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- Apple rejected, VW saves buttons, Radical Koenigsegg
Apple rejected, VW saves buttons, Radical Koenigsegg
PLUS: Lexus V8 ending?, NISMO's 460-HP Armada, P1 Evo one-off
2025-06-26
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Releases & Reviews
MotorTrend begins a yearlong test of the Acura Integra Type S, exploring if its added refinement justifies the price over its Civic Type R sibling. The Integra offers a quieter ride and more features, powered by a 320 hp (239 kW), 2.0L turbocharged engine and a slick six-speed manual.
Doug DeMuro explores the quirks of the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, a rugged pickup powered by a BMW-sourced 3.0L six-cylinder making 280 hp (209 kW). Its hefty price is partly due to the 25% "chicken tax" tariff on imported trucks.
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Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Apple's next-generation CarPlay, which integrates with all vehicle screens including the gauge cluster, is facing resistance from major automakers. Brands like Audi, Mercedes, and Volvo are hesitant to cede control over vehicle data and potential subscription revenue to the tech giant.
Responding to widespread customer frustration, Volkswagen executives have confirmed the company is abandoning its overreliance on touch-sensitive controls. Future models, starting with the ID.2, will see the return of physical buttons and knobs for core functions like climate control and audio volume.
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Car Culture
On Jay Leno's Garage, Ford's former chief engineer presents a modern Mustang paying tribute to 40 years of service with the California Highway Patrol. The car features a 460 hp (343 kW) V8 and is fully outfitted with authentic police equipment, celebrating a legacy that began in 1982.
Koenigsegg has unveiled the Sadair's Spear, its most extreme Jesko variant yet, named after the founder's father's racehorse. This track-focused but road-legal hypercar boasts up to 1,625 hp (1212 kW) on E85, weighs 77 pounds (35 kg) less, and features aggressive new aerodynamics.
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Miscellaneous
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Tesla's new robotaxi service after videos showed the vehicles driving erratically in Austin, Texas. The incidents, which include hard braking and veering into oncoming traffic, have prompted the safety agency to gather more information.
Cars.com has released its 20th annual American-Made Index, which ranks vehicles based on their contribution to the U.S. economy through factory jobs and parts sourcing. For 2025, the Tesla Model 3 reclaimed the top spot from its sibling, the Model Y.
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Quick Links
The 2026 Armada NISMO boosts its twin-turbo V6 to 460 horsepower (343 kW) via a new tune and exhaust, while torque remains 516 lb-ft (700 Nm), and it retains its 8,500-pound (3,856 kg) towing capacity.
The first customer-owned Cadillac Celestiq has been delivered, featuring unique Dolce Metallic paint and producing 655 horsepower (489 kW) and 646 lb-ft (876 Nm) of torque with an estimated range of 300 miles (483 km).
The new Tremor trim adds a one-inch (3 cm) suspension lift, steel skid plates, and a Torsen limited-slip differential, offering a standard 300 horsepower (224 kW) four-cylinder or an optional 400 horsepower (298 kW) V6.
Toyota introduces a UK-exclusive Land Cruiser Commercial, which replaces the rear seats with a cargo area, features steel window panels, and maintains a towing capacity of over 7,500 pounds (3,398 kg) with its diesel powertrain.
A report from a Japanese publication suggests the Lexus LC500 and its iconic 5.0-liter V8 will be discontinued after 2026, with a final, 200-unit "Pinnacle Edition" potentially marking the end of its production run.
Ram is now offering a 10-year, 100,000-mile (160,900 km) powertrain warranty for original owners of all new 2026 and later models, doubling the previous coverage term and surpassing offerings from Ford and General Motors.
Original P1 designer Frank Stephenson is creating the one-off P1 Evo for YouTuber Tavarish, restyling his flood-damaged hypercar with a dorsal fin and new aero with the goal of making it the fastest P1 ever built.
Citing a desire to focus on his Dakar Rally commitments with Ford, rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr. has withdrawn from the race for FIA president, leaving the current incumbent without a high-profile challenger for the December election.
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