Drew Dowdell

Dad sent me spy photos of the 2026 Ford F-150 SUB testing south of Miami last week.

Infiniti has given the 3-row midsize QX60 a styling update to match its big brother, the Infiniti QX80 full-size luxury SUV.  This mid-cycle refresh rather than all-new as the refresh joined the lineup in 2021.   Infiniti has been making steady changes to the QX60 throughout this generation's life, most notably, swapping out the VQ-V6 for Nissan's variable compression VC-Turbo 2.0 liter, and this remains the sole powertrain choice for 2026. Unfortunately, most will not see this engine swap as an upgrade as it lacks the refinement and effortless power of the VQ-V6, though Infiniti says they have made improvements to noise, vibration, and harshness.  Available in front- and all-wheel drive version, the 2.0T-VC feeds the wheels through a 9-speed automatic, propelling the crossover to 60 mph in just under a leisurely 8 seconds. This refresh would have been a good time to add a hybrid option. Back in 2019, Infiniti promised to electrify 5 new models over the coming years, hinting that the QX60 was one of them. None have arrived. Infiniti does claim that the QX60 has best-in-class towing capacity with a 6,000 lb. tow rating when properly equipped. More on the VC-Turbo The VC-Turbo is a variable compression engine that has the ability to vary its displacement and compression ratio based on driving demands. In this iteration is can vary displacement by up to 0.027 liters, ranging from 1.970 liters to 1.997 liters, by varying the piston stroke from 90.1 mm to 88.9 mm. This in turn allowed for compression ratios ranging from 8.0:1 - 14.0:1.  When in full power mode, the compression ratio drops to allow for the turbo to push more fuel and air into the cylinder.  When cruising, the turbo is idling, allowing for a higher compression ratio and making for more efficient and cleaner burning of fuel.  This effectively allows the engine to run either as either a traditional turbo-charged engine or an efficient Atkinson-cycle engine (think, Toyota Prius). The downside of this extra complexity is that it limits the VC-Turbo to a relatively low 6,000 RPM red line and a premium fuel requirement. In the 2026 Infiniti QX60, the VC-Turbo 2.0 produces 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 286 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. Style and Tech Updates The visual refresh for 2026 QX60 is limited primarily to the front end styling. Already a handsome crossover, the grille gains the vertical slats featured on the 2025 Infiniti QX80 and a mild redesign of the running light brows, while the front logo comes with standard illumination. The rear hatch remains the same save for the removal of the badge leaving just the brand name spelled out.  The interior carries over, though the top tier Autograph trim gets a third interior color option, Stone Gray, with some contrast stitching and open pore wood. Tech updates include an improved top-down 360-degree camera system with a hood view that allows the driver to see under the front bumper, available on the mid-level Luxe trims and above. New twin 12.3-inch displays are now standard on all trims, a change over the previous analog instruments on lower trims.  The infotainment system now has Google Built-In standard allowing drivers to activate navigation and climate control by voice command.  Autograph trim buyers have the option to select ProPILOT Assist 2.1, a hands free driving system for compatible highways. Autograph trim also adds Individual Audio Technology from the QX80 allowing the driver to hear certain audio signals without distracting other occupants.  For example, the driver can listen to map directions or take a call while other passengers continue to listen to music. The Sensory trim has been discontinued in favor of a new Sport trim that features a Dusk Blue interior color, standard second-row captains chairs, gloss black 20-inch wheels, and a tighter mesh on the grille. The 2026 Infiniti QX60 goes on sale this summer but has not yet been released.   View full article

Most US Minis are built in Austria.

First 100k from the UK. The fact that there’s only one major manufacturer in the UK that exports in volume kinda makes it moot.

The United States and United Kingdom have reached a deal on vehicle import tariffs into the U.S. that could serve as a model for future deals between the U.S. and other countries.  As part of a larger trade deal, the UK will get preferential treatment on auto tariffs for the first 100,000 vehicles imported.  Import tariffs, which started on April 3rd for UK vehicles, are currently at 25-percent and will be reduced to 10-percent on that first 100,000 units annually.  The U.K. conversely agreed to lower its tariffs from 5.1-percent to 1.8-percent. The U.S. also dropped tariffs on U.K. steel. While 10-percent on vehicles is still four times the 2.5-percent charged prior to April 3rd, it is likely to still be a lower tax than those levied on many vehicles imported from Mexico or Canada that contain only 50-percent U.S. made parts. The 25-percent Tariffs on auto parts appear to remain in place. While Jaguar and Land Rover are the obvious benefactors of this trade agreement, Nissan has manufacturing facilities in the U.K. that could be utilized for production in North America.  Previously, the Nissan plant in Sunderland, England produced the Infiniti QX30 for North America.  The plant currently produces the Nissan Juke and Nissan Qashqai (Rogue Sport), neither of which are still sold in the U.S.  Honda closed their UK manufacturing facility in 2021. View full article

We have one Sheetz in my area that is getting the chargers. Not built yet, but listed as "Coming soon"

Thanks, that's an oldie... I wanna say 2016 or so. Def pre-Covid.

Sorry! False alarm on the white smoke! That was me starting up my Toronado for the first time in a year!

I mean, that's all their vehicles these days, GM's entire Infotainment OS is Google based, all they do on the EV's is shut off the option. That doesn't preclude Android Auto and CarPlay. Volvo and Honda have no problem running CarPlay on their Google Built-In systems.

IONNA is a fledgling charging network with big goals, 30,000 charging bays by the end of 2030 with just five years to accomplish it. Their first IONNA Rechargery broke ground in October of 2024 and the network came out of beta just in February this year, IONNA's shorter-term goal is for 1,000 charging bays open by the end of 2025. In April, IONNA opened six new Rechargeries, doubling their location footprint to 12 locations with 120 charging bays. The number of Rechargeries under construction is more than double their current footprint with another 15 locations under active construction. Back in February, IONNA had announced 100 locations under contract. That number in April has doubled to 200 locations with an additional 2,000 charging bays agreed on and in the pipeline. Late last year IONNA partnered with gas-station chain Sheetz in a strategic partnership to add Rechargeries at more than 50 Sheetz locations in the Eastern and Midwestern US. As part of this growth plan and to get the word out about their new network, IONNA is offering "Friends and Family" pricing to everyone at all IONNA stations with no subscriptions or additional fees. IONNA's founding member companies have begun rolling out Plug & Charge to select vehicles allowing for easy transactions through their respective branded apps. Additionally, some founding manufacturers are offering discounts at IONNA stations. BMW: Plug & Charge already live today. All IONNA locations and charge points are fully digitally integrated and accessible through the My BMW App and the in-vehicle navigation system. Special offers applicable to IONNA in the future. General Motors: Plug & Charge rolling out Q2 2025. GM EV drivers can easily find and access IONNA charging stations directly through their GM MyBrand apps, with full integration for a seamless experience. Honda: Plug & Charge in the future. Special offers applicable to IONNA. Hyundai: Plug & Charge is rolling out soon. 2025 IONIQ 5, IONIQ 5 N, IONIQ 6 and 2025 Genesis drivers who choose the Charging Credit offer receive up to $500 of charging credit through the ChargePoint app, with credits usable at IONNA stations. Kia: Plug & Charge coming soon. Kia America’s recently launched Kia Charge Pass program allows “find, charge & pay” capability within the Kia Access App. Mercedes-Benz: Plug & Charge live today. Model Year 2025 EV owners have the option to add a $1,000 public charging voucher to their MB.CHARGE PUBLIC account and apply it to charging sessions on the IONNA network. Stellantis: Plug & Charge coming soon. Certain model year drivers of the Jeep Wagoneer S, Dodge Charger Daytona and Fiat 500e who chose the Free2move Charge Go Package can apply the $600 of public charging credits at all IONNA Rechargeries. Toyota: Discounts coming soon. All Rechargery stations feature a combination of NACS and CCS plugs making compatibility with most modern EVs a breeze (Sorry Nissan Leaf owners, no CHAdeMO). Each dispenser can operated up to 400kW with 200kW available per vehicle. Many Rechargeries will feature pull-through facilities to accommodate EVs that are towing. IONNA was founded in 2024 by eight of the largest auto manufacturers with a mission to build a coast to coast nationwide network of reliable electric vehicle charging coupled with the amenities travelers need. View full article

Early ones did. Perhaps that has changed.

It's only on some EVs that it's limited. The Lyriq, Silverado EV, and Bolt EV/EUV have CarPlay and Android Auto

What matters is on the inside, right?  Luckily, the Corvette already sports a sexy exterior, but for 2026, Chevrolet updated the interior to address some of the common complaints in the latest iteration of their legendary sports car. The biggest news is that the wall of buttons between the driver and passenger has been moved to a more conventional location under the screen, though not all buttons make the jump.  Some functions such as heated/cooled seats are now controlled from the central touch screen. And screens they are aplenty! The updated infotainment screen increases in size to 12.7-inches diagonal, a larger 14-inch diagonal driver information cluster, and a new 6.6-inch diagonal auxiliary display to the left of the steering wheel.  The drive mode selector has been relocated in line with the gear selector which opens up spaces for a new wireless phone charging pad, complete with a cover to keep the phone in place.  The new left-side auxiliary screen display gives dedicated access to trip information or performance management. All three screens features sharper and more vivid graphics. The animations have been made smoother and cleaner. Drivers can select their preferred layout or allow the system to adjust automatically based on drive mode. The Performance Data Recorder's user interface has been completely redesigned to take advantage of the new, larger screens. For 2026, four new colors are available on all models: Sky Cool and Medium Ash Gray with Habanero accents: Monochrome cool grays with unexpected pops of bright Habanero Santorini Blue: Vivid shade of blue that is both vibrant and electric Very Dark Atmosphere: Rich chocolate brown paired with Jet Black and Natural Tan accents Ultimate Suede: Jet Black suede interior customizable through Adrenaline Red, Santorini Blue, and Competition Yellow accent stitch colors and matching seatbelts Customers can even spec a mixed seating option in Asymmetrical Adrenaline Red, with a racing-inspired Adrenaline Red Competition driver’s seat and a Jet Black GT2 passenger seat. The Ultimate Suede interior brings sueded microfiber to nearly all interior surfaces. Other new changes include: A new, available electrochromic roof, which allows customers to change the tint level of their targa roof glass at the press of a button – selecting between full, medium, and low tint options. The button to activate Charge+, which enables E-Ray drivers to replenish battery life more quickly or sustain battery charge for a track session, has been relocated to the steering wheel. Located just below the Z Mode button, Charge+ now has a more prominent location for ease of use. Two new exterior color options are available for all models: Roswell Green Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic.   View full article

Rivian R1S

This is a vehicle where there's nothing really wrong with it but it has less than zero personality. I've had them as rentals a few times and I always wish I could have had a Grand Cherokee instead.

These seem so cheap to me inside, probably because they are. They're the new Cavalier.

As someone who lives in an area with actual bridge collapses (right around the corner from where we had lunch years ago @A Horse With No Name) I'm in favor of raising gas taxes to pay for these repairs. Luckily, no one was seriously injured in this. Many of our bridges around here have netting on their undersides to catch the chunks that fall off them. One bridge, before it was replaced, had another bridge built under it solely to catch concrete falling and was featured on John Oliver.

I didn't like the design of the Ariya aesthetically, but it did seem to be decent quality. Also, they've been doing EVs longer than anyone, so they have the most experience in the industry.

The specs on the Leaf look pretty darn good, so I would expect them to carry over. Nissan and Mitsubishi might be back in the game.

Coming Summer of 2026, Mitsubishi will bring its first new model in 7 years to the U.S. and Canadian markets, an as-yet-unnamed sub-compact electric crossover coupe based on the coming third generation Nissan Leaf. The new model is the first of 4 new or updated models Mitsubishi plans to release from 2026 to 2030. Current plans are for the model to be built in Japan, risking tariffs and loss of EV tax credits. It will ride on the same CMF-EV platform as the larger Nissan Ariya and will forgo an all-wheel drive option to keep price down. Like the Leaf, it will feature an NACS charging port enabling access to Tesla Superchargers and liquid cooled batteries. Based on the teaser, the front end lighting looks nearly identical to the third-generation Nissan Leaf we have already seen. We don't yet know if there will be more differentiation between the models beyond size and badge. The next Nissan Leaf is predicted to have a range of around 340 miles, but the smaller Mitsubishi version will target a range closer to 300 miles. View full article