MIKESCARINFO DAILY CAR NEWS Saturday, May 2, 2026
MIKESCARINFO DAILY CAR NEWS
New Car Launches & Reveals
Ferrari Luce EV World Premiere This Month
Ferrari's first fully electric car gets its global reveal in May 2026, with pricing tentatively set at roughly 550,000 euros (about $643,000 USD), give or take 10 percent at launch. Powertrain and range specs land with the reveal.
2026 Mazda CX-5 First Drives Are Positive
The redesigned CX-5 has matured significantly in design, practicality, and safety. Reviewers say Mazda kept what was working and meaningfully improved the rest, making this a strong compact SUV pick for 2026.
2026 Audi A6 Enters Its Ninth Generation
All-new exterior and interior styling, updated drivetrain options, more performance, and refreshed tech. Pricing has climbed in line with Audi's broader 2026 increases announced last month.
2026 Subaru Uncharted EV Reviewed
The new Subaru Uncharted is essentially a Subaru-flavored twin of the Toyota C-HR EV. First drives suggest the front-drive version is the smarter buy; AWD adds cost without much real-world benefit.
BMW M440i Convertible U.S. Pricing Due
BMW is finalizing U.S. pricing for the refreshed M440i convertible this month. Expect modest increases over 2025, in line with the broader 4 Series lineup.
New Car Technology
CATL Unveils 6-Minute Charge, 1,500-km Range Battery
CATL's 3rd-generation Shenxing battery delivers a claimed 1,500 km of range and a 10 to 98 percent charge in just over six minutes. The pack is already heading into production for multiple global OEMs.
Solid-State Batteries Cross the Production Line
Greater Bay Technology's first A-sample all-solid-state cells have begun production, with GWh-scale mass production targeted within 2026. Separately, Donut Lab unveiled an EV cell that recharges in five minutes and retains 99 percent capacity after 100,000 cycles.
Rivian Universal Hands-Free Expands to 3.5 Million Miles
Rivian's hands-free system now covers 3.5 million miles of North American roadway. A paid Autonomy Plus subscription and new in-house silicon launch alongside it in early 2026.
BMW and Mercedes Pause Level 3 "Eyes-Off" Rollout
Both automakers are slowing their Level 3 expansion, citing high system cost and weak consumer demand. Hands-on Level 2+ remains the practical near-term ceiling for most buyers.
Industry & Pricing
Supreme Court Strikes Down Many Tariffs, $20B Refund
The Supreme Court ruled the White House lacked authority for many of its broad tariffs. CBP began processing $20 billion in refund applications April 20. Important caveat: the auto-specific tariffs on new vehicles remain intact.
Subaru Raises U.S. Prices May 19
Effective May 19, Subaru's U.S. lineup gets MSRP increases of $750 to $2,055 depending on model and trim. Audi has already pushed 2026 prices up between $800 and $4,100 across most of its U.S. lineup.
Major Recalls This Week
Honda is recalling 440,800 Odyssey minivans for unexpected airbag deployment. Ford has two new recalls totaling more than 319,000 Ranger and Bronco units (seat issue plus a wiring fire risk). Jaguar Land Rover is recalling 170,000 SUVs for loss of drive power, and Volkswagen is recalling 18,800 Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback EVs over a brake issue.
Key Takeaways
- Lock your price. Subaru raises May 19, Audi has already moved, and more brands are queued up. If you're cross-shopping a 2026, get the deal in writing this week.
- The charging gap is closing fast. CATL's 6-minute charge plus solid-state cells hitting production lines mean range and refueling anxiety are on a clear timeline to fade.
- Check your VIN. Honda, Ford, Kia, VW, Ram, and JLR all issued meaningful recalls in the last few weeks. A free NHTSA VIN lookup before your next service visit is worth the two minutes.
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