Fiat Multipla fans rejoice, the spirit of the polarizing minivan is back in a quirky concept. The Multiplay is a modular vehicle that transforms from a family-friendly SUV with minivan traits into a lifestyle pickup.

The “3-in-1” concept takes center stage at the Paris Motor Show. In Fiat’s own words, the goal was to combine “the space efficiency of an MPV, the character of an SUV and the versatility of a pick-up”, creating a single vehicle that meets the needs of “a family juggling work, school, sport and outdoor activities”.

More: Fiat Revives The Multiplina And Rolls Out New Topolino Editions

Visually, the Multiplay looks like an evolution of the Fiat Concept Pick-Up from 2024, albeit with a much shorter hood, a different greenhouse, and a revised lighting signature retaining the pixel-style LEDs from the Grande Panda. It also has a generous ground clearance and plastic cladding around the wheel arches looking like a crossover minivan.

Stellantis

However, the coolest feature is its ability to transform into a different bodystyle thanks to what Fiat calls the “Metamorfosi” architecture. The rear section of the roof slides forward together with the third row of seats, turning the Multiplay into a dual-cab four-seater pickup with an exposed cargo are at the back.

More: Fiat’s Cheapest Crossover Hatchback Gains A New Name And A New Mission

In truck form, the concept has a split tailgate, a retractable bed cover and a clever system on the modular floor for securing cargo in place. Furthermore, the roof spoiler can rotate, revealing an integrated bike rack for carrying a pair of bicycles.

Stellantis

The Multiplay measures 4.45 m (172.5 in) long which is shorter than a Jeep Compass. Still, when dressed as an SUV it has a three-row interior with a 6+1 seat configuration designed for family use.

More: Fiat’s New Grizzly SUV Is Hunting The Dacia Bigster, And It Didn’t Come Alone

The number six is used deliberately, as the 1955 Fiat 600 Multipla could seat six people in three rows despite measuring 3.5 m (137.8 in) long. In a similar context, the 1998 Fiat Multipla came with a two-row six-seater layout while measuring only 3,994 mm (157.2 in) long.

The +1 refers to a “Petsenger seat” in the second row, distinguished by the lack of a seatback and the green upholstery. The rest of the interior is bathed in orange, with green details on the futuristic dashboard, a yoke steering wheel and an ultra-wide display. Another cool touch is the front passenger seat which folds down into a comfortable recliner in combination with the cylindrical pillow on the dash.

Stellantis

The automaker didn’t get into specifics about the underpinnings or the powertrain type of the concept. Still, with no room for a combustion engine up front, it is most likely an EV.

Will They Make It?

Fiat insists that the Multiplay doesn’t preview a specific production model. Instead, it was conceived as “a laboratory of solutions for tomorrow’s mobility” meaning that some of its quirks could find their way into the future lineup.

While the “3-in-1” concept is too crazy for production, Fiat could always introduce a unibody pickup based on the underpinnings of the Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback. This could adopt a Panda-inspired styling language and eventually replace the Fiat Toro in South America. The production version of the Concept Pick-Up from 2024 could ride on the Smart Car architecture, which is compatible with gasoline, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

BYD has quickly responded to cybersecurity concerns about the popular Shark 6 pickup truck following the release of an Australian documentary, which revealed how easily it could be hacked. The Chinese brand has also clarified how a hacker gained control of the plug-in hybrid’s headlights and windshield wipers.

As part of the ABC’s Four Corners program, cybersecurity expert Dan Hreszczuk was given a Shark 6 for two weeks and was able to listen in to the interior microphones, take control of the door locks, and mess with the Shark 6’s audio. To avoid giving any other hackers any bad ideas, details about how Hreszczuk hacked into the BYD weren’t disclosed.

Read: A Hacker Took Control Of A BYD For TV, But Should You Be Worried?

BYD says it’s found out how he did it. To hack into the truck’s infotainment system, it says he breached the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) with a special tool and installed an untrusted third-party application. BYD was able to replicate this vulnerability in its own testing but says for a hacker to gain access to a vehicle’s location data and microphone, the driver must accept a permission prompt that will be displayed on the screen, something the documentary didn’t disclose.

To address this vulnerability, BYD says it’s working on an over-the-air software update that will remove the pathway used to enable the ADB, which is ordinarily disabled. It hasn’t said when this update will be ready, but says if similar vulnerabilities are found in its other models, they too will get the new software.

What The Documentary Didn’t Tell You

Then there’s the matter of the headlights and windshield wipers. In the Four Corners program, the hacker was shown remotely turning on the wipers and then turning off the headlights as the Shark 6 was being driven at night. According to BYD, gaining control of these functions required far more than installing some third-party software.

It says the hacker tapped into the vehicle’s wiring and accessed the internal CAN bus, which obviously isn’t something a hacker sitting behind a computer screen can do. Hreszczuk confirmed in a blog post that he spliced into the Shark 6’s wiring and installed a low-cost Raspberry Pi computer, something that could be replicated on plenty of other new cars.

To minimize the chance of any would-be hackers using an OBD device to gain access to critical vehicle functions, BYD says it has implemented new security measures for the OBD interface. Now, it will require physical isolation and device authentication.

The Mazda BT-50 might not be as popular as its Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger rivals, but it remains an important model for the Japanese automaker. The increased competition in the midsize pickup segment has prompted Mazda to consider a new generation, set to arrive over the next couple of years.

The third generation of the Mazda BT-50 was introduced in 2020, with a mid-lifecycle update following in late 2024. The model is based on the ladder-frame underpinnings of the Isuzu D-Max, with Mazda-specific styling inside-out and is currently offered with non-electrified turbodiesel powertrain options.

More: Mazda Pickup Gets Its Thunder Back, As A New Boss Steps In

Our colleagues at CarsGuide spoke to Vinesh Bhindi, Mazda Australia’s managing director, who confirmed that a new generation of the BT-50 is under development. The high-ranking official didn’t get into details about the specifications, but confirmed it will likely hit the road around 2028.

The same publication spoke to Eiji Kimoto, Mazda’s chief designer, who was responsible for the styling of the current BT-50. When asked about the upcoming pickup, Kimoto said: “I am not allowed to speak much about the future product, but I can tell you, please look forward to it”.

More: Bare-Bones Mazda BT-50 Grows Stronger And More Capable

Since Mazda doesn’t have enough R&D resources to develop a pickup on its own, the next BT-50 will likely be the result of a partnership. After all, the first two generations were paired with the Ford Ranger, while the third one migrated to the Isuzu platform.

Collaborative Effort

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas / CarScoops

Mazda could continue the partnership with Isuzu, developing the new model alongside the new generation of the D-Max. Another option would be to broaden its collaboration with Chinese automaker Changan, following the 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV projects.

More: Mazda Poised To Build More Chinese-Based EVs

Changan already offers a pickup in the form of the Hunter K50 with a revolutionary range-extender powertrain. However, this one is based on the ladder-frame chassis of the diesel-powered Changan Hunter which has already spawned several siblings from Stellantis brands in South America including the Peugeot Landtrek, the Fiat Titano, the Ram 1200, and Ram Dakota.

Sharp Looks And Upmarket Interior

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas / CarScoops

In any case, the next Mazda BT-50 is expected to adopt the brand’s updated styling language with sharp LEDs and sculpted details. In our speculative rendering we used the proportions of the Isuzu D-Max as a base, infusing elements from the Mazda CX-6e alongside wide fender extensions and a rear canopy.

We also expect Mazda to give its truck a more premium interior, in line with the upmarket move of its entire lineup. This could help the next BT-50 stand out in a crowded segment, targeting a specific kind of buyer. As with most midsize pickups in Australia, the model could continue offering rugged trims like the Thunder alongside a selection of optional accessories for off-road enthusiasts.

What About The Powertrain?

Back in 2025, the Mazda Australia boss said there won’t be a fully electric variant of the BT-50 in the foreseeable future, despite the availability of the closely-related Isuzu D-Max EV. He also didn’t perceive PHEV pickups as a threat, adding that diesel powertrains will probably stick around. Still, the local Managing Director admitted they will let the market pinpoint if there’s demand for electrified trucks and consider the options.

Reading between the lines, Mazda could offer some sort of electrified powertrain options for the next BT-50. If it sticks to the partnership with Isuzu they will likely use a mild-hybrid diesel, while the Changan route would probably result in a range-extender option. That would allow the pickup to fulfil market demand while complying with tightening emission regulations and potentially expanding its scope to markets outside Australia.

Stellantis will storm the Paris Motor Show with a number of concepts, and Fiat is getting a piece of the action. The automaker has announced a new Fiat Multiplay concept, referencing both the classic 600 Multipla from the mid ’50s and the modern Multipla from the late ’90s. However, unlike its predecessors, the concept won’t be a minivan and has nothing to do with the Multiplina micro-MPV.

The official teaser doesn’t reveal much about the design of the Multiplay, as it is focused on an oval-shaped insert, likely positioned on its profile. The insert has a modern black pattern and a body-colored section with the overlaying silhouettes of both Multipla models.

More: Fiat’s Cheapest Crossover Hatchback Gains A New Name And A New Mission

Fiat described the model as a “new concept of mobility” promising it will be “flexible, accessible, and radically useful”. The automaker claims that innovation “lies in reimagining space, freedom, and shared everyday life”.

What is interesting is the company’s description of the bodystyle. The Multiplay is said to combine “the open load space and outdoor versatility of a pickup with the comfort and flexibility of an SUV”. The different configurations will be interchangeable in “a few movements” thanks to an “ingenious mechanism”.

2024 Fiat Concept Pick-Up

Despite being presented in concept form, Fiat hints at a potential production version adding that the Multiplay “could create an entirely new category by responding to the way people live today, as the boundaries between family life, leisure, work and adventure become increasingly fluid.”

More: Stellantis Is Using A 15-Year-Old Fiat To Stop Italy From Handing Autobianchi To China

Reading between the lines, this sounds a lot like the Panda-themed Concept Pick-Up from 2024, that could evolve into a potential sibling of the upcoming Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback production SUVs. After all, the Italian brand admits that the concept serves as “a source of inspiration for the future development of products that will complete its affordable family transportation range”.

If this is the case, expect the pickup/SUV to ride on Stellantis’ Smart Car architecture, which is compatible with gasoline, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

The Multipla Heritage

The original Fiat 600 Multipla was introduced in 1955 with a single-volume body measuring 3.5 m (137.8 in) long and a three-row six-seater interior. It was based on the underpinnings of the Fiat 600, but featured an LCV-inspired cab-over design that proved to be beneficial for packaging.

More: The Fiat Multipla Deserves A Comeback, And This Is The Perfect Starting Point

Decades later, the moniker was revived in the Multipla which entered production in 1998 following the concept from 1996. The compact minivan became notorious for its two-story headlights and unconventional shape, but managed to gather a cult following. It was also able to carry six occupants, albeit in two rows of seats, measuring only 3,994 mm (157.2 in) long.

It remains to be seen whether Fiat designers will infuse enough practicality to the Multiplay pickup/SUV inspired by the ingenious mininvans from the past.

The Toyota Hilux is widely considered one of the most indestructible vehicles out there, with the famous Top Gear stunts from 2003 solidifying the legend. Fast forward to 2026, Toyota has recreated one of the grueling tests, to see whether the new Hilux BEV could still take a beating like its predecessor.

The UK arm of the Japanese automaker went on Reddit, asking users to pick a punishment for the zero-emission workhorse. Participants in the survey could choose between hitting the Hilux with a 1-tonne (2,205 lbs) wrecking ball, or subjecting it to a high-altitude caravan drop. The internet overwhelmingly chose the latter, and we can’t really blame them for doing so.

More: What Happens To A Toyota Hilux When You Drop It From 10,000 Feet In The Air?

Keeping their promise, engineers hoisted a 760 kg (1,676 lbs) caravan roughly 30 feet (9.1 m) into the air using a big crane. Then they parked a brand-new Hilux BEV underneath and let gravity do what it does best.

Toyota UK

The camper smashed directly on the roof of the midsize truck, with its weak fiberglass and wood construction crumbling under the forces of the impact. For a more dramatic effect, Toyota captured the stunt with high-speed cameras, and even installed one inside the mobile home showing what it feels like to land on a Hilux while being upside down in your living room.

More: Ford Covered A Ranger Super Duty In 1,300 Pounds Of Mud And It Kept Going

Despite taking a direct hit from a falling house on wheels, the Hilux BEV powered up immediately and drove away from the wreckage. Battle scars included a deformed roof, a cracked windshield, and a dent on the rear bed looking as if a baby Godzilla tried to climb on it.

The suspension appears to absorb the forces of the impact, briefly creating a street version of the truck. The battery which is mounted on the ladder frame chassis and the electric motors were unharmed, although the truck is likely a write-off due to the roof damage.

Toyota UK

Toyota warns viewers not to attempt to recreate or replicate any action shown in the video, as it could cause serious injury, death, or property damage. Furthermore, the company noted that all caravan debris was recovered from the Bentwaters Airfield in Suffolk, and sent to a recycling facility.

More: Tata Buried Its New $5.5K Sedan Under 20 Tons Of Gravel To Prove A Point

Interestingly, the caravan drop, filmed with the help of Very Nice Films and Bickers, was just the “warm-up” for the Hilux BEV. Toyota offered the truck to Top Gear’s YouTube channel, to continue the rough treatment. It will be interesting to watch the second round of Hilux torture, at least until WhistlinDiesel gets his hands on the latest generation of the midsize truck which is not available in North America.

The new Toyota Hilux is currently available in mild-hybrid diesel and fully electric powertrain options, with a hydrogen variant confirmed for 2028. Still, the diesel truck accounts for the vast majority of Hilux sales, due to the combination of a lower price, a more usable fuel type, as well as superior towing and payload ratings.

Kia has recently unveiled the new PV7 van ahead of its market launch in the second half of 2027, but until then, the smaller PV5 remains its core LCV. Besides the Cargo and Passenger variants with an enclosed body, the PV5 is also available in a Chassis bodystyle, serving as a blank canvas for all kinds of conversions.

The PV5 Chassis retains the futuristic front end of its siblings, but the rear has been chopped to reveal the bare chassis, turning it into a two-seater. The 4,610 mm (181.5 in) long LCV features a custom bulkhead with a rear windshield, and a pair of taillights mounted directly on the steel beams. As with the vans, it is available with 16-inch steelies and hubcaps or alloy wheels of the same size, retaining the same with a 2,995 mm (117.9 in) wheelbase.

More: Stellantis Has A New Manual Turbodiesel Truck But It’s Not What You Think

The chassis bodystyle is the ideal base for aftermarket conversions. Examples include refrigerated vans, box vans, mobile workshops, dropside pickups, tippers, ambulances, service vans and compact campers. Kia has already exhibited a PV5 with an integrated kitchen turning it into a food truck. The automaker promised that more conversions will follow later this year in collaboration with its UK partner TGS Automotive Group.

Kia

Despite the utilitarian looks, the two-seater cabin of the PV5 Cargo retains the amenities of is van siblings including a 7.5-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.9-inch infotainment display, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charging, and a comprehensive ADAS suite.

Long Range Thrills

One and a half year after the debut of the Kia PV5 lineup in production form, Kia has launched the PV5 Chassis in the UK, exclusively available in the Long-Range configurator. This is fitted a a front-mounted electric motor generating 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and a large 71.2 kWh battery pack, offering an estimated WLTP range of 259 miles (416 km) between charges.

More: Crown Vics Chased Suspects On The Ground. Kia’s Police Van Chases Them From The Sky

Other markets get access to the Kia PV5 Chassis Mid-Range with the smaller 51.5 kWh battery and a less powerful electric motor producing 120 hp (89 kW / 122 PS). Both Long-Range and Mid-Range models have a maximum payload of 1,005 kg (2,216 pounds), closely matching most diesel-powered midsize pickups.

Kia

Almost a decade ago, Tesla unveiled the Semi as its answer to diesel-powered trucking. PepsiCo took delivery of the first trucks in 2022, but the rollout remained limited. The first Semi didn’t roll off Tesla’s new high-volume production line until this April. Now deliveries from its dedicated Nevada factory are beginning, and the question is how many trucks it can actually put on the road.

At an event Thursday night in Sparks, Nevada, Tesla presented trucks wearing the logos of PepsiCo, DHL, and US Foods. Executives said deliveries to an initial group of customers were beginning, Reuters reports. Tesla didn’t disclose a price, a current production rate, or a delivery target for the year. It reiterated that the plant is intended to build 50,000 Semis annually, but gave no date for reaching that level.

More: Tesla Just Set A Date For The Semi’s European Debut

It’s a real step forward, though hardly the Semi’s first delivery. PepsiCo began receiving trucks in late 2022, three years after Tesla originally expected production to start. The difference now is the dedicated factory, which is supposed to take the Semi beyond the limited rollout seen so far. Tesla said in April that the first truck had come off its high-volume line. Its July shareholder update, however, described Semi production as beginning in 2026 and dropped an earlier forecast for volume production this year.

Tesla claims the loaded long-range Semi can cover 500 miles (805 km) on a charge, while a standard-range version is rated for 325 miles (523 km). Dan Priestley, Tesla’s director of Semi truck engineering, said customers had validated the 500-mile figure in use. The company’s Semi page lists energy consumption of 1.7 kWh per mile. That’s an impressive figure considering the size and weight of the vehicle.

The good news for Tesla is that despite apparent delays, there’s still demand. The same report says a shipper coalition placed an order for 2,500 Semis this week, while freight technology company Einride announced plans last month to add 500 Semis to its fleet. Orders and factory capacity sound great. Deliveries will be the one figure that shows whether Tesla can finally make good on the Semi’s long-delayed rollout.

Photos: Tesla

Chinese automotive giant BYD has made headlines at the IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover with the premiere of its new commercial flagship vehicle. The ETT 44 is a fully electric heavy-duty tractor designed for Europe’s long-haul transport sector bringing loads of power, a massive battery pack and ultra-fast charging.

Visually, the ETT 44 shares the upright cab-over design with the existing ETH 20, ETH 28, and ETH 8 heavy-duty rigs, and comes standard with a high-roof sleeper cab layout. The launch edition is distinguished by aero add-ons on the front bumper, side skirts, above the windshield, and on the roof, alongside a custom grille and a special livery.

More: Chinese Brands Are Building 90,000 Cars In Europe. In Ten Years, Make That 1.5 Million

The interior boasts a digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch infotainment display, and large screens for the mirror-replacing cameras. We can also see an array of physical controls, a car-like gear knob, multiple cup holders, storage compartments, and a radio. Behind the seats is a bed for the driver. The ETT 44 rides on air suspension and comes equipped with an extensive ADAS suite.

BYD

Under the skin, the specs beat the European-market Tesla Semi, which was also introduced at the same event. BYD’s 4×2 electric tractor is powered by a single electric motor generating up to 1,006 hp (750 kW / 1,020 PS). It is available with two LFP BYD Blade battery options with capacities of 434 kWh and 651 kWh, with advertised range figures of 400 km (249 miles) and 600 km (373 miles) respectively.

More: BYD Flash-Charged Its Luxury EV Over 350 Times In A Week Covering Nearly 19,000 Miles, Then Checked The Battery

The base version has a maximum charging rate of 950 kW, which increases to an impressive 1,500 kW in the long-range variant. This means that both models can charge from 20-80% in as little as 20 minutes when connected to a compatible MCS charger. For comparison, the EU-market Tesla Semi has a 550 km (342-mile) range and supports charging speeds of up to 800 kW.

Weight Figures

BYD

The BYD ETT 44 measures 6,400 mm (252.0 in) long, 2,530 mm (99.6 in) wide, and 3,820 mm (150.4 in), tall with a 3,800 mm (149.6 in) wheelbase. This footprint is similar to other European heavy-duty tractors such as the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, Man eTGX, Scania 45 R Electric, and DAF XF Electric.

More: Half Of British Drivers Would Now Buy A Chinese Brand They Couldn’t Name 3 Years Ago

Its curb weight ranges between 10,950-11,140 kg (24,141-24,560 lbs) with a gross weight rating of 20 tons (44,092 lbs) and a gross combination weight of 44 tons (97,003 lbs) as dictated by European regulations. BYD says that the model would be capable of a gross combination weight of 65 tons (143,300 lbs).

Notably, even the capped gross figure is higher than the Tesla Semi, which maxes out at 40 tons (80,000 lbs), although it has a lighter curb weight of 9,100 kg (20,062 lbs).

BYD has yet to announce pricing for the ETT 44, which is expected to hit European roads in the coming months. However, the company has already confirmed a standard 10-year or 1.2 million km (750,000-mile) warranty for the battery pack, offering peace of mind to future owners.

BYD

Ford isn’t setting modest goals for its $30,000 Fathom electric pickup. The automaker reportedly expects to sell more than 100,000 during its first year, a number no individual EV from anyone besides Tesla has managed in America.

That’s according to the Wall Street Journal, which spoke to Ford insiders about the automaker’s ambitious sales target. If buyers turn up in the numbers Ford expects, the little four-door truck would immediately become one of America’s biggest-selling EVs.

Related: New Ford Fathom Prototype Breaks Cover Ahead Of Its 2027 Debut

For perspective, GM sold almost 170,000 EVs in 2025, but needed three brands and multiple models to do it. Tesla remains in another league, shifting around 357,000 Model Ys and more than 190,000 Model 3s last year. Rivian, by contrast, moved just 42,000 units in 2025, though the arrival of its smaller R2 will boost this year’s numbers.

Photos Ford

Ford’s confidence has surprised some industry watchers because America’s EV market is currently going backwards. Electric cars accounted for 5.7 percent of US sales in August, according to Motor Intelligence data cited by the WSJ, versus 10.3 percent a year earlier. August EV sales plunged 48 percent year over year.

The Fathom is Ford’s attempt to prove price can change that equation. Starting at $28,350 before a $1,595 destination charge, it promises more passenger room than a Toyota RAV4, along with familiar conveniences including a touchscreen and power windows.

Minimalist Rival

Those last two features sound unremarkable until you meet its $24,950 rival, the Slate Truck. That minimalist two-seat pickup uses crank windows and skips a factory stereo and touchscreen entirely. And though Ford has yet to release technical specs for the crew-cab Fathom the chances are good that it will equal or better the Slate’s 205-mile (330 km) claimed range and 1,550 lb (703 kg) payload. It should also almost chop the Slate’s 8-second zero to 60 mph (97 kmh) time in half.

To keep build costs low, Ford is gambling on a radically different way of building the Fathom. Its reworked Louisville factory will assemble the front, rear and structural battery-floor sections simultaneously on separate lines, then bolt and bond them together. Ford says the system should build vehicles 15 percent faster than the plant’s previous process, though retooling cost $2 billion.

To make that investment work it needs 100,000 Americans to sign up every year for the Fathom when it goes on sale early in 2027. How do you rate its chances?

Baldauf

Usually when a product isn’t selling as well as hoped, companies make it more affordable to persuade drivers to give it consideration. Tesla seems to have found that approach too conventional. Despite the Cybertruck struggling to attract buyers so badly it makes Ford’s Edsel look like a smash hit, two versions have just become $5,000 more expensive.

The Dual Motor AWD now starts at $74,990, up from $69,990, while the Premium AWD climbs from $79,990 to $84,990. Nothing else about the models appears to have changed.

Related: This Is All That’s Left Of A Ford F-150 After A Cybertruck T-Boned It At 111 MPH

The Dual Motor Cybertruck still claims 325 miles (523 km) of range, can tow 7,500 lbs (3,400 kg), and reaches 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.1 seconds. The Premium promises the same 593 hp (600 PS / 441 kW), electric range and performance, but is able to tow 11,000 lbs (4,990 kg).

Tesla doesn’t break out Cybertruck deliveries, but third-party estimates paint an uncomfortable picture. Cox Automotive reckons US sales fell 48 percent in 2025 to 20,237 units, while first-quarter 2026 sales dropped 45 percent year over year to 3,519, Investor’s Business Daily reports. Those numbers look tiny beside CEO Elon Musk’s earlier suggestion that annual demand might eventually support more than 250,000 Cybertrucks.

Cybertruck pricing has been a roller coaster from the start, the first production models debuting in late 2024 with MSRPs far higher than originally promised. Tesla introduced a cheaper Dual Motor for $59,990 in February 2026 as a short-lived promotion, but that later returned to $69,990 and has now reached $74,990. That’s a $15,000 journey in only a few months for fundamentally the same truck. Tesla briefly offered a single-motor Cybertruck during 2025, but it was quickly axed due to weak demand.

Cyberbeast Now Within Reach

The flagship Cyberbeast is the one Cybertruck trim to escape this latest increase. A tri-motor, 845 hp (857 PS / 630 kW) monster capable of reaching 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, it’s still listed on Tesla’s website at $99,990. That means the Premium AWD now sits only $15,000 below the range-topper, making the Beast look like a better deal than last week.

Tesla has already scrapped the Model S and Model X to clear the way for production of the company’s Optimus robots, and between that and the Cybercab robotaxi, it feels like Tesla is focused on a new path. The Cybertruck is just being left to fade away, a rather embarrassing failure that serves to remind us that not everything Elon Musk touches turns to gold.

Maybe slapping $5k on the price will really help make the Cybertruck more profitable because it covers rising production costs and Tesla figures it won’t really affect sales. Or maybe it’s just one of Musk’s impish experiments, you know, just to see how much worse things can get.

Tesla

When you think of serious stopping power, you probably picture track-focused sports cars and supercars with carbon-ceramic rotors and a lap time to protect. Brembo’s newest caliper goes somewhere else, as the most powerful unit the company has ever built for a passenger car application is bolted to a fully electric Chevy truck.

More: The Automaker That Just Dropped Hydraulic Brakes Is Hiding Behind Brembo’s NDA

The Brembo Boldika (from the words Bold and Like) is a new six-piston fixed caliper good for more than 8,500 Nm (6,269 lb-ft) of braking torque. Brembo built it for “large, heavy and high-horsepower vehicles,” which in practice means full-size trucks and SUVs that have spent the last several years getting heavier and considerably more powerful.

Why The Silverado EV Went First

Brembo Boldika

This explains why Brembo decided to debut the Boldika in the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV and more specifically, the RST Stars and Steel Edition. Handling towing loads and hard stops without piling on mass called for a three-piece hybrid construction, two aluminum halves bolted together around a cast-iron central bridge, wrapped around that six-piston layout.

Furthermore, the caliper incorporates Brembo’s Enesys zero-drag technology, which is said to eliminate residual torque drag and reduce wear by retracting the pads completely from the rotors when the driver lifts the foot off the brake pedal.

2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Stars and Steel Edition

The Boldika is compatible with wheels 20 inches and larger, with the massive 24-inch alloys of the Chevy offering plenty of clearance. On the Silverado, they are finished in a Torch Red finish against high-gloss black wheels, with both Chevrolet and Brembo branding on the body.

Review: Chevy’s 2026 Silverado ZR2 Is A Trail Weapon That Hates The Drive-Through

The new brake caliper will eventually spread to more electrified and combustion trucks and SUVs from a range of automakers.

Beyond the brakes, the RST Stars and Steel Edition marks itself out with American-flag-inspired graphics on the hood and tailgate, applied over Black or Summit White paint. The electric truck uses a 4WD powertrain rated at 760 hp (567 kW / 771 PS), with a choice between Extended Range and Max Range versions, good for up to 410 miles (660 km) and 478 miles (769 km) respectively. Chevy’s website lists the special edition from $99,945.

2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Stars and Steel Edition

It’s taken the scenic route, but Tesla’s Semi is finally getting serious about Europe. The electric truck will appear at September’s IAA Transportation show in Hanover, Germany, where Tesla says it’ll reveal specifications and launch details for the European version, possibly setting up a 2027 arrival.

Tesla confirmed the news on X this week, writing, “Specs & launch details for Semi in Europe to be unveiled at IAA Transportation in Hannover, Germany”. The show runs from September 15 through 20 and is widely regarded as the world’s most important commercial vehicle expo.

Related: First Tesla Semi Fatal Crash Kills Two At A Nevada Red Light

First revealed in 2017, the Semi began working in America in 2022. European availability, however, has remained a question mark until now. And what Europeans will actually get still remains unknown. In the US, the Semi comes in Standard Range and Long Range forms. The base version is good for 325 miles (523 km), while the latter stretches that to 500 miles (805 km). Both use three electric motors producing up to 1,073 hp (1,088 PS / 800 kW).

To achieve those range figures requires colossal batteries: 548 kWh in the Standard Range trucks and 822 kWh in the Long Range model. Trying to top them up with even a 250kW car charger would take forever, so the Semi can charge at up to 1.2 MW, potentially stuffing substantial energy back in during a simple coffee and bathroom stop.

Rivals Are Ready And Waiting

Europe hasn’t been standing by, helplessly waiting for Tesla to revolutionize trucking. Established manufacturers already sell battery-powered heavy trucks, including Mercedes’ eActros 600, which claims up to 348 miles (560 km) from a 621 kWh battery. Full comparisons will have to wait until the Euro Semi tech specs are revealed in September.

Tesla switched from pilot builds to full-scale production of the facelifted Semi at its Nevada facility in April of this year, and hopes to crank out 50,000 units annually when it’s up to speed. The Standard Range costs $260,000 (equivalent to €222k) and the Long Range around $300,000 ($257k), but after taxes the prices could be higher in Europe, where the eActros 600 costs around €300-400,000 ($350-470k).

Specs & launch details for Semi in Europe to be unveiled at IAA Transportation in Hannover, Germany pic.twitter.com/eEXNUU2Y39

— Tesla Semi (@tesla_semi) August 20, 2026

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