Lamborghini Temerario tips 1905kg: are new supercars too heavy?

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February 1, 2026

Lamborghini Temerario tips 1905kg: are new supercars too heavy?

Still, as kerb weights go, those figures remain faintly palatable. But the Temerario? It set a new class record of 1905kg, even with its £37k diet pack. I have explained how astonishingly well the ‘junior’ Lambo hides its mass in the road test proper, but in isolation this figure rightly sets alarms ringing, just as the advent of the 2.4-tonne BMW M5 did.

The Revuelto weighed even more, at 1960kg, but it has a 6.5-litre V12 and is so alien that its corpulence doesn’t initially register. The Temerario is something that could plausibly be cross-shopped with a 911 GT3, yet with a passenger, the thing weighs fully two tonnes.

In its defence, the Temerario carries all the hardware you can throw at a supercar in 2025: battery pack down the central spine; electric motor between turbocharged V8 and dual-clutch gearbox; another two motors on the front axle. In the old Huracán, a little Haldex clutch pack and some spindly half-shafts sufficed for the delivery of 4WD.

It can’t be easy to keep the chub at bay if you’ve essentially been forced down the road of hybridisation and the 4WD is part of your brand identity. We should make allowances for that.

More cynically, you could say that because Lamborghini knows its customers care about looks, noise and raw performance, it hasn’t tried very hard to keep the kilos at bay. Why would you, when 907bhp will still give you an outrageous 476bhp per tonne?

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Waymo robotaxi hits child near school, NHTSA opens probe

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February 1, 2026

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Waymo robotaxi hits child near school, NHTSA opens probe

Waymo struggles to shake off the accusation that its technology is a danger to children during school hours. By Stewart Burnett

Waymo’s school bus related woes continue, with reports that one of its robotaxis struck a child near an elementary school during normal drop-off hours, causing minor injuries. The incident took place in Santa Monica, California on 23 January, prompting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation into the incident.

The collision occurred within two blocks of the school during normal drop-off hours with other children, a crossing guard and several double-parked vehicles in the vicinity. Previous incidents involved Waymo robotaxis illegally passing stopped school buses; at least 19 are known to have taken place in Austin, Texas since the start of the school year, with an additional six incidents in Atlanta, Georgia also reported.

Waymo has issued a statement on the incident, claiming the child “suddenly entered the roadway from behind a tall SUV, moving directly in our vehicle’s path” and that its system “immediately detected” the pedestrian. The robotaxi then braked hard from 17 mph to under 6 mph before colliding with the child.

Following impact, Waymo said the child stood up immediately and walked to the sidewalk, and the company called emergency services. The vehicle moved aside to await law enforcement clearance. Waymo—no stranger to federal investigation—voluntarily contacted NHTSA the same day and asserted that its simulation model showed a “fully attentive human driver” would have struck the pedestrian at approximately 14 mph, appreciably faster than the robotaxi’s reported speed.

Now it’s over to NHTSA to determine whether Waymo, in the agency’s words, “exercised appropriate caution given, among other things, its proximity to the elementary school during drop off hours, and the presence of young pedestrians and other potential vulnerable road users”. NHTSA also noted the presence of “other children, a crossing guard, and several double-parked vehicles in the vicinity”, arguably cues that a human driver would have taken to exercise particular caution.

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation plans to examine the intended behaviour of Waymo’s automated driving system in school zones during normal pick-up and drop-off times, including its adherence to posted speed limits. The agency will also review the company’s post-impact response procedures.

The Santa Monica incident adds to a growing amount of regulatory pressure on Waymo following separate investigations into its robotaxis illegally passing stopped school buses with extended stop arms and flashing warning lights. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched a probe last week to investigate the incidents reported in Austin, Texas. In at least one case, a Waymo drove past students actively disembarking from the bus.

It should be noted that NTSB has little to no enforcement power, but its recommendations generally form the basis of future policy. NHTSA opened a separate probe based on the Austin reports back in October.

Waymo has repeatedly tried to correct the issue via over-the-air update, issuing a patch in November and a full voluntary software recall the following month. According to Waymo, all affected vehicles received the November patch before the official recall. However, Austin Independent School District has continued to report issues in the weeks that followed.

The district demanded Waymo cease operations during school bus loading and unloading hours until safety concerns could be adequately addressed; Waymo has rejected this demand repeatedly. In response to the NTSB probe, Waymo Chief Safety Officer Mauricio Peña told TechCrunch that no actual collisions have taken place involving school buses, and said he was “confident that our safety performance around school buses is superior to human drivers”.

A separate incident occurred 25 January in Los Angeles where a Waymo vehicle being operated in manual mode by a human specialist sped through a one-way residential street near Dodger Stadium and struck several parked cars including one with an occupant, though no injuries were reported.

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This off-road-focused Bentley Bentayga could go into production

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February 1, 2026

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This off-road-focused Bentley Bentayga could go into production

Bentley has unveiled its new X Concept at the FAT Ice Race at Zell am See. The concept has been developed to gain feedback for an off-road-focused Bentayga, which means the company does intend to put it into production if the market demands it.

The Bentley X Concept is based on a Bentayga Speed. Under the bonnet is a 650 hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which sends power to all four wheels via an eight-speed transmission.

Bentayga X Concept - 6

The concept SUV rides on air suspension and is equipped with Bentley Dynamic Ride, Bentley’s 48V electric active anti-roll control system.

The X Concept rides on forged single-piece 22-inch wheels that were created by Brixton specifically for this car. The wheels are shod with off-road tires. The wheel arches have been extended by 40 mm to accommodate the wider tires.

Bentayga X Concept - 2

The suspension has also been revised. The track width has increased by 120 mm, and the ride height has gone up by 5 mm. Other modifications include a titanium sports exhaust from Akrapovic, towing eyes and a roof carrier.

Source: Bentley

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1960 Chevrolet Brookwood Wagon: Patina Perfection

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February 1, 2026

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1960 Chevrolet Brookwood Wagon: Patina Perfection

I’m a fan of Patina, you’re likely already aware. I’m also a fan of wagons, I mention this a little less often, but, it should also be common knowledge for long-time readers.

So, with those two things seeing this Brookwood Wagon at the most recent Majestics BBQ was a real treat.

1960 Chevrolet Brookwood Wagon: Patina Perfection

This wagon was for sale about a year ago, and I remember drooling over the ad profusely.

If memory serves the car is a 1961 and, despite what the body says, it’s better than factory fresh.

A modern Chevrolet LS3 sits under the hood, looking retro thanks to a Holley Intake and accessory setup. It’s a great look for the car, fitting with the exterior but a heck of a bump up in power.

Inside the interior is fully refreshed, and features Dakota Digital gauges. It looks to have a working AC and that interior colour is tremendous.

The transmission is a 6-speed manual, again… a surprb choice.

I believe the car had a price tag in the way of nearly 70k, considering what you get isn’t all the bad. Hopefully, the new owner drives this a lot because it’s one serious machine.

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BMW iX3 Nearly Sold Out for 2026 as Neue Klasse Demand Exceeds Expectations

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January 31, 2026

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BMW iX3 Nearly Sold Out for 2026 as Neue Klasse Demand Exceeds Expectations

Demand Surges for Neue Klasse Pioneer as BMW Ramps Up Production in Hungary

BMW has a problem. The good kind. The all-new, all-electric iX3, the first production model riding on BMW’s next-generation Neue Klasse platform, is already close to being sold out for 2026. And that’s before a single customer delivery has officially begun.

Unveiled at IAA Mobility in Munich last September, the iX3 has quickly become a breakout hit. It now accounts for roughly one-third of all fully electric BMW orders in Europe. According to the company, many customers locked in their orders without ever sitting in or driving the vehicle.

That’s not hype. It’s a signal. A major one.

At a recent handover event at BMW Welt in Munich, board member and sales chief Jochen Goller called customer interest “overwhelming.” In response, BMW is moving up plans to launch a second production shift at its Debrecen plant in Hungary. The factory only just came online and currently operates on a single shift. It was always designed to scale to three. It just didn’t expect to do it so quickly.

Neue Klasse: The Starting Line

The BMW iX3 is more than a product. It is a strategic reset. It marks the first application of Neue Klasse, BMW’s clean-sheet electric architecture that redefines what an electric BMW can be. Think better weight distribution, more efficient packaging, and lightning-fast 800-volt charging. The iX3 sets the tone for the brand’s electric future with a blend of performance, tech, and refinement that feels more focused than previous EV efforts.

Full customer deliveries begin March 7. A handful of early handovers have already taken place in Germany, mostly ceremonial events with a few high-visibility names grabbing the first keys.

Debrecen: BMW’s EV Ground Zero

This is not just about one vehicle. Debrecen is the first factory in BMW’s global network dedicated exclusively to electric vehicle production. At full capacity, it will produce up to 150,000 vehicles per year, although that target won’t be reached in 2026 as production ramps. Even so, BMW has confirmed that the majority of its iX3 production capacity for 2026 is already spoken for.

That level of demand has forced BMW to rethink its original timeline. The second shift will come online sooner than expected, helping reduce wait times and ease early supply bottlenecks.

Europe First, but Not for Long

The BMW iX3 is heading to China in the first half of 2026, giving BMW a key foothold in a highly competitive and fast-growing EV market. It will also anchor the company’s upcoming Neue Klasse expansion in the U.S., where BMW’s Spartanburg plant will begin production of NE-based vehicles later this year.

This is only the beginning. BMW is preparing to launch the all-electric i3 sedan, the spiritual EV successor to the 3 Series, in the second half of 2026. It will be built in Munich and aims to blend traditional BMW sport sedan DNA with cutting-edge Neue Klasse tech. The 7 Series will also receive a significant update this year, incorporating core Neue Klasse systems into its existing structure.

The BimmerFile View

This is the moment BMW has been building toward. After years of transitional EVs and partial-platform solutions, the iX3 finally shows us what an electric BMW looks like when the handcuffs come off. It’s not a halo product. It’s not niche. It’s a volume mover, built to scale.

That it’s nearly sold out months before deliveries begin is more than encouraging. It’s vindication. For the engineers in Munich. For the believers in Spartanburg. And for the buyers who have been waiting for a no-compromise electric BMW.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz S Class: Attention to detail

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January 31, 2026

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2026 Mercedes-Benz S Class: Attention to detail

In truth, the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been on the market for almost six years, and only now has it received a facelift. Even so, when a new S-Class arrives, the industry still pauses for a moment.

With a mid-cycle update, the moment of anticipation from the public and competitors alike is understandably shorter than with a full model change. Yet an S-Class remains, above all else, an S-Class. Visually, little has changed in fundamental terms. Fully electric drivetrains remain exclusive to the EQS. Instead, the flagship of the Mercedes range gains new headlights front and rear, along with a revised radiator grille that looks noticeably more dignified. The visual updates are subtle, but the attention to detail clearly benefits the S-Class. The illuminated Mercedes star on the bonnet is a playful yet image-boosting feature and technically demanding, although it will not be available on the German home market for the time being. The same applies to Level 3 automated driving. In Germany, this was previously available up to 95 km/h on motorways at significant cost. With the facelift of the S223 and V223, many had expected an increase to at least 120 km/h, offering far greater real-world usefulness. Instead, Level 3 has now been dropped entirely. The updated S-Class steps back to Level 2 Plus, sharing technology with the smaller CLA. Given the already low take-up rates, the reasoning behind this decision is difficult to justify.

2026 Mercedes-Benz S Class

Beyond that, much remains familiar, while the engines have been revised. The traditionally broad powertrain line-up includes the six-cylinder S 350d 4Matic with 230 kW and 313 PS, the S 450d 4Matic with 270 kW and 367 PS, and the petrol S 450 4Matic with 280 kW, 381 PS and 640 Nm of torque. Plug-in hybrid options include the S 450e with 240 kW and 326 PS and the S 500 4Matic with 330 kW and 449 PS. At the top sits the V8-powered S 580 4Matic, delivering 395 kW, 537 PS and 750 Nm. Depending on the model, all are available in standard and long-wheelbase form. The plug-in hybrids achieve an electric-only range of around 100 kilometres. The powerful V12 remains reserved for the armoured S 680 Guard 4Matic. AMG and Maybach variants will follow at a later date. All models benefit from new vehicle electronics and are networked via the MB.OS operating system, previously seen only in the new CLA. Air suspension remains standard, while optional features include electronic roll stabilisation and rear-wheel steering with up to ten degrees of steering angle, regardless of wheelbase.

Inside, occupants enjoy the familiar S-Class luxury, with large displays front and rear, newly detachable remote controls and updated technology for video conferencing. In terms of safety, little is left to be desired, with up to 15 airbags, heated seatbelts and a wide array of driver assistance systems. Thanks to an expanded Manufaktur programme offering more than 150 exterior colours and over 400 interior finishes, each S-Class can be tailored almost without limit. Prices for the Mercedes-Benz S 350d 4Matic start at €121,356.

Mercedes S Klasse 2026 14 — Die neue S-Klasse. Stuttgart, 2026.
Lackfarbe: Hightechsilber metallic
Exterieur: AMG Line; Night-Paket
Interieur: Exklusives Nappa-Leder macchiatobeige / magmagrau; Exklusiv-Paket
The new S-Class. Stuttgart, 2026.
Exterior colour: Hightech silver metallic
Exterior: AMG Line; Night Package
Interior: Exclusive Nappa leather macchiatobeige / magmagrey; Exclusive Package

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Best Sections of Route 66 for a 2026 Road Trip

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January 31, 2026

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Best Sections of Route 66 for a 2026 Road Trip

If you’ve been watching the blog, you already know: 2026 is Route 66th’s 100th anniversary! To celebrate, plenty of destinations along the way are planning a suite of Route 66 100th anniversary events, festivals, and so much more to kickoff this historic moment. The celebrations officially begin on April 30, and now’s the time to start planning for your Route 66 Centennial adventure.

RV travel is, in our opinion, the very best way to see the Mother Road—and not just because RVs are our passion. When it comes to a long drive with many stops along the way, RVing allows you to carry everything you need for the journey and stay in comfort, without having to worry about unpacking and repacking your suitcase or adapting to a dozen different hotel beds. Instead, your home away from home will simply travel with you to keep you cozy and energized so you can enjoy the Route 66 centennial festivities!

Route 66 Centennial Events and Festivals

Without further ado, let’s dive into the must-know details about these Route 66 events and festivals.

Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off Event: Springfield, MO

April 30 – May 2, 2026

Although the road starts in Chicago and ends in LA, Springfield, MO holds the exalted designation as the “Birthplace of Route 66.” That’s because, on April 30, 2026, the city sent a telegram to federal highway officials proposing the name that stuck: U.S. Route 66.

One hundred years later, Springfield will be the place to be, with NBC’s TODAY show broadcasting live on the morning of Thursday, April 30 starting at 8 a.m. and highlighting the Mother Road’s history. At 4 p.m., there will be a formal dedication ceremony at Birthplace Plaza (the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and St. Louis Street). This marks the exact anniversary, to the hour, of when that fateful telegram was sent.

Throughout the weekend, kickoff festivities will continue with a sculpture dedication, parade, and vintage automobile show. Expect live music, a convivial atmosphere, and tons of new friends — and consider staying at one of these local Springfield, MO RV parks or campgrounds.

Seligman Centennial Celebration: Seligman, AZ

April 30, 2026

The tiny community of Seligman, about halfway between Flagstaff and Kingman, is often overlooked — but on April 30, they’ll unveil new monument signs in town for the Route 66 Centennial. The information booth will open at 9 a.m., and the opening ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at Seligman Centennial Park. Between 11 a.m. and the early afternoon, enjoy Route 66 book signings, DJs, vendors, and food trucks, including a Mother Road Brewery booth.

You can also take this opportunity to meander Seligman’s historic district, featuring facades from the original Route 66 era — not to mention being close to other must-see Arizona destinations, including the Grand Canyon. (Here are some nearby campgrounds to consider in the Flagstaff area.)

Route 66 Fun Run: Seligman, Kingman, Oatman and Topock, AZ

May 1 – 3, 2026

Don’t worry — this isn’t the kind of fun run you need to be in shape for! Arizona’s Route 66 Fun Run, which is actually an annual event even when it’s not the centennial, is actually a 140-mile drive that visitors from around the world converge in these small communities to participate in. After parading through these historic towns, the weekend is capped off with a fun and delicious community barbecue.

The Annual Route 66 Fun Run actually dates all the way back to 1987, when the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. To celebrate the state’s decision to bring back Route 66 as a historic highway, the association threw the first Fun Run the very next year in 1988. Since then, this event has been a well-known car rally and celebration of Americana. Learn more and register today!

Ash Fork Heritage on Route 66 Day: Ash Fork, AZ

May 16, 2026

Home to the Route 66 Historic Museum, Ash Fork, Arizona is just a few more miles west of Seligman where many of the above-mentioned festivities will occur. If you hang out until mid-May (and goodness knows there’s plenty to explore in Northern Arizona in the meantime), you can enjoy a full day of food, fun, and nostalgia in Ash Fork, including a 10 a.m. parade with classic cars, floats, pedestrians, and at least a few folks on horseback.

Heritage Day will also feature a chili cookoff, a vintage fire engine display, a craft fair, and live flagstone demonstrations. (Ash Fork is otherwise known as the Flagstone Capital of the United States). Given its close proximity to Sedona (and all the incredible natural areas surrounding it), there are plenty of places to set up camp, whether you’re looking for a luxurious, resort-style stay or happy to rough it in the wilderness.

Williams Route 66 Centennial Car Show: Williams, AZ

June 5 & 6, 2026

Route 66 is a road — which means celebrating its birthday is just as much about cars as it is about the highway itself. In Williams, Arizona in early June, enjoy the 11th annual Williams Historic Route 66 Car Show, this time with the additional festive energy of the centennial behind it.

As the organizers put it on their website, “this event brings together classic car lovers, custom builders, hot rod enthusiasts, veterans, locals, and travelers from all over the country for one of Northern Arizona’s most anticipated automotive weekends.” Whether you’re coming with a vintage car of your own or just want to peruse and enjoy the local music and vendors that will accompany the spectacle, good nearby options for hanging your hat include The Canyon Motel & RV Park and Grand Canyon RV Glamping.

Flagstaff Route 66 Centennial Celebration: Flagstaff, AZ

June 6, 2026

Free, family-friendly, and full of historic reenactments, classic cars, and nostalgic touches like sky writing, Flagstaff’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration is not one to miss. Along with the festivities that will take over town from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day, you’ll also be a stone’s throw from some of the most scenic and sought-after destinations in the entire American Southwest, including Grand Canyon National Park as well as Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park, and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Better yet, many of these state parks also double as perfect campgrounds.

AAA Route 66 Road Fest: Tulsa, OK

June 27 & 28, 2026

If there’s an organization that knows roads, it’s AAA, and AAA is celebrating Route 66’s 100th birthday in the very heart of it all in Tulsa, Oklahoma this year. Set up at the Sagenet Center in Tulsa’s Expo Square, this weekend-long celebration will include classic cars, road-trip-oriented vendors perfect for RVers, fresh local food, family-friendly activities, and more.

While you’re in the state, take the opportunity to explore! Oklahoma is home to more than 400 miles of historic Route 66 roadway. Along with RV parks in and around the town of Tulsa, we also recommend nearby natural preserves like Keystone State Park that allow RV camping and a balance between urban and outdoor adventures.

Kingman Route 66 Fest: Kingman, AZ

October 16 & 17, 2026

Looking for an opportunity to explore the Northern Arizona desert in a less-heated season? While many of the Centennial celebrations will take place in May and June, Kingman Route 66 Fest is scheduled for October, when the weather is milder and the sun casts golden light along the land. The Friday schedule includes a classic car show, a DJ with curated Route 66 music, a photobooth and a silent disco (where everyone will be dancing to the same music, but in their headphones, making it look silent from the outside). Saturday will include many of the same activities, but also a Queen of the Mother Road pin-up contest.

The nearby Fun Zone includes train rides, zip lines, inflatable jumping zones and more, making this a great event for kids and adults alike. Sunrise RV Park and Kingman KOA Journey are two great options in town, but this area is also surrounded by BLM lands where dispersed camping is freely available.

RV Planning Tips for Route 66 Centennial Events

Now that you’ve got the events in mind, here are some quick tips to help you plan for your trip with the least amount of friction and the most amount of fun.

Book ahead. Major Route 66 Centennial events are very likely to draw large crowds, and many are held in very small communities. Reserving your campsites ahead of time is critical! Same for your RVshare rental vehicle. (Psst: Want to see a lot of the Mother Road? We’ve recently introduced one-way RV rentals, as well.)
Consider your route timing. As you can see, many of these events take place in April and May, which gives you plenty of time before and after to explore the areas they’re held in, and beyond. Take some time to create a full-blown Route 66 RV trip itinerary that goes beyond one event!
Keep it RV-friendly! While you’re trip-planning, keep in mind that many parts of historic Route 66 are, well, historic. These old alignments can include narrow roads and low-clearance bridges, so check ahead of time if you’re driving a large Class A motorcoach or towing a big fifth-wheel trailer.

Why Renting an RV from RVshare Is the Best Way to Celebrate

We’ll admit it, we’re a little biased. But when you rent an RV from RVshare, you’ll enjoy nationwide pickup locations near all the major Route 66 entry points, as well as a variety of RV sizes and styles to fit your travel needs. (In this case, since you’ll likely be driving on historic roads, you might consider a Class B camper van, for example—those can be a lot harder to find at the big-box rental outfits!)

Enjoy all the benefits of RV travel, such as flexibility and the opportunity to stay close to celebrations and campgrounds without daily packing and unpacking, without the long-term ownership obligations of storage and maintenance. Renting an RVshare vehicle is the perfect choice for a once-in-a-lifetime centennial road trip experience, and we’ve got your back every step (and mile) along the way.)

Route 66’s 100th anniversary in 2026 brings a unique opportunity to experience the Mother Road’s history and festivities in communities from Chicago to Santa Monica. And you already know that RV travel offers unmatched flexibility and comfort for visiting multiple centennial celebrations along the historic highway—and beyond. Start planning your Route 66 RV adventure now to attend these once-in-a-century events and make the most of your journey. The Mother Road awaits!

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Tesla Cybercab spotted with interesting charging solution, stimulating discussion

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January 30, 2026

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Tesla Cybercab spotted with interesting charging solution, stimulating discussion

Tesla Cybercab units are being tested publicly on roads throughout various areas of the United States, and a recent sighting of the vehicle’s charging port has certainly stimulated some discussions throughout the community.

The Cybercab is geared toward being a fully-autonomous vehicle, void of a steering wheel or pedals, only operating with the use of the Full Self-Driving suite. Everything from the driving itself to the charging to the cleaning is intended to be operated autonomously.

But a recent sighting of the vehicle has incited some speculation as to whether the vehicle might have some manual features, which would make sense, but let’s take a look:

🚨 Tesla Cybercab charging port is in the rear of the vehicle!

Here’s a great look at plugging it in!!

pic.twitter.com/SjbONjx5Iu

— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) January 29, 2026

The port is located in the rear of the vehicle and features a manual door and latch for plug-in, and the video shows an employee connecting to a Tesla Supercharger.

Now, it is important to remember these are prototype vehicles, and not the final product. Additionally, Tesla has said it plans to introduce wireless induction charging in the future, but it is not currently available, so these units need to have some ability to charge.

However, there are some arguments for a charging system like this, especially as the operation of the Cybercab begins after production starts, which is scheduled for April.

Wireless for Operation, Wired for Downtime

It seems ideal to use induction charging when the Cybercab is in operation. As it is for most Tesla owners taking roadtrips, Supercharging stops are only a few minutes long for the most part.

The Cybercab would benefit from more frequent Supercharging stops in between rides while it is operating a ride-sharing program.

Tesla wireless charging patent revealed ahead of Robotaxi unveiling event

However, when the vehicle rolls back to its hub for cleaning and maintenance, standard charging, where it is plugged into a charger of some kind, seems more ideal.

In the 45-minutes that the car is being cleaned and is having maintenance, it could be fully charged and ready for another full shift of rides, grabbing a few miles of range with induction charging when it’s out and about.

Induction Charging Challenges

Induction charging is still something that presents many challenges for companies that use it for anything, including things as trivial as charging cell phones.

While it is convenient, a lot of the charge is lost during heat transfer, which is something that is common with wireless charging solutions. Even in Teslas, the wireless charging mat present in its vehicles has been a common complaint among owners, so much so that the company recently included a feature to turn them off.

Production Timing and Potential Challenges

With Tesla planning to begin Cybercab production in April, the real challenge with the induction charging is whether the company can develop an effective wireless apparatus in that short time frame.

It has been in development for several years, but solving the issue with heat and energy loss is something that is not an easy task.

In the short-term, Tesla could utilize this port for normal Supercharging operation on the Cybercab. Eventually, it could be phased out as induction charging proves to be a more effective and convenient option.

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2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs BMW 7 Series: A Side-by-Side Design Showdown

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January 30, 2026

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2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs BMW 7 Series: A Side-by-Side Design Showdown

There’s a solid chance that the first thing that jumps to mind when you say “Mercedes-Benz S-Class” is the BMW 7 Series, and vice versa. Since it’s arguably the two brands’ most iconic rivalry, it makes perfect sense. The newest installment in the rivalry comes by way of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It receives a mid-lifecycle refresh akin to what the BMW 7 Series will get later this year. But ahead of that reveal, let’s take a look at how the two limousines compare.

Exterior Design

27 MERCEDES S CLASS VS 7ER SIDE

Mercedes introduced a larger grille for the 2027 S-Class, and it’s obvious. The G70 7 Series’ larger grille serves as a clear influence; it’s obvious when you look at the two side by side. Mercedes does eschew the dual headlight look in favor of a more traditional front end design, which I think lends itself to a certain classiness. From the side, both appear imposing, although the 7 is a bit more “monolithic.” The S-Class silhouette admittedly doesn’t change much from last year. The fancy new 50 cross-spoke wheels will definitely help give the S-Class an athletic edge over the 7er, too. At least, from outside the car. The 7 Series is also stretches a bit longer than the S-Class.

Around back, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets fancy new taillights in the image of the brand’s three-pointed star. Little else changes — fitting for a refresh rather than a full-fledged model changeover. Compared to the BMW 7 Series, the new S-Class looks tame, which isn’t entirely unusual when you consider each brand’s ethos.

Interior Design

27 MERCEDES S CLASS VS 7ER INTERIOR

Inside, the biggest news is probably the addition of heated seatbelts. BMW doesn’t have an answer to that feature, although I’m not sure how many customers it will single-handedly win over. Speaking of big, the screens are larger, with the center display measuring 14.4 inches and dual 12.3-inch screens on either side. It’s quite possible BMW will add another screen to the LCI BMW 7 Series coming later this year. But for now, Merc is the screen real estate king.

Of course, in this segment, what’s going on in the back is just as important as what the driver sees. Fittingly, rear-seaters get bigger screens compared to the outgoing model, which dwarf the 7 Series’ screens. New remotes for climate control and window shades allow even more effortless adjustment. Minor improvements though they may be, these changes still put the S-Class ahead of the 7er in terms of amenities. At least, for now.

Performance

7ER VS 27 MERCEDES S CLASS FRONT

Shockingly big news on the performance front: the S-Class now comes with a flat-plane crank V8. The new powertrain also makes more horsepower — 530, to be exact. The juiced power plant still makes fewer ponies than the V8-powered 7 Series, though. Its 4.4-liter mill makes 536 horsepower. The six-cylinder motor makes more torque than the outgoing model, too. An overboost function allows it to achieve 472 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid S-Class also makes more power — a whopping 576 horsepower. Importantly, a V12 option will also be available, although technically sold as a Maybach. Still, it’s more V12 than BMW will sell you. We expect the refreshed Mercedes S-Class to drive a lot like the outgoing one; perhaps plusher than the 7, but probably not more fun to drive. Granted, the standard rear-wheel steering should help make the new S-Class a bit more agile feeling.

Technology

26 MERCEDES S CLASS VS 7ER REAR

We kind of covered tech with the interior review, but we’ll say it again: the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the king of screens in the full-size luxury sedan segment. Larger screens in front and back build on an already sort of overkill approach in the screen department. The newest MBUX system integrates “multiple AI agents” for enhanced usability and customization, but practically, little changes. Expect voice commands, augmented reality navigation, and in-car gaming; all stuff you’ll find in the current 7er.

Arguably, the S-Class makes its biggest strides in the powertrain department, which is a bit unexpected. It will be very interesting to see where BMW takes the 7 Series in just a few short months, when we’ll see an official debut. We’re arguably biased, but the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class feels like it’s playing a little bit of catch-up with the 7er. Maybe we’ll have a different feeling after some seat time.

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Insurance Gas Car Rental: Like a Time-Warp after Owning a Tesla Model 3 with FSD

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January 29, 2026

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Insurance Gas Car Rental: Like a Time-Warp after Owning a Tesla Model 3 with FSD

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My Tesla Model 3 and my Genesis GV70 rental. Lindon, Utah. January 25, 2026. Photo by Fritz Hasler.

Note: I believe Donald Trump has done unthinkable damage to our country and to our relations with other countries. I was sadly disappointed when Elon Musk supported his run for reelection in spite of Trump getting in bed with fossil fuel companies. Musk’s behavior as leader of the DOGE agency with the goal of cutting government spending was horrifying. Trump is now doing everything he can to negate any clean energy initiatives the country is taking.

However, Musk was more instrumental starting the world’s switch to electric vehicles with Tesla than any other single person. He has also built four huge factories in California, China, Germany, and Texas that build nothing but electric cars that help the revolution continue. He has also been instrumental introducing two other technologies that also help mankind. SpaceX has greatly decreased the cost of space launches by figuring out how to get huge first-stage rocket boosters to land on their tails so that they can be reused instead of dumping them in the ocean. SpaceX has also beaten Boeing by several years in servicing the International Space Station. Additionally, Starlink has used the reduced cost of SpaceX space launches to launch thousands of satellites for a system that enables a global internet service that works anywhere on the planet. In short, Musk has introduced technologies that have been a tremendous benefit to our country and the world. I purchased my Tesla Model 3 long before Musk’s recent behavior and I am still amazed at its technology. I still support those millions of us who have purchased Teslas.

The story: A few weeks ago, my wife was driving our Tesla Model 3 on 6-lane State Street here in Northern Utah. A car coming the opposite direction hit a deer, which it threw under our car before my wife could react. If she was driving a Cybertruck or a big honking Chevy Silverado, there would have been no damage. However, with the low riding aerodynamic Model 3, there was extensive damage to the front bumper (facia), left rocker panel, driver’s door, and the plastic panel under the car, among other things.

My Model 3 is now at Fix Auto, an excellent collision shop in Provo, Utah, that handles Tesla repairs, and my insurance company is covering the cost of a rental. My insurance company uses Enterprise Car Rental Inc. to handle transportation for their customers while repairs are done. I have rented cars on travel recently and I had not made an effort to rent an electric car. Unless it was a Tesla rental, charging could be iffy and how could I make sure that the car had the same state of charge when I returned it. However, this time I could have charged the car in my garage and I am totally familiar with driving electric in my own neighborhood. Unfortunately, after a conversation with Enterprise, they informed me that they had some EVs available at the airport but none available for insurance rentals.

There was a gorgeous 2025 Genesis GV70 with a ¾ full tank already at Fix Auto when I dropped off my Tesla, so Enterprise Car Rental transferred the car to me. I was aware of the Genesis brand but didn’t know that it is from the luxury arm of Hyundai Motors. The car is larger than my Model 3 and has a large automatic liftgate. It also has a display bigger than most but not as big as the one on my Tesla. I has smart cruise (speed control), steering assist, and Apple CarPlay capability. The GV70 also warns you when there is a car beside you or behind you. The rearview camera gives an excellent view on the moderately large display screen.

Genesis 2025 GV70 rental. Lindon, Utah. January 25, 2026. Photo by Fritz Hasler.

2025 Genesis GV70 rental. Lindon, Utah. January 25, 2026. Photo by Fritz Hasler.

2025 Genesis GV70 display. Lindon, Utah. January 25, 2026. Photo by Fritz Hasler.

However, that’s where the pleasure of driving the GV70 ends. It has the following downsides compared to my Tesla Model 3 with Full Self Driving and even compared with my 2018 Nissan Leaf that I owned 8 years ago:

I couldn’t fill up in my garage, but had to go to a gas station and pay probably 3 times as much for the same miles as I pay with my Model 3 in my garage.
The smart speed control is pretty dumb. It only works when a car is fewer than 50 feet in front of you. Approaching a car waiting at a stop light at 45 mph, it would plow right into it. If you are following a car 30 feet in front of you, it will stop dead behind it at a light. However, when the car ahead of you accelerates, it requires you to flip a switch or push on the gas pedal to follow. If there is no car in front of you, it won’t stop at the light. Tesla’s FSD was better than this 4 years ago.
The steering assist is really lame. Even on a straight road, your car wanders in the lane so you are constantly worried that it will sideswipe something. If you come to a moderately sharp curve in the road or a rotary, forget it, the steering assist turns off. My 2018 Nissan Leaf was better and Tesla’s FSD is rock steady in the center of the lane and will perfectly negotiate sharp turns and rotaries.
Apple CarPlay is very good and it shows well on the moderately large screen. However, it only works when your phone is plugged into the correct USB-A port. This means that you are constantly plugging in and unplugging your phone if you are doing a lot of short errands. The Apple CarPlay controls on my iPhone and the Genesis are inscrutable. It takes quite a bit of fiddling to get it to work.
The car senses the presence of the key fob and unlocks the driver’s door. However, you need to open the driver’s door or push a button on the key fob to open the other doors.
Pressing the brake allows you to start the engine, unlike the Tesla which doesn’t require the motor to be started.
You have to manually lock the car when you leave, unlike the Tesla which locks automatically when you are ~15 ft away from the car.
You have to keep a hand on the steering wheel to keep steering assist engaged. Not true for Cadillac and Tesla that have a camera looking at your face to ensure that you are looking at the road. For a couple years now, you haven’t had to keep a hand on the wheel in a Tesla with FSD.
Going up a hill in the GV70 with smart cruise activated, the car automatically downshifts and the engine roars while it valiantly tries to maintain the speed you have set. In my Tesla there are two motors with a total of ~450 hp which let you maintain speed with only a whisper.
No towbar receiver. I frequently need to transport my e-bikes and I can’t use my bike rack with the Genesis GV70 rental.

Summary

Enterprise Rental and Hyundai Motors offer the GV70 as a luxury replacement for the insurance customer’s vehicle. On the surface the GV70 appears to be a luxury car with the latest technology. However, only a gas car owner who has never driven a Tesla with Full Self Driving is going to be satisfied. Above, I list 11 reasons why I am not satisfied with the rental and wish that Enterprise had offered me the option of renting a Tesla. The most annoying is item #3 above, about the steering assist that is grossly inferior to Tesla’s FSD and is not even as good as the steering assist on my 2018 Nissan Leaf from 8 years ago.

Referral Program: If you find any of my articles helpful to you and you are buying a new Tesla, please use my referral link: https://ts.la/arthur73734 (be sure to use it when you make your order). If you are buying a new Tesla and use my link, you’ll currently receive $1,000 off the purchase price of a Model S or X or Cybertruck, or 3 months of complimentary FSD with a Model 3 or Y.

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