Some cars impress you with outrageous acceleration. Others earn your respect by making everyday life easier. The truly exceptional ones manage to do both without asking you to compromise.

After spending a week with the 2026 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance, I walked away convinced that Audi has created far more than an incredibly fast luxury wagon. It has built a car that perfectly captures what enthusiasts love about the brand at a time when the automotive world is changing faster than ever.

Electrification is reshaping the performance car landscape. Large-displacement engines are disappearing, manufacturers are prioritizing efficiency over emotion, and many new performance cars rely on software to create excitement. Against that backdrop, the RS 6 Avant Performance feels refreshingly authentic. It represents one of the last opportunities to experience Audi’s legendary twin-turbocharged V8 paired with quattro all-wheel drive in a package that can comfortably handle school runs, cross-country road trips, or an early Sunday morning blast down your favorite back road.

The longer I lived with it, the more obvious it became that this isn’t simply one of the best performance wagons on sale today. It may ultimately be remembered as one of the defining Audis of its generation.

More Than Just a Fast Wagon

Even standing still, the RS 6 communicates purpose without resorting to theatrics.

Its widened bodywork, muscular wheel arches, honeycomb grille, aggressive front fascia, and massive oval exhaust outlets give it undeniable presence. Yet unlike many six-figure performance cars, it never feels like it’s trying too hard to attract attention. That’s always been one of Audi Sport’s greatest strengths. The design is confident rather than flashy.

During my week with the car, I noticed something interesting. Enthusiasts immediately recognized it, often giving a thumbs-up or lingering for a closer look. Everyone else simply saw an exceptionally attractive wagon. That subtle dual personality is part of the RS 6’s appeal. It flies under the radar just enough to remain understated while still rewarding those who understand exactly what they’re looking at.

In an era where many high-performance vehicles lean heavily on exaggerated styling, the RS 6 feels mature. Its design isn’t chasing trends, which is one reason I believe it will age remarkably well. Years from now, its proportions are likely to look just as purposeful as they do today.

A Twin-Turbo V8 That Still Feels Special

Press the start button and the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 settles into a deep, restrained idle. It’s not obnoxiously loud, but there’s enough bass in the exhaust note to remind you that this isn’t an ordinary Audi.

With 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque delivered through Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, the numbers are undeniably impressive. What surprised me most, however, wasn’t how quickly the RS 6 accelerates. It was how effortlessly it builds speed.

On winding roads, the engine never seems to run out of breath. The torque arrives early and stays consistent, allowing you to focus on choosing the right line rather than chasing the perfect gear. Even after several spirited drives, the drivetrain never felt strained. Instead, it delivered the kind of confidence that encourages you to keep driving long after you originally planned to head home.

Remarkably Comfortable for Everyday Driving

Many cars capable of supercar-like acceleration become tiring after an hour behind the wheel.

The RS 6 isn’t one of them.

One of the biggest surprises during my time with the car was just how refined it felt during normal daily use. Leave it in Comfort mode and the adaptive air suspension smooths out broken pavement with impressive composure. Expansion joints, rough city streets, and uneven highways never upset the chassis. The ride remains composed without feeling disconnected from the road.

Road and wind noise are impressively subdued, making long highway journeys genuinely relaxing. The front sport seats strike an excellent balance between lateral support and long-distance comfort, while visibility is far better than many performance SUVs or exotic sports cars. After several hours of driving, I stepped out feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.

Switch into Dynamic mode, however, and the personality changes almost instantly. Steering gains weight, throttle response sharpens, the transmission holds gears longer, and the suspension firms noticeably. That transformation is one of the RS 6’s defining characteristics. Few vehicles switch so convincingly between luxury grand tourer and serious performance machine with the press of a button.

An Interior That Prioritizes the Driver

Audi continues to produce some of the most thoughtfully designed interiors in the luxury segment, and the RS 6 is no exception.

The RS-specific digital displays are crisp and easy to configure, the Virtual Cockpit presents essential information clearly, and the infotainment system responds quickly without feeling cluttered. Physical controls remain for key functions, reducing the need to navigate endless touchscreen menus while driving.

Material quality is exceptional throughout the cabin. Soft leather, Alcantara, carbon fiber trim, and brushed aluminum create an atmosphere that feels premium without becoming ostentatious. Every switch, button, and control operates with the precision you’d expect from a flagship Audi.

What impressed me most wasn’t any single feature but how naturally everything worked together. The technology serves the driver rather than demanding attention. After only a short time behind the wheel, every control feels intuitive, allowing you to focus on the road instead of searching through menus.

Why the RS 6 Avant Performance Could Become a Future Classic

Some collector cars become valuable because they’re produced in limited numbers.

Others earn legendary status because they represent the end of an era.

The 2026 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance has a compelling case for becoming both.

Performance cars are rapidly transitioning toward hybrid and fully electric powertrains. While those vehicles will almost certainly become faster, recreating the emotional character of a twin-turbocharged V8 working in harmony with Audi’s mechanical quattro system may prove impossible. The experience is about far more than acceleration figures. It’s about the sound, the effortless surge of torque, and the mechanical confidence that defines every drive.

History suggests that enthusiasts gravitate toward vehicles marking important turning points. The original Audi Quattro, the first-generation R8 V8 and V10, and several iconic RS models have all become increasingly desirable because they captured a unique moment in Audi’s performance history.

The RS 6 Avant Performance feels poised to join that conversation. It blends everyday usability with extraordinary engineering in a way that may become increasingly rare as the industry evolves.

Ownership Is About More Than Performance

Buying an RS 6 isn’t simply purchasing a fast wagon. It’s choosing a vehicle that can genuinely replace multiple cars in your garage.

It offers the practicality of an SUV, the comfort of a luxury sedan, and the performance of a genuine sports car without feeling compromised in any of those roles. Add Audi’s renowned quattro system, and it becomes a vehicle capable of handling changing weather conditions with confidence throughout the year.

Will ownership involve premium maintenance costs? Certainly. High-performance luxury cars are never inexpensive to maintain. Yet for buyers considering a vehicle in this segment, the breadth of capability helps justify the investment. Few competitors can match the RS 6’s ability to excel at so many different tasks.

More importantly, it remains a car you’ll likely look back on with pride years after buying it. That emotional connection is difficult to quantify, but it’s one of the qualities that separates memorable cars from merely expensive ones.

Final Thoughts

After spending meaningful time with the 2026 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance, it’s easy to understand why enthusiasts speak about it with such admiration.

Its greatest strength isn’t simply the astonishing acceleration or the beautifully finished cabin. It’s the way every component works together to create an experience that feels remarkably complete. Whether you’re navigating city traffic, covering hundreds of highway miles, or carving through a favorite stretch of winding pavement, the RS 6 always feels perfectly suited to the moment.

As the automotive industry moves steadily toward electrification, cars like this are becoming increasingly uncommon. Future performance models may deliver greater speed and efficiency, but reproducing the character, balance, and everyday usability of Audi’s twin-turbocharged V8 performance wagon will be an enormous challenge.

For anyone considering the RS 6 Avant Performance today, my advice is simple: don’t think of it solely as a luxury performance wagon. Think of it as one of the last great expressions of everything Audi Sport has spent decades perfecting.

Years from now, I suspect enthusiasts won’t just remember the RS 6 Avant Performance as one of the best fast wagons ever built.

They’ll remember it as one of the finest Audis ever made.

After spending a full week behind the wheel of the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude, I walked away impressed, not because it’s trying to be a hardcore sports car, but because Honda has created something that feels genuinely refreshing in today’s market.

The Prelude isn’t built to compete with track-focused performance cars. Instead, it’s designed for drivers who want a stylish coupe that’s fun to drive every day, packed with technology, comfortable on long trips, and incredibly efficient. If you’re shopping for a car that stands out without sacrificing practicality, the Prelude deserves a serious look.

First Impressions

The first thing you’ll notice is the design. The Prelude has a low profile that turns heads without being flashy. It’s modern, elegant, and unmistakably Honda. Throughout my week with the car, people regularly asked about it at gas stations and parking lots, proving Honda has created something that captures attention.

Inside, the cabin feels far more premium than most buyers might expect from a Honda coupe. The digital instrument cluster, head-up display, Bose premium audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Built-In, heated seats, and quality materials make every drive enjoyable. Everything is laid out exactly where it should be, making the car easy to live with from day one.

What It’s Like to Drive

The biggest surprise wasn’t the performance; it was how balanced the Prelude feels.

The hybrid powertrain delivers smooth acceleration and instant response around town while remaining exceptionally quiet. Whether I was navigating city traffic or cruising on the highway, the car always felt refined and effortless.

Honda also gives drivers several driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Individual, and Shift Mode. Comfort is perfect for commuting, while Sport sharpens the car’s personality when the road becomes more interesting. Shift Mode adds another layer of driver involvement using the paddle shifters, making the Prelude feel more engaging than most hybrids I’ve driven.

What impressed me most was the suspension. The adaptive dampers, multi-link suspension, and Brembo front brakes give the Prelude a confident, planted feel through corners without sacrificing ride comfort. It’s a coupe you can enjoy on a winding road, but one that’s equally happy during your daily commute.

One of the Prelude’s biggest strengths is its efficiency.

Outstanding Fuel Economy

Honda estimates up to 44 MPG combined, which means you can enjoy the style and driving experience of a sporty coupe without constantly worrying about fuel costs. During a full week of driving, it became clear this is a car you can comfortably use every single day.

That’s a huge advantage over many traditional sporty coupes that require premium fuel and significantly more trips to the gas station.

Technology and Safety

Honda didn’t cut corners when it comes to technology.

The Prelude includes Honda Sensing, featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. These systems worked naturally throughout my time with the car, adding confidence without feeling intrusive.

Wireless smartphone integration, wireless charging, multiple USB-C ports, and Google Built-In make the technology experience feel modern and intuitive.

Who Should Buy the Prelude?

After a week behind the wheel, I think Honda knows exactly who this car is for.

If you’re looking for a comfortable daily driver that offers excellent fuel economy, premium features, modern technology, distinctive styling, and a driving experience that’s more engaging than the average hybrid, the Prelude checks nearly every box.

It’s especially appealing for buyers who may have considered a compact luxury coupe but appreciate Honda’s reputation for reliability and lower ownership costs.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Honda Prelude isn’t trying to relive the past, it creates its own identity.

It’s stylish without being impractical, efficient without feeling boring, and comfortable without losing the fun that has always been associated with the Prelude name. After spending a week driving it, I came away believing Honda has successfully built a coupe that makes sense in today’s market.

If you’re shopping for a vehicle that’s different from the sea of SUVs and crossovers but still practical enough to drive every day, the new Prelude should absolutely be on your test-drive list.

For me, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just the impressive fuel economy or the technology; it was how complete the entire package feels. Honda has built a coupe that’s enjoyable to own, rewarding to drive, and practical enough to serve as your only vehicle. That’s not an easy balance to achieve, but the 2026 Prelude does it remarkably well.

The latest Ford recall affects more than 741,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles in the U.S. due to a transmission issue that could increase the risk of unintended vehicle movement.

The latest Ford recall impacts 741,195 trucks and SUVs across the Ford and Lincoln brands after a transmission defect was found that could increase the risk of a parked vehicle rolling away. The automaker will update affected vehicles through dealerships and inspect any damaged components as necessary.

The recall involves several popular models sold in the United States between the 2018 and 2021 model years.

Ford recall affects popular trucks and SUVs

The Ford recall includes the following vehicles:

• 2018–2021 Ford Expedition
• 2018–2021 Lincoln Navigator
• 2020–2021 Ford Explorer
• 2020–2021 Lincoln Aviator
• 2020–2021 Ford F-150

According to the automaker, a transmission valve body separator plate may restrict fluid flow to the parking mechanism, potentially damaging the parking pawl over time and preventing it from properly holding the vehicle when parked.

More than 741,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles are included in the latest recall.

Warning signs and potential risks

Owners affected by the Ford recall may notice a warning light on the instrument cluster if the transmission does not fully engage the Park position.

In some cases, the electronic parking brake may automatically activate to help reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement. However, if damage has already occurred, the parking system may no longer function correctly.

Ford has reported multiple property damage claims and several alleged injuries associated with the issue.

Dealers will update affected vehicles

To resolve the Ford recall, dealerships will update the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software at no cost to owners.

Technicians will also inspect the parking mechanism and replace damaged components when necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed during August.

Ford recommends that owners of affected vehicles schedule the repair as soon as they receive their recall notice.

Dealers will perform a software update and inspect the parking system.Safety remains the priority

The Ford recall is one of the largest issued by the automaker this year and highlights the importance of addressing potential transmission-related safety concerns before they lead to more serious incidents.

Owners can verify whether their vehicle is included by checking their VIN through Ford’s recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Affected owners will receive recall notifications by mail.

The Ford recall demonstrates the company’s continued efforts to address potential safety issues across some of its most popular trucks and SUVs. Prompt repairs and software updates are expected to eliminate the risk and restore proper parking system operation.