Browsing: Automobiles

An updated GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) SUV has been spotted in Australia, showing interior and powertrain changes ahead of its expected arrival in local showrooms in the coming months.A rival to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6, the Haval H6 GT PHEV spied at a Melbourne shopping centre carpark wears ‘PHEV Hi4’ badges, signifying the fitment of the brand’s upgraded PHEV all-wheel-drive system already offered locally on the regular Haval H6 PHEV.It also shows an updated interior, including a larger centre screen, simplified centre console and a new steering wheel — the same…

One of the longest-running perceived weaknesses of BMW vehicles, overall, has been reliability. It’s part of the reason “German engineering” has become more of a tongue-in-cheek remark rather than the badge of honor some claim it to be. After all, a history pockmarked with complicated electronics, half-baked cooling systems, and flimsy subframes eventually catches up with you. But the issue is far from black and white. And lately, BMW’s been getting a much fairer shake in the reliability arena, thanks to stalwart motors like the B58 doing some seriously heavy lifting for the brand. But have things really changed that…

Folks, the long-awaited Japan-based Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be something special. Amidst a slew of new content from Playground Games—including a fresh gameplay trailer and a developer diary—we’re finally starting to see what the game will look like. Most excitingly, it will release on May 19, 2026.We’ve known since last September that Horizon 6 was going to Japan, but for longtime Forza fans, this will feel like fourteen years in the making. Since the very first Horizon game from 2012, which was set in Colorado, fans have practically begged for a Japan edition. For many (including your humble author), taking…

Ford and Lincoln have announced a major recall that impacts 116,672 vehicles that are linked with potentially faulty engine block heaters. The issues affect 65,683 Ford Escapes manufactured between 2013 and 2019, about 49,080 Ford Focuses ranging from the 2013 to 2018 year models, and 1,909 Lincoln MKC SUVs (2015 and 2016 models). According to the document filled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem originates from a cracked solder joint inside the engine block heater, which allows engine coolant to leak through, reaching the heater’s connection or cord. When the coolant evaporates, it leaves behind a…

The electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been spied ahead of its expected unveiling later this year as a rival to the upcoming BMW i3, with a claimed range of up to 800km.The C-Class electric vehicle (EV) will be officially named ‘C-Class with EQ Technology’, following the naming strategy used for the electric GLC with EQ Technology SUV revealed at the Munich motor show in 2025.Set to enter production during the second quarter (April to June) of 2026, the electric sedan will share its 800-volt MB.EA electric underpinnings with the BMW iX3-rivalling GLC EV.Like the electric SUV, it shares little with its…

Last June, Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) halted construction at its new battery cell plant in South Carolina. The $1.6-billion project was meant to support production of electric BMWs at the automaker’s Spartanburg facility. Thankfully, the Japanese company’s decision to pause work has not derailed BMW’s EV plans.In an interview with German business publication Automobilwoche, BMW purchasing chief Nicolai Martin explained how the situation has been defused. To prevent a bottleneck, AESC will supply BMW’s South Carolina plant with battery cells from other factories.BMW’s $700-million investment in a new battery assembly plant in Woodruff is nearing completion. It will give…

Chevrolet is starting to “test the waters” on how it can expand its personalization options. It has started to create limited-run and bespoke Corvette ZR1s. High-end buyers don’t care about price—they care about personalization.   High-end automakers have found tremendous success offering personalization programs that allow customers to create bespoke cars. Lamborghini has Ad Personam, Ferrari has Tailor Made, and now Chevrolet wants to get in on the action with the Corvette ZR1.   Last year, Chevrolet introduced the limited-run Corvette ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition. Then, the automaker announced the Corvette ZR1X Stars and Steel in December. Chevy even…

Subaru, like many Japanese auto brands, has been slow to embrace the electric vehicle (EV) world – at least until now with the arrival of the facelifted Solterra mid-size electric SUV.But before we get into it, it’s important to rewind. As little as five years ago, fully electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y were taking the world by storm, sparking real conversations about the need for Western legacy brands to pick up their pace in order to keep up, especially as the Chinese car industry continued to rise.Many European brands announced ambitious EV plans, but in Japan things moved a…

Having renewed its entire lineup over the past couple of years, MINI is now turning its attention to special editions. It’s a smart way to lure customers back into showrooms even when there aren’t any brand-new models on display. The Oxford-based company comes off the back of a solid 2025, with deliveries jumping by 17.7% to 288,290 units.MINI has teamed up with legendary designer Paul Smith to inject some pizzazz into select models. We first saw the special edition at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo in late October. Now, the cars have hit the road for a photo shoot…

Heated seatbelts will increase comfort and safety. Stuttgart’s updated luxobarge is getting an illuminated hood ornament. The three-pointed stars will extend to the headlights and taillights. The 20-percent larger front grille will also be decked out with stars. Mercedes is easing the wait until the S-Class facelift’s debut on January 29 by sharing more details about its updated flagship. The latest teaser features none other than CEO Ola Källenius chatting with YouTuber Justin Tse about what’s changing. For 2026, the S-Class receives the largest facelift Mercedes has ever applied to its range topper, with 2,700 new or updated components, roughly…