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		<title>Tesla’s Next Model “Way Cooler Than A Minivan”, And That’s All Musk Will Say</title>
		<link>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/teslas-next-model-way-cooler-than-a-minivan-and-thats-all-musk-will-say/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:59:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[Elon Musk teased a new Tesla model described as &#8220;cooler than a minivan&#8221;. Tesla is discontinuing the Model S and &#8230; <a href="https://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/teslas-next-model-way-cooler-than-a-minivan-and-thats-all-musk-will-say/" class="more-link"><span class="more-button">Continue Reading<span class="screen-reader-text">Tesla’s Next Model “Way Cooler Than A Minivan”, And That’s All Musk Will Say</span></span></a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="1024" height="576" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px" loading="lazy" data-src="https://vindicoraz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tesla-CyberTruck-SUV-and-Model-YL-main-1024x576-1.jpg"></div>
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<li>Elon Musk teased a new Tesla model described as &ldquo;cooler than a minivan&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Tesla is discontinuing the Model S and Model X by the end of the year.</li>
<li>A Cybertruck-derived three-row SUV appeared as a clay model in 2025.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/elon-musk/">Elon Musk</a> has confirmed that Tesla is working on a new model, and the internet has done what the internet does: immediately begun speculating. The leading theory involves a rugged, three-row SUV inspired by the Cybertruck.</p>
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<p>Unless, of course, the big reveal turns out to be the three-row Model Y L recently spotted at Gigafactory Texas, in which case Musk&rsquo;s gift for generating hype will have once again conjured a drum roll worthy of a stadium concert. Wouldn&rsquo;t be the first time.</p>
<p>But we digress. On March 24, the Tesla CEO shared a post on X noting that the Cybertruck&rsquo;s rear bench is large enough to fit three child seats or three adults. A follower then suggested he &ldquo;make a minivan,&rdquo; to which Musk replied: &ldquo;Something way cooler than a minivan is coming.&rdquo;</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/tesla-roadster-delay-2026/">Tesla Roadster Delayed Again, Weeks Late But Years Behind</a></strong></p>
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<p>One credible scenario involves what has been dubbed by the internet, the CyberSUV. Back in September 2025, a clay model appeared in the background of an official Tesla video, <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/09/tesla-teases-possible-cybersuv-in-background-of-new-master-plan-video/">suggesting a potential SUV sibling to the Cybertruck</a>.</p>
<p>        <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tesla-CyberTruck-SUV-Render-CS-scaled.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image-block"> </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
<p>                    <img loading="lazy" class="lazy " src="" alt=" Tesla&rsquo;s Next Model &ldquo;Way Cooler Than A Minivan&rdquo;, And That&rsquo;s All Musk Will Say" width="2560" height="1440" data-src="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tesla-CyberTruck-SUV-Render-CS-1024x576.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image" /><figcaption>Our rendering of a Cybertruck-derived SUV (above) based on the clay model from last year (below).</figcaption></figure>
<p>        </a>  </p>
<p>        <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/weqrfcvds-.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image-block"> </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
<p>                    <img loading="lazy" class="lazy " src="" alt=" Tesla&rsquo;s Next Model &ldquo;Way Cooler Than A Minivan&rdquo;, And That&rsquo;s All Musk Will Say" width="1354" height="762" data-src="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/weqrfcvds--1024x576.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image" /></p>
</figure>
<p>        </a>  </p>
<p>The mockup featured a redesigned roofline and greenhouse, while the front-end design, full-width LED bar, and flat stainless steel surfacing appeared to carry over from the truck. </p>
<p>The timing matters, too, since Tesla is winding down <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/01/teslas-replacing-the-model-s-and-x-with-something-that-doesnt-even-have-wheels/">production of the Model S and Model X this year</a>, leaving a conspicuous gap in its production capacity.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/tesla-musk-electrification-autonomy-strategy/">Musk Lectures Legacy Brands On Cars, Even As Tesla Drifts Beyond Them</a></strong></p>
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<p>A CyberSUV would be larger and more spacious than the Model Y and Model X, positioning it against full-size SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade.</p>
<p>Repurposing the Cybertruck platform for an SUV makes strategic sense. Sales of the electric truck are abysmal, given initial expectations, and an SUV twin could help Tesla increase production at Giga Texas while tapping a segment that American buyers never stopped loving. Keeping R&amp;D costs down would be another advantage, particularly if the new model shared its underpinnings along with numerous exterior and interior components with the Cybertruck.</p>
<p><strong>Could It Be A Longer Model Y?</strong></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well this is interesting at Giga Texas today &hellip; what do YOU think this is? &#129300;&#128526; <a href="https://t.co/U9pLvqbf7L">pic.twitter.com/U9pLvqbf7L</a></p>
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<p>		&mdash; Joe Tegtmeyer &#128640; &#129312;&#128760;&#128526; (@JoeTegtmeyer) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeTegtmeyer/status/2036110880568431000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p>As we mentioned, another possibility is a stretched Model Y heading to North America. Last year, Musk stated that this model <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/08/musk-teases-new-6-seater-model-y-for-america-then-says-it-might-never-be-built/">wouldn&rsquo;t enter US production until late 2026</a>, if at all. Footage from outside Gigafactory Texas, however, tells a somewhat different story.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/tesla-model-y-l-texas/">Musk Said The U.S. Wouldn&rsquo;t Get This Tesla. Texas Factory Footage Disagrees</a></strong></p>
<p>Drone pilot Joe Tegtmeyer captured a large vehicle shell wrapped in blue plastic and sitting inside a wooden crate. Many <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/08/tesla-goes-long-with-six-seat-model-y-l/">believe the shell belongs to the Tesla Model Y L</a>, already sold in China with extended bodywork and six-seat seating.</p>
<p>Whether the new Tesla will actually be cooler than a minivan remains to be seen. Hopefully, Tesla will clear up the mystery soon.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Something way cooler than a minivan is coming</p>
<p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2036673380582400198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
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		<title>Americans Just Handed BMW A Wagon Business Case It Wasn’t Expecting</title>
		<link>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/americans-just-handed-bmw-a-wagon-business-case-it-wasnt-expecting/</link>
					<comments>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/americans-just-handed-bmw-a-wagon-business-case-it-wasnt-expecting/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:21:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://vindicoraz.com/?p=358</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[BMW says US buyers are warming to high-powered wagons like the M5 Touring. Smaller M3 Touring still skips America, leaving &#8230; <a href="https://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/americans-just-handed-bmw-a-wagon-business-case-it-wasnt-expecting/" class="more-link"><span class="more-button">Continue Reading<span class="screen-reader-text">Americans Just Handed BMW A Wagon Business Case It Wasn’t Expecting</span></span></a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="1024" height="576" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px" loading="lazy" data-src="https://vindicoraz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/P90576473_highRes_the-all-new-bmw-m5-t-copy-1024x576-1.jpg"></div>
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<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>BMW says US buyers are warming to high-powered wagons like the M5 Touring.</li>
<li>Smaller M3 Touring still skips America, leaving enthusiasts with limited choices.</li>
<li>Some US drivers are picking wagons for their cleaner looks over practicality.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p>The launch of cars like the Audi RS6 Avant and <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/bmw-m5/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/bmw-m5/">BMW M5</a> Touring has helped spark renewed interest in high-performance wagons in the United States, and it appears to be working. BMW has taken notice, and it&rsquo;s possible the brand could launch more estates in the market going forward.</p>
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<p>Last year, <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/bmw/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/bmw/">BMW</a> revealed that the M5 Touring was actually <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/05/bmw-m5-touring-us-sales-popularity/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/05/bmw-m5-touring-us-sales-popularity/">outselling the sedan in the US</a>, whereas the opposite is true in Europe, despite estates historically being more popular there than in most other regions. According to Bernd Koerber, BMW&rsquo;s senior vice president for Brand and Product Management, it&rsquo;s the shape of estates that&rsquo;s winning over American buyers.</p>
<p><strong>Read: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2024/08/if-you-buy-enough-m5-tourings-bmw-might-bring-next-gen-bmw-m3-wagon-to-the-u-s/" id="3060592">If You Buy Enough M5 Tourings, BMW Might Bring Next M3 Wagon To US</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;The reasons for buying a Touring in the US are totally different,&rdquo; he told <a href="https://carbuzz.com/more-bmw-wagons-in-usa/" id="https://carbuzz.com/more-bmw-wagons-in-usa/">CarBuzz</a>. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s purely the shape, whereas in Europe, you have the combination of shape, functionality, and long-distance traveling.&rdquo;</p>
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<p>During the same interview, Koerber added that the combination of style and performance with a model like the M5 Touring is a winning recipe, leaving the door open for other similar cars to be launched in the future.</p>
<p>&ldquo;This combination seems to work from a lifestyle perspective,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Unique shape with high performance seems like to be a good mix.&rdquo;</p>
<p><strong>The Next M3 Touring?</strong></p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<p>Given how popular the M5 Touring is in the US, BMW is perhaps regretting its decision not to sell the M3 Touring there as well. BMW doesn&rsquo;t break down <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/bmw-m3/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/bmw-m3/">M3</a> sales by sedan and Touring body styles, but in some markets, the Touring reportedly accounts for up to 50 percent of total M3 sales. Shortly after the car&rsquo;s launch, BMW acknowledged it had to double or even triple planned production volumes due to exceptional demand.</p>
<p>As the current-generation M3 will only stick around for a couple of more years, it&rsquo;s unlikely BMW will be able to develop a US-spec model. However, it&rsquo;s certainly possible that the next-generation M3, which will transition to a mild-hybrid retaining the familiar 3.0-liter twin-turbo six, will spawn a Touring model. If that happens, BMW would be wise to sell it to Americans.</p>
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		<title>Show Up At Stellantis In The Wrong Brand Enough Times And You Might Not Drive It Home</title>
		<link>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/show-up-at-stellantis-in-the-wrong-brand-enough-times-and-you-might-not-drive-it-home/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:40:00 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[Stellantis employees warned for parking non-company cars in preferred spaces. Policy echoes long-standing Detroit tradition of backing your own brand. &#8230; <a href="https://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/show-up-at-stellantis-in-the-wrong-brand-enough-times-and-you-might-not-drive-it-home/" class="more-link"><span class="more-button">Continue Reading<span class="screen-reader-text">Show Up At Stellantis In The Wrong Brand Enough Times And You Might Not Drive It Home</span></span></a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="1024" height="576" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px" loading="lazy" data-src="https://vindicoraz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Stellantis-parking-Mar2626101-1024x576-1.jpg"></div>
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<li>Stellantis employees warned for parking non-company cars in preferred spaces.</li>
<li>Policy echoes long-standing Detroit tradition of backing your own brand.</li>
<li>Too many warnings could leave your car immobilized by company security.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p>Showing up to work at a car company in the wrong car can be a little awkward. But at <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/stellantis/">Stellantis</a> headquarters, it can also earn you a parking warning, and if luck isn&rsquo;t on your side, a soggy, long walk back in the rain.</p>
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<p>Employees returning to the office full-time now that work-from-home rules have been scrapped have discovered that not all parking spots are created equal. Drive a Jeep, Dodge, or new Ram 1500 Rebel X, and you&rsquo;re golden. Roll in with something else, and you might find a ticket waiting for you on your windshield when you get back, a situation some employees have also described online after being cited for parking in restricted areas.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s not exactly a fine, at least not yet, the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/the-company-where-driving-the-wrong-car-to-work-can-get-you-a-ticket-4ec9833a?mod=autos_news_article_pos3">Wall Street Journal</a> reports. But repeat offenders risk having their car immobilized by a parking boot if the warnings/tickets pile up, which is about as subtle as a neon sign saying &ldquo;you picked the wrong brand, traitor.&rdquo; If that happens, employees may have to go through management to get the boot removed.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2021/06/tesla-model-3-gets-parking-ticket-at-gm-plant-for-being-a-foreign-car/">Tesla Driver Gets A Ticket At GM Plant For Parking A &ldquo;Foreign Car In Domestic Lot&rdquo;</a></strong></p>
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<p>The policy taps into a long-running Detroit tradition, one that extends beyond Stellantis and into rivals like <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/ford/">Ford</a> as well. General Motors has its own take on parking politics too, and it has not always gone smoothly. In one case from a few years ago, a Tesla Model 3 was mistakenly ticketed as a &ldquo;foreign&rdquo; car at a GM facility, despite being one of the most American-made vehicles on sale.</p>
<p>Automakers have always liked their employees to support the home team, and preferred parking has been one way to encourage that loyalty. It&rsquo;s a small perk that can make a big difference when the alternative is a trek across a sprawling lot. At Stellantis headquarters, that sprawl is significant, with thousands of employees competing for spaces across multiple lots and parking decks surrounding the campus.</p>
<p><strong>Stellantis Cars Park Closer</strong></p>
<p>        <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Eagle-Talon-Mar26263.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image-block"> </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
<p>                    <img loading="lazy" class="lazy " src="" alt=" Show Up At Stellantis In The Wrong Brand Enough Times And You Might Not Drive It Home" width="2250" height="1265" data-src="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Eagle-Talon-Mar26263-1024x576.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image" /></p>
</figure>
<p>        </a>  </p>
<p>As one former executive told the WSJ, there&rsquo;s a strong incentive to park as close as possible, especially when the weather turns ugly. Nobody wants a 20-minute hike before they&rsquo;ve even had their morning coffee.</p>
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<p><strong>Also: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/chrysler-sedan-crossover-future/">Chrysler Could Get A Sedan Back, But It Might Not Be Like You Remember It</a></strong></p>
<p>Still, the rules can get a little murky and even confusing for the people enforcing them. One employee reportedly got flagged for parking an <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2022/03/what-on-earth-happened-to-all-the-affordable-coupes/">Eagle Talon</a> (pictured above), which technically traces its roots back to Chrysler, which is part of Stellantis. That didn&rsquo;t stop security from questioning its credentials.</p>
<p><strong>Pedantic Parking Enforcement</strong></p>
<p>There&rsquo;s also a bit of humor mixed in with the frustration. One worker who tried their luck parking in a nearly empty lot still ended up with a warning, suggesting the rules were there just to make people feel bad.</p>
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<p>For now, enforcement appears to be mostly warnings. But the message is clear. If you <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/production/">build</a> the cars, you&rsquo;re expected to drive them too. Do you think it&rsquo;s fair that employees should be penalized for spending their own money on rival products? Leave a comment and let us know.</p>
<p>        <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AUBURNHILLSMAR2226.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image-block"> </p>
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<p>                    <img loading="lazy" class="lazy " src="" alt=" Show Up At Stellantis In The Wrong Brand Enough Times And You Might Not Drive It Home" width="2250" height="1265" data-src="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AUBURNHILLSMAR2226-1024x576.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image" /></p>
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<p>        </a>  </p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Stellantis</h4>
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		<title>Every 2026 Easter Jeep Safari Concept Is Missing The Same Thing Under The Hood</title>
		<link>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/every-2026-easter-jeep-safari-concept-is-missing-the-same-thing-under-the-hood/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[Jeep and Mopar celebrate the 60th Easter Jeep Safari with six concepts. Advanced overlanding tech and trail repair gear headline &#8230; <a href="https://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/every-2026-easter-jeep-safari-concept-is-missing-the-same-thing-under-the-hood/" class="more-link"><span class="more-button">Continue Reading<span class="screen-reader-text">Every 2026 Easter Jeep Safari Concept Is Missing The Same Thing Under The Hood</span></span></a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="1024" height="576" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px" loading="lazy" data-src="https://vindicoraz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Easter-Jeep-Safari-Concepts-2026-main-1024x576-1.jpg"></div>
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<li>Jeep and Mopar celebrate the 60th Easter Jeep Safari with six concepts.</li>
<li>Advanced overlanding tech and trail repair gear headline the lineup.</li>
<li>It includes Wrangler, Gladiator, Grand Wagoneer, and XJ Cherokee builds.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p>It&rsquo;s that time of year again, when Jeep storms the Moab Desert in Utah with custom builds designed to showcase the off-road and tuning potential of its production models. Now in its 60th year, the Easter Jeep Safari has become something of a proving ground for the brand&rsquo;s most imaginative hardware. For the 2026 edition, the company has dropped a fleet of six <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/jeep-concepts/">concepts</a>.</p>
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<p>The lineup, created with help from Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/Mopar">Mopar</a>, is a nod to the brand&rsquo;s 85th anniversary. The modifications are tailored for long-range overlanding, rock crawling, sporty adventures, and heavy-duty trail maintenance.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/jeep-gladiator-wrangler-rockslide/">Jeep&rsquo;s Wrangler And Gladiator Rockslide Into Jeans</a></strong></p>
<p>What <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/04/jeep-easter-safari-concepts-retro-weird/">stands out this year is what&rsquo;s missing</a>. None of the 2026 concepts go fully electric or even plug-in hybrid, which says quite a bit about where Stellantis is currently placing its bets. With that in mind, here&rsquo;s a closer look at each concept, starting with the ones that make the biggest impression.</p>
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<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<p>The Anvil 715 is an overlander based on the four-door <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/jeep-wrangler">Wrangler</a> Unlimited Rubicon. Its most striking feature is the redesigned nose, inspired by the boxy SJ-Series Jeeps of the 1960s. The off-roader is fitted with steel bumpers and a non-removable roof featuring skylights and a roof rack.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/02/the-v8-powered-jeep-wrangler-just-got-10000-cheaper/">The V8-Powered Jeep Wrangler Just Got $10,000 Cheaper</a></strong></p>
<p>Under the hood lies the 6.4-liter 392 HEMI V8, paired with beefier tires and an onboard air system with quick-disconnect fittings. The interior features custom upholstery, bed-liner flooring, storage solutions, and a Trails Off-Road mapping system on a dedicated screen.</p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<p>Marking the return of the <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/jeep-Cherokee/">Cherokee</a> nameplate, the XJ Pioneer concept is based on the first-generation model from 1984. The restomod stays true to the original design, with chrome bumpers and halogen headlights, though carbon fender flares have been added to accommodate larger wheels.</p>
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<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/jeep-85th-anniversary-editions/">Jeep&rsquo;s Latest 85th Anniversary Editions Miss Out On The Coolest Feature</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/tuning">Modifications </a>include a 2-inch suspension lift, rock rails, and 17-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires. The interior comes straight out of the 1980s, with saddle-colored materials and cloth upholstery.</p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<p>Designed as a &ldquo;true workhorse&rdquo; rather than a showpiece, this custom Gladiator Rubicon is a dedicated donation vehicle for the Red Rock 4-Wheelers club. Its purpose is to help protect and preserve the trails, ensuring continued access to public lands.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/02/jeep-embraces-the-past-with-retro-gladiator-whitecap/">Jeep Embraces The Past With Retro Gladiator Whitecap</a></strong></p>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/trucks">truck</a> rides on 17-inch beadlock wheels wrapped in 37-inch tires and features a 3-inch lift kit. The rear bed holds a Leitner Designs active cargo system rack with adjustable lights and storage containers, plus a bedslide rolling truck bed cargo tray for easier access. Power comes from the familiar 3.6-liter V6.</p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<p>The Buzzcut is likely the sportiest concept in this year&rsquo;s lineup. Based on the two-door Wrangler, it&rsquo;s finished in Vitamin C Orange with black accents and Satin Titanium wheels. It also features a <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2024/03/jeep-brings-4-concepts-to-easter-safari-including-vacationeer-camper/">chopped roof</a> with an inclined rear window and flat fenders.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/01/the-18k-jeep-wrangler-clone-you-cant-have-just-got-better-looking/">You Can Buy Four Of These Wrangler Clones For One Jeep And Still Have Cash Left</a></strong></p>
<p>Off-road equipment includes a 2-inch lift kit, 37-inch tires, steel bumpers, a Warn winch, a snorkel, and additional LEDs mounted on the grille, hood, and roof. Inside, there&rsquo;s a pair of performance seats, a custom roll bar, and a Diabolical Slipstream security enclosure featuring a lockable drawer storage system in place of the rear bench.</p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<p>The largest build <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/10/2026-jeep-grand-wagoneer-hybrid-redesign-power-upgrade/">is based on the Grand Wagoneer</a>, combining a premium interior with a rugged character. Jeep gave it the Commander moniker, also used by an unrelated Compass-based SUV sold in South America, India, and Japan.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/jeep-commander-facelift/">Jeep Gives The Commander A Facelift, But There&rsquo;s Even More To Come</a></strong></p>
<p>The exterior takes a stealth-inspired approach, finished in black with custom <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/wraps/">graphics</a> on the sides, matching skid plates, and roof-mounted LEDs. The Grand Wagoneer Commander rides on black 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires and retains all of the comfort and tech features of the original inside the cabin.</p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<p>The final <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/concepts">concept</a> is the four-door Wrangler Laredo, described as a &ldquo;raw, driver-focused, and intentionally analog&rdquo; build focused on simplicity. The exterior combines white with tan graphics and chrome wheels, with the highlight being a tan spatter-coat hardtop paired with a manual Sky Slider.</p>
<p>The off-roader is powered by the standard 3.6-liter V6 paired with a manual transmission. It also features a 2-inch lift, 37-inch tires, and an onboard air system. Inside, carpets have been replaced with vinyl, and both the seats and dashboard are trimmed in vintage cloth upholstery.</p>
<p>Below you can watch a 44-minute <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/Jeep-Videos">video</a> detailing all six concepts for the 2026 edition of the Easter Jeep Safari.</p>
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		<title>Ferrari’s Boss Admits Your Car’s Touch Controls Were Never About You</title>
		<link>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/ferraris-boss-admits-your-cars-touch-controls-were-never-about-you/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:21:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://vindicoraz.com/?p=370</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Ferrari CEO says touch controls cost less to build, not better to actually use. Luxury brands are bringing buttons back &#8230; <a href="https://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/ferraris-boss-admits-your-cars-touch-controls-were-never-about-you/" class="more-link"><span class="more-button">Continue Reading<span class="screen-reader-text">Ferrari’s Boss Admits Your Car’s Touch Controls Were Never About You</span></span></a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="1024" height="576" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px" loading="lazy" data-src="https://vindicoraz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FERRARI-LUCE_SHIFTER_HERO_sRGB_6K_72DPI_16X9-copy-copy-1024x576-1.jpg"></div>
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<li>Ferrari CEO says touch controls cost less to build, not better to actually use.</li>
<li>Luxury brands are bringing buttons back after years of touchscreen overload.</li>
<li>Hyundai and VW are now restoring physical controls in their latest new models.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p>For the past decade or so, the automotive industry has been marching steadily toward touchscreens and capacitive buttons, and the reasoning has always been the same: they look cleaner, they signal <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/tech/">modernity</a>, and they photograph well in press materials. At the same time, they&rsquo;ve often proven harder to use in practice. </p>
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<p>Now, one of the world&rsquo;s most storied automotive names is admitting what many suspected all along: touch controls took over because they&rsquo;re cheaper, not because they&rsquo;re better.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/ferrari/" id="12">Ferrari</a> CEO Benedetto Vigna, the shift away from physical buttons has little to do with improving the driving experience and everything to do with manufacturing efficiency. &ldquo;The touch [button] is something that is made for the supplier&rsquo;s advantage&hellip; Making a touch button is cheaper &mdash; 50 percent cheaper.&rdquo; He also made clear that the trend is not driven by customer preference or any inherent technological advantage.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/volkswagen-id-golf-hatchback/" id="3383018">Volkswagen Gives First Official Look At Golf MK9</a></strong></p>
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<p>That&rsquo;s the blunt admission he made while speaking to Autocar India, and it lines up with what we&rsquo;ve been hearing across the industry. Capacitive panels reduce parts count, simplify wiring, and allow manufacturers to reuse the same hardware across multiple models. They also eliminate the need to design, engineer, and validate bespoke physical switches for each function. In high-volume cars, those savings add up quickly. But even premium brands leaned into the trend, sometimes at the expense of usability. </p>
<p><strong>Ferrari&rsquo;s &ldquo;Phygital&rdquo; Philosophy </strong></p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<p>Ferrari, however, now says it&rsquo;s going the other direction, especially for its first electric vehicle, <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/ferrari-luce-torque-nasa/" id="3393464">the Luce, due out later this year</a>. Instead of doubling down on screens, the company plans to bring back more physical switches, dials, and toggles, particularly for frequently used functions. This includes steering wheel controls and secondary systems such as climate settings, areas where tactile feedback can make a noticeable difference.</p>
<p>Vigna calls the approach &ldquo;phygital,&rdquo; a blend of physical and digital controls meant to keep the interface intuitive without giving up modern software features. That philosophy will appear in the upcoming EV, the interior of which, has already been revealed, giving us a first look at the new layout. </p>
<p><strong>The Jony Ive Irony</strong></p>
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<p>        <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ferrari-Luce-interior-00017.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image-block"> </p>
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<p>                    <img loading="lazy" class="lazy " src="" alt=" Ferrari&rsquo;s Boss Admits Your Car&rsquo;s Touch Controls Were Never About You" width="2450" height="1960" data-src="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ferrari-Luce-interior-00017-1024x819.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image" /></p>
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<p>        </a>  </p>
<p>What makes this particularly interesting is that the Luce has been developed with input from design consultancy LoveFrom, led by former Apple designer Jony Ive. That&rsquo;s the man behind the original iPhone, a product that became historically significant in large part because of its deliberate absence of physical controls.</p>
<p>All said, Ferrari is far from alone in this new understanding of why physical controls are so important. Super-luxury brands like <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2024/01/review-the-rolls-royce-spectre-is-the-ultimate-ev-right-now/" id="2905709">Rolls-Royce never fully departed from such controls</a>. Mainstream brands like Hyundai and Volkswagen are also open about the need to eschew touch controls for physical ones. Now, we just have to wait to see how each company will implement those design briefs.</p>
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		<title>Porsche Knows This Homage’s Inspiration Was A Little Taboo, But Built It Anyway</title>
		<link>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/porsche-knows-this-homages-inspiration-was-a-little-taboo-but-built-it-anyway/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:33:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://vindicoraz.com/?p=374</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[This 911 S/T has the same color scheme as a successful 1972 race car. Porsche has also added the rear &#8230; <a href="https://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/porsche-knows-this-homages-inspiration-was-a-little-taboo-but-built-it-anyway/" class="more-link"><span class="more-button">Continue Reading<span class="screen-reader-text">Porsche Knows This Homage’s Inspiration Was A Little Taboo, But Built It Anyway</span></span></a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="1024" height="576" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px" loading="lazy" data-src="https://vindicoraz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/N8A6210-copy-1024x576-1.jpg"></div>
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<li>This 911 S/T has the same color scheme as a successful 1972 race car.</li>
<li>Porsche has also added the rear wheel aero discs sold by Manthey.</li>
<li>A slew of custom touches have been added to the sport car&rsquo;s interior.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p>For many, owning and driving a car as exclusive and desirable as the new <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/porsche/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/porsche/">Porsche</a> 911 S/T is the stuff of dreams. But for those who want something even more rarefied, Porsche&rsquo;s Sonderwunsch program offers virtually limitless customization options, turning an already extraordinary machine into something genuinely one-of-a-kind. </p>
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<p><a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2023/08/2024-porsche-911-s-t-the-lightest-992-911-gets-gt3-rs-engine-manual-transmission/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/2023/08/2024-porsche-911-s-t-the-lightest-992-911-gets-gt3-rs-engine-manual-transmission/">This 911 S/T</a> is one of the latest to emerge from the Special Wishes program. Unbeknownst to many, the current 911 S/T takes its name from an iconic model produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and the owner of this particular example drew design inspiration from one of the originals. Not just any S/T, either, but a 1972 model raced by the Canadian team Equipe de Course Marc Dancose in the Camel GT Challenge.</p>
<p><strong>Read: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/09/this-911-s-t-pays-homage-to-a-le-mans-winner-youve-never-heard-of/" id="3285168">Porsche Just Built The Coolest 911 S/T On The Planet</a></strong></p>
<p>That car was customized for motorsport use and finished in a special shade of Phoenix Red with a bright yellow front bumper. It went on to compete in 27 races before being retired following an accident in 1978.</p>
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<p><strong>The Camel Behind The Camel</strong></p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<p>The Camel GT Challenge was an IMSA-sanctioned series for sports cars and prototypes, running from 1971 across circuits in the US and Canada, with everything from short sprints to 24-hour endurance races. By 1972, tobacco brand Camel had stepped in as title sponsor, which explains both the name and the camel imagery woven into this build.</p>
<p>As Porsche puts it, tobacco advertising may have been everywhere in the 1970s, but &ldquo;the topic is a little taboo when it comes to a Sonderwunsch model made in 2025.&rdquo; Even so, the camel still made the cut, just without the cigarettes.</p>
<p>Just like the original, this 2025 model has been painted in a matching shade of Phoenix Red with Signal Yellow on the front bumper. Unlike another Sonderwunsch <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/porsche-911/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/porsche-911/">911</a> S/T models that faithfully replicated the livery of a car raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this one doesn&rsquo;t reproduce the original&rsquo;s stickers and racing graphics.</p>
<p><strong>Modern, But Classic</strong></p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<p>Instead, it wears a flowing graphic pattern that blends Phoenix Red with Signal Yellow, sweeping across the hood and along the sides. The car also features the rear aero discs developed by <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/01/manthey-now-selling-its-wild-gt3-rs-and-gt2-rs-kits-to-us-customers/">Manthey Racing for the 911 GT3 RS</a>, though since they aren&rsquo;t officially homologated for the S/T, they have to come off whenever the car is driven on public roads.</p>
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<p>Moving on to the interior, bespoke touches continue inside, where the headrests carry an intricate embroidered design outlining circuits at Sebring, Daytona, Indianapolis, and Lime Rock Park, alongside the iconic yellow Camel logo. A camel motif also appears on the center console lid and the puddle lamps.</p>
<p>Porsche hasn&rsquo;t revealed what this level of personalization costs, though if you need to ask, the Sonderwunsch program probably isn&rsquo;t for you.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>China’s New Porsche 911 Rival Goes By One Name. Z, Denza Z</title>
		<link>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/chinas-new-porsche-911-rival-goes-by-one-name-z-denza-z/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:32:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://vindicoraz.com/?p=378</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The production-spec Denza Z makes its global debut at Goodwood this summer. Daniel Craig is fronting Denza&#8217;s push into Europe, &#8230; <a href="https://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/chinas-new-porsche-911-rival-goes-by-one-name-z-denza-z/" class="more-link"><span class="more-button">Continue Reading<span class="screen-reader-text">China’s New Porsche 911 Rival Goes By One Name. Z, Denza Z</span></span></a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="1024" height="683" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px" loading="lazy" data-src="https://vindicoraz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/stella-li-daniel-craig-denza-z-1024x683-1.jpg"></div>
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<li>The production-spec Denza Z makes its global debut at Goodwood this summer.</li>
<li>Daniel Craig is fronting Denza&rsquo;s push into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.</li>
<li>Concept styling carries over largely intact, but the large rear wing is gone for now.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p>A new Chinese sports car is on the way, and it&rsquo;s aiming straight at one of the most recognizable nameplates in the business. <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/denza/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/denza/">Denza</a>, BYD&rsquo;s premium offshoot that began as a joint venture with Mercedes before it sold its stake in 2024, is preparing to unveil its long-anticipated Porsche 911 rival, and it has enlisted a certain former secret agent to attract eyeballs.</p>
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<p><strong>Read: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/06/under-this-spray-foamed-prototype-is-chinas-answer-to-porsche/" id="3231504">What Looks Like A DIY Disaster Is China&rsquo;s Answer To Porsche</a></strong></p>
<p>Denza&rsquo;s flagship sports car was previewed with the eye-catching Z Concept in April last year, and now we&rsquo;re getting an early look at the production version ahead of its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The preview image puts a bright orange Z front and center, sitting just behind <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/byd/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/byd/">BYD</a> executive vice president Stella Li and former James Bond actor Daniel Craig, and from what&rsquo;s visible, it clearly sticks true to the concept.</p>
<p>This new model is set to crown Denza&rsquo;s lineup, positioned above the Z9 GT, D9 MPV, and B5 SUV as the brand&rsquo;s top-tier performance offering.</p>
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<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<p>Partially visible at the front are the sharp, diamond-shaped headlights and an aggressive front bumper, not dissimilar to what you&rsquo;ll find on the Lotus Emira. Notably, the production model ditches the concept&rsquo;s sharp splitter, though that may be present on a higher-performance version of the car.</p>
<p>Little else of the car can be seen, though you will notice it has silver-and-black wheels and does without the concept&rsquo;s large fixed rear wing. Earlier prototypes have already been spotted testing at the N&uuml;rburgring, suggesting serious performance intent and perhaps even a push for a headline lap time.</p>
<p><strong>Near Four-Digit Horsepower</strong></p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Denza Z Concept</h4>
<p>Powertrain details have yet to be confirmed, and <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/denza/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/denza/">Denza</a> never actually said what was powering the concept. However, all signs point towards the Z getting the same powertrain as <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/04/byd-boss-brags-that-z9-gt-is-ten-times-better-than-premium-rivals/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/04/byd-boss-brags-that-z9-gt-is-ten-times-better-than-premium-rivals/">the all-electric Z9 GT</a>. That car uses a <span style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px">100-kWh Blade battery and a trio of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/electric-vehicles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">electric motors</a>&nbsp;that combine to deliver mo</span>re than 952 hp. Obviously, this would easily outmuscle the Porsche 911, which isn&rsquo;t available in an all-electric configuration. </p>
<p>Beyond raw output, Denza has also pointed to a suite of advanced hardware, including magnetorheological suspension and steer-by-wire. It&rsquo;s also likely to inherit some trick features from the brand&rsquo;s Z9 GT, such as crab-walk, slow-motion drifting into parking spaces, and tighter turning capability.</p>
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<p>According to Stella Li, BYD has partnered with Daniel Craig for a promotional campaign for Denza, helping to expand its presence across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The firm already has Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado rivals with the B8 and B5 off-roaders, and is now targeting the pinnacle of sports cars.</p>
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<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Baldauf</h4>
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		<title>Ford Dragged An Upgraded Mustang GTD Back To The ‘Ring After The Corvette Kicked Its Ass</title>
		<link>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/ford-dragged-an-upgraded-mustang-gtd-back-to-the-ring-after-the-corvette-kicked-its-ass/</link>
					<comments>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/ford-dragged-an-upgraded-mustang-gtd-back-to-the-ring-after-the-corvette-kicked-its-ass/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:32:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://vindicoraz.com/?p=382</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Recent tests suggest Mustang GTD may be nearly 10 seconds quicker. Ford rented the Nurburgring for private Mustang GTD testing &#8230; <a href="https://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/ford-dragged-an-upgraded-mustang-gtd-back-to-the-ring-after-the-corvette-kicked-its-ass/" class="more-link"><span class="more-button">Continue Reading<span class="screen-reader-text">Ford Dragged An Upgraded Mustang GTD Back To The ‘Ring After The Corvette Kicked Its Ass</span></span></a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="1024" height="576" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px" loading="lazy" data-src="https://vindicoraz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ford-Mustang-GTD-Ring-test-1024x576-1.jpg"></div>
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<li>Recent tests suggest Mustang GTD may be nearly 10 seconds quicker.</li>
<li>Ford rented the Nurburgring for private Mustang GTD testing session.</li>
<li>A YouTuber suggests one of the cars set a storming 6:41.74 lap time.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p>You didn&rsquo;t think Ford would sit back and allow Chevy and the Corvette ZR1/ZR1X twins to <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/08/the-corvette-zr1-crushed-a-mustang-that-costs-nearly-twice-as-much/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/08/the-corvette-zr1-crushed-a-mustang-that-costs-nearly-twice-as-much/">steal its thunder at the Nurburgring</a>, did you? Roughly eight months after the Corvette team laid the smackdown on the Mustang GTD as the quickest American car to lap the German circuit, Ford has returned, and it looks to have gone even faster.</p>
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<p>Earlier this week, Ford reportedly rented an evening track session at the Nurburgring, bringing with it a pair of <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/ford-mustang/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/ford-mustang/">Mustang</a> GTDs with several small but important upgrades. Both cars, one painted black and believed to be an EU-spec model, and another, painted blue and a US-spec version, were seen with aero discs on the rear wheels, aiding aerodynamics.</p>
<p><strong>Read: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/mustang-gtd-applications/" id="3395703">Good News, You Can Apply For A $325K Mustang GTD Again. Bad News, So Can Everyone Else</a></strong></p>
<p>In addition, the cars have two extra carbon fiber canards attached to the front bumper, boosting downforce over the front wheels. A clip shared to YouTube shows the duo being pushed to their absolute limits on the circuit, and if the filmer&rsquo;s stopwatch is accurate, they look to have gone a whole lot faster.</p>
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<p><strong>Porsche Killers</strong></p>
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<p>It&rsquo;s reported that the black car completed its first hot lap in just 6:42.82, almost a full 10 seconds ahead of the record it set last year at 6:52.072. During a second lap, that time was slashed to just 6:41.74. As for the blue car, it appears to have needed just 6:45.71 to complete a lap of the iconic German circuit.</p>
<p>Importantly, the laps were run over the full 20.832 km circuit, rather than the slightly shorter 20.6 km configuration, where the start and finish lines are positioned at different spots. Last year, the GTD&rsquo;s record was across the full 20.832 km circuit, so we have a like-for-like comparison. Admittedly, the start-stop line is just out of sight of where the YouTuber was filming, so he mentions that the times he recorded could be off by a second or so.</p>
<p><strong>A Hypercar Slayer?</strong></p>
<p>        <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ford-Mustang-GTD-Ring-test2.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image-block"> </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
<p>                    <img loading="lazy" class="lazy " src="" alt=" Ford Dragged An Upgraded Mustang GTD Back To The &lsquo;Ring After The Corvette Kicked Its Ass" width="2560" height="1440" data-src="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ford-Mustang-GTD-Ring-test2-1024x576.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image" /><figcaption>Photos Stateside Supercars</figcaption></figure>
<p>        </a>  </p>
<p>If the Mustang GTD did indeed lap the <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/nurburgring/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/nurburgring/">Nurburgring</a> in as little as 6:41.74, that would place it second all-time in the list of production cars, outgunning the Porsche 911 GT2 RS from Manthey with its 6:43.3 second lap, and only trailing the Mercedes-AMG One&rsquo;s 6:29.09. It&rsquo;s also comfortably ahead of the Corvette ZR1X&rsquo;s lap of 6:49.275.</p>
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<p>The presence of these prototypes at the circuit has prompted speculation that <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/ford/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/ford/">Ford</a> could be readying a slightly more aggressive version of the GTD, hence the aero upgrades. Additionally, both the blue and blue cars had gold Nurburgring stickers directly below the GTD badge on the rear fascia, so we could be looking at the &lsquo;Nurburgring Edition,&rsquo; or something similar. Or they may mean absolutely nothing&hellip;</p>
<p>        <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ford-Mustang-GTD-Liquid-Carbon-815-4.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image-block"> </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
<p>                    <img loading="lazy" class="lazy " src="" alt=" Ford Dragged An Upgraded Mustang GTD Back To The &lsquo;Ring After The Corvette Kicked Its Ass" width="2500" height="1030" data-src="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ford-Mustang-GTD-Liquid-Carbon-815-4-1024x422.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image" /><figcaption>Ford </figcaption></figure>
<p>        </a>  </p>
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		<title>A VW Group Brand Lost 96% of Its China Sales, And Now It’s Game Over</title>
		<link>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/a-vw-group-brand-lost-96-of-its-china-sales-and-now-its-game-over/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:28:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://vindicoraz.com/?p=386</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Skoda&#8217;s China sales peaked at 341,000 units back in 2018. The brand sold just 15,000 vehicles in the country last &#8230; <a href="https://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/a-vw-group-brand-lost-96-of-its-china-sales-and-now-its-game-over/" class="more-link"><span class="more-button">Continue Reading<span class="screen-reader-text">A VW Group Brand Lost 96% of Its China Sales, And Now It’s Game Over</span></span></a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="1024" height="576" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px" loading="lazy" data-src="https://vindicoraz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Der_neue_Skoda_Elroq_133323-copy-2-1024x576-1.jpg"></div>
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<li>Skoda&rsquo;s China sales peaked at 341,000 units back in 2018.</li>
<li>The brand sold just 15,000 vehicles in the country last year.</li>
<li>Future growth will focus on India and Southeast Asian markets.</li>
</ul>
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<p>The Chinese car market has changed dramatically since the Covid-19 pandemic, driven largely by a surge in homegrown brands and a decisive shift in buyer preferences toward EVs and hybrids. Few stories illustrate the country&rsquo;s changing automotive appetite more clearly than Skoda&rsquo;s, which <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/vw/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/vw/">VW</a> has announced will completely withdraw from China by the middle of this year.</p>
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<p>Not too long ago, China was the single largest market for <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/skoda/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/skoda/">Skoda</a> vehicles worldwide. In fact, roughly one in every four vehicles produced by Skoda was sold in the country. Sales skyrocketed in the years before the pandemic, hitting 325,000 units in 2017 and surging further to 341,000 vehicles in 2018.</p>
<p><strong>Read: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/07/vw-shuts-down-important-chinese-factory/" id="3247769">VW Shuttered Its First Major Plant In China After 17 Years</a></strong></p>
<p>Skoda was so confident of its positioning in <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/china/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/china/">China</a> that it planned to double deliveries to 600,000 vehicles per year by 2020. Things have changed dramatically since then. In 2020, <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/sales/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/sales/">Skoda&rsquo;s sales</a> plummeted from 282,000 in 2019 to just 173,000, largely due to the pandemic and extended lockdowns across China.</p>
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<p><strong>A Downward Spiral</strong></p>
<p>        <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2020-Skoda-Rapid-Spaceback-and-Sedan-China-spec-0.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image-block"> </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
<p>                    <img loading="lazy" class="lazy " src="" alt=" A VW Group Brand Lost 96% of Its China Sales, And Now It&rsquo;s Game Over" width="1920" height="1040" data-src="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2020-Skoda-Rapid-Spaceback-and-Sedan-China-spec-0-1024x555.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image" /></p>
</figure>
<p>        </a>  </p>
<p>Unfortunately for Skoda, it never recovered. Sales declined to 71,200 in 2021, dropped to 44,600 in 2022, fell to roughly 22,800 in 2023, and continued sliding in 2024 with just 17,500 units recorded. Last year, the brand sold just 15,000 cars in China.</p>
<p>Citing this sustained decline, VW says it will completely abandon the Chinese market in the coming months, though it insists after-sales services for existing customers will continue. The retreat comes despite Skoda having launched the Elroq electric SUV and <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/02/skoda-epiq-ev-smallest-affordable/">having worked on the upcoming Epiq</a> and <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/02/skoda-peaq-electric-suv/">Peaq models, both of whic</a>h have the potential to rival some of China&rsquo;s homegrown EVs. Evidently, the VW Group no longer considers it worth competing with Chinese brands on their home turf.</p>
<p>According to Skoda, its abandonment of the Chinese market will allow it to <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/01/skoda-kushaq-facelift-massage-seats/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/01/skoda-kushaq-facelift-massage-seats/">shift focus to India</a> and Southeast Asia where sales are proving strong. Last year, Skoda sold 70,600 vehicles in India, a 96.1 percent increase from the 36,000 units it shifted in 2024.</p>
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<p>        <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2020-Skoda-Kamiq-GT-China-spec-29.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image-block"> </p>
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<p>                    <img loading="lazy" class="lazy " src="" alt=" A VW Group Brand Lost 96% of Its China Sales, And Now It&rsquo;s Game Over" width="1920" height="1280" data-src="https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2020-Skoda-Kamiq-GT-China-spec-29-1024x683.jpg" data-type="inarticle-image" /></p>
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<p>        </a>  </p>
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		<title>The Mercedes SL Is Getting A Facelift, And The Headlights Are The Least Interesting Part</title>
		<link>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/the-mercedes-sl-is-getting-a-facelift-and-the-headlights-are-the-least-interesting-part/</link>
					<comments>http://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/the-mercedes-sl-is-getting-a-facelift-and-the-headlights-are-the-least-interesting-part/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:42:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[New spy shots reveal the SL getting sharper LED headlights in its next update. Cabin updates are expected, including a &#8230; <a href="https://vindicoraz.com/index.php/2026/03/26/the-mercedes-sl-is-getting-a-facelift-and-the-headlights-are-the-least-interesting-part/" class="more-link"><span class="more-button">Continue Reading<span class="screen-reader-text">The Mercedes SL Is Getting A Facelift, And The Headlights Are The Least Interesting Part</span></span></a>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="1024" height="576" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px" loading="lazy" data-src="https://vindicoraz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MB-AMG-SL-FL-17-copy-1024x576-1.jpg"></div>
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<li>New spy shots reveal the SL getting sharper LED headlights in its next update.</li>
<li>Cabin updates are expected, including a redesigned steering wheel and controls.</li>
<li>Refresh is set to touch every variant, from AMG models to the ultra-luxe Maybach.</li>
</ul>
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<p>It seems German brands are in the middle of a relentless facelift cycle, with updates arriving at a steady pace across their lineups. BMW is deep into a design transformation, and Mercedes-Benz is keeping up with a slew of refreshed models, including the SL roadster seen in this latest batch of spy shots.</p>
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<p><strong>Read: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/01/the-stars-come-out-for-the-facelifted-mercedes-sl/" id="3357347">Mercedes Found A New Way To Make The Facelifted SL Stand Out</a></strong></p>
<p>We&rsquo;d argue the current SL is one of the better-looking cars Mercedes builds today, and it hardly feels overdue for a refresh. Still, four years have passed since its debut, which makes an update understandable. As these images of both AMG and Maybach-branded prototypes suggest, the changes will be subtle, albeit noticeable.</p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">SH Proshots</h4>
<p>Visible at the front of both testers are redesigned headlights that now feature Mercedes&rsquo; increasingly unavoidable star-shaped elements, doubling as turn signals and daytime running lights. The camouflage does a decent job of masking the finer details, but don&rsquo;t expect a radical departure, as the overall shape will likely stay close to the current SL.</p>
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<p>At the rear of <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/mercedes-amg/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/mercedes-amg/">the AMG version</a>, the familiar quad exhaust setup carries over unchanged, looking nearly identical to the existing model. The taillights retain their shape as well, although the LED signature appears to have been slightly revised. </p>
<p><strong>What About The Cabin?</strong></p>
<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">SH Proshots</h4>
<p>Our spy photographers have yet to capture any <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2025/11/2027-mercedes-amg-sl-thinks-more-grille-is-the-answer/">images of the updated SL&rsquo;s interior</a>, though the car is expected to debut with a subtly revised steering wheel.</p>
<p>Beyond that, additional cabin updates could be in store, potentially including a version of the <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/01/mercedes-benz-s-class-2027-facelift/">MBUX Hyperscreen seen in the facelifted S-Class</a>. To our eyes, this may be a bit of a downgrade from the SL&rsquo;s current cabin, but big screens are having a thing at the moment.</p>
<p><strong>New V8 Power</strong></p>
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<p>The extent of the powertrain changes also remains to be seen. However, there&rsquo;s a strong likelihood that all V8-powered variants, <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/mercedes-sl/" id="https://www.carscoops.com/tag/mercedes-sl/">including the SL 63</a>, will transition to the new M177 Evo, a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine that recently debuted in the S-Class. It features a flat-plane crank and meets the latest Euro 7 emissions standards.</p>
<p>In standard mild-hybrid guise, this engine delivers 530 hp and 533 lb-ft (723 Nm) of torque, and those figures will likely grow for the SL 63. The outgoing model delivers 577 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm), while the flagship hybrid SL 63 E Performance ups these figures to 805 hp and 1,047 lb-ft (1,419 Nm).</p>
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<section class="type:slideshow"><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /><img loading="lazy" class="lazy " data-src="" width="150" height="150" alt="" src="" data-type="inarticle-image" /></section>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">SH Proshots</h4>
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