MIKESCARINFO DAILY CAR NEWS Tuesday, April 7, 2026
MikesCarInfo Daily Car News
New Car Launches & Reveals
GM Green Lights Chevy Camaro Replacement
GM has officially approved a successor to the Camaro on the rear-drive Alpha 2 platform. Production is slated for late 2027 at Lansing Grand River, with sales expected as a 2028 model.
Source: GM Authority →New York Auto Show Delivers Major Reveals
The 2026 NYIAS brought the redesigned 2027 VW Atlas, the affordable 2027 Kia EV3, the all-electric 2027 Subaru Getaway and Toyota Highlander EV, a refreshed 2027 Chrysler Pacifica, and Hyundai's body-on-frame Boulder SUV concept targeting the Bronco and Wrangler.
Source: Automotive News →Porsche 911 Premiere Set for April 14
Porsche will reveal the new-generation 911 in an online event next week. Updated performance specs and technology details are expected.
Source: SpeedMe →2026 Lexus ES Pricing: EV Is the Cheapest Option
The redesigned eighth-gen Lexus ES goes on sale this month. The EV starts at $48,795 — actually undercutting the hybrid model at $50,995.
Source: Kelley Blue Book →Pricing & Value
Cars.com Announces 2026 Best Value New Cars
Released today, the awards cover eight segments. Winners include the Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE (Best Value EV), Palisade SE (Midsize SUV), Nissan Kicks S (Subcompact SUV), Honda CR-V LX (Compact SUV), and Mazda3 2.5 S (Compact Car).
Source: Cars.com →Average New Car Price Hits $49,714
New car prices are up $709 (1.4%) year over year. A Cars.com survey found three-quarters of in-market shoppers are tightening budgets on major purchases.
Source: CarEdge →New Car Technology
Sodium-Ion EV Batteries Hit the Road
CATL and Changan launched the first mass-produced EV with a sodium-ion battery, capable of a full recharge in about 11 minutes. The tech promises better cold-weather performance and lower costs than lithium.
Source: Electrek →Solid-State Batteries Approaching Production
Changan's "Golden Bell" all-solid-state battery hits 400 Wh/kg and over 930 miles of range. Mass production of lithium metal batteries exceeding 620 miles of range is expected by late 2026.
Source: Electrek →Eyes-Off Highway Driving Expanding in 2026
Rivian and other OEMs are rolling out Level 2+ systems allowing drivers to temporarily look away on certain highways. Mobileye's EyeQ6H-based Surround ADAS is entering mass-market vehicles this year.
Source: BodyShop Business →Waymo Expanding to Atlanta, Miami, and DC
Waymo One now handles over 250,000 paid rides per week across four cities and will expand to Atlanta, Miami, and Washington DC later this year.
Source: Sam & Ash Law →Industry Developments
Tariffs Now Adding $30 Billion in Automaker Costs
The 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and parts have driven a 10.4% increase in average MSRP. Imported vehicles are seeing $5,000–$8,900 in added costs per unit, while domestics are up $1,600–$2,000.
Source: Digital Dealer →Automakers Responding with Price Hikes
Audi raised prices $800–$4,100 across its 2026 lineup (adding 3 years free maintenance). VW is up 1.9%–6.5%. Ferrari bumped prices 10% on vehicles imported after April 2.
Source: Edmunds →Q1 2026 Recalls Hit Multi-Year High
11.6 million vehicles were recalled in Q1 2026 — the highest quarterly total in recent years. A single Ford electrical system recall covered 4.3 million units. Toyota has recalled over 1 million vehicles so far this year.
Source: PR Newswire →Key Takeaways
- The Camaro is coming back. GM's approval of the Alpha 2-based replacement signals a serious commitment to keeping a performance coupe in the lineup. Watch for 2028 model details.
- Tariff-driven price hikes are here. If you're shopping for an import, expect sticker shock. Domestic models are seeing smaller increases but they're still climbing. The Cars.com Best Value list is a solid starting point for finding deals in this market.
- Battery tech is moving fast. Sodium-ion and solid-state batteries are no longer lab experiments — they're going into production vehicles this year and next, promising faster charging, longer range, and lower costs.
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