Toy Story 911s, 591-HP Audi SQ7, Jeep fire recall
PLUS: Mitsubishi Eclipse EV, $400K Escort RS, V16 tractor
Releases & Reviews
2027 Audi Q7's Third Generation Revealed with 591-HP V-8 Sibling
The third-gen Q7 ditches its four-cylinder base for a 429 hp (320 kW) turbo V-6 with 442 lb-ft (599 Nm), while the SQ7 climbs to a 591 hp (441 kW) twin-turbo V-8. Both finally get Audi's road-legal Digital Matrix LED headlights and arrive in the fourth quarter.
The Rivian R2 is too much fun to let drive itself
Rivian's smaller R2 proves a class of one: genuinely off-road capable, with tech that feels a generation ahead of legacy rivals. The Performance model's dual motors make 656 hp (489 kW) and 606 lb-ft (822 Nm) and hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Conventional springs are the lone compromise.
Technology, Market Data & Analysis
GM thinks EVs can help offset AI's energy suck with vehicle-to-grid tech
GM will push a firmware update letting 250,000-plus bidirectional Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC EVs send power back to the grid—enough combined capacity to run 120,000 homes for a week. It's also adding sodium-ion grid storage and an Energy Pass app that unifies payment across Tesla, Electrify America, and IONNA chargers.
Used EV Prices Are Rising Faster Than Gas Cars
Cox Automotive data shows used EV wholesale prices up nearly 12 percent year over year—roughly four times the 3 percent gain for gas cars—as fuel costs run about 38 percent higher. A wave of off-lease returns later in 2026 could reverse the trend, so bargain hunters may want to wait.
Car Culture
Porsche and Pixar Mark 30 Years of Toy Story With Three One-Off 911s
Porsche's Sonderwunsch division built three one-off 911s themed to Woody, Buzz, and Jessie for the franchise's 30th anniversary. Buzz is a GT3 RS Weissach with custom 'Lightyear'-molded Goodyears; Jessie is a Targa 4 GTS with denim-look seats and cowhide mats. All three are auctioned for charity.
Honda Celebrates 50 Years of the Accord
Launched in 1976 as a 68 hp (51 kW) two-door hatchback, the Accord became the first Japanese car built in America at Marysville, Ohio, in 1982 and dethroned the Ford Taurus as the nation's best-seller in 1989. Nearly 15 million have sold across the US in five decades.
Miscellaneous
Park It Outside: Stellantis Recalls More Than 1 Million Jeeps
Stellantis is recalling 1,076,999 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models from 2021 to 2025 because power-steering-pump wiring can overheat and ignite a fire—even when parked and switched off. With 72 incidents reported and 35 confirmed, owners are told to park outside, away from structures, until dealers replace the parts.
Subaru Teases Three New Manual Models for 2027, Including New WRX STI
At Japan's Fuji 24 Hours, Subaru previewed three 2027 models with manual gearboxes: a new WRX STI using the previous generation's durable TY85 six-speed, a track-honed BRZ borrowing ZF dampers and Brembo brakes, and an accessible Impreza five-door. US availability remains unconfirmed, but Subaru wouldn't rule it out.
Quick Links
The New Mitsubishi Eclipse Is Actually a Nissan Leaf Underneath
The Eclipse Sportback EV is essentially a Nissan Leaf with bespoke styling and three-spoke wheels, so expect specs to mirror the Leaf's roughly 259 mile (417 km) range and $30,000 starting price.
Harley-Davidson to bring Revolution Max production back to US
Production of the Revolution Max engine—used in the Sportster S, Nightster, and Pan America 1250—returns to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin before Model Year 2028, with over 100,000 bikes planned from York in 2027.
Committee Advances Right to Repair Provisions
The REPAIR Act provisions would force automakers to share diagnostic and repair data with independent shops and let the FTC enforce it, though opponents warn of knockoff parts and added insurer influence.
Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS Revealed with 10K-RPM Redline
This ground-up 'Continumod' rides on a bespoke chassis with a 325 hp (242 kW) 2.1 liter four screaming to 10,000 rpm, targets under 2,000 pounds (906 kg), and is limited to 150 cars from $400,000.
Honda Racing Boss: 'Look Forward' To A More Hardcore Civic Type R
HRC's president confirms the track-developed Civic Type R HRC Concept—with Super GT-style fender flares, sharper aero, and retuned suspension—reaches production within roughly 100 days, though US availability remains unconfirmed.
John Deere Tractor With V16 Detroit Diesel Tugboat Engine Is a Sled-Pulling Machine
Dubbed 'Johnzilla,' this John Deere 5020 packs a 1,136 cubic inch two-stroke Detroit Diesel V16 tugboat engine making an estimated 600 hp (448 kW)—requiring a three-foot frame stretch to fit.
9 Classic American Sports Cars That Aren't Corvettes
A browsable roundup of nine fun-to-drive American classics beyond the Corvette, aimed at buyers who want a homegrown sports car that dares to be different.