We say that because of a recent article from MotorTrend, says a new Mazda sports car is in development. But first, some caveats. It hasn’t been officially confirmed by Mazda, so we don’t know when (or if) it will arrive. And we don’t know much about the car itself, such as its name.

But, based on what MotorTrend is reporting, there is enough evidence to predict a new rotary-engine sports car based on the Iconic SP concept revealed at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023 will likely arrive in the coming years.

The Iconic SP concept, pictured here, looks a lot like the third gen Mazda RX-7, with its curvaceous body work and Coke bottle proportions. Built from 1991 through 2002, the third gen RX-7 left our shores in North America in 1995 due to declining sales.

According to MotorTrend, power for the new car could take the form of a hybrid range-extender set-up like that in Iconic SP, which featured a dual-rotor rotary engine paired with an electric motor. Estimated combined output is 365 horsepower. 

MotorTrend notes that Mazda used a rotary engine as a range extender in the 2023 MX-30. This version of the since discontinued crossover wasn’t sold in North America because it didn’t pass emission standards at that time. Mazda says its new, more powerful rotary engine will meet EPA standards.

We know what you’re thinking, and we thought the same thing: rotary engines tend to pollute a lot, and they aren’t very fuel efficient. The former is one of the main reasons the RX-8, the RX-7’s initial successor, was discontinued. It literally couldn’t pass European emissions, and that was in 2010.

Well, according to MotorTrend, Mazda has improved its understanding of how the rotary engine works, including meeting tightening global emission standards, and how it can work with different fuels, such as hydrogen. Presumably, this means the new rotary will be future-proofed to last longer than its predecessors, but time will tell.

For the sake of the new sports car, the tech had better be future-proofed because Mazda wants to use the rotary as a primary source of propulsion, according to MotorTrend. A second powertrain option will also be offered. No details were mentioned, but apparently an EV version isn’t in plans. Not yet at least.

As for when this theoretical sports car would go into production, MotorTrend says 2026 is possible, as the new rotary engine should be ready by then, but Mazda isn’t commenting officially yet.

One final thing worth noting is the new Mazda sports car will not replace the MX-5 Miata roadster. The plan is to have two Mazda sports cars. MotorTrend also reported a new Miata is in development. No timeframe for a fifth gen model was mentioned but it shouldn’t be too far off. The current fourth gen ND Miata has been in production since 2015.

Photos courtesy of Mazda North America

This time around, the automotive grim reaper apparently has its sights set on the Lexus LC, the gorgeous gas and gas hybrid coupe and convertible that have been with us since 2018.

Now, before we go any further, it is important to note that Lexus parent company Toyota has not confirmed the LC will be leaving us. At least, not yet. But given the other Lexus coupe – the RC – will be discontinued at the end of the 2025 model year, rumors of the LC’s demise can’t be easily dismissed. 

The source of the LC’s upcoming discontinuation is Car and Driver, where the magazine mentions a report from Japanese website Creative Trend that says the LC will be retired after the 2026 model year.

But here’s where things get a little fuzzy. Creative Trend, via Car and Driver, reports the 2026 LC will be offered in coupe and convertible for the Japanese market in Pinnacle Edition form. Pinnacle LCs will be limited to 100 coupes and 100 convertibles, and they’ll be sold in a lottery of some sort. Half of the cars will be reserved for current Lexus customers.

No photos of Pinnacle LCs are available, but according to Creative Trend, the coupes are finished in matte silver with a black and white interior. Forged 21-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler are also included.

The droptops are reportedly finished in Neutrino Gray (light gray) with a light brown, or tan, roof with an interior that is tan and white. Convertibles will reportedly be offered with the same features as the coupes.

So, what about units for the rest of the world, including North America?

The simple answer is, we don’t know. The Car and Driver story didn’t mention any Pinnacle Editions LCs bound for the U.S. When the magazine reached out to Lexus North America, a spokesperson said only that there’s no news regarding the LC for the U.S. market.

But that doesn’t mean the LC isn’t going away after 2026 and that there won’t be some sort of special edition arriving to mark the occasion. That could still happen. Lexus North America, and Lexus Canada, just may not be ready to announce anything. Yet.

Something else to keep in mind regarding the LC: sales. Toyota just released its Q2 numbers for the U.S., and let’s just say the LC hasn’t been selling like gangbusters. Just 65 were sold in Q2, which is less than half compared to Q2 2024 (135). Year-to-date figures are also down, with just 790 sold through June 30 versus 966 sold during the same period last year.

Bottom line, it doesn’t look good for the Lexus LC. It wouldn’t surprise us if 2026 is indeed the last year for this glorious V8-powered coupe, and convertible. And that would be a shame.

Photos courtesy of Lexus North America

That’s right, SRT (Street and Racing Technology), the high-performance in-house tuning arm of Stellantis that was essentially shuttered in 2021 when its stand-alone status ended and its employees were folded back into the global company, is making a comeback.

In a statement, Stellantis announced not only the return of SRT, but the establishment of American brands and North America marketing and retail strategy, a business unit that will, “work across the brand portfolio to further build and enhance the connections customers have with the company’s products, marketing efforts and dealer network in the region.”

Leading this new division, and the resurrected SRT, is Tim Kuniskis, the current RAM CEO. He will keep that role in addition to heading up the new divisions.

The statement didn’t contain any specifics about new products but said the new SRT will work across the American brands (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM) under a single entity and with a unified high-performance strategy.

One other tidbit that caught our eye is the fact that SRT will also oversee Direct Connection, the Mopar performance parts program, and Stellantis’ North American motorsports operations, including NHRA drag racing, and RAM’s return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026. More info on the latter can be found here.

It goes without saying that we would love to see old SRT nameplates like the Challenger and Viper return. A new SRT variant of the Magnum wagon and a next gen Chrysler 300 SRT would also be great. Time will tell but, if we had to guess, SRT versions of Jeep and RAM products feel more likely. At least in the short term.

That said, Stellantis still owns the Dodge Challenger trademark. And if it returns to the NASCAR Cup Series with Dodge, which Kuniskis has said is in the company’s plans, then perhaps a new Challenger SRT isn’t that farfetched.

We’ll just have to wait and see.

Photos courtesy of Stellantis North America

Sure, it’s great to see another high-performance car hit the market, but it’s not exactly eyebrow raising. Manufacturers should be churning out high-performance, limited-production variants of Corvettes, Mustangs, and GT-Rs. It's one of the main reasons sports cars exist. Can one imagine Chevy not building a Z06 or ZR1 Corvette? Neither can we.

But what about less obvious tuning targets? Our eyebrows went up a little when Toyota built a TRD version of the last gen Camry. That surprised us, but in the best possible way.

And if you thought a spicy Camry was unlikely, Nissan said, “hold my beer,” when it recently unveiled the 2026 Armada Nismo.

That’s right, the biggest Nissan SUV, a body-on-frame, three-row, seven-passenger brute will be available as a Nismo when 2026 models begin arriving at dealerships this fall.

We we’re pleased to learn the Armada Nismo isn’t just a branding exercise. Nissan is making mechanical changes to separate the Nismo from regular Armadas. The biggest upgrade is more power from the Armada’s standard 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, which jumps from 425 horsepower to 460. Nissan says the extra output was achieved through revised engine programming and, “careful fine tuning of valve clearances,” according to a press release. Of note, 460 hp can only be achieved with premium fuel.

Also on board is a louder low-restriction exhaust, re-tuned electric steering, and an Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension. All have been designed for a sportier, performance feel, Nissan says. The Armada Nismo rides on grade-specific 22-inch forged alloy wheels.

As for appearance, the Armada gets the full Nismo treatment with unique front and rear fascia, grille, side steps and rear spoiler. Fender flares, and red painted brake calipers complete the exterior look, along with a smattering of Nismo badges.

Inside, the Armada Nismo comes draped in red accents that appear on the center console, steering wheel, and dashboard. Other notable features include front seats with adjustable bolsters, aluminum pedals, ambient lighting, and quilted leather seating with red stitching and red accent panels.

Color options include Nismo Stealth Gray (also available on Z Nismo), Nismo Stealth Gray with Super Black Roof, Black Diamond Pearl, Everest White Pearl Tricoat, and Everest White Pearl Tricoat with Super Black Roof.

Pricing has not been announced, but given the fall arrival timeline, it should be revealed soon.

Photos courtesy of Nissan

You read that right.

The 2026 Corvette ZR1X, with its electrified all-wheel drive, produces 1,250 combined horsepower with an estimated ÂĽ mile time under nine seconds and a trap speed of more than 150 mph.

There’s a lot to unpack here.

First, the basics. Corvette engineers have essentially taken what they’ve learned with the E-Ray – the hybrid AWD Corvette launched in 2024 – and applied it to the ZR1. In the case of the ZR1X, the electric motor and battery pack power the front axle, while the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 used in the ZR1 powers the rear.

The electric motor produces 186 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque. The motor is the same shape and size as the one used in the E-Ray, but the use of, “strengthened internal components and improvements in energy deployment,” reads a Chevy press release, enables the ZR1X motor to generate an additional 26 hp and 20 lb-ft. versus the one used in the E-Ray.

Is there a plug?

No. Charging of the electric drive is done through “regenerative efforts”, Chevy says, which likely includes energy recovered from braking. Chevy also notes the two drive systems are not physically connected in any way.

Output from the flat-plane crank twin-turbo V8 remains the same as the one used in the ZR1 (1,064 hp / 828 lb-ft.), as it sends power to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine, known as the LT7, is hand-built and features a flat-plane crankshaft, finger-follower valvetrain, and dry-sump lubrication. Chevy notes in its statement announcing the ZR1X that the “Gemini small-block V8” was developed alongside similar non-turbo engines used in its racing programs.

The ZR1X also has an upgraded chassis control system and features three distinct modes that Chevy has designed for on-track performance. The modes, or “energy strategies” are as follows:

Endurance – the Charge+ button adjusts battery energy storage for extended lapping and consistent eAWD for a full tank of fuel

Qualifying – optimum power strategy for the quickest lap time

Push-to-Pass – as the name suggests, this overtaking feature uses maximum available power

The ZR1X also comes with standard PTM Pro, a new 2026 feature for the Corvette lineup which, when engaged, turns off traction control and stability control, but keeps other systems engaged. These are Regen Brake Torque Vectoring, Front Axle Pre-Control, and Launch Control.

Other key chassis features for the ZR1X include a massive, and we mean truly gigantic, braking system. The package, which GM calls J59, uses Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston calipers that are paired with 16.5-inch carbon ceramic front and rear rotors. This system is optional on the ZR1.

The ZR1X also comes with two chassis configs, both of which have GM’s magnetic ride control. Standard rubber is Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, but Cup 2Rs are available with the ZTK Performance package which also comes with firmer springs. The Carbon Aero package adds dive planes, underbody strakes, hood gurney lip (located over the front heat extractor), and rear wing. The package generates 1,200 pounds of downforce, Chevy says.

The 2026 Corvette ZR1X will be available in coupe and hardtop convertible and goes into production later this year. It will incorporate the updated interior Chevy is rolling out across the Corvette lineup for 2026. More info on that is available here.

ZR1X availability and pricing info has not been released, but Chevy says it will be announced closer to the start of production.

Photos courtesy of Chevrolet

And that’s not all. RAM brand CEO Tim Kuniskis said a return to NASCAR’s top-level Cup Series is also being considered. The brand entry there, presumably, would be Dodge. Like RAM, Dodge left NASCAR following the 2012 season. Both RAM and Dodge are subsidiaries of Stellantis, which also owns Chrysler and Jeep.

While Dodge’s return to the Cup Series remains uncertain, Kuniskis is on firm ground when talking about RAM’s return to the truck series. He said RAM will be on the grid at the season-opening race next February at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

As for how many entries, Kuniskis told The Sporting News that he thinks the minimum will be four. Which teams and drivers will comprise the new RAM entries is yet to be determined. In a statement he said more news on the NASCAR program will be announced later this year.

The return is being driven by the marketing potential that NASCAR represents. According to RAM, more than 40 percent of NASCAR fans are truck owners. Given the return of the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 to the 2026 RAM 1500 lineup, NASCAR figures to be a good platform for launching new products.

The NASCAR return announcement took place at Michigan International Speedway while the truck series was there for its annual race, the DSQ Solutions & Staffing 250. A RAM 1500 NASCAR Concept was rolled out onto a rotating platform where it did a burnout for fans and media in attendance.

The truck, which looks race-ready, sported some design elements lifted from current RAM Truck Sport Lineup, such as the Warlock, Rebel, and RHO. A large RAM logo sits in the middle of the grille, with a livery that includes Mopar Direct Connection, and RAM Symbol of Protest logos.

The event also included a video, shot at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, of Kuniskis behind the wheel of the NASCAR concept truck. The video is part of the “RAM-Demption” campaign to kick off the NASCAR return.

While this news is welcome for RAM, NASCAR and its many fans, key questions remain regarding teams, drivers and how many entries will make the Daytona grid next winter.

It’s impossible to overstate how important it is for a manufacturer to partner with a successful team in racing. It’s worth mentioning Dodge left NASCAR in 2012 because its partner, Penske Racing, announced it was moving to Ford in 2013. Dodge couldn’t find a replacement team, left the series and hasn’t returned.

Kuniskis says he has intent to return to the Cup Series, but he hasn't named a team he will partner with. He told The Sporting News that he’s working to find a team or teams for RAM. That will likely prove challenging given how long RAM has been gone from racing, and it will be much more difficult for a Dodge return in the Cup Series where the top teams have existing manufacturer relationships. Finding a partner team like Penske might be too much to ask. 

A NASCAR exec told The Sporting News the engine Dodge used in 2012 could compete in the current Cup Series but would need some development to meet regulations. The return of HEMI V8s to the Charger lineup, which is rumored to be underway, would no doubt help make the case for Dodge’s return to NASCAR. 

Photos courtesy of Stellantis North America

Firstly, the Toyota executive in question, Cooper Ericksen, senior vice president of product planning and strategy at Toyota North America, did not confirm an eighth gen Celica sports coupe will be greenlit for production.

He said, however, that a project that could become a new Celica is in development. This news comes to us via MotorTrend, where Ericksen was unusually forthcoming about an as-yet unofficially confirmed future product. Usually, these folks say nothing more than “no comment.”

But, in this instance, he was downright chatty, telling MotorTrend, “We are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved.”

Ericksen also said the Celica project is in “pretty advanced development”, and that there is at least one test mule that is, presumably, running. While he declined to divulge anything about the car’s looks, or powertrain, he said the latter is unlikely to have any electrification. He added the development vehicle looks nothing like renderings that have been circulating online.

The lack of electrified propulsion might seem unusual for a vehicle in development in 2025, but Ericksen has an explanation for that. Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota Motor Corp. thinks the internal combustion engine is better for high-performance vehicles, such as the company’s GR cars.

“Akio has said when it comes to specialized GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE (internal combustion engine),” he said.

He went on to say, “I’m not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra-lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something thar does not have an electric drive.”

For as exciting as a potential GR Celica might sound, Ericksen was quick to reiterate that the project hasn’t been officially approved, and that the final decision lies with the Toyota mothership in Japan.

The return of the Celica, which has been out of Toyota’s global lineup since 2006, and hasn’t been sold in North America since 2005, would likely receive a warm welcome from enthusiasts everywhere.

We, at ÓűÂţɬ, speculated on that return a couple months back in an episode of our . It seems our speculating wasn't too far off, even if it's a bit early for celebrating. 

“It’s a big wait-and-see. I’m just hopeful we can get something,” Ericksen told MotorTrend.

We couldn’t agree more.

Photos courtesy of Toyota