Hellcat Charger Returns, BMW Manual at Risk, Track Tractor
PLUS: Raptor-Powered Bronco, Pininfarina NSX, Tundra Autopsy
Releases & Reviews
Report: V-8 Hellcat Charger Will Return for 2028
Automotive News reports that a Dodge planning document sent to suppliers schedules the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V-8 to launch at the end of 2027, at about 12,000 cars a year. Dodge declined to comment. The V-8 would sit above the six-cylinder Charger Super Bee, which makes 600 horsepower.
Alfa Romeo’s Hybrid V-6 Cuorerosso Concept Could Preview the New Giulia
The 2+2 concept has coach doors, air suspension and steer-by-wire, and is slightly longer and wider than a Giulia Quadrifoglio. It pairs a hybrid system with Alfa's twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 and weighs about 3,900 pounds. Alfa calls it a "manifesto destined to inspire future models" rather than a production preview.
Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Paris Exhibit Shows Why American Automakers Fear China
Twenty-three Chinese brands showed cars at Paris, up from nine last time and close behind Europe's 27. In the US, 100% tariffs and a ban on Chinese-derived software keep them out. Kelley Blue Book notes that Geely-owned Volvo, still sold in the US, could become a back door.
BMW M Boss: Hybrid Tech Makes Offering Manuals 'Really Difficult'
Frank van Meel says the manual is "not off the table" and names 48-volt mild-hybrid hardware, rising torque and fewer gearbox suppliers as the obstacles. About half of US M2 buyers choose the six-speed manual. He says the M2 keeps it for at least a couple more years.
Car Culture
Renault Clio V6 Review: Absolutely Insane Hot Hatchback
Doug DeMuro reviews a 2001 Clio V6 listed on Cars & Bids. Renault built it by mounting a 3.0-liter V6 behind the front seats of its commuter hatchback and driving the rear wheels. DeMuro calls it one of the most iconic and ridiculous hot hatchbacks ever made.
Legendary Twin-Engine Logging Truck Had a 14.6L Diesel V8 Powering the Trailer Too
The Pacific P510 hauled logs in New Zealand with a turbocharged 14.6-liter Caterpillar diesel in the tractor and a second on the lead trailer, for about 900 horsepower combined. Each engine drove its own Allison automatic. A driver who worked with the owners says the truck is being restored.
Miscellaneous
Firefighters Said It Took 18 Hours To Put Out EV Blaze At A Cadillac Dealership, And The Photos Are Terrifying
The October 9 fire at Fort Worth's Frank Kent Cadillac began in one vehicle and destroyed six SUVs, including some Escalade IQs. The fire department says watertight battery packs made it hard to get water to the flames. The Autopian notes that EVs catch fire less often than gas cars.
This 245-HP Farm Tractor Just Set a Lap Record at the Red Bull Ring
The sixth-generation Valtra T Series runs a 7.5-liter six-cylinder engine on Nokian tires. It reached about 54 mph on the Austrian circuit's main straight. The Drive notes that no other tractor lap record appears to exist there.
Quick Links
2027 Ford Bronco Democratizes the Raptor’s Twin-Turbo 3.0-Liter V-6
A detuned version makes 380 horsepower and 440 lb-ft on the Outer Banks, Badlands, Heritage Edition and Filson Edition trims, against 418 horsepower in the Raptor.
We Can’t Stop Staring at the NSX-Based JAS Tensei
JAS Motorsport and Pininfarina gave the original NSX a wider carbon-fiber body and a 3.5-liter, Judd-designed V-6 making about 420 horsepower through a six-speed manual, for an ultra-limited run built near Milan.
This Blown Toyota V6 May Hold the Secret to the Tundra’s Engine Failures
The I Do Cars YouTube channel's third teardown of Toyota's V35A V6 found a warped cylinder head and coolant in the oil without pinpointing the defect behind the failures.
Jeep’s Next Small Off-Roader Could Revive Its Willys Roots
The Willys-inspired compact, announced at the Paris show by Jeep Europe chief Xavier Peugeot, is not expected before 2030, and Motor1 doubts it will come to the US.
Tested: 2027 Infiniti QX65 Has Daddy Issues
Car and Driver's roughly $71,000 test car hit 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, slower than the original FX35 that started Infiniti's coupe-SUV line.
EV Sales May Be Starting to Rebound in the U.S.
Kelley Blue Book data puts EVs at 6.5% of new US sales in the third quarter, up from under 6%, with the growth concentrated in a few brands, including Toyota, Lexus and Rivian.
“Raifun,” an ’87 Porsche 944, Is a Showroom-Stock Dream Come True
Broad Arrow car specialist Ramsey Potts bought a $7,500 street 944 and had it built into a Brumos-liveried Firehawk tribute racer that he says has never missed a session.