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Porsche Macan Gas SUV Ends Production After 12 Years

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Porsche will end production of the original gasoline-powered Macan this month, marking the end of one of the brand’s best-selling SUVs as it shifts toward electrification.

The Porsche Macan gas SUV is officially reaching the end of its journey. After more than a decade in production, Porsche will build the final first-generation Macan at its Leipzig factory before the end of July, closing the chapter on one of the company’s most successful models.

Although Porsche introduced an all-electric second-generation Macan, demand for the gasoline version has remained stronger than expected, particularly in the United States.

Porsche ends production of the original Macan

The Porsche Macan gas SUV first entered production in 2014 and quickly became one of the brand’s global best sellers. Combining sports car performance with everyday practicality, the compact luxury SUV helped Porsche significantly expand its customer base.

Production of the original model will officially end at the close of July, following its earlier discontinuation in Europe after new cybersecurity regulations prevented it from remaining on sale.

Despite leaving Europe, Porsche continued building the SUV for international markets, especially North America, where customer demand has remained strong.

The original Porsche Macan ends production after more than a decade on the market.

Gasoline models continue to outperform the electric Macan in 2026

While Porsche expected customers to transition quickly to the new electric Macan, market demand has told a different story.

During the first half of 2026, Porsche delivered:

  • 19,695 gasoline-powered Macan models
  • 15,620 all-electric Macan models

Those figures demonstrate that many buyers still prefer the Porsche Macan gas SUV, particularly in markets where charging infrastructure or customer preferences continue to favor internal combustion engines.

To meet ongoing demand, Porsche has built additional inventory for the U.S. market, with existing stock expected to remain available through much of 2027.

Gasoline-powered Macan models continue to attract strong demand in the United States.

A new combustion Porsche SUV is already in development

Although production of the Porsche Macan gas SUV is ending, Porsche is not abandoning combustion engines in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The automaker is developing an all-new crossover that will feature gasoline and hybrid powertrains, replacing the outgoing Macan ICE. Unlike the current model, however, the future SUV will receive an entirely new name, as Porsche plans to reserve the Macan badge exclusively for its electric models.

The upcoming SUV is expected to share its architecture with the latest Audi Q5 while incorporating Porsche-specific engineering, chassis tuning and technology to maintain the driving dynamics expected from the brand.

Porsche is developing a new gasoline and hybrid luxury SUV to replace the original Macan.

The retirement of the Porsche Macan gas SUV marks the end of one of Porsche’s most important modern vehicles. During its 12-year production run, the Macan became a cornerstone of the brand’s global success and helped establish Porsche as a leader in the luxury SUV segment.

Although the future of the Macan name is fully electric, Porsche has recognized that customer demand for combustion and hybrid SUVs remains strong. That is why the company is already preparing a new premium crossover, ensuring buyers who still prefer traditional powertrains will continue to have an option in the coming years.

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Tesla Cybercab Gets September 3 Austin Launch Date

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Tesla will officially launch its steering-wheel-free Cybercab in Austin on September 3, adding the two-seat robotaxi to an existing autonomous fleet.

Tesla has officially set September 3, 2026 as the launch date for the Cybercab in Austin, Texas.

The two-seat autonomous vehicle has no steering wheel or pedals and is designed specifically for Tesla’s robotaxi service. The launch will initially be limited to selected guests rather than opening the vehicle to everyone.

Tesla prepares a controlled Cybercab launch

The September 3 event will be a tightly controlled launch, with Tesla sending invitations to selected riders and guests.

Some invitees previously completed Robotaxi trips between August 17 and 23, while others received exclusive-access invitations directly from Tesla.

Tesla will officially launch the Cybercab in Austin on September 3, 2026.

Guests must be at least 21 years old and will need to present identification at the event.

That suggests Tesla is treating the September launch as a curated demonstration rather than a large public rollout.

The company already operates autonomous Model Y Robotaxis in limited areas of Austin, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, meaning the Cybercab will be joining an existing service rather than creating Tesla’s robotaxi network from scratch.

Two seats, no steering wheel, no pedals

The Cybercab is fundamentally different from Tesla’s other vehicles.

The compact robotaxi has two seats and eliminates the traditional controls that would allow a human driver to take over.

The Cybercab uses a two-seat cabin with no steering wheel or conventional pedals.

That means every mile depends entirely on Tesla’s autonomous-driving software.

The vehicle uses Tesla’s AI4 computer platform for its Full Self-Driving system. Future AI4.5 and AI5 hardware is already part of Tesla’s longer-term roadmap, but the initial Cybercab production vehicles in Austin will use AI4.

The absence of manual controls also creates additional regulatory and safety considerations because passengers cannot simply take control if something goes wrong.

Cybercab enters an existing robotaxi network

Tesla first demonstrated the Cybercab concept publicly in October 2024, when attendees were able to experience autonomous rides on a closed course in California.

Since then, the company has continued testing the production vehicle.

Tesla has been testing Cybercab ahead of its Austin launch, including employee rides and additional autonomous-road testing.

Employee rides in Cybercab began in July 2026 as Tesla moved closer to commercial deployment.

The September 3 launch should therefore be viewed as another step in a gradual rollout rather than an immediate mass-market launch.

Tesla still faces questions surrounding regulations, safety validation, and how quickly customers will actually gain access to the new vehicle.

For now, the Tesla Cybercab is set to make its formal Austin debut on September 3. The launch will provide Tesla with another opportunity to demonstrate its driverless technology while bringing a purpose-built, steering-wheel-free robotaxi into its growing autonomous fleet.

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2027 Mitsubishi Pajero Returns With Body-on-Frame Platform

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Mitsubishi will unveil the fifth-generation Pajero on September 2, bringing back body-on-frame construction, S-AWC, and a tougher off-road focus.

Mitsubishi is bringing back the Pajero with a major change in philosophy. The fifth-generation SUV will make its global debut on September 2, 2026, and will return to a body-on-frame architecture aimed at giving it significantly stronger off-road credentials.

The new SUV will also use Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, while hybrid power remains one of the major unanswered questions ahead of its reveal.

The Pajero returns to a body-on-frame chassis

The biggest mechanical change is the move away from the unibody construction used by the previous-generation Pajero.

The new model will use a ladder-frame chassis, putting Mitsubishi back into the same fundamental territory as other traditional off-road SUVs.

The new Mitsubishi Pajero will return with body-on-frame construction for its fifth generation.

The September 2 event is now confirmed as the vehicle’s global premiere.

Mitsubishi has released several teaser images, but the company has not yet revealed the full dimensions, trim lineup, or interior.

The new architecture could allow the Pajero to compete more directly with rugged SUVs such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

S-AWC brings proven Mitsubishi technology

The new Pajero will also feature Super All-Wheel Control, Mitsubishi’s integrated system for managing torque, braking, and vehicle stability across different surfaces.

S-AWC first appeared on the Lancer Evolution X and is now used on the Triton pickup, giving Mitsubishi an established system for the new SUV.

Super All-Wheel Control will give the new Pajero advanced torque and stability management for on- and off-road driving.

Regional reports have suggested that S-AWC could be paired with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system.

That combination could potentially provide multiple drive configurations and low-range capability, although Mitsubishi has not officially confirmed the pairing yet.

A more extreme Pajero Ralliart version has also been rumored, which would push the SUV further toward serious off-road competition.

Hybrid power remains the big unknown

Mitsubishi has hinted at electrified versions of the new Pajero, but the company has not yet disclosed the battery size, electric range, or specific engine combinations.

A key question is whether the SUV will use a hybrid system derived from the hardware and architecture shared with the Triton.

Hybrid power is expected to play a role in the new Pajero lineup, although Mitsubishi has not revealed the technical details.

For now, the powertrain lineup remains one of the biggest unknowns ahead of the September reveal.

Mitsubishi’s broader plans could also include a Montero-badged version for North America, although that possibility has not been finalized.

Pajero could become a wider SUV family

The return of the Pajero may represent more than the arrival of a single flagship SUV.

Mitsubishi is reportedly considering smaller Pajero variants with hybrid technology for the 2028-to-2030 period, potentially turning the nameplate into a broader family of SUVs.

That would give Mitsubishi a way to compete across multiple segments rather than relying on one large off-road model.

For now, attention is firmly on September 2, when the new Pajero will finally be revealed in full.

The 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero represents a major return to Mitsubishi’s off-road roots, combining body-on-frame construction with S-AWC and a potentially electrified powertrain strategy.

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Hamilton Questions Ferrari’s Team Orders After Zandvoort

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Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari should have used team orders at Zandvoort, arguing that Charles Leclerc cost him valuable time during the Dutch Grand Prix.

Hamilton wanted Ferrari to act

Hamilton moved up to fifth after overtaking Oscar Piastri on lap 35. He then found himself behind a slower Leclerc, which prevented him from maintaining his progress.

Lewis Hamilton became frustrated after getting stuck behind Charles Leclerc during the Dutch Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver eventually complained over the radio, sarcastically criticizing the amount of time being lost.

Leclerc remained ahead until he made his pit stop on lap 43, finally freeing Hamilton to continue his recovery.

Hamilton later compared Ferrari’s approach with Mercedes, which instructed George Russell to give second place to Kimi Antonelli with seven laps remaining.

Mercedes’ decision influenced Hamilton’s frustration

Mercedes made the decision because Antonelli had significantly fresher tires and could potentially challenge Lando Norris for the lead.

Although Norris ultimately won, both Mercedes drivers accepted the decision and finished second and third.

Hamilton pointed to Mercedes’ decision to swap Russell and Antonelli as an example of more effective team management.

Hamilton believes Ferrari could have acted similarly when Leclerc was slowing his progress.

He said he wants to win and finds it difficult when he sees another team making an immediate strategic decision while Ferrari does not react in the same way.

Hamilton also said he intends to discuss the matter with Ferrari when he returns to the team.

Lost time behind Leclerc hurt Hamilton’s podium hopes

Hamilton eventually had a chance to fight Russell for third place, but a late Virtual Safety Car made the opportunity even harder.

The British driver said he was getting close to the Mercedes when the VSC was deployed on lap 70.

Hamilton believes the time lost behind Leclerc ultimately reduced his chances of challenging Russell for the final podium position.

He also pointed to Ferrari’s lack of straight-line speed.

Hamilton estimated Ferrari was losing around four tenths of a second per lap on the straights compared with Mercedes and McLaren.

That made overtaking particularly difficult and increased the importance of avoiding traffic.

Hamilton wants more engine performance from Ferrari

Despite his criticism, Hamilton praised Ferrari for bringing an upgrade to Zandvoort.

The seven-time world champion believes the team is moving closer to Mercedes, but he also thinks Ferrari must address its power deficit.

Hamilton praised Ferrari’s latest upgrade but believes the team still needs more engine performance to challenge Mercedes.

According to Hamilton, Ferrari has spent much of the season giving away performance on the straights.

He believes finding additional engine power is essential if Ferrari wants to close the gap and fight Mercedes consistently.

For Lewis Hamilton Ferrari, Zandvoort therefore produced a mixed result. The fourth-place finish was solid, but Hamilton believes Ferrari’s handling of team orders and its remaining power deficit prevented an even stronger result.

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