Can an offroad icon be a halo vehicle? Mitsubishi hopes bringing back the legendary Pajero adds some sparkle to the brand...

While the Montero (the Pajero’s nameplate in North America) never achieved the status of a Wrangler or a Bronco, the picture looked quite different overseas. The original debuted 44 years ago, inspired by the Mitsubishi PX33--Japan’s first 4WD sedan. It spawned midsize, small, and kei-class variants, and exited production five years ago. Mitsubishi has been teasing its return for a while--and now it’s here.

The new model is a true body-on-frame entry, derived from the Triton midsize pickup but with an updated suspension. The only engine at launch is a “clean” 2.4-liter turbodiesel paired with an eight-speed automatic; rumors suggest electrified options are likely forthcoming.

The “Grand Charisma” design draws on the Elevance concept shown last year (and will likely be cascaded across the Mitsubishi portfolio). The C-pillar design is inspired by the original’s roll bar, and the hexagonal motif out back references the (no longer used) external spare tire. Overall, kudos to Mitsubishi for going their own way with Pajero (unlike Hyundai’s Boulder concept, which seemed to have quite a bit of Bronco in its design).

There are plenty of other noteworthy features here, too...

🔹 The more upscale interior, inspired by the Japanese craft of Kimekomi, adds the iconic triple-meter layout to the central touchscreen (which offers 16 background themes that change according to the time of day)

🔹 Acoustic glass is used on the windshield and doors, and there’s extra effort to reduce NVH for a more refined ride

🔹 Super All Wheel Control integrates Active Yaw Control, and the driver can select four different 4WD models and seven drive modes

🔹 Unlike Bronco and Wrangler (but comparable to the Land Cruiser 250), a third row seat is standard (as well as trizone climate control)

🔹 The new Emergency Lane Assist uses camera and radar to recognize lane markings and surrounding vehicles, providing warnings and steering assistance when it detects a risk of lane departure

🔹 MI-PILOT integrates adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist

Launch begins later this year, initially in Thailand, Japan, and Australia, with 100 markets to follow--but, alas, North America has yet to be confirmed. Overall--aside from the currently limited powertrain selection--Mitsubishi appears have to ticked all the boxes in resurrecting the Pajero. Here’s hoping offroad enthusiasts on this side of the pond get a chance to get their hands on one.

India's Tata Motors has been quite busy lately, between rebooting the Sierra SUV, working with Chery/JLR on their new Avinya premium EVs, and helping Stellantis create a new affordable Jeep. Honda, meanwhile, has been facing numerous headwinds. They cancelled three state-of-the-art SUVs mere months before the first one was scheduled to hit the market, and are unwinding the relationship that yielded the now-dead Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX. In addition, reports suggest several core ICE models will be forced to struggle with extended life cycles as Honda gets their finances in order.

Bloomberg is reporting Tata Technologies, a subsidiary of Tata Motors, is developing an entirely new multi-energy (ICE, hybrid, and EV capable) platform for Honda. It appears the powertrains themselves would come from Honda, and the platform would support multiple models for as-yet-unspecified markets. At the very least, one assumes Honda is hoping to claw back some of the market share they've lost; it's currently at 2%, versus a high of 7% about ten years ago.

The 2nd most profitable automotive group for the 2nd year in a row, Hyundai revealed their latest strategic update at their annual Investor Day. They claim to be on track for their 2030 targets, including a 9.0% operating profit margin, 5.55M annual sales (+35% vs 2025), 60% electrified vehicles (+37 points vs 2025), and 6% global market share (+1.3 points vs 2025).

They also see robotics, on-demand mobility, and SDV and connectivity combined accounting for about 40% of the industry’s profit pool by 2030. By that time, Hyundai and Genesis will launch over 100 new and refreshed products; this includes over 18 new product and market segment entries (which will account for half their future growth).

Among the highlights from the over 100-page deck:

🔹 Hyundai’s will launch their first EREV, in the form of the midsize Santa Fe: a two-motor setup with over 600 miles total range. Note that rather than take an EV and add an ICE generator, Hyundai has chosen to take an ICE vehicle and add a larger battery pack. Genesis will add a GV70 EREV in 2027 as well, with a new high-performance NCM battery promising 40% faster charging and twice the cell power.

🔹 The Hyundai brand continues to push upmarket, with higher-margin ‘enthusiast’ and ‘premium’ vehicles like the Elantra N and Palisade Calligraphy (which accounts for 40% of Palisade sales).

🔹 New Hyundai entries include: Europe-specific small and midsize electric SUVs; India-specific small electric and compact ICE SUVs; and China-specific small electric and compact EV/EREV SUVs

🔹 After a sales falloff in China that started in 2024, Hyundai is looking to sell over 500,000 units there by 2030, over double their 2023 sales, including new China-specific NEVs.

🔹 The performance-oriented N portfolio is targeting over seven new models, 40 new markets, and annual sales of 100,000 units by 2030. This will be supported by a new ‘high-volume performance’ sub-brand that will slot between the N and N-Line models, sharing N powertrains but at a lower price point. Among the new models will be an “entry SUV” and a “FR/AWD” (front engine, rear/all-wheel drive!?) vehicle.

🔹 Genesis will be available in 40 new markets by 2030, boosting sales to 350,000 units, a 58% boost from 2025.

It’s been 40 years since Hyundai launched the Excel in the U.S., and there’s no sign of them slowing down. With so many of its competitors facing significant headwinds, Hyundai seems to be making all the right decisions in this highly unstable environment.

A little over two years after the Neolun concept debuted in New York (and perhaps a bit later than we expected to see it) the production model, dubbed GV90, was officially unveiled by Genesis last week. Much of what we saw was both surprising and not surprising. The concept’s coach doors, heated wooden floors, swiveling front seats, pop-up center touchscreen, cashmere trim, and indigo upholstery were appropriate for a visionary vehicle, and few expected most, if not all, of those would disappear on the production vehicle. But Genesis threw them all in--and more. After all, as the first six-figure Korean vehicle sold in America, Genesis better not be perceived as shortchanging the customer.

Underneath the Escalade-sized GV90 is Hyundai’s new Genesis-exclusive eMP platform, with a 123.5kWh battery enabling an estimated 310-mile range. That’s competitive with the Mercedes EQS SUV and likely the new Range Rover Electric, but far below the Escalade IQ’s 460 miles. The 800V system (also standard on the Range Rover and Escalade IQ) enables a brisk 22-minute recharge to 80%. The 656hp twin-motor powertrain is well below the Escalade IQ’s 750 but well ahead of the Mercedes and Range Rover.

There are plenty of other bells and whistles to be found...

🔹 The Neolun flagship variant features the aforementioned rear coach doors (the “Arch Gate”), and an integrated B-pillar means unimpeded entry and exist

🔹 Dual electronic limited slip differentials to manage power output to all four wheels

🔹 Multichamber air suspension and rear wheel steering

🔹 Onboard animation: once the driver is in position and the door closed, the gearshift and crystal central controller slide into place

🔹 25-inch head-up display and Ambient Glow animated mood lighting

🔹 Heated windshield and available six-zone Smart Vision Roof using polymer dispersed liquid crystal technology

🔹 Radiant heaters in the 1st and 2nd row armrests, side panels, and door trims

🔹 The GV90 will launch in the U.S. with a version of Genesis’ One-of-One bespoke program already operating in several other markets

Curiously, Hyundai cites two very disparate influences for the GV90: the Korean moon jar (for aesthetics) and Marilyn Monroe (for her “passionate ambition and visionary boldness”). Genesis got off to a rocky start in the US but have been steadily turning things around, and there’s no doubt that Genesis did their homework creating the GV90. It’s likely the rest of the players in this segment--BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Cadillac, Lexus, and Lincoln--are all going to be taking closer look at this flagship.

Genesis Aims High

The Genesis GV90 positions Genesis squarely in the six-figure electric luxury SUV arena, translating much of the Neolun concept’s show-car drama into production form with coach doors, high-end cabin materials, advanced lighting, and a tech-heavy interior experience. Built on a Genesis-exclusive eMP platform with a large 123.5kWh battery, an estimated 310-mile range, 800V fast charging, and a 656hp twin-motor powertrain, it combines flagship performance with premium comfort features such as air suspension, rear-wheel steering, radiant heating, and a customizable One of One program. While its range trails the Cadillac Escalade IQ, the GV90’s design ambition, luxury execution, and competitive output suggest Genesis is making a serious challenge to established luxury SUV brands.

WHY IT MATTERS: Genesis got off to a rough start, without its own dealer channel and with two sedans in an SUV-friendly market. They have continued to expand and improve, and programs like the Magma performance sub-brand and One-of-One bespoke service position them to compete against the big guns. The GV90 gives the brand a much-needed SUV flagship.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Stunning and technically fascinating, the GV90 can hold its own against X7, GLS, and new Q9.

BYD’s Newest Shark

The BYD Mako expands BYD’s pickup lineup with a compact unibody plug-in hybrid aimed at vehicles such as the Ford Maverick, Ram Rampage, and Fiat Toro. Based on the Song Plus SUV platform, it blends rugged styling with a hybrid powertrain that pairs a 1.5L engine and electric motor for 223hp, up to 62 miles of EV range, V2L capability, and ethanol compatibility tailored to Brazil. With front-wheel drive at launch, a likely future 4WD version, competitive pricing around $40,000, and Brazilian production planned after initial imports from China, the Mako looks designed to give BYD a strong foothold in South America’s growing lifestyle pickup segment.

WHY IT MATTERS: The Chinese have slowly been expanding into pickups over the past few years, and the Mako provides an opportunity to compete with other compact BFI pickups in Latin America, providing a more refined and fuel efficient alternative to the body-on-frame Shark.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Stylish and capable with a powertrain that no other competitor can currently match—and aggressively priced to boot.

VW’s Little Bird

The VW Tukan replaces the decades-old Saveiro as Volkswagen’s new Brazil-built compact pickup, riding on the MQB A0 platform shared with the T-Cross while adding rear leaf springs for improved load capacity. Offered in more premium Extreme double-cab form as well as work-focused Robust single-cab trim, it adopts rugged design cues similar to newer lifestyle pickups and launches with a mild-hybrid 1.5L turbo alongside flex-fuel engine options. With deliveries scheduled for the first half of 2027, the Tukan is positioned as a key part of Volkswagen’s broader $3.9 billion South American investment strategy.

WHY IT MATTERS: Pickups are big business in South America, and more and more competitors—including the Chinese—are looking for a piece of the action. The new Tukan offers a much needed update to the 18-year-old Saveiro.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The Tukan represents a big step forward in refinement and efficiency—which is probably why the old Saveiro nameplate was retired.

Hyundai’s Bold New Tucson

The next Hyundai Tucson adopts a bolder, more angular design influenced by the Santa Fe and Boulder concept, with H-shaped lighting, slightly larger dimensions, and a more distinctive XRT variant expected for off-road appeal. Powertrain updates include a stronger 242hp turbo hybrid alongside a conventional four-cylinder, with launch beginning next year in Korea and potential U.S. production for American-market models. Inside, Hyundai appears to be pushing the Tucson further upscale with a large Pleos-powered central touchscreen, smaller digital cluster, squared-off steering wheel, improved materials, accent lighting, and a focus on best-in-class spaciousness.

WHY IT MATTERS: Hyundai has established itself as a design leader, and the recent market trend towards more offroad-capable and rugged-looking vehicles means they are adapting their design language.

THE BOTTOM LINE: In an increasingly competitive segment, the Tucson looks like a visual standout—and likely technically competent as well.

Between Automotive News' future product updates and rumors of reveals at dealer meetings, we are starting to get an idea of some of the upcoming new entries to the Ford and Lincoln portfolios. I've already discussed the Mustang Mach-4, so let's look at what else is out there...

Ford Bronco Pickup: There were rumors of a Bronco pickup as far back as six years ago, with Motor Trend reporting a mid-2024 launch. It was reportedly scrapped a year later; the introduction of the offroad-oriented Ranger Raptor to the US market might have played a role, with Ford leadership fearing cannibalization. It’s not clear that situation has changed, but the timing of 2030 suggests this new entry could be derived from the next-generation Bronco (which will be nine years old by then). But is there room for both a Ranger (and Ranger Raptor) and Bronco pickup in the US market? With new models due from Hyundai, Honda, Ram, Kia, and perhaps VW, it’s going to get rather crowded.

Ford “New Escape”: There was considerable angst when Ford pulled the plug on the Escape, whose US volume peaked at over 300,000 units back in 2017. Although Ford was hoping Escape intenders would divert to either Maverick or Bronco Sport, Ford’s recent sales numbers suggest that’s not been happening. Dealers have reportedly been showing a small crossover due by the end of the decade that would be offered with both gas and hybrid variants; it seems like a wise (and overdue) move to get more entry-level buyers into Ford showrooms.

Lincoln “Corsair Electric”: Does Lincoln have an electrification strategy? That’s an excellent (and currently unanswered) question. Five years ago, it was “all EV by 2030”, and three years ago it was “half ZEV by mid-decade”--but now there’s nary a goal to be found. New reports suggest the Universal EV platform that will source next year’s Ford Fathom will also source a smaller Lincoln SUV. A Ford-badged SUV off the platform is likely, and so a Lincoln variant--to replace the cancelled US-market Corsair--isn’t too much of a stretch.

Lincoln “Mountaineer”*: A Bronco-based Lincoln seems to be an increasingly real concept, and with Audi (and possibly BMW) wading into the offroad pool, Lincoln leadership wants a piece of the action. However, with zero offroad credibility and a brand built on serenity and refinement, can the Bronco platform yield something Lincoln-appropriate. Lexus appears to have done so with the GX, which shares its platform with the less refined Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, so it’s not impossible.

Unfortunately, as you can see, there are no more cars in the mix (besides the aforementioned Mustang Mach-4). A compact hatchback off the UEV or a domesticated version of China’s Lincoln Z (a/k/a Zephyr) could be interesting but so far appear to be off the table. But stay tuned; 2030 is still a long way off...

*Not the official name, but it works, right?

The company’s new supercar, the generically named “GT”, has no Toyota badging on it, but rather GR (as in Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s performance arm). The outgoing Supra and current 86 also carry GR badging, and performance-oriented GR variants of the Corolla, Yaris, and other models are out there as well.

Autocar offers up some new info on the resurrection of the MR2 (likely to be sold as the GR MR2, based on recent trademark filings). It combines styling from the FT-SE concept (which was originally developed as an EV) and a new compact, hybrid-specific 2.0-liter engine of upwards of 400 horsepower.

The Supra’s future is up in the air (the current model ended production in March), but a new Celica appears to be on the horizon as well. One open question will be distribution; while the Supra and 86 are sold through Toyota dealers, the GT will be sold through select Lexus dealerships.

If Toyota is serious about making GR a standalone brand, it (like Cupra and Polestar) will need a dedicated channel. Cupra has been a success story for the beleaguered VW Group--and that’s without the motorsports heritage that Gazoo Racing already has on tap. This sounds like good news for both Toyota investors and auto enthusiasts.

A little over two years after the Neolun concept debuted in New York (and perhaps a bit later than we expected to see it) the production model, dubbed GV90, was officially unveiled by Genesis last week. Much of what we saw was both surprising and not surprising. The concept’s coach doors, heated wooden floors, swiveling front seats, pop-up center touchscreen, cashmere trim, and indigo upholstery were appropriate for a visionary vehicle, and few expected most, if not all, of those would disappear on the production vehicle. But Genesis threw them all in--and more. After all, as the first six-figure Korean vehicle sold in America, Genesis better not be perceived as shortchanging the customer.

Underneath the Escalade-sized GV90 is Hyundai’s new Genesis-exclusive eMP platform, with a 123.5kWh battery enabling an estimated 310-mile range. That’s competitive with the Mercedes EQS SUV and likely the new Range Rover Electric, but far below the Escalade IQ’s 460 miles. The 800V system (also standard on the Range Rover and Escalade IQ) enables a brisk 22-minute recharge to 80%. The 656hp twin-motor powertrain is just shy of the Escalade IQ’s 680 but well ahead of the Mercedes and Range Rover.

There are plenty of other bells and whistles to be found...

• The Neolun flagship variant features the aforementioned rear coach doors (the “Arch Gate”), and an integrated B-pillar means unimpeded entry and exist

• Dual electronic limited slip differentials to manage power output to all four wheels

• Multichamber air suspension and rear wheel steering

• Onboard animation: once the driver is in position and the door closed, the gearshift and crystal central controller slide into place

• 25-inch head-up display and Ambient Glow animated mood lighting

• Heated windshield and available six-zone Smart Vision Roof using polymer dispersed liquid crystal technology

• Radiant heaters in the 1st and 2nd row armrests, side panels, and door trims

Curiously, Hyundai cites two very disparate influences for the GV90: the Korean moon jar (for aesthetics) and Marilyn Monroe (for her “passionate ambition and visionary boldness”). Genesis got off to a rocky start in the US but have been steadily turning things around, and there’s no doubt that Genesis did their homework creating the GV90. It’s likely the rest of the players in this segment--BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Cadillac, Lexus, and Lincoln--are all going to be taking closer look at this flagship.

The 2nd most profitable automotive group for the 2nd year in a row, Hyundai revealed their latest strategic update at their annual Investor Day. They claim to be on track for their 2030 targets, including a 9.0% operating profit margin, 5.55M annual sales (+35% vs 2025), 60% electrified vehicles (+37 points vs 2025), and 6% global market share (+1.3 points vs 2025).

They also see robotics, on-demand mobility, and SDV and connectivity combined accounting for about 40% of the industry’s profit pool by 2030. By that time, Hyundai and Genesis will launch over 100 new and refreshed products; this includes over 18 new product and market segment entries (which will account for half their future growth).

Among the highlights from the over 100-page deck:

• Hyundai’s will launch their first EREV, in the form of the midsize Santa Fe: a two-motor setup with over 600 miles total range. Note that rather than take an EV and add an ICE generator, Hyundai has chosen to take an ICE vehicle and add a larger battery pack. Genesis will add a GV70 EREV in 2027 as well, with a new high-performance NCM battery promising 40% faster charging and twice the cell power.

• The Hyundai brand continues to push upmarket, with higher-margin ‘enthusiast’ and ‘premium’ vehicles like the Elantra N and Palisade Calligraphy (which accounts for 40% of Palisade sales).

• New Hyundai entries include: Europe-specific small and midsize electric SUVs; India-specific small electric and compact ICE SUVs; and China-specific small electric and compact EV/EREV SUVs

• After a sales falloff in China that started in 2024, Hyundai is looking to sell over 500,000 units there by 2030, over double their 2023 sales, including new China-specific NEVs.

• The performance-oriented N portfolio is targeting over seven new models, 40 new markets, and annual sales of 100,000 units by 2030. This will be supported by a new ‘high-volume performance’ sub-brand that will slot between the N and N-Line models, sharing N powertrains but at a lower price point.

• Genesis will be available in 40 new markets by 2030, boosting sales to 350,000 units, a 58% boost from 2025.

It’s been 40 years since Hyundai launched the Excel in the U.S., and there’s no sign of them slowing down. With so many of its competitors facing significant headwinds, Hyundai seems to be making all the right decisions in this highly unstable environment.

"What if the Slate Truck had an internal combustion engine?" I'm apparently not the only one who's asked that question--and startup REO Trucks is offering an answer.

Between REO's website and The Autopian's rather extensive interview (linked below), there's a lot of interesting info available on this new affordable truck targeted to be in owners' hands in late 2028. The basic facts are intriguing:

• Body-on-frame construction with mechanical 4WD

• Existing L4 engine (preferably with port injection, not direct injection--and so potentially tough to find), with 6MT and 6AT options

• Three models: $21,500 T4X 2-seat regular cab with a steel dropside bed, $25,000 T4C 5-seat crew cab, and $28,500 S4C 6-seat SUV (with side-facing jump seats)

• To be built in Texas and (like Slate) sold directly online

• Simple, straightforward design; every panel off in under five minutes with common tools, and plenty of physical controls inside

• Support right to repair, with parts sold through vetted sellers and a “public catalog guaranteed for 20 years, sold straight to owners”

The performance and capability numbers appear competitive: 4,500lbs towing, 1,200lbs payload, 25mpg, ~600mi range--although I’d expect those numbers to vary based on the bodystyle. No word yet on performance, which makes sense given that the engine apparently hasn’t been selected yet. The full reveal is supposed to happen later this year; as you can see, the T4X profile appears rather close to the Slate (which is about 5 inches shorter). Based on the silhouettes shown on the website, the crewcab appears to have a ~4.5-foot bed, comparable to a Maverick. And, like Scout, they are leaning into heritage; they have trademarked Speedwagon, and their initial vehicle, Runabout, is also an REO nameplate. They also have the endorsement of the R. E. Olds Museum in Lansing, Michigan.

With all of that, there are some concerns and questions...

• There’s no info on the site on who else is involved, and, while the founder’s “car guy” status is a plus, his background in real estate suggests he’s going to need people with industry experience to pull this off. So far, I can’t find the company on LinkedIn, so the rest of the team is a mystery.

• The CEO explains “the company is funded to where it needs to be right now,” which is a good place to be in. But we all know the financial challenges any startup faces; additional funds are going to have to come from somewhere to actually build the truck.

• Slate has partnered with RepairPal for service, and will have an as-yet-unannounced logistics/distribution partner. I think REO will need a similar setup--I, for one, don’t have the skills to repair my own truck, no matter how many enablers are there.

So, like Slate, at the end of the day, there’s a lot to be excited about but several serious questions remain. I look forward to hearing more...

Acura’s Next Vision

The Acura Nexera concept previews the brand’s next design era as part of its 40th-anniversary celebration, introducing a dramatic “phantom lighting” signature and a sculptural, technology-focused performance look developed in California. With butterfly doors, a deployable rear spoiler, 22-inch center-lock wheels, a glass-heavy canopy, and sustainable premium materials, it presents Acura’s future as progressive, disciplined, and visually distinctive while leaving its powertrain direction open.

WHY IT MATTERS: The first Japanese luxury brand fell behind Lexus and seems to be without a vision at the moment, so the Nexera provides at least design roadmap for the next-generation of Acuras.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Stunning and striking, but it remains to be seen how much of this will be visible in next year’s RDX—and Acura missed an opportunity to showcase a powertrain vision.

Aston’s New Brute

The Aston Martin Valen is an extreme Vanquish-based supercar developed by Aston’s new Special Vehicle Operations division, pairing an 838-hp twin-turbo V12 with sharper transmission software, revised throttle mapping, and major weight-saving upgrades. Its aggressive Sharknose front end, exposed-carbon options, louder exhaust, no-rear-window camera-mirror layout, and track-focused drive modes position it as a rare, high-dollar performance flagship, with just 150 planned at about $2 million each.

WHY IT MATTERS: Bespoke is big business, and this is likely to help the troubled automaker’s financials

THE BOTTOM LINE: Bold, brutish and perfectly on point with Aston Martin’s brand promise.

Cadillac’s Hypercar

The Cadillac V-One translates Cadillac’s LMDh racing program into a single-seat roadgoing concept, combining Dallara-developed chassis expertise with V-Series.R suspension, transmission, electronics, and an 830-hp hybrid V8. With its silver-to-navy gradient paint, exposed carbon structure, steering yoke, and race-inspired interface, it serves as a bold statement of where Cadillac wants the V-Series performance brand to go next.

WHY IT MATTERS: With their all-EV future abandoned, Cadillac now has the opportunity to better leverage its motorsports learnings for future internal-combustion-powered Cadillacs—and the new Artisan Center can build something like this.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Potentially good news for V Series, although perhaps a bit of a stretch for the Cadillac brand as it now stands.

McLaren’s Retro Concept

The McLaren MCL 6GT reimagines the late-1960s M6GT road-car project with a modern carbon-fiber structure, mid-mounted V8, and enthusiast-focused six-speed manual transmission. Planned for 2028 production with a 500-unit run, it connects McLaren’s Can-Am heritage to a future limited-production road car without disrupting the brand’s broader upcoming lineup.

WHY IT MATTERS: Restomods are hot these days, and McLaren is likely hoping what is essentially a factory-authorized restomod will attract enthusiasts. They are unlikely to be disappointed.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Who doesn’t like a mid-engined V8 with a six-speed stick shift? Not to mention those classic lines and a distraction-free interior…

Ferrari Reboots the SF90

The Ferrari CZ26 is a one-off Tailor Made creation built for a single American client, rebodying the SF90 Stradale with a sharper, more angular design inspired by 1970s Italian industrial aesthetics. Its taller nose, thin headlamps, full-width grille, improved cooling and aero work, and nearly 1,000-hp plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain make it both a highly personalized collector commission and the 26th special one-off Ferrari project.

WHY IT MATTERS: Ferrari makes big money on their bespoke business, and this one-off is not likely to be an exception.

THE BOTTOM LINE: It may be as “un-Ferrari” as the Luce but there’s only one and it’s already paid for…

Inside the Type 01

The Jaguar Type 01 takes a minimalist, luxury-focused approach with design cues drawn from travertine stone, artisan textiles, and brass-like finishes, while adopting a four-seat cabin with a full-length center console and concealed storage. Its screen strategy emphasizes a wide driver display, small console-mounted controls, haptic steering-wheel switches, and a rear-camera display in place of a rear window, giving the concept a clean, modern, highly controlled interior character.

WHY IT MATTERS: Jaguar has thrown out just about every aspect of its heritage, and we see that now extends to the interior. Is this the interior of a $150,000 car? We’ll know more at the October 6 unveiling.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Stylish and less generic than the Range Rover GT, but it’s not clear if this has what’s expected at this price point.

Lamborghini Cranks it Up

The Lamborghini Revuelto SV raises the plug-in hybrid supercar’s output to 1,051 hp by enlarging the battery and boosting electric-motor performance, while adding aerodynamic hardware that delivers a major downforce increase. With two-tone graphics, red accents, adjustable racing-inspired dampers, next-generation carbon-ceramic brakes, a GT3-influenced Pilota mode, and a lighter, more focused cabin, it is positioned as a sharper Super Veloce variant limited to 1,963 units.

WHY IT MATTERS: Archrival Ferrari continues to raise the performance bar, and Lamborghini can’t get caught sitting still. But the ability to boost performance without touching the internal combustion powerplant is an impressive feat.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Everything you want in a Lamborghini hypercar—and likely sold out already.

Land Rover Cranks it Up

The Land Rover Defender Dakar is a road-legal version of Land Rover’s Dakar Rally entry, based on the Octa flagship and upgraded for desert-style performance. It keeps the 626-hp V8 while adding bespoke coils, advanced Bilstein dampers, 35-inch all-terrain tires, specialized drive modes, roof-mounted lighting, carbon-fiber body elements, skid protection, and widened arches, creating a high-priced off-road special due next year.

WHY IT MATTERS: JLR’s future strategy includes more limited-run and high-end (and high-margin) variants, and this fits in perfectly with Defender’s brand promise.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The closest you’ll get to a British Raptor.

Lucid Cranks it Up

The Lucid Gravity GTS brings Sapphire-inspired performance to Lucid’s three-row luxury SUV, delivering 1,070 hp and a 3.1-second 0–60 mph time. With 20 percent more power than the Grand Touring model plus standard dynamic handling hardware, rear-wheel steering, and three-chamber air suspension, it targets the U.S. market as a fast, premium electric SUV starting at $127,750.

WHY IT MATTERS: The disappearance of the Model X leaves a performance void in this segment, and Cadillac’s Escalade V is the only other large luxury utility that comes close to the Gravity GTS’ performance.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Not quite as extreme as the Air Sapphire but more than capable of getting the job done.

Karma Reboots

The Karma Gyesera Grand Coupe continues the lineage that began with the Fisker Karma and later evolved into the Karma Revero, updating the familiar platform with new design details such as the Comet Line hood vent and Target Lighting accents. Its aluminum spaceframe, carbon-fiber-reinforced body panels, 566-hp extended-range electric powertrain, 80 miles of EV range, haptic controls, premium leather, and $139,995 price point position it as a refreshed luxury grand coupe with both heritage and modernized technology.

The Karma Amaris is a 2+2 coupe derived from the Gyesera platform and planned for launch in late 2027. It is expected to use a more powerful version of the Gyesera’s extended-range electric powertrain, giving Karma a sportier coupe entry that builds directly on its existing grand-coupe architecture.

The Karma Kaveya is a delayed but ambitious electric supercar now expected in early 2028, with a $400,000 price tag, two-seat layout, butterfly doors, and a 1,000-hp electric powertrain. Its planned use of Factorial Energy solid-state batteries would make it a significant technology showcase for Karma and potentially the first passenger vehicle to bring that battery chemistry to market.

WHY IT MATTERS: It’s been a long, winding road for Karma since the company was reborn post-Fisker—and there have been plenty of twists and delays along the way.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The new plan is aggressive and impressive—but may be tough to execute.

With the Type 01’s full reveal scheduled for October 6 in New York City--about a year later than originally expected--Jaguar has now revealed several images and details about the new car’s interior (with plans to have the interior on display later this week at Pebble Beach).

Like the new Range Rover GT, the Type 01’s interior is described as “reductive”, although there seem to be some more interesting details (alongside, alas, some unfortunate omissions).

• Like the GT, the front passenger doesn’t get their own display. The driver gets a reasonably large and wide display--viewable through what appears to be an almost-round steering wheel--although there’s no mention of a head-up display to accompany it. Less graceful is the small center touchscreen for climate and audio controls, which has all the elegance of a smartphone perched in a cupholder-mounted dock.

• The biggest problem appears to be the complete lack of physical controls: no knobs, no switches, no levers (aside from gearshift and turn signal), and historically annoying haptic switches on the steering wheel.

• As a four-door coupe, the Type 01 doesn’t pretend to be a five-seater, and the full-length console gives each passenger their own cocoon. And with other automakers exploring textiles instead of faux leather, it appears this interior uses two-toned cloth upholstery for a more unique look. Jaguar also notes the influence of travertine stone (rather than the ubiquitous piano black) and brass-inspired finishes.

• As expected, the Type 01 won’t have a rear window (similar to the Polestar 5), but instead use a digital “ClearSight Rear View Display”. It won’t be where you think, though; it’s mounted at the center base of the windshield on top of the dashboard, not unlike Chrysler Group products of the 1950s.

Overall, I’m a little more intrigued by the Type 01’s interior than the Range Rover GT’s more generic twin-screen interior. I’m curious where we’ll see opportunities for this interior to showcase premium and innovative materials like (for example) wood, stone, and textured metal, as well as what the interior lighting scheme looks like. At the same time, I’m disappointed in the lack of physical controls and the central seems-like-an-afterthought auxiliary control panel.

Let’s see what happens in October in the Big Apple...

When the Dodge Charger reappeared in 2005, it did so as a four-door sedan--and caused some degree of angst in the Mopar community. After all, the Charger had historically been a coupe, and a rear-drive V8 coupe at that up until 1978*. But it seems like enough people were willing to grant that, if you’re going to bring back a nameplate after a few decades, you’re allowed to play a little fast and loose with bodystyles. After all, it still had a Hemi, right?

More recently, Dodge has run into some challenges with the Charger, first bringing it back as an EV-only model, and then adding in an internal combustion powertrain that wasn’t a Hemi. In July, dealers had well over 300 days’ worth of inventory on-hand, with Dodge both launching new incentives and a new 2027 600-horsepower Super Bee.

Meanwhile, Ford and Chevrolet appear to be pursuing some interesting paths given the current status of the Charger (and the US market, with its renewed interest in internal combustion-sourced horsepower)...

• Ford, who now essentially own the US pony car market (given the increased size, mass, and price of the Charger coupe), have reportedly shown dealers a Mustang Mach 4, likely based on a stretched version of the current Mustang platform. Rumors of this variant have been circulating for several years, but it appears now to be more than just wishful thinking. You may recall at one point there were rumors of both AWD and hybrid power for the Mustang; we haven’t seen either yet, but either or both might be under consideration for the Mach 4.

• Chevrolet’s Camaro has been out of production for three years, but rumors are circulating that it will return in a couple of years... as a four-door. GM has confirmed a next-generation Cadillac CT5 off an updated Alpha platform, but everyone knows a single model is not enough to justify the expense to keep that plant running, and so a new Camaro makes sense. Hybrid power is also a possibility here, based on recent comment from GM President Mark Reuss. What’s rather surprising is that, if this is true, GM has yet to publicly confirm it. Frankly, they’ve got little to lose and everything to gain if they properly manage the messaging.

It’s worth noting the Mach 4 would sold be in addition to the Mustang Coupe and Convertible, thus keeping hardcore purists happier. Chevrolet has potentially a bigger challenge ahead of them, given both the Camaro’s history and that the outgoing model is still very much fresh in everyone’s mind. Let’s see if we hear anything at the Detroit Auto Show next year...

General Motors, who took a $1.1B charge last year as part of an overhaul and restructuring of its joint-venture operations with SAIC Motor in China, and more recently renewed that relationship through 2047, are now taking their highest-volume brand out of the world's largest car market.

After over two decades, Chevrolet will stop selling cars in China and focus on the Buick and Cadillac brands (and, of course, continue to support the local Baojun and Wuling brands). The reason, of course, is the same reason GM has pulled out of other markets around the world: financial. When a local automaker like Leapmotor can offer a vehicle like the new A05 electric B-segment hatchback at $12,000 and include (for example) lidar at that price, it makes it that much harder for legacy automakers (especially mainstream brands) to succeed profitably in that market.

GM will, of course, continue to build cars in China, but now focused on export to markets like Mexico, the Middle East, and South America. Historically, Chevrolet sales in China peaked at about 767,000 units in 2014, but fell to less than 9,000 units last year. The 7.5 million Chevrolet owners will, of course, continue to receive support.

Business is business, of course, but it's unfortunate that GM couldn't find a way to keep this well-known brand alive in this market.

What does Acura’s future look like? A new concept from Pebble Beach provides some clues...

Although Acura was the first Japanese luxury brand (several years ahead of Infiniti and Lexus) it seemed like its rivals had set their sights higher with their larger, rear-drive, V8 luxury sedans. The tables turned in 1990 with the launch of the NSX, arguably the most practical and livable supercar on the market.

Acura later attempted to add some spice to the portfolio with the revival of the NSX. Unfortunately, the rollout took rather a long time, starting with several concepts and an announcement as early as 2007--but a production NSX didn’t launch until nine years later. And, unfortunately, that the second generation didn’t have quite the impact of the original. We even saw a concept for a pure electric NSX three years ago--but Acura’s recent pivot from all-EVs to mostly-hybrid means that’s likely dead in the water.

More recently, it seems like Acura has meandered as it tries to establish its identity. In part, it’s limited by the fact that every Acura (bar the NSX) is and has been, in essence, a rather fancy Honda, sharing platforms, powertrains, and sometimes manufacturing facilities with its lesser Honda siblings. And that particular characteristic doesn’t seem destined to change in the future.

However, this year’s Monterey Car Week features the debut of a brand new concept that launches a new design language for the brand. The California-designed Nexera (hey, look--an actual name!) features an active rear spoiler, butterfly doors, a long dash-to-axle, 22” centerlock wheels and a new lighting signature inspired by Acura’s “A” mark. More intriguingly, those lighting elements fade into the paintwork when they’re not illuminated. That lighting signature (likely without the ‘disappearing’ aspect) will show up in production on the next-generation RDX compact SUV due next year. Inside are fixed front seats (with adjustable steering yoke and pedals), recycled aluminum and polyester, and sustainably-produced leather.

Unfortunately, sadly missing from the press release is any mention of powertrain. Even the proportions don’t give a clear signal what might power this supercar, let alone where the powertrain is located; that seems like a missed opportunity to brag about the next-generation hybrid tech that parent company Honda has under development.

So, kudos to Acura for bringing some drama and eye candy to Pebble Beach, but I think some people might have been expecting something a little more substantial...

The Chinese have been dabbling in pickups for several years--and the latest Chery PHEV raises the bar even further...

Launched only eight years ago, Jetour is Chery’s truck-oriented brand, which began with SUVs but is now getting into pickups. The F700 has been officially unveiled as a “large midsize” truck, a bit bigger than a Ford Ranger but over a foot shorter than an F-150 crewcab, with an impressive list of features:

🔹 892hp 2.0L dual-motor PHEV powertrain with 2sp DHT gearbox

🔹 800V electrical system with CATL supplied 4C battery

🔹 Front and rear locking differentials

🔹 900mm wading depth (as good as a Land Rover Defender)

🔹 35.4-inch “Horizon Screen” forward-mounted display

🔹 Front massaging seats, front and rear heated and ventilated seats

The table below shows the F700 compared to the Ford Ranger PHEV, which comes in slightly more expensive but falls short in a number of areas; the big advantage for the Ford appears to be payload, which is significantly higher than the Jetour. But, we know the Chinese work with short life cycles and continuous improvement, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see that number improve in the next few years.

Jetour started selling trucks in Europe last fall, and no doubt their leadership is exploring opportunities for this new pickup. Chery was the first Chinese automaker to export 200,000 vehicles in a month in July, and are looking to increase that momentum with a longterm goal that combines Toyota quality and Tesla advanced technology.

Last week I had the opportunity to catch up with EVgo and General Motors Energy at an event coordinated through the Automotive Press Association.

The occasion was the formal launch of a new EVgo flagship charging station at the Meijer in Warren, Michigan. EVgo CEO Badar Khan and GM Head of Public Charging Will Hotchkiss spoke and answered questions about what’s new and what’s planned in EV infrastructure. Conveniently enough, the entire event (including the audio and a few big fans to offset the heat and humidity) was powered by a nearby Chevy Silverado EV.

Khan noted that the recent lull in EV sales has allowed the infrastructure a chance to catch up, and offered up some impressive numbers. The number of U.S. charge stations and ports has grown about 25% in the past year, with most of the growth coming from private business. EVgo revenues have actually grown about 20-fold in the past five years (which is when GM first partnered with them), and the charging network itself has been profitable for almost three years. The latest plans include purchasing white-label Tesla Superchargers and installing them at EVgo stations, and launching their next-generation stations later this year.

When asked about newer EVs that could charge at 400 kW or more (above the current 350kW) and whether the new stations would support faster speeds, Khan was appropriately discreet, but indicated EVgo was excited about the power specs of the new chargers. He did note that about 70% of stalls are now 350 kW, versus just 15% a few years ago, reflecting the increased charging speeds offered by newer EVs.

Hotchkiss noted GM believes the industry is in the third inning of this particular game, with plenty of time to grow; GM expects to have spent $500 million by the end of the decade supporting 35,000 stalls (almost twice what’s active today). The next big step is retail integration; with this station located near a grocery store (where the average family spends 25 minutes twice a week), it creates an ideal synergy, and more and more retailers are seeing this opportunity.

There’s still plenty of work to do, especially once you get outside the cities and suburbs, but it seems like progress is being made, which is nothing but good news for EV drivers.

Family Affair

Mitsubishi is poised to revive the Pajero name as a broader off-road family, led by a new midsize body-on-frame SUV aimed at Toyota’s Land Cruiser and expected to reach North America as the Montero. Beyond that flagship, Mitsubishi is reportedly considering a more rugged compact SUV positioned against mainstream crossovers and off-road-lite rivals such as the Bronco Sport, while Japan could receive a hybrid kei-class Pajero Mini. The strategy could give Mitsubishi a stronger enthusiast identity, though questions remain about the cost of bespoke platforms and whether alliance partner Nissan might help spread development costs through related SUVs or compact pickups.

WHY IT MATTERS: Mitsubishi is facing multiple headwinds and leaning heavily on Nissan and Renault to build up their portfolio, so leveraging an iconic nameplate to develop a unique-to-Mitsubishi product is just what the company needs. It also takes advantage of increasing interest in rugged and offroad-capable vehicles, and could prove to be moneymaker for the company—especially if they can develop a family of products to leverage the name.

THE BOTTOM LINE: There’s no product to evaluate yet, but the strategy makes sound business sense.

Ford Goes Deep

Ford’s upcoming Fathom is shaping up as an affordable EV pickup with a sub-$30,000 starting price, rear-wheel drive, BlueCruise capability, bidirectional charging, and more interior room than a Toyota RAV4. Higher-range and all-wheel-drive versions are expected to add cost, but the standard package also brings a large touchscreen, Apple Maps-powered navigation, digital key access, and a simplified zonal electrical architecture designed to improve over-the-air updates. With orders expected to open in early 2027, the Fathom could become the first member of a broader EV family that revives familiar Ford nameplates across SUV, van, and compact hatchback segments.

WHY IT MATTERS: With Ford cancelling their ‘personal bullet train’ EV SUV and reorienting the next F-150 Lightning to be an EREV, the Fathom is Ford’s chance to prove they can build a leading-edge, stylish, and affordable EV as good as anything out of China.

THE BOTTOM LINE: While seemingly a better value than the slightly cheaper Slate, the Fathom’s biggest challenge may be the similar—but hybrid-powered—Maverick.

VW’s New China Play

The VW ID.Era 5X is the first fully electric model in Volkswagen’s new China-focused ID.Era family and the first product based on the China Main Platform co-developed with Xpeng. Similar in size and role to the ID.4, the 5X appears to prioritize cost, local-market technology, and advanced driver assistance, including lidar-supported Level 2++ capability and end-to-end navigation assistance. Although early specifications suggest fewer powertrain and battery choices than the ID.4, the model could give Volkswagen a more competitive compact EV SUV in China and potentially serve as a lower-cost export option for Europe.

WHY IT MATTERS: With other western brands pulling out of China, VW remains optimistic and is leveraging an emerging Chinese player to build in China for China. Depending on the tariff situation in Europe, these new products could also boost VW’s fortunes there as well.

THE BOTTOM LINE: While not terribly stylish, the ID.Era 5X appears competent and well-equipped to target existing mainstream Chinese compact electric SUVs.

BYD Targets Rolls

The Yangwang U8L pushes BYD’s ultra-luxury SUV brand further upmarket with a long-wheelbase, four-seat flagship priced above $200,000 and sized against full-size luxury SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade. Its extended-range electric powertrain combines a 2.0-liter engine, four electric motors, and a 57 kWh Blade battery for about 110 miles of estimated electric range, while ultra-fast charging promises a 10-to-70 percent recharge in five minutes. The U8L also emphasizes extravagance and technology, from triple LiDAR-supported driver assistance and a sensor-heavy safety suite to gold-accented cabin trim, zero-gravity massage seats, a ceiling-mounted rear entertainment screen, and a 24K gold emblem.

WHY IT MATTERS: Ten years ago, no one could imagine a $100,000 Chinese car—and BYD has broken the $200,00 a second time, now with an SUV. With a shrinking luxury market in China, this puts more pressure on legacy brands as Chinese brands continue to push upmarket.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Posh and loaded with technology—and with additional bespoke capability—the U8 family is now a viable alternative to a Bentayga or Cullinan.

The 2026 edition of the Fortune Global 500 contains several noteworthy data points about China’s rapidly accelerating auto industry:

• BYD remains the top-ranked Chinese automaker at #91--and, despite numerous headwinds, is in the same spot they were last year. Gasgoo notes it “underscores the resilience of BYD’s revenue base, built on vertical integration across the entire supply chain.”

• EV battery giant CATL jumps from 303 to 260 as global EV and PHEV penetration rises.

• SAIC Motor, Geely Holding, FAW Group, GAC Group, and Dongfeng Motor Group all rise up the ladder as well.

But here’s the likely biggest surprise:

“Data indicates that the 10 listed Chinese automotive-related companies posted an average sales margin of 3.1%. This figure actually surpasses the 1.7% average of the 35 global automakers on the list, suggesting that the overall profitability of China’s automotive supply chain is no longer a disadvantage on the world stage—and has even exceeded the global average.” CATL is noted with a 17% margin, far ahead of the rest of the Chinese industry, and even ahead of Toyota’s 7.6%. Not surprising is the discovery that many smaller players have margins hovering around 1%--or in the red.

A more detailed analysis can be found here…

A recent Gauge Index survey from Hankook Tire indicated 64% of Americans are interested in an offroad adventure, versus only 30% last year. And with strong Wrangler and Bronco sales and the imminent arrival of a new Xterra, two new Scouts, and a potential US-focused Defender model, it shouldn't be surprising that other automakers are looking for a piece of the action.

Reports surfaced a few months ago of a new US-built large BMW SUV, codenamed G74, that would have hit the market in about three years to take on the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes G-Class. But market conditions have forced BMW to re-evaluate their future plans. In reviewing the company's Q2 business results, new CEO Milan Nedeljković said "In all these areas, we are taking significant steps and increasing the pace. For example, we are once again reviewing which technologies, model variants and drivetrains we will need in the future. In addition, we are looking at where new partnerships could make economic and technological sense."

This sounds like a wise move, strategically. Xterra and Scout are returning to the market as established nameplates with offroad credibility. BMW, as the 'ultimate driving machine' with an impressive track-focused history, might face a challenge convincing buyers to abandon their Land Rovers and Gelandewagens for a brand with almost no offroad credibility. Ironically, though, BMW cites a slowdown in China as a key challenge--but that's a market currently being flooded by new brands building some very impressive offroad-capable machinery with zero offroad heritage to build upon. That's perhaps the one market where G74 might have made an impact.

We do know Audi is investigating this space--but has the potential to leverage their rallying heritage and Quattro history to convince buyers they can build a go-anywhere luxury SUV. Lincoln is rumored to be looking at a Bronco derivative as well--which would certainly be go-anywhere-capable--but I'm less convinced they can execute something that is Lincoln-appropriate in terms of refinement.