The Hyundai Venue is the Korean marque's entry point into its rich SUV lineup. It's small, simple, and cheap to run, but it's not exactly a strong seller. As of October, Hyundai managed to move only 23,728 units of the Venue in the US this year – a number that trails even the electric Ioniq 5. Still, the Venue fills an important role in the range: it's the most attainable Hyundai you can buy.

For 2026, the formula remains much the same as it was when the model was introduced in 2020, with minor equipment reshuffling rather than a full overhaul. The model sticks to its urban crossover roots and retains its position as the budget-conscious SUV in the lineup.

Drew Phillips

The biggest news for the 2026 Venue is the removal of the range-topping Limited trim. That version previously offered modern niceties otherwise found in most cars, such as LED lighting, plus it had heated mirrors and a contrasting roof option, starting at over $23,000. With its departure, Hyundai has streamlined the Venue range down to two trims – SE and SEL.

While that might seem like a cutback, Hyundai has softened the blow by shifting several features from the old Limited into the SEL. Heated mirrors, a wireless smartphone charger, and heated front seats now come standard on the mid-tier trim. However, LED headlights are gone across the lineup, leaving both SE and SEL with projector halogen units. The reshuffle simplifies the model range and keeps prices in check, though the absence of premium lighting does underline its cost-conscious positioning.

Hyundai

With the Limited gone, the SEL now becomes the de facto top trim. It gains a few convenience features but doesn't stray far from the Venue's minimalist mission. The SE remains the budget pick, retaining drum brakes at the rear and smaller 15-inch wheels. The SEL upgrades to 17-inch alloys and adds notable features such as selectable drive modes, heated front seats, a wireless charger, a sunroof, dual automatic climate control, dual USB ports in the back, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and an optional contrasting roof. Both versions still rely on the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a CVT.

For buyers seeking simple, reliable transportation with a touch of modern convenience, the Venue delivers. Just don't expect it to feel more sophisticated than its price tag suggests.

Hyundai

Formula 1 has consumed more lives than it has saved since 1950, yet one hospital in England found a way to reverse that equation. In 2001, two doctors at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital were struck helpless by their neonatal intensive care unit struggling with chaotic baby handovers from operating theaters. One evening, while watching Formula 1 on television, they realized something remarkable. If F1 pit crews could change tires and refuel cars in seconds with flawless communication and zero room for error, why couldn't medical teams do the same when transferring fragile newborns?

The doctors were then invited to Maranello, Italy, where Ferrari engineers and pit crew analyzed videos of baby handovers. The verdict? The transfers were shoddy, noisy, and uncoordinated, with no clear leadership. Medical teamwork improvement became the urgent priority, and racing mechanics became medicine’s unlikely teachers for what would be one of Formula 1's greatest contributions to regular life.

Mark Thompson via Getty Images

The collaboration introduced clear leadership roles, situational awareness, formalized protocols, and data monitoring. Just like pit crews, each team member now had a precisely defined role. The results proved revolutionary, with thousands of babies' lives saved through improved safety and efficiency in pediatric cardiac surgery worldwide.

Williams F1 team later partnered with the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff to apply pit stop techniques to neonatal resuscitation protocols. The hospital team mapped out standardized floor spaces in delivery theaters, copying the customized floor layouts Williams used at race tracks. They color-coded equipment trolleys, implemented radio checks before procedures, and introduced hand signals to replace chaotic verbal communication during critical moments.

Both scenarios require teams to work seamlessly in time-critical and space-limited environments, with Williams pit crews changing four tires in around two seconds using nearly 20 people working in perfect unison. The medical teams adopted video analysis and debrief meetings as standard practice, just like racing teams reviewing every pit stop for improvements.

This wasn't about speed for speed's sake, the same way Formula 1 race cars have evolved to also become safer. It was about healthcare process optimization through eliminating wasted movements, clarifying roles, and perfecting communication when seconds determine survival.

Porsche revealed its first electric-assisted turbocharger, dubbed the T-Hybrid, in the new 911 GTS launched in May this year. An electric motor sitting within the sole large turbocharger allows it to spool up instantly rather than having to wait for revs and exhaust gas pressure to build, thus eliminating turbo lag.

Fast forward to last month and the Stuttgart-based automaker unveiled their most powerful production 911 yet, the 992.2 Turbo S that pumps out an eye-watering 701 horsepower from its 3.6-litre flat six — this time equipped with twin turbochargers featuring the T-Hybrid system. In light of these developments, you would think that Porsche’s engineers may be due a break to pat themselves on the back, however nothing could be further from the truth. A recent patent discovered by CarBuzz and filed with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) indicates that Porsche is already gearing up to further refine its latest creation and take it to the next level.

DPMA

Porsche engineers are now working on overcoming a common issue with parallel twin turbos that feed two cylinder banks through a shared intake plenum — unequal airflow from each turbo. In such a setup, air pressure is conventionally measured by a mass air flow (MAF) sensor in the shared plenum to monitor the total air entering the engine, with no way to accurately track the airflow from each turbo individually.

Ideally, the amount of air coming from each turbo should be the same; however, intake valve pulses, temperature variations, and other variables can lead to interruptions in the airflow to either bank. The resultant imbalance in boost pressure may present as a flat spot, inconsistent power delivery, and in extreme cases, cause flow stall. This is when hot air flows in the wrong direction, back towards the intake, and can lead to catastrophic damage to the turbos, components in the intake area, and even the engine. 

Porsche

While the chances of flow stall occurring in modern engines are extremely slim, Porsche engineers aren’t taking any chances. The T-Hybrid system described in the new patent employs the electric motors within each turbocharger to offer a clever fix for flow stall. When the MAF sensor detects a pressure drop that signals airflow disruption, the engine management system immediately cross-checks turbo speeds. If one or both turbos are slowing due to reverse pressure, the electric motors instantly spin them back up to restore airflow and stabilize intake pressure across both banks.

The result is seamless torque delivery, with each turbo able to correct itself independently using its in-built electric motor. The patent in question outlines a six-cylinder engine with two banks; however, the system can be adapted and scaled to any engine with a pair of parallel turbos that feed two cylinder banks through a shared intake plenum.

While Porsche’s new hybrid turbocharger technology seems like a great way to keep turbo lag at bay, employing the electric motors to also ensure intake pressure equilibrium across both banks in a twin turbo setup is pure genius. 

Gas prices aren’t numbers on a sign — they’re a national mood swing. Pull into a California station and you’ll feel your wallet flinch: $4.60 a gallon, easy. Cross a few state lines into Oklahoma, and suddenly gas feels almost cheap again. That gulf between pain and relief isn’t random. It’s built into the American fuel system — a mix of refineries, state taxes, boutique fuel blends, and geography that quietly decides who gets squeezed and who cruises.

The national average sits at $3.05 per gallon, but the spread is huge. Click to view the full chart of all 51 state averages (October 17, 2025).

The West Coast sits in its own supply bubble. Refineries there don’t connect to the rest of the country with big pipelines, so backup supply stays limited. When a plant goes down for maintenance, prices jump and stay high because there’s not much spare capacity to cover the gap. Federal data groups the West as “PADD 5” and shows fewer refineries and less slack than the Gulf Coast, which keeps a built-in premium.

California layers on top of that. The state runs cap-and-trade for carbon and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), both of which add cost at the wholesale level. California also uses its own cleaner gasoline blend. Few refineries outside the region make it, so emergency supply options stay thin. Then you add one of the highest state fuel tax and fee loads in the country. Stack those factors and California usually tops the board.

Look at the low end and a pattern pops: Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas sit close to the nation’s largest refining hub along the Gulf Coast. More refineries and shorter delivery distances mean cheaper wholesale gasoline and fewer price spikes when one plant has trouble. Those states also tend to levy lower fuel taxes. More supply, less tax, shorter trip to your tank—that combo wins.

California leads the pack, with Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii not far behind. Click to view the full table of average gas prices by state (October 17, 2025).

A national average around the low-$3s sounds fine, until you hit a regional outlier. Hawaii runs high because nearly everything ships in. Nevada, Oregon, and Washington track behind California because they share that West Coast supply bubble. Meanwhile, drivers across much of the Midwest and South buy gas well under the national line. For road-trip math, local beats national every time.

Regular unleaded still costs less than diesel in many states, especially out West, where diesel demand and refining constraints keep prices elevated. If you’re cross-shopping an EV, the cost per mile can win in places with cheap electricity, but the pump still rules for quick refills and long stretches between stops. Your budget depends on local gas prices, local power rates, and how you drive.

Three things move prices fast: refinery maintenance (spring and fall), hurricane season in the Gulf, and state tax changes at budget time. If you track those and check a daily state-level average from a trusted source, you’ll plan smarter fuel stops and avoid the steepest spikes.

The headline number on TV won’t tell you what your next fill-up costs. Your zip code will.

The Range Rover Classic was once the poster child for rugged sophistication – a no-nonsense SUV with boxy lines and an honest character. It was designed for the countryside but looked just as confident outside a city townhouse. Decades later, finding a clean original (that still runs, that is) is quite tricky.

Enter Vinile, a young Italian company from Maranello – yes, the same town where Ferraris are born, though this is no Ferrari. The brand has taken the idea of restoration and turned it on its head, creating what it calls a "Remastered" Range Rover Classic. Only 15 units will ever be built, and getting one will cost more than some new supercars.

Vinile

Vinile's reimagined Range Rover keeps the upright stance and familiar proportions that defined the 1970 original but smooths out every detail. The first car wears a metallic green finish with a gloss-black roof, slimmer bumpers, and hand-hammered panels that erase the past's uneven seams. LED headlights mimic the original round shape, while a three-dimensional grille and white poplar wood insert at the rear add a touch of Italian artistry.

Inside, the transformation is even more striking. The cabin abandons vintage austerity for contemporary luxury, swathed in 45 square meters of Baxter leather in multiple earthy tones. White poplar wood, carved from single blocks, covers the dashboard and door panels. A 10.1-inch touchscreen handles infotainment, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an elaborate sound system featuring three amplifiers, 10 Focal speakers, and 2 subwoofers. Details like aviation-inspired switches and puddle lights projecting the car's outline show that this is as much a design exercise as an engineering project.

Vinile

Under the hood sits a rebuilt 3.5-liter Rover V8 producing about 205 horsepower – an upgrade over the original's output. The suspension has been tuned for a more balanced stance, and while it still rides on 16-inch wheels, the wider tires give it a more confident footprint.

Buyers can choose between three- and five-door layouts, with long-wheelbase models to follow. Every unit will be built to order in Vinile's Maranello workshops, taking months of craftsmanship to complete.

The price starts at €310,000 (about $361,000), confirming that exclusivity, much like good vinyl, comes at a premium.

Vinile

Kia achieved record third-quarter sales in the United States in the third quarter, and the recently refreshed Sportage played a huge role in that. This year alone, 134,102 Sportage models have been sold across the country so far.

If you’re looking to buy or lease a new compact crossover and appreciate a healthy dose of style and technology, the Sportage should be on your shortlist. For the 2026 model year, 10 different lease deals for the Sportage are available, spanning gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Let’s take a look at what these deals are.

Related: Toyota Launches Tempting 2025 RAV4 Lease Deal For October

Kia

Of the 10 lease deals for the 2026 Kia Sportage for October, four are for gas-only models, four are for the Sportage Hybrid, and two apply to the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

The cheapest Kia Sportage lease price applies to the LX variant with front-wheel drive, which will cost $239/month to lease over 24 months, with $3,999 due at signing. Even the $249/month over 36 months is less than it cost to lease a 2025 model back in June. Customers must take delivery by November 3, 2025, to qualify, and the deal includes 10,000 miles per year. A cost of $0.20/mile applies to mileage that exceeds this limit.

The Kia Sportage leasing deals exclude tax, license, title, and registration fees. The figures above are for California, so be aware that they could change depending on where you live. You can enter your zip code into Kia’s website to view deals in your area.

Here’s a look at this month’s Kia Sportage lease offers:

Model (2026 models only)

Lease Price Per Month

Lease Term

Due at Signing

Sportage LX FWD

$239

24 Months

$3,999

Sportage LX FWD

$249

36 Months

$3,999

Sportage LX AWD

$259

24 Months

$3,999

Sportage LX AWD

$269

36 Months

$3,999

Sportage Hybrid LX FWD

$289

36 Months

$3,999

Sportage Hybrid LX FWD

$289

24 Months

$3,999

Sportage Hybrid S AWD

$319

24 Months

$3,999

Sportage Hybrid S AWD

$319

36 Months

$3,999

Sportage PHEV X-Line AWD

$359

24 Months

$3,999

Sportage PHEV X-Line AWD

$369

36 Months

$3,999

If you want to buy a 2026 Kia Sportage, it starts at $28,690 for the gas model and goes up to $30,390 for the Sportage Hybrid. The Sportage PHEV, meanwhile, begins at $40,490, but it’s specified to a higher level than the models with alternative powertrains. 

Kia is also offering 1.49% APR over 48 months for the 2026 Sportage, including all three powertrains.

Kia

The base Sportage comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. FWD is standard and AWD optional, while all variants use an eight-speed automatic. 

If you want more power, you’ll have to go for a hybrid. The Sportage Hybrid’s 1.6-liter turbo-four and electric motor produce 232 hp combined, which is 5 hp more than the 2025 model. As with the non-hybrid model, FWD is standard and AWD optional, while the transmission here is a six-speed automatic.

Finally, we have the Sportage PHEV. Its 1.6-liter turbo-four and more powerful electric motor combine for 268 hp this year, 7 hp up on the 2025 model. Like the normal hybrid, it has a six-speed auto, but AWD is standard.

Kia

The base Sportage LX comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, cloth upholstery, manual air conditioning, a six-speaker sound system, front/rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, and smart cruise control. If you want automatic climate control and nicer upholstery, you’ll have to upgrade to another trim, but the lease deals for this month apply only to the LX.

At the upper end of the range, the Sportage PHEV enjoys upgrades like SynTex artificial leather, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. 

Related: 2026 Nissan Rogue vs. 2026 Kia Sportage: Which One Is Right for You?

Kia

The newer, more fashionable 2026 Kia Sportage is cheaper to lease than the older 2025 Toyota RAV4 this month. Even though the Toyota’s following is such that it’s still outselling newer rivals, we recommend at least test driving the Sportage to see what you may be missing out on.

The Sportage Hybrids are more expensive, but they’re also more powerful for the 2026 model year. There’s enough space for a small family and their gear, and the Kia is as comfortable as it is packed with safety equipment. It’s definitely a top choice in the compact crossover segment.

*Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.

Within the automotive realm, the BMW E30 M3 is hailed as one of the greats. In its heyday, the S14’s 200-ish horsepower pushed the lightweight (circa 2600 pounds) Beemer to win several trophies and accolades. However, in today’s world of 300-horsepower hot hatches and blisteringly quick EVs, owners of the 80s homologation special might find themselves struggling.
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As a solution to this first-world problem, a tuning shop in Dortmund, Germany, decided to Frankenstein a turbocharged straight-six into the E30 chassis. Out goes the high-revving 2.3L inline-4, and in comes the S55 3.0L from an F8X M4. What you now have is the vintage E30 M3 body rocking modern M Performance underpinnings. This, of course, is not new. But seeing it on BMW M’s official Instagram page makes it a bit special.

A post shared by BMW M GmbH (@bmwm)

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BMW M introduces us to the photo of a white-wheeled, dressed-up M3 captioned—The E30 M4, followed by “No, that isn’t a typo.” The build is perhaps the most extensive and possibly among the best documented. Admittedly, the restomod— courtesy of JP Performance—is quite an old build. A quick look at JP’s YouTube channel should give you some context about the timeline as well as the list of mods and upgrades done to the platform.

BMW

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this E30 M4 restomod (or any restomods, for that matter) is far from a walk in the park. Funnily enough, though, JP Performance did not stop with just the engine. The team engineered a race-bred push-rod suspension for the E30 chassis and carried over half of the F8X M4’s interior.
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While the exterior is mostly E30, the interior has a neo-retro vibe. Since the F8X generation isn’t burdened with screens, the carryover doesn’t seem too out of place. You get the M4 steering wheel, shifter, and instrument dials, while the door cards and dashboard remain E30. The restomod also inherits the M4’s 7-speed DCT transmission and internal wiring, but features custom cooling hardware and aftermarket Recaro seats.

In this day and age of Singer 911s, Tuthills, and Manhart M3s, this E30 M4 might just slip under the radar. However, what JP Performance has done to the E30 chassis is undeniably cool. A lot of it is down to the build, but BMW M officially acknowledging it does add to the coolness. Although it has to be said, it’s not the first time BMW M has been seen throwing around the “E30 M4” label.

Waymo's artificial intelligence can deal with busy city streets with zero human input, but it turns out all you need to bring the system to its knees is a dead-end street and a smart prankster. Riley Walz, a 23-year-old software engineer, orchestrated what he dubbed the "world's first Waymo DDoS" by coordinating 50 people to simultaneously order Waymo self-driving cars to San Francisco's longest dead-end street. 

The result? A spectacular traffic jam of white Jaguar I-Paces with Waymo’s signature spinning roof sensors, all arriving to pick up passengers who never intended to board. Waymo responded by temporarily disabling all rides within a two-block radius for a few hours. The prank shows that even advanced robotaxi services aren't immune to creative human intervention.

Riley Walz

The prank was inspired by distributed denial-of-service cyberattacks, where systems are overwhelmed with simultaneous requests. Instead of crashing servers, Walz crashed a street near Coit Tower with autonomous vehicles. Nobody actually got in the cars, and after about 10 minutes of making the Waymos wait, the vehicles departed and charged each participant a $5 no-show fee.

This isn't tech prankster Walz's first brush with controversy. He previously created an app tracking San Francisco's parking enforcement officers in real time before city officials shut it down. His pattern of projects blurs the line between satire and systems analysis, pushing boundaries while exposing potential weaknesses in smart city infrastructure.

Riley Walz

While Walz insisted the stunt was done in good fun and expressed admiration for Waymo's technology, the incident sparked debate about autonomous vehicle traffic vulnerabilities. Some commenters praised it as a useful stress test, while others warned about potential malicious applications. This could include the likes of delaying emergency services during critical events like terrorist attacks. 

The stunt proves that sometimes the biggest threat to artificial intelligence isn't another AI but rather humans with the know-how to play the system and some time on their hands.

Alfa Romeo has given the Tonale a subtle, but important refresh for 2026, doubling down on design and driving emotion while quietly retiring its plug-in-hybrid powertrain. With sharper looks inspired by classic Alfas and a more focused lineup, the compact luxury SUV aims to reignite interest in a brand that’s struggling to survive in the US market.

Stellantis

The 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale wears a newly sculpted concave scudetto grille inspired by the legendary 33 Stradale, complemented by two tiny vents on each and wider, angled black intakes beneath it – all part of Alfa’s “necessary beauty” philosophy. Topping the lineup is the new Tonale Sport Speciale, featuring retro-inspired 20-inch three-hole wheels, silver exterior accents, and an upscale black-and-pearl Alcantara cabin with black-and-white Alfa Romeo badging. Inside, buyers can now choose red leather seats for the first time, while the new Rosso Brera, Verde Monza, and Giallo Ocra paint finishes add even more pizzazz to Alfa’s most accessible model.

Stellantis

Gone is the plug-in-hybrid system that once hindered Alfisti from accepting the Tonale as a true Alfa. The 2026 Tonale now relies solely on a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard Q4 all-wheel drive. While official performance figures haven’t been released, expect a 0-60 mph time of around 5.8 seconds, matching the outgoing model. Every trim benefits from a wider track and what Alfa calls the "segment’s most direct steering," featuring a quick 13.6:1 ratio. Meanwhile, Veloce and Sport Speciale variants gain four-piston Brembo brakes for stronger stopping power. Alongside its aesthetic upgrades, this driver-first approach leans into what made the brand iconic in the first place.

Stellantis

Despite the fresh design and dynamic focus, Alfa Romeo faces a steep uphill battle in the US market. Sales have declined steadily since 2021, and while a gas-only model will appeal to enthusiasts, it risks alienating buyers looking for hybrid or electric options. Yet, in a market where the average new car now costs $50,080, the 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale delivers genuine value with its expected $39,745 starting price. Competing against the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and, of course, the SUV it shares a lot of DNA with, the Dodge Hornet, the Tonale stands out as the emotional choice in the compact luxury SUV segment, blending Italian flair, premium materials, and genuine driving engagement in a way few rivals can match. If Alfa can finally back up its beauty with reliability and long-term trust, this refreshed Tonale could spark the comeback the brand has been chasing for years.

BMW has revealed that it sold more V8-powered models in 2024 than in any year in its history, even as the brand continues to accelerate its electric vehicle rollout. In an interview with Motor1, Development chief Dr. Joachim Post confirmed that "last year, we had the most sales of [premium] EVs, and at the same time, record high sales for eight-cylinder engines.”

The figures reflect BMW’s multi-path strategy, offering both advanced EVs and high-performance combustion models without forcing customers into a single direction.

That dual success underlines BMW’s commitment to flexibility. While rivals race toward full electrification, BMW is retaining and refining its combustion engines, particularly the revered V8s that power its high-performance M and luxury models. The approach gives buyers choice and allows BMW to maximize margins on enthusiast-driven products.

BMW

BMW’s eight-cylinder lineup spans everything from M cars to the upper-tier 7 Series and X SUVs, all built on the brand’s versatile CLAR platform, which supports internal combustion, hybrid, and electric configurations. Demand for V8 models in markets such as North America and the Middle East remains robust, showing that drivers still value performance, sound, and long-distance comfort over full electrification, at least for now.

That performance prestige extends to the brand’s SUV range, which continues to lead BMW’s global sales charts. Fresh incentives like lease deals for the new X5 are keeping those models attractive, blending power and luxury with more attainable financing. Likewise, other lease deals for the new X3 shows how BMW is carefully managing affordability and demand without compromising on brand identity.

Even as V8 sales surge, BMW is preparing for a future powered by software and sustainability. Its new Debrecen plant in Hungary, represents the next step in manufacturing, built entirely on AI-driven systems and powered by renewable energy. That facility will eventually produce the upcoming “Neue Klasse” EVs, a range designed to replace internal combustion models later this decade.

By maintaining both cutting-edge EV development and traditional performance offerings, BMW is effectively hedging its future. The company has made it clear that the V8 is not being phased out overnight, instead, it’s being refined and electrified through mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems to meet tightening global emissions rules.

BMW’s record V8 sales highlight a rare phenomenon in today’s automotive landscape, the coexistence of old-school power and next-generation innovation. While some brands have abandoned large-displacement engines entirely, BMW continues to see strong financial and emotional value in keeping them alive, for now.

As electrification expands, the V8’s days may still be numbered, but its current success underscores one thing, BMW’s customers aren’t quite ready to give up the roar of a twin-turbo eight-cylinder just yet.