+++ BMW M boss Frank van Meel famously said earlier this year that the manual gearbox “doesn’t really make sense from an engineering standpoint”. He reasons that manuals limit the engine’s torque, whereas an automatic can handle the full power delivered by the company’s signature inline-6. Of course, engineers could develop a beefier transmission capable of unlocking the engine’s full potential, but cost is a major factor. Demand for manuals isn’t what it used to be, although one could argue sales would be higher if more automakers still offered three pedals. Pouring money into a new manual, knowing from the outset it would struggle sales-wise, is hard to justify. However, that’s not to say BMW is completely giving up on letting drivers row their own gears. According to the M division’s vice president, Customer, Brand, and Sales, BMW isn’t ready to call time on manuals just yet. Sylvia Neubauer told engineers are working on a solution to keep the clutch pedal alive even as the 3.0-liter engine continues to gain power. Although she refrained from going into details, the M executive “promises a solution”. As for what that could entail, BMW may be looking into artificially limiting the engine’s output to preserve the manual’s long-term durability. This has already been happening for some time, as the M2 with the automatic has 50 Nm more torque than the same car equipped with a manual. With or without a manual in its portfolio, BMW isn’t abandoning high-performance combustion-engine cars. Even as electric M models inch closer, ICE still has a future in Munich. The company has already confirmed a next-generation M3 with a six-cylinder engine, expected to launch in 2028. That timeline suggests the sports sedan will remain on sale well into the 2030s, by which point there will likely be a wide range of M-badged EVs. Even if the next M3 doesn’t get a manual, there’s still time to buy the current generation. It’s likely to bow out by the end of this year or in early 2027, considering the 3 Series is about to switch generations. In the meantime, BMW is removing one model from its list of manual offerings: the Z4 M40i. The roadster goes out of production this month, leaving only the M2, M3 and M4 with a stick shift. The M2 and M4 coupes could remain in production until closer to the end of the decade, giving enthusiasts roughly 3 more years to buy a 6-speed BMW M car. Looking ahead, the future doesn’t look promising for manuals, and it’s not just because of low take rates and limited power. Frank van Meel also pointed to higher fuel consumption, which may not matter to some performance-car buyers. However, stricter emissions regulations are accelerating the manual’s demise. If an automaker can achieve lower CO₂ levels with an automatic, the manual becomes vulnerable. It’s a numbers game in Europe, where automakers are racing to meet ever-tightening regulations and avoid hefty fines for exceeding fleet emissions targets. Suppliers aren’t particularly eager to produce small volumes of manual gearboxes either, as economies of scale are harder to achieve with low-volume products. On top of that, increasingly complex driver-assistance systems are primarily designed to work with automatics, adding yet another nail to the manual’s coffin. +++
+++ The CHEVROLET CAMARO is making a comeback. According to a new report, General Motors will build the new sports car on the same platform that will underpin the next-generation Cadillac CT5. A source at a major GM supplier has told that production for the Camaro and the CT5 will begin in fall 2027. The source also said the automaker will also allegedly build a new Buick sedan on the same architecture; a body style that the brand has not offered since 2020, which corroborates an earlier report. There have been multiple rumors suggesting that GM is considering building several sedan variants on its next-generation CT5 platform, but the specifics have remained unclear. The automaker plans to produce 60.000 to 70.000 CT5 and Camaro vehicles yearly. The automaker currently builds the Cadillac, alongside the CT4, at its Grand River Assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan. Production for the smaller offering ends in June, and it’s doubtful the factory can operate producing just 1 vehicle. The 6th generation Camaro died in 2023, with GM offering no direct replacement. In 2025, a report surfaced alleging that the automaker had dismissed a proposal to revive a 7th generation model due to its weak business case. It appears the automaker has a solid proposal for a new Camaro. It will likely share a lot of hardware with the new CT5, just like before. We hope to learn more soon about what could be a 2028 Camaro. +++
+++ JAGUAR LAND ROVER (JLR) has seemed off the pace in recent years, hit by a cyberattack that halted production last year and an all-electric transition that has proven challenging, particularly for Jaguar. But there are clearer signs of a turnaround, with the British government confirming £380 million (about €440 million) in support for Tata Group’s new battery factory in southwest England The British government subsidy seeks to support electric vehicle battery production and help the U.K. stay competitive with China and the U.S., where current policies are pushing several automakers to localize EV production or face import taxes. Jaguar Land Rover, a subsidiary of Tata Motors, is also preparing to launch more EVs in the coming years, with Jaguar moving away from the identity that gave rise to iconic models like the E-Type in favour of becoming a niche all-electric brand. Land Rover’s electrified line-up currently consists mainly of hybrids. Its first fully electric model will be based on the Range Rover, with the renowned off-roader, the Defender, also set to receive a fully electric variant. Jaguar, meanwhile, is expected to launch its first next-generation EV this year as a 4-door GT sedan, producing up to 1.000 hp; roughly in line with the Tesla Model S Plaid. However, the grant is also expected to support battery supply for other automakers. Tata Group’s battery factory, which is currently under construction, is set to support 4,200 jobs, along with thousands more across the supply chain. Once completed, the plant is expected to produce 40 gigawatt-hours of batteries annually; enough to supply around 500.000 vehicles. Earl Wiggins, Agratas’ U.K. vice president of manufacturing operations, said the plant will help strengthen “the U.K.’s position as a global leader in battery manufacturing”. One of the biggest competitive pressures comes from China, which has emerged as a dominant force through faster development cycles and lower manufacturing costs. Chinese automakers also have a growing presence in Europe, with brands such as BYD and Geely expanding their footprint. Given JLR’s pivot to electrification, even as several automakers such as Stellantis have scaled back their EV plans, the grant should help the company regain momentum. In the U.S., however, import tariffs could still complicate that recovery, as many JLR models are still built in the U.K., while some are also assembled in India and China. +++
+++ KIA boss Song Ho-sung vowed to sell 4.13 million vehicles by 2030 to outpace a slowdown in global markets, banking on electrification and next-generation mobility, including autonomous driving and robotics. At Kia’s 2026 CEO Investor Day in Seoul, Song outlined targets of 3.35 million units and a 3.8 percent market share by 2026 rising to 4.13 million units and 4.5 percent by 2030. A core pillar of this “outperforming growth” is a strong eco-friendly line-up, with Kia aiming to sell 1 million electric vehicles and capture a 3.8 percent market share by 2030. Starting with compact SUVs (the EV2 and Syros EV) this year, Kia will expand its line-up from 11 to 14 models across passenger cars, SUVs and purpose-built vehicles. The company is also advancing a next-generation EV platform that will boost battery capacity by up to 40 percent and improve motor output by 9 percent, alongside Level 2++ autonomous driving features; technology that delivers convenience and safety approaching Level 3 conditional autonomous driving, which allows for hand-off, eyes-off operation. South Korea will serve as Kia’s global EV hub, with production centered at its Gwangmyeong and Hwaseong plants in Gyeonggi Province. At the same time, the company will localize production (building models such as the EV2 and EV4 in Europe, EV6 and EV9 in the US and strategic EVs like Syros EV and Carens EV in India) to better align with local demand and regulations. Kia plans to further expand its internal combustion engine and hybrid line-ups, reflecting diverging paces of electrification across global markets. By 2030, the company will launch 9 new gas-powered models and operate a total of 13 hybrid models, with sales targets of 1.98 million internal combustion engine vehicles and 1.15 million hybrids, including plug-in and extended-range models. Key hybrid models include the Telluride and Seltos SUVs and K4 sedan, while in the pickup segment, which it entered with the Tasman in 2025, the company plans to introduce a body-on-frame extended-range electric vehicle pickup line-up for North America by 2030. To achieve its 2030 global sales target, Kia outlined a profit-driven approach for the strategically important US market. It will focus on expanding its hybrid line-up, strengthening SUV offerings and entering the pickup segment, targeting 1.02 million sales and a 6.2 percent market share. In Europe, Kia aims to solidify EV leadership, targeting 746.000 sales and a 4.8 percent market share, with battery-powered vehicles accounting for 66 percent of total sales. In emerging markets, the company plans to reach 1.48 million sales by expanding its line-up, boosting eco-friendly models and strengthening local production, particularly in India and other high-growth regions. For its autonomous driving business, Kia is pursuing a dual-track strategy: accelerating market entry through global partnerships, including with Nvidia, while advancing its in-house end-to-end self-driving capabilities using extensive automotive data. The company aims to complete its first software-defined vehicles by 2027 with Level 2+ highway autonomy, followed by Level 2++ capabilities for both highway and urban driving by 2029, supported by Hyundai Motor Group’s newly developed SDV architecture, next-generation infotainment platform and AI systems. Hyundai’s and Kia’s commitment to gaining a technological edge goes beyond vehicles to the rapidly emerging robotics sector. Aiming to commercialize general-purpose humanoid robots developed by Hyundai Motor Group’s US subsidiary Boston Dynamics within the next decade, the group is pursuing 3 key strategies: leveraging its manufacturing network for data collection, advancing AI partnerships with Google DeepMind and Nvidia and accelerating supply chain integration with its auto parts unit Hyundai Mobis. In manufacturing, humanoid robot Atlas is set to be deployed at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia in 2028, followed by Kia’s Georgia plant in 2029, with gradual expansion across global facilities. The rollout will focus on 16 key automotive production processes to enhance safety, productivity and quality. Tapping into the $288 billion last-mile delivery market, the group also intends to develop a full-stack solution that integrates Kia’s PBVs with Stretch and Spot robots. Song said the company is poised for “accelerated growth, driven by EVs, hybrids, autonomous driving and robotics, building on five years of innovation across its brand, EV, PBV and ESG (environmental, social and governance) initiatives”. He added that Kia will proactively respond to market shifts with differentiated strategies despite rising uncertainties. +++
+++ LAMBORGHINI will launch at least 2 new vehicles this year. I don’t expect the automaker to expand its line-up beyond its current trio, which means we will likely see several special-edition models, one of which might be a Miura homage. Lamborghini will unveil this new model at Pebble Beach in August. The automaker will base the Miura on the Revuelto and that it will be like the Aventador Miura Edition. Lamborghini will reportedly produce only 60 examples of the car, likely to mark the Muira’s 60th anniversary. The car debuted at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, and it represented a monumental shift in perception. The new Miura homage could feature 2-tone paint, like the Aventador version, and other exterior upgrades. Inside, Lamborghini will likely add some retro touches. If the new special-edition Miraui is like the previous one, the car will likely feature the same powertrain as the Revuelto with zero modifications. The hypercar features a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 hybrid engine, with 3 electric motors, producing a combined 1.001 horsepower. +++
+++ Prior to the current model, the NISSAN Z languished without a full redesign for an incredibly lengthy time. The 370Z was produced from 2008 to 2020, and some markets continued to sell it as late as 2021. Sure, it received a facelift in 2013, but there were few changes over 12 years. The Z finally got the redesign it so desperately needed in 2021 for the 2023 model year. There was new sheetmetal, an overhauled interior, more tech, a revamped chassis, and a serious boost in performance , literally and figuratively. Heck, it even came with a new chassis code. But despite all the changes, the basic structure was that of the old 370Z. Still, Nissan did enough to make it feel different from its predecessor. The 370Z eventually felt like a model that Nissan simply forgot to stop making. Not wanting to repeat that, the company inferred that it’s already thinking about the next generation of the Z-Car. Ponz Pandikuthira, senior vice president, chief product and planning officer for Nissan Americas, laid out what the company wants for the future Z. “A lot of it is going to be heritage-based. Go back to the authenticity of what Z was in the past. Create special editions that resonate with that heritage and keep that animated cycle plan”, Pandikuthira said. “You’ll see a lot of that animation coming through special versions between now and say the next 3 years. And then we’re actively talking about what that next generation will look like”, added the executive. With that, Nissan is taking the Z much more seriously this time around. It’s likely that it will share the same architecture as the rebooted Skyline / Infiniti Q50, and that one is due in 2027. There’s something that the future Z could build upon, so Nissan doesn’t have to develop the sports car from scratch. However, before Nissan could go all-out on developing the new-generation Z, it was placing more of its resources into building the all-new GT-R. It is, after all, the brand’s halo product, and it’s expected to be revealed sometime in 2030. That means that the redesigned Z will likely come out after that. Still, it’s great to see Nissan keeping interest in the Z alive. As Pandikuthira, “Don’t just build it and then walk away”. +++
+++ The VOLKSWAGEN Group is preparing to pull the plug on Audi’s inline-5 engine in Europe due to stricter emissions regulations. Still, rumors of another engine’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. While some reports claim the smallest powertrain offered by the automotive conglomerate is living on borrowed time, the three-cylinder engine isn’t facing retirement. In a statement, Head of Product Communications Stefan Voswinkel clarified that VW isn’t abandoning the EA 211 inline-three engine. When the first Euro 7 draft was published, development of the 1.0-liter engine was halted. However, the EU subsequently approved more relaxed legislation, extending the engine’s lifespan. ‘Due to the very tight requirements in the initial drafts of the new EU7 regulation, we decided first to stop EU7 development of the 3-cylinder 1.0-liter TSI. Regarding the final version of the EU7 legislation, we are investigating actually, if it makes sense, to use this engine in smaller cars (like the Polo or the T-Cross) for some European markets’. In the meantime, VW Group’s mainstream brands have phased out the 3-cylinder engine from their compact cars. For several years, entry-level versions of the VW Golf, Skoda Octavia, Seat Leon and even the posh Audi A3 were offered with the downsized unit. Today, it survives only in subcompact models like the Polo, Fabia, Ibiza, and the soon-to-be-discontinued A1. For compact cars, VW Group has replaced the 3-cylinder engine with a detuned version of its larger 1.5-liter, four-cylinder unit producing 116 hp. Stepping up to a more potent configuration brings 150 hp. Higher-end versions of VW Group cars with transversely mounted engines use the larger 2.0-liter EA888 in various states of tune, peaking at 329 hp in the Golf R. While all the powertrains mentioned are turbocharged, it may come as a surprise that a naturally aspirated engine is still available in some markets. In its most basic form, the Skoda Fabia uses a 1.0-liter engine, skipping forced induction and producing a predictably modest 80 hp. By comparison, the turbocharged three-cylinder delivers either 95 hp or 115 hp, depending on the model and trim level. +++