Autoblog News
Hosted by Chris Shunk, Dan Roth and Zach Bowman, the Autoblog Podcast is the long-running no-holds-barred audio-only counterpart to Autoblog.com. On the show we drop the pretense of being professional automotive journalists so we can passionately talk about cars like the real automotive enthusiasts that we are. Special guests including other Autoblog.com staff and titans of the auto industry are also common, and every week we answer your questions.
Someone Is Trying to Flip a $340,000 Cadillac Celestiq for $500K
The Cadillac Celestiq ultra-luxury electric sedan is not a car you can casually buy after spotting it in a showroom; it is far from your average Cadillac model.
This is a hand-made, built-to-order flagship that comes with a comprehensive personalization experience for the buyer. That includes design sessions with an in-house concierge via video calls, followed by a visit to Cadillac House at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan to finalize the configuration.
On average, it takes three to four months from the start of the commissioning process to its completion, as there are...
BMW Cancelled an M5 Convertible Just Days Before Its Debut
Did you know that BMW once built a convertible version of the E34 M5? Perhaps you did, and if so, you likely assumed that it was never meant to be anything more than the secret one-off prototype it became, but according to a new report by BMW Blog, it was just days from being introduced to the world at the Geneva Motor Show when executives decided to pull the plug.
This was reportedly just one week before the event, and BMW had already booked a space at the show for the grand touring convertible's debut. The one-off...
Cheap Per Gallon, Not Per Mile: The Truth About E85
The Math Most Drivers Miss
Pull up to a gas station in Iowa, and you might see E85 priced a dollar or more below regular unleaded. At first glance, this appears to be an easy decision; however, there is a factor that many of us ignore when we make this decision at the pump, and it quietly destroys the perceived savings.
E85 contains roughly 27% less energy per gallon than gasoline. This energy deficit will require your engine to use more fuel to travel the same distance, which translates to a 15–27% drop in miles per gallon de...
Toyota Built a Sequoia First-Responder SUV You Can’t Buy
A New Purpose in Life
Ever wondered what happens to test units once their job is done? Well, it depends on the manufacturer. Some are kept, while others are sold off. There are also those who meet an undignified date with the crusher. However, Toyota took a different route with one of its Sequoia testers.
From being driven by people like us, this particular one was turned into a first-responder vehicle. It currently does rounds in Toyota's Arizona proving grounds, and it's there in case of emergencies around the facility. The folks from Car and...
China’s Diesel Plug-In Hybrid Pickup Targets the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma
Chinese automakers keep pushing into segments that used to be dominated by familiar names. One upcoming pickup concept, just shown off in Sydney, could shake up the midsize truck space in a way few expected. It’s called the KP31, and Chery is pitching something the segment hasn’t really seen before: a diesel-powered plug-in hybrid. And as Americans warm up to the idea of Chinese cars, the chances of Chinese automakers coming to the US are increasing by the day. Perhaps the KP31 will have the opportunity to go head-to-head with the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota...
Ford Now Charges $495 for a Frunk on the 2026 Mustang Mach-E
One of the cool things about EVs—especially those built on dedicated battery-electric platforms—is that they offer not only one but two trunks.
Besides the traditional luggage compartment in the back, many EVs also offer a so-called "frunk," short for front trunk. This is enabled by the specific packaging of electric vehicles, which don't require that much room for the powertrain and have far fewer less ancillaries than an internal combustion engine vehicle.
It goes without saying that the frunk is a key USP for EVs and that it comes as standard equipment. Well, not...
Tesla Appeals California Autopilot Ruling on First Amendment Grounds
Tesla vs. California DMV
In 2025, the California Department of Motor Vehicles said that Tesla was misrepresenting the capabilities of its Autopilot system and driving aids. It wasn't just the name Autopilot that bothered the DMV; it was claims of it being "able to conduct short and long-distance trips with no action required by the person in the driver’s seat."
The automaker was then facing a 30-day sales suspension in the state, and the California DMV told the company to change its marketing language. Tesla complied with the request, and the company now calls its se...
The 2027 Telluride Is Kia’s First Hybrid Built in America
Three Wins, One SUV
Kia is celebrating a trio of milestones following the rollout of the all-new 2027 Telluride at its Georgia plant. These include the start of production for the reworked midsize crossover, the five-millionth vehicle to roll off the Georgia assembly line, and the plant’s first hybrid vehicle, which also marks the first Kia hybrid assembled in the United States.
Given the rising demand for hybrids in the U.S., this move could strengthen Kia’s competitiveness, as locally built models would avoid import tariffs. It also aligns with broader plans to assemble more...
2026 Nissan Versa Glow-Up Leaves the U.S. Behind
When Nissan announced it would be discontinuing the Versa subcompact sedan in the U.S. late in 2025, it also marked the departure of the cheapest vehicle in the country. The Versa was the last new car you could purchase for under $20,000; at $17,390 for the base model, it was terrific value for money. Now, Nissan has begun production of the new 2026 Versa in Mexico, where it’s the best-selling vehicle. This gives us our first clear look at the fresh Versa sedan after the design was leaked last year.
Murano-Inspired Design
2026 Nissan VersaN
Th...
Leak Reveals Major Interior Upgrades for 2026 Tesla Model 3
It may seem as if Tesla's focus has shifted from retail cars to its Cybercab and the Optimus robot, but there's still more to come in the near future. A user on X (where else?) dug into the automaker's backend configurator assets and electronic parts catalog and discovered that the EU and Asia-Pacific variants of the 2026 Model 3 are set to receive interior upgrades borrowed from the Model Y, and there's no reason to think that these upgrades won't come to the U.S.-spec models too. As usual, the changes are slight, but they should make the cabin feel...
A 1988 Chevy Truck Just Sold for $100,000 — And It’s Practically New
The $100K Time Capsule
A recent auction at GAA Classic Cars shows that a 1988 Chevrolet K3500 Silverado can still command $100,000. The one-ton “Squarebody” pickup’s most remarkable detail is its odometer reading of just 55 miles. It has essentially never been driven and still retains its factory protective plastic nearly four decades later.
That kind of money could buy a brand-new Silverado HD — and still leave room to spare, while benefiting from a factory warranty. However, judging by its equipment list, this classic Chevy was far from bare-bones. It came with features typically associated with higher-spec trims at...
Las Vegas Has Some Of The Best Off-Roading Trails You Can Find - Less Than An Hour From The Strip
Las Vegas, Nevada, built its reputation as a mecca of vice buried deep within a desert landscape nobody was paying much attention to. What was once a hotbed of organized crime and petty criminality is now a den of monolithic buildings funded by private equity groups that design every aspect of your stay for monetization. The iconic Las Vegas strip has become boring.
Every night’s stay carries an annoying and unnecessary resort fee; gambling odds are no longer in your favor, and slot machines are algorithmically rigged against you; parking costs extra, everywhere, all the time; sh...
Nissan Thinks It’s Built a Better Alternative to Leather
Interior Materials Matter Most
Interior materials aren’t usually the first thing buyers mention, but they’re what you live with every day. You spend more time with your hands on the steering wheel than anywhere else, and the rest of the cabin is always in your sight – long after you’ve stopped noticing the badge on the hood. Over the years, you’ll notice every crease, wrinkle, or spot that gets too hot in the sun.
That’s why leather has always been at the top: it ages with character, and it brings a sense of per...
Audi Warns U.S. Sales Decline Could Get Even Worse in 2026
It’s been two dismal sales years for Audi in the United States, starting with a 14% drop in 2024 and an even larger 16% decline in 2025. Last year was Audi’s worst performance in the country this decade, with only 164,942 vehicles sold. Unfortunately, the decline looks likely to continue in 2026, with Audi projecting U.S. sales of around 144,000 cars this year. That estimate came to light in a document from a lawsuit, in which Luxury Autos of Smithtown had filed a complaint against the automaker.
A Massive Three-Year Decline
2025 Audi Q7Audi
In 2023, Audi sold a rec...
Ford Recalls 2023–2026 Escape and Corsair PHEVs Over Battery Short-Circuit Risk
Ford’s PHEVs Under Review
Some argue that hybridized powertrains may be less reliable due to the added complexity of components like a high-voltage battery. Reaching a definitive conclusion, however, requires long-term data – especially as newer, more advanced hybrid systems enter the market. Still, recalls such as this one from Ford may draw added scrutiny. The Blue Oval brand is recalling nearly 25,000 Escape and Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid models because certain battery cells could experience an internal short circuit, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall number 26V091...
Tesla Model S and Model X Lose Their Most Expensive Paint Option
Last Hurrah
Certain models are responsible for putting brands on the map. In Tesla's case, these two cars are the Model S and Model X. We all remember those first few viral videos of the Model S Plaid shaming all types of supercars in drag races, and the Model X for the gimmickry now associated with Tesla, the dancing doors, light show, and many more.
It was announced earlier this year that the brand will be moving away from the two models, opting to use the factory space to make the Optimus Humanoid robots. Apart...
Ford Confirms 2027 Bronco Will Get an “Obvious” Update Without Full Redesign
Incremental by Design
The Bronco first hit the market in 2021, so by the usual playbook, it should be getting a mid-cycle refresh right about now. But Ford isn’t rushing. Instead, the company has made it clear there’s no need to force a big facelift just for the sake of it.
Instead, incremental updates have arrived year by year, often subtle, sometimes meaningful, but rarely flashy. According to Ford, that approach isn’t changing anytime soon.
What will change is the scale of the next update. Ford has confirmed that the 2027 Bronco will g...
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Breaks McLaren Senna Lap Record in Virginia
In terms of sheer bang for your buck, no sports car can match the Chevrolet Corvette C8. From the base model to the mighty ZR1X, it offers a level of performance that surpasses exotics costing hundreds of thousands more. As a reminder of how good the Corvette is, the ZR1 has just set another lap record, beating the McLaren Senna in the process. This isn’t even the most powerful Corvette C8—that honor goes to the hybrid ZR1X—but its recent lap time at the Virginia International Raceway demonstrates the excellence of this platform.
Relate...
Evoluto’s Ferrari F355 Restomod Enters Production With 9,000-RPM V8
There's no shortage of high-end restomods these days, or remastered builds as many boutique carmakers like to call them. Beyond projects from household names like Singer Vehicle Design, Eagle, Emory Motorsports, Icon 4x4 or Alfaholics, there's always a newcomer trying to make it in this game, and Evoluto Automobili is among the most promising ones out there.
You may remember their stunning Ferrari F355 Berlinetta-based 355 by Evoluto project, which was unveiled to the world in 2024. We didn't hear much from the company since, but it looks like it has made good progress as now the vehicle is...
Lincoln to Rival G-Class With Bronco-Based Luxury SUV
Lincoln’s SUVs are known for exceptional comfort, refinement, and luxury—not hardcore off-roading capabilities. This could change before the end of the decade, though. A two-row, body-on-frame Lincoln SUV is rumored to be on its way between 2029 and 2030, and it will be based on the same platform that underpins the rugged Ford Bronco. Aimed at the likes of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Lexus GX, and Land Rover Range Rover, the new SUV will join the ranks of luxurious off-roaders.
Lincoln’s Toughest SUV Yet?
2025 Lincoln NavigatorL
News that Lincoln is working on a new...
Solid-State Battery Hits 80% in 4.5 Minutes in Independent Test
Donut Lab’s Bold Solid-State Claims Under the Microscope
At CES 2026, Finnish startup Donut Lab surprised the EV industry by announcing what it described as the first commercially viable solid-state battery capable of ultra-fast charging and long service life. Many experts immediately questioned whether such performance was technically possible. The company has now released results from independent testing conducted by Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre. The validation focuses on charging performance and represents the first third-party confirmation of Donut Lab’s claims.
Charging remains one of the biggest ownership challenges for electric vehicles. Expanding chargi...
Scotty Kilmer Calls His Brand-New Toyota Camry "Trash"
Does Scotty Regret His Purchase?
For decades, Scotty Kilmer built his reputation on one uncompromising message: never buy a new car. The veteran mechanic consistently warned viewers about depreciation, overcomplicated electronics, and long-term repair costs, instead championing older, proven vehicles. That’s why his decision to purchase a brand-new 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid at age 72 stunned followers. Kilmer framed the purchase as a rare exception driven by value, hybrid longevity, and practicality, even jokingly calling himself a hypocrite for finally going new.
Importantly, Kilmer has not reversed his broader stance on new vehicles. His Camry ownership upd...
Ford Issues "Do Not Drive" Recall for 15,965 2025 Transit Vans
This One Comes With a Parking Order
Ignoring recalls can pose a serious safety risk, and this latest campaign from Ford shows why they shouldn’t be taken lightly. The Blue Oval is recalling 15,965 units of the 2025 Transit after discovering that the brake booster pushrod may disconnect from the brake pedal — prompting the company to issue a “Do Not Drive” advisory for affected vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) recall report (26V090), certain Ford Transit models may have been assembled without the cotter pin and retainer clip on the brake pedal assembly...
Lotus Emira Bathurst Edition Delivers 500 HP, Limited to 15 Units
Turning Up the Boost
The 2026 Lotus Emira arrived in the U.S. with new trims and minor updates to the suspension and transmission, while retaining the same engine options. But over in Australia, Lotus introduced a special-edition variant producing more than 375 kW (500 horsepower) – effectively making it the most powerful factory-backed version to date.
According to CarExpert, the special edition is called the Lotus Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition, named after the Australian city of Bathurst – home to the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit. Developed by Lotus’ Australian distributor, Simply Sports Cars, the retuned model is based on the Em...
This Ineos Grenadier Channels the Original Defender — For $108,000
Will the Real Defender Please Stand Up
While we admire Land Rover for reviving the Defender, it's far from the vehicle that put the name on the map. The original Defender and the Series models that pre-dated it were no-nonsense workhorses that put utility and capability above comfort and refinement. If anything, it was probably allergic to those words. The new one is hugely talented off-road and incredibly well-mannered on it, but those looking for the charm and appeal of the old one have had to look elsewhere.
Enter the Ineos Grenadier, and it's more...
Alfa Romeo Brings Back 520-HP Quadrifoglio — But Not for America
Not Quite the Farewell
After Alfa Romeo unveiled what were believed to be the final Quadrifoglio versions of the Giulia and Stelvio with the Collezione editions late last year, the Italian marque reopened orders for the performance-oriented models. However, there’s a catch: production is running only through 2027, and the revived Quadrifoglio variants will not be offered in the U.S.
Instead, the reopened order books are exclusively for Europe. The decision is said to be tied to Alfa Romeo’s move to extend the current-generation Giulia and Stelvio through 2027, as well as in response to de...
Audi RS 5 vs BMW M3 vs Mercedes-AMG C63: Who Wins on Paper?
A Heavyweight Challenger — Literally
Yes, we've seen all the memes and stories about the all-new RS 5's weight, but we're still glad that Audi makes such cars. Even better, it still has six cylinders, so it'll at least sound decent. It also means that the battle for (not so) high-performance compact executive sedan supremacy lives on, and that's good news for everyone.
For over 30 years, Audi has been butting heads with BMW and Mercedes-Benz in this category. And while comparison tests will have their own declared winners, all the cars in that class have their ra...
2027 RS5 Breaks Unwanted Record For Audi Sport Cars
The all-new Audi RS5, which comes in sedan and wagon body styles as it replaces both the previous-generation RS5 Sportback and the RS4 Avant, is Audi Sport's first high-performance plug-in hybrid model.
As BMW has shown with its current M5 PHEV, going down the plug-in hybrid route does come with a big downside: the weight goes up significantly.
Unfortunately, the Audi RS5 makes no exception, and while everyone expected it to be heavy given the complex powertrain that includes a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, an electric motor, a high-voltage battery pack, and a hybridized 8-speed Tiptronic...
The First-Ever Porsche 911 GT3 Cabriolet Arrives Next Month
The naturally aspirated engine may be on its last legs, even for Porsche's iconic GT3 line. More stringent emissions regulations have already robbed the 992.2 GT3 of torque compared to the 992.1 model (347 lb-ft dropped to 332 lb-ft), and before its 4.0-liter flat-six is gone for good, it seems that Stuttgart is preparing to give the free-breathing flat-six a special send-off, reports The Supercar Blog. Last year, imagery depicting a pre-production prototype of what appeared to be a drop-top 911 GT3 was shared on social media (embedded below), and now TSB is reporting that this mystery model will debut next month with the...
GM’s 2.0-Liter Turbo Engine Shows Heavy Wear at Just 24,000 Miles
That Escalated Quickly
General Motors’ 2.0-liter LSY turbocharged inline-four is still a relatively new engine, so widespread long-term issues remain unclear. However, the example from a 2021 Buick Envision acquired by Eric from I Do Cars wasn’t as fortunate. Despite showing just 24,491 miles on the odometer, this particular LSY had already been sold as a core.
The LSY is produced at GM’s Spring Hill plant in Tennessee, while the Buick Envision itself is assembled in China through the GM-SAIC joint venture. The engine is used in several models, including the Chevrolet Blazer and Cadillac XT4, a...
Fast & Furious–Inspired Toyota GR Supra Heads to Auction
Part of the Toyota Supra’s status as an automotive cult icon doubtless comes from its starring role in 2001’s The Fast and the Furious, where a modified orange fourth-generation Supra is driven extensively by Brian O’Conner, portrayed by the late Paul Walker.
One of the franchise’s most recognisable cars, it’s spawned countless real-life replicas and tributes, most based on the same A80 generation as the star car. This one, though, is a little different – it’s a modern-day homage to the Fast and the Furious Supra, based on the reborn (and soon to die) BMW-power...
Mazda Says Next MX-5 Miata Could Use Synthetic Fuel Instead of Going Electric
Saving the Formula
The current Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND) has been on the market for more than a decade, making discussion about its next-generation successor almost inevitable. At the same time, the broader auto industry’s push toward sustainability means some level of electrification is widely expected for the upcoming model. However, Mazda suggests there may be another path. Instead of going fully electric or adopting a hybrid setup, the automaker argues that using sustainable fuels could be the better solution.
Mazda Motor Europe Director of Research & Operations Christian Schultze said in an interview with Au...
Ford Recalls 412,774 Explorer SUVs Again Over Rear Suspension Fracture Risk
Owning a Ford Explorer can be a frustrating experience, and the latest recall illustrates this. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer SUVs because their rear suspension toe links may fracture. Some 412,774 vehicles are affected, but what makes this recall particularly irritating for owners is that it concerns a problem that has plagued the SUV in the past. The NHTSA says that this is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall 21V537, in which 644,055 examples of the 2013-2017 Explorer were named. In other words, upgrading to the newer 2017-2019 Explorer hasn't rid owners...
A V6-Powered Mazda MX-5 Miata Nearly Happened 20 Years Ago
If there's one thing the Mazda MX-5 Miata has lacked over its four-decade career, it's power. With the exception of some limited edition models that peaked at around 200 hp, the small roadster has never offered high-power engines.
To be fair, the current Mazda MX-5's 181-hp 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gas engine is more than enough for a car that weighs 2,366 pounds, but some Miata fans wouldn't mind having over 200 horsepower in their cars.
Well, what do you know, Mazda has been perfectly aware of that for a long time, and at one point some of...
Tesla’s Stretched Six-Seat Model Y Could Launch Outside China
Changing It Up a Bit
With a stagnant home market, Tesla is looking to capitalize on selling abroad. In fact, in some regions, the brand is quickly gaining momentum in sales. Different market conditions also dictate demands, and in places like China, length and space are a big deal.
We've seen the Tesla Model Y L in China, which offers an option for six seats, unlike the standard two-row seating that the rest of the world is used to. It seems that this country-specific unit is headed elsewhere.
Tesla
Maximizing Size
Supreme Court Blocks Trump Tariffs — But Car Prices Aren’t Coming Down
The auto industry may be getting a bit of a reprieve from the latest round of tariffs enacted by Pres. Donald Trump following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision announced last Friday finding most of his early import duties were illegal.
But automakers and auto suppliers still face earlier tariffs on imported vehicles, parts and metals not covered by the court’s ruling. And that means auto buyers will continue to pay substantially inflated prices at a time when many potential customers have been driving out of the market.
Ford dealer logo behind US flagGe...
Hyundai Just Put Pikachu in Its Cars
Hyundai Teams Up With Pokémon
Hyundai Motor Co. has announced a new collaboration with Pokémon Korea Inc., introducing Pokémon-themed digital display packages designed to enhance personalization in its latest vehicles.
The automaker revealed two themes, “Pokémon Pikachu Quick Attack” and “Pokémon Ditto World Theme.” These themes are integrated into Hyundai’s connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system. Owners can customize their instrument cluster and infotainment visuals with character graphics, themed navigation guidance, and animated startup and shutdown sequences.
The themes are available on several key models, including the all-new Pal...
Mercedes Backtracks: Baby G-Class Will Offer Gas After All
Mercedes Being Careful with the Baby G
The 'baby' Mercedes-Benz G-Class is definitely on the way – that much has been certain for a while now. What’s been less obvious is how Mercedes planned to power it, especially after the lukewarm response to the electric G-Class with EQ Technology. At first, the smaller off-roader was set to be electric-only.
However, Mercedes has expressed uncertainty about this plan since last year. With EV demand varying by region and regulations constantly shifting, Mercedes decided to change direction. Now, the compact G-Class will be available with both internal combu...
1,139 HP Wasn’t Enough — Porsche Is Building an Even Wilder Electric Cayenne
It's only been a few months since the most powerful production Porsche ever was unveiled as the 1,139-horsepower Cayenne Turbo EV, and it seems that Stuttgart is already working on something even more ridiculous. New spy shots captured by our photographers in northern Sweden reveal that Porsche is developing a coupe version of the EV with a sloping roofline, but that's not all. This prototype is wearing aggressive bodywork that takes inspiration from the GT division, and it's not the only EV to do so; a Taycan was spotted earlier this month sporting a wide body and angry aero.<...
BMW 7 Series Drops ‘Eyes-Off’ Driving as Mercedes Builds S-Class Robotaxi
Flagship Cars, Flagship Expectations
Flagship sedans have always been tech showcases, and lately that’s meant pushing into hands-free, eyes-off driving – what the SAE officially considers Level 3 autonomy. When BMW launched the current G70 7 Series, it grabbed attention as the first BMW with a certified Level 3 system, called Personal Pilot L3. It was BMW’s way of showing up its German rivals.
But that move didn’t last. According to Automotive News, the next 7 Series LCI update, expected this year, will ditch Level 3 entirely. Instead, BMW will fit its latest Level 2 system, already used in the new...