MikesCarInfo Daily Car News
Friday, May 29, 2026
New Car Launches & Reveals
Ferrari Luce: Brand's First EV Revealed
Ferrari unveiled the Luce in Rome - a four-door, five-seat EV with four motors, 1,000+ hp, 0-60 in ~2.5 sec, and a 192 mph top speed. Priced at $640,000, deliveries begin Q4 2026. Ferrari stock dropped 8% the day after the launch.
Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI Debuted
VW pulled the wraps off the first-ever electric GTI on May 15. After 50 years of gas GTIs, the hot-hatch badge officially crosses into EV territory.
2026 Nissan Pathfinder First Drive
Refreshed styling, a new widescreen infotainment system, and a $37,500 starting price. Reviewers call it competent and practical but not the leap forward fans were waiting for.
2026 Subaru Outback Goes Full SUV
The redesigned Outback raises the roof, flattens the top, and squares off the nose - officially leaving the wagon segment behind and joining the crossover SUV class.
2026 Subaru Trailseeker Launched
375 hp standard AWD - the quickest Subaru ever sold. Reviewers say it's spacious and refined but the personality is a bit bland.
Stellantis FaSTLAne 2030 Plan: 60+ New Models
Stellantis announced its €60 billion FaSTLAne 2030 plan, including full-size extended-range (EREV) SUVs and pickups. First EREV model enters production in 2026.
New Car Technology
Tesla Model Y Passes New NHTSA ADAS Benchmark
First vehicle to pass NHTSA's new advanced driver assistance test suite covering pedestrian AEB, lane-keeping, blind-spot warning, and blind-spot intervention. Applies to Model Ys built on or after Nov. 12, 2025.
Donut Lab 5-Minute Solid-State Battery
400 Wh/kg solid-state pack capable of full charge in 5 minutes. First road use this year via Verge electric motorcycles, with EV applications expected to follow soon after.
CATL Naxtra Sodium-Ion Goes Into Cars
CATL is now mass-producing sodium-ion EV batteries on its new Naxtra platform - cheaper materials and better cold-weather performance, with first vehicle applications launching this year.
Audi 2026 ADAS Upgrades
The 2026 A5, A6, Q5, and Q6 add on-board dash cams, AI parking aid, and enhanced Level 2 autonomy.
Rivian Pushing to "Eyes-Off" Driving
Rivian and several OEMs are targeting hands-free, eyes-off highway driving in 2026 within defined operational zones - the next big step beyond Level 2.
Industry & Pricing
Average New Car Price: $49,714 (Up 1.4% YoY)
EVs are trending DOWN 3-8% while gas vehicles are trending UP 2-4%. Tariffs are the main reason traditional models keep climbing.
$2.3 Billion Tariff Refund to Detroit Three
Ford, GM, and Stellantis will get $2.3B in tariff refunds after the 2025 import tariffs were ruled unconstitutional. Tariffs have still cost the industry $35.4 billion since 2025 - Toyota alone is eating $9.1 billion.
Ford On Pace to Break Its Own Recall Record
34 recalls so far in 2026 covering nearly 10 million vehicles. The largest: 4.3 million trucks/SUVs with a software bug affecting trailer brakes and exterior lights.
Hyundai Recall: 2025-2026 Santa Cruz & Tucson
Includes hybrid and PHEV variants of the Tucson. Owners should check VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Lease Deals Getting Better in May
Lease prices dropped up to $186/month this month. 2026 Ford Bronco lease down $29/month to $552. EV lease deals remain strong despite the federal EV tax credit ending last fall.
Key Takeaways
1.If you're cross-shopping EV vs. gas, the price gap is narrowing fast - EVs are dropping while gas models rise on tariff pressure. The math is shifting in real time.
2.The Tesla Model Y is now the only vehicle to pass NHTSA's tougher new ADAS benchmark - a real, measurable data point for buyers who care about driver-assist quality.
3.Check the recall list before you buy. Ford and Hyundai both have active campaigns covering popular 2025-2026 models - get the VIN run before you sign.
Comments
Post a Comment