News Roundup: Feb 16, 2026
- Adam Bernard
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Check out the video: https://youtu.be/f4wfp7aJHDY
Ferrari Sees the Light
Ferrari’s first electric vehicle is officially named Luce — Italian for “light” — and represents a surprising design direction for the brand’s EV debut. Previously known as Elettrica, the Luce features an interior and exterior designed by LoveFrom, the firm co‑founded by Jony Ive, with a deliberate emphasis on physical controls rather than touch-only interfaces for safety and ergonomics. The cabin avoids plastic entirely, using anodized aluminum and Corning-strengthened glass while adding only about 20 pounds, and includes distinctive elements like an adjustable center touchscreen with a machined handle, a three-dial instrument cluster combining LED screens with a physical speedometer needle, a gated glass shifter, and a retro-inspired steering wheel. A brick-like aluminum and glass key fob slots into the center console, and the full vehicle reveal is scheduled for May.
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WHY IT MATTERS: Ferrari has engaged outside design firms in the past, but this is the first coming to the table without automotive experience. The result is polarizing, with many appreciating the physical controls but many also questioning whether this looks and feels like a Ferrari. LoveFrom also designed the exterior, so we’ll get the full picture in May.
THE BOTTOM LINE: There is plenty to be learned here about how to design a 21st century interior, even if it doesn’t feel like a Ferrari.
Highlander Goes Electric
For its fifth generation, the Toyota Highlander transitions to a fully electric powertrain, marking a major shift for the long-running midsize family SUV and signaling Toyota’s move away from its bZ sub-branding in favor of established nameplates. Built in the U.S. with U.S.-made batteries, the electric Highlander rides on the prior TNGA‑K platform rather than a dedicated EV architecture, and is slightly longer, wider, and lower, with an eight-inch longer wheelbase and increased interior space. Buyers can choose between FWD or AWD setups with outputs ranging from 221 to 338 horsepower, paired with 77 or 96 kWh batteries for an estimated 270–320 miles of range, along with 400‑volt fast charging and Toyota’s first vehicle‑to‑load capability. Inside, the design abandons the unconventional bZ layout in favor of a more traditional dashboard, featuring a 14‑inch touchscreen with physical switches, available HUD and ambient lighting, and standard Toyota Safety Sense 4.0.
WHY IT MATTERS: Toyota has been accused of dropping the ball on EVs, but the new Highlander looks extremely competitive. With EV growth slowing, this will be a significant test for Toyota marketing as they pivot a long-established nameplate into the EV space. Fortunately, buyers looking for ICE or hybrid family SUVs can still shop for Grand Highlander.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Attractive, spacious, and competitive — if slightly underpowered and slower-charging compared to Hyundai and Kia rivals — the new Highlander has significant potential.
Xpeng Reaches for the Sky
Xpeng’s Land Aircraft Carrier is an unconventional six‑wheeled, full‑size van priced at roughly $287,000 that integrates its own electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft into the cargo area. Developed and sold by Xpeng’s Aridge division, which focuses on aerial vehicles, the van uses an 800‑volt extended‑range electric architecture and doubles as a mobile charging station for the aircraft it carries. The carbon‑fiber eVTOL features a six‑rotor configuration, and Xpeng has stated production targets of 5,000 units initially, scaling to 10,000 in the future, with hundreds of orders already secured as of last fall.
WHY IT MATTERS: Several Chinese automakers — and Hyundai — are exploring the eVTOL space, but Xpeng is the first to create a mobile accessory for their hardware
THE BOTTOM LINE: The actual customer seems unclear, outside of a James Bond villain, so it’s unknown if Xpeng will find enough buyers in the coming year.
Mitsubishi’s Next EV
Mitsubishi’s upcoming electric vehicle (alongside the Nissan Leaf-based model) will be a rebadged, Pininfarina‑designed EV manufactured by Foxconn, the electronics giant best known for building iPhones. The vehicle traces its roots to Foxconn’s Model B concept, now evolved into the Bria, featuring a 57 kWh battery, a rear-mounted 229‑horsepower motor, and an optional dual‑motor AWD setup producing up to 400 horsepower. Foxconn has steadily expanded its EV ambitions since 2020 with its Foxtron brand, including acquiring the former Lordstown factory in Ohio, but Mitsubishi’s launch plans remain unclear beyond trademark filings in Australia, and previously announced U.S. timelines have yet to materialize.
WHY IT MATTERS: Mitsubishi is troubled, with a mix of aging vehicles and Nissan-sourced product, but this could be good news for both Mitsubishi and Foxconn (who could point to this as a demonstration of what they can offer).
THE BOTTOM LINE: Can Foxconn build quality vehicles? iPhones aren’t EVs, but this stylish new hatchback seems to be at least competitive on paper, and could help bolster Mitsubishi’s image.
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