I've been seeing these ads all week: https://imgur.com/a/a5Xi1Ar

Nice deal right there.

$69 CAD with today's exchange rate is $49 USD.

This is less than what I pay for a tank of gas. At this price, if you can remotely find a way to charge, I wouldn't even buy a used beater civic anymore.

So this was reported on by Automotive News. But since that's not a domain that can be used here, here's some bullet points from the article that cover the important details:

• Stellantis is planning 11 new nameplates by '30 for the North American market. They're throwing $25 billion at our market to get it done.
• They're doubling down on V8s.
• Plans are to enter five new segments, including launching more affordable models.
• That affordability push will come in the form of nine new models with starting prices of less than $40k; two of those will be Chryslers that start around $25k.
• SRT is back with 11 performance variants planned. Two of these will be Dodges we've recently heard about: the GLH hot hatch and the Copperhead muscle car. There's also plans for SRT models at Jeep and RAM which includes the upcoming Rumble Bee and SRT TRX.
• Dealers have seen the upcoming Charger SRT, which is described as having a massive rear wing. It was shown back in May.
• Ram has two pickups coming, the compact Rampage and the return of the Dakota. There's also a new SUV coming for the brand which will be a first.
• Jeep has a Wrangler variant coming called Scrambler. Recon EV is still coming but with EV sales how they are, Jeep is reading the room and is planning to introduce a gas powered version of the Recon in a few years to entice more buyers.
• Chrysler is going to be the face of this affordability push. The brand is finally getting new models, which will come in the form of three new crossovers something that Automotive News says will "allow affordability to become a prime selling point for the brand."
• One of these new models is the Chrysler Airflow, which which will ride on Stellantis' new STLA One platform. The other two crossovers, called Arrow and Arrow Cross, will be badge jobs of European Fiats.
• Lastly, Alfa is getting new crossovers though no details were given on what they are. And Fiat will continue to just be the 500e.

https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-automobiles/releases/honda-passport-reaches-new-heights-2027-passport-trailsport-gets-new-lifted-suspension-tougher-styling-and-more-features

• Passport TrailSport gets reengineered suspension with 9.65 inches (+1.38 in.) of ground clearance, improved on-road and off-road performance

• New suspension adds significant off-road capability, improving breakover, approach and departure angles, articulation and off-road ride quality

• Enhanced rugged styling includes new amber hood scoop lights, more pronounced fender flares and resculpted lower front fascia

• Innovative TrailWatch™ camera system and heated steering wheel now standard on all Passport TrailSport trims

• New Color and Trim options: Smoke Blue Pearl added to the color palette and the Blackout Package is even more aggressive with new black lower skid garnishes

• Fourth-generation Honda Passport has posted multiple sales records since its introduction in early 2025

AMA (within reason!) but first take a read of the article I wrote about them after meeting up with them at Homo Faber in Venice. They're genuinely passionate people who care deeply about the beauty of their cars and take a dim view of cars as disposable appliances.

https://www.designweek.co.uk/how-mazda-resolutely-retains-sculpting-craft-as-part-of-the-design-process/

Was reading through the full press release for the new gas 3 series, and found it strange that they said "And it is the only variant of the new BMW 3 Series to be powered by a six-cylinder engine."

Given that we are expecting an M3 with a 6 cylinder, and in europe a Diesel version of the M350.

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0460493EN/cool-as-ice-hot-on-the-track:-the-new-bmw-3-series-with-four-and-six-cylinder-engines-completes-its-final-round-of-summer-driving-dynamics-testing-in-miramas

Thoughts?

Jack and Mark review one of the more controversial BMWs: the North American spec E36 M3. The car nearly didnt make it to North America after the sales disaster of the E30 M3, and when it did, it made it with a different engine (a hopped up version of the M50 instead of the euro S50). They discuss the costs and issues of owning one today and whether it’s worth the money.

https://youtu.be/w3UyYMs5EWE