Lawsuits that turn into jury trials can be costly, and likely to avoid a potentially astronomical payout, Tesla has settled a lawsuit filed in relation to the death of a 31-year-old killed while driving a Model S with Autopilot enabled. As you may expect, details about the settlement remain confidential.

On February 18, 2023, Genesis Giovanni Mendoza Martinez was driving his 2014 Tesla Model S on Interstate 680 in Contra Costa County, California, when the EV slammed into a fire truck responding to an earlier accident. Martinez was killed in the 70-mph crash, while his brother in the passenger seat suffered serious injuries.

Read: NHTSA Suspects Tesla That Hit Firetruck In Fatal Crash Was Using Autopilot

The lawsuit took issue with how Tesla advertised its Autopilot system, and suggested that the 31-year-old would not have been killed had the system performed as advertised. The lawsuit alleged that both Tesla and company boss Elon Musk had misrepresented the capabilities of the Level 2 driver-assistance system, causing Martinez to place too much trust in it.

The case was being overseen by Judge Vince Chhabria, who determined last year that the ‘Autopilot’ name was “plausibly misleading.” He also ruled that Musk’s statements about Autopilot, including statements in which he said it was “probably better” than a human driver, were legally actionable.

Did Tesla Make False Promises?

Contra Costa Fire Department/X

Data recovered from the wrecked Model S revealed that Autopilot had been engaged roughly 12 minutes before the crash. Because of advertising around the technology, the lawsuit said the driver thought the EV “would drive itself and he no longer needed to drive it.”

Tesla fiercely contested the claims, saying it wasn’t at fault given that Martinez had ignored warnings in the owner’s manual and active warnings while inside the vehicle. Despite this, the judge cleared the path for a jury trial where Musk’s statements on Autopilot would have inevitably been put under the microscope. To avoid this, Tesla has agreed to settle.

The automaker has settled numerous similar lawsuits in the past. In 2025, it opted against settling a case in Florida, and a jury returned a verdict that it must pay $243 million in damages in relation to the 2019 death of a man who was inside a Model S with Autopilot engaged, which hit a parked Chevrolet Tahoe.

The name might not be familiar in America, but the Bolt ride-hailing company is a Goliath in other parts of the globe, operating in more than 850 cities across 50 countries. And proving that anything its more famous rival Uber can do, Bolt can do too, the Euro operation is teaming up with Lucid to develop tens of thousands of robotaxis.

Lucid and Bolt today announced they are joining forces to put 25,000 autonomous cabs on Europe’s streets. It’s part of Bolt’s commitment to provide riders access to 100,000 driverless cars on its platform by 2035. The American EV brand already has a deal in place with Uber to roll out 35,000 robotaxis across North America starting this year.

Related: Don’t Play Chicken With A Tesla Cybercab By Jumping In Front Of It

But there are a couple of important differences between the two deals. Bolt’s Lucids will be based on the carmaker’s upcoming midsize platform, which is probably a better fit for Europe’s generally smaller roads. Lucid and Uber in the US, meanwhile, will use the Gravity SUV, as well as the midsize car when it arrives.

And that’s not the only point of differentiation. Both ride-hail operators’ robotaxis will feature Level 4 autonomous tech enabling them to function without a human driver. But while the US cabs rely on hardware and software from Nuro (image below), Bolt’s robotaxis get their driverless brains from Nvidia Hyperion. Bolt says it will own the entire 25,000-car fleet.

Strong Competition

The robocab market is really heating up in Europe right now. Uber, Verne (co-founded by Mate Rimac) and Pony.ai have already started offering rides in Zagreb, Croatia, and Waymo is currently testing in Europe and plans to launch in Germany before the end of 2027.

Uber has also joined forces with Wayve to put 15 autonomous Mustang Mach-E robotaxis on London’s streets, though each of the EVs is currently required to have a human driver, while Wayve waits for final regulatory approval. And Elon Musk has promised to bring Tesla’s Cybercab to Europe, without offering any kind of timeline.

Lucid, Tesla

Volvo has presented what it calls “the largest and most ambitious global product push in its 99-year history”, in an effort to improve profitability and double its market share. The automaker will launch 13 new models by the end of 2030, including hybrids and EVs.

The announcement comes shortly after Volvo introduced updated versions of the XC40, EX40, EC40, and XC60, alongside a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for the XC60 and XC90 with up to 124 miles (200 km) of EV-only range.

More: Volvo’s New PHEVs Drive So Far On Electric You Might Not Use The Gas Engine For Months

Unlike the aforementioned extensive facelifts, the 13 announced models will be all-new. Seven are destined for Western markets including Europe and North America, while the other six will be heading to China.

More importantly, Volvo has confirmed that its future lineup will include cars in new segments, so expect a few surprises, and a potential return to wagons.

More: Volvo May Bring Sedans And Wagons Back To America

The company will preview an evolution of its styling language with a new concept car in 2027. This will be penned under the direction of Thomas Ingenlath, who returns as Volvo’s Chief Design Officer after a seven-year stint as the Polestar CEO.

The new models destined for Western markets will ride on the SPA2 (EX90, ES90) and SPA3 (EX60) architectures, using the HuginCore computing platform. The Chinese models will use shared platforms and a market-specific tech stack developed in collaboration with parent brand Geely. The goal is to increase component commonality across Geely Group vehicles from the current 10 percent to as much as 30 percent by 2030.

Hakan Samuelsson, Volvo president and CEO, said: “Our showrooms will look very different in 2030”, adding that they want to become “the leading premium car brand”. The CEO outlined the four pillars behind the new product offensive as “regionalized product offerings, leadership in electrification, unique synergies with Geely, and complete customer offers that goes beyond the car alone”.

More: Volvo Could Turn Its Belgian Plant Into A Tariff Back Door For China

Overall, Volvo wants to double its market share by introducing more EVs alongside third-generation hybrids for those not ready to make the switch. The company promised to treat its customers with regular over-the-air software updates, and make buying a new Volvo easier and more transparent with special offers and fast-delivery model variants.

If you follow the stock market at all, you’re probably still kicking yourself for not dropping $10k into Sandisk last year. If you’d done that in April 2025 and cashed out 14 months later you’d have made almost $800k. It could be worse though: You could be GM and have invested billions in EVs only to discover everyone wants hybrids.

Rewind to the late 2010s and the whole car industry was going gaga for EVs, with multiple brands pledging to go electric-only by 2030 and most putting huge resources into battery-powered cars. Growing EV sales figures and tightening regulations really did make electric vehicles look like they would take over the world.

Related: Kia Sets All-Time August Sales Record As Hybrids Soar

Hybrids, meanwhile, which had kick-started the modern electric revolution in the late 1990s, were dismissed as an “interim solution” by GM boss Mary Barra in 2019, Reuters reminds us. But seven years later, American car sales say hybrids are the complete solution, not an interim one. And automakers who bet on gasoline-electric rather than electric power alone are winning big.

The biggest winner is Toyota. It’s crushing the competition, securing a 49.2 percent share in Q1 of the hybrid market, Cox Automotive says, per Reuters. That market has grown, too. Hybrids’ share of the total car market swelled from 16 percent in February to 19 percent in August on account of gas prices exploding following the start of war in Iran. And one analyst told Reuters he expects hybrids to hit a 34 percent share by 2031.

Stuck To Its Hybrid Guns

Toyota, you’ll remember, popularized the hybrid with the original Prius, and endured years of criticism for being slow to launch EVs. But it never wavered from its commitment to hybrids, and that determination is paying off in the US in 2026. While GM’s share of the US car market fell from 17.6 percent in the first half of 2025 to 16.8 percent in the same period this year, Toyota’s grew from 15.5 to 15.8 percent, according to Cox Automotive.

EVs also cut fuel costs, of course. And in Europe, which is suffering the same kind of gas pain American drivers are battling, EV sales are on fire. One in every four new cars sold there is an EV. But in the US, sales are heading in the opposite direction, partly as a result of the Trump administration killing federal EV tax credits. Their share of the US market fell from 14.4 percent in September 2025 to 7.1 percent this May.

The 19 MPG Hybrid

So if GM wants to get back in the game, it’s got no option but to deliver multiple new hybrid choices to support the straight gas vehicles it fortunately kept building. Incredibly, the General’s sole hybrids in the US today are three Corvettes, the $111k E-Ray, $119k Grand Sport X and $227k ZR1X, though in previous years it also sold hybrid sedans and SUVs. It also sells hybrids in China.

When will we see new GM hybrids with more than two seats in North America? Dealers won’t like the answer, because while the automaker won’t confirm dates or comment on speculation, Reuters industry sources say American showrooms could be hybrid-free zones until near the end of the decade.

GM, Toyota

The Porsche Cayenne Electric is learning some new tricks, including some aimed squarely at drivers who find closing doors and connecting charging cables unduly exhausting. For the new model year, Porsche is adding electrically operated doors, wireless home charging, and an even more elaborate massage system. Buyers can also select from 105 exterior colors. Of those features, however, it’s the self-closing driver’s door that may attract the most attention.

The optional powered doors use servo motors to open and close automatically after a brief pull of the handle. They can also be controlled through buttons inside the cabin, the infotainment system, exterior handles, or Porsche’s Digital Key. Drivers won’t necessarily need to reach for any of those controls, as the Cayenne can close its driver’s door when the seat belt is fastened, or the brake pedal is pressed, making the start-up process feel a little more private jet than family SUV. They also feature one cool and vital trick.

More: This Cayenne V8 Convertible’s Wood Is Fake, Its $11,315 Price Is Not

Sensors monitor the surrounding area and halt the doors if they detect a person or obstacle. The system also works with the vehicle’s exit warning technology to prevent a door from opening into approaching traffic. Porsche says the powered mechanism can function on inclines, while conventional manual operation remains available.

Another new option removes the charging cable from the equation. Porsche Wireless Charging uses a weatherproof ground pad that can be installed indoors or outside. Once the Cayenne is positioned correctly, charging starts automatically at up to 11 kW. Porsche claims approximately 90 percent energy-transfer efficiency.

Motion sensors and foreign-object detection can interrupt charging if a person or animal approaches, or if a metallic object lands on the pad and begins heating up. The system is now available to order in Germany and certain European markets, with a broader rollout planned in stages. Porsche has not yet detailed US availability or pricing.

Massage Seats That Feel The Music

The front seats can now be fitted with 16 air cushions and six sound actuators apiece. Five massage programs are offered, while the actuators produce vibrations synchronized with music for what Porsche calls a “4D” audio experience. Three additional wellness modes combine massage, vibration, and curated soundscapes.

Finally, Paint to Sample adds 92 shades to the Cayenne Electric’s 13 regular colors, bringing the total to 105. Porsche hasn’t revealed what all these indulgences will cost, but expecting restraint from the options sheet would probably be optimistic.

Photos: Porsche

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is one of the most exciting performance-focused EVs, and while it is technically based on a crossover, it looks like a proper hot hatch. The sharp lines of the model inspired independent designer Khyzyl Saleem to create a wild concept, evoking the spirit of the Group B Rally icons from the ’80s.

The model is dressed with a custom bodykit, altering its proportions and making it look ready for the special stages. The front end has been redesigned with a pronounced carbon fiber splitter and extra LEDs on the vented hood.

More: Coga Takes Hyundai Ioniq 5 Beyond N With Very Wild, Very Pink Body Kit

The profile features ultra-wide fender extensions with integrated cooling intakes. The flying buttresses over the C-pillars are reminiscent of the Lancia Delta S4, which is a fitting homage since the greenhouse of the Ioniq 5 sends subtle Delta vibes.

The tail is even more aggressive with a massive wing and an equally large diffuser. The rally car treatment also includes Lexan windows, a roll cage, and a new set of five-spoke alloy wheels finished in black. The designer also created a slightly different version with a smaller rear wing and a bronze shade, looking like a homologation special.

Khyzyl Saleem / Facebook

Hyundai never experimented with a Group B entry, but they retain a strong presence in WRC, competing at the highest level against Toyota Gazoo Racing. The Korean automaker started with the Accent WRC in 2000, followed by the i20 WRC in 2014, and the more recent i20 N Rally1 in 2022. With the i20, Hyundai won two WRC Manufacturer’s titles in 2019 and 2020, and one Driver’s title in 2025 (Thierry Neuville).

Swapping EV For ICE?

Taking inspiration from Hyundai’s motorsport involvement and, despite the fully electric nature of the donor Ioniq 5, Khyzyl said he likes to imagine the concept with a combustion engine. More specifically he wants the “screaming” turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine from the WRC rally car – presumably in mid-ship position – although he would also consider rotary power.

More: Hyundai’s EVs Already Fake Engine Sounds, And Now They Might Vibrate Too

After the latest regulatory changes that removed the hybrid boost from Rally1 contestants, the turbo engines have a maximum permitted output of 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS). This is lower than the 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS) from the dual electric motors of the roadgoing Ioniq 5 N, making us wonder if Hyundai could come up with a more potent hybrid setup.

In any case, the Group B-inspired Ioniq will likely stick to the digital world. Still, the project is part of a broader collaboration between Hyundai USA and Khyzyl Saleem. Last month, the company shared renderings of a Baja-inspired Santa Fe concept on social media, asking their followers which Hyundai model should the_kyza try next.

Khyzyl Saleem / Facebook

Mercedes pulled the covers off its first-ever electric C-Class sedan back in April, but so far we’ve only seen one flavor. That was the C 400 4Matic electric, a bi-motor, all-wheel-drive version of the compact luxury car. Now it’s joined by a more affordable C 300, but the specs are so close it feels like one of those cars is pointless. But which one?

First, let’s quickly recap the C 400 specs. It makes 482 hp (490 PS / 360 kW), gets to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.0 seconds, can charge at 330 kW, and claims a 473-mile (762 km) range from a 94 kWh (usable) battery.

Related: The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Will Demolish An M4, But You Can’t Buy One

Now the C 300. You still get two electric motors and all-wheel drive, plus the same 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. But output falls to 416 hp (422 PS / 310 kW) and the 62 mph trip takes 4.5 seconds, so half a second longer. That’s still plenty of power and performance though, and even the range holds its own, despite a drop in battery capacity to 85 kWh.

180 Miles Added In A Bathroom Break

Mercedes says it’ll manage 429 miles (690 km), and while the max charge rate is slightly slower, from 330 to 320 kW, the C 300’s ability to add 180 miles (290 km) of range in 10 minutes isn’t that far off the 202 miles (325 km) the C 400 gains in the same time.

If you want that plush air-spring ride, a passenger-side screen, and more than 18 inches of wheel, you’ll have to hit the options list in both cars, so there’s no big difference in spec that we can see. But in Germany, where C-Class electric prices have been announced, the C 300’s €62,951 ($72,700) sticker saves you €4,760 ($5,500) versus going for the €67,711 ($78,200) C 400. In the US, the C 400 is expected to cost around $65,000.

Worth The Premium?

The C 400 pulls rank in every key area, but to be honest, we’re surprised how close the C 300 gets. It’s still brisk, still has a really usable electric range, and also the security of all-wheel drive. For plenty of buyers who can look past the kudos of the C 400’s badge, the C 300 looks like the better value option.

But that’s not the end of the C-Class electric story. Mercedes says even more affordable single-motor, rear-wheel-drive cars will follow, and at the other end of the spectrum, AMG is working on a tri-motor rival for BMW’s electric M3 with at least 671 hp (680 PS / 500 kW). Which would you pick – C 300 or C 400?

Mercedes

Nissan has announced that the Kicks e-Power will become available in Europe, the UK, and Turkey, with production taking place at the Sunderland Plant in England. The automaker has also confirmed two new EVs for European markets – the Pixo urban hatchback and the next-generation Juke.

The current Nissan Kicks was introduced in 2024 in North America, with the Kicks e-Power arriving in 2026 in Japan. Naturally, European customers will gain access to the electrified version, in line with the region’s strict emission regulations and strong hybrid demand.

Review: The 2026 Nissan Kicks Isn’t Bad, It’s Just Surrounded By Good Choices

Measuring 4,365 mm (171.85 in) long, the Kicks will be one of Europe’s biggest B-SUVs, being longer even than its cousin, the Juke that stretches to 4,210 mm (165.8 in) long. Direct rivals include the Toyota C-HR, the Hyundai Kona, and the VW T-Roc, which are also available with self-charging hybrid powertrains.

Nissan Kicks (Japan)

Nissan didn’t share the detailed specifications of the EU-spec Kicks, but we expect it to be similar – if not identical – to the Japanese version. The subcompact crossover features Nissan’s third-gen e-Power hybrid technology, with an electric motor moving the wheels and a combustion engine acting as a generator.

More: Nissan’s Old Kicks Returns, And It Drives Like An EV Without Ever Plugging In

In Japan, the Kicks e-Power is fitted with a 1.4-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 97 hp (72 kW / 98 PS), a front-mounted electric motor generating 141 hp (105 kW / 143 PS), an optional rear-mounted electric motor contributing another 67 hp (50 kW / 68 PS), and a lithium-ion battery. It remains to be seen whether Europe will get both the FWD and AWD (e-4ORCE) powertrain options, as well as the adventurous Rock Creek trim.

Production In The UK

Nissan Sunderland facilities

The EU-spec Kicks e-Power will be manufactured in Sunderland alongside the Juke, Qashqai, and Leaf, following a £170 million ($229 million) investment. The plant celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and has built a total of 12 million vehicles since the first Nissan Bluebird rolled off the assembly line back in 1986.

More: This Is How Nissan Copied China To Slash Development Times In Half

The UK factory will be the fourth production location for the second-gen Kicks, which is currently made in Japan, Mexico, and Brazil. A facelifted version of the first-gen Kicks with hybrid power still survives in some regions, like Thailand. Since the debut of the original in 2016, Nissan has sold over 1.8 million units in more than 70 countries.

Two New EVs

A camouflaged prototype of the new Nissan Pixo | Photos: SH Proshots

Besides the European arrival of the Kicks, Nissan has also confirmed that a new electric city car will be unveiled next week. The model will adopt the Pixo nameplate and will serve as a twin to the Renault Twingo and the Dacia Spring, albeit with Nissan-specific styling.

More: Nissan’s Strangest-Looking SUV Just Got Stranger, And It’s Going Electric To Prove It

Last but not least, Nissan said that the all-new third generation of the Juke will also be manufactured in Sunderland starting in 2027, migrating to a fully electric powertrain. This explains why the automaker brought the Kicks e-Power to Europe, offering a hybrid alternative to the upcoming zero-emission Juke.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson of Nissan AMIEO Region, said: “Electrification with choice is what European customers want, and the introduction of Kicks will further demonstrate how Nissan has options for all.”

Nissan Juke EV

VW celebrated its GTI badge’s half-century earlier this year with the launch of the first-ever electric hatch to wear those three letters, the ID. Polo GTI. The ID.3 GTI then is only the second-ever electric GTI. But it is a pioneer in other ways. It’s the first ever VW GTI to send its power to the rear wheels, rather than the front.

Europe’s ID.3 electric hatch was overhauled in April and rebranded as ID.3 Neo. The GTI is the halo model of the new lineup and is effectively the pre-facelift GTX, but this time with a GTI badge and some design cues pinched from the ID. Polo GTI.

Related: VW’s ID. Polo Waiting List Is So Long You’ll Get A McLaren Sooner

And damn, doesn’t it look the better for it? A GTI trademark red stripe connects the IQ. Light LED matrix headlights and the gloss-black honeycomb lower grille is punctuated by a pair of red-painted elements meant to look like racecar towing eyes.

Contrasting with the launch car’s searing Tornado red paint – it’s actually a classic 1980s GTI color – are the gorgeous black 20-inch Wörthersee wheels and black mirror caps. But unlike the GTX, the GTI features a body-color roof, rear spoiler, and rear panel.

What has been carried over from the GTX is the single 322 hp (326 PS / 240 kW) electric motor, which outranks the Golf GTI Edition 50’s as the most powerful GTI engine by just one horse. Unlike the ID. Polo GTI, which uses VW’s new MEB+ front-wheel-drive platform, the ID.3 rides on the older MEB shared with models like the ID.4 and ID. Buzz.

Beats Edition 50 For Power, But Not Pace

Which means the single motor sends its power to the rear wheels, VW quoting the exact same 5.6-second zero-to-62 mph (100 km/h) time it did for the old GTX Performance. That compares with 6.8 seconds for the 223 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) Polo GTI and 5.3 seconds for the petrol GTI Edition 50.

A 79 kWh (net) battery under the floor can charge at 183 kW, top up from 10-80 percent in a middling 29 minutes, and gives a solid WLTP range of 373 miles (601 km). The Polo manages just 263 miles (424 km) from its 52 kWh battery.

GTI Mode

But is the GTI just a GTX with some Tornado red lipstick? VW says it’s more than that thanks to a new GTI-specific tune for the DCC adaptive dampers, springs and anti-roll bars. There’s even a GTI driving mode that shifts the motor, throttle response, steering and chassis into maximum attack mode, and is activated by pressing an illuminated button at the base of the sport steering wheel’s center boss.

You won’t find that feature in other ID.3s, or the motorsport-style 12 o’clock marker or red, black and gray bucket seats. But the GTI does benefit from the same interior upgrade regular ID.3s got earlier this year. That means higher-quality materials, clickable steering wheel buttons, and another bank of real switches under the 12.9-inch touchscreen.

One thing VW hasn’t yet revealed is how much the ID.3 GTI will set you back when it goes on sale in Europe (but not America) in early 2027. The old GTX Performance cost more than £46,000 in the UK ($62,000), placing it above the Golf GTI, and even making it more expensive than the mighty R. For some potential buyers, those cars, and the slower but roomy and fun-looking ID. Polo GTI with its circa £34k ($46k) sticker, are going to seem like tempting alternatives.

VW

Kia had high hopes for the EV9, and this wasn’t surprising as Americans love three-row crossovers. However, sales dropped 33% last month to a disappointing 1,789 units. That pales in comparison to the 12,693 Tellurides sold in August and even the smaller Niro.

While that’s bad news for the automaker, dealers are slapping huge discounts on the EV. If you’re willing to do a little research and some travel, you can score more than $16,000 off a brand-new EV9.

More: Gas Prices Send Buyers To RAV4 Hybrids, Toyota Dealers Hit Them With $15,000 Markups

Shottenkirk Kia of Fort Bend has one of the cheapest EV9s in America as their Light RWD model has been marked down by $16,041. This lowers the sticker price from $56,735 to $40,694. That sounds like a bargain considering the Telluride Hybrid begins at $46,490 before a $1,545 destination fee.

Liberty Auto Plaza in Libertyville, Illinois also has steep discounts on their EV9s. An EV9 Light Short Range has been slashed from $57,480 to $42,480 thanks to a $15,000 discount.

If 230 miles (370 km) of range isn’t enough, the dealer also has an EV9 Light Long Range with a similar $15,000 markdown. This means the 304-mile (489 km) crossover can be yours for $44,785 instead of $59,785.

If you’re in the market for a classier variant, Crain Kia of Bentonville has a $66,820 EV9 Wind for $52,370. This is due to $10,000 in customer cash from Kia and a $4,450 dealer discount.

It’s a similar situation at Arapahoe Kia, where an EV9 GT-Line AWD is nearly $16,000 off. Thanks to a combination of Kia customer cash and a $5,991 discount, the model is priced from $58,489 before fees.

Camo-free sightings of Porsche’s new Boxster EV point to a debut later this year and a 2027 on-sale date. But if you’re dead-set on a brand new Porsche-branded electric sports car for less than $100k and can’t wait that long, there is another option. The snag is you’ll only be able to cruise it to the end of your driveway and back.

It’s called the 500J, and it’s from Hedley Studios. They’re the folks who previously went by the name Little Car Company and built electric-powered scale replicas of classic legends for the likes of Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bugatti and Bentley. As with those previous projects, the 550J was created in partnership with the automaker using real technical drawings and specifications stashed in the archives.

Related: Porsche’s Boss Saved The Electric 718 And Is Eyeing A Car Above The 911

The original Porsche 550 was built between 1953 and 1956 and is most famous for either being James Dean’s last ride, or a motorsport giant killer, depending on your interest in pop culture and racing. On the track, it used its tiny 1,213 lbs (550 kg) curb weight and 109-133 hp (110-135 PS) 1.5-liter boxer engine to score wins at major events like Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, and the Carrera Panamericana. Only 90 were built, and they’re now worth anything from $1.5 million to $5 million depending on racing provenance.

Hedley’s flyweight 728 lbs (330 kg) 550J is based on the later 550 A, which arrived in 1956 and replaced the original ladder chassis with a much stiffer steel spaceframe. But instead of the original’s aluminium body, the scale tribute gets a carbon fiber suit. And instead of a Type 547 Fuhrmann four-cam, there’s a single electric motor behind the rear seats.

Drilled Rotors But Only 22 HP

In stock form, that motor delivers just 11 hp (11 PS / 8 kW) and a 40 mph (64 km/h) top speed. But spring for the optional RS Pack and output is boosted to 22 hp (22 PS / 16 kW), and the top speed to 50 mph (81 km/h). Going the RS route also brings drilled brake discs and adjustable Bilstein dampers, while also lifting the electric range from 30 to 50 miles (48-81 km).

Which sounds fairly pointless since, unlike some of Hedley’s other cars, this one can’t be used on the road. And that, together with a price that’d net you a nice used Porsche, ought to make it the kind of niche trinket that sells in handfuls. But Hedley plans to build 250 of these, each costing £69,500 ($93,800) before taxes and personalization requests. Besides adding the RS Pack, buyers can option theirs with period liveries and even paint-to-sample colors, just like on a full-size Porsche.

Barmy Not To Get A Beck Instead?

The idea of shelling out six figures on what is really just a beautifully crafted toy probably sounds as ludicrous to you as it does to me. But saying that you’d rather spend that $94k on a brand new full-size Beck 550 at Indiana-based Special Edition misses the point.

Seriously rich people live in a different world where they can have both to keep their real 550 company, and throw in a Boxster Electric order for fun. Hedley Studios is just helping them do some of the crazy things we’d all do if we had too much money. What do you think the company’s next scale replica should be?

Hedley Studios

Days after the Trump administration slammed Ford for cozying up to Chinese companies, including battery manufacturer CATL, crosstown rival General Motors says it’s working to ensure its next generation of battery cells are backed by a strong domestic supply chain, rather than one that relies on overseas sources.

A key area of GM’s local battery focus is on cells that’ll be used for energy storage systems, including data centers, other businesses, and homes. According to vice president of battery and sustainability at GM, Kurt Kelty, “We’re developing a supply chain such that, two years from now, three years from now, it will be domestic.”

Read: GM’s Fourth US Battery Plant Just Stopped Being A GM Plant

A company spokesperson added to CNBC that GM will prioritize local production of battery cells for its forthcoming electric vehicles.

The federal government has criticized Ford for licensing battery technology from CATL, which it will use for energy storage systems. By comparison, GM is working with Denver firm Peak Energy on advanced sodium-ion battery cells for energy storage.

CNBC notes this deal will let GM reduce its reliance on China for materials including lithium and ferrous sulfate, instead sourcing materials more prevalent in the US, including sodium derived from soda ash. These new battery cells created with Peak Energy could be deployed as soon as 2029.

“It’s a really good story, because you’ve got the resources [in the U.S.] that you can keep it totally domestic,” Kelty said. “It’s going to take some time to build this industry up, but the potential for sodium-ion is just much greater than LFP.”

Kelty is so optimistic about the future of sodium-ion battery cells that he believes pursuing them can allow GM to leapfrog some of the most advanced battery technologies coming out of China.

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

Kia has introduced the all-new PV7 at the IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany. Positioned as the big brother of the Kia PV5, the electric van brings increased cargo volume, a heavier payload, and a more advanced 800V architecture.

Design-wise, the production PV7 is an evolution of the 2024 concept, sharing styling cues with the PV5. The van features split LED headlights on its short nose, a wraparound greenhouse, sculpted fenders, sliding rear doors, and a generous amount of protective cladding around the bodywork. According to Kia, the plastic bits prone to damage are replaceable to simplify repairs and reduce downtime.

More: Kia Brought Its Electric Van To America As Something New York Actually Needs

Inside, the modern dashboard looks nothing like your typical workhorse. The digital cockpit comprises a 9.9-inch instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen running the Android-based Pleos Connect infotainment system and incorporating the Gleo AI voice assistant. Occupants are also treated with ambient lighting, plenty of storage compartments and physical buttons on the two-spoke steering wheel and under the central display.

Kia

The standard PV7 measures 5,350 mm (210.6 in) long and has a 3,500 mm (137.8 in) wheelbase. Those figures make it 655 mm (25.8 in) longer than the PV5, although it remains smaller than large vans like the Ford E-Transit. Still, Kia will roll out Long and High Roof versions in the future, bringing greater cargo-carrying capabilities. Overall, the PV7 lineup will eventually include no less than 23 variants.

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

The automaker showed the three-seater Cargo and nine-seater Passenger variants of the PV7. The latter adds rear windows and a regular tailgate instead of barn doors.

The Cargo Long has a volume of 6.1 cubic meters (215.4 cubic feet), while the Cargo High Roof can handle 8 cubic meters (282.5 cubic feet). Maximum payload is rated at 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs) for the PV7 Compact, while longer items can slide under the passenger seat thanks to a load-through partition.

Kia PV7 Cargo

For shuttle and fleet operations, the PV7 Passenger offers 7-seat, 9-seat, and 11-seat configurations arranged in three or four rows. The three-row seven-seater adopts Kia’s Long-rail Easy Remove seat system, allowing rear seats to slide or be completely removed. It also has rear climate controls and USB-C charging ports. In terms of safety, the van gets seven airbags and a comprehensive ADAS suite.

More: Hyundai’s New Nine-Seat Electric Van Matches The ID. Buzz On Price And Beats It On Size

The PV7 rides on the EV-dedicated E-GMP.S platform, but instead of the PV5‘s 400-volt system, it gets an 800-volt architecture. It is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing up to 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque.

Kia PV7 Passenger

Buyers will get the choice between a 71.5 kWh battery or a larger 96.2 kWh unit. The latter offers a WLTP range of over 460 km (286 miles) for the PV7 Cargo. More importantly, the battery can charge from 10-80% in around 25 minutes when plugged into a 350 kW DC fast charger and supports V2L functionality. The PV7 is also the first Kia to come equipped with dual charging ports, including a front AC/DC port and an optional rear-side AC port.

More: Kia’s Carnival Grows 11 Inches Taller In Korea

The Kia PV7 will roll out in Korea and Europe in the second half of 2027, followed by other global markets. The company has also confirmed that the even larger PV9 will follow in 2029, further expanding its LCV lineup.

Kia PV7 Cargo

Speed thrills, but VW thinks efficiency can too. The German brand has just whipped up a new hyper-frugal EV concept that channels the style and spirit of its bonkers XL1 from 2013. And the range figures are kind of wild.

Called the Mission Efficiency, the teardrop-shaped 2+2 coupe has a fairly conventional front end, but the extended bodywork tapers at the rear over an incredibly narrow track. That slippery shape and runway model-skinny 155-section tires help deliver a 0.158 Cd drag coefficient. For a bit of context, the Lucid Air, the most aerodynamically efficient production car on sale, has a 0.197 Cd.

Related: 5 Surprising Similarities Between Tesla’s Cybercab And VW’s XL1

Under the skin, the Mission Efficiency is effectively the new ID. Polo, an electric hatch that rides on VW’s MEB+ EV platform. A single 133 hp (135 PS / 99 kW) motor drives the front wheels for a 9-second zero-to-62 mph (100 km/h) time. And there’s a 54 kWh (usable) battery under the floor, which is essentially the production Polo’s 52 kWh pack but with the lifespan-enhancing safety buffer removed to squeeze out another 2.9 kWh.

But while a 138 mm (5.4 inches) taller and 722 mm (28.4 inches) shorter Polo equipped with the 52 kWh battery achieves around 5.4 miles per kWh, the concept recorded 6.48 mpkWh. On a real-world 794-mile (1,278 km) trip from VW’s Wolfsburg base to Vienna, Austria, it eked out the equivalent of 412 miles (663 km) from a single charge. Engineers also added a 370 W photovoltaic panel to the glass, which it reckons could be worth 18.6 miles (30 km) of range per day in good weather.

Who Needs Brake Fluid, Anyway?

Other efficiency-boosting tricks employed to achieve that feat include using electro-mechanical rear brakes to save weight by junking the hydraulic lines and fluid. The Polo platform is topped with an aluminium structure, and the doors, trunk and hood are made from CFRP composite. And inside, there’s no infotainment screen or even speakers, the idea being that your smartphone and a portable Bluetooth speaker will do the same job.

Will VW put the Mission Efficiency on sale? It certainly won’t be mass-produced, but ideas like the fluid-free rear brakes could possibly make it to a future production EV. And let’s not forget that VW did sell 250 examples of the original XL1.

Conceived by the VW Group’s late Ferdinand Piech as a kind of economy yin to his Bugatti Veyron’s power-crazed yang, the XL1 was built like a hypercar and featured a carbon body, carbon brakes and gullwing doors. But instead of a quad-turbo V12 it got an 800 cc two-cylinder diesel hybrid powertrain making just 68 hp (69 PS). Zero to 62 mph took 12.7 seconds.

Weirdly though, it was fantastic fun to drive. I had a go back in 2019 (pics below) and was blown away by the feel from the unassisted steering, and the kind of chassis balance you’d expect from a supercar. The ID. Polo hardware means the Mission Efficiency won’t be anything like as tactile. But its mission is even more relevant.

VW, Chris Chilton

Between 2013 and 2016, VW built 250 diesel plug-in hybrid XL1s. Capable of traveling 62 miles (100 km) on a single liter of diesel, it came to life after more than a decade of development. VW is now about to unveil a spiritual successor to the XL1, dubbed the Mission Efficiency.

The new model, created as a battery-electric vehicle, has been teased ahead of a debut this week. Like the XL1 that came before it, the Mission Efficiency aims to go as far as possible while consuming very little energy.

Read: VW’s ID. Polo Waiting List Is So Long You’ll Get A McLaren Sooner

VW will use the Mission Efficiency concept to travel from Wolfsburg to Vienna as part of what it calls a “record-setting journey.” Very little is known about what VW will do on this near-500-mile journey, but it’ll probably try to either make the trip on a single charge using a very small battery, or instead, set out to achieve a breathtaking efficiency rating.

A Modern XL1

The concept car’s design clearly draws heavily on the XL1 from just over a decade ago. Like that car, this one has a sleek, teardrop shape that’ll let it slip through the air with as little disturbance as possible.

At the front of the concept is a full-width LED light bar, along with subtle daytime running lights and an illuminated VW emblem. Sketches of the sides reveal flowing panels and wheel covers at the rear. In addition, the rear end appears to be noticeably slimmer than the front, much like the XL1. The rear features a single light bar and a glowing badge.

In a statement, VW says the vehicle’s mission is “to explore the boundaries of what is possible with a fully functional everyday vehicle that is largely based on production technology.”

Americans might be stuck with the aging Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross for now, but Europeans have access to a new generation with electric power. Exactly one year after its debut, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross EV gains new battery options, mirroring the technical updates introduced by its French twin – the Renault Scenic E-Tech.

The highlight is the addition of a smaller 67 kWh battery option with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, offering a WLTP range of 472 km (293 miles). The same unit is already used in the facelifted Renault Megane E-Tech.

More: Renault Gave The Updated Megane EV A Meaner Face And A Slower 0-62

The larger battery option retains the Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistry but its capacity has grown from the original 87 kWh to 89 kWh. As a result, the maximum WLTP range has been increased by 15 km (9 miles) to a more generous 650 km (404 miles).

Both batteries are compatible with DC charging, replenishing 15-80% of their charge in 24 and 28 minutes respectively. Independently of the battery pack, power comes from a single front-mounted electric motor generating 220 hp (164 kW / 223 PS), which is 5 hp (4 kW) more than before.

Mitsubishi

Predictably, Mitsubishi didn’t bother changing anything on the exterior design of the EV after a year on sale. The interior has also been carried over with dual 12.3-inch displays running Renault’s Google-based infotainment software.

More: Mitsubishi Is Turning The Pajero Into A Family Of SUVs, And One’s Coming For The RAV4

The updated Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross EV will be available to order in European markets from November 2026. In the Netherlands, the cheapest Mid-Range option with the 67 kWh battery starts at a discounted €32,990 ($38,300) including an electric benefit of €3,000 ($3,500).

The Long-Range variant with the upgraded 89 kWh battery will arrive later on, but the outgoing model is still available starting from €40,490 ($46,900). Note that the Eclipse Cross EV had an introductory price of €45,690 ($53,000) in the Dutch market when it arrived last year, meaning that the entry point in the lineup has dropped by €12,700 ($14,700).

Mitsubishi

The Toyota CH-R returned for 2026 as an electric crossover, but it’s already getting recalled. As the government explained, the battery can become “overcharged” and shut down the powertrain while driving.

The issue impacts 8,521 vehicles and is being blamed on a software programming error. Toyota first discovered the issue in April during testing of an undisclosed “future BEV model.” This sparked a review of electronic control units in other EVs and this eventually identified the 2026 C-HR as being impacted.

More: Toyota Delays New Electric Highlander Before It Even Launches

The issue involves a faulty battery protection logic, which is intended to limit the charging of the battery. Due to a programming error, the battery can become overcharged in certain conditions.

This mainly appears to be a problem in low temperatures, when the battery is at a high state of charge, and when the vehicle is in regenerative mode for a long time. In effect, if you live up in the mountains, fully charged your C-HR overnight, and are driving down into the city while relying heavily on the regenerative braking system, it could be an issue.

While that’s just an example, it highlights how rare the problem appears to be. Speaking of which, Toyota isn’t aware of any warranty claims or field reports related to the issue. If a problem were to occur, warning lights and a buzzer would activate to alert drivers to the loss of motive power.

Since this is a simple software issue, the fix is straightforward as dealers will update the electronic control unit. Notifications are scheduled to go out on October 18.

Label Mistake

In other Toyota recall news, 135 vehicles have an incorrect load carrying capacity modification label. The problem impacts a handful of different models including the 2024 Tacoma and 2025 Tundra as well as the 2026 4Runner and RAV4.

The recall is the result of data entry errors as accessory weight values were wrong in one of Toyota’s systems. This threw off calculations and resulted in labels that could cause people to overload their vehicles.

Toyota discovered the problem during an internal audit that found eight accessory parts with weight discrepancies. To address the problem, dealers will replace the label with a correct one.

The Trump administration isn’t pleased with Ford’s close ties to certain Chinese companies, prompting a fierce rebuke from Ford, which continues to tout itself as “the most American automaker.” The tit-for-tat comes just before a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month.

In a letter to Ford chief executive Jim Farley dated September 3 and recently made public, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy expressed “profound concern” about the “strategic trajectory of Ford,” claiming the historic brand is “actively intertwining its future with Chinese state-backed enterprises.”

Read: Ford Is Partnering With The Chinese Automakers It’s Fighting To Keep Out Of America

Ford’s relationship with Chinese battery manufacturer CATL appears to have rubbed the Trump administration the wrong way. The licensing deal, first signed in 2023, would have allowed Ford to manufacture EV batteries using CATL’s chemistry. Still, a recent decline in demand for EVs in the US prompted Ford to start assembling lithium-iron phosphate cells using CATL tech for energy storage systems.

“The prioritization of imported Chinese technical expertise and operational know-how – even in a scaled-back capacity – challenges the spirit of American national and economic security and supply-chain independence policies,” Duffy wrote.

The transportation secretary also took issue with Ford’s recent deal with Geely in Spain, saying it “helps strategic adversaries secure a vital foothold in Western markets.” The letter also addressed ongoing talks between Ford and BYD to share hybrid vehicle components.

“When a company intentionally chooses to deepen operational dependencies on strategic competitors, it fails to act as the reliable partner the American public and this DOT require,” Duffy added.

Ford Responds

It didn’t take long for Ford to respond. The company described Duffy’s letter as “a wrongheaded attempt to capture headlines at the expense of a company that has done more for American manufacturing than virtually any other in the nation’s history.”

“BlueOval Battery Park Michigan in Marshall is a Ford-owned and Ford-operated facility representing billions of dollars in investment and approximately 1,700 new American jobs,” Ford’s statement reads, noting “it is producing batteries in Michigan, with American workers, for Ford vehicles also built in America.”

Volvo has announced substantial updates for the 40 series SUVs, including the evergreen XC40, its fully electric EX40 twin and the closely-related EC40 coupe-SUV. All three models receive a redesigned face, larger screens, AI tech, and improved safety features in a quest to stay relevant against younger rivals.

The XC40, in production since 2017, received a facelift in 2022, but the 2027 update is more substantial. The fully electric coupe-SUV variant debuted in 2021 as the C40 Recharge before being renamed to EC40 in 2024 and receiving its first facelift for 2027.

More: New Volvo EX50 Could Be Better, Bigger And Cheaper Than The SUV It Replaces

Visually, the first thing you notice is the reshaped headlights with the trademark Thor’s Hammer LED graphics, joined by a cleaner front bumper. The grille is wider than before, reaching out to the headlights, and adopts the body-colored finish of the zero-emission EX40 and EC40.

Volvo XC40

The sculpted profile is largely unchanged, but the diamond-cut alloy wheels measuring 18, 19 or 20 inches are new. The rear end benefits from sharper LED taillights in the XC40 and EX40, alongside fresh surfacing on the tailgate and the rear bumper. Volvo has also shown photos of the Black Edition variants combining a stealthy finish with a dark-themed cabin.

More: Volvo May Bring Sedans And Wagons Back To America

Inside, the centerpiece is the larger 11.2-inch central touchscreen (up from 9 inches), with its top end sticking out of the dashboard. The display runs Volvo’s latest infotainment software with Google Gemini integration. Other interior updates include a new wireless charging pad, “refined” ambient lighting, and new materials such as Arianne Cardamom leather, Brown Ash or Black Ash wood accents, and aluminum inserts.

Volvo EC40

On the safety front, the XC40 gets new hardware and software. Volvo threw in new radars, a new forward camera, and a total of 12 ultrasonic sensors. These enable a 3D view for the optional 360-degree camera system and make the optional Pilot Assist with lane change assist run more smoothly. The company has also added a Door Opening Alert and real-time hazard detection for the emergency braking and steering functions.

More: The EX30 Is Dead, But Volvo’s Next Cheap EV Is Already On The Way To America

The XC40 continues to be powered by the familiar mild-hybrid turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, available with different outputs depending on the market.

The fully electric EX40 and EC40 also retain their existing single-motor and twin-motor configurations, delivering up to 584 km (363 miles) of WLTP range. Note that the PHEV powertrain option has been discontinued.

Volvo EX40

The updated Volvo 40 series is scheduled to enter production in Belgium later this fall. Depending on the market, deliveries are expected to start in early 2027 with pricing to be announced.

The main rivals of the Volvo 40 series in the premium compact SUV segment include the soon-to-be facelifted BMW X1 and X2, the brand new Mercedes-Benz GLA, and the Audi Q3 / Q3 Sportback.