Bentley Goes Electric, T-Top Z Teased, Honda Pilot XXL
PLUS: Budget 911 Dakar, P1 Designer's Truck, AMG Beats BMW
Releases & Reviews
2028 Bentley Torcal First Look: Crystals, Fast-Charging, V-8 Sounds Made From Drums
The Torcal shares its platform with the electric Porsche Cayenne, and the S First Edition makes 876 horsepower. Drummers re-created the rhythm of Bentley's 6.75-liter V8 for its driving sound, which quickens with speed. MotorTrend faults the curved touchscreen that replaces the climate "organ stops."
Exclusive: Nissan Says It’ll Bring the Z T-Top Concept to Production if You Shout Loud Enough
Nissan North America planning chief Ponz Pandikuthira told The Drive the company will build the Z Kaze concept if the public receives it well, urging fans to "be loud." He has also said the next GT-R will be electrified, keep the VR38 engine block, and arrive in 2030.
Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Report: Honda to Add Legroom with a Future ‘Pilot XXL’ Flagship
Automotive News reports the three-row hybrid would stretch eight inches beyond the Pilot to take on the Toyota Grand Highlander and Ford Explorer. It would share a platform with a planned Acura flagship and could enter production in 2032. Car and Driver expects a price near $50,000.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Could Finally Get the Hurricane Inline-Six
Mopar Insiders reports the 2028 Grand Cherokee will offer the twin-turbo 3.0-liter six in its 420-horsepower form, more than the previous generation's Hemi V8 made. Jeep had long said the engine would not fit this generation. Motor1 calls the six a terrific option for the SUV.
Car Culture
You Probably Forgot About The 260 HP Chevy HHR SS, But I Bought One And It Was Epic
Autopian contributor Nick bought a five-speed HHR SS with 149,000 miles and a factory turbo upgrade said to raise output to 290 horsepower. In 14 months and 10,000 miles it needed only a muffler and sway bar links. He credits the car with usable "dad speed" and regrets selling it.
An Italian Company Is Transforming the BMW M2 into a ‘70s Racing Icon
Riverti Automobili picked the M2 because its size is closer to the original E9 coupe's than the M4's. Its carbon-fiber widebody mimics the 1972 3.0 CSL "Batmobile," and Riverti has given no power or price figures. BMW charged $750,000 for its own 50-car CSL homage in 2023.
Miscellaneous
Lexus Confirms This Voids The Warranty
Brooklyn art collective MSCHF has warped a Lexus RZ 450e into a giant donut and an RX 450h+ into a twisted sculpture for a New York Armory Week show. The Lexus press release warns the cars "may void warranty" and may not be street legal.
VW Is Now Letting You Use Its Cars’ Screens As Game Consoles. It’s A Fun But Flawed Idea
The AirConsole system uses passengers' phones as controllers and launches with 20 games, including Tetris and Pac-Man, on 2027 Atlas, Tiguan, Golf, and ID. Buzz models. After a free trial, access costs $149 a year. Jason Torchinsky argues the money is better spent on games for a portable console.
Quick Links
2026 BMW X3 M50 vs. 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 Comparison Test
Car and Driver picks the 443-horsepower GLC53 despite an as-tested price about $14K above the BMW's, citing its 3.7-second run to 60 mph and greater grip.
The Man Who Designed the McLaren P1 Is Styling REO's Affordable Trucks
Frank Stephenson, whose portfolio also includes the modern Mini and Fiat 500, is styling three gas-powered REO Runabout models that promise physical controls, 500,000-mile powertrains, and a projected $21,500 price.
This New Porsche 911 Off-Road Lift Kit Is Your Ticket to a Cheap 911 Dakar
KW's Safari Style coilovers lift 996- and 997-generation 911s by up to about 1.2 inches, and the 996 kit lists at about $5,400 against roughly $250,000 for a 911 Dakar.
Shop Builds the Ford F-150 Lightning Crew Cab Diesel That Ford Itself Refused To Make
Chris Rutledge's F-250 crew cab wears paint-matched Lightning styling and custom eight-lug replicas of the Lightning wheel, and its tuned 7.3-liter turbodiesel makes about 600 horsepower at the wheels.
The Rarest ND Mazda MX-5 Miata Is Sunflower Yellow and You Can’t Have One
The Japan-only Roadster FSW Ver.2, a four-dealer project painted by Mazda E&T, goes to about six lottery winners at Mazda Fan Fest for 4.7 million yen (about $30K).
6 (Mostly) Cheap Oddballs from the 2026 Bonhams Goodwood Revival Sale
The six include Japanese kei cars such as a Mazda P360 Carol that sold for about $11,000 and a teak-bodied 1925 Lanchester skiff that brought about $123,000.
Should Kids Learn to Drive Earlier? UK Survey Says Yes
In a survey of 120 British instructors for lesson company Young Driver, 88% said younger students learn more easily, and most named 14 as the ideal starting age.