Ian Wright
California
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Articles by Ian Wright
America Misses Out On Range Rover EV's Less Expensive Version
The current Range Rover lineup should suit many lifestyles and activities with powertrains including an inline-six engine, two V8 options, a plug-in hybrid, and an all-electric variant. The Range Rover EV is pretty potent as a dual-electric motor setup with 542 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, and still manages a respectable 333 miles of estimated range. The Range Rover is a luxury vehicle, and an excess of smooth power is the key to luxury.
Flock Flouts The Rules With Unauthorized Cameras In Minnesota
According to Flock's CEO, Garrett Langley, the backlash against its privately-owned mass surveillance system spreading across American roads and communities isn't real. In a leaked audio from a private police conference, Langley made wild, unsubstantiated claims about where the backlash is coming from. However, the backlash is very real and still growing, along with extensive media and public scrutiny over instances of police abuse, false arrests, and the opening of its system to government use.
Ford Is Pulling Out All The Stops To Make Its Next-Gen F-150 Unstoppable
Ford has an image issue right now, mainly due to its terrible recall record over the past couple of years. In 2025, Ford launched 153 recall campaigns in the US, affecting almost 13 million vehicles and setting an industry record. Yet, it seems like a regular occurrence for a new Ford recall to be reported. In the past few days, the Ford F-150 had three recalls issued for issues including the tailgate, speedometer, and tachometer. Even Ford's Godzilla engine is having a nightmare right now.
Ford Is Pulling Out All The Stops To Make Its Next-Gen F-150 Unstoppable
Autos 1 day ago Not Ford, Not Chevy: This Is The Longest-Lasting American Car Brand, As Per iSeeCars slashgear.com - Caroline Anschutz • 1d For many, cars are status symbols. A brand new BMW, Audi, or Porsche in the driveway is an undeniable sign of success, to say nothing of a new … Credit Unions 5 days ago Man Buys 2026 Ford Truck.
US Military Base In Japan Bans Certain Chinese Cars From Entering
We live in bizarre times, and this story coming out of Asian media perfectly highlights that. We've reached the point where cars are suspected of, and fully capable of, being used as en-masse spying tools by government entities. BYD is a Chinese automaker that has expanded across the globe. However, it has also made it onto the Pentagon's list of companies it considers tied to the Chinese military.
Porsche's Plan For Success Includes 15 Special One-Off Cars, And One Costs $15 Million
It's no secret that Porsche used to be one of the world’s most profitable automakers, but now it's struggling to break even. The recent numbers aren't good, with global sales through the third quarter falling 16 percent to 178,532, and a decline of 14 percent in the US. But rather than heading in the direction of producing attainable enthusiast-based performance cars like it did at the peak of its power, Porsche is heading in a much different direction.
BMW's Best-Selling Compact Luxury SUV Officially Gets More Power For 2027
The BMW X3 sells by the bucket load, striking the perfect balance of size and practicality for most buyers. Like the 3 Series, the X3 is far from underpowered when you go up the trim levels, with the X3 M50 xDrive's 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline-six making 393 hp. Except, it's getting an upgrade as of December 2026 along with interior enhancements and a Black Package option.
Build Cars In America? Porsche Won't Follow Audi's Lead, And Here's Why
Porsche has been having a rough time lately trying to make a meaningful profit. But, it has a long-term plan, and managed to increase its profit in the third quarter of this year despite a decline in sales. The US market is of huge importance to Porsche, but despite the expense of importing cars from Germany before the 15 percent tariff imposed on car imports by President Trump last year, Porsche has entirely ruled out building cars here.
Patent Reveals Details Of Hyundai Pickup Truck's Dual-Action Power Tailgate
Hyundai likes going toe-to-toe with Toyota, and the next battleground for these automotive giants will be the midsize truck segment. Hyundai has officially confirmed it's building a truck for America to rival the Toyota Tacoma, which will be inspired by the Boulder concept seen at this year's New York Auto Show.
TDX, LDX, Type-Trail: Acura's Lineup Expansion Just Got Specific
Acura's sales peaked in 2005 at 209,610 vehicles sold. In 2025, Honda's premium brand sold 133,433 vehicles. That's a steep line heading down on a graph, dropping it below Cadillac. However, according to Automotive News via a closed-door US dealership meeting, Acura wants to see 200,000 annual US sales by 2030. The brand wants to do that by filling "white space" in the market with new SUVs based on Honda platforms. But now, we have an idea of what might be coming through some trademark filings.
'Pure Overkill In The Best Possible Way' - 2026 Audi RS e-tron GT Test Drive
The Audi RS e-tron GT is the kind of car that can rewire a driver's expectations by bridging the gap between a tech lovers' dream, an exotic supercar, and a premium luxury sedan. There are two versions available in the US, and in regular S e-tron GT form, it cruises in quiet, cosseted comfort while drawing envious looks as it readies to unleash 670 horsepower.
Brabus's Newest Monster Is A 900-HP AMG... Pickup Truck?
Once upon a time, AMG was the independent tuner that built insane versions of Mercedes vehicles. Now that AMG is in-house, the go-to for cranking Mercedes vehicles up to insanity is Brabus. In January, the tuning house launched the Brabus 900 Rocket, a 900-horsepower monster based on the W465 series Mercedes-AMG G63. The follow-up was a convertible version of the modified G-Wagen. Now the follow-up to the follow-up is a coachbuilt pickup truck version of the G-Wagen, rocking the same 900-hp engine.
Ferrari Luce Gets A US Price Tag, And We'd Rather Have Its V12 Sibling For $100k Less
The Ferrari Luce has become the most controversial car in recent memory. On paper, it's spectacular – a five-seater sedan that uses four electric motors to make 1,035 horsepower and designed in collaboration with industrial designer Marc Newson and ex-Apple designer Jony Ive. Visually, though, there has been a lot of criticism, largely based on how it doesn't look like a Ferrari.
Bentley's 876-HP Electric SUV Is Officially Getting The First Edition Treatment
Add CarBuzz on Google Add as Preferred Source Follow on Google Discover Published Oct 23, 2026, 9:21 AM EDT Bentley's first electric vehicle is here, and arrives as a carefully curated first edition. The Bentley Torcal, an ultra-luxury compact crossover, has finally arrived and while its compact, it's Bentley's fastest and quietest vehicle yet.
Proof An Old Dog Can Learn New Tricks - 2027 BMW X5 First Drive
The BMW X5 defined a new era for the German brand as SUVs started to take control of the mainstream. BMW doesn't think 'Sports Utility Vehicle' does its vehicle's performance and athletics justice, so the marketing is that the X5 is a 'Sports Activity Vehicle'. Now, the X5 is entering its fifth generation with a significant redesign and a move to BMW's Neue Klasse platform.
The Luxury SUV A Decade In The Making - 2027 BMW iX5 First Drive
A battery-electric version of the BMW X5 has been a long time coming, but the BMW iX5 is finally here. The iX5 seeks to bring the blend of premium comfort, cutting-edge tech, and BMW's trademark driving dynamics of the X5, then push it forward with the most modern of powertrains and the German automaker's Neue Klasse styling language. The iX5 promises plentiful power and range, and we spent some time in Southern California exploring that promise.
MapQuest Is Fighting The System By Showing Flock Camera Locations To Drivers
If you've never heard of MapQuest, it was the link between the internet becoming incredibly useful for traveling, and the iPhone existing. Before Google Maps and Apple Maps appeared on smartphones (and then in cars), people would have MapQuest work out a customized route on the PC, which you then needed to print. While Google and Apple eclipsed MapQuest, it never went away.
Feds Investigating Tesla Cybercab Robotaxis For Speeding In School Zones
It took all of two days from Tesla starting a limited Robotaxi service in Texas to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reviewing online videos of a Robotaxi allegedly using the wrong lane and of speeding by another driverless vehicle.
Maserati Sale Rumors Won't Stop, Stellantis CEO Weighs In
Stellantis has 14 brands under its belt, including Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia, and Maserati in Italy, then Citreon, Peugeot, and DS Automobiles in France. At the Paris Auto Show, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa rejected the idea of separating the group’s European and US brands, saying the company’s strategy is based on each brand “playing their unique role.” However, Stellantis isn't faring well right now and some of the brands look like dead weight. Maserati is a prime example.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving Is No More In Europe After Legal Woes
While Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) is one of the most advanced driver-assistance systems on the road, it is not a full self-driving system. Tesla has been more than aware for years that calling it Full Self-Driving is problematic, it hasn't swerved until now. Now, Tesla has rebranded the driver assistance system as "Tesla Assisted Driving" across regional European websites, as it looks for EU-wide approval of the system.
GM Defense's New Driverless Military Silverado Is All Engine And Bed
GM Defense is the military product subsidiary of General Motors, and it's doing some wild things. For example, one of its current projects is the ZH2 hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric truck, based on a Chevrolet Silverado chassis. The concept is to provide a stealthy drive system that lowers the truck's noise, smell, and thermal signature dramatically while providing extreme off-road capability. Taking that concept further, however, is the Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) concept.
9-Minute EV Charging Has Reached The Mainstream, Just Not In America... Yet
At the Paris Motor Show, Chinese automaker BYD introduced its new flagship SUV, the Atto 8. The seven-seater SUV will hit the market with a range of power outputs and the option of rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive when it arrives in markets at the start of 2027. According to BYD, the spread of options will allow customers to prioritize maximum real-world combined range from the 115kWh battery or target ultimate performance.
Peugeot E-T16 Concept Makes Renault 5 Turbo 3E Revival Seem Weak
Peugeot is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the legendary Peugeot 205 T16's twin victory in the 1985 and 1986 World Rally Championships. At the same time, the French brand is introducing its new design language and trying to create what it's calling a "hyperhatch” segment. Given that the E-T16 Concept is Peugeot's most powerful car yet, if it made production, it might force a new category into the automotive lexicon.
GMC Jimmy Lookalike Is Really Japan's Coolest Tiny Off-Roader In Drag
C.L.Link is a Japanese company that specializes in custom parts for the awesome little Suzuki Jimny. Its Hiroshima main store handles complete sales, maintenance, and customization, according to customer requests. However, C.L.Link has put together a nostalgia-driven take on the Suzuki Jimny that "proposes a style reminiscent of American SUVs in the early 1990s." And, if you put real GMC badges on it, it could easily pass as a 1990s-era American SUV.
VinFast Promises To Stick Around In America Despite Absolutely Dismal Sales
When the Vietnamese VinFast brand debuted its first US market vehicle in 2023, it did not go well. This market is hard to crack for any new automaker, but putting automotive journalists in cars with sketchy build quality, electrical system glitches, and ride quality issues doesn't help. Since then, VinFast has sold very few vehicles here. However, the company isn't giving up. VinFast North America chief executive Brian Finnerty says the brand has a long-term commitment to the US.
Diesel Prices Reached $6.53 And The Trucking Industry Is Losing
In September, the price of diesel hit a record price of $6.53. This was bad news for pickup truck owners running a business, but as summer ended, it hit freight trucking companies so hard that there was a series of bankruptcies. According to FreightWaves, the cost of fuel and a rise in general operating costs forced at least 16 carriers, ranging from small owner-operators to fleets operating dozens of trucks, into bankruptcy proceedings.
Diesel Prices Reached $6.53 And The Trucking Industry Is Losing
1 hour ago Bergdorf Goodman, which has survived two bankruptcies in six years, is getting back to its white-glove origins. Bergdorf Goodman deals in high-end fashion items, like $1,500 Saint Laurent boots and $2,600 Bottega Veneta shoulder bags. At its most luxuriant edges, it sells extravagant goods like a …
Not Even An Automatic Can Stop Us Lusting After Latest Special Suzuki Jimny
In 2023, Suzuki launched the Jimny 3-Door Heritage in Australia for a 300-unit run celebrating Suzuki's rich 4x4 heritage. In the US, the Jimny was sold as the Suzuki Samurai in the 1980s, and while it was a small and relatively low-powered off-roader compared to, say, the Jeep Wrangler, it was remarkably adept and nimble and had been around since the 1970s. The Jimny is now in its fourth generation, and Suzuki has added a twist to the next 300-unit run of the Jimny Heritage.
Mercedes Is Killing Some Of Its Most Powerful Models
Mercedes is putting itself on a diet by dropping models from its admittedly large lineup. The automaker doesn't appear to be in any trouble, unlike some of its German competitors. But we've known some changes were coming, notably in the electric side of things. And now, it seems that time has come.
Three Rows, Big Tech, Strong Engine: 2027 VW Atlas Is Back To Its Best
The Volkswagen Atlas is the German brand's SUV with three rows of seating that's designed specifically for the US market. Volkswagen is now looking to improve its success with a second generation model that has a brand new exterior design, the same level of roominess inside, more family-friendly features, more power, and better fuel economy. The new Atlas uses the next-gen four-cylinder turbo engine found in the previous model, with all-wheel-drive available and a rounded list of safety features.
Surprise: The Apps Automakers Want You To Use Are Loaded With Ads And Trackers
It used to be the case that "if something is free, you're the product." Now, we pay to be the product and insert it into our lives – from voice assistants and video doorbells to smart thermostats, TVs, even refrigerators, and, of course, apps on our phones, our data is being harvested, sold, and used. Now, according to the first large-scale measurement study of the connected-vehicle ecosystem, many automakers are in on the act.
The German Holy Trinity: Decoding The DNA Of Audi RS, BMW M, And Mercedes-AMG
Few debates ignite a car enthusiast's passion quite like the question of which German performance brand reigns supreme. Audi RS, BMW M, and Mercedes-AMG each represent a distinct vision of what a fast car should be — and understanding those visions makes choosing between them far more interesting than simply comparing horsepower figures. We've already explored the broader differences between Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in their philosophy and approach to building cars.
Pink Alfa Romeos Aren't Happening, But A Manual Might
The remarkable limited series Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale was only the start of Stellantis's historically based limited-production cars inspired by its Alfa Romeo and Maserati heritage models. Speaking with the Italian publication Quattroruote, Santo Ficili, CEO of Alfa Romeo and Maserati, had some things to say about future models. Through the BottegaFuoriserie program, customers will be able to commission one-off creations.
EV Charging In America Is About To Get Way Better, If Your Car Can Handle It
While public interest in EVs has cooled, the technology is still improving. EVgo is one of the companies pushing to improve the charging experience through its Innovation Lab in El Segundo, California. And by experience, we aren't just talking about charging speeds, although it's a huge deal that its next-generation charging architecture will be capable of delivering up to 750 kW to batteries that can take it.
Toyota Is Deploying Enough Robots To Wipe Out Tesla's Optimus.
During the last Tesla investor conference, Elon Musk was flanked by his Optimus humanoid robots scanning the room. But Toyota is also in on the humanoid robot game with its units called ELEY. However, they are not robots to show off with, as ELEY stands for "Embodied Learning robot for Enhanced Yield." Toyota is planning a big deployment as part of the automaker's push to create factories where people and robots work side by side.
Kia Sorento Sales Are Soaring, And 2027 Pricing Will Make It Even More Popular
The Kia Sorento is quietly going about being the right SUV for a small family: It's the right size for the right price, bigger than the Sportage, but smaller than the Telluride, has great cargo space with the third row folded down, and while the third row has little legroom, it's there for when needed. For those cross shopping, it's considerably less expensive than a Toyota Highlander, and easily comparable once you go up the trim ladder.
Ford Will Return To WRC Racing, But It Needs A New Car To Get There
Ford has a long history in the World Rally Championship, with iconic drivers like Carlos Sainz, Colin McRae, Sébastien Ogier, Hannu Mikkola, and Marcus Grönholm tied to the brand - and iconic cars like the MK1 Escort Mexico, the Escort RS Cosworth, and the truly wild RS200. However, Ford dropped out of being a factory team after the 2012 season having competed, barring a few seasons in the early 1980s, since the 1970s.
Dodge Charger Sixpack Goes Global With Massive Six-Figure Price Tag
Ram and Dodge vehicles are mostly available in Europe through specialized, official channels and smaller-scale imports rather than mass-market dealership networks. The Dodge Charger Sixpack represents the muscle car's internal combustion engine switch from the outgoing Hemi V8 to a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six. Now, the two have come together via KW Automotive, the official European importer of Dodge and RAM products.
Toyota's Answer To Rolls-Royce Might Be Coming To The US
Toyota was producing an ultra-luxury car long before the term 'ultra-luxury' was coined. The Toyota Century has been a Japan-only sedan for decades, its cost and limited production restricting it to the markets of the Imperial House of Japan, Japanese government leaders, and high-level executive business people. Since 1967, the Century has been the pinnacle of master Japanese automotive craftsmanship.
Aston Martin's Kinder, Gentler DBX GT Still Outruns Almost Every SUV In The World
Aston Martin's DBX is already a refined and powerful crossover. In 2025, we declared that the DBX707 version removes any doubt about its luxury credentials and is as close to flawless as we can expect. Then came the 2026 DBX S, lightening the SUV and taking the power level to 717 horsepower (up from the DBX 707's 696 horses). The only fault we could pick out is that the tailgate lifts a bit too slowly.
Hyundai's Massive $26 Billion US Investment Will Make It More American Than Ever
Not only Hyundai investing “about half a billion dollars” in building the Hyundai Tucson hybrid model, new engines, and extended-range electric vehicles (EREV) powertrain, but speaking with KC Crain of Automotive News Group, Hyundai Motor CEO Jose Muñoz claimed the South Korean automaker's investment will make it “more American than a lot of the American OEMs.” Muñoz also spoke about plans to expand Hyundai’s US supplier footprint as well as keep developing engineering resources in the US...
Slate's Tiny Pickup Gets Some Serious Big Truck Energy
Of the many unique selling points of the Slate Truck is that it's designed to be wrapped, not painted. When a car is designed from the get-go to be wrapped, the automaker makes it as easy as possible to clad the panels in vinyl, turning it into a blank canvas slate for aftermarket companies to work their magic on. But Slate's not letting other businesses have all the fun, and has launched two monster truck-inspired styling packages, so your tiny pickup can show off its big truck energy.
Flock Surveillance Could Be Way Larger Than Anyone Realizes, And It's Not Just Cameras
Flock's independently owned nationwide surveillance network that tracks where everyone drives has a much wider net than even the biggest cynics thought. The crowdsourced projects such as DeFlock, which are built on locations submitted by users, give us a good idea of just how many AI-powered surveillance cameras are deployed across the US, but a cybersecurity researcher has revealed that Flock's reach goes even further. Apparently, it's not just cameras that Flock deploys then sells access to.
After 9 Years, Tesla Still Can't Launch Its New Roadster On Time
After nine years of empty promises on this single subject alone, Tesla is delaying the Roadster's public debut again. The big event was supposed to happen on October 1, just a couple of days away as this post goes live. Apparently, it requires good weather and that's not in the forecast. At this point, we're starting to wonder if Tesla is launching another Roadster into space.
The Supercharged V12 Rolls-Royce Engine That Powered Everything But A Roller
Few engines carry a legend quite like the Rolls-Royce Merlin. Born in 1933 as a troubled prototype plagued by coolant leaks, cracking cylinder heads, and premature camshaft wear, it was refined over the following decade into one of the most celebrated powerplants in history — a genuine war hero. The 27-liter supercharged V12 was designed for private aircraft, but World War II thrust it into the cockpits of some of the most iconic British and American machines ever built.
Toyota got the coolest recognition in a cars/fast mashup from a surprising source
Toyota is on a spectacular run at Le Mans having just claimed its sixth victory in a row, with this year's being against some stiff competition. Now the winning car is on its way to the next FIA World Endurance Championship round in Fuji, Japan, and it's having some fun on the road. In the video below, it looks like a homage to the first Cars movie, although the title is: The fast and the... car which won Le Mans.
Toyota Got The Coolest Recognition In A Cars/Fast Mashup From A Surprising Source
Toyota is on a spectacular run at Le Mans having just claimed its sixth victory in a row, with this year's being against some stiff competition. Now the winning car is on its way to the next FIA World Endurance Championship round in Fuji, Japan, and it's having some fun on the road. In the video below, it looks like a homage to the first Cars movie, although the title is: The fast and the... car which won Le Mans.
Moose Crash Test Dummies Are Real, And Volvo Owns One Of Only Two In The World
In the 1970s, moose were enough of a problem for drivers in Sweden that someone devised a test to see how cars dealt with evading a sudden, massive obstacle. The test, now standardized, is performed at 45 mph on a dry road surface using cones to force the vehicle into the oncoming lane, and back again. Thus, the "moose test" was born.
Mazda's Blunt Take: EVs Aren't Ready To Replace Combustion Yet
When almost every other automaker was scrambling to catch up with Tesla, buoyed by the tech industry pushing the narrative that in just a few years the only cars people would be buying are all-electric, Mazda seemed to just shrug its shoulders and toss out a compliance car in the US and appease European legislation, albeit with realistic range this time. Now, Mazda is saying the quiet part out loud – it doesn't believe the all-electric hype.
The VW ID. Buzz Relaunch In America Hits Another Bump In The Road
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz electric minivan arrived in the US with a lot of fanfare. CarBuzz was there when Volkswagen launched it, bringing in journalists and influencers from all over the world to Southern California. Volkswagen executives were on hand, Gabriel Iglesias was there, and a radio station DJ spun 1960s counterculture music for the crowd. Then followed advertising campaigns, including a skit featuring former SNL stars. Despite all that and the ID.
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