Doug Sells His Ford GT, Gas Macan Returns, $36K Kia EV3
PLUS: 850-HP Polestar 5, Alpine Pop-Ups, Off-Road Mini
Releases & Reviews
2027 VW Atlas Gets a Fresh Face, New Interior, More Power
The Tennessee-built SUV's turbocharged four-cylinder now makes 282 horsepower, up 13%. Prices start at about $43,000, roughly $2,400 more than before, and top out near $58,000. Autoweek's Mark Vaughn calls it the best Atlas ever.
The Kia EV3 Is A Surprisingly Nice 321-Mile EV You Can Actually Afford
The long-range trim costs about $36K with freight, and the base model starts near $31K with 221 miles of range. Thomas Hundal calls it the best sub-$40,000 EV with over 300 miles of range in North America. His main complaint is an underdamped rear suspension.
Technology, Market Data & Analysis
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Stomps the Shelby GT500 in Our 0–60 and Quarter-Mile Tests
MotorTrend recorded a 2.9-second 0-60 mph run and a 10.8-second quarter-mile, against 11.3 seconds for the quickest GT500 it has tested. The 795-horsepower car trails the $330,000 Mustang GTD by 0.3 second in the quarter-mile. MotorTrend credits new launch control, which the GT500 never had.
ICE-Powered Porsche Macan to Return in 2028
Electric Macan sales reportedly fell about 40% in the first half of 2026, and CEO Michael Leiters says Porsche must recover its gasoline strategy. The gas model will be sold alongside the EV, likely as a 2029 model. Leiters also ruled out an electric or plug-in hybrid 911.
Car Culture
I'm Selling My Ford GT on Cars & Bids!
Doug DeMuro is auctioning his 2005 Ford GT with no reserve after more than eight years of ownership, longer than he has kept any other car. He explains why he is selling and what will replace it, then walks through the car's documentation, light modifications, and known flaws.
Big Altima Energy Done Right: The 2005–06 SE-R
Nissan raised the Altima's 3.5-liter V6 to 260 horsepower for the SE-R, adding a six-speed manual, stiffer suspension, and Maxima-sourced Brembo brakes. It was sold for only two years. Brendan McAleer calls it the one Altima worth preserving and recommends the manual.
Miscellaneous
Researchers Discover ChatGPT Can Drive a Car. Grok, on the Other Hand…
Researchers gave Claude, GPT, and Grok models control of a Toyota Corolla on a short parking-lot course. Eight of 11 runs crashed in the first turn, and only GPT-6 Astra finished. Grok mistook a gap in the cones for a gate and drove straight off.
The Street Fighter Lexus LS Died Millions of Times so It Could Finally Live in Real Life
Insurer The General commissioned the LS400 from Dennis McCarthy's Vehicle Effects to promote the new Street Fighter movie. Its pixelated wrap is matched by a blocky fabricated grille, mirrors, and door handles. The car is being given away in a sweepstakes with $25,400.69 in cash.
Quick Links
Mini Puts the Backcountry in Countryman with a New Off-Road-Themed ‘Untamed’ Trim
The Countryman S All4 Untamed starts at about $45,000 and adds nearly an inch of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a 3,500-pound tow rating, and an optional rooftop tent.
Rivian’s Strong Sales Show There’s A Market For Good, Affordable Electric Cars
Rivian delivered over 19,000 vehicles in the third quarter, up 45% from a year earlier, and The Autopian credits the cheaper R2 for the gain.
Alpine Teases A Mysterious New Sports Car With Hidden Headlights
Called the PS1, the concept belongs to Alpine's limited-run special-projects line and debuts at the Paris Motor Show on October 12, alongside an electric A110 preview.
This Split-Personality Supercar Wants to Be the New Lancia Stratos
Rome-based Angelilli Automobili, whose Delta Integrale and F40 revivals are still prototypes, plans the Tipo 829 in rally, street, and track versions, each with a 500-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 and all-wheel drive.
NEW 850hp Polestar 5 proves you DON’T NEED a PORSCHE!
Carwow times the Performance version at 3.1 seconds to 60 mph, records about 310 miles of real-world range, and calls it worth shortlisting despite less precise handling than a Porsche Taycan.
Someone Is Making The 'Cars' Prequel Pixar Never Did. And It Looks Legit
Animator Ariya Alexander Berenji's fan film follows a young Strip Weathers in the 1980s, with liveries borrowed from Dale Earnhardt's No. 3 Chevrolet and Bill Elliott's Coors Thunderbird.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla Pros and Cons Review: Still Rocks, Still the Value Option—Kinda
The Drive scores the 300-horsepower hatch 8 out of 10, faults its hard interior plastics and tight cabin, and recommends the base model over the roughly $47,000 Premium Plus tester.