The Genesis GV90 is taking an eternity to develop, but work continues on the coach door variant. However, the long gestation period is apparently wearing on employees as a couple of them decided to ignore a warning saying “Do not open doors!”

Thanks to their mistake, spy photographers were able to get a glimpse of the doors in action. As you’d expect, the doors open and close automatically to ensure entry and egress is effortless.

More: Genesis’ Flagship SUV Is Hiding A Secret Worthy Of Rolls-Royce

More notably, the luxury crossover eschews a B-pillar as there’s an uninterrupted side opening. While our view is partially blocked, this is an interesting development as even Rolls-Royces have a thick pillar separating the front and rear passenger compartments.

The feature was previewed on the Neolun concept and Genesis previously said B-pillarless coach doors provide “much more open interior space” while also maximizing “convenient passenger access.” At the time, they hinted development had reached a point where using the design on road-going models was “now feasible.”

SHproshots

That’s certainly the case and it appears Genesis will be moving the traditional B-pillar support to the doors. As part of the change, we can see pronounced locking mechanisms on the door sill and ceiling. The front section of the rear door also appears notably thicker than the rest of the panel.

Besides giving us a glimpse of the doors in action, the latest pictures reveal the crossover will have power front and rear seats with a bewildering number of adjustments. We can also see blue and purple leather as well as metallic accents and contrast piping.

Previous spy photos have shown an elegant second-row with captain’s chairs that are separated by a large center console. The latter appears to house a wireless smartphone charger as well as an integrated tablet.

Platform and Powertrain

The company hasn’t said much about the model lately, but the GV90 is expected to ride on the new eM platform. The architecture is expected to be an evolution of the existing E-GMP platform, but incorporate the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology.

Although full details remain unclear, the GV90 should be more advanced than the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. The latter features a 110.3 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing up to 422 hp (315 kW / 429 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. With that powertrain, the model has a range of 311 miles (501 km).

SHproshots

Toyota has announced plans to invest an additional $10 billion in the United States over the next five years. The company didn’t say where the money is going or what it will fund, but it will bring their total U.S. investment to nearly $60 billion.

While the automaker was coy on specifics, the move comes amid tariffs and pressure from the Trump administration to build more vehicles in the United States.

Just last month, the White House said “Toyota plans to export its U.S.-made vehicles to Japan and open its distribution platform in Japan to U.S. automakers.”

The country also decided to allow sales of American-made vehicles and “U.S. safety-certified vehicles” without additional testing.

An American Battery Plant

Putting politics aside, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina has officially opened and begun production. Located in Liberty, the $13.9 billion plant is the company’s eleventh manufacturing facility in America and Toyota’s only battery plant outside of Japan.

It’s expected to generate up to 5,100 jobs and be capable of producing 30 GWh of battery capacity annually. While the opening comes shortly after the clean vehicle tax credit was eliminated, Toyota noted the plant has 14 battery production lines that support not only electric vehicles, but also hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Speaking of which, batteries made at the plant will be used in the Camry Hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid. It will also make batteries for the company’s upcoming three-row EV.

While production is just getting started, Toyota plans to open additional assembly lines by 2030. The company also noted that once construction is complete, the facility won’t just be a workplace as it will also house a pharmacy, a medical clinic, a fitness center, and on-site childcare.

Toyota Motor North America CEO Tetsuo Ogawa remarked, “Today’s launch of Toyota’s first U.S. battery plant and additional U.S. investment up to $10 billion marks a pivotal moment in our company’s history. Toyota is a pioneer in electrified vehicles, and the company’s significant manufacturing investment in the U.S. and North Carolina further solidifies our commitment to team members, customers, dealers, communities, and suppliers.”

Mercedes has kicked off the teaser campaign for the new generation GLB, ahead of its debut on December 8. It follows in the footsteps of the CLA and features a high-tech interior with seating for up to seven people.

Details are still under wraps, but Mercedes confirmed that the GLB will feature an optional MBUX Superscreen. The setup is expected to combine a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14-inch central infotainment screen and a matching 14-inch passenger display.

More: 2026 Mercedes GLB Spied With Gas And Electric Power

Buyers will also find the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System, which features an MBUX Virtual Assistant with avatars as well as Google Maps navigation. We can also expect plenty of artificial intelligence.

Technology aside, the GLB has circular air vents and a floating center console. The latter houses large cup holders and an available wireless smartphone charger. They’re joined by a new steering wheel as well as five- and seven-seat configurations.

What Else Is New Inside?

Mercedes wasn’t ready to talk numbers, but they revealed the redesigned crossover has “noticeably more headroom in the first two rows of seats.” Second-row passengers will also find additional legroom, added thigh support, and an adjustable backrest.

Third-row occupants haven’t been forgotten as entry and egress has been improved. When not needed, the rear seats fold into the load floor.

A panoramic glass roof comes standard and customers can upgrade to a fancier version that can transition from clear to opaque in a matter of milliseconds. Customers can also get an illuminated roof that features a “starry sky.”

Speaking of the roof, it features heat-insulating laminated safety glass as well as an infrared-reflecting coating. Mercedes says this keeps the interior cool in summer, while also minimizing heat loss in winter.

The GLB will come with a “comprehensive range of driver assistance systems.” These will be supported by “eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance computer with sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.”

Testing Continues

With a debut less than a month away, the automaker is wrapping up testing at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen. As part of this effort, the GLB is being subjected to cold-weather testing in climatic wind tunnels that can simulate temperatures of up to -40° F (-40° C).

Mercedes added the tunnels have cutting-edge snow cannons that can “simulate fierce blizzards where snowflakes race towards the test vehicle at speeds of up to 124 mph (200 km/h).”

These tests appear to have paid off as the upcoming GLB EQ heats the interior twice as fast as its predecessor on a 20‑minute drive in temperatures of 19.4° F (-7° C). This undercuts the heating time of a conventionally powered model and it uses half the energy as the outgoing EQB.

The company went on to say the added efficiency increases range and can be partially chalked up to an innovative heat pump. It collects waste heat from the electric motors and battery as well as from ambient air.

Electric And Hybrid Powertrains

SHProshots

Mercedes didn’t mention performance specifications, but the GLB EQ will presumably have an 85 kWh battery pack as well as at least two powertrains. The entry-level variant could have a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque.

We can also expect a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque.

Customers can also look forward to an assortment of hybridized powertrains that consist of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.3 kWh battery pack, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. In the European CLA, this provides outputs of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) as well as 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm).

BMW introduced the updated i4 lineup earlier this year and now the company has announced US specifications. They’re worth getting excited about as customers will find more power and range.

Also: First Look At BMW’s New iX4 Coupe SUV

Kicking things off with the entry-level i4 eDrive40, the model gains more efficient SiC inverters from the i5. Thanks to the change, the car offers up to 333 miles (536 km) of range when equipped with 18-inch wheels. That’s an improvement of 15 miles (24 km).

Upgrading to 19-inch wheels comes at a cost as the range falls to 307 miles (494 km). However, that’s still 12 miles (19 km) more than last year’s model.

Meet The New i4 M60

The i4 M50 gives way to the new i4 M60, which gains power as well as new SiC inverters. Starting with performance, the car now produces 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) at start-up. That’s a sizable increase of 41 hp (31 kW / 42 PS).

When My Modes Sport is selected, the output climbs to an impressive 593 hp (442 kW / 601 PS). That’s up 57 hp (43 kW / 58 PS) and it means the car can rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in a mere 3.6 seconds. To put that into perspective, that’s a half second faster than the standard M3 and is almost as quick as the M3 Competition xDrive.

More: BMW’s Most Popular M Car Just Got More Powerful

Aside from the extra oomph, the model is more efficient than its predecessor as M60s with 19-inch wheels have 278 miles (447 km) of range. With 20-inch wheels, the model maxes out at around 232 miles (373 km). Those are improvements of 11 miles (18 km) and 5 miles (8 km), respectively.

Besides increased range and performance, there are a handful of other minor updates. All models now come with a Seal & Drive Tire Kit, while a Drive Recorder has been added to the Parking Assistant Professional package. Customers can also get optional glass controls on all i4 models.

On the styling front, there isn’t much to report. However, black mirror caps and M Sport brakes with blue calipers are now part of the Shadowline package on the i4 eDrive40 and xDrive40. These items are also available as standalone options.

The 2026 i4 will go into production in November and pricing starts at $57,900 for the i4 eDrive40. The i4 xDrive40 will set you back $62,300, while the range-topping i4 M60 begins at $70,700.

Polestar originally sounded like a great idea. Take the best of Volvo, throw in some sportier styling, and add a pinch of extra performance.

Despite this solid foundation, Polestar hasn’t lived up to their potential. That’s clear today as the company’s stock is in danger of getting delisted.

More: Polestar 6 Roadster Delayed To Churn Out More Crossovers

In a brief announcement, the Swedish automaker revealed they have received a warning from the Nasdaq that they are “not currently in compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement.” Shares closed at $0.84 today and that’s near the 52-week low of $0.82. It’s also a long way from their 52-week high of $1.42.

Looking at the price chart, it appears Polestar stock has been below the $1 threshold since late September. That’s not an encouraging sign, but the company has until April 29 to regain compliance.

Polestar / Refinitiv

This is easier said than done as it requires the closing price to be at least $1 or more for ten consecutive business days. If they fail to achieve that, they may get an additional 180 day extension.

While things aren’t looking good for shareholders, Polestar does have some positive momentum. Third quarter retail sales climbed 13% to 14,192 units, while year-to-date retail sales surged 36% to 44,482 vehicles.

On top of that, the company finally introduced the production version of the 5 at the Munich Motor Show. The Porsche Taycan competitor features a bold design, a 112 kWh battery pack, and up to 872 hp (650 kW / 884 PS).

Furthermore, the automaker unveiled a significantly improved 3 on October 1. It features an all-new 800V electrical architecture, new batteries, and upgraded electric motors. This means the crossover is faster, more powerful, and more efficient.

The refreshed 2026 Toyota bZ offers up to 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS), which is a massive 124 hp (92 kW / 126 PS) increase over its terribly named predecessor.

That power boost lets the top-spec model range-topping variant to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds and travel 278 miles (447 km) on a single charge. To highlight that newfound performance, Toyota is bringing out the bZ Time Attack concept.

Set to debut at the SEMA Show next week, the track-focused model features an aggressive body kit with a prominent front splitter and new side skirts. They’re joined by extended fenders, a sporty rear diffuser, and a massive rear wing.

More: Toyota Slashed Thousands Off New Base bZ, But Raised It For Other Trims

Besides the body kit, the crossover has been lowered 6 inches (152 mm) while its track has been expanded by the same amount. This gives the model an aggressive stance, which is amplified by 19-inch BBS Unlimited wheels that are wrapped in Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 tires.

Adding to the drama is a custom tri-color paint scheme that blends metallic and pearl hues.

Given the racing ambitions, the interior has been stripped of non-essential equipment. The result is a relatively bare cabin with a chromoly roll cage and OMP HTE-R racing seats. We can also see a new steering wheel and a shifter that has been relocated to the dash.`

Toyota didn’t say much about the powertrain, but confirmed the concept has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that has been tuned to produce more than 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS).

Aside from upgraded motors, the concept has a revised suspension that features TEIN coilovers and springs. They’re accompanied by an Alcon braking system that uses Hawk pads.

The Junior has been a rare hit for Alfa Romeo and the brand is trying to increase its appeal by introducing a new Sport Speciale. It’s designed to “blend elegance, sportiness, and cutting-edge technology.”

The model certainly looks the part as it features gloss black cladding with bright silver inserts. They’re joined by tinted rear windows and 18-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone diamond cut finish. Customers will also find “Sport Speciale” badging as well as an optional contrasting black roof.

Review: The Junior Is Everything Alfa Romeo Needed And Nothing Alfisti Wanted

Upgrades extend to the cabin, which has black perforated Alcantara seats with contrasting Ice accents. The front seats are heated and have power adjustment, as one would expect from a luxury brand.

Alcantara upholstery can also be found on the dashboard, door panels, center tunnel and steering wheel. On the latter location, it’s joined by leather and contrast stitching. Other notable highlights include aluminum pedals and an ambient lighting system.

If that isn’t special enough, the Junior can be equipped with the Techno pack, which adds Matrix LED headlights, GPS navigation, and a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. They’re joined by a rearview camera, parking sensors, and power folding mirrors with blind spot detection.

The package also includes a number of other upgrades including a hands-free power liftgate, a wireless smartphone charger, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. This is on top of a six-speaker audio system and front/rear USB charging ports.

Despite having sport in its name, powertrains carryover and include a 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS) hybrid that is offered with front and all-wheel drive. Customers can also get a fully electric Sport Speciale that produces 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS).

General Motors bet big on electric vehicles and now employees are paying the price. We recently saw this play out in Canada, where over a thousand workers lost their jobs when BrightDrop vans were axed last week.

The cuts are now happening stateside as approximately 1,750 workers will be laid off. According to CNBC, the hardest impact will be felt at Factory Zero in Michigan, where around 1,200 jobs will be eliminated. An additional 550 people will be let go at the Ultium Cells plant in Ohio.

More: GM Lays Off Hundreds After Saying Business Is Going Great

On top of the indefinite cuts, there will reportedly be 1,550 temporary layoffs. These are said to be spread across Ultium Cells plants in Ohio and Tennessee, with the latter impacting 700 people.

In a series of statements, the automaker said the changes were “in response to slower near-term EV adoption and an evolving regulatory environment.”

This appears to be a reference to the elimination of the clean vehicle tax credit as well as the relaxing of regulations under the Trump administration.

Factory Zero builds the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, GMC Hummer EV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ. These models weren’t exactly flying off dealer lots even when there was a $7,500 federal incentive.

Promises and Pauses

The company said they remain committed to U.S. manufacturing and believe their “investments and dedication to flexible operations will make GM more resilient and capable of leading through change.”

That remains to be seen, but GM is pausing battery cell production in Warren, Ohio as well as in Spring Hill, Tennessee this January. Both plants are scheduled to reopen in mid-2026 and the downtime will be used to upgrade the facilities to provide “greater flexibility.”

It’s not entirely clear what that means, but the company said “Impacted employees may be eligible to continue receiving a significant portion of their regular wages or salary, plus benefits.”

Corporate Optimism Meets Reality

The news comes roughly one week after CEO Mary Barra told investors the company “delivered another very good quarter of earnings and free cash flow.”

She added the automaker achieved their highest third-quarter market share since 2017 and were raising their full-year guidance.

Despite being upbeat, Barra warned of cuts by saying “it is now clear that near-term EV adoption will be lower than planned. That is why we are reassessing our EV capacity and manufacturing footprint.” Despite this and new investments in ICE-powered vehicles, she said “electric vehicles remain our North Star.”

Jaguar is betting their future on an electric grand tourer, which was previewed by the Type 00 concept. The production model was supposed to be introduced late this year, but that’s no longer happening.

In an interview with ABC News, Jaguar managing director Rawdon Glover revealed that the ultra-luxury sedan has been delayed until 2026. The executive didn’t say why the electric model was pushed back, but it doesn’t bode well for the company.

More: Jaguar’s Future GT Has No Rear Window And No Patience For Cargo

That said, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suspect that the recent major cyberattack played a part. The prolonged incident plunged Jaguar Land Rover into chaos in early September, and they’ve only recently resumed production.

It’s also worth noting that Jaguar is still testing the model as a prototype was spied on the Nürburgring last week. This could mean the GT isn’t quite finished and they wouldn’t have had things wrapped up in time for the originally scheduled debut.

Baldauf

Regardless of what caused the delay, Glover suggested they’ll start taking orders shortly after the debut. Deliveries will then start “relatively soon after that.”

How Much Will It Cost?

The car won’t be cheap as the executive implied the model will cost around $130,000. That’s nearly three times as much as the 2024 XF, but customers will be getting the “most powerful Jaguar ever.”

Glover didn’t go into specifics, but the company has previously said the car will ride on the Jaguar Electrical Architecture and have a range of up to 430 miles (692 km). Owners can also expect to get 200 miles (322 km) of range in as little as 15 minutes with a DC fast charger.

While Glover wasn’t ready to give details, he suggested the car will “drive really well.” He also implied it will buck trends as he said, “There aren’t many EVs that are really engaging to drive.”

Still Defending Jaguar’s New Look And Mission

The rest of the interview was largely focused on Jaguar’s new look and the controversial rebrand, which they’ve been defending for nearly a year. Glover said “We’ve got to create a car that has drama, has scale, has proportion … that will create a real visceral reaction when people look at it.”

The Type 00 concept has certainly done that and the executive noted seeing the car in person is a lot different than looking at it on your phone. As he explained, when viewed in the flesh, people can “understand the proportions, the drama, the scale of the vehicle.”

Glover went on to say the United States will likely become their biggest market and a “vast majority” of customers are “positive” about the design. However, he noted this comes after having the “time to explain and really walk through why the Type 00 looks the way it does.” That’s not ideal as beauty and desire shouldn’t need an explanation.

Getting back to the delay, Glover said new cars are still available and you’ll be able to get one for the “next 18 months or so.” That certainly seems to be the case as a quick search reveals over 2,100 new vehicles in stock. A vast majority of these are the F-Pace crossover, but there are still a few F-Types, I-Paces, and XFs around.

Mercedes teased the E-Class with EQ Technology earlier this year and now spy photographers have caught a prototype undergoing testing in Europe. It will replace the slow-selling EQE and feature a more traditional design.

While the prototype is heavily disguised, it follows in the footsteps of the C-Class EQ and could easily be mistaken for that model.

However, a closer inspection reveals an assortment of changes including traditional door handles and side mirrors located at the base of the A-pillar. The E-Class is also longer and appears to have a flatter beltline.

More: Star-Stricken Mercedes GLC EV Has A Grille Big Enough To Swallow A BMW iX3

The disguise hides a number of details, but we can expect an expressive front fascia with a bold grille that echoes the one found on the GLC and C-Class EVs.

We can also get a glimpse of a wide lower intake as well as temporary headlights. The latter will undoubtedly give way to starry production units, which have become a Mercedes hallmark.

The profile closely echoes the standard E-Class, but it looks like the electric variant might be even longer. While it’s hard to be certain at this point, the prototype appears to have extended rear doors and a larger greenhouse.

Baldauf

Out back, there’s a relatively plain rear end with a curved trunk and a subtle spoiler. They’re joined by a sporty bumper that features an integrated diffuser.

Spy photographers didn’t get a look inside, but the electric sedan could follow in the footsteps of the GLC. If it does, the model could sport a massive 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen.

The company has also promised improved noise insulation as well as a Level 3 semi-autonomous driving system.

GLC EQ

Little else is known about the car at this point, but the electric GLC gives us some hints at what to expect. It features a 94 kWh battery pack as well as an 800-volt electrical architecture that enables the crossover to get up to 188 miles (303 km) of range in as little as ten minutes.

The GLC 400 4MATIC has a combined output of 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) and a WLTP range of up to 443 miles (713 km). The model also offers an intelligent air suspension and a rear axle steering system that turns the wheels up to 4.5 degrees.

We can also expect a heat pump as well as a ‘one-box’ braking system, which promises to deliver a “steady, assured brake pedal feel” regardless of whether the crossover is using traditional brakes or the regenerative braking system.

Baldauf

Porsche has used their third quarter earnings call to reveal time is almost up for three different vehicles including the current gas-powered Macan. This is worth noting as the crossover is the brand’s most popular vehicle as 64,783 units have been delivered in the first nine months of the year.

During the call, Finance and IT Board Member Dr. Jochen Breckner said the current internal combustion Macan will continue production “well into 2026,” and that it will remain on sale throughout that year, “and in some markets even in 2027 based on final stocking that we will do.”]

Breckner clarified that the exact production end date hasn’t been determined, though it’s expected to occur “more or less in the middle of 2026.” He added, “As I’ve said, customers will get their cars also throughout 2026 and some even in 2027.”

More: This Audi Q5 Could Actually Be The New ICE Porsche Macan

It appears that the company will stockpile vehicles in important markets to help buy time until the redesigned crossover arrives. Speaking of which, the second-generation Macan will be offered with conventional and plug-in hybrid powertrains. They will be sold alongside the current Macan Electric.

Previous reports have suggested the upcoming model will be based on the Audi Q5 and spy photographers caught an early development prototype being tested by Porsche earlier this year.

The move makes sense as the brand is throttling back their EV push as part of a product realignment that will see “additional models featuring combustion and plug-in-hybrid powertrains.”

As Breckner noted, “Starting in 2028, a more balanced drivetrain offering will further strengthen our market position and support sustainable long-term growth.”

This effort will be supported by ICE-powered versions of the redesigned 718 as well as the next Macan, which is apparently being referred to as the “B-SUV.” Furthermore, Porsche’s flagship SUV has abandoned electric power and will instead offer gas and plug-in hybrid options.

Getting back to the 718, the current Boxster and Cayman are quickly approaching the end of the line. Production wraps up later this month and Breckner said “we are producing the very last cars these days.”

However, the automaker will still have a handful of models in inventory to help tide things over until the next-generation sports car arrives.

Porsche Is Having A Terrible Year

As for the financials, they weren’t pretty despite record deliveries in the United States. Through the first nine months of the year, Porsche’s operating profit plummeted from over €4 ($4.6) billion in 2025 to a mere €40 ($46) million this time around.

The company blamed the massive drop on a variety of factors including their product realignment strategy, challenging market conditions in China, and “one-off effects” relating to battery activities. Tariffs also played a role and it sounds like they’ll cost the company around €700 ($814) million this year alone.

To help offset the impact of tariffs, Porsche will “further strengthen” their pricing position throughout 2025 and 2026. The company has also increased prices to keep their margins at a “decent level.”

Despite the grim headline numbers, Porsche highlighted that automotive net cash flow increased from €1.24 billion ($1.44 billion) to €1.34 billion ($1.56 billion). The company said this “demonstrates the resilience of the business operations and shows that Porsche is performing robustly even under challenging conditions.”

Porsche Q3 Overview

Lightweight, relatively affordable, mid-engine sports cars are almost unheard of these days, but the Alpine A110 has been serving enthusiasts ever since 2017. However, its time is coming to an end as the French automaker has announced the final units are going into production.

Alpine’s Dieppe Jean Rédélé plant will only build 1,750 more cars including 50 units of the extreme A110 R 70. Production is scheduled to wrap up in mid-2026 and, by that time, nearly 30,000 second-generation A110s will have been built.

More: Alpine Introduces New A110 GTS And R 70 Special Edition

While it’s sad to see the car go, it won’t be the end of the A110 story. Quite the opposite as a third-generation model will be introduced next year. It will ride on the all-new Alpine High Performance Electric Platform (APP) and be a “proper electric sports car.”

As for the current model, Alpine offers the A110, A110 GTS, and A110 R 70. The entry-level coupe starts at €66,900 in France and features a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine developing 248 hp (185 kW / 252 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque.

It’s connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which enables the 2,429 lb (1,102 kg) coupe to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds.

The €79,900 A110 GTS has an upgraded engine producing 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS) and 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) of torque. This lowers the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time to 4.2 seconds, while the top speed climbs up to 170 mph (274 km/h).

Buyers will also find a sportier suspension, an active sports exhaust, and 18-inch forged wheels.

Sitting at the top of the lineup is the €122,900 A110 R 70, which celebrates the brand’s 70th anniversary. It’s limited to 770 units and features an assortment of carbon fiber components including the hood, roof, wheels, and rear spoiler.

A fire at a Novelis aluminum plant has disrupted operations for several automakers, including Ford and its top-selling F-150. The setback has been costly, but the Blue Oval plans to bounce back next year by ramping up truck production.

Under the plan, the Dearborn Truck Plant will add a third shift with roughly 1,200 employees. This will be supported by more than 90 new workers at Dearborn Stamping as well as more than 80 additional employees at Dearborn Diversified Manufacturing.

More: 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning Solves Its Biggest Flaws For Free

Thanks to these workers and the extra shift, Ford aims to produce an additional 45,000+ F-150s in 2026. They’ll have traditional powertrains as the F-150 Lightning hasn’t lived up to expectations.

Assembly of the electric truck will “remain paused” indefinitely as the company is prioritizing production of models with gas and hybrid powertrains. The automaker added these types of trucks are “more profitable for Ford and use less aluminum.”

Due to the pause, hourly employees at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center will transfer to the nearby Dearborn Truck Plant to join the third shift. The shift will also consist of new hires as well as some transfers from other plants.

To increase production of the popular F-Series Super Duty, the automaker is investing $60 million into the Kentucky Truck Plant. These funds will help speed up the production line, so that one additional truck will be built every hour. That might not sound like much, but it will result in more than 5,000 additional pickups.

The funds will also be used to help train new employees. Speaking of which, the plant is expected to add more than 100 jobs.

In total, the automaker will increase production by more than 50,000 units and create up to 1,000 new jobs. Ford’s Chief Operating Officer, Kumar Galhotra, said “The people who keep our country running depend on America’s most popular vehicle – F-Series trucks – and we are mobilizing our team to meet that demand.”

Novelis Fire Could Cost Ford $1 Billion

Novelis

The announcement to ramp up production comes as Ford revealed the “Novelis headwind” could cost them up to $1 billion in losses between 2025 and 2026.

CEO Jim Farley has already visited the damaged plant and said, “We are working intensively with Novelis and others to source aluminum that can be processed in the cold rolling section of the plant that remains operational, while also working to restore overall plant production.” This has enabled them to “minimize the impact in 2025 and recover production in 2026.”

Given the fallout of the fire, Ford now expects to finish the year with an adjusted EBIT of $6 billion to $6.5 billion as well as an adjusted free cash flow of $2 billion to $3 billion.

It wasn’t all bad news as third quarter revenue reached a record of $50.5 billion. That’s up 9% from a year ago and the company posted a net income of $2.4 billion. Unfortunately, Trump’s tariffs cost the automaker roughly $700 million.

A number of automakers and suppliers have played around with the idea of using solar panels to charge electric vehicles. This makes a lot of sense as cars spend a lot of time outside, where they could be charging underneath the sun.

Nissan seems to agree, as they’ll use the Japan Mobility Show to introduce a Sakura EV equipped with an Ao-Solar Extender. The device takes the form of a roof-mounted box with a 300W solar panel sitting neatly on top.

However, the real coup de grâce is an expandable section that deploys from the front to reveal an additional 200W panel when parked.

More: Mercedes’ Solar Paint Could Give EVs Thousands Of Miles Of Range Every Year

This means you could easily deploy the panel when you arrive at the office, and then retract it when you’re ready to go home.

While the Ao-Solar Extender’s usefulness would vary by location and weather conditions, the company estimates that owners could capture enough solar power to drive 1,864 miles (3,000 km) annually.

That doesn’t sound like much, but the average American drives less than 40 miles (64 km) per day, so you’re looking at more than a month and a half of range from the sun alone.

Nissan said they studied the usage patterns of Sakura drivers and found that many customers only travel short distances. For some, the Ao-Solar Extender would be able to “virtually eliminate the need for external charging.”

That’s pretty nifty, and Nissan noted that when the panel is extended, it effectively acts as a sunshade. This helps to keep the Sakura’s interior cool, which reduces power consumption by the air conditioner when you return.

And in true Japanese fashion, Nissan has given it one more layer of usefulness, allowing the Ao-Solar Extender to function as a backup power source during emergencies.

The elimination of the clean vehicle tax credit isn’t Tesla’s only problem as the automaker is recalling 12,963 EVs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says they may be equipped with a battery pack contactor that can fail, causing a loss of drive power.

The issue impacts thousands of vehicles including the 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y. However, only 1% of them are believed to have the defect.

More: EU Regulators Say Drivers Are Dying Inside Cars With Electric Door Handles

According to the safety recall report, the vehicles have a battery pack contactor with an InTiCa solenoid. The latter can “suddenly open” due to a poor coil termination connection, which can lead to a loss of propulsion.

This increases the risk of a collision and drivers won’t receive any warning prior to losing drive power.

Tesla launched an investigation in August, following multiple reports about vehicles that wouldn’t shift into drive from park. These were found to have a high coil resistance on the pack contactor, which caused Tesla to replace the component.

The company examined the contactors and eventually blamed them for causing the issue. While details are limited, Tesla is aware of 26 field reports and 36 warranty claims related to the issue. Thankfully, no accidents or injuries were reported.

To address the problem, customers will need to take their vehicle to a Tesla service center where technicians will replace the contactor with one that doesn’t include an InTiCa solenoid. Letters are scheduled to go out on December 9 and repairs will be performed free of charge.

Jaguar is slowly recovering from a devastating cyberattack, but the company is looking forward to a brighter future. It’s inching closer as the production version of the Type 00 concept is scheduled to debut late this year.

Things are starting to get down to the wire and testing continues on the Nürburgring, where a slightly less camouflaged prototype was being put through its paces.

While the car is still heavily disguised, the latest pictures give us a more revealing look at the front air intakes. We can also see production headlights, which are significantly larger than those found on the concept.

More: This Is The Electric GT That Will Either Save Or Kill Jaguar

The rest of the design echoes previous prototypes, but spy photographers managed to snap some pictures with the liftback open. As you can see, the model will follow in the footsteps of the Polestar 4 and 5 by eschewing a rear window.

Baldauf

While that’s notable, it appears the packaging will be pretty terrible as there’s a relatively small opening and a tall sill. The latter is waist high on the man in the picture, which forces him to lean in and bend over to access things.

Needless to say, the experience doesn’t exactly look ultra-luxurious or female-friendly. Short people could also have a difficult time accessing items stored in back.

The automaker hasn’t said much about the car lately, but the company has previously said the “electric four door GT” will ride on the new Jaguar Electrical Architecture.

The model is also slated to have a range of up to 430 miles (692 km) as well as a fast charging capability that can deliver 200 miles (322 km) in as little as 15 minutes.

shproshots

General Motors has ended production of their slow-selling BrightDrop vans. The models were made at CAMI Assembly in Ingersoll, Ontario and the company said the “commercial electric delivery van market developed much slower than expected.”

The automaker began producing the vans in late 2022, but the launch was a mess as BrightDrop was its own brand and had a tiny dealership network.

BrightDrop vans were eventually folded into Chevrolet last year, which promised to significantly expand sales beyond seven locations in the United States.

More: BrightDrop Becomes Part Of Chevrolet

Things didn’t pan out and unsold vehicles started piling up. GM recently offloaded 59 vans by donating them to the American Red Cross, but that was a drop in the bucket and the company paused production earlier this year.

Production was originally supposed to resume in May, before stopping again to allow for retooling for the 2026 model year. While production did briefly resume in May, BrightDrop is now dead and there will be no 2026 models.

GM blamed the move on a variety of factors including slow sales, a changing regulatory environment, and the elimination of tax credits in the United States.

They added the axing was part of “broader adjustments” being made to electric vehicle capacity in North America.

Needless to say, blue collar employees are getting the shaft for GM’s bad bet on EVs. In this case, the company said “hourly employees will receive six months of salary and the potential for lump sum payments and other benefits.” Furthermore, CAMI Assembly will be “assessed for future opportunities.”

The Unifor union was outraged and claimed the decision was the result of the Trump administration’s “dangerous and destabilizing auto policies.” Of course, that’s glossing over the fact that sales have been terrible for years.

However, this didn’t stop Unifor National President Lana Payne from saying, “The reality is that CAMI was hit from both directions by Trump as he aggressively acted to undo EV supports and hit Canadian auto assembly plants with a 25% tariff. Now more than 1,000 workers and their families are paying the price for Trump’s political interference and GM’s failure to hold the line.”

Other union officials said GM “abandoned” their employees, who “deserve a future at CAMI – not a dead end.” The anger is being further flamed by the decision to eliminate a shift at Oshawa Assembly in January, “heightening concerns about GM’s long-term manufacturing footprint in Canada.”

Given these developments, Unifor said they will meet with GM and the Canadian government to immediately “press for a new product mandate and ensure CAMI remains a pillar of Canadian auto production.”

GM Canada President Kristian Aquilina said, “The decision to end production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van is driven by market demand and in no way reflects the commitment and skill of our workforce at CAMI.” He added, “This continues to be an uncertain time for our workforce at CAMI, and we are committed to working closely with our employees, Unifor, and the Canadian and Ontario governments as we evaluate next steps for the future of CAMI.”

Between tariffs, inflation, and the elimination of the clean vehicle tax credit, going electric isn’t cheap. Michigan is now piling on with additional fees to help pay for road funding, as a massive tax on marijuana wasn’t enough.

The details are pretty convoluted, but MLive reports that Michigan recently decided to eliminate the sales tax on gas and introduce an increased fuel tax.

The increase is the same as the one that was removed, so they essentially cancel each other out. That’s a roundabout move, but it will result in more money going towards repairing Michigan roads.

More: Some States Give Up To $9,000 To Buy An EV, Others Charge You Hundreds

However, there are other implications as the publication noted “state law requires an increase of $5 to the EV registration fee, and an increase of $2.50 to a [plug-in] hybrid vehicle registration, per 1 cent raise of the state’s gas tax.”

So while drivers of traditional gas-powered vehicles pay the same, eco-friendly vehicles get hammered by higher fees.

This reportedly means registering an EV will now cost Michigan drivers an extra $100 annually, which brings the fee to $260, on top of regular registration costs. Likewise, the fee for electric trucks will presumably increase to $360.

Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council policy principal Sophia Schuster told the publication, “By raising EV fees to the highest in the country, the state is discouraging adoption and signaling to automakers that Michigan is not serious about leading in transportation electrification.”

The organization noted that before fees were increased, Michigan EV drivers were already paying around $20 more in state taxes than people with ICE-powered vehicles.

They also pointed out EVs are typically driven 4,500 miles (7,242 km) less annually than ICE vehicles, so owners are “paying more for roads they use less.”

Help could be on the way as there’s a proposal to significantly lower fees for plug-in hybrids and EVs. Of course, only time will tell if these changes are adopted.

The Ford Mustang has a long history of offering California special editions and we can add one more to that list. The latest is based on the electric 2026 Mustang Mach-E GT and will go up for order on October 22.

Sporting a subtle makeover, the California Special is distinguished by an illuminated Rave Blue pony emblem as well as special 20-inch wheels with a carbonized gray and black finish.

They’re joined by special badging as well as a hood graphic inspired by the California coastline. The latter is dark and dull, but Ford exterior designer Stefan Taylor said it has “radiating sunset lines in layered gray, black, and a blue accent representing the ocean.”

Review: Ford’s Electric Pony Car Gets Better With Age

The upgrades extend to the cabin, which has performance seats wrapped in Navy Pier ActiveX upholstery as well as a Miko material. The navy color can also be found on the steering wheel and center console, with the latter sporting “GT/CS” badging.

Elsewhere, there are special floor mats with blue and silver stitching that matches the design found on the seats.

Since the special edition is based on the Mustang Mach-E GT, it features a 91 kWh battery pack as well as a dual motor all-wheel drive system producing 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS) and 600 lb-ft (813 Nm) of torque.

This setup enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and travel up to 280 miles (451 km) on a single charge.

While the upgrades are minor, the price tag isn’t as the California Special package costs $2,495. That means customers will need to shell out at least $55,890 before factoring in the destination fee.

Long before there was the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, the Grand Wagoneer reigned supreme. With this pedigree and Jeep’s upmarket push, Stellantis thought they had a winner on their hands when they brought the model back in 2021.

Things didn’t exactly pan out as expected, so the entire Wagoneer lineup is being revamped for 2026. As part of the makeover, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are merging into a single model, which features an updated design and a brand-new range-extender powertrain.

More Modern Design

The new look was previewed earlier this summer, and the 2026 Grand Wagoneer cribs heavily from the electric Wagoneer S. As part of the makeover, the model adopts an all-new front fascia with a minimalist seven-slot grille. It’s illuminated and visually flows into new headlights.

Further below, there’s a more pronounced central intake that is flanked by new T-shaped LED daytime running lights. Elsewhere, the Wagoneer badging on the hood has been replaced by a Jeep logo.

The rest of the design largely carries over, but there are new full-width LED taillights as well as rear Jeep badging. The model also eschews chrome, while sporting restyled wheels in sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches.

Minor Interior Updates

Jeep barely mentioned interior changes, but there’s a new heads-up display on higher-end variants. It features a “significantly larger field of view and a virtual image distance twice that of previous versions.”

The Grand Wagoneer also features a larger 12-inch Uconnect5 infotainment system. It replaces the previous 10.1-inch display, which used to come standard on the Wagoneer.

An All-New Range-Extender Powertrain

Under the hood, there’s a familiar twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six producing 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 468 lb-ft (635 Nm) of torque. Unfortunately, Jeep has apparently dropped the high-output variant that developed 540 hp (402 kW / 548 PS) and 521 lb-ft (706 Nm).

The big news is an all-new range-extender variant known as the Grand Wagoneer REEV. It borrows heavily from the Ram 1500 REV, which used to be known as the Ramcharger, and features a 92 kWh battery pack as well as a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that acts as a generator.

It’s slated to be the quickest and most powerful Grand Wagoneer ever created as the company is estimating a combined output of 647 hp (482 kW / 656 PS) and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque.

This should enable the SUV to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in five seconds flat and have a range in excess of 500 miles (805 km).

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will go into production later this year and be followed by the range-extender variant. The latter will have “late availability,” so expect to learn more closer to launch.