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Hyundai boosts the Tucson’s performance with a new PHEV variant that nearly hits 300 hp and directly threatens its best-selling rivals.

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The 2026 Hyundai Tucson arrives with renewed firepower to become the new benchmark in the SUV market. After months of leaked details, special editions like the Black Line and its petrol and diesel engines, the Korean brand now makes a bold move with a 288 hp plug-in hybrid that places it a step above the rest. A strategy that not only strengthens the range, but reshuffles the segment against heavyweights such as the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Austral 2026 and Toyota Corolla Cross 2026.

A 288 hp PHEV that comes dangerously close to the 300 hp mark

The big surprise of this facelift is the PHEV variant, which combines a 1.6 T-GDI petrol engine with 180 hp with a 92 kW (125 hp) electric motor. Together, they deliver 288 hp, sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and reach 206 km/h, with power sent to the front wheels in standard form. It can drive 71 km in full-electric mode, a figure that rises to 91 km in urban conditions, while keeping fuel consumption to a homologated 2.64 l/100 km. For those who need extra capability, Hyundai also offers an optional all-wheel-drive system.

This performance leap is even more striking when compared with its predecessor, which paired a 160 hp engine with a 72 kW electric motor for a total of 253 hp, 7.9 seconds in the 0-100 km/h sprint and a 186 km/h top speed. Electric range remains similar, but the new setup pushes the Tucson into a higher league, where it can now take on PHEV rivals like the Ford Kuga, Volkswagen Tiguan, CUPRA Terramar, MG HS, Citroën C5 Aircross, Peugeot 3008 and the upcoming Toyota RAV4 2026.

Hyundai is not only betting on power, but also on efficiency and environmental credentials. With this PHEV variant, the 2026 Tucson proudly carries the Zero-Emissions (Etiqueta 0) label, a decisive advantage for urban drivers seeking tax perks, access to restricted zones and a far lower running cost than a conventional SUV. Combined with its updated design and higher cabin quality, it positions itself as one of the most complete SUVs in the segment.

While we await the official pricing for the 288 hp plug-in hybrid Tucson, the brand is still offering the outgoing 253 hp PHEV version, priced from €43,475, a figure that can drop to €31,065 with all applicable discounts. A considerable difference that will likely spark debate at dealerships: is the extra power worth it, or is the outgoing model’s reduced price the smarter buy?

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2027 Nissan Murano Starts at $43,990 With New Dark Armor Trim

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The 2027 Nissan Murano is now on sale with a $43,990 starting price, while the new Dark Armor grade adds blacked-out styling and 21-inch wheels.

Nissan has launched the 2027 Murano in the United States with a starting MSRP of $43,990 and a new Dark Armor grade designed to give the midsize crossover a more aggressive appearance.

The new trim sits between the well-equipped SL and the range-topping Platinum in Nissan’s simplified Murano lineup.

2027 Nissan Murano Pricing

All 2027 Murano models use all-wheel drive, with pricing starting below $50,000 even for the Platinum model.

The 2027 Nissan Murano introduces a new Dark Armor grade between the SL and Platinum trims.

The lineup is priced as follows:

TrimMSRP
Murano SL AWD$43,990
Murano Dark Armor AWD$46,990
Murano Platinum AWD$49,790

Destination and handling adds $1,545.

New Dark Armor Trim Adds Blacked-Out Styling

The biggest change for 2027 is the new Dark Armor grade.

Nissan gives the Murano a darker exterior treatment with gloss-black 21-inch wheels, sportier bumpers, and gloss-black lower side molding.

The Murano Dark Armor uses gloss-black 21-inch wheels and additional black exterior details.

The Nissan badges are also finished in gloss black, while dedicated Dark Armor badges are placed on the front doors.

The trim is available only with a Graphite interior and can be ordered in six exterior color combinations.

Those include Gun Metallic, Super Black, Scarlet Ember, Everest White, Boulder Gray with a Super Black roof, and Everest White with a Super Black roof.

Murano Keeps Its Premium Technology

Beyond the new appearance package, the 2027 Murano continues to focus on comfort and technology.

Available features include ProPILOT Assist 2.1, which allows attentive drivers to take their hands off the wheel during compatible freeway driving.

The 2027 Murano continues to offer ProPILOT Assist 2.1 and a 12.3-inch infotainment display.

The SUV also offers Google built-in, including Google Maps, Google Play Store, and Google Assistant through its 12.3-inch infotainment display.

Other available features include massaging front seats and an enhanced 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor with 3D rotation, Front Wide View, and Invisible Hood View.

Built in Tennessee

The Nissan Murano continues to be assembled at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee, plant.

The model was also recognized as the Best Midsize 2-Row SUV for the Money in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money awards.

It earned additional recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which named the 2026 Murano a TOP SAFETY PICK+.

For the 2027 Nissan Murano, the new Dark Armor grade is the headline change, giving buyers a more distinctive alternative without moving all the way to the $49,790 Platinum trim.

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Volkswagen Previews a More Powerful Next-Generation Amarok

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Volkswagen is teasing a new Amarok with electrification and up to 464 horsepower, raising questions about whether the pickup could eventually reach the U.S. market.

Volkswagen is preparing a new generation of the Amarok pickup, and the company has confirmed that the next model will offer more power than any Amarok before it.

The truck was teased in Brazil alongside the new Tukan pickup, with Volkswagen revealing that the upcoming Amarok will combine electrification with a significantly more powerful powertrain lineup.

The Most Powerful Amarok Yet

Volkswagen has not released complete technical details, but reporting from Brazil indicates that the range could include an 800 TSI version producing as much as 464 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

That would make the next Amarok substantially more powerful than previous versions.

Volkswagen has teased the next-generation Amarok in Brazil, promising its most powerful powertrain yet.

The combination of high output and electrification suggests Volkswagen is looking to make the Amarok more competitive in the increasingly sophisticated midsize pickup segment.

The company has yet to reveal complete specifications, including battery capacity, electric range, or the exact hybrid system.

Amarok Already Has a North American Presence

Although the Amarok is not sold in the United States, Volkswagen does offer the pickup in Mexico.

Brazil is also an important market for Volkswagen’s trucks, where pickups play a major role in commercial and private use.

The Amarok is already sold in Mexico, while Brazil remains an important market for Volkswagen pickups.

In those markets, Volkswagen positions its trucks primarily as practical working vehicles rather than premium alternatives to pickups such as the Toyota Tacoma.

That includes fleet customers, making durability and utility particularly important.

The upcoming Amarok’s additional power and electrification could therefore broaden its appeal without abandoning its traditional work-oriented role.

Could the Amarok Come to America?

Volkswagen has previously discussed developing a pickup for the U.S. market, with production potentially taking place at its factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

That makes the new Amarok particularly interesting for American Volkswagen fans.

Volkswagen has previously considered a U.S.-market pickup, but the next Amarok has not been confirmed for the United States.

However, there is currently no confirmation that the new Amarok will be sold in the United States.

A U.S.-spec pickup could appeal to Volkswagen crossover owners looking for additional utility, but breaking into the American fleet and pickup market would be considerably more difficult.

The Amarok therefore remains a potentially interesting opportunity for Volkswagen, particularly as the company looks to strengthen its position in markets where pickups are among the most popular vehicle types.

For now, the Volkswagen Amarok remains officially confirmed for markets such as Brazil and Mexico, while its U.S. future is still unknown. What is clear is that the next generation is shaping up to be the most powerful and technologically advanced Amarok yet.

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Verstappen Takes on 100 Drivers in Epic Karting Challenge

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Max Verstappen will start from the back of a 101-driver field at Silverstone on September 16, attempting to overtake 100 rivals in a unique karting race.

Max Verstappen is taking on one of the most unusual racing challenges of his career.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion will compete against 100 other drivers in a special karting event at Silverstone on September 16.

Dubbed “Max vs 100,” the race will feature a custom-built karting circuit and see Verstappen start at the very back of a 101-driver grid.

Verstappen Must Overtake 100 Rivals

The challenge is simple on paper but extremely difficult in practice.

Verstappen must work his way through the entire field before time runs out, making traffic management and overtaking the biggest challenges of the event.

Max Verstappen will start last in a 101-driver karting race at Silverstone.

The field will include Red Bull athletes, celebrities, content creators, and amateur racers.

Red Bull has already confirmed several participants, including ultramarathon runner Arda Saatçi, basketball player Chris Matthews, freestyle mountain biker Matt Jones, and streamers TheGrefg, Caedrel, and TheDonato.

The complete entry list has not yet been announced.

A Return to Verstappen’s Karting Roots

The event is particularly fitting for Verstappen because karting was where his racing career began.

The Dutchman started karting at just four years old and spent years competing before progressing through the junior categories and eventually reaching Formula 1.

Verstappen began racing karts at four and says the discipline taught him the fundamentals of racing.

Verstappen says karting teaches many of the fundamentals required in motorsport, including starts, defending, overtaking, and understanding available grip.

He also believes that his extensive experience in karting allows him to quickly rediscover the feeling of a kart whenever he returns to one.

A Custom Silverstone Circuit

The karting track has been specifically designed for the event by French driver and race director David Terrien.

Terrien has already tested the layout alongside two-time iRacing world champion Sebastian Job.

David Terrien designed the custom Silverstone karting circuit specifically for Verstappen’s 100-driver challenge.

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