Autoblog News

Despite brands like Ford and Toyota growing their hybrid lineups, General Motors remained firm with its electric vehicle program, so much so that the Chevrolet Corvette is its only hybrid nameplate in the U.S. Given the broader U.S. market, where EV sales have been struggling, GM has now announced plans to introduce new hybrid models as early as 2027, but didn’t mention which nameplates will get electrified.

However, a new press release about GM investing in future hybrid production at Lansing Delta Township Assembly in Michigan may offer some hints. This investment is part of a broader commitment to the Lansing region, estimated to exceed $2 billion over the next several years. The plant produces the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia, all of which share GM’s C1 platform, which could, in theory, make hybridization across these three models more seamless.

But again, GM hasn’t confirmed which models will pair their combustion engines with electric motors first, so take that more as speculation. What’s certain is that hybrids are gaining ground in the U.S., with the U.S. Energy Information Administration reporting that 16% of new U.S. light-duty vehicle sales in Q3 2026 were conventional hybrids. EVs, meanwhile, accounted for 6%.

As such, pivoting toward hybrids may be crucial for GM to navigate the U.S. market. After all, the automaker had strong truck sales in Q3 2026, but its overall sales declined by 5.5%, largely because of falling EV sales and discontinued models. This investment, which involves restructuring a previously awarded Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grant, should help kickstart its modern hybrid lineup.

GM could build on Lansing Delta Township’s momentum after the plant produced a record of over 291,000 vehicles in 2025. This year marks the plant’s 20th anniversary, too. Another Lansing plant covered in the broader investment is Lansing Grand River Assembly, which is being prepared for future vehicle production, including the next-gen Cadillac CT5. That suggests combustion engines are still part of the automaker’s plans moving forward, though the next-gen CT5 reportedly won’t arrive until 2028, so Lansing Grand River could face a period of reduced production or downtime in the meantime.

Chevrolet

Despite recording $11.2 billion in EV-related restructuring charges since the second half of 2025, GM will continue offering electric vehicles, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV and GMC Sierra EV. Even an all-electric version of the Chevy Corvette remains in the plans, but isn’t arriving anytime soon.

With the hybrid plans locked in, GM could be better positioned to address demand among American buyers, especially as Toyota and Hyundai continue to enjoy growing hybrid sales. Ford is also in the game with hybrid models like the F-150 with the PowerBoost system and Maverick Hybrid.

GMC

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB made its world premiere earlier this year. Now based on the redesigned CLA four-door coupe, it combines the combustion-powered and electric versions into just one model, retiring the EQB nameplate. Given that the CLA has seen a great deal of success and received accolades along the way, Mercedes would like to replicate that with this compact crossover.

From what we’ve gathered, the all-new GLB will make its way to U.S. showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year, so it should be on the way to dealer lots by now. It will first come as an EV as the single-motor GLB 250+ and the dual-motor GLB 350 4Matic, with the mild-hybrids to follow soon after. The spec of the mild-hybrid is yet to be determined, although the latest variant to be shown in Germany should provide some answers.

Mercedes-Benz

Just unveiled in Germany is the GLB 250, and the lack of a ‘+’ symbol means it’s a hybrid model. At the moment, the European range consists of the 180, 200, 200 4Matic, 220, and 220 4Matic. That puts the 250 and 250 4Matic right at the top of the GLB’s combustion-powered roster.

Moving to specifications, it still uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter mill that’s internally known as the M252 LS. It’s the same block that powers the rest of the hybrid GLB range, but as the higher number suggests, it makes more power. For those who want to know the numbers, it’s 228 hp, while the 48v mild-hybrid setup offers up to 31 hp of assistance. Mercedes is rather proud of the fact that its electric turbocharger comes straight from its Formula 1 exploits.

Mercedes-Benz

It’s also rather interesting that it’s the GLB that got the higher number designation first ahead of the smaller and presumably sportier CLA. It’s unknown if the 250 will be applied to the four-door coupe eventuall, but what we do know is that the 220 will make it to America.

At the time Mercedes-Benz USA released initial details for the GLB, it simply mentioned that it will come with the aforementioned 1.5-liter hybrid, but did’t state a specific version. At the time, the safe bet was the 220 4Matic, but now that the 250 has been announced, it’s quite possible that the U.S. version will be offered with this engine. It’s worth pointing out that the 220 makes 188 hp plus up to 30 hp from the mild-hybrid system, but extra horses in the 250 should come in handy for anyone interested in it.

Mercedes-Benz

Honda launched its first TrailSport model in 2021 with the Passport. Since then, the badge has shown up on more Hondas, adding features like chunkier tires, rugged trim, and outdoor-inspired colors for a more adventurous look.

But that dress-up game is about to get a serious overhaul. Honda’s TrailSport crew says the days of just slapping on some rugged bits are numbered. Instead, future TrailSport models are set to get real engineering upgrades aimed at making them actually useful when the pavement ends, led by the 2027 Passport TrailSport.

Honda

This change is being pushed by a handful of Honda engineers and product planners who actually live and breathe off-roading. According to MotorTrend, these folks have garages full of classic off-roaders – some heavily modified for extra trail cred. A few even have International Four Wheel Drive Training Association certifications, and they’ve racked up miles on trails from North America to Japan.

That experience is important, because building a true off-roader requires more than just adding bigger tires and plastic protection. Suspension geometry, ground clearance, traction systems, recovery gear, and the software that controls everything all determine whether your SUV can handle tough terrain or just look rugged in a parking lot.

Of course, the team still has to sell the idea to the higher-ups. Honda’s engineers are busy convincing the execs back in Japan that going all-in on off-road hardware could give the brand a real boost – especially in the US, where trail-ready SUVs are practically a rite of passage.

Electrification could also be part of the plan. Honda is developing a V6-based hybrid system for its larger vehicles, and the electric power could provide instant torque when needed, such as when climbing over rocks or going up a steep hill.

Honda

The next-generation Honda CR-V, which will likely be revealed next year, is likely to receive the tougher TrailSport upgrades. The Ridgeline is also expected to get a new version in 2028. Honda may use suspension parts from the Passport, following its usual parts-sharing approach. The Pilot could also be included, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Acura could collect strays, too, with the premium arm recently confirming its move to introduce a rugged model.

Meanwhile, Honda and Mitsubishi are working together on a Honda-branded pickup based on the Mitsubishi Triton’s ladder frame, with sales starting in ASEAN markets in 2028. This could give Honda a true pickup in a region where traditional body-on-frame trucks are still very popular. However, there is no information yet about a TrailSport version of this model, though we’re seeing it as a potential application of this newfound TrailSport direction.

Acura

Law enforcement fleets across the United States have been experimenting with battery-powered cruisers for years, heavily retrofitting standard consumer models to handle municipal duties. This grassroots shift gained serious momentum when major metropolitan departments began testing the NYPD patrol car, proving an electric crossover could handle the grind of city driving. However, until now, fleet managers were forced to purchase civilian models and strip out the luxury features to make them work.

That era of makeshift electric cruisers is officially over. According to Ford Authority, the Blue Oval is launching the 2027 Ford Mustang Mach-E Special Service Vehicle (SSV), marking the very first time this official fleet designation has been applied to the electric crossover. Instead of a compromised civilian retrofit, this purpose-built factory vehicle starts life as a base Select model but completely bypasses the standard battery in favor of a massive 91-kWh extended-range pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.

Ford

Ford’s new SSV designation is distinctly different from its pursuit-rated Police Interceptor badge. The first-ever Mach-E SSV is strictly designed to serve as a reliable municipal support vehicle for detectives, administrators, and non-pursuit patrol divisions. Even without the pursuit rating, it easily ranks among the more unusual police cars on the road, coming standard with aggressive Brembo front brakes and red-painted calipers lifted directly from the high-performance GT model.

Earning this official SSV badge means Ford now fully backs the Mach-E for grueling municipal duty cycles right from the assembly line. Police departments no longer have to cross their fingers and hope a consumer EV can survive the daily abuse of law enforcement work. With a documented civilian Mach-E recently passing 316,000 driven miles on its original battery pack, Ford’s decision to finally stamp the crossover with an official fleet designation shows its confidence in the platform’s durability.

When a police department rolls out a flashy, high-horsepower vehicle, it usually serves as a promotional tool, with one even winning a recent cruiser beauty contest as a community outreach prop. However, the introduction of the first-ever Mach-E SSV isn’t a novelty act or a temporary PR stunt but a permanent, factory-supported fixture seamlessly integrating into Ford’s legendary law enforcement lineup.

Formally granting the Mach-E the SSV badge is a massive milestone for Ford’s commercial electrification strategy. By engineering a dedicated, stripped-down, high-capacity fleet model, the automaker is officially acknowledging that the electric crossover has finally earned its stripes in the field. The Mach-E is now an official, purpose-built tool ready for active duty.

AI Generated

For the longest time, Honda has sworn by its mechanical all-wheel drive systems. Even as more of its cars have shifted to hybrid power, the AWD models still sent power to the rear wheels via a mechanical connection. Many of its competitors have since adapted to an e-AWD system wherein a rear motor takes care of waking up the rear wheels.

But that may soon change as the company has announced that it will soon build its very first e-AWD system. It’s all part of the brand’s next-generation hybrid system, simply called Honda Hybrid. In its own words, the system has already been developed, so we can expect this to be applied to the next wave of models coming soon.

Honda

Honda has typically offered all-wheel drive versions of its non-crossover/SUV in its home market, but it hasn’t been the case for the rest of the world. That said, it now appears the e-AWD system is likely to be applied to global models, as this latest development was announced in Honda’s plans for the world.

At the moment, Honda says it’s for midsize vehicles, but we wouldn’t be totally surprised if it appears on smaller models down the line, given its more compact layout. With the driveshaft gone, it should also free up more space in the cabin, as well as offer even larger cargo capacities.

But aside from packaging advantages, this system should give Honda hybrids even better fuel economy. There will be less energy used to spin the heavy driveshaft, and the light electric motor will simply draw energy from the battery to power the rear wheels. Honda also claims more immediate throttle response and all-wheel drive activation with this setup.

Honda

Given that Honda mentioned midsize models, one thinks of its midsize crossovers getting this new bit of kit first. The thing is, the company wants people to take its Trailsport models more seriously, so we doubt that it will replace the clever VTM-4 system that’s currently in place. Instead, we turn our attention to the less off-road-oriented models for this.

The first car we think that can use this e-AWD system is the next-generation Odyssey. Right now, the minivan isn’t available with all-wheel drive, let alone a hybrid system. Those are things its main rival, the Toyota Sienna, has, and it would be a good move to do that for future versions of the family van. There’s also the Accord that also isn’t available with all-wheel drive at the moment, and having that should make it a good match for the all-wheel drive Camry hybrid.

Of course, the e-AWD system could stand to benefit many more cars in the Honda lineup. The new-generation CR-V is a strong candidate to get it, as well as the HR-V and the rumored Accord Crosstour wagon. While we’re at it, this could also work in the Civic to go head-to-head with the Corolla Hybrid AWD. We’ll find out soon enough once the new wave of Hondas start coming in.

Honda

Chinese automakers have sometimes drawn criticism for mimicking established car designs. The formula can work because buyers get a familiar-looking vehicle, but usually without the premium price tag. One upcoming model, however, may be more than just a copycat, as it will reportedly feature a solid-state battery and a price tag of around 2 million yuan (about $300,000).

The model in question is a luxury sedan from Yangwang called the Altior. Yangwang is BYD’s ultra-luxury division, similar to the relationship between Lexus and Toyota, helping explain its expected eye-watering price tag. Given its design elements, the Altior draws similarities to the Rolls-Royce Ghost, from its traditional three-box sedan shape to its coach doors.

One reason this upcoming model may be worth following is its flagship status, meaning it could showcase Yangwang’s best technologies. The full specs haven’t been disclosed yet, but if the Yangwang U7, another full-size luxury electric sedan, already makes 1,287 horsepower, then the Altior could offer similar output.

Another noteworthy feature is the rumored use of a solid-state battery, given that this technology promises higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries used in most modern EVs. Even Toyota, the world’s best-selling automaker, isn’t expected to introduce its first solid-state battery EVs until 2027 or 2028. One of the biggest downsides is manufacturing cost, but for a vehicle expected to be in the same price range as the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, it may not be a huge concern.

The Altior may take design cues from the Rolls-Royce Ghost, but one thing Yangwang couldn’t deliver, at least in the near term, is Rolls-Royce’s decades of prestige, craftsmanship, customization, and brand recognition. That’s not to belittle Yangwang in any way. After all, the Chinese marque once held the record for the fastest production EV at the Nürburgring in Germany with the U9 Xtreme, until the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit finished about four seconds faster, clocking 6:55.533 earlier this year.

Yangwang/Instagram

Reports suggest that the Yangwang Altior will debut in Dubai on November 5. The location suggests that BYD wants to establish Yangwang as a globally recognized luxury brand rather than one aimed exclusively at Chinese buyers.

But despite the global push, the U.S. continues to keep its doors largely closed to Chinese automakers over concerns about national security and protecting domestic manufacturing. Americans will have to watch from the other side of the world to see whether the Altior can shake up the luxury EV segment, much like affordable Chinese EVs have been doing in the broader market.

Rolls-Royce

Taking a brand-new performance vehicle for a spin is usually the best part of the car-buying experience, completely free of charge. Dealerships actively encourage shoppers to get behind the wheel to seal the deal, assuming their corporate insurance policies will cover any minor parking lot scrapes. However, a customer in British Columbia just learned the hard way that when things go awry, you might be forced to swap insurance details and foot the bill yourself.

The costly ordeal began when customer Kirby Sewell ordered a new Chevrolet Corvette from Gardner Chevrolet-Buick-GMC. When the highly anticipated sports car finally arrived at the dealership in 2024, it was unfortunately missing several specific performance enhancements he had originally requested. Understandably hesitant, Sewell decided to take the vehicle for a solo test drive to determine if he still wanted to finalize the purchase despite the missing factory options.

Chevrolet

According to a recent report from Automotive News, Sewell parked the Corvette next to a concrete barrier at a local Flying J truck stop to inspect and take pictures of the exterior. When a large semi-truck suddenly needed to squeeze past the parked sports car, Sewell panicked. In a frantic attempt to quickly move the vehicle out of the semi’s path, he scraped and significantly damaged the entire passenger side of the car against the rigid concrete barrier.

Following the costly mishap, Sewell attempted to argue in court that taking the test drive effectively made him a de facto employee of the dealership. He claimed this legislative loophole meant the dealer’s policy should cover the damage. While liability can admittedly get murky when a mechanic crashes cars, the judge vehemently rejected Sewell’s creative defense. The court ruled that his employment argument defied common sense, leaving him entirely liable for the damages.

Chevrolet

The dealership was ultimately forced to pay roughly $7,000 to repair the damaged fiberglass and paint, eventually selling the repaired sports car to another buyer for a reduced price of $82,000. To recoup their losses on the diminished value, the dealer took Sewell to court. The Supreme Court of British Columbia upheld the initial ruling, officially ordering the customer to pay the dealership a staggering $12,250 for the damages caused during the brief joyride.

The ultimate takeaway for consumers is to treat any dealership inventory with the utmost respect. Unlike a notoriously reckless Corvette driver who happily bought a replacement after totaling his car, Sewell walked away empty-handed and thousands of dollars poorer. As the presiding judge eloquently wrote, motor vehicle legislation is strictly intended to protect innocent third parties, not to protect a negligent driver from their own mistakes behind the wheel.

Chevrolet

For its 90th anniversary, Dodge is going to reveal a new Mopar package for the 2027 Dodge Charger at SEMA 2026. This will be the fourth time that the American automaker has done this to a Dodge Charger since 2011, and it will be available for the two-door’s select trims.

In total, Dodge says that there will be 270 units of this package, 90 of which will be on vehicles offered in three exterior colors: Bludicrous, Diamond Black, and White Knuckle, which are hues that also give a nod to Mopar’s 90-year heritage. That leaves the remaining 180 units available for would-be buyers of the 2027 Dodge Charger, which can be purchased on top of a brand-new Charger for $10,995.

The official U.S. MSRP has already been unveiled ahead of time: $10,995, which leaves customers some time to decide and travel to Vegas for the SEMA show, where it will be first showcased. Either that or you can wait for in-the-metal photos and decide from there. Stellantis and Dodge haven’t sent out detailed photos just yet, but we have a group shot of the three cars in the three Mopar colors that are set aside for the commemorative units.

For customers who want the package on any of the Dodge Chargers and their various trims, don’t fret because Dodge is making this Mopar package available for select trims. The two-door Dodge Charger R/T and Dodge Charger Scat Pack plus models will be eligible to spec out with this limited-edition package.

As for the contents, the Mopar ’27 package includes the following:

• Direct Connection carbon-fiber front splitter  

Dodge

For the Mopar ’27 models, the production run will start with the Charger R/T variant. The R/T delivers 420 horsepower from the twin-turbo Sixpack engine. It has all-wheel drive and on-demand rear-wheel drive. Acceleration is said to be 4.6 seconds from 0 to 60 miles per hour, and Dodge claims that it can run a quarter mile in just 12.9 seconds.

The Scat Pack Plus turns things up a notch, with leather performance seats, 20 inch by 11 inch wheels, the Carbon and Suede Package, and the Blacktop Package. For collectors and enthusiasts, this is the configuration to get if you want the best version of the Mopar Package. Power is up from the R/T, now at 550 horsepower from the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Sixpack motor that’s been upgraded with forged internals, twin Garret turbos, and a charge air cooler from the factory. The same all-wheel drive and on-demand rear-wheel drive are still available, but 0 to 60 times are now 3.9 seconds, and the quarter-mile time goes down to 12.2 seconds.

In addition to that, there will be three additional factory-backed performance parts for the Dodge Charger for customers who want to further personalize their cars. These performance bits include a cat-back exhaust for the 3.0-liter inline six, a performance suspension spring kit, and 21 inch by 11 inch Brass Monkey wheels.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is going to compete at the 2027 Score World Desert Championship. The Honda Passport “Baja Spec” race truck will be unveiled on October 29, 2026, and if you want to see it in the metal, it’s going to be on display at the 2026 SEMA Show from November 3 to 6, 2026.

Who knew that the Passport could look so bad-ass? The teaser shows a side profile of the soon-to-be-unveiled race truck, and it looks like it will be absolutely ridiculous. The Honda Passport Baja Spec will have 1,300 under the hood, feature Honda’s latest and greatest technologies for going fast off-road, and it will also be driven by two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies.

HRC

The Big H is no stranger to Baja racing. Honda is the winningest manufacturer in Baja-spec motorcycle history, with 22 victories in its trophy cabinet and numerous class wins. The Japanese brand has also taken its two-wheeled expertise to the four-wheeler classes, amassing 17 class victories since 2015, which include four wins at the Baja 1000 and five at the Baja 500. Now, the brand has already set its sights on the 2027 Score World Desert Championship, and it has the right Passport for the job, figuratively and literally.

All we see is a side-profile silhouette of the Honda Passport Trophy Truck, but we can already tell it’s going to be an absolute menace in person. In fact, so much was done that I guess corporate had to put the “Passport” nameplate on the side of the car, lest people forget the car that it is based on. However, as with most Trophy Trucks, it’s obvious that a lot of reengineering was done in order to get this up to a Baja Spec.

Honda

For now, this is just a sneak peek, but the reveal is shaping up to be one for the books, especially for Passport fans and owners. With 1,300 horses under the hood, massive tires, and bodywork that’s sure to make its mark on the desert dunes, Honda might have a very eventful season in front of it.

This truck takes all of the latest and greatest technologies from Honda’s motorsports efforts, ranging from Formula 1, IndyCar, and IMSA, in addition to its already storied history in the desert rally stage. HRC U.S., if you’re unaware, heads all of Honda’s racing efforts, and engineers cars to compete at the highest levels.

Again, the reveal is set for October 29, 2026, and it will be held at a private event in Downtown Los Angeles and hosted by the Menzies. Following that is a public unveiling at the HRC booth at SEMA 2026 from November 3 to 6, 2026.

Honda

Ford is following through on its promise to offer a sub-$30,000 electric pickup truck with the Fathom. It promises the utility of a truck running solely on electricity without breaking the bank amid a more challenging EV market in the U.S. But aside from affordability at the dealership, the Blue Oval brand wants the Fathom to help owners save on electricity bills through bidirectional charging.

What sets the Fathom’s bidirectional charging apart is that the EV truck comes with a built-in inverter, something the now-discontinued F-150 Lightning didn’t have, requiring an external inverter system instead. The inverter converts DC power from the high-voltage battery into AC power used in homes. Ford also expects about 50% cheaper home chargers and at least 60% cheaper home backup hardware compared to its first-generation systems, lowering the barrier to entry for bidirectional charging.

Ford

Ford hasn’t disclosed specific electricity bill savings for the Fathom yet. For reference, the F-150 Lightning required $5,205 in hardware costs for the Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System, excluding installation. The automaker also hasn’t released the Fathom’s full specifications, though its bidirectional charging system is projected to deliver more than 10 kW of power.

Bidirectional charging can work in two primary ways: home power management and home backup power. Home power management allows the system to use energy from the truck during peak hours when electricity costs are higher, and recharge the truck when electricity costs are lower. Meanwhile, home backup power can automatically power homes during an outage, serving as a cleaner and quieter alternative to traditional gas or diesel generators.

Ford

But right now, Ford still has to work with utility companies to make bidirectional charging more accessible. The automaker formed a working group with five utilities in July 2026 to simplify the approval process, particularly by distinguishing between owners who use their trucks solely for isolated home backup power and those who operate bidirectional systems while connected to the grid. With more than 3,000 utilities operating across the U.S. and Canada, each with different requirements, widespread adoption could still face regulatory hurdles.

Still, the proposition of an affordable truck offering more affordable bidirectional charging could be something to look forward to. The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, which also has a starting price under $30,000, supports vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging but requires a separate inverter at home. The Tesla Cybertruck is another EV with a built-in inverter, but it doesn’t offer the same affordability, with a starting price of $74,990.

Jim Farley/X