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Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Wins GCOTY 2027 Performance Award

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The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N has won the Performance category at the 2027 German Car of the Year Awards, adding another major honor to its growing record.

IONIQ 6 N earns another major award

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N has added another award to its short but growing history. The all-electric performance sedan has won the Performance category at the German Car of the Year (GCOTY) Awards 2027.

The result was announced on September 22, 2026. An independent jury of around 40 automotive journalists recognized the IONIQ 6 N for its performance, precise handling and driver-focused character.

The award comes only months after the model was named 2026 World Performance Car at the World Car Awards. That gives Hyundai another important international recognition for its high-performance EV.

The IONIQ 6 N won the Performance category at the 2027 German Car of the Year Awards.

For Hyundai N, the result also highlights a broader shift toward electric performance. The brand is using the IONIQ 6 N to apply its performance philosophy to an EV.

The car was developed for both road and track use. Hyundai says its three core pillars are Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sports Car.

A performance EV built around the driver

The IONIQ 6 N uses a dual-motor electric powertrain with an 84-kWh battery. Its standard output is 601 hp, while N Grin Boost raises peak output to 641 hp for a limited period.

The car can produce up to 568 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai quotes a 0-60 mph time of roughly 3.2 seconds, using its N Launch Control system, while top speed reaches about 160 mph.

These numbers are supported by hardware developed specifically for the N model.

The sedan features a redesigned suspension geometry, electronically controlled dampers and an electronic limited-slip differential. Hyundai says the setup is designed to improve cornering while maintaining comfort during everyday driving.

The IONIQ 6 N uses a wider stance, flared bodywork and aerodynamic elements developed for high-speed stability.

Aerodynamics are another major part of the package.

Hyundai gives the IONIQ 6 N flared fenders, lightweight wheels and a large rear wing. The company says these elements help control airflow and provide greater stability at high speeds.

The design also separates the N version from the regular IONIQ 6. Its wider body and motorsport-inspired details give the electric sedan a much more performance-focused appearance.

Inside, Hyundai follows the same philosophy.

The cabin includes N-specific controls, performance-oriented seats and dedicated software functions. The goal is to make the driver more aware of what the car is doing while keeping the vehicle usable on normal roads.

N e-Shift adds a different EV experience

One of the most unusual features is N e-Shift.

Instead of behaving like a conventional single-speed EV, the system simulates gear ratios and shift events. Hyundai designed it to recreate some of the sensations associated with changing gears in a performance car.

The IONIQ 6 N also uses N Active Sound+. The system adds performance-oriented sounds that respond to the car’s operation.

Both systems are designed to increase driver feedback. They do not change the fact that the vehicle is electric, but they add more sensory information behind the wheel.

Hyundai developed the IONIQ 6 N with a dual-motor layout, an 84-kWh battery and dedicated N performance technology.

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Polestar Nears U.S. Sellout as 2027 Ban Looms

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Polestar is nearing a sellout of its remaining 2026 vehicles in the U.S. as new rules threaten to block sales of its 2027 models.

Polestar is rapidly clearing its remaining 2026 model-year vehicles in the United States as the Swedish electric-car brand prepares for a major change in its U.S. business.

The automaker recorded 14,371 global sales in the third quarter, a slight increase from the 14,222 vehicles delivered during the same period a year earlier. However, the U.S. market has become particularly important as Polestar approaches the end of its current inventory.

Polestar is focusing on selling its remaining 2026 vehicles in the United States before the new restrictions take effect.

Polestar U.S. Sales More Than Doubled

Polestar sold approximately 2,160 vehicles in the U.S. during the third quarter, compared with 966 units during the same period last year.

That represents a substantial increase as the company works through its remaining 2026 inventory.

Outside the United States, however, retail sales declined by 8% during the quarter. The contrast highlights the importance of the current U.S. sales push as Polestar prepares for the restrictions affecting its next model year.

The company’s remaining U.S. inventory consists primarily of Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 vehicles.

2027 Polestar Sales Face a Major U.S. Roadblock

Polestar will not be able to sell new 2027 model-year vehicles in the United States under new Commerce Department rules targeting China-linked vehicles equipped with connected-vehicle technology.

The restrictions represent a major challenge for Polestar because the company is majority-owned by China’s Geely Holding.

For the U.S. market, the immediate strategy is therefore straightforward: sell the remaining 2026 vehicles while maintaining support for customers who already own Polestar models.

Polestar plans to continue operating its U.S. service network and used-vehicle business, even after new-vehicle sales are affected.

The Polestar 4 is among the vehicles being sold from existing U.S. inventory.

Polestar Is Shifting Its Focus Toward Europe

With the U.S. market becoming more difficult, Polestar is placing greater emphasis on Europe.

The company plans to produce its upcoming Polestar 7 compact SUV at a Volvo Cars factory in Slovakia. The model is expected to become an important part of the brand’s European strategy.

Polestar has also started customer deliveries of the Polestar 5, its large electric performance model.

Meanwhile, Polestar 4 vehicles have reached European ports and are being distributed to retailers.

European sales were weaker during the latest quarter, but the company expects demand to improve as new models reach customers.

Polestar 5 Gains Interest in Europe

The Polestar 5 is already attracting strong interest in the United Kingdom, while Germany and Scandinavian markets are also showing encouraging demand.

The model gives Polestar another opportunity to strengthen its position in Europe’s premium electric-vehicle market.

The company’s European strategy will become increasingly important if U.S. restrictions prevent the introduction of new Polestar vehicles from the 2027 model year.

The Polestar 5 is expanding the brand’s presence in Europe’s premium electric-car market.

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BMW iX3 M60 Packs 603 HP and M Performance Tech

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BMW’s new iX3 M60 delivers 603 horsepower, 645 lb-ft of torque and a 3.9-second 0-62 mph time, backed by serious M Performance hardware.

BMW is already pushing the performance envelope with its new electric SUV. The 2027 BMW iX3 M60 arrives as the range-topping version of the Neue Klasse-based iX3, combining 603 horsepower with a heavily upgraded chassis and BMW’s latest electric-drive technology.

Production is scheduled to begin in spring 2027, while U.S. orders are expected to open at the end of January. Pricing and the official EPA range have not yet been announced.

The BMW iX3 M60 becomes the performance flagship of the new electric SUV lineup.

The BMW iX3 M60 Delivers 603 HP

The iX3 M60 is not a full BMW M model. Instead, it sits within BMW’s M Performance range. That distinction does not stop it from receiving substantial performance hardware.

The SUV uses BMW’s sixth-generation M eDrive system, with one electric motor powering each axle. The rear motor is a new electrically excited synchronous unit paired with a more powerful 420-amp inverter.

The result is 603 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque.

The iX3 M60 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 149 mph.

SpecificationBMW iX3 M60
Power603 hp
Torque645 lb-ft
0-62 mph3.9 seconds
Top speed149 mph
Usable battery112.2 kWh

BMW has not yet released an official EPA range figure for the M60. The standard iX3 can travel up to 434 miles in the U.S., so the performance model is expected to deliver somewhat less range.

BMW Gives the M60 Faster Vehicle Control

Performance is not limited to the electric motors. BMW has equipped the iX3 M60 with its new Heart of Joy processor, which handles driving-related inputs up to 10 times faster than the systems used in previous-generation vehicles.

The processor works with BMW M Dynamic Performance Control to coordinate the powertrain, steering, braking and regenerative braking systems.

The result is designed to make the SUV respond more quickly to driver inputs while maintaining precise control of its electric power delivery.

The M60 also gets dedicated Boost Mode and M Mode controls on the steering wheel. Two exclusive My Modes, called M Sport and M Sport Plus, allow drivers to adjust the powertrain, chassis and steering for increasingly aggressive responses.

The M60 combines BMW’s latest digital cockpit with dedicated performance controls.

Regenerative Braking Does More of the Work

BMW has also focused on how the iX3 M60 slows down. Its regenerative braking system can handle nearly all everyday deceleration, reducing the need to rely on conventional friction brakes.

The system includes a Soft Stop function that uses regenerative braking to bring the SUV to a smooth stop.

That approach can make everyday driving feel more seamless while maximizing the energy recovered by the electric powertrain.

The M60 Gets a Serious Chassis Upgrade

The BMW iX3 M60 receives significantly more than cosmetic changes. Its chassis includes Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers, variable-ratio M Sport steering and an electronically controlled M Sport differential at the rear axle.

BMW has also developed model-specific springs and dampers. Additional front-end bracing and revised anti-roll-bar links are designed to improve steering precision and reduce body roll.

The standard performance hardware includes:

  • Adaptive M Suspension
  • Electronically controlled dampers
  • Variable-ratio M Sport steering
  • Electronically controlled M Sport differential
  • Model-specific springs and dampers
  • Revised front-axle anti-roll-bar links
  • Additional front-end bracing
  • 21-inch M alloy wheels

M Sport brakes with red or blue calipers are available as an option. BMW also offers model-specific 21-inch performance tires, while 22-inch M aerodynamic wheels are exclusive to the M Performance version.

The iX3 M60 uses dedicated M Performance hardware to give the electric SUV a sharper character.

M Performance Styling Sets the M60 Apart

BMW has made several exterior changes to distinguish the M60 from other iX3 versions.

The model comes standard with the M Sport package and BMW Iconic Glow exterior lighting. Optional M Yellow Lights add another distinctive detail inspired by BMW’s motorsport heritage.

The front lighting signature incorporates three elements inspired by the familiar M stripes, while an illuminated M logo adds another visual cue.

The M60 also features dedicated M mirror caps, a black rear diffuser and standard 21-inch wheels. Larger 22-inch wheels are available for buyers seeking an even more aggressive appearance.

Inside, the iX3 M60 uses BMW’s latest Panoramic iDrive interface and Operating System X. A 17.9-inch central display angles toward the driver, while BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the lower section of the windshield.

The M Sport steering wheel features a red 12 o’clock marker and dedicated Boost and M Mode controls.

The Cabin Gets M-Specific Details

BMW offers optional M Sport seats with aggressive side bolsters, 10-way power adjustment, lumbar support, adjustable thigh support, backrest-width adjustment and massage functionality.

An illuminated M logo is integrated into the headrests.

The standard M interior uses black Veganza upholstery with M PerformTex. Buyers can also choose more premium Contemporary and BMW Individual interior configurations.

A standard 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system produces 430 watts and supports Dolby Atmos.

BMW iX3 M60 Production Starts in 2027

The 2027 BMW iX3 M60 combines high electric output with a chassis designed to deliver a more engaging driving experience.

Its 603 hp and 645 lb-ft put it firmly into high-performance electric SUV territory, while Adaptive M Suspension, an electronically controlled differential and BMW’s latest control technology give the M60 hardware beyond its straight-line acceleration.

Production begins in spring 2027, with U.S. orders scheduled to open at the end of January.

BMW has not yet revealed U.S. pricing or the official EPA range. Those figures will determine how competitive the iX3 M60 becomes when it reaches the market.

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Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer Get Big Changes for 2027

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Chevrolet is giving its most affordable SUVs more standard safety technology, larger screens and new trim options for the 2027 model year.

Chevrolet is making major changes to the Trax and Trailblazer for 2027. Both compact SUVs receive more than 20 standard safety and driver-assistance features, larger displays and built-in Google technology with Gemini.

The updated SUVs are scheduled to arrive at dealerships in spring 2027. The changes come after the Trax and Trailblazer recorded their strongest combined sales performance yet.

Chevrolet says it has delivered more than 250,000 Trax and Trailblazer SUVs combined this year, giving the two models an increasingly important role in the brand’s lineup.

The 2027 Chevrolet Trax receives updated styling, new technology and additional standard safety features.

More Than 20 Safety Features Become Standard

The biggest upgrade for both SUVs comes from an improved electrical and software architecture. It allows Chevrolet to offer more than 20 standard safety and driver-assistance features across the 2027 Trax and Trailblazer lineup.

New systems include Reverse Automatic Braking, Side Bicyclist Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Front Park Assist and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking.

Several existing features also remain standard. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Front and Rear Park Assist, Safety Alert Seat and Blind Zone Steering Assist.

The broader standard equipment should make the two SUVs more competitive with newer rivals, particularly for buyers who place a high priority on driver assistance without moving into more expensive trims.

Bigger Screens and Google Gemini

Chevrolet is also giving the Trax and Trailblazer a more modern cabin. Every 2027 model comes with an 11.0-inch driver information display and an 11.3-inch infotainment screen.

The infotainment system features Google built-in with Gemini, bringing Google’s latest artificial intelligence technology directly into the vehicle’s interface.

Chevrolet is also including 12 months of OnStar One for new buyers. The service adds features such as an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot and video streaming alongside the standard OnStar services.

The updated cabin features larger displays and built-in Google technology with Gemini.

Trax Gets a Simpler Lineup

Chevrolet is simplifying the 2027 Trax lineup to three versions: the entry-level model, RS and Activ.

The Trax also receives several exterior updates. These include a redesigned grille, new wheels, all-LED taillamps and a redesigned liftgate.

For the first time, buyers can also choose a power liftgate.

Each trim has its own visual identity. The entry-level version gets higher-contrast wheels, while the RS features 19-inch wheels, the largest wheel size available across the Trax lineup.

The Activ retains its distinctive front-end design. Both the Trax and Trailblazer also introduce a new Storm Sky Gray interior color.

Chevrolet says the Trax remains the segment leader and accounts for roughly one-fifth of the brand’s volume in its class.

Trailblazer Adds the Z71 Trim

The biggest change for the 2027 Chevrolet Trailblazer is the arrival of the Z71 trim.

Chevrolet has used the Z71 name for decades. The badge first appeared in 1963 and became associated with the brand’s off-road-oriented trucks before expanding to SUVs and other vehicles.

The Trailblazer Z71 brings a more adventure-focused setup. All-wheel drive comes standard, along with an off-road-tuned suspension, a skid plate and sport-terrain tires.

The cabin also receives a specific treatment. The Z71 combines Jet Black and Storm Sky Gray with orange accents to create a more rugged appearance.

The new Trailblazer Z71 adds standard all-wheel drive and hardware aimed at adventure-focused buyers.

Chevrolet Is Strengthening Its Affordable SUV Lineup

The 2027 updates give the Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer more technology without fundamentally changing their roles in the lineup.

The Trax continues to focus on accessible urban and everyday driving, while the Trailblazer gains a more distinctive personality with the new Z71.

More standard safety technology is arguably the most important change. Larger screens, Google Gemini and additional connected services also bring the two SUVs closer to the technology levels expected from newer vehicles.

With both models arriving at dealerships in spring 2027, Chevrolet is positioning its two most affordable SUVs for another strong year.

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