$34K WRX vs GTI, Cheaper ID.Buzz returns, 204-MPH Diablo
PLUS: BMW's Escalade rival, Honda's flying caps, $20M F50
Releases & Reviews
2028 VW ID.Buzz: What We Know About the Cheaper, Second-Gen Electric Microbus
VW CEO Thomas Schäfer told Auto Express the next Buzz moves to the group's Scalable Systems Platform and cheaper lithium-iron-phosphate batteries. The current van launched at about $62K, and VW paused US sales for 2026 and 2027. MotorTrend says it needs to start near $50,000 to sell in volume.
2026 Subaru WRX vs. Volkswagen Golf GTI Comparison Test
The base WRX costs about $34,000 and pairs a 271-hp turbo flat-four with all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual. The front-drive GTI S starts near $36K and no longer offers a manual. Car and Driver picks the GTI for its ride, handling, and nicer cabin over the rowdier Subaru.
Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Toyota's Next Affordable Car Could Have Four Different Versions
A Nikkei Cross Tech report says the next Corolla splits its electronics into driver-assist, cabin, body, and motion-control groups, so it can take gas, hybrid, plug-in, and EV powertrains. Motor1 expects a reveal of the 13th-generation car next year, with US gas and hybrid versions possibly arriving as 2028 models.
Volvo will use Nvidia’s tech for hands-free, point-to-point driving
The Level 2++ system will handle traffic lights, stop signs, and unprotected left turns on local roads using Nvidia's Hyperion hardware and Alpamayo software, with no lidar. Volvo says it will offer the system across its lineup before 2030. Its Level 3 Ride Pilot never won US regulatory approval.
Car Culture
Top-Speed Testing the 1992 Lamborghini Diablo
In a test from August 1991, the Diablo averaged 204 mph at Italy's Nardò track, and Car and Driver called it the first production car to break 200 mph. Its 485-hp V-12 also pushed it to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Testers noted a weave above 180 mph.
15 Actually GOOD Modern Car Features
Extra Throttle House hosts Thomas and James praise ventilated seats, keyless entry, mild-hybrid systems, remote start, and 360-degree cameras. Their research dates automatic high-beam dimming to a 1952 GM system. The hosts conclude a Mercedes S-Class has every item on the list.
Miscellaneous
Pastor Wages Holy War Against Cadillac Dealership
Mark Moore's used Mercedes-Benz from Cleveland's Central Cadillac was repossessed because a title-washing scam left it in a prior owner's name with $106,000 owed. The dealer says it will refund him after its insurer pays. Moore is demanding an immediate refund of the roughly $89,000 purchase.
New Volvo Heavy-Hauler Looks Like a Supersized Tonka Truck
The yellow-and-black VNX appears to ride on super-single rear tires and gets a 360-degree camera and pedestrian detection. Its 13-liter diesel makes 540 hp and 1,950 lb-ft. Volvo will sell it in heavy-haul, dump-truck, and concrete-truck versions for North America.
Quick Links
BMW’s Biggest SUV Yet Could Rival The Escalade. Here’s Everything We Know
BMW is studying a US-focused SUV above the X7, which Motor1 expects to be called X9 and to arrive late this decade with six- or eight-cylinder gas engines.
Honda Issues Redo Recall for Accords and CR-Vs Prone to Flying Bottle Caps
About 4,800 Accords and CR-Vs repaired in June's recall of over 1 million cars got the same faulty sealant bottle again after a supplier mixed old and new parts.
Cadillac Quit Chasing BMW. GM Says the Blackwing Has No Direct Rival
Tony Roma, GM's executive chief engineer for performance cars, told The Drive that rivals grew bigger, went all-wheel drive, and added hybrids while Cadillac kept a rear-drive, manual V-8 sedan.
106-Mile Ferrari F50: ’90s Supercar Royalty Heads to Auction in Las Vegas
Broad Arrow estimates the UK-delivered car at over $20M for its October 31 sale, above the current F50 record of about $14.6M.
Audi RSQ8 vs Electric Cayenne Turbo: The V8 Era Is OVER!?
In Autotrader's tests, the 1,156-hp electric Porsche beat the 640-hp Audi in the quarter mile, on ride comfort, and around a handling course despite weighing about 660 pounds more.
BYD Is The World's Biggest EV Maker. So Why Can't You Buy One In The US?
A 100% tariff on Chinese EVs and federal limits on Chinese connected-car software block BYD, and executive VP Stella Li has ruled out US passenger-car sales under current conditions.
The Zenos E10 Is Back—and It Got Expensive
The revived British roadster now costs about $153K, up from roughly $33K, and makes up to 380 hp, with US sales limited to track-only cars.