Monday, June 8, 2026

Audi Nuvolariis Super Car Coming First Half of 2027

The Audi Nuvolariis, named after Tazio Nuvolari, is powered by a hybrid high-performance powertrain with a maximum system output of 736 kW (1,001 PS). It combines a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivering 588 kW (800 horsepower) with three axial flux electric motors, each producing 110 kW. The lithium-ion battery has a gross capacity of 7.3 kWh. Deliveries of the supercar, limited to 499 units, will begin in the first half of 2027.

2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Coming This Summer

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid compact SUV, offered in LX, S (new), EX, X-Line (new), and SX-Prestige trim levels, is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine combined with a 47.7kW motor delivering 232 horsepower with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 2,000 lb towing capacity. The 2027 Sportage Hybrid is expected Summer 2026.The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Sportage, available in LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige trims, has a 187 horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 2500 lb. towing capacity. The Sportage PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) comes in X-Line and X-Line Prestige trims and has a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection combined with a 72kW motor through a 6-speed automatic transmission delivering 268 horsepower and a 2000 lb. towing capacity. 

2027 Kia Seltos Starts At $26,485

The all-new, second-generation 2027 Kia Seltos compact SUV on a longer wheelbase with a wider stance, offers a choice of a 2.0-liter engine or a 1.6-liter turbocharged powertrain. New for the 2027 model, bold X-Line trims are available with both the 2.0L and 1.6T engines. The 2027 Seltos includes a standard 12.3-inch digital touchscreen display, instrument display and 5-inch climate display panel, standard Wireless Apple CarPlay5 and Android Auto. The LX FWD trim starts at $26,485 (including $1,495 destination). Pricing for the all-new Kia Seltos HEV will be announced closer to its on-sale date later this year.

2027 BMW M2 Starts At $74,950 Late Summer

The new 2027 BMW M2 with M xDrive is powered by a 473 horsepower six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology mated to an 8-speed M STEPTRONIC transmission with Drivelogic. M xDrive splits the power between the front and rear axles according to the situation. The market launch of the BMW M2 with M xDrive, starting at $74,950 (including $1,350 destination and handling), will begin in late Summer 2026.

2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid AWD Night Starts At $44,175

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid AWD Night starts at $44,175 (including $1,600 destination) with new gloss-black features including 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear bumper fascia elements, mirror caps, and window-surround trim. In addition to the new Night trim, Hyundai is broadening the Tucson Hybrid lineup with the introduction of the new Hybrid SE FWD with 8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC® starting at $32,550 and the Tucson Hybrid SEL FWD starting at $34,000. 

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Ferrari Luce EV Has 329 Mile Range

The Ferrari Luce EV, with four doors and five seats, is powered by four electric engines, one per wheel, and is equipped with a high‑capacity 122 kWh battery, an active suspension system derived from the F80 and an independently steering rear axle. The battery pack consists of 210 cells connected in series and delivers a gross energy capacity of 122 kWh at 800 V and is integrated into the floorpan, helping to lower the car’s centre of gravity. It is possible to recharge 70 kWh in 20 minutes using a fast-charging station capable of delivering up to 350 kW. The range is 329 miles and top speed 193 miles an hour. The audio system has 21 speakers and 24 channel/3000 W amplification.


Thirty years ago I asked Piero Ferrari if Ferrari would introduce an SUV, now they have their first all-electric vehicle. Click here to watch 1996 interview with Piero Ferrari.

Saturday, May 23, 2026

MINI Paul Smith Editions Start At $36,175 In August

The new MINI Paul Smith Editions come in Cooper 2-Door, Cooper 4-Door, and Cooper Convertible and powered by a 159 horsepower 2.0 liter MINI TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder 16-valve engine mated to a 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission or a 201 horsepower 2.0 liter MINI TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder 16-valve engine in the MINI Cooper S models. Sir Paul Smith is an English fashion designer known for signature stripes and hues, who, in 1998, began with an exclusive launch of the MINI Cooper 2 Door in Paul Smith Blue. The MINI Cooper 2-door starts at $30,675 (including $1,175 destination & handling fee) then add $4,100 for the Iconic Trim Prerequisite and another $1,400 for the Paul Smith Edition for a total of $36,175. The MINI Cooper S 2-Door Paul Smith Edition is $39,475 and goes up to $44,575 for the MINI Cooper S Convertible. Grey, White, or Midnight Black Metallic are the exterior paint choices. Pre-ordering for the MINI Paul Smith Edition opens June 3rd at www.miniusa.com. Vehicles are expected to arrive at US dealers in early August.

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Coming In Late 2026

The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is the first series production all-electric vehicle with axial flux motors utilizing three electric motors, two on the rear axle and one at the front delivering a system output of up to 1,153 horsepower. The high voltage of the 800-volt lithium-ion battery with directly cooled cylindrical cells ensures fast, repeatable and sustained power delivery contributing to overall performance. The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe arrives at U.S. dealerships later in 2026 starting with the Mercedes‑AMG GT 55 4-Door Coupe, followed by the Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe in early 2027.

Acura Hybrid SUV and Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototypes

A next-generation Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype previews one of 15 new Acura and Honda hybrid models the company plans for introduction globally, primarily in North America, by 2030. Acura will begin launching its first hybrid models featuring it’s all-new hybrid system and next-generation platform starting in the next two years. Honda’s next-generation ADAS (advanced driver assistance system), which is planned for introduction starting in 2028, will assist the driver with vehicle operations such as acceleration and steering throughout the entire route all the way to their destination, seamlessly on both expressways and surface roads, based on driver inputs to the navigation system. 

Next-generation Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype.

All-New Kia Seltos Arriving This Year

 

The all-new Kia Seltos subcompact SUV, 1.7 inches longer on a 2.4 inch longer wheelbase than its predecessor and built on an entirely new platform, is powered by a choice of 2.0L, 1.6T-GDI and 1.6L hybrid electric powertrains. A panoramic display combining dual 12.3-inch screens for instrument cluster and infotainment with a dedicated climate control panel and Kia's latest connected car Navigation Cockpit platform. A 12-inch windshield Head-Up Display projects select key driving data directly into the driver's line of sight. The model will be available across Korea, North America, Europe and China throughout 2026, reaching up to 189 countries globally. The hybrid variant is available in Korea from January 2026, followed by Europe, North America and other markets across the course of the year.

2027 Volvo EX60 EVs Available To Order

The all‑new 2027 Volvo EX60 is available to order now through authorized U.S. retailers and configure online starting at $59,795 (including the $1,395 destination fee) for the EX60 P6 with electric range up to 307 miles. The EX60 P10 AWD, with up to 322 miles of range, starts at $62,145 and the EX60 P12 AWD, with up to 400 miles of range, arriving after the P6 and P10 variants, will have details available at a later date. The EX60 P6 Plus is equipped with a 15-inch OLED touchscreen featuring Google Built-in with Gemini AI assistant, Pilot Assist, a 21-speaker Bose Premium Sound system, and the Safe Space Technology suite of active and passive safety technology. The EX60 is the first Volvo car equipped with a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, enabling charging convenience and simple, adapter‑free access to more than 29,000+ Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide.

Vision BMW ALPINA Shows The Future

The BMW ALPINA is now the most exclusive luxury and performance brand within BMW and the Vision BMW ALPINA, at 204.7 inches long with a V8 powertrain, is a design and technology outlook that demonstrates the brand’s future direction with key elements including design, materials, driving experience, and brand interpretation expected to flow into future BMW ALPINA models. BMW ALPINA became an exclusive brand within the BMW Group in 2026 to fill a gap between BMW and Rolls-Royce in the high-end segment. 

Saturday, May 9, 2026

All-New, All-Electric 2027 Lexus TZ SUV Coming Late 2026

The all-new 2027 Lexus TZ, the brand’s first three-row, all-electric, AWD SUV has a manufacturer-estimated 300 Miles of range. The TZ features 76.96 kWh and 95.82 kWh lithium-ion battery options and employs the DIRECT4 AWD system that distributes torque between front and rear motors based on driving conditions for linear acceleration and precise cornering. TZ comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 Active Safety and Convenience Feature Suite and the Latest-Generation Lexus Interface. New features include customizable widgets on the home screen, improved “Hey Lexus” Voice Assistant, full-screen navigation on the digital gauge cluster and EV Charge Management functions including EV Routing and EV Range Map to support seamless electric driving. Drive Recorder records external camera footage. Towing capacity is up to 3500 lbs. Grade and pricing information for the all-new Lexus TZ will be available later in 2026 and is expected to go on sale at the end of 2026.

2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive Arrives Late September

The 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive, with an official EPA estimated range of up to 434 miles, will start at $62,850 (including $1,350 destination and handling) for the Neue Klasse model when it launches in the US market on September 25th. The iX3 utilizes sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology comprised of highly efficient electric motors, new high-voltage batteries with more energy-dense cylindrical cells and an 800V architecture. A maximum charging rate of 400 kW enables customers to add an estimated 185 miles of range in just 10 minutes or charge from 10 to 80% capacity in just 21 minutes at an 800V DC charging station via the standard NACS port. 

2027 INFINITI QX60 Starts At $53,435

The 2027 INFINITI QX60 three-row luxury SUV, offered in PURE and LUXE and SPORT and AUTOGRAPH grades with standard AWD, is powered by a 268 horsepower Variable Compression Turbo engine with a towing rating of up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. The rear wheel drive PURE starts at $53,435 (including $1,545 destination and handling charge) and $55,535 for AWD. The top-of-the-line AUTOGRAPH starts at $68,435. An available Technology Package for AUTOGRAPH grade is $3,150 MSRP and adds ProPILOT Assist 2.17 for hands-off driving in certain highway situations, and a “spin” capability for the 3D Around View Monitor system.

2026 Kia EV6 Starts At $39,445, 2027 Kia EV3 Coming Late 2026

The 2026 Kia EV6 is available in the 167 horsepower Light with 237 mile range starting at $39,445 (including $1,545 destination), the 225 horsepower Light Long Range ($42,745), Wind ($46,345) and GT-Line ($50,245) rear wheel drive grades have 319 mile range and the 325 horsepower AWD Light Long Range ($46,745) and Wind ($50,345) deliver 295 miles of range. The AWD GT-Line ($54,545) goes 270 miles on a charge. The GT model has 641 horsepower with launch mode and a 231 mile range. Charging times depend on charger type. New for 2026 is Kia Plug & Charge enabling drivers to connect to a compatible charger. Linked to Kia Charge Pass, authentication and billing are handled automatically, making charging seamless and stress-free.

The all-new 2027 Kia EV3 will be available in Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT trim levels when it goes on sale in late 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to the EV3’s on-sale date. Based on the 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV3 features an energy-dense battery allowing up to a Kia-estimated 320 miles of range on certain trims with fast charging capabilities. With DC fast charging, the EV3’s battery can power up from 10 to 80 percent charge in an estimated 29 minutes for the 58.3 kWh (Light) battery and 31 minutes1 for the 81.4 kWh (Wind, Land, GT-Line, GT) battery. U.S. launch of Kia EV3 expected late 2026.

Sunday, May 3, 2026

TEST DRIVE: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition


The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition is a 236 horsepower all-wheel drive hybrid SUV, one of seven RAV4 trim levels, and exclusively with the "Rugged" style coming with standard features that include: black Woodland and powertrain badging, height-adjustable power liftgate with jam protection, tow hitch, All-Terrain tires, Woodland branded raised black roof rails with cross bars and 18-inch 6-spoke matte metallic gray alloy wheels with black lugnuts. Other features include Toyota Safety Sense™ 4.0 suite of driver-assist technologies, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. 

We took it for a 122 mile test drive around Vancouver, Canada. The Woodland Edition Hybrid starts at $41,085 and the Plug-In Hybrid at $46,395. 

Click to view video.

2026 Lexus ES 350H Hybrid Starts At $49,700 In June

The eighth-generation 2026 Lexus ES 350H Hybrid with 244 horsepower joins the battery-electric ES 350E, ES 500E delivering an EPA-estimated 46 MPG combined fuel economy rating. The 2026 ES 350h has Lexus’ sixth-generation hybrid system with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, an electric starter-generator, and a motor-generator integrated into an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission powering the front wheels. The all-wheel drive option adds an additional electric motor mounted at the rear axle that exclusively powers the rear wheels. The 2026 ES HEV has a 3.1-inch-longer wheelbase, is 2.2 inches wider, 6.5 inches overall longer and 4.5 inches higher. The new ES also has a higher seating position. Every 2026 ES includes a new 12.3-inch driver Multi-Information Display, as well as the latest Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 14.0-inch touchscreen. The ES also upgrades to the newest Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 active safety and convenience feature suite. The 2026 ES 350h is expected to arrive in dealerships in June with $49,700 Base MSRP (including $1,395 delivery, processing, and handling fee).

2027 Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink This Summer

The 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink three-row electric SUV is powered by a 422 horsepower (314.6-kW) dual‑motor AWD paired with a 110.3‑kWh battery and the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Black Ink’s 800-volt architecture supports 350‑kW ultra‑fast DC charging, enabling drivers to recharge the pack from 10% to 80% in about 24 minutes under optimal conditions. A native NACS port ensures compatible access to the rapidly expanding charging network. The 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink model will be available at dealers this Summer.

2027 Volkswagen Atlas Launches This Fall

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas gets refined key front‑fascia elements and aluminum‑alloy wheels are now available in 20‑ and 21‑inch diameters, offered in machined alloy and black finishes. Further details, specifications, and pricing on the 2027 Atlas will be announced ahead of the launch this Fall.