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The 2018-2021 Mazda6 Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo combined style, refinement, and sporty performance, making it a standout among mid-size sedans.

Even though Mazda discontinued the Mazda6 in North America as of 2024, the sedan’s handsome styling still turns heads. Its sleek lines and balanced proportions give it a more premium appearance than many newer rivals. The interior exudes a timeless luxury feel, featuring high-quality materials, a minimalistic layout, and ergonomic controls that remain easy to use, proving that Mazda prioritized both aesthetics and practicality.

Performance That Excited Drivers

Under the hood, the 2.5-liter turbocharged Skyactiv-G engine delivered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, allowing the front-wheel-drive Mazda6 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 149 mph. While not a full-bore performance sedan, the engine’s responsiveness and torque curve provided an engaging driving experience, blending sportiness with everyday usability.

Handling and Comfort in Perfect Balance

The Mazda6 was more than just straight-line speed. Precise steering and composed handling made it enjoyable on twisty roads, while careful suspension tuning minimized road imperfections. Inside, highway cruising remained quiet and refined, giving the sedan a balance of sporty feel and comfort that many competitors struggled to achieve.

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Practicality Meets Sportiness

Despite its performance, the Mazda6 retained everyday usability. The cabin design, combined with front-wheel-drive practicality and a refined chassis, meant it could handle long drives comfortably while still being fun behind the wheel. The turbocharged engine and sharp dynamics gave drivers a “warm performance” experience–quick and lively, without venturing into supercar territory.

Looking Toward a Potential Future

Enthusiasts have speculated that Mazda could revive the Mazda6 on a rear-wheel-drive platform, possibly the CX-90’s RWD architecture with a 3.3-liter turbo inline-six, bringing it closer to full performance sedan territory. Such a move would combine the timeless design and refined handling of the Mazda6 with modern power and driving engagement, potentially reestablishing it as a class-leading mid-size sedan.

Formula1

Aston Martin Gives AMR26 a New Look for Austin

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Aston Martin will showcase a special AMR26 livery at the United States Grand Prix, celebrating five years of its partnership with Cognizant.

Aston Martin is preparing a special appearance for the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, where its AMR26 will mark five years of collaboration with Cognizant. The partnership began in 2021 and remains part of the team’s identity in Formula One.

The AMR26 will carry a special design for the United States Grand Prix weekend.

Aston Martin Marks Five Years With Cognizant

The Austin Grand Prix provides the setting for Aston Martin to recognize the milestone. Since the partnership began in 2021, Cognizant has maintained a prominent association with the team’s Formula One program.

The anniversary also comes as the relationship expands into new areas of technology. Earlier in 2026, Cognizant became Aston Martin’s Global AI Services Partner, strengthening the technological dimension of the collaboration.

Technology and Formula One

Modern Formula One relies on data analysis, software and advanced computing to support decisions throughout a race weekend. Teams use these tools to evaluate performance, develop strategies and improve their operations.

Aston Martin’s expanded relationship with Cognizant reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital technology in motorsport. However, the partnership’s announcement alone does not establish a specific performance gain for the AMR26.

Data analysis and digital tools are important parts of modern Formula One operations.

Austin Provides the Backdrop

The United States Grand Prix gives Aston Martin an opportunity to highlight the anniversary in front of American fans. The special livery will bring the partnership into focus during the Austin race weekend.

The design also connects the team’s on-track presence with a collaboration that has evolved since 2021. With Cognizant’s expanded role in artificial intelligence, the anniversary reflects both the history of the relationship and its continuing technological focus.

Aston Martin’s special AMR26 appearance will be one of the team’s key visual elements at the United States Grand Prix. Further details about the livery’s specific design features should be confirmed through the team’s official announcement.

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INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

Rivian Turns Drivers Into Testers for Its Next Big Tech Upgrade

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The automaker is inviting select R1 and R2 owners to try a new route-based driving assistant before a wider U.S. rollout.

Rivian is preparing to expand its driver-assistance technology with Point to Point, a system designed to handle more of a journey than conventional hands-free highway assistance. The first phase will be limited to selected customers, with a broader rollout planned for 2027.

Rivian is starting its latest driving technology program with eligible owners of newer R1 models and the R2.

From Highway Assistance to Full Routes

Point to Point builds on Rivian’s existing Universal Hands-Free system. It is designed to follow a planned route, including turns, highway merges and surface streets, while the driver remains responsible for supervising the vehicle.

The technology combines the vehicle’s sensors and cameras with Rivian’s Large Driving Model, which interprets surrounding conditions and helps determine how the vehicle should respond.

Point to Point aims to manage more of a planned journey while requiring the driver to remain attentive.

Who Can Join the Early Access Program?

The initial program targets eligible Gen 2 R1 and R2 owners in California and Florida. Applicants must have an active paid Autonomy+ subscription; free trials do not qualify.

Rivian will consider existing use of its driver-assistance features, recent safety records and a balance of vehicle models and regions when selecting participants. Owners can register their interest through the Autonomy Early Access tile in their Rivian account.

Eligible owners can register their interest through their Rivian account.

Testing Comes With Conditions

Selected participants must use the preview features weekly, report issues and complete monthly surveys. They must also agree to data collection that includes location and camera data, under a non-disclosure agreement.

The program is unpaid, and Rivian can reassess participants’ eligibility every 30 days. First-generation R1 vehicles and Canadian owners are excluded from the initial phase.

Camera and sensor data are part of the technology Rivian is developing and evaluating.

A Wider Rollout Is Planned for 2027

Rivian expects Point to Point to reach a broader group of Autonomy+ customers in 2027, following the early-access phase. Feedback from interested owners outside California and Florida may also help inform which states are considered for expansion.

The R2 is among the vehicles targeted for the initial program, with wider availability expected to follow.

Point to Point remains a Level 2 driver-assistance system, not fully autonomous driving. Drivers must stay attentive and be ready to take control at all times.

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2027 Lexus NX Reinvents Its Hybrid Formula

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Lexus transforms its NX lineup for 2027 with more power, a redesigned cabin and an all-hybrid range.

The 2027 Lexus NX enters a new chapter as the luxury crossover drops its gasoline-only version. Buyers can now choose between the NX 350h hybrid and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, with four trim levels and updated technology across the lineup.

The 2027 Lexus NX adopts a sharper design with a new headlight signature and cleaner exterior details.

More Power Across the Hybrid Range

The NX 350h now delivers 244 horsepower, a 4-hp increase over the previous model. The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid makes 324 horsepower, up from 304 hp, and offers an estimated 40 miles of electric-only range.

Both versions benefit from a revised e-Axle system and updated power electronics designed to improve efficiency and reduce weight.

The NX 350h combines a 244-hp hybrid powertrain with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, depending on trim.

Updated rear lighting and a distinctive illuminated badge give the redesigned NX a more recognizable appearance.

A More Digital Cabin

Inside, every 2027 NX features a 14-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Lexus Interface adds a customizable home screen, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, a built-in drive recorder and standard over-the-air updates.

The Luxury and F Sport grades also offer Sensory Concierge, which coordinates cabin lighting, climate, seat temperature and fragrance through three selectable modes.

The updated interior makes a larger touchscreen and digital instrumentation standard across the lineup.

Four Grades and Expanded Driver Assistance

The 2027 Lexus NX lineup consists of Premium, Premium+, F Sport and Luxury. The NX 350h offers front-wheel or all-wheel drive on selected grades, while the NX 450h+ comes with all-wheel drive.

Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 is standard, bringing adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection assistance and emergency steering support.

The 2027 NX combines its updated hybrid powertrains with standard driver-assistance technology.

Lexus has not yet announced pricing for the refreshed NX. Final prices for all four grades are expected closer to the model’s on-sale date.

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