News Roundup: Oct 20, 2026
Check out the video: https://youtu.be/Ji2RRWygU5s
Tesla Roadster v3.0
Tesla’s next-generation Roadster remains a story of extraordinary promises and repeated delays: unveiled in 2017 as a $200,000 2+2 targa with a claimed 620-mile range and 1.9-second 0–60 mph time, it was originally due in 2020 but, according to these notes, has yet to reach production nine years later. Now targeted for 2028, the redesigned prototype drops the rear seats in favor of more angular styling, removable roof panels, scissor doors, and gold-tinted windows. Reported specifications include roughly 1,500 hp, a 3,700-pound curb weight, an estimated 300-mile range, a battery larger than 100 kWh, and charging to 80% in under 12 minutes, alongside by-wire chassis systems, active aerodynamics, and fixed seats with adjustable pedals and steering yoke. Performance, Limited, and invite-only Rocket variants promise increasingly ambitious technology, from suction fans to compressed-air thrusters, with an alleged thruster-assisted 0–60 mph time of 0.81 seconds and a single-seat Rocket version claiming a full flight system whose legality remains questionable. Pricing is undisclosed but expected to exceed the earlier version’s $250,000 figure; with $50,000 deposits collected since 2017, the impressive demonstration still leaves major questions about repeatability and whether production will finally happen.
WHY IT MATTERS: After nine years of failed promises, Tesla had to do something spectacular to try to make those who plunked down $50,000 forget it all. Unfortunately, there’s nothing here that will address Tesla’s initial goal of getting the world into sustainably-powered vehicles, and even the slight bump in stock price after the reveal didn’t last.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Even if it wasn’t “real”, it was a showstopping demo—but in another two years, we will likely start to hear why this program is either being delayed or cancelled.
Does “S” Stand for “Savior”?
The Porsche Mission S previews a mid-engine, two-seat supercar that could succeed the 918 Spyder while signaling a renewed emphasis on the high end of Porsche’s lineup and a departure from the long-standing hierarchy that placed the 911 above its mid-engine models. Unlike the electric Mission X concept shown in 2023, whose rumored 2025 production never materialized, the Mission S features a tachometer, gearshift, and exhaust pipes that suggest an internal-combustion element, although its powertrain, launch date, and official price remain undisclosed. Its torpedo fenders, sweeping roofline, wraparound character line, 917-inspired cooling fan, and 928-inspired wheels blend recognizable Porsche cues with a design language intended to influence future models. Inside, a screen-light approach pairs a retractable smartphone mount with motorsport-inspired colors, racing seats, an animated five-gauge cluster, a movable central tachometer, and a key slot to the left of the steering wheel. Porsche describes it as a permanently available series-production super sports car rather than a numbered limited edition, though rumored pricing around $500,000 would still keep volumes well below those of the 911.
WHY IT MATTERS: Between program delays, software glitches, tariffs, electrification miscalculations, strategic pivots and falling sales, many have feared Porsche has lost its way. But this stunning two-seater, regardless of powertrain, shows Porsche hasn’t forgotten what made it great.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Gorgeous, inspired, and technically fascinating—and, like the Ferrari Luce, clearly identifiable both inside and out
AMG’s 1st SUV
The Mercedes AMG GT SUV extends AMG’s dedicated performance lineup into the electric SUV market, sharing its AMG.EA platform and powertrain with the four-door coupe while targeting the Porsche Cayenne Electric and Lotus Eletre; a coupe-bodied version is due next year. Positioned as an electric counterpart to the updated Mercedes-AMG GLE, it trades the EQE SUV’s rounded shape for an oversized AMG grille, star-themed lighting, and a body covered in scoops, scallops, and vents. The flagship GT63 is listed with 1,153 hp from three axial-flux motors and a 2.7-second sprint to 100 km/h, while the GT55 offers 805 hp and the GT53 uses two conventional motors for 536 hp. Battery options of 106 and 128 kWh are associated with quoted ranges of 370 and 415 miles, or approximately 290 and 330 miles on an EPA-equivalent basis, with charging times stated as fast as 12 minutes at 710 kW. Despite a curb weight of up to 2,695 kg, Active Ride Control+ uses air springs and interconnected hydraulic dampers to manage body movement, standard on the GT63 and optional on the GT55. The flat-floor cabin closely follows the four-door coupe’s multi-screen layout, while available rotary driving controls and AMGFORCE Sport+ add simulated engine sounds, gear changes, and seat vibrations; pricing is expected to start around $115,000–$125,000.
WHY IT MATTERS: Coupes, convertibles, and fastbacks are nice but SUVs pay the bills these days, and given AMG its own bespoke model will help boost Mercedes’ revenue, as well as generate some volumes around the new AMG.EA platform.
THE BOTTOM LINE: While the styling might be busy for some people’s tastes, the technology underneath is as good as anything Porsche and Lotus can offer.
Fiat’s Baby Bear
The Fiat Koala is planned as an affordable electric model joining the Panda and Grizzly, using the same E-Car foundation as the new Citroën 2CV. Expected in 2028 at a price of around €15,000, it follows a European-built small-car concept inspired by Japan’s kei cars, combining compact dimensions with reduced regulatory requirements. Production is slated for Italy, with lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries considered likely and an anticipated range of less than 150 miles.
WHY IT MATTERS: Fiat will likely never return to its high-volume, mass-market days, but the E-Car seems to be a clever idea that will allow Fiat to leverage its recent successes to bring mobility to the masses.
THE BOTTOM LINE: We don’t have any technical specs yet, but the Koala and its Citroen sibling could capitalize on Europe’s apparent interest in affordable EVs.
Comments