- Today in Cars
- Posts
- Celica Returns, Leno’s Law Returns, E28 M5 Record
Celica Returns, Leno’s Law Returns, E28 M5 Record
PLUS: Most-Stolen Cars, Charger vs. Challenger, Why Cars Feel Fake

Smart starts here.
You don't have to read everything — just the right thing. 1440's daily newsletter distills the day's biggest stories from 100+ sources into one quick, 5-minute read. It's the fastest way to stay sharp, sound informed, and actually understand what's happening in the world. Join 4.5 million readers who start their day the smart way.
2026-03-30
🚙
Releases & Reviews
A Gazoo Racing spokesperson confirmed the next sports car will be called the Celica Sport, featuring all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain likely based on a new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine Toyota is developing. The revival fills the void left by the outgoing Supra, which retires at the end of this year.
Six years after its unveiling, the four-passenger hybrid hypercar finally enters production with a combined 2,300 horsepower (1,716 kW) and 2,028 lb-ft (2,750 Nm) of torque. All 300 planned examples are already pre-sold.
📈
Technology, Market Data & Analysis
Cox Automotive forecasts 15.8 million new vehicle sales for 2026, a 2.6% decline from last year's 16.2 million, with tariffs and geopolitical tensions clouding the outlook. Iran's Strait of Hormuz oil tanker blockade remains a wildcard that could further suppress demand.
California Senate Bill 1392 revives the classic car emissions exemption after the original version stalled in committee last year. An initial hearing is set for mid-April, with the bill's co-sponsors urging supporters to submit letters by April 8.
🛞
Car Culture
A 1988 model with just 9,800 original miles (15,770 km) sold for $196,000, setting a new record for the E28 generation. For context, a brand-new 717-horsepower (535 kW) M5 Touring with all-wheel drive costs less — and you'd still have change for fuel.
This 1952 Styleline rides on airbag suspension and wears gorgeous House of Kolor Root Beer Kandy paint with gold-flaked flames and hand-laid pinstriping. It's the kind of show-stopping custom that makes you stop scrolling.
🔧
Miscellaneous
Honda Racing Corporation built a tribute to the Comptech #48 car that won consecutive IMSA championships from 1987 to 1990, finished in Rio Red Metallic with the period-correct D16A1 engine. It makes its public debut at the Long Beach Grand Prix on April 19.
After a 4,050-mile (6,516 km) road trip through snow, rock crawling, and a Texas road rally, the Autopian's convertible SUV developed terrifyingly worn wheel bearings and front axles. The fix reveals just how wild the CrossCabriolet's underpinnings really are.
🏁
Quick Links
The new six-cylinder Charger was quicker to 60 mph, but the V-8 Challenger had more grip and shorter stopping distances — partly because the new Charger can't yet be optioned with summer tires.
savagegeese explores how modern vehicles have lost their tactile feedback and driving feel through layers of electronic intervention and cost-cutting.
Edmunds Cars takes advantage of steep depreciation to buy Lexus's flagship off-roader and breaks down why these luxury SUVs are losing value so quickly.
The $3,000 Troy Lee Designs Signature Edition adds the GT's front fascia, bronze accents, and unique graphics to the four-cylinder Mustang — limited to just 550 units.
The second-generation subcompact SUV will be revealed on April 1, featuring a longer, wider design that aligns more closely with the new Telluride.
Winter testing of the first vehicles using the joint software platform has been successfully completed, bringing Rivian closer to its next tranche of VW funding.
Vehicle theft dropped 23% last year to 659,880 stolen cars, but the Hyundai Elantra topped the list with 21,732 thefts — one vehicle still disappears every 48 seconds.
The base model makes 435 horsepower (325 kW) and the Turbo hits 1,139 hp (850 kW), and both proved surprisingly capable on a tricky off-road course alongside two-time Le Mans winner Timo Bernhard.
Discontinued in the U.S. after 2023, the Renegade is thriving in Brazil with an exterior refresh and completely overhauled interior that puts the American version to shame.
Damaged third-row seat belt wiring on 46,787 Limited and Calligraphy trims could display a false latch indication, prompting Hyundai to install longer wiring harnesses.


Reply