automotive9 min read
GM Pivots to AI-Driven Autonomy and LMR Batteries Amid EV Market Shifts
2 hours ago•Source: Ars Technica
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5 min•2 hours ago
Ford 2027 Mach-E Launches with Standard Extended Range and New Trail Variant
Ford opened orders for the 2027 Mustang Mach-E on October 22, 2026, featuring a standard 88 kWh extended-range battery across all trims and a new off-road-focused Trail package. The base Select RWD model starts at $39,995, keeping the entry price under $40,000 despite the larger battery, while the new Trail variant adds rugged suspension and 400W power output for outdoor use.
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1970 Camaro with Supercharged V8 and 5-Speed Stick Listed for $77,000
Jalopnik•12 hours ago
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Rivian Surges to Second Place in US EV Sales as Industry Retreats
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Autopian Editor Abandons Dream Project, Buys 1993 Jeep for $1,700
David Tracy, editor of The Autopian, purchased a low-mileage 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee for $1,700 after deciding his long-term vehicle project was unfeasible. The decision followed a week where he published an article praising early 1993 Jeeps as the best value in the brand. Although he initially found a 1993 model listed for $2,300 with minor damage, he ultimately secured a different unit for a lower price. The purchase occurred despite his wife’s request for him to focus on home repairs, highlighting a conflict between his professional passion for automotive content and domestic responsibilities.
Restored 1987 Chevy Sprint Turbo Listed for $10,000
A restored 1987 Chevy Sprint Turbo is listed for $10,000, a price significantly higher than its original value but justified by its rarity and award-winning condition.
Mercedes-AMG Gates V8 Sounds Behind Higher-Tier GT SUV Trims
Mercedes-AMG has introduced its first fully electric SUV, the GT SUV, featuring up to 1,153 horsepower. The vehicle utilizes a new AMG.EA platform and offers three distinct trims. A notable feature is the AMGFORCE Sport+ sound system, which simulates internal combustion engine noises. However, the simulated V8 sounds are restricted to the higher-performance GT 55 and GT 63 variants, while the entry-level GT 53 receives simulated six-cylinder sounds. The top-tier GT 63 achieves 0-62 mph in 2.7 seconds and supports rapid charging at up to 710 kW. European pricing begins at €113,050, with US deliveries expected in summer 2027.
Tesla's Flying Roadster Delays to 2028 as Rivals Offer Immediate EV Alternatives
Tesla demonstrated a flying, flipping Roadster in Texas, but production is delayed until 2028. Meanwhile, competitors like Alef Aeronautics and McMurtry offer flying and high-performance EVs available for purchase now.
Hyundai Elantra N Monochrome Debuts as Stealthy Farewell Edition
Hyundai has introduced the Elantra N Monochrome, a stealth-styled variant of its performance sedan designed for buyers seeking understated aesthetics without sacrificing power. The car retains the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 286 hp but replaces signature red accents with body-colored trim and black forged wheels. Available in two trims, it launches in Korea, Canada, and Australia, with no performance upgrades over the standard model.
Porsche Mission S Confirms Combustion Focus for Future Supercar Platform
Porsche has unveiled the Mission S concept, a mid-engined supercar platform positioned above the 911. CEO Michael Leiters confirmed that no battery-electric version will be produced due to lack of customer demand. The platform will support combustion, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, prioritizing traditional driving characteristics over full electrification.
Engineering Compromises and Cost-Cutting Explain the Persistent Dislike of V6 Engines
V6 engines are widely disliked despite their historical importance and technical competence, primarily due to early engineering shortcuts that prioritized cost over refinement. General Motors created the first mainstream V6 in 1962 by removing two cylinders from a V8, resulting in an inherently unbalanced design. Although later 60-degree V6 designs improved power density and compactness, the engine remains associated with downsizing and economic necessity rather than performance passion.
automotive4 days ago
Porsche Mission S Concept Reveals New Mid-Engine Supercar and Design Language
Porsche unveiled the Mission S concept in New York, previewing a new mid-engined supercar positioned above the 911 and a fresh design language under new design chief Tobias Sühlmann. The concept aligns with the 'Sportwagenschmiede '35' strategy, aiming to boost margins through higher-priced, less voluminous models. It features a purist interior with analog controls, a MagSafe smartphone dock, and design cues from historic Porsches like the 550 Spyder and 917.
China's September Auto Market: EV Share Hits 67% as ICE Sales Plunge 49%
China's September vehicle market saw a record 67% plug-in share as internal combustion engine (ICE) sales crashed 49% year-over-year. While total domestic sales fell 28%, pure electric and hybrid vehicles gained ground, pushing the 2026 cumulative EV share to 58%. Simultaneously, Chinese automakers pivoted to exports, with passenger car exports surging 64% to offset domestic weakness, even as the EU moves to cap hybrid imports.
Tesla Roadster Reservations Include No Delivery Guarantee Amid Nine-Year Delay
Tesla reopened reservations for its second-generation Roadster, demanding up to $250,000, but explicitly states it cannot guarantee delivery or final pricing. The vehicle, featuring SpaceX-developed thrusters, is slated for 2028 production, though analysts remain skeptical of its impact on Tesla's declining sales.