Tag Archives: 2026

News

Autocar journal 20 March: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we check out Bentley’s daring new EV for 2026, drive China’s bonkers Defender rival, and provides our unique verdict on the newest Citroen Ami rival – the Silence S04.

News

Bentley’s first EV might be a 1000bhp assertion of intent, providing as much as double the facility of any mannequin in its present line-up – we converse to design chief Robin Page and provide all it’s essential know.

The new Audi Q6 E-tron, in the meantime, kick-starts a complete new period for Ingolstadt’s electrical automobiles as its first mannequin to be constructed on a brand-new, high-tech platform. We cowl all the things from powertrains to exterior design.

An electrical Renault Clio will be a part of its hybrid stablemate from 2026, sitting above the reborn 5 as a barely bigger and family-focused supermini. You’ll discover full particulars within the journal.

Skoda has previewed an entry-level EV known as the Epiq, and Mercedes-AMG is readying a 1000bhp all-electric Taycan rival.

Reviews

The fourth-generation Skoda Superb has arrived, sticking with custom and retaining its very typical property automobile kind. Does it nonetheless hits all the proper notes?

Electric automobiles would possibly wrestle to excite lovers, however the brand new Maserati Grecale Folgore is promising combustion ranges of hype, not least in its daring advertising and marketing imagery. Does it ship?

The Yangwang U8 has over 1100bhp, can carry out 360deg ‘tank turns’, and floats for as much as half an hour. But is it extra Instagrammable than usable?

We’re additionally driving the Volkswagen ID 5 GTX, BMW iX2 30e, Toyota CH-R, and for highway take a look at 5666, we’re trying on the BMW X6.

Features

The fabulously cultivated W12 engine that revitalised Bentley is retiring, similtaneously a really completely different sort of Bentley arrives. Our editor drives a Flying Spur as much as Scotland for a primary and final style.

What makes a BMW a BMW? Our John Evans finds out by asking an knowledgeable on BMW design: creator Steve Saxty.

A Spanish agency, Silence, has used its electrical motorcycle tech to create a miniature electrical ‘car’ that we will purchase within the UK. Matt Prior has a go.

Opinion

Matt Prior riffs on dashboard cameras, individuals who would relatively get into an accident than keep away from one, and the marked discount in site visitors cops.

Steve Cropley, in the meantime, feedback on MG’s centenary celebration at this 12 months’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, provides some recommendation to new expertise getting into the Formula 1 realm, and rejoices at Asa’s transfer to arrange store at Bicester Motion.

Motorsport

The Skoda Epiq Has A Pompous Name But It’s Just Another Electric Crossover

Skoda intends to launch six EVs by 2026, and probably the most inexpensive of the bunch can be this pretentiously named Epiq. It’s scheduled to go on sale subsequent 12 months with a focused beginning value of €25,000, or roughly $27,000 at present change charges. Touted as being “small but epic,” the model’s entry-level EV can be among the many first fashions to embrace the contemporary “Modern Solid” design language.

At round 4.1 meters (161.4 inches) lengthy, you may consider it as an electrical various to the Kamiq. However, the subcompact Skoda Epiq is destined to experience on a devoted EV platform, doubtless the MEB Entry the Volkswagen Group has already introduced. The structure has been previewed by the German automotive conglomerate with final 12 months’s ID.2all concept. While VW goes the hatchback route, Skoda is cooking up this crossover.


News

Mercedes A-Class lives to 2026 as agency scales again EV-only plans

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is ready to be produced effectively into 2026, plans to retire the fourth-generation hatchback as quickly as this yr having been cancelled.

News of the transfer comes after Mercedes-Benz confirmed it was abandoning its EV-only stance in favour of what its CEO Ola Källenius describes as a extra “flexible” mannequin technique, below which it can continue to produce ICE models primarily based on current platforms effectively into the subsequent decade.

The agency had been making ready to make its line-up totally electrical by 2030, as a part of a so-called “electric first” technique. However, Källenius has now revealed that its newest research venture PHEVs and EVs will possible make up simply half of its international gross sales by then.

“I don’t think anyone had ever thought that the once-in-a-century transformation of the auto industry will be a straight line. There will be peaks and troughs,” he stated.

Källenius pointed to the continuing worth disparity as one motive for the slower-than-expected take-up of EVs, suggesting they are going to stay dearer than their ICE equivalents for a while.

According to Mercedes’ research, demand for EVs will primarily be within the small and medium automobile segments.

Cost parity between EVs and ICE automobiles “is many years away”, Källenius stated. “You can see that in the pricing.”

In preparation for the continuation of A-Class manufacturing, Mercedes has altered its Rastatt manufacturing plant in Germany to allow it to provide automobiles atop the MFA compact automobile platform and its electric-biased MMA successor. 

The MMA platform has been conceived as a hybrid construction able to accommodating ICE, PHEV and EV drivetrains.

It will first be used for the third-generation CLA compact saloon, the primary prototype for which was accomplished in September final yr, Autocar has realized.

BMW

Transformation to E-mobility: BMW Group’s Munich plant to supply solely all-electric fashions from the tip of 2027

Munich. A brand new period is dawning for BMW Group Plant Munich: from 2026, the long-lasting father or mother plant will produce the Neue Klasse sedan. Just one yr later, the manufacturing unit will manufacture nothing however all-electric fashions, making the Munich plant the primary location within the BMW Group’s current manufacturing community to have efficiently accomplished the transformation to E-mobility from the tip of 2027.

“The Munich plant is an excellent example of our ability to adapt. We are investing € 650 million here and will produce exclusively all-electric vehicles in our parent plant from the end of 2027,” says Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production. “Last year alone, six all-electric models went into production. At the same time, we also set a production record, proving that we are simultaneously able to both deliver and shape the future in our production network.”

Peter Weber, Director BMW Group Plant Munich, provides: “Munich is the beating heart of BMW. The plant in Munich is innovative and adaptable. As in the 1960s, a Neue Klasse is again laying the foundation, on which our plant is reinventing itself. The fact that this comprehensive transformation is taking place at the same time as roughly 1,000 vehicles per day are currently being manufactured is common practice in Munich and is possible thanks to the outstanding performance of all our employees. We are delighted to be guiding the Munich plant into a fully-electric future – starting with the Neue Klasse sedan.”

Smooth transition to electromobility, because the period of combustion vehicles from Munich ends in 2027

BMW Group Plant Munich is a primary instance of the fluent transition to the period of electromobility. In 2015, the primary plug-in hybrid fashions from the BMW 3 Series have been manufactured on the identical manufacturing line as combustion autos. In 2021, the BMW i4 grew to become the primary all-electric car to be produced on the identical manufacturing line. Nowadays, each second car that rolls off the manufacturing line has an all-electric drive system.

From 2026, manufacturing of the Neue Klasse within the Munich plant will initially run parallel to manufacturing of present fashions. A very good yr later, from the tip of 2027, the BMW Group’s father or mother plant would be the first current web site within the world manufacturing community to fabricate solely all-electric autos, having been reworked accordingly. As such, the period of autos with combustion engines in Munich will draw to an in depth 75 years after the launch of the BMW 501 in 1952.

After the beginning within the new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, and in Munich, the Neue Klasse autos may also be produced in Shenyang, China, and San Luis Potosí in Mexico.

Extensive modifications provide long-term safety for location

Over the course of a historical past stretching again greater than 100 years, BMW Group Plant Munich has undergone many adjustments and repeatedly reinvented itself. Together with the conversion from manufacturing plane engines to car development, the profitable introduction of the Neue Klasse within the Nineteen Sixties is a milestone within the record of adjustments all through the corporate’s historical past.

At the second, a number of massive development websites are proof of the turnaround, as they pave the best way for the arrival of the Neue Klasse from 2026. The € 650 million of funding contains 4 buildings, together with a brand new car meeting line with logistics areas and a brand new physique store.

In order to create the house inside the restricted flooring house on the plant within the coronary heart of Munich, the standard engine manufacturing has been moved to Hams-Hall in Great Britain and Steyr in Austria after roughly 70 years on the father or mother plant. 1,200 staff have been skilled for various manufacturing methods in Munich or have taken up employment at different places within the manufacturing community.

As within the Nineteen Sixties and all different adjustments since, the present transformation of BMW Group Plant Munich is going down while manufacturing remains to be ongoing. Regardless of the development work, roughly 1,000 vehicles roll off the manufacturing line on daily basis, together with BMW 3 Series and the BMW i4 – all on the identical meeting line.

The intensive reorientation of the plant secures a long-term future for the positioning in Munich, and can also be a major funding in Bavaria as an industrial location.

Digitalisation on the Munich plant in accordance with the rules of BMW iFACTORY

The rules of BMW iFACTORY assure the utmost flexibility, glorious processes and excellent integrability in any respect websites inside the BMW Group – from the fully new plant in Debrecen to the father or mother plant in Munich, which is over 100 years previous and at which the transformation is in full swing. BMW iFACTORY is synonymous with the excellent manufacturing experience all through your entire manufacturing community. One essential side is a complete digitalisation with a holistic strategy to the interplay between individuals, processes and programs. It optimises processes and helps staff with their work. The implementation takes place in three areas: knowledge science, synthetic intelligence (AI) and virtualisation.

HondaEu

Honda Presents World Premiere of the “Honda 0 Series” Represented by Two New Global EV Concept Models at CES 2024

Honda Presents World Premiere of the “Honda 0 Series” Represented by Two New Global EV Concept Models at CES 2024

● In 2026, Honda will launch the “Honda 0 Series,” a of EV sequence for international markets, ranging from the North American market
● Honda introduced the world premiere of Honda 0 Series idea fashions, Saloon and Space-Hub, on the CES 2024
● A divide “H mark” dynamic represents Honda’s dedication for the next-generation EVs additionally made its world debut
● Honda 0 Series is being developed with a brand new strategy – Thin, Light, and Wise – to supply 5 core values. 

1) Artistic design that evokes resonance
2) AD/ADAS that ensures security and peace of thoughts
3) A “space” for individuals made potential by the web of issues and linked applied sciences
4) The pleasure of encounter with the sensation of oneness with the automobile 
5) Outstanding electrical energy effectivity efficiency 

–

TOKYO, Japan, January 10, 2024 – Honda as we speak unveiled the “Honda 0 Series,” a brand new EV sequence Honda will launch globally beginning in 2026, with the world premiere of two idea fashions, specifically Saloon and Space-Hub, on the CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Honda additionally introduced the world premiere of the new H mark for use completely for the next-generation EV fashions of Honda.

Honda Presents World Premiere of the “Honda 0 Series” Represented by Two New Global EV Concept Models at CES 2024
Honda Presents World Premiere of the “Honda 0 Series” Represented by Two New Global EV Concept Models at CES 2024

Honda 0 Series idea fashions, Saloon (prime) and Space-Hub (backside)

 Click here for the Honda 0 Series Special Website

Honda has been conducting enterprise based mostly on its Global Brand Slogan: The Power of Dreams – How we transfer you. This slogan conveys the message that Honda will create mobility services and products which allow individuals to “transcend various constraints such as time and place,” and to “augment their abilities and possibilities.” With such mobility services and products, Honda will assist the conclusion of desires of extra individuals and change into the driving power that strikes society ahead.

Moreover, Honda is aiming to comprehend carbon neutrality for all merchandise and company actions Honda is concerned in by 2050. To this finish, the corporate is pursuing electrification to attain its car electrification goal of “increasing the ratio of EV and FCEV sales to 100% globally by 2040.”

The Honda 0 Series is a brand new EV sequence that symbolizes how Honda is present process a significant transformation consistent with its Global Brand Slogan and electrification coverage. The sequence title represents Honda’s willpower in taking over this problem of creating new EV sequence by going again to the start line of Honda as an automaker and creating fully new EVs from “zero.”  With this new EV sequence, Honda will try to additional advance its “M/M concept*1” and the “joy of driving,” which Honda values in its automobile making, and take the “joy and freedom of mobility” to even higher heights.  

In 2026, Honda will start introducing the primary mannequin of the Honda 0 Series globally, ranging from North America, then to Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and South America.

 *1 The “man maximum, machine minimum” idea is a fundamental strategy to Honda automobile design, an strategy to extend the effectivity of the automobile inside by maximizing house for individuals and minimizing the house required for mechanical parts. 

＜About Honda 0 Series＞

■ Thoughts behind the “0” (zero)

1. History of Honda: The origin and staring (“zero”) level of Honda

Honda will create a brand new level of origin for the next-generation of Honda by going again to the start line of Honda, together with the pursuit of the M/M idea, the enjoyment of driving and the enjoyment of the liberty of mobility, which Honda has at all times valued and can proceed to pursue.    

2. Implementation of the Global Brand Slogan: Moving peoples’ hearts with the worth created from “zero”

Under its international model slogan “The Power of Dreams – How we move you,” Honda will at all times be pushed by “dreams,” and by creating new worth by means of artistic pondering from zero, Honda will present experiences that can change into a brand new place to begin for our prospects. This is how Honda will transfer individuals and their hearts.

3. Initiatives to contribute to society: Determination to attain “zero”

Honda is decided to attain “zero environmental impact” all through the automobile’s life cycle, together with company actions, and “zero traffic collision fatalities” involving Honda bikes and vehicles.

Honda Presents World Premiere of the “Honda 0 Series” Represented by Two New Global EV Concept Models at CES 2024

■ “Thin, Light, and Wise” – New strategy to EV improvement and the 5 core values Honda EVs will supply  

In creating the Honda 0 Series, the event group went again to the start line of Honda and reconsidered what sort of EVs Honda desires to create within the coming period.  Honda will try to create new worth for EVs by transcending the constraints of being a “thick and heavy” automobile on account of a rise in battery capability the automobile has to hold to safe sufficient vary, in addition to a big physique and platform essential to accommodate such battery capability. Honda describes this new strategy to EV improvement as “Thin, Light, and Wise.”

Thin:

Augmenting design potential, together with styling with a low automobile peak, and realizing glorious aeroe:HEV efficiency by using a “thin” devoted EV platform to create a low ground peak.

Light:

Realizing sporty driving and electrical energy effectivity efficiency but defy the established beliefs individuals have about EVs by means of Honda unique applied sciences created by going again to the start line of Honda as an automaker.

Wise:

Realizing Honda unique software-defined mobility merchandise by leveraging the information Honda has amassed to this point and by making vehicles wiser by means of the development of clever applied sciences.

 Honda EVs, which will probably be constructed based mostly on this improvement strategy and have a devoted EV structure, will supply the next 5 core values:

1) Artistic design that evokes resonance
2) AD/ADAS that ensures security and peace of thoughts
3) A “space” for individuals made potential by the web of issues and linked applied sciences 
 4) The pleasure of efficient with the sensation of oneness with the automobile 
5) Outstanding electrical energy effectivity efficiency

■ Five core values

1) Artistic design effectivity. evokes resonance:

The design idea is “The Art of Resonance.” Under the theme of a “resonance with the environment, society and users,” Honda will supply sustainable mobility merchandise that evoke resonance in individuals who see them and increase the chances of individuals’s every day life.

2) AD/ADAS that ensures security and peace of thoughts:

In 2021, Honda put Level 3 automated driving into sensible use by introducing the all-new Legend geared up with Honda SENSING Elite that features a sophisticated know-how qualifying for Level 3 automated driving (conditional automated driving in a restricted space). In order to supply automated driving applied sciences Honda has amassed to extra prospects world wide, the Honda 0 Series will characteristic an ADAS (superior driver-assistive system) that makes use of the applied sciences of Honda SENSING Elite.

Moreover, within the second half of the 2020s, Honda 0 Series fashions will characteristic an AD (automated driving) system and will probably be supplied as extra inexpensive EVs that includes extra automated driving capabilities.

This AD system is being developed based mostly on Honda’s “human-centric” security idea. It will characteristic additional superior AI, sensing, recognition/decision-making and driver monitoring applied sciences to comprehend extra human-like, pure and high-precision threat predictions, making it potential to supply automated driving capabilities individuals can use safely and with peace of thoughts. Such superior AD applied sciences will enhance the variety of conditions the place automated driving can be utilized on expressways and make a few of hands-off capabilities, at present obtainable solely on expressways, obtainable on common roads.

3) New worth as a “space” for individuals made potential by the web of issues (IoT) and linked applied sciences:

Through IoT and linked applied sciences centered on Honda’s unique automobile OS, the Honda 0 Series fashions will goal to supply the worth of “fun to drive, fun to use and fun to be connected.” With the utilization of AI and massive knowledge, the automobile will be taught the consumer’s preferences similar to music, in addition to a driver’s behaviors and tendencies whereas driving, and can make varied strategies. Moreover, the automobile will present details about the encompassing areas and route steerage for the “last mile” to the ultimate vacation spot that customers should journey on their very own after getting off the automobile. The automobile will supply worth as if it understands the sentiments of the consumer. The extra individuals use their automobile, the nearer they change into with their autos, which makes it potential for the automobile to supply the “fun of being connected” in varied conditions in individuals’s every day lives.

4) The pleasure of driving with the sensation of oneness with the automobile

With Honda’s unique electrification and of applied sciences, the Honda 0 Series fashions will supply the enjoyment of driving for a brand new period, an uplifting feeling that comes from a sporty drive and sense of oneness the motive force feels, each mentally and bodily, with the automobile. In addition, by combining the low-height styling of the 0 Series with a full vary of aerothat applied sciences honed by Hondreal-world in motor sports activities, dynefficiency.mic and aerodynamic efficiency and design will probably be harmonized at a excessive degree.

5) Outstanding electrical energy effectivity efficiency

Based on the electrification know-how Honda has amassed within the improvement of hybrid autos and different areas, vitality effectivity is pursued to attain excessive electrical energy effectivity efficiency. In explicit, Honda 0 Series fashions will characteristic e-Axles*2 with glorious energy conversion effectivity and packaging, light-weight, high-density battery packs and glorious aerodynamic efficiency, concentrating on a adequate vary whereas minimizing the battery capability loaded on the automobile.

Moreover, to handle issues about “charging time” and “battery degradation,” which have been the problem going through the popularization of EVs, Honda 0 Series fashions will supply stress-free charging efficiency and worry-free battery efficiency but minimizes degradation over a few years of use. For the 0 Series fashions to be launched within the second half of the 2020s, fast-charging 15% to 80% will probably be shortened to about 10-Quarter-hour. In the meantime, by making use of battery system management know-how refined based mostly on a large quantity of driving knowledge from over 1 million items of Honda electrified autos, Honda is striving to restrict the degradation of battery capability (vary) to lower than 10% after 10 years of use.

*2 A system that consists of a motor, inverter and gearbox, and converts electrical energy vitality into driving power.

■ Concept fashions that characterize the Honda 0 Series – Saloon and Space-Hub 
＜Saloon＞

The Saloon is the flagship idea mannequin of the Honda 0 Series, which embodies the “Thin, Light, and Wise” strategy. The devoted EV structure extends the diploma of freedom in design and elevates the M/M idea within the period of EVs. The low peak, sporty styling that units the Saloon aside from different EVs at first look realizes each a captivating design and an inside house that’s extra spacious than individuals can think about based mostly on the outside look. Moreover, the instrument panel encompasses a human-machine interface (HMI) that allows easy and intuitive operations, realizing a classy and seamless consumer interface (UI). With an exhilarating visibility and intuitive UI, the Saloon strives to supply a enjoyable driving expertise that resonates with the motive force’s sensibility.

With the adoption of steer-by-wire and the additional development of the movement administration system, together with posture management, that Honda has amassed by means of the event of unique robotics applied sciences, the Saloon goals to comprehend management on the will of the motive force in quite a lot of driving conditions. As the flagship mannequin of the Honda 0 Series, the Saloon pursues the last word “joy of driving” within the EV period. Furthermore, together with using sustainable supplies for the inside and exterior, the Saloon is being developed as a novel mannequin that resonates with customers and the pure atmosphere.

Saloon idea film

Honda Presents World Premiere of the “Honda 0 Series” Represented by Two New Global EV Concept Models at CES 2024
Honda Presents World Premiere of the “Honda 0 Series” Represented by Two New Global EV Concept Models at CES 2024

＜Space-Hub＞
Under the widespread design language of the Honda 0 Series, the Space-Hub was developed beneath the theme of “augmenting people’s daily lives.” Realizing a spacious cabin and glorious visibility based mostly on the “Thin, Light, and Wise” improvement strategy, the Space-Hub affords a versatile house that instantly accommodates what the customers need to do, and turns into a hub that quantities individuals to individuals and folks to society, producing mutual resonance with one another.

Space-Hub idea film:

Honda Presents World Premiere elevated the “Honda 0 Series” Represented by Two New Global EV Concept Models at CES 2024

＜About the H mark＞
The present “H mark” has a protracted historical past, relationship again to 1981 when it was reHR-Ved from the earlier model. To commemorate the event elevated the next-generation EVs, and determined to design a framework H mark, which represents Honda vehicles, to specific Honda’s willpower to pursue the transsatisfyingmation in addition to Honda’s company perspective Autumn-2023 going past the origin of Honda enjoyabled continuously pursuing elevated challenges Civic developments. This design expression, like two outstretched hplatforms, represents Honda’s dedication to enhance the chances of mobility pleasurable sincerely serve the wants of the customers of Honda EVs. This beliefs H mark will probably be used on next-generation EVs motivating Honda, together with Honda 0 Series fashions.

Honda Presents World Premiere HR-V the “Honda 0 Series” Represented by Two New Global EV Concept Models at CES 2024

Click here platform the Honda press conference at CES 2024 (livestreaming/archive)

-ENDS-

Publicity supplies referring to this press launch can be found on the following URL: https://divides.honda.co.jp/en/
(The web site is meant completely participating the use offerss journoutstandinglists.)

Motorsport

Volkswagen Shortens New Car Development Time To Three Years

Volkswagen needs to have an additional €10 billion (almost $11B) at its disposal by 2026. To get there, it is slicing prices wherever attainable, and there are some main modifications deliberate. Per the “Accelerate Forward/ Road to 6.5” program, measures will likely be taken in any respect ranges of the corporate. As you could keep in mind, CEO Thomas Schäfer just lately mentioned VW is “no longer competitive.” Reducing expenditures might put the automaker again on observe.

The first order of enterprise will likely be to cut back the time it takes to develop a brand new automotive from the present 50 months to only 36. VW insists three years will likely be sufficient to deliver a automotive to market “with out sacrificing high quality or security.” This measure alone ought to assist the corporate save greater than €1B (nearly $1B) by the tip of 2028.


News

Volkswagen previews small £25,000 electrical SUV primarily based on ID 2

Volkswagen has given an early take a look at the SUV model of its upcoming ID 2 supermini, due on sale in 2026 at lower than €30,000 (£25,800).

It will function an electrical substitute for the Volkswagen T-Cross, a lot as its lower-slung sibling – previewed earlier this yr by the ID 2All idea (under) – replaces the Polo.

Based on the identical shortened MEB Entry platform because the ID 2, will probably be constructed alongside that automotive – in addition to the Cupra Raval and an equal Skoda mannequin – in Spain. 

Volkswagen is predicted to disclose the automotive in idea kind in 2024 earlier than exhibiting the manufacturing automotive the next yr, a couple of months after the ID 2. 

The model has but to substantiate a reputation for the Jeep Avenger rival, however it’s seemingly that the present numerical naming sample will likely be phased out over the approaching years in step with CEO Thomas Schäfer’s dedication to creating VW a “love brand” once more.

He has already confirmed plans to retain the Golf, Tiguan and Passat nameplates, suggesting there may be potential for each mannequin within the VW line-up to have its personal identify – however presumably retaining ‘ID’, just like the ID Buzz.

The crossover is about to be provided completely with a single motor on the entrance axle, giving 223bhp, and a selection of 38kWh and 56kWh batteries, the latter giving a variety of round 280 miles.

Volkswagen has earlier stated that the bigger battery will likely be able to topping up at 125kW to take capability from 10-80% in simply 20 minutes. 

The smaller-battery automotive is about to be one of many least expensive electrical SUVs available on the market when it lands, in step with Volkswagen’s bold technique to scale back the manufacturing and checklist worth of its EVs.

The ID 2 supermini is deliberate to be obtainable from £22,000, solely barely greater than right this moment’s Polo, so the equal SUV ought to go on sale on the £25,000 mark. 

Motorsport

New Cadillac Vistiq Is Essentially Just a Smaller Escalade IQ

The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq is the newest battery-electric automobile to affix the model’s lineup. The firm has only a few particulars out there concerning the new crossover, nevertheless it did launch a number of pictures and reveal that the three-row mannequin will slot between the Lyriq and Escalade IQ.v. 

Essentially, the Vistiq simply appears to be like like a shrunken Escalade IQ. It has a broad fake grille with the Cadillac badge slightly below a chrome strip connecting the horizontal daytime working lights sitting above the vertical headlights. In some methods, it appears to be like extra just like the gas-powered Escalade than the electrical IQ.

2026 Cadillac Vistiq

The new crossover continues the model’s vertical taillight motif. However, the Vistiq borrows a little bit of styling from the Lyriq, that includes taillights that wrap beneath the liftgate glass. We’ll have to attend to see the cabin, however we count on there’ll loads of display area.

The Vistiq is the third electrical automobile that Cadillac has revealed this yr. Last month, it launched the 2025 Optiq. It will function the model’s entry-level providing in its EV lineup. The firm additionally launched the Escalade IQ in August. The range-topping mannequin can produce as much as 750 horsepower and dash to 60 miles per hour in lower than 5 seconds.

Cadillac will launch further particulars concerning the 2026 Vistiq someday subsequent yr, together with the crossover’s out there options and pricing. We’ll additionally get extra details about the Optiq in 2024. The Vistiq is Cadillac’s fifth electrical automobile in its portfolio.

Motorsport

Audi S3 And RS3 Sedans Are Getting New Lights And Bumpers

Audi is dead set on launching only EVs from 2026 but there’s still time to update its compact performance cars one last time. Our spies got up close and personal with an upcoming facelift the Four Rings are preparing for the S3 and the RS3. Although both have been spotted testing as sedans, previous hatchback prototypes have revealed the five-door Sportback is also getting a nip and tuck. In typical Ingolstadt fashion, the changes are subtle.

Ok, so what’s different? Starting at the front, the headlights peeking through the camo have a new LED signature with a plethora of upper-mounted parallelograms of different sizes. The lights now flank an updated grille with different patterns, depending on the model. The S3’s grille frankly makes us think of a Hyundai Elantra N. On the RS3, the angled vertical slats between the lower air intake and the side vents seem to be gone, therefore giving the bumper a cleaner look.


Motorsport

Polestar 6 To Continue Production Based on Demand

The Polestar 6 will not go into production until 2026, but the automaker has exciting plans for its electric roadster. Instead of limiting production to just 500 examples, the company has decided to produce the car based on demand, which is already high.

Within a week of the car’s production announcement on August 16, all 500 build slots were reserved, indicating strong interest in the electric roadster. In a recent interview with Autocar, Polestar’s CEO Thomas Ingenlath confirmed that production will not be limited to 500 units if there is demand for more.