Hyundai Takes Wraps Off 2027 Ioniq 9 Calligraphy Black Ink Model
Hyundai unveiled the 2027 Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink, its most upscale electric SUV yet, at the new Metaplant America in Savannah, Georgia. The limited‑edition model features an all‑black exterior and interior, a 110.3 kWh battery with 800‑volt architecture, and a dual‑motor setup delivering 422 hp and 516 lb‑ft of torque. Hyundai highlighted a 350 kW ultra‑fast charging capability that fills the battery from 10 % to 80 % in roughly 24 minutes. The vehicle will hit dealer lots this summer, though pricing remains undisclosed.
Jeep Teases New Avenger Model with New Take on Iconic Grille
Jeep has teased a refreshed version of its Avenger electric SUV, showcasing a modern take on the brand’s iconic seven‑slot grille. The Avenger, already a top seller in Europe and the second‑best‑selling vehicle in Italy, was previously highlighted with a...
Mitsubishi Recalling 108K Outlander, Outlander PHEVs Due to Liftgate Problem
Mitsubishi Motor Corp. announced a recall of 108,046 Outlander and Outlander plug‑in hybrid SUVs due to corrosion‑prone liftgate gas struts that can lose pressure and drop the rear door. The issue affects model years 2014‑2020 for standard Outlanders and 2018‑2022...
LEGO Volvo Concept Could Be The Future Of Construction
Volvo and LEGO Technic’s LX03 concept, originally a scale model from 2016, has been expanded into a full‑size, fully electric, autonomous wheel loader. Weighing 11,000 lb with an 8,800 lb tipping capacity, it can run four to eight hours on a charge....
Ford Recalling 140K Rangers Due to Wiring Issue that Could Cause a Fire
Ford Motor Co. announced a recall of 140,201 Ranger midsize pickups from the 2024‑2026 model years due to a wiring defect in the A‑pillar. The damaged sunvisor or headliner harness can short to ground, generating heat or sparks that may...
Rivian Begins Production of Second EV with R2 Deliveries Coming in Q2
Rivian has started production of its second vehicle, the R2 compact SUV, at the Normal, Illinois plant. The R2, positioned against the Tesla Model Y, delivers up to 656 horsepower, 0‑60 mph in 3.6 seconds and an estimated 345‑mile range....
GM’s Paying Out Big Money for Top Executives
General Motors disclosed its 2025 executive compensation, keeping CEO Mary Barra at the top of the Detroit Three with a total package of $29.9 million, a modest 1.4% rise. Jim Farley earned $27.5 million after an 11% increase, while Antonio Filosa’s pay fell...
2026 Nissan Leaf Video Review -- How Does New Leaf Stack Up?
The 2026 Nissan Leaf has been completely redesigned, offering a sportier look, larger dimensions, and a top‑range of 303 miles (488 km) on the base battery. Three trims—S+, SV Plus, and Platinum Plus—share a 214‑horsepower drivetrain, with the mid‑level SV...
Americans Wading Deeper Into Auto Loan Debt as Car Price Rise
Nearly one‑third of U.S. consumers who traded in a vehicle in Q1 2026 were underwater on their loans, the highest level in five years. The average negative‑equity balance was $7,183, 42% higher than in 2021, pushing monthly payments up to...
Used Car Inventory Continues to Tighten, But Prices Drop Only Slightly
Used‑car inventory hit its lowest level since 2019, falling 5.9% year‑over‑year to 1.95 million units on dealer lots. Despite the squeeze, average listing prices rose only 0.7% in March to $25,390, a modest increase partly driven by tax‑refund spending. Daily sales...
These Fatal Tesla Autopilot Crashes Can Tell Us a Lot About Self-Driving Tech
Tesla’s Autopilot, launched in 2015 and expanded to all models by 2019, has been linked to multiple fatal crashes over the past decade. Notable incidents include a 2016 Florida crash where the driver ignored wheel‑hand alerts, a 2021 California Model X...
How Ford Stole The 2026 Detroit Auto Show
Ford dominated the 2026 Detroit Auto Show by unveiling two high‑performance models aimed at enthusiasts. The 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC features a supercharged 5.2‑liter V8, advanced aerodynamics and a seven‑speed dual‑clutch transmission, with deliveries slated for summer 2026. The...
Infiniti Officials Pondering Move Away From Alpha Numeric Vehicle Names
Infiniti is weighing a shift away from its two‑decade‑long alphanumeric naming scheme as Nissan executives voice frustration with the confusing model tags. The change is being discussed alongside the launch of the new QX65 SUV at the Tennessee plant. Nissan...
QOTD: Did Wealthy Buyers Kill Small Cars?
Economist Clifford Winston argues that affluent buyers and protectionist policies have accelerated the demise of affordable small cars in the United States. He notes automakers, especially the Detroit Three, prioritize higher‑margin SUVs and luxury trucks because they are cheaper to...
Recall Alert: Genesis
Hyundai Motor America announced a safety recall affecting roughly 94,760 Genesis luxury vehicles due to a potential fuel‑pipe to fuel‑rail leak that could ignite in the engine compartment. The recall spans the GV70 (2022‑2026), GV80 (2021‑2025), G80 (2021‑2025) and G90...
Connie Peters Drives The Polestar 4
Connie Peters took the new Polestar 4 for a spin in Austin, highlighting its radical design and premium tech. The compact crossover coupe eliminates the rear glass, using a high‑definition camera feed for a digital mirror, while offering a massive trunk...
Stellantis Drives to Encourage School-Age Car Designers
Stellantis has introduced the 2026 Drive for Design Junior contest, a new competition for students from kindergarten through ninth grade. The contest, divided into three age brackets, challenges participants to redesign a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram vehicle under the...
Winter EV Driving: Range and Elevation Lessons From A 20"+ Snow Storm
In a recent VWIDTalk podcast, hosts Jan and Wes dissected real‑world EV performance during a ski‑trip that involved a 4,000‑foot climb and more than 20 inches of snow. Starting at 100% charge, the vehicle’s range prediction of 199 miles fell...
First Time On A Dyno -- Jon's 1971 MGB "Racecar"
Jon took his 1971 MGB, rebuilt with a 1976 block and 1974 HIF4 carburetors, to Eclectic Motorworks for its first-ever dyno run. After several chaotic pulls, the car produced a peak of 61 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 73 lb‑ft of torque...
Neglected Integra GS-R K-Swap Build - Dyno Finale
Speed Academy’s K‑Tuned team revived a rust‑ridden 1999 Acura Integra GSR by swapping in a high‑mileage K20 engine and adding a Precision 6062 turbo, custom titanium charge pipes, and a valve‑controlled exhaust. The build aimed for the elusive 500 wheel‑horsepower (whp)...
Traffic Deaths in U.S. Fall to Lowest Levels Since Pandemic
Federal safety officials reported that 36,640 people died in U.S. traffic crashes in 2025, a 6.7% drop from 2024 and the lowest fatality count since 2019. The decline marks the 15th consecutive quarter of falling deaths, even as the Federal...
Hyundai Recalling 291K Vehicles Due to Seat Belt Anchor Problem
Hyundai Motor America is recalling 291,128 vehicles across its Hyundai and Genesis lineups due to a defective front‑seat belt anchor that can release the belt clip. The issue spans 2023‑2026 Genesis G90, 2023‑2025 Ioniq 6, and 2024‑2026 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid...
How Opel’s CD Concept Became The Bitter CD
In the late 1960s Opel, a profitable GM European division, unveiled the futuristic CD concept at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show, featuring a sleek fiberglass body, a single‑piece glass canopy and a Chevrolet‑derived 5.4‑liter V8. Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua later...
1960 & 1961 Ford Starliner & Sunliner - Where Ford Muscle Began
The 1960‑61 Ford Starliner and Sunliner, two‑door Galaxie Special variants, marked Ford’s first foray into factory‑backed high‑performance cars. Equipped with the new Thunderbird V8 family, the 1960 model offered a 360‑hp 352 ci engine—the first Ford engine to exceed one horsepower...
VW Halting U.S. Production of ID.4, Shifting to More SUVs
Volkswagen of America will cease production of the ID.4 electric SUV at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant later this month, repurposing the line for higher‑volume models. The shift centers on the upcoming second‑generation 2027 Atlas, VW’s flagship SUV in the U.S....
Everything Old Is New Again: GM Bringing Back Chevy Camaro in 2027
General Motors announced that the Chevrolet Camaro will be revived, slated for a 2027 launch as a 2028 model year. The new pony car will return with a traditional internal‑combustion powertrain, dismissing expectations of an all‑electric version. It will be...
Connie Peters Drives The Improved 2026 BMW iX xDrive60
The 2026 BMW iX xDrive60 receives a modest exterior refresh but major upgrades in power and efficiency, now delivering 536 horsepower and a claimed 366‑mile (600 km) range. Battery consumption is low, dropping only 15% on a 60 km commute, and charging...
Wiper Arm Issue Forces Ford to Recalls 422,613 Full-Size SUVs, Super Dutys
Ford announced a recall of 422,613 2021‑2023 Lincoln Navigators, Expeditions and 2022‑2023 Super Duty pickups due to a defective wiper‑arm assembly that can strip splines and detach the arm. The flaw traces to an incorrectly installed latch‑retention plate supplied to...
Subaru Electrifies New York with 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid, Getaway EV Debut
Subaru unveiled its 2027 lineup in New York, introducing the Forester Wilderness Hybrid and the all‑new Getaway EV. The Forester Hybrid delivers a 25% fuel‑economy boost and 194 hp using an optimized 2.5‑liter Boxer engine paired with a lithium‑ion battery. The...
Kia Unveils Bigger, Roomier Seltos at New York Auto Show
At the New York Auto Show, Kia unveiled the 2027 Seltos, a larger, wider version of its compact SUV that shares design cues with the Telluride and Sorento. The model introduces a new hybrid powertrain exclusive to the X‑Line trim,...
The Bianco S: Brazil’s Beetle Bred Sports Car
The Bianco S was a Brazilian sports car built in the late 1970s using the Volkswagen Beetle platform, unveiled at the 1976 São Paulo Motor Show. Designed by Italian‑born Otacílio Bianco, it featured a lightweight fiberglass body, a 1.6‑liter air‑cooled engine...
Report: Auto Finance Departments Worried About Losing Billions On Used EVs
Automakers' finance arms are confronting a looming multi‑billion‑dollar hit as a wave of leased electric vehicles returns to the market with resale values far below expectations. Analysts estimate EVs lose about 60% of their value in the first five years,...
The Ford Fusion - The Best Value In The Used Car Market?
The first‑generation Ford Fusion (2006‑2012) was built on a Mazda‑derived CD3 platform and positioned between the Focus and Five Hundred to challenge the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Over its run the model saw steady sales—averaging roughly 180,000 units per...
I Found My People -- 1970 MG Midget "Kimbo"
During Michigan’s 2020 lockdown, Jim bought a 1970 MG Midget for $10 and set out to restore it. After months of hands‑on work with friends, he revived the car, naming it Kimbo, and began driving it regularly. A chance encounter...
GM Increasing Heavy Truck Production Despite Rising Fuel Prices
General Motors is expanding heavy‑duty truck production at its Flint, Michigan plant, moving from three shifts to up to six days a week to meet soaring demand for Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD models. The plant already builds about...
Tales From The Beat Episode 135: Auto Journalist Gerry Conover
Gerry Conover, a former Ford product‑planning executive and 45‑year veteran journalist, appears on TTAC’s "Tales From the Beat" episode 135. He shares insights from his newsletter Cars Smart News, covering oil market volatility, the $50,000 average new‑car price, and the practical limits...
Tales From the Beat Episode 130: Competitive Paranoia
In episode 130 of *Tales from the Beat*, veteran journalist Ed Garsten revisits a 1986 CNN assignment where a senior editor forced him to replicate a New York Times story about the Tennessee‑Tombigbee Waterway. Garsten’s crew filmed in freezing December...
Cowgirl Style In The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban High Country
The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban High Country receives a modest refresh, adding sharper front‑and‑rear styling and a revamped infotainment system with Google integration. Powered by a 6.2‑liter V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb‑ft of torque, the model offers an optional air‑ride suspension...
Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Recalls Explained
Volkswagen announced two EV battery recalls for the ID.4 in February 2026. Recall V028 affects 670 U.S. and Canadian vehicles equipped with SK On batteries, requiring immediate battery module replacement due to a fire‑risk cathode misalignment. Recall V030 covers 43,881 additional...
Minnesota Considers Requiring Driver’s Ed For Everyone Under 21
Minnesota legislators have introduced bill HF3998 to raise the mandatory driver‑education age from 18 to 21, extending the current 30‑hour classroom and 50‑hour supervised‑driving requirements that apply only to teens. The proposal cites data showing drivers aged 18‑20 who skip...
The Mercury Bobcat - Why It's Not As Bad As It's Reputation
The Mercury Bobcat was Mercury’s first North‑American subcompact, essentially a rebadged Ford Pinto offering low price and strong fuel economy. Launched in 1974‑75 amid the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s investigation of rear‑impact fires in the Pinto, the Bobcat inherited...
Abarth 1600: The Forgotten Italian Sports Coupe
The Abarth 1600 Coupé was a 1969 prototype styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro that represented the tuning house’s final independent effort before Fiat’s full acquisition. Built on a Fiat‑derived platform with a 1.6‑liter engine delivering roughly 100‑120 hp, the 2+2 coupe blended...
Infiniti Preps for 2027 QX65 Fastback SUV’s March 26 Reveal
Infiniti will unveil its 2027 QX65 fastback SUV on March 26 at 7 p.m. EDT, marking the brand’s first all‑new model since 2021. The two‑row, coupe‑style SUV slots between the midsize QX60 and full‑size QX80, both of which received recent updates....
2026 Nissan Sentra SR Review -- Bold
The 2026 Nissan Sentra SR receives a visual overhaul with new LED headlights, a reshaped grille, and a sportier fastback silhouette. Powertrain fundamentals stay the same—a 149‑horsepower engine paired with a refined CVT that cuts noise and smooths acceleration. Inside,...
The Concept C Gears Audi up for a Big Brand Reset
Audi unveiled the Concept C, an all‑electric two‑door sports car that signals a major design shift for the brand. The vehicle blends a retro‑inspired front fascia—echoing the 1936 Type C Grand Prix car—with modern cues from the TT, A6 and...
The Wedge Shaped Porsche That Never Was
The Porsche Tapiro was a 1970 concept supercar designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and built on a Porsche 914/6 chassis. Its radical wedge shape, gull‑wing doors and 2.4‑liter flat‑six engine produced about 220 hp and a claimed 152 mph top speed. Debuting at...
Did Tyler Reddick Go Faster With A Missing Fender At Atlanta?
Tyler Reddick captured the Autotrader 400 at Atlanta despite losing his right‑front fender in a late‑race crash. Technical analyst Bozi Tatarevic evaluated the aerodynamic impact, concluding that the missing panel added front downforce and drag, creating modest turbulence but no...
1969 - 70 Mercury Marauder: BIG Brute Muscle?
The 1969‑70 Mercury Marauder was revived as a full‑size personal luxury coupe, featuring a 429‑cubic‑inch V8 delivering up to 360 horsepower. While the X‑100 trim added sportier styling and optional performance equipment, the car’s 0‑60 time of 7.8 seconds and...
Ford Sales Drop in February, Volvo Down During Last Three Months
Ford reported a 5.5% decline in February new‑vehicle sales, led by a 9.4% drop in its truck lineup and a 71.2% plunge in the Escape as it phases out for 2026. The F‑Series full‑size pickup fell 16.2%, while the Ranger...
Video Review: 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 Coupe
The 2024 Mercedes‑Benz AMG GT 63 Coupe showcases a hand‑built twin‑turbo V8 delivering 577 hp and 590 lb‑ft of torque, propelling the all‑wheel‑drive sedan from 0‑60 mph in under three seconds. A suite of carbon‑fiber exterior and interior packages, 21‑inch wheels, and optional carbon‑ceramic...