Mini is adding another performance-focused special edition to its lineup. The 2027 Mini 1998 GT takes the suspension and brake hardware from the hotter John Cooper Works models but keeps the standard Cooper’s 161-hp engine. The result is a less powerful alternative to the JCW with a lower starting price of $38,225.

JCW Hardware Without the Extra Power

The 1998 GT uses the same brake and suspension setup as the Mini Cooper JCW. That should give the special edition sharper handling and stronger stopping performance, even though its engine is much less powerful.

Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 161 horsepower. Mini’s goal is to create a middle ground between the regular Cooper and the full JCW.

The 2027 Mini 1998 GT combines the Cooper’s 161-hp engine with suspension and brakes from the JCW.

The Price Is Complicated

At $38,225, the 1998 GT stays below $40,000. However, the pricing makes its position in the Mini lineup somewhat difficult.

The Cooper S costs less than $35,000 while producing 201 horsepower. Meanwhile, the JCW starts at $40,075 and delivers 228 horsepower.

That means the 1998 GT is paying a premium for its upgraded chassis rather than outright engine performance.

The Mini 1998 GT costs $38,225, positioning it between the Cooper S and John Cooper Works.

Reservations Are Open

Mini is already accepting reservations for the 1998 GT. The special edition is part of the brand’s “Icon drop” series, which will include two additional models.

The next special edition is scheduled to be revealed in October.

The 1998 GT is the latest special edition in Mini’s Icon drop series.

For the Mini 1998 GT, the appeal is clear: it brings some of the most important performance hardware from the JCW into a less powerful and slightly more affordable package. Whether buyers see that as the ideal balance will depend on how much they value handling upgrades over additional horsepower.

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Modern vehicles already have cameras covering almost every angle, and Toyota has found a potential new use for them. A recently published U.S. patent application describes a system that could identify where the driver is looking and then use exterior vehicle cameras to capture an image of whatever has caught their attention. The idea would let drivers document roadside sights without reaching for a phone while driving.

The Car Watches Where You Look

Toyota’s patent, “Systems and Methods for Capturing Driver-Relevant Road Scene Information,” describes using an interior camera to monitor the driver’s line of sight. The vehicle could then select one or more exterior cameras and capture images of the relevant scene.

The driver could start the process with a voice command or a button. The patent also describes standing instructions, such as asking the car to photograph classic cars it spots nearby.

Toyota’s patent could use an interior camera to determine where the driver is looking and exterior cameras to capture the scene.

The system could also photograph specific roadside objects, such as billboards. Images could include location information, allowing users to revisit the exact place later.

It Could Work Like Google Lens on Wheels

The technology goes beyond simply taking pictures. Toyota describes a system that could let drivers review the captured images later on a smartphone or another personal device.

The images could also be analyzed to identify objects and provide information such as their source or price. Multiple cameras could even work together to create a three-dimensional view of an object.

Multiple vehicle cameras could capture different angles of an object and potentially create a 3D representation.

Toyota also imagines the system recognizing a driver’s inferred interests. In that scenario, the vehicle could automatically capture images of objects it believes the driver might find interesting.

That could make the feature useful, but it also raises obvious questions about privacy and how much the vehicle should monitor its occupants.

The Patent Goes Beyond Photography

One of the more unusual ideas in the filing involves using information about a user’s health to make suggestions during a trip.

Toyota gives an example in which the system could recommend a walking break and analyze pedestrian activity along the route. It could then suggest places where the user might prefer to walk based on whether they want a busier or quieter environment.

Toyota’s concept could eventually combine vehicle cameras, location data, and other information to provide personalized recommendations.

For Toyota hands-free camera, the technology remains only a patent application, so there is no guarantee it will ever reach a production vehicle. Still, it shows how automakers are looking beyond traditional driver assistance and using the growing number of cameras inside and outside modern vehicles for entirely new tasks.

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The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix is bringing Formula 1 to Madring for the first time, and one corner is already standing out from the rest. La Monumental runs for more than half a kilometer and features a 24 percent banking angle. That combination creates unusual forces for the car, while the 2026 regulations add another complication through energy management. Honda and Aston Martin have spent weeks preparing for those conditions in the simulator.

Honda Is Watching the Lubrication System

Honda F1 representative Shintaro Orihara says La Monumental could be particularly demanding for the power unit. The steep banking creates both lateral and vertical G-forces, placing extra pressure on the engine’s lubrication system.

Honda therefore plans to start with a more conservative lubrication setup. The team can then reduce that margin as it gathers real-world data during the weekend.

La Monumental’s steep banking creates unusual lateral and vertical loads for the cars and power units.

Aston Martin Has Prepared for Different Grip Levels

Aston Martin has also been planning for the unknowns of a brand-new circuit. Track grip can have a major effect on how the 2026 cars recover and deploy electrical energy, so the team has studied several possible scenarios before arriving in Madrid.

Track director Mike Krack says Aston Martin and Honda have spent significant time in the simulator preparing for different levels of grip and changing conditions. That work should help the team react faster if the real track behaves differently from the forecasts.

Aston Martin and Honda have used extensive simulator work to prepare for Madring’s unpredictable conditions.

Everyone Will Start Conservatively

There is another reason for caution. Madring already produced several incidents during a Formula 3 test in August, raising questions about how aggressively F1 drivers will be able to attack the circuit from the start.

Krack expects teams to build up gradually. Drivers will first need to understand the surface, tire behavior, and car balance before pushing toward the limit.

Teams are expected to build up their pace gradually as they learn the new Madring circuit.

That makes La Monumental one of the most intriguing sections of the first Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. Its banking, heavy G-loads, mechanical demands, and impact on energy management could make it a major factor throughout the weekend. Honda and Aston Martin know that the fastest approach may not be the most aggressive one at first. Understanding the corner will come before trying to exploit every last bit of performance.

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Audi is giving drivers more control over the look of their car’s cabin with an expanded Audi Themes experience. The system lets owners customize compatible infotainment displays and, on equipped vehicles, coordinate the interior lighting with the selected design. The biggest addition is Personal Themes, which allows eligible customers to turn their own photos into digital themes.

Turn Your Photos Into a Car Theme

Personal Themes are created directly through the myAudi app. Owners can use photos of family members, pets, vacations, or even favorite Audi models and turn them into customized backgrounds.

Users can keep up to three Personal Themes at a time. The themes are connected to the customer’s myAudi account and can be used across compatible vehicles.

Audi’s new Personal Themes feature lets drivers create custom infotainment designs using their own photos.

The feature requires an active myAudi account and Audi Themes access. If a user logs out of the account or no longer has access, the Personal Themes are removed from the vehicle.

Audi Has More Than 340 Designs

The customization options go beyond personal photos.

Audi first introduced Themes in the U.S. in December 2023. Since then, its library has grown from fewer than 50 designs to more than 340 curated experiences.

The catalog includes landscapes, travel imagery, abstract artwork, seasonal designs, and special-event themes.

Audi’s Themes catalog includes more than 340 professionally designed experiences.

Audi has also changed how customers access the catalog. Instead of only purchasing individual themes, eligible owners can subscribe to the full library through the myAudi Marketplace. Existing customers who already purchased individual themes can continue using them without an annual subscription.

How Much Does Audi Themes Cost?

Audi Themes is strictly a personalization feature. It does not change vehicle performance, safety systems, driving characteristics, or core infotainment functions.

The company is offering a seven-day trial for $1, plus applicable taxes, on compatible 2023 and newer vehicles. After the trial, access costs $39.99 per year, or about $3.33 per month.

Audi Themes combines digital backgrounds with coordinated interior lighting on compatible vehicles.

For Audi Themes, the latest update pushes in-car personalization closer to the experience consumers already expect from their phones and other digital devices. Drivers can choose a professionally designed look or create something personal, making the vehicle’s digital cabin feel more closely tied to its owner.

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Oscar Piastri’s first Formula 1 experience at Madring has been tougher than expected. The McLaren driver finished seventh in FP2, more than half a second behind Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli. While Piastri enjoyed the new Madrid circuit when he managed to complete a clean lap, the long runs exposed a much bigger problem. Tire management, and especially graining, quickly became a major concern.

McLaren Struggles With Long-Run Pace

Piastri admitted that McLaren was lacking pace on Friday, even though he hopes the team can make progress before qualifying. Mercedes topped both sessions, while Ferrari also showed strong pace with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

McLaren’s Friday was made more difficult by Lando Norris, who missed almost all of FP2 after a problem forced the team to change his gearbox. That left Piastri with most of the running needed to assess the MCL40.

Oscar Piastri finished seventh in FP2 as McLaren struggled to match Mercedes and Ferrari at Madring.

Learning Madring Is No Easy Task

The new Madrid circuit has challenged the drivers from the very first laps. Piastri said learning the layout was more difficult than at some other new venues because several corners require drivers to turn toward the barriers before quickly changing direction.

The tight walls also leave little room for mistakes. Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad became the first F1 driver to crash at Madring when he hit the wall at Turn 13 and brought out the first red flag at the circuit.

The tight walls and technical layout of Madring have made the new circuit difficult for drivers to learn.

Piastri still sees plenty to enjoy when everything comes together. He said the track becomes genuinely fun once a driver finds a strong rhythm over a complete lap.

“A Nightmare” on Race Runs

The biggest issue appeared during the longer runs.

Piastri described managing the tires through graining as “a nightmare”, with the problem appearing across several of Madring’s corners. He also believes McLaren is suffering more from the issue than some of its rivals.

The Australian expects the track to improve as more rubber builds up on the surface, but he admitted there are only a limited number of setup changes McLaren can make to fix the problem.

Severe tire graining has made McLaren’s long-run performance one of the biggest question marks at Madring.

That leaves the team with plenty of work overnight. Mercedes and Ferrari currently appear to have the advantage, while McLaren needs to determine how much of its Friday deficit comes from the car and how much can disappear as the new track evolves.

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Mercedes arrived in Madrid with the same strong form it showed in Monza. George Russell led FP1, while teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished FP2 fastest. But after the first day at the new Madring circuit, Russell identified another major concern: tire degradation. The Mercedes driver said the degradation seen in the morning session was so severe that a six-stop strategy could have been the fastest way to complete the race.

Tire Degradation Could Shape the Race

Russell said the situation improved during FP2 as more rubber went down on the track. He expects that process to continue throughout the weekend, especially because newly laid asphalt can initially provide plenty of grip while also causing aggressive sliding.

The tire behavior remains one of the biggest unknowns ahead of Sunday’s race. A major change in degradation levels could completely alter the teams’ strategies and create more opportunities for overtaking.

George Russell says tire degradation could become a major strategic factor during the first Formula 1 race at Madring.

Mercedes Still Looks Like the Team to Beat

Russell set the pace in FP1 with a 1:34.077, beating Antonelli by 0.286 seconds. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton followed in third and fourth.

Antonelli then took over at the top in FP2 with a 1:33.662. Russell finished fifth after failing to complete a clean lap on the new soft tires. Even so, Mercedes remained firmly in the fight for pole position.

Ferrari also looked competitive, while Max Verstappen finished sixth and Oscar Piastri seventh. McLaren suffered a setback when a gearbox issue kept Lando Norris out for much of FP2.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time in FP2 as Mercedes continued to lead the early running in Madrid.

Madring Is Already Proving Risky

Russell also expects drivers to face a significant challenge from the circuit itself. Madring has several sections where the barriers sit close to the track, leaving little room for mistakes.

The first sessions were relatively clean, but the FP2 session produced the circuit’s first major accident when Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad hit the barriers at Turn 13.

Russell believes drivers are still leaving a small safety margin. That margin should disappear during qualifying, when lap time becomes critical.

Arvid Lindblad’s FP2 crash at Turn 13 produced the first major red flag at the new Madring circuit.

Overtaking could also prove difficult. Russell expects the situation to improve only if tire degradation remains high enough to create performance differences between cars.

That could become one of the defining features of the weekend. The worse the tires survive, the more opportunities there may be for the race to become unpredictable. After Mercedes topped both Friday sessions, the real question is whether its pace can survive the changing track conditions and tire demands.

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The Bovensiepen Spider is giving the BMW Z4 one more shot at relevance. With BMW having ended Z4 production earlier this year, the two-seat luxury roadster is disappearing from the U.S. market. Bovensiepen, however, is keeping the formula alive with a heavily upgraded version of the Z4 M40i. Only 99 examples will be built, each receiving a more aggressive design, upgraded suspension, additional power, and a far more luxurious cabin.

More Power From the Z4’s Inline-Six

Under the hood remains BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, but Bovensiepen has increased output to 429 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque. That’s 47 more horsepower and 58 more lb-ft than the standard Z4 M40i. The engine receives a revised intake, a new ram-air channel, and a unique exhaust system. Power still reaches the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, while a manual gearbox is not available.

The Bovensiepen Spider keeps BMW’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six but increases output to 429 horsepower.

The Spider can reach 62 mph in a claimed 4.2 seconds. A Performance package adds an improved differential cover for cooling, additional underbody reinforcement, and a higher 183-mph top speed. Bovensiepen has also installed revised dampers and longer rear auxiliary springs to sharpen the roadster’s responses.

A More Aggressive Z4

The visual changes are subtle but purposeful. A new front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, larger rear spoiler, and redesigned front-fender vents separate the Spider from the standard Z4. The car also gets bespoke 20-inch ten-spoke wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

New aerodynamic parts, 20-inch wheels, and redesigned fender details give the Spider a more distinctive appearance.

The braking system can also be upgraded with four-piston front calipers and 15.6-inch perforated discs. Together with the suspension changes, the additions give the Spider a stronger performance focus without abandoning the roadster’s grand-touring character.

Luxury Inside, Exclusivity Everywhere

The cabin receives Vernasca leather and Alcantara, while the heated steering wheel is wrapped in Lavalina leather. Buyers can also specify additional leather throughout the dashboard and Alcantara for areas such as the A-pillars, wind deflector, and roll bars.

The Spider’s cabin combines premium leather, Alcantara, and bespoke Bovensiepen finishes.

The Bovensiepen Spider starts at €115,500, or roughly $134,000 at current exchange rates. That’s about $64,000 more than the 2026 BMW Z4 M40i, but exclusivity is a major part of the package. With only 99 cars planned, the Spider effectively becomes a final, highly specialized interpretation of BMW’s outgoing two-seat roadster.

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A Major Manufacturing Investment

The new paint shop will introduce upgraded technology designed to improve production efficiency while maintaining high-quality finishes. Ford says the investment reinforces its commitment to Kentucky, where the company has a major manufacturing footprint and a substantial network of suppliers and dealers.

Ford estimates that its operations contribute more than $33 billion in economic impact to Kentucky. The automaker also says its activities support nearly 120,000 jobs across the state.

Ford is investing $1 billion to modernize the Kentucky Truck Plant and improve production efficiency.

Louisville Is Also Undergoing a Transformation

The Kentucky investment comes alongside a separate $2 billion overhaul of Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant. That facility is being transformed to produce the upcoming Fathom electric truck.

Ford previously upgraded Louisville’s paint shop in 2012 and later invested another $600 million to make the plant more flexible and modern.

The company is now continuing that modernization effort as it reshapes its American manufacturing strategy.

Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant is also undergoing a major transformation to prepare for future vehicle production.

Why the Investment Matters

Ford is expanding and modernizing its U.S. production base at a time when manufacturing costs, tariffs, supply chains, and technology sourcing are creating new challenges for automakers.

The company’s Super Duty production plans also involve its Oakville Assembly Complex in Canada, adding another layer of complexity as North American trade policies evolve.

Ford is expanding its manufacturing capabilities as it prepares for changing demand and a more complex North American production landscape.

For Ford Kentucky Truck Plant, the $1 billion investment represents a major vote of confidence in the facility and its role in producing the company’s high-revenue trucks and SUVs. It also shows how Ford is continuing to invest in American manufacturing while reshaping its broader production network.

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The used car prices market is finally showing signs of cooling in the United States. According to the latest Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, wholesale used-vehicle values were nearly flat in August, rising just 0.4% from a year earlier. The seasonally adjusted average price reached $19,042, only $68 higher than in August 2025. At the same time, Cox Automotive says more budget-conscious shoppers are looking beyond newer used vehicles and considering cars that are nine or even 10 years old.

Older Cars Are Attracting Budget-Minded Buyers

The shift toward older vehicles highlights how strongly affordability is influencing the used-car market. Jeremy Robb, chief economist at Cox Automotive, says shoppers are increasingly looking for lower-cost transportation as they compare the price of used vehicles with expensive new models.

Budget-conscious U.S. shoppers are increasingly considering older used vehicles as prices remain elevated.

The overall Manheim index reached 208.2 in August. While that is only slightly higher than last year, the market is moving in different directions depending on the powertrain. That difference is especially noticeable when comparing electric vehicles with gasoline-powered cars.

Used EV Values Are Still Rising

Electric vehicles remain the strongest performers in the wholesale market. Cox Automotive’s separate EV index rose 4.5% year over year in August, reaching 201.8. By comparison, the non-EV index fell 0.9% to 148.4.

The gain is smaller than earlier in the year. In June, the EV index was up 12% from a year earlier. Even so, used EV values have continued to show relative strength despite declining over the past two months.

Used EV values increased 4.5% year over year in August, outperforming non-EV vehicles.

Higher gasoline prices and the end of the federal $7,500 new-EV tax credit may be helping support demand for used electric vehicles. Buyers who find new EVs too expensive may instead look at used models as a way to enter the market at a lower price.

A Wave of Off-Lease EVs Is Coming

The bigger question is what happens when more leased EVs return to the used market. Cox Automotive estimates that about 301,000 EV leases will mature in 2026, nearly three times the number recorded in 2025.

That number is expected to rise sharply in 2027. Total lease maturities could reach 3.1 million next year, including an estimated 588,688 off-lease EVs. That influx could create much more inventory and put pressure on used EV prices.

Nearly 589,000 EVs are expected to return from leases in 2027, creating a much larger supply of used electric vehicles.

For buyers, the used-car market is becoming increasingly divided. Older gasoline vehicles are attracting shoppers who prioritize affordability, while used EVs are still holding their value better than non-EVs. The next major test will come in 2027, when the growing supply of off-lease electric vehicles could determine whether today’s strong EV values can continue.

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Ram is bringing its compact commercial van back to the U.S. for 2027. The 2027 Ram ProMaster City will arrive in the first quarter of next year with both cargo and passenger configurations. Pricing starts at $39,995, including the $2,595 destination charge, making the entry-level model one of the more affordable options in Ram’s commercial lineup.

Two Trims and 11 Configurations

The ProMaster City will be offered in Tradesman and SLT trims. Buyers can choose from six window and panel combinations, along with either a liftgate or rear doors. The entry-level Tradesman Cargo starts below $40,000, while the Tradesman Passenger Wagon costs $42,695.

Standard equipment includes a 10.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital rearview mirror, heated front seats, and one-touch windows. The SLT adds wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, 17-inch wheels, and fog lamps.

The 2027 Ram ProMaster City returns with cargo and passenger versions in a wide range of configurations.

Practical Power for Work

The ProMaster City uses Stellantis’ K0 global commercial van platform, shared with European models such as the Citroën Dispatch and Opel Vivaro. Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 166 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.

Ram is emphasizing the van’s compact dimensions. At just 77 inches tall, the ProMaster City is designed to fit into most parking garages. The automaker is also targeting 2,000 pounds of towing capacity and more than 2,000 pounds of payload.

The ProMaster City uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 166 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.

Passenger and Cargo Flexibility

The SLT Cargo starts at $41,495, while the passenger version costs $44,195. The passenger model can be configured to carry either five or eight people, giving businesses and families more flexibility.

With its compact footprint, multiple configurations, and work-focused capability, the ProMaster City is positioned as a practical alternative for buyers who need more utility than a traditional SUV but don’t want a full-size commercial van.

The ProMaster City can be configured as a cargo van or as a five- or eight-passenger wagon.

The 2027 Ram ProMaster City goes on sale in the first quarter of 2027, bringing back a small commercial van with a sub-$40,000 starting price and a clear emphasis on versatility and everyday practicality.

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