 13 Countries

BMW 3 Series pr...

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 arrives in the United States early next year. It will go up against the Toyota RAV4, which has also just entered a new generation. As if that’s not enough of a challenge, the CX-5 must also fill the big shoes of the second-generation model. But buyers are likely to move on to the new CX-5 quickly if it proves to be good, and Mazda has just given families a solid reason to spring for the new one, as it has passed its first major crash tests with flying colors. According to new Euro NCAP tests, th...

Is Tesla OK?

Tesla is ending 2025 with a jarring setback: U.S. sales in November plunged to their lowest level since January 2022, according to exclusive Cox Automotive data shared with Reuters. Even after rolling out new “Standard” variants of the Model Y and Model 3, priced about $5,000 below the previous base models, the company saw sales fall nearly 23% year-over-year to 39,800 units. These cheaper versions were meant to help Tesla maintain volume as it shifts its long-term focus toward robotaxis and humanoid robots, technologies central to its $1.4 trillion valuation.

But the numbers highlight a deeper issue. EV dema...

A routine drive on Florida’s I-95 turned into a scene straight out of an action movie when a small aircraft made an emergency landing directly onto a moving Toyota Camry. The dramatic moment, captured on a passing driver’s dash cam, has quickly spread online, showcasing one of the wildest real-world crash scenarios you’ll ever see.

What Happened on I-95

WESH 2 says the aircraft was on an instructional flight after departing from Merritt Island when it suddenly lost power in both engines. With limited altitude and no runway in reach, the pilot aimed for th...

A Crowd-Puller That Many Won’t Get

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has had no trouble drawing attention. It surfaced about a week before the Japan Mobility Show and immediately stirred interest as the entry-level sibling to the global Land Cruiser lineup. During the show itself, the model was such a magnet for visitors that getting a clean look at it during press days became difficult. Toyota leaned heavily into a simple, functional design that resonated with enthusiasts who miss the discontinued FJ Cruiser.

But just because everyone wants a closer look doesn’t mean ever...

Bently has just set a lap record of a different kind with its Flying Spur Speed, a large luxury sedan that one expects to be taking up space at the local country club, not displaying track heroics. The record was set at the Drivecenter Arena in northern Sweden, the most northerly active racetrack in the world. What makes the Bentley’s record particularly impressive is that it was achieved on an ice-covered track in harsh winter conditions, showing that the big Flying Spur not just has ample power—but can also put that power down effectively.

Just 100 Mile...

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All-New for 2026

One of America's favorite midsize crossovers got a massive overhaul this year. The Kia Telluride has been given a comprehensive redesign this year, and it's safe to say that it'll likely become one of the hottest cars out there once it reaches showrooms.

Like the Palisade, it seems that the Telluride also drew inspiration from a particular British luxury SUV. Not that it's a bad thing, though, as the crossover does have a good bit of presence.

K

Another Potential Best-Seller

Telluride sales have been up year-on-year...

VinFast: A (Very) Condensed History

One can say that VinFast can trace its origins, of all things, to the food industry. More specifically, the VinGroup empire was built on instant noodles. Its founder, Phạm Nhật Vượng, then expanded into real estate, and VinGroup today has subsidiaries in hospitality, healthcare, and, yes, cars.

A bit of an odd origin story, but here we are today. VinFast broke ground in 2017, and its first models were reskinned versions of the F10 BMW 5 Series and F15 BMW X5. A subcompact hatch soon followed, based heavily on the Che...