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Rivian R2 Launch Mode Makes It Faster Than the Tesla Model Y Performance
The Rivian R2 Launch Mode is set to make the upcoming electric SUV even quicker, delivering performance that outpaces the Tesla Model Y Performance before customer deliveries even begin.
Rivian has confirmed that the R2 Performance will receive a dedicated Launch Mode through an upcoming over-the-air (OTA) software update. The new feature unlocks even quicker acceleration and reinforces the R2’s position as one of the most anticipated electric SUVs heading to the U.S. market.

The Rivian R2 Performance will receive Launch Mode through an upcoming OTA software update.
Launch Mode unlocks quicker acceleration
The announcement came from Rivian Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid, who shared a demonstration of the new Launch Mode on social media.
Drivers activate the feature through the infotainment system, triggering a custom animation before the SUV switches into maximum-performance mode.
According to Rivian’s demonstration, the Rivian R2 Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.45 seconds, beating the company’s original estimate of 3.6 seconds.

Launch Mode helps the Rivian R2 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.45 seconds.
Rivian R2 beats the Tesla Model Y Performance
Beyond the impressive 0-60 mph sprint, the Rivian R2 also delivers stronger acceleration at higher speeds.
Performance figures shown by Rivian include:
- 0-60 mph: 3.45 seconds
- 0-100 mph: 6.99 seconds
- Quarter-mile: 11.31 seconds
- Top speed: 130 mph
Those numbers allow the Rivian R2 Launch Mode to outperform the Tesla Model Y Performance in the quarter-mile while nearly matching the acceleration of the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Software continues to be Rivian’s competitive advantage
Like other Rivian models, the R2 is designed to receive regular over-the-air software updates, allowing the company to improve performance and add new features without requiring dealership visits.
Launch Mode is another example of Rivian using software to enhance the ownership experience while keeping its vehicles competitive against rivals from Tesla and other EV manufacturers.

Rivian continues expanding the R2’s capabilities through over-the-air software updates.
A major competitor in the U.S. EV market
The Rivian R2 is expected to become one of the brand’s most important products, targeting buyers looking for a midsize electric SUV with strong performance, advanced technology and everyday practicality.
With Launch Mode arriving before deliveries begin, Rivian is adding another reason for shoppers to consider the R2 as a serious alternative to the Tesla Model Y Performance, one of the best-selling EVs in the United States.A major competitor in the U.S. EV market
The Rivian R2 is expected to become one of the brand’s most important products, targeting buyers looking for a midsize electric SUV with strong performance, advanced technology and everyday practicality.
With Launch Mode arriving before deliveries begin, Rivian is adding another reason for shoppers to consider the R2 as a serious alternative to the Tesla Model Y Performance, one of the best-selling EVs in the United States.
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2027 Chrysler Pacifica Gets One of the Smallest Updates Yet
The refreshed Pacifica brings a redesigned front end and new Chrysler branding, while most of the minivan remains unchanged.
Chrysler has updated the 2027 Pacifica, but the changes are surprisingly limited for a minivan that has been on sale since the 2017 model year.
After years of development and extensive prototype testing, the refreshed model receives a revised front end and updated Chrysler branding.
Most of the Pacifica Stays the Same
The exterior changes are concentrated at the front.
The cabin, basic body design, and powertrain remain largely unchanged from the previous Pacifica.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica receives a redesigned front end and updated Chrysler branding.
Even some of the vehicle graphics inside the infotainment system continue to show the previous front-end design.
That makes the refresh feel more conservative than expected.
The Pacifica LX Gets a Strange Badge Mix
The entry-level Pacifica LX makes the situation even more unusual.
It continues using the older Pacifica exterior design associated with the previous-generation model, while the steering wheel carries Chrysler’s newer emblem.

The Pacifica LX combines the previous exterior badge design with Chrysler’s newer steering-wheel emblem.
The mismatch does not affect functionality, but it creates an obvious inconsistency between the exterior and interior.
The arrangement is particularly unusual because Chrysler presents its new winged logo as the foundation for its future vehicle designs.
A Refresh That Raises Questions
The 2027 Pacifica’s limited changes suggest Chrysler is taking a cautious approach with its aging minivan.
The model remains focused on family practicality, but the refresh does little to fundamentally change the vehicle.

The 2027 Pacifica retains the familiar cabin and overall design of the current-generation minivan.
For buyers, the differences are mainly visual rather than mechanical.
The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica therefore arrives as a modest update rather than a major redesign, with the new front end and branding doing most of the work.
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Ford’s Off-Road Mustang Could Still Happen
Ford may still be developing a rugged Mustang called “Baja,” potentially turning the pony car into an all-terrain performance machine.
Ford may not be finished expanding the Mustang lineup.
A new report suggests the automaker has shown dealers an off-road Mustang known as “Baja”, reviving rumors of a rugged version of the pony car.
An Off-Road Mustang Has Been Rumored Before
This isn’t the first time Ford has considered an all-terrain Mustang.
Rumors of a Mustang Raptor surfaced as early as 2023, with the model once expected to arrive around 2026.

Ford may still be considering an off-road Mustang known internally as Baja.
The Baja name was reportedly shown to dealers during a private meeting in 2024.
Ford CEO Jim Farley has also publicly expressed interest in an off-road performance vehicle, while the company continues to gain experience with the Raptor T1+ in the Dakar Rally.
A V8 and All-Wheel Drive Could Be the Formula
There are no confirmed specifications yet, but an off-road Mustang would likely need a very different setup from the standard car.
A V8 engine and all-wheel drive would make sense for the concept, potentially paired with larger all-terrain tires and a suspension designed for rough terrain.

An off-road Mustang could borrow technology from Ford’s Raptor trucks and SUVs.
Ford could also use Fox Live Valve dampers, similar to the technology found on the F-150 Raptor and Ranger Raptor.
The most extreme possibility would be the 795-hp supercharged 5.2-liter V8 currently associated with the Dark Horse SC, although Ford has not confirmed that engine for any Baja model.
Mustang Baja Could Arrive This Decade
The Mustang is expected to receive another major redesign before the end of the decade.
That could create an opportunity for Ford to finally introduce an off-road version as part of the next generation.

Ford’s Dakar program and Raptor expertise could influence a future Mustang Baja.
For now, details remain limited, and Ford has not officially announced the project.
But the repeated reports, dealer discussions, and Ford’s growing interest in off-road performance suggest the idea has not disappeared.
The Ford Mustang Baja could therefore become one of the most unusual Mustangs ever built if Ford decides to take the project from the drawing board to production.
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Lexus IS Gets One Last Special Edition for 2027
The aging Lexus IS returns for another model year with a limited Special Appearance Package, but its 311-hp V6 remains unchanged.
The Lexus IS refuses to disappear.
Now in its third generation for more than a decade, the sports sedan returns for 2027 with a new Special Appearance Package designed to give the aging model another dose of style.
Only 350 examples will be sold in the United States.
New Green Special Edition
The special model is based on the IS 350 F Sport and features a new Envious green exterior color.
Lexus carries the color into the cabin with green stitching on the NuLuxe seats.

The 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package introduces Envious green paint and matching interior accents.
The package also includes 19-inch forged BBS wheels and the Handling Package as standard.
That brings adaptive suspension and multiple drive modes.
Rear-wheel-drive models also receive a Torsen limited-slip differential.
More Technology, Same Engine
Lexus adds its Technology Package to the limited-run IS.
That includes Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross-Traffic Alert.

The limited IS also gets additional driver-assistance technology as part of its standard equipment.
Other available features include a moonroof, power rear sunshade, Mark Levinson audio system, and triple-beam LED headlights.
Despite the visual and equipment upgrades, Lexus has made no changes to the powertrain.
The IS 350 continues with its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
No V8 Return, and Production Is Limited
Power reaches the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel-drive models use a six-speed automatic.

The IS 350 keeps its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 for 2027.
Lexus will build just 350 Special Appearance Package cars for the U.S.
Pricing will be announced closer to the model’s arrival at dealerships later this year.
The IS has received a Special Edition or Special Appearance Package for several years, allowing Lexus to keep its long-running sports sedan relevant without introducing major mechanical changes.
For the 2027 Lexus IS, the formula remains simple: a limited exterior treatment, more equipment, and the same V6 underneath.
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