Forget the cold, hard plastics and hose-down austerity usually associated with commercial vehicle interiors. Isuzu’s latest creation flips that script, turning its Multi Utility Vehicle into something that lets you park your living room almost anywhere, preferably somewhere with a view worth staring at.

The concept is based on the standard cab version of the Isuzu Elf, featuring a black exterior with gold accents and aerodynamic panels on the roof and sides. But the real talking point is what Isuzu has done with the cargo area out back.

More: You Can Buy Isuzu’s Wildest Concept, But You Better Have A Big Lawn

A gullwing door and a drop-down side panel swing open to reveal a snug space that looks more theatre set than box truck. There is a wooden floor, lashing rails, modular shelving and actual furniture. A drop-down table is set up for brewing your coffee of choice, best enjoyed from the comfort of a proper couch rather than a fold-out stool.

It feels tailor-made for a pop-up coffee shop, though in reality it would probably serve primarily as a promotional showpiece. In the accompanying video, one occupant seems perfectly content sipping his drink while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

The Elf MUV was created in collaboration with bodywork specialists Nippon Fruehauf and was exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026. It is not heading for showrooms any time soon, but it highlights how much imagination can be squeezed out of a humble commercial vehicle.

What About The Other Rooms?

If you like the idea of escaping into nature but would rather bring more than a sofa, Isuzu has another answer. The Be-Cam GeoRoam sits somewhere between camper and motorhome and was developed with Nippon Tokushu Body.

This build rides on the wide-cab, long-wheelbase Elf, which frees up a far more generous rear section. It also throws in some proper adventure kit, including a bull bar, roof rack and extra LEDs, giving it a stance that says it is ready to head well past the campsite entrance.

More: Tiny Kei Truck Becomes A Real Tiny Home On Wheels

The interior looks like a mini apartment, with warm tones and plenty of wood surfaces. You get a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a sofa that converts into a bed and a separate rear bedroom, complete with a projector for late-night film sessions.

The Rugged Workhorse

Isuzu has also rolled out a more work-focused take on the Elf. The Elfmio Cross Style Concept is a dropside pickup that swaps lounge vibes for a tougher look, helped along by new wheels and optional add-ons such as the rear metal frame. It is based on the Space Cab bodystyle, which means it can be driven in Japan with a standard driver’s license.

More: Isuzu’s New Pickup Is Luxury In The Front, Business In The Back

Across all three concepts, the mechanical bits are lifted straight from the regular Elf. That means a 3.0-liter turbodiesel paired with a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic and the option of 4WD. Output stands at either 148 hp or 173 hp. Alternatively, there is a zero-emission Elf powered by a 161 hp electric motor, drawing from a modular battery pack offered in 60, 100 or 180 kWh capacities.

Below are the official videos showcasing the different use-case scenarios. Which one would you take home?

Photos Isuzu / Tokyo Auto Salon

Two years. That’s all Tata Motors has given the fully electric Punch before wheeling out a facelift. In the fast-moving world of small EVs, standing still is not an option. The 2026 Tata Punch EV goes beyond a nip and tuck, bringing a larger battery, quicker charging, and a finance trick designed to make the sticker price look far friendlier.

Starting with the exterior, the Punch EV gains a redesigned face with a cleaner bumper, though the split headlights have been carried over. It also benefits from new 16-inch alloy wheels and full-width taillights that mirror the recently facelifted ICE-powered Punch.

More: Land Rover’s Owner Built A Baby Land Rover For Less Than A Bespoke Paint Job

The interior is largely unchanged. Higher trims pack dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless charging, ventilated seats, a voice-activated sunroof, and a 360-degree camera. Six airbags are standard across the range, although the base car makes do without an infotainment screen.

More Punch And Longer Range

More important changes hide under the skin. The Punch EV benefits from larger battery packs with capacities of 30 kWh and 40 kWh, each up by 5 kWh.

Tata claims a real-world range of up to 355 km (221 miles), which is 75 km (47 miles) more than before. Charging gets a lift too. The updated Punch EV now supports a 65 kW DC fast charger, up from 50 kW, cutting the 20-80 percent top-up time to 26 minutes.

There’s a modest bump in output as well. Power rises by 6 hp (5 kW). The Medium-Range version makes 85 hp (65 kW), while the Long Range variant produces 127 hp (95 kW). Tata says the latter hits 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 9 seconds, trimming 0.5 seconds from the previous figure.

The Price Hack

Here’s where things get interesting. Despite the added kit, Tata has lowered the entry price. The attention-grabbing ₹6.49 lakh ($7,150) starting figure comes via a BaaS (battery as service) scheme. You buy the car, but lease the battery separately at ₹2.6 per km ($0.029 per mile).

More: JLR’s Parent Company Made An Electric SUV With Drift Mode For Just $25K

Prefer to own the lot outright? Prices then range from ₹9.69 lakh ($10,700) to ₹12.59 lakh ($13,900), depending on specification. Even so, that undercuts the pre-facelift model, which makes the updated Punch EV look like stronger value.

At 12,000 km a year, the battery lease works out to ₹31,200 (about $348). Drive 15,000 km and it rises to ₹39,000 (about $435) annually. Over five years at that higher mileage, you would pay ₹1.95 lakh (around $2,175). Add that to the ₹6.49 lakh ($7,150) purchase price and the total comes to roughly ₹8.44 lakh (about $9,325), still below the ₹9.69 lakh ($10,700) entry point of the version that includes the battery. The more you drive, the smaller the gap becomes.

The ICE-powered Tata Punch, meanwhile, ranges from Rs. 5.59 Lakh ($6,200) to Rs. 10.54 Lakh ($11,700).

The now-discontinued Renault Twizy was known for its futuristic styling, scissor doors and unconventional seating layout, but never for outright performance. No one has ever accused it of being fast. That, naturally, made it the perfect candidate for something irresponsible.

Enter the UK-based mad scientists at DM Performance, who looked at this humble heavy quadricycle and decided it needed more chaos. Their solution was simple in theory and mildly unhinged in practice: rip out the weedy motor and transplant the heart of the world’s most powerful electric motocross bike.

More: Renault’s Smallest And Quirkiest EV Is Dead

The project started with a full teardown. Out went the factory-fit 17 hp (13 kW) motor. In came the powertrain from a Stark Varg, effectively the electric equivalent of a 450cc gasoline engine. The result is 80 hp (60 kW), a staggering 396 percent jump in output that completely rewrites the Twizy’s modest résumé.

DM Performance / YouTube

But torque is the real headline here. The Stark Varg motor is rated at a frankly absurd 692 lb-ft (938 Nm). For context, the Lamborghini Aventador in the opening photo delivers 690 hp and 509 lb-ft (690 Nm), which means this pint-sized French creation is packing nearly double the torque of a V12 supercar!

More: World’s Least Powerful Gullwing Door Sports Car Finally Gets The Rotary Power It Deserved

It actually gets wilder. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in a 2027 Ram TRX produces 680 lb-ft (921 Nm). Now picture that sort of twist in a vehicle that weighs roughly ten times less than the Ram, and you begin to understand just how outrageous this thing really is.

Engineering The Swap

Making it all fit required serious surgery. DM Performance cut away the original rear cradle to accommodate the new motor and engineered a custom chain-drive system to replace the Twizy’s direct-drive transaxle.

DM Performance / YouTube

To cope with the tidal wave of torque, they modified the original differential with a custom stainless steel casing and high-pressure grease to mimic the behavior of a limited-slip diff. A set of Maxpeedingrods coilovers was also installed to reduce the risk of an impromptu rollover.

Finally, the French EV received another transplant. The Stark Varg battery pack weighs 32 kg (70 lbs), significantly lighter than the Twizy’s 100 kg (220 lbs) battery, while offering slightly higher capacity and the ability to discharge massive amounts of energy for high-performance motors.

Smoke, Speed, And Proof

The unique “Stark Twizy” proved its performance credentials by winning a 100 mph (161 km/h) drag race against a more powerful Audi S1 Quattro hot hatch. The builders also took it for a drift session and even performed donuts around a Lamborghini Aventador.

A History Of Madness

This isn’t the first time DM Performance has turned a tiny EV from the heavy quadricycle segment into a monster. They previously completed a wild Citroen Ami using similar Stark Varg internals, though they noted the rear-wheel-drive layout of the Twizy made it a much better platform for hooning.

Electric swaps not your thing? They have also created a turbocharged Hayabusa-swapped Tuk Tuk tricycle. That machine weighs 460 kg (1,014 lbs) and produces a frankly terrifying 305 hp (227 kW / 309 PS) on the dyno.

Lexus has just given the aging IS another facelift, sharpening the nose, tidying up the cabin, and revising the chassis. It keeps the familiar formula alive a little longer. Behind the scenes, though, work on a full successor is underway, and reports from Japan suggest it will arrive in 2027 as an EV-only model.

Talk of a zero-emission IS dates back to late 2021, when Lexus unveiled the Electrified Sedan concept. The LF-ZC concept that followed in 2023 offered a clearer look at a future production EV, promising a slippery shape, gigacasting manufacturing, and prismatic battery shells said to double range.

More: Japan’s Refreshed Lexus IS Gets Something You Don’t

Even as enthusiasm for EV sedans has cooled in some markets, though not all, with buyers drifting back to hybrids and governments trimming, or in the case of the US scrapping, tax incentives, Toyota has stuck to its multi-path strategy. Combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains are all set to coexist in future models such as the Corolla.

Lexus

Despite these issues, there are signs Lexus may stick with the original EV-only vision for the next IS, echoing the brand’s recent concept-heavy direction with projects like the new LFA Concept and the six-wheeled LS Concept revealed in late 2025.

Targeting The German EV Trio

According to a report from Japan’s Best Car, the next Lexus IS will abandon internal combustion entirely and become a dedicated EV. It is expected to compete directly with the upcoming BMW i3 Neue Klasse, Audi A4 e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class EQ. All three German rivals are expected around 2027, which conveniently matches the rumored debut timing for the Lexus.

More: BMW’s New i3 Is Becoming Easier To Picture

The report suggests the production IS will draw heavily from the LF-ZC concept, adopting a low-slung silhouette that favors aerodynamics over traditional three-box sedan proportions. It is rumored to measure around 4,790 mm (188.6 inches) long, positioning it below the new Lexus ES, which has stretched to 5,140 mm (202.4 inches).

Expect Tesla-like gigacasting to feature in the manufacturing process, along with a high-tech interior packed with advanced connectivity and safety systems.

Theottle

Digital artist Theophilus Chin has previously produced speculative renderings of the next IS, blending cues from the larger ES with the proportions of the 2021 Electrified Sedan concept. The results look closer to production, while still reflecting Lexus’ current design language. That said, Toyota has signaled it will grant Lexus more creative freedom, so the final car could end up more adventurous than these illustrations suggest.

Advanced Tech Beneath The Surface

Regardless of how radical it looks, the next IS is expected to double down on EV hardware. The report points to a lineup starting with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version, topped by a dual-motor AWD flagship producing close to 500 horsepower. A steer-by-wire system and a carefully tuned chassis aligned with the “Lexus Driving Signature” philosophy are also likely.

More: Audi A4 Returns As EV With Concept TT Styling To Give BMW Something To Worry About

What is more interesting is the potential of solid-state battery technology, with range estimates exceeding 620 miles (1,000 km). If that figure proves realistic, it would make the case for a hybrid alternative harder to justify and give Lexus a meaningful edge in the premium compact EV segment.

With a rumored launch in late 2027, the new Lexus IS should already be in advanced stages of development. Do not be surprised if Lexus starts dropping more direct hints about its electric sedan plans in the near future.

Lexus

Ford has lifted the lid a little further on its so-called “Universal Electric Vehicle” project, the one tasked with delivering a brand-new $30,000 electric midsize truck in 2027. The tech breakdown in the 14-minute teaser packs plenty of stuff, but it is the design sketches that really grab your attention, offering the first glimpse of what this thing might look like in the metal.

From those early drawings, which also align with the ghost images seen so far, the truck appears slippery and futuristic. Think of it as a softer, more rounded take on the larger Tesla Cybertruck, minus the origami and unpolished edges, not to mention with a far more reasonable entry price. Up front, there are slim vertical LEDs, an illuminated Ford badge, and horizontal intakes carved into the bumper.

More: The One Car Ford Refuses To Build Is One Dealers Want The Most

The windshield stretches deep into the hood and flows into an integrated roof spoiler at the rear. Despite the futuristic surfacing, this is still (likely) a Ranger-sized pickup with a traditional dual-cab layout. Practicality has not been shown the door.

Ford

Low Drag Is Key

Unsurprisingly, the aerodynamics team had a heavy hand in shaping this truck, with former F1 experts brought in to chase every last fraction of efficiency. The mission was simple: slash drag hard enough that smaller batteries could deliver the required range, keeping production costs in check.

More: Ford Says Every Millimeter Of Roof Saves $1.30 On Its New $30K EV Truck

The curved roof reportedly reduces the turbulence typically created by a pickup bed. The side mirrors are 20 percent smaller than standard items, adding 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of range, while specially designed underbody panels contribute another 4.5 miles (7.2 km).

In total, Ford estimates these measures deliver 50 miles (80 km) of additional range compared to a similarly sized truck with a more conventional shape. That is not a rounding error.

Lower Production Costs

Aerodynamics are only half the story. Ford has also focused heavily on reducing manufacturing complexity. The company will use large aluminum unicastings, broadly similar in principle to Tesla’s gigacasting method. Structural components drop from 146 pieces in today’s Ford Maverick to just two, and overall weight is said to be 27 percent lower than rival offerings.

More: Next Ford And GM Pickups May Swap Mechanical Linkages For Lines Of Code

Fewer parts and fewer joints mean fewer robots on the line, which Ford claims results in “measurable gains” in both build quality and production efficiency.

it also appears that Ford engineers have borrowed lessons from reverse-engineering Chinese and Tesla EVs. The new truck’s wiring is 4,000 feet (1.2 km) shorter than that of the Mustang Mach-E crossover, trimming 22 pounds (10 kg). It will run prismatic lithium iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells and a separate 48V system for auxiliary functions.

More: Ford Could Bring Back Sedans After Realizing It Can’t Afford Not To

The skunkworks team behind Ford’s next generation of EVs is led by former Tesla executive Alan Clarke, bringing 12 years of experience from the rival automaker.

As for the name, Ford is staying quiet. A recent patent filing hints at a possible return of the Ranchero badge, though nothing is confirmed. The affordable pickup is due in 2027 and will be followed by additional affordable EVs, with a sedan reportedly on the wish list.

Polestar’s designers and engineers may be working overtime to prepare four new EV launches by 2028, but management is already looking beyond the rollout. High-performance variants are on the agenda, suggesting that expansion will not come at the expense of speed.

Michael Lohscheller, Polestar CEO, spoke about the future during a media gathering at the Gothenburg headquarters in Sweden. As reported by Auto Express, he said:

“In terms of how we will continue to deliver performance with our future models, I think we’re going to deliver a more consistent way in terms of performance cars, in terms of the specifications. We want to focus a bit more on performance, because that is where we can do even better going forward, on track, on acceleration, but also in terms of being superior to others.”

More: One-Off Polestar Arctic Circle Edition Models Are Rally-Inspired EVs Ready For Action

Just a few months ago, Polestar was forced to shut down its last UK-based R&D facility as it took a $900 million loan from parent company Geely to survive heavy losses. Despite the closure of the engineering center responsible for the development of the Polestar 5, Lohscheller believes that the brand still has the expertise to take on BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi RS.

Central to this strategy is the expansion of the “BST” (short for “Beast”) moniker, which will evolve from a limited-production experiment with the Polestar 2 BST Editions into a high-performance sub-brand. Note that Polestar itself used to be the performance sub-brand of Volvo.

More: New Polestar 5 Doesn’t Need A Rear Window To Put Porsche On Notice

While the CEO didn’t get into details, candidates for future BST variants are the next-gen Polestar 2 sedan, the recently updated Polestar 3 SUV, and the Polestar 4 coupe crossover, which will soon gain an estate bodystyle.

As for the Polestar 5 grand tourer, it already packs 872 hp (650 kW / 884 PS) in Performance guise, meaning that an even hotter version could challenge the likes of the Audi RS e-Tron GT, Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, and Xiaomi SU7 Ultra.

Back in 2024, the company revealed the track-focused Polestar Concept BST that was based on the 6 roadster. However, the rollout of this model has been pushed back, with focus being shifted to more profitable models in mainstream segments.

Polestar

Electric vehicles are turning into a proper migraine for the insurance industry. According to the latest report from collision management software provider Mitchell, repairable collision claims for EVs jumped 14% in the US and 24% in Canada during 2025.

What makes these numbers particularly jarring is the fact that EV sales growth slowed down in 2025 as government tax incentives expired and consumer interest shifted to hybrids. Cox Automotive estimates that new EV sales dropped approximately 2% in the US, with S&P Global Mobility reporting a 0.4% decline in new EV registrations.

More: Car Repair Costs Are Exploding And It’s Not Just About Tariffs

Even Tesla’s grip on the market loosened slightly, with its US market share slipping to 46.2% from 48.7% in 2024 as more competitors gained ground.

Rising Repair Complexity

Even so, the existing EV fleet is aging into more accidents, and the complexity of repairing them is becoming a logistical and financial hurdle for the repair industry.

Ryan Mandell, Mitchell’s vice president of strategy and market intelligence, explained: “Due to their dense electrical architectures, software-driven systems and interconnected, sensor-heavy designs, these vehicles require additional diagnostic and calibration operations when damaged that can add cost, complexity and cycle time to each repair.”

The “Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights” report also examined other electrified vehicles. Repairable claims for PHEVs increased 6% in the US and 26% in Canada in 2025. Mild-hybrid models (MHEV) recorded increases of 20% in the US and 29% in Canada. It is worth noting, however, that MHEV sales in the US surged 28% in 2025.

Also: Why Even The Smallest Accident Is Designed To Destroy Your Wallet

Across North America, British Columbia recorded the highest EV repair demand at 8.48%, followed by Quebec at 8.21% and California at 6.58%.

Which Models Top The Claims List?

Looking at individual models, Tesla continues to dominate claims volume. In the US, the Model Y accounts for 30.32% of repairable BEV claims, followed by the Model 3 at 27.01%, meaning the two together represent more than half of all such claims. The pattern is similar in Canada, although the positions are reversed, with the Model 3 at 26.03% slightly ahead of the Model Y at 25.91%.

The Economics Of Fixing An EV

There is at least one sliver of good news. On the repair side, the average cost to fix an EV fell 5% in the US, from US$ 6,707 to US$ 6,395, and declined 2% in Canada in 2025. ICE-powered vehicles and PHEVs remained largely flat in the US, while MHEVs saw their average claim cost rise 4%, from $4,865 to $5,054.

Nevertheless, the higher repair complexity of electrified vehicles is reflected in their “calibrations per estimate” rating, which tracks how often sensors and systems must be recalibrated after repairs. In 2025, the average number of revisions was 1.70 for EVs and 1.63 for hybrids, compared to 1.54 for ICE-powered vehicles.

Mitchell’s data also shows that 86% of EV parts dollars go toward OEM components, with only 13% of parts deemed repairable rather than replaceable. For ICE-powered vehicles, 62% of parts dollars go to OEMs, and 15% of components are considered repairable.

The Depreciation Trap

Mitchell also reported that total loss market values declined across most powertrain types in 2025, with EVs seeing the sharpest drops. In the US, EV values fell 6%, from US$ 30,126 in 2024 to US$ 28,185 in 2025. In Canada, they dropped 13%, from CA$ 41,775 to CA$ 36,504.

More: China’s EV Boom Is Cooling, And The Big Names Are Feeling It

By comparison, ICE vehicle values declined 2.55% in the US, from $14,241 to $13,887, and 6.12% in Canada, from $17,049 to $16,005. Hybrids presented a more mixed picture, with US values rising 4.18%, from $18,453 to $19,225, while Canadian values fell 4.40%, from $30,268 to $28,938.

Analysts attribute the steeper EV declines to accelerated depreciation, the arrival of more budget-friendly models, and shifts in consumer sentiment.

Polestar may be wrestling with the sort of losses that keep finance teams awake at night, but it is not backing off. The Geely-owned brand has four new EVs lined up before 2028, each aimed at the market’s sweet spots. On the way are the 5 grand tourer, a more practical wagon take on the 4, a fully reworked 2 sedan, and an all-new 7 compact SUV. Busy times ahead.

The “Wagon” Polestar 4

Polestar’s current best seller is the 4, though its coupe-style roofline has always leaned more toward drama than practicality. That changes in the fourth quarter of 2026, when a new variant arrives with roof rails and a redesigned tail, complete with an actual rear window. Revolutionary, we know.

The aim is to attract a “wider customer base”, which is executive-speak for people who enjoy seeing out the back.

More: Polestar 4 Pricing Is Out And So Is The Rear Window

CEO Michael Lohscheller says the updated 4 “combines the space of an estate and the versatility of an SUV with the dynamic performance that is Polestar”. In plain terms, it keeps the same underpinnings as today’s car but swaps in a reshaped silhouette and a roomier cabin. Same bones, more boots-and-dogs potential.

The Next-Gen Polestar 2

Next up is a full new generation of the Polestar 2, due in early 2027. The current Tesla Model 3 rival has been around since 2019 and received a mid-lifecycle update in 2023, so a deeper rethink feels timely.

More: 2026 Polestar 2 Looks The Same But Hides Major Interior Upgrade

An official, albeit blurry, teaser suggests the 2 will trade its slightly crossover-ish stance for something lower and sleeker, complete with split LED headlights and a pared-back bumper design. Less high-riding fastback, more grounded sports saloon. Or at least that seems to be the direction of travel.

Europe-Built Compact SUV

Then there is the Polestar 7, landing in 2028 as a contender in Europe’s largest EV segment. And yes, Polestar’s naming scheme remains mildly baffling. It will be built in Slovakia and share its hardware with Volvo models. Lohscheller describes it as a “progressive performance-driven car” offered at “a very attractive price point”.

The Grand Tourer Is Here

At the top of the tree sits the Polestar 5 grand tourer, which only reinforces the point about that confusing nomenclature. Revealed in production form at the 2025 Munich Motor Show, it is scheduled to begin European deliveries in summer 2026. This is the halo car, the statement piece.

It rides on a lightweight bonded aluminum platform and, in Performance guise, packs a dual-motor setup producing up to 872 hp (650 kW / 884 PS). That is comfortably in the realm of serious performance, and proof that Polestar still wants to talk about speed as much as sustainability.

Optimism Despite Heavy Losses

All of this comes against a complicated financial backdrop. Last year, Polestar posted its best-ever retail sales, shifting 60,119 vehicles, up 34 percent, while also wrestling with deepening losses.

Even so, the mood at the top remains upbeat. Despite what Lohscheller calls a “challenging geopolitical and economic environment”, he remains optimistic about the future: “We are targeting the heart of the EV market, where customer demand and profit pools are high.” Confident words. Now comes the hard part.

Polestar

The Jeep Avenger might still seem fresh to many drivers, but Stellantis isn’t waiting around. Just a few years after its 2023 debut, the small SUV is already heading for a mid-cycle refresh. The updated model is expected to arrive in early 2027, and now, we’re getting our first look.

Caught during cold-weather testing in Europe, a camouflaged prototype hints at what Jeep may be changing on its smallest offering.

Review: Jeep Avenger EV Is A Fun Little Gem That’s Too Small For US

The development vehicle wears a full wrap with Jeep-branded graphics, doing its best to hide the details. But through a few narrow openings, the split LED headlights and cooling intakes seem to be in exactly the same spots as before. One noticeable adjustment, though: the fog lights have shifted slightly lower in the front bumper.

Baldauf

The sculpted profile of the Avenger will most likely be carried over from the current version. Still, the plastic cladding might get a mild revision, and we’re expecting some new alloy wheel designs and exterior colors to freshen things up.

Review: Jeep Avenger Proves ICE And Manual Combo Can Still Be Compelling

At the back, the prototype doesn’t seem to wear any redesigned panels, although this could change as we move closer to the launch date. The single tailpipe suggests that the turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine lies under the hood, either in non-electrified or mild-hybrid forms.

What To Expect Inside

Our spy photographers managed to get a glimpse inside the cabin, though Stellantis engineers didn’t make it easy. Everything from the dashboard to the door panels and seats was concealed beneath vinyl. The SUV still appears to feature the free-standing infotainment display, positioned separately from the digital instrument cluster. Even so, the effort to hide it all suggests that changes are coming.

It remains to be seen whether Jeep will add softer materials instead of the hard plastics of the current model, at least on the main touchpoints. We also expect that equipment will be updated with the latest connectivity and safety tech from the Stellantis parts bin.

As for the mechanical side, it’s too early for specifics, but there’s no sign of a major overhaul. The current Avenger offers internal combustion, mild-hybrid, and fully electric options, and that lineup will likely continue. An all-wheel-drive variant is already available through the mild-hybrid 4xe trim, and that setup should carry over.

More: Jeep’s Smallest SUV Will Be Built In South America With A Local Twist

The Avenger rides on Stellantis’s updated CMP/eCMP platform, shared with several other models including the Alfa Romeo Junior and Fiat 600. It also underpins the Lancia Ypsilon, Opel Corsa and Mokka, Peugeot 208 and 2008, and DS3. That shared DNA means many of the same components and configurations are likely to remain in play for the refresh.

Baldauf

We’ll keep watching the test fleet as Jeep continues development. With any luck, the next round of spy shots will reveal more by shedding some of the camouflage.

Outside of Europe, the smallest Jeep is getting ready for a wider rollout. Production will soon begin in Brazil, where the Avenger will be offered with region-specific updates. In fact, this camouflaged prototype might not just preview a facelift for Europe, it could also be part of the testing program for a localized South American version with its own powertrain changes.

Forget the clinical efficiency and silent hum of modern EVs. Honda has other ideas. The brand is channeling some of its spikiest ’80s spirit into the electric era, drawing a direct line from the analog madness of the City Turbo II to its latest pint-sized experiment.

After showing off a prototype at the Japan Mobility Show, Honda has pulled the curtain back on the production-ready Super-One via a new teaser site ahead of its domestic launch.

More: Honda Walks Back Its EV Plans As Losses Spiral

The Super-One isn’t just a slightly jazzed-up N-One e:. It’s a city-sized hot hatch, with a wider stance, upgraded chassis, and an electric powertrain that tries to evoke the grit of a gasoline engine with synthesized sounds. Honda says it’s a spiritual successor to the City Turbo II Bulldog from the 1980s.

Widebody Pocket Rocket

Visually, the Super-One stands out with reshaped bumpers featuring functional air ducts, distinctive “blister fenders” along the sides, and a roof spoiler. It also rides on a new set of 15-inch alloy wheels finished in matte Berlina Black with a machined face, paired with wider Yokohama tires.

In terms of size, the Super-One comes in at 3,589 mm (141.3 inches) long, 1,573 mm (61.9 inches) wide, and 1,616 mm (63.6 inches) tall. That makes it 194 mm (7.6 inches) longer, 98 mm (3.8 inches) wider, and 71 mm (2.8 inches) taller than the standard N-One e:, though it retains the same 2,520 mm (99.2-inch) wheelbase.

More: Prelude, Type R And CR-V Get Sporty HRC Makeovers, And Honda Didn’t Stop There

Honda has introduced a new color called Boost Violet Pearl, inspired by lightning and offered exclusively on the Super-One. Other available finishes include Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Citron Yellow Pearl, and Mono Gray, each offered in both monotone and bi-tone combinations.

What About The Interior?

Inside, the dashboard layout is mostly carried over from the N-One e:, but the Super-One adds its own touches with reshaped seats featuring heavier bolsters, purple accents, and custom graphics for the 7-inch digital instrument cluster. When Boost Mode is activated, the display shifts to show a simulated tachometer.

Adding to the theatrics, the Active Sound Control system mimics gear shifts and engine growls through the standard eight-speaker Bose premium audio setup. Equipment levels are generous, with a 9-inch infotainment system, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and Honda’s full suite of advanced driver assistance features.

Power Boost

The pint-sized hot hatch is driven by a front-mounted electric motor. While Honda hasn’t officially confirmed the output, earlier details from the Singapore Motor Show in January suggest it delivers 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS) in Boost Mode.

More: The Manual Honda That Thinks It’s A Baby Type R

That might not sound like a lot, but it represents a healthy increase over the 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS) of the N-One e:. Even so, it is less powerful than the discontinued Honda e that produced 152 hp (113 kW / 154 PS) in its most potent form.

The added power and increased width mean the Super-One will be classified as a passenger vehicle rather than a kei car. Honda has not yet revealed battery capacity or range figures, though the N-One e: uses a 29.6 kWh unit.

Rounding out the changes, the sporty EV features a custom chassis setup with a lowered suspension and wider tracks for improved handling.

How Much Does It Cost?

Full details on the Super-One’s pricing and launch timing will follow in the coming weeks. However, Japanese outlet Creative Trend reports that Honda is targeting a price range between ¥3,000,000 and ¥3,500,000 (approximately $19,700 to $22,900) before incentives.

That positions it higher than the standard N-One e:, which starts at ¥2,699,400 ($17,600) and can drop as low as ¥1,625,400 ($10,600) with full subsidies applied.

Following its debut in Japan, the Super-One will also reach additional markets including the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and select parts of Asia.

BMW is already preparing a mid-cycle refresh for the 5-Series and its all-electric sibling, the i5, but current owners don’t have to wait for the facelift to give their cars more visual presence. Thanks to aftermarket specialists like AC Schnitzer, there are already options on the table.

The German tuning brand has just released images of a newly modified i5 that comes across as a more civilized version of the ultra-aggressive M5.

More: What Happens When The M5 Loses Restraint And Gains Nearly 800 HP

AC Schnitzer originally announced a series of styling and chassis upgrades for the G60/G61 generation in 2024. At the time, the preview focused on the internal combustion variants. This latest update showcases the same upgrades applied to the fully electric i5, specifically the range-topping M60 xDrive model.

What Does The Package Include?

The styling kit brings a more aggressive stance, starting with a front splitter that works in tandem with matching side skirts and two distinct spoilers at the rear. Touring models get their own unique rear spoiler variation. These parts are tailored for i5 units equipped with the M Sport package, which already comes with sportier bumpers as standard.

For those who want an extra dose of visual drama, the tuner offers stripe decals along the sides. The most impactful upgrade, however, might be the new alloy wheels, which come in three designs, multiple finishes, and sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches in diameter.

More: BMW’s Neue Klasse Plan Starts To Blur As You Look At The 2027 5-Series

The example shown wears 21-inch AC3 FlowForming wheels with a five double-spoke pattern, paired with bold red brake calipers for contrast. Suspension tweaks include lowering springs that reduce ride height by 20 to 25 mm (0.8 to 1 inch), along with spacers that increase the track width by 20 mm (0.8 inch), giving the i5 a more grounded stance.

The i5 M60 xDrive donor car is the most powerful electric version in the 5-Series lineup. Straight from the factory, it’s equipped with dual electric motors delivering a combined 593 hp (445 kW / 601 hp) and 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) of torque.

Still, AC Schnitzer insists that’s “not enough” for its tuning team. Even so, it’s unlikely they’ll venture into performance upgrades for the EV, instead reserving those efforts for the internal combustion models, including the upcoming M5.

What Do The Upgrades Cost?

As for the cost of dressing up the i5, the upgrades are mostly shared with the standard 5-Series. The front splitter is priced at €1,290 ($1,500), while the side skirts come in at €840 ($1,000). The roof spoiler adds €490 ($580), and the subtle rear lip spoiler another €540 ($640).

Wheels represent the biggest investment, potentially adding up to €5,390 ($7,700) depending on spec. Additional parts include spacers at €486 ($580) and lowering springs priced at €581 ($830).

AC Schnitzer

Ever wished your family-friendly van could moonlight as a workhorse? Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is narrowing the divide (quite literally) between passenger comfort and utility with a new factory accessory designed for the European market ID. Buzz.

Developed in collaboration with long-time partner Snoeks Automotive in the Netherlands, the fixed partition gives owners a way to convert the rear of their five-seat electric van into a proper cargo area, without sacrificing everyday practicality.

More: VW Spruces Up ID.Buzz Cargo With Factory Bodykit And Fake Windows

The new partition is mounted directly behind the second row and includes a window, preserving the ID. Buzz’s five-seat layout while creating a separate floor-to-ceiling cargo space much like the ID. Buzz Cargo variant.

Beyond safety, the partition keeps dirt, smells, and noise from the cargo area out of the cabin, while also helping the climate control system work more efficiently by reducing the volume of the space that needs to be heated or cooled.

The divider is made from Compax, a composite material known for being both lightweight and durable. To avoid a purely industrial feel, Volkswagen finished it in a high-grade soft-touch surface. There’s even a built-in storage compartment under the floor, designed specifically to hold the charging cable. Importantly, the setup doesn’t interfere with rear seatbelts or the operation of the side airbags.

More: VW’s New Van Shows Up In GTI Cosplay, But No One Told The Engine

The new accessory can be fitted to both the standard and long-wheelbase versions of the ID. Buzz. For the short wheelbase, it’s offered on the Freestyle, Pure, Energy, and Pro trims. For the longer model, it’s available on the Energy and Pro lines. In Germany, pricing starts at €1,856.40, or roughly $2,000 based on current exchange rates.

While the ID. Buzz remains part of VW’s European lineup, the electric minivan has skipped the 2026 MY in the US market, due to lower-than-expected demand. A return isn’t off the table, though. Volkswagen may bring it back in 2027 with more substantial updates aimed at attracting US buyers.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

The Xiaomi SU7 hasn’t been on the market for very long, but one owner in China put the electric sedan through its paces at a rate higher than most taxis. The model has covered an astonishing 165,134 miles (265,757 km) in just 16 months (476 days), offering a real-world look at how the EV hardware handles heavy use.

What is likely the highest mileage Xiaomi in existence was highlighted on a video that was uploaded on Bilibili by Jackson’s Sunset Drive. The vehicle in question is an Aqua Blue SU7 Pro owned by Mr. Feng, who drove an average of 373 miles (600 km) every day since he took delivery.

More: His Hyundai Ioniq 5 Battery Still Held 88% After 360,000 Miles

For context, the daily trip matches the distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco, with the total distance covered being the equivalent of 6.63 times the circumference of the Earth.

Battery Health After 165,000 Miles

The most impressive takeaway from the high-mileage experiment is the battery’s state of health, as measured by an official Xiaomi service station. Despite the intensive usage, the 94.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate Shenxing battery pack from CATL has retained 94.5% of its original capacity.

As Carnewschina points out, the rival Tesla Model 3 Long Range comes with an eight-year, 120,000-mile (193,120 km) warranty, promising a battery health of at least 70 percent after that period.

Minimal Wear And Tear

In the case of the Xiaomi, it isn’t just the battery that is holding up. The owner claims the vehicle has never required a brake pad replacement, which is a testament to the efficiency of its regenerative braking system. Furthermore, the coolant remains pure, with zero water contamination.

More: After 100K Miles, VW’s EV Barely Lost Range Thanks To One Trick

The Pro trim of the fully electric sedan is fitted with a rear-mounted motor producing 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. According to the automaker, the 94.3 kWh battery offers a CLTC range of 830 km (516 miles) in this variant.

Fuel Savings

Doing the math, based on an estimated efficiency of 18 kWh/100km, Mr. Feng’s Xiaomi has consumed roughly 47,800 kWh of electricity over the past 18 months. This translates to around 506 full charge/discharge cycles for the 94.3 kWh battery.

Overall, Mr. Feng estimates that by opting for the electric sedan over an ICE-powered vehicle he has saved over ¥100,000 ($14,400) in fuel costs over the 265,757 km (165,134 miles). That is a significant amount considering that the starting price of a Xiaomi SU7 Pro is ¥245,900 ($35,400) in China.

More: Ford’s Jim Farley Was “Shocked” After Tearing Down Chinese And Tesla EVs

Predictably, the video has gained traction and was even shared by Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun. The owner revealed that he plans to continue racking up miles on his EV, targeting to reach 600,000 km (372,823 miles) within three years.

The Xiaomi SU7 has recently made headlines for outselling the rival Tesla Model 3 in China, with 258,164 units delivered in 2025. The company has already announced a refreshed version of the sedan, which is set to arrive in April 2026 with more advanced ADAS, a standard LiDAR, and a longer driving range of up to 560 miles (902 km) in the CLTC cycle.

Xiaomi

Update: Following a series of teasers, Avatr has unveiled the first official photos of the wagon, revealing its exterior design in full for the first time.

Even as SUVs continue to dominate global sales, the Chinese market still makes room for sleeker wagons. One of the latest to step forward is the Avatr 06T, a streamlined shooting brake designed as a more practical counterpart to the brand’s electric sedan aimed at the Tesla Model 3.

The automaker has revealed the exterior design of the new model ahead of an imminent debut. As expected, the front design, complete with split LED headlights, is carried over from the Avatr 06 sedan launched last year. What sets the 06T apart are the roof rails and an extended roofline that flows into a reshaped rear section.

More: Avatr’s 18-Foot Concept Makes The Ghost Look Petite And Germans Look Twice

The rear shoulders are more defined, and the rising beltline contributes to a sportier stance than the sedan, helped along by a prominent rear spoiler. The wagon also features a steeply inclined rear windscreen, setting it apart from the sedan’s windowless tail.

The slim full-width LED taillights have a Jaguar-like feel and are paired with a sculpted bumper and an aerodynamic diffuser. The black cladding on the profile and tail sends crossover vibes, although Avatr designers decided to keep the wheel arches clean.

More: Kia Built A New Wagon In Mexico That Looks Better Than The Sedan

Another important update is the revised door handles that deviate from the flush design of the sedan. This is probably the company’s response to China’s new rules about door handles, and will gradually find its way to the rest of the lineup.

The 06T is expected to share the same 2,940 mm (115.7 inches) wheelbase as the 06 sedan, with an overall length of 4,855 mm (191.2 inches).

Inside, the layout will likely carry over too, including the 35.4-inch display along the base of the windshield and the 15.6-inch touchscreen running HarmonyOS 5.0. Rear passengers can expect more headroom and additional space for luggage.

Huawei Hardware Takes the Lead

The wagon will be the first model to feature Huawei’s next-generation 192-line LiDAR sensor, mounted on the roof, along with the latest Qiankun ADS 4.0 driver assistance system. The updated LiDAR boosts detection range to 250 meters (820 feet), a 20 percent improvement over the previous version.

Underneath, the 06T is expected to share its platform with the 06 sedan and the closely related 07 SUV. Both offer a choice between fully electric and range-extender powertrains. The dual-motor EV delivers up to 590 hp (440 kW / 598 PS), while the EREV variant offers a combined range of up to 1,250 km (777 miles). Both versions support 5C fast charging.

When Will It Arrive?

The Avatr 06T is slated to launch in the Chinese market in the coming months. It will compete more directly with the Nio ET5T than with high-end wagon offerings like the Denza Z9 GT, Stelato S9T, and Zeekr 007 GT. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the 06 sedan currently starts at ¥209,900 ($30,200) in China.

The growing appeal of the 06 and 07 has helped Avatr push average monthly sales to around 10,000 units in China. Even so, the automaker, backed by Changan, Huawei, and CATL, still needs higher volume to keep pace with rivals like Zeekr and Nio.

After years of delays and development setbacks, Japan’s long-awaited electric kei vans from Toyota, Daihatsu, and Suzuki have officially made the leap from concept to production.

The three brands have confirmed the market launch of their collaborative battery-powered van lineup: the Toyota Pixis Van BEV, the Daihatsu e-Hijet Cargo, and the Daihatsu e-Atrai RS. Suzuki’s equivalent, the nearly identical e-Every, is also on the way. These production models arrive almost three years after the original trio debuted in prototype form back in 2023.

More: Daihatsu Hijet Is Available In 26 Configurations, Including Tiny Dump Trucks

On the outside, these new zero-emission vans mirror their combustion-engine siblings, which have been on sale since 2021. The main visual clue is the addition of a charging port on the front bumper.

Between the Toyota and Daihatsu versions, the only visible difference lies in the badges. The e-Atrai RS, Daihatsu’s more passenger-friendly variant, is sold exclusively in a single RS trim. It features black steel wheels, color-matched accents, chrome detailing, and power sliding doors on both sides.

Inside, the highlight is the new shifter, sourced from other Toyota models such as the Prius. Equipment includes heated front seats and auto A/C for greater efficiency, a USB port, an AC 100V outlet for powering external devices, and an enhanced preventing safety system called Smart Assist.

Practicality remains central, with an overhead compartment and smart storage solutions integrated throughout the cabin. More importantly, the move to electric power leaves both the cargo space and the 350 kg (772 lb) maximum load capacity untouched.

Fully Electric Powertrain

The kei vans are identical under the skin, riding on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform with a new powertrain developed jointly by Suzuki, Daihatsu and Toyota.

More: Daihatsu Built A Sleeper Kei Car With A Roll Cage And It’s Headed For Sale

A single rear-mounted electric motor (e-axle) produces 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS) and 126 Nm (93 lb-ft) of torque. That matches the output of the turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder gasoline engine, with an added 35 Nm (26 lb-ft) of torque.

The floor-mounted lithium-ion battery pack has a capacity of 36.6 kWh, allowing a WLTC range of 160 miles (257 km) between charges. This is 36 miles (57 km) more than the targeted figure during development, and should be enough for urban deliveries. It is also slightly better than the 152 mile (245 km) range of the Honda N-Van e: which is their main competitor.

A full charge is completed in around 6 hours from a standard 6 kW outlet, while a 50 kW fast charger will take it to 80% in 50 minutes. Finally, the EVs are compatible with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology.

More: For $8,500, Nissan Will Sell You A Kei Truck That Still Thinks It’s The ’90s

Engineers have also applied BEV-specific structural reinforcements to the chassis, promising better handling thanks to the lower center of gravity, and improved ride comfort thanks to the new trailing-link rigid-axle rear suspension and the optimised spring rates.

A Premium for Zero Emissions

The jump to electric doesn’t come cheap. Both the Toyota Pixis Van BEV and Daihatsu e-Hijet Cargo start at ¥3,146,000 (about $20,300 at current exchange rates) in Japan, nearly three times the cost of their entry-level gasoline counterparts, which begin at ¥1,100,000 (roughly $7,100). The Daihatsu e-Atrai RS comes in higher still, starting from ¥3,465,000 ($22,400).

Production will take place at Daihatsu’s plant in Nakatsu, Japan. Toyota is targeting 50 sales per month, while Daihatsu expects to move around 300 units monthly.

A new electric subcompact has pulled off a quiet revolution in China’s fiercely competitive car market, topping the charts without the backing of Tesla or BYD. The Geely Galaxy Xingyuan, a fully electric hatchback, has officially become the country’s best-selling vehicle for 2025, racking up 465,775 registrations and ending the two-year reign of the Tesla Model Y.

More: Ford Held The Best-Seller Crown, But GM Outsold It On A Technicality

Known as the Geely EX2 in export markets, the Galaxy Xingyuan was introduced in 2024 and measures 4,135 mm (162.8 inches) in length. It sits in the subcompact category, going up against popular rivals like the BYD Dolphin, Wuling Bingo, and Aion UT.

It blends simple, approachable styling with a well-equipped interior and pricing that stays competitive, currently ranging from ¥65,800 to ¥95,800 ($9,500 to $13,800 at current exchange rates) in China.

GM JV Snags Second Spot

China’s second-best-selling vehicle in 2025 was the compact Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, repeating the success of its earlier version from 2021 and 2022. The pint-sized electric hatchback from the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture entered a new generation last year, bringing more playful styling and a new five-door variant. Those updates clearly landed well, helping it reach 435,599 units sold, a huge 82 percent jump over its 2024 total.

Geely Galaxy Xingyuan

The Tesla Model Y, which held the top spot in 2023 and 2024, slipped to third place in 2025. It still put up strong numbers with 425,337 units sold, though that marked an 11.5 percent decline from the year before, even with the launch of a significantly updated version earlier in the year.

More: One in 10 New Cars Sold in Europe Last Month Was Chinese

In fourth place, the BYD Qin Plus sedan registered 387,315 units sold. Available as either a fully electric model or a plug-in hybrid, the Qin Plus had previously held the second spot in both 2023 and 2024 but saw its position slip this year.

The Nissan Sylphy sedan, known as the Sentra in the US, was China’s best-selling model from 2020 to 2022 before Tesla took over. Now down to fifth place with 320,000 sales, it still holds the distinction of being the country’s best-selling non-EV. A new generation has just arrived, which might give it a boost heading into next year.

Source: China Passenger Car Association (CPCA)

Another standout in China’s top 10 for 2025 is the Xiaomi SU7 sedan, which landed in eighth place with 258,164 units sold. The Chinese newcomer made headlines by outselling its direct rival, the Tesla Model 3, which slipped to eleventh with 200,361.

Local Brands Dominate The Charts

According to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), BYD held onto its lead as the largest manufacturer in China by total volume, selling 3,484,525 vehicles in 2025. Geely followed in second with 2,605,565 units, marking a striking 47% increase over the previous year.

Chinese brands as a whole captured 65 percent of the domestic market, while many foreign automakers that once dominated have struggled to keep up. FAW-Volkswagen secured third place with 1,531,276 sales, but joint ventures from Toyota and Honda have now dropped out of the top five.

Source: China Passenger Car Association (CPCA)

The Toyota Corolla, the best-selling nameplate in automotive history, is gearing up for a major evolution for its 13th generation. This next iteration of the compact is expected to merge a more futuristic design with a broad range of powertrain options, including hybrid and, for the first time, fully electric. If all goes according to plan, this will be the most ambitious overhaul in the model’s six-decade run.

More: You Won’t Be Seeing These Stretched 2026 Corollas Over Here

Toyota offered a taste of that future with the radical concept unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. While visually striking, the concept’s design leaned heavily into the avant-garde, raising doubts about how much of it would survive into production.

Is This What It’ll Really Look Like?

In response, digital artist Theophilus Chin stepped in with speculative renderings that balance the bold with the believable. His vision softens the extremes, wrapping forward-thinking design in a more grounded four-door sedan shape.

Theottle

The illustrations are actually based on the Lexus IS, implementing elements from the Toyota Crown Sedan before adding the signature styling features of the Corolla concept.

At the front, the design retains the hammerhead-style headlights introduced on the concept, now joined by additional daytime running lights integrated into the bumper. Below that sits a slim air intake, nestled under a full-width LED bar.

More: We Think We Know What Toyota Teased, And It Could Carry A Familiar Name

According to Toyota’s own designers, combustion-powered variants would require certain functional tweaks. This likely explains some of the more pragmatic adjustments in Chin’s version.

In line with that approach, several of the concept’s more dramatic features have been reined in. The low-slung hood and ultra-modern glasshouse have been scaled back to better suit a road-going car. Wheel sizes are more modest, and the flush door handles have given way to conventional ones. Even so, the side profile keeps its complexity, with angular character lines.

The biggest change is at the rear, where the concept’s futuristic tail has been swapped for a more conventional sedan layout, likely to align with mainstream Corolla tastes. Even so, the clean roofline, slim full-width LED taillights, subtle spoiler, and sharp surface work give it a more contemporary look than the current generation of the sedan

Did The Concept Take It Too Far?

Toyota Corolla Concept

The original concept was developed by Toyota’s European design center in France, signalling a radical shift for the popular nameplate. However, while the prospect of big changes sounds exciting, history suggests automakers tend to proceed cautiously with high-volume, globally popular models.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Toyota tempers the wildest aspects of the concept for the production version. Still, there’s always the chance they’ll take a bigger leap than expected.

What remains unknown is whether the new generation will follow the current model’s multi-body format. At present, the Corolla is sold globally as a sedan, hatchback, and estate, offering broad appeal across markets and use cases.

Toyota Corolla Concept

Besides the futuristic exterior, the concept came with a completely reimagined interior combining the latest technology with more premium materials and added space. Toyota’s messaging suggests they’re looking to elevate the segment, but production models are likely to tone things down for cost, practicality, and manufacturing scale.

Under The Skin

Toyota has not yet released technical specifications for the next-generation Corolla, but it did confirm the model will continue under its “multi-pathway” strategy, supporting multiple types of propulsion.

More: MR2 Is That You? GR Boss Confirms New Mid-Engine Sports Car

The lineup will offer both hybrid and fully electric powertrains to suit a wide range of global markets. Likely options for the hybrid system include new 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines currently in development, aimed at delivering more power with improved efficiency.

Designers have also stated that interior space will remain consistent across all variants, regardless of the drivetrain.

Given the driver-oriented nature of the current TNGA platform and Toyota’s steady evolution in chassis tuning, the next Corolla could offer a more rewarding experience behind the wheel. Comfort and usability remain priorities, but added sharpness wouldn’t come as a surprise.

A performance version from Gazoo Racing is also a strong possibility, serving as a spiritual successor to the rally-ready GR Corolla.

When Are We Going To See It?

The current 12th-generation Toyota Corolla debuted in 2018, with a mild mid-cycle update arriving in 2022. That timeline suggests the next generation could appear in 2026 or 2027, though Toyota has not yet confirmed a launch date.

A dust-covered prototype spotted in a California parking lot has stirred plenty of curiosity across forums and social media. Weathered and left behind, it’s another eerie reminder of how unforgiving the EV game can be, especially for startups trying to find a foothold in a market that moves fast, burns money, and doesn’t wait for anyone to catch up.

More: Seres 5 Crushes Tesla Model Y In Comfort But Loses The Battle Where It Counts

The vehicle in question appears to be a near-production evolution of the SF7 concept, which SF Motors first revealed back in 2018. That company would later be rebranded as Seres, eventually spinning off the Aito nameplate in partnership with Chinese tech giant Huawei. And yes, keeping track can be a bit of a challenge.

Still, the Chinese automaker once had big plans for the North American market. In 2018, it purchased a factory in Mishawaka, Indiana, for $160 million, with the intention of building EVs on US soil and going straight after Tesla.

That same year, it also opened a 130,000-square-foot R&D and low-volume manufacturing facility at the McCarthy Creekside Industrial Center in Milpitas, California.

By the following year, however, those plans had been shelved. Officially, it was due to shifting market dynamics and the usual complications of US-China trade. Unofficially, the writing was already on the wall.

The Shape of What Could Have Been

The abandoned prototype, first noticed by forum users and Reddit sleuths, was spotted in the parking lot of the SF Motors facility in Milpitas, California. Compared to the original SF7 concept, this one looks much closer to production, with reworked bumpers, reshaped fenders, and more conventional lighting units.

Overall, it looks like a mix between a sedan and a fastback crossover, with discreet cladding around the wheel arches and a sleek roofline. It also features. US-market details like amber indicators suggest it was being prepped for local homologation.

Inside, there’s a large portrait-oriented infotainment display paired with a digital instrument cluster. The cabin is trimmed in white leather with wood accents, but it’s clearly suffered from exposure, thanks to windows left partially open to the elements.

Specs That Never Saw the Road

Originally, the SF7 was meant to ride on a dedicated EV platform, boasting quad electric motors with a combined output of up to 1,000 horsepower. A liquid-cooled battery was estimated to provide around 300 miles (483 kilometers) of range, putting the SF7 in direct competition with premium electric SUVs at the time.

Although the SF7 never made it to showrooms, the slightly smaller SF5 managed to find a second life. That concept evolved into the Seres 5, which we reviewed, and the Aito M5, developed through the Seres-Huawei partnership.

A Failed Dream

Seeing this derelict development vehicle in California is reminder of how close SF Motors came to offer vehicles in the US. But in the end, those plans never crossed the finish line.

The Mishawaka facility, originally chosen as the production site for the SF5 and SF7, once built the Mercedes R-Class. That likely explains the presence of the white R-Class, sitting on pallets next to the abandoned SF7.

The old Mercedes crossover carries SF Motors emblems and was repurposed as a development mule for a “high-performance electric powertrain.”

From One Collapse to Another

After SF Motors scrapped its US production plans, the Indiana facility was picked up by Electric Last Mile Solutions (ELMS), a startup that later filed for bankruptcy. Mullen Automotive stepped in and took ownership in 2022, but by late 2025, the company handed the plant over to the GEM Group to resolve outstanding legal liabilities.

Photos Reddit / Imgur / Google Maps

Tesla hasn’t created a Cybervan yet, but someone else just beat them to it. A Russian startup has stepped in with something that looks uncannily like a bulked-up Cybertruck, except it’s an electric van, and yes, it’s heading for production.

Meet the Russo-Balt F200, a stainless steel slab of a van with unmistakable Cybertruck flair. It’s the first model from a newly revived brand that traces its name back to a storied Russian automaker and railway carriage builder that operated between 1869 and 1918. Production plans are already in motion, with initial deliveries scheduled for January 2027.

More: Russia’s Cybervan Looks Like A Sci-Fi Tesla Truck That Gave Up

As we previously reported, the F200 has already been seen roaming public roads in Russia, confirming that it’s more than a rendering or vaporware project. Amusingly, the company even featured a link to our earlier coverage on its own website.

Although we pointed out a resemblance to China’s Weiqiao New Energy V90, Russo-Balt insists the F200 is its own creation and not a rebadge job.

What Is This Thing, Exactly?

The body panels are shaped from unpainted stainless steel, just like the Cybertruck, welded together by hand. Despite the raw-metal finish, buyers can personalize the look with optional polyurethane wraps, available in a full range of colors and graphics.

From its sharp creases to the flat windows and squared-off arches, the F200 borrows more than a few cues from the Cybertruck. Full-width LED lighting front and rear, plus a tailgate design that recalls the styling of Tesla’s electric truck bed cover, round out the visual nods.

While most vans of this size ride on a ladder-frame chassis, the F200 uses a monocoque chassis. This setup supports a payload of up to 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds), which appears to be in line with commercial expectations.

100-Year Warranty

According to the Russian startup, the vehicle falls under the international L3H3 classification and measures 5,950 mm (234.3 inches) in length, 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) in width, and 2,550 mm (100.4 inches) in height, tall enough for most people to stand upright inside.

The standard build includes a 100-year body warranty for the stainless steel panels, which sounds a bit rich for a van that hasn’t hit the road yet in full production form.

Power comes from a single electric motor with 200 hp sent to the front wheels. A 115 kWh battery pack provides a claimed range of 400 kilometers (249 miles), with DC fast charging supported via a port on the front fender.

How Much Does it Cost?

Pricing is set at 6.5 million rubles, roughly $85,200 at current exchange rates. A refundable deposit of just 10,000 rubles (around $131) secures a place in the production queue, though the total planned volume hasn’t been disclosed.

More: Ukraine Turns A BMW 7-Series Into A Luxury Russia-Fighting Rocket Launcher

Standard equipment includes ABS, ESP, climate control, rear air suspension, and a 360-degree camera setup with live streaming capability. Virtually every surface that could be warmed, including seats, steering wheel, mirrors, even the windshield wipers, is heated. This is a vehicle built for Russian winters, after all.

Infotainment is handled by a 14-inch touchscreen, which displays vehicle settings and offers integrated entertainment from Russian platforms such as Rutube, VKvideo, and Yandex.

More to Come from Russo-Balt

Interestingly, the team behind the F200 claims prior experience in manufacturing stainless steel water dispensers, and they plan to carry over the same material and fabrication expertise to the van. Production will be on a made-to-order basis.

A second model, the F400, is already in development. This one will feature a range-extending gas engine and all-wheel drive via dual electric motors, combining for a projected 400 horsepower. It will also add front air suspension, in addition to the rear air spring setup already included on the F200. Pricing details have yet to be announced.

Russo-Balt

Sluggish demand is putting pressure on Ford’s European EV strategy, as two of its newest models struggle to gain traction. The Explorer and Capri have fallen short of sales expectations across the region, prompting the company to scale back shifts and lay off workers at its Cologne factory in Germany.

To rekindle buyer interest in its VW-based EVs, Ford has upgraded the Standard Range versions with added power and extended driving range.

More: The Ford Explorer Just Got A Makeover You Won’t See In America

The 2026 Ford Explorer and Capri Standard Range look the same as before, but benefit from hardware upgrades under the skin. The 52 kWh battery has the same capacity but now features lithium iron phosphate technology, unlocking more range.

According to Ford, the WLTP range figures have been increased by up to 70 km (52 miles). More specifically, the Explorer can travel 444 km (276 miles) between charges, and the more aerodynamic Capri has a range of 464 km (288 miles).

Acceleration Gets a Modest Bump

Furthermore, the rear-mounted electric motor is now making 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. This represents an increase of 20 hp (15 kW) and 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) compared to the outgoing Standard Range models, allowing the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint to be completed in 8 seconds flat (-0.7 seconds).

More: VW’s Killing The ID.4 To Bring Back A Familiar Name

Those suffering from range anxiety can still get the Extended Range RWD, which comes with a bigger 77 kWh battery and a more powerful 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) motor, or the flagship Extender Range AWD with a 79 kWh battery and dual motors producing 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS).

The Ford Explorer was introduced in 2023, followed by the Capri in 2024. Both models are produced at the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center in Germany, following a multi-billion-dollar investment to convert the historic Fiesta plant into an EV hub.

Ford has yet to announce pricing for the updated EVs. In Germany, the current Explorer and Capri start from €39,900 ($47,600) and €42,400 ($50,700) respectively. It remains to be seen whether the improved specs will lead to increased customer demand.

What’s Going on With the Competition?

Meanwhile, over at Volkswagen, the German brand is preparing to replace the ID.4 with a refreshed model named ID. Tiguan, while quietly retiring the ID.5.

Ford’s rivals in the segment continue to grow, with the list including the Skoda Enyaq, Renault Scenic E-Tech, Nissan Ariya, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Peugeot E-3008, Opel Grandland Electric, Citroen e-C5 Aircross, Jeep Compass Electric, and the ever-present Tesla Model Y

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