News Roundup: Sept 8, 2026
Check out the video: https://youtu.be/fsrbgRwFD5c
Return of the Pajero
Mitsubishi is reviving the legendary Pajero as a true body-on-frame SUV based on the Triton midsize pickup, pairing updated suspension hardware with a 2.4-liter turbodiesel and eight-speed automatic at launch, while electrified powertrains and smaller Pajero variants are expected to follow. Its distinctive “Grand Charisma” design draws from the Elevance concept and nods to earlier Pajeros through details such as a roll-bar-inspired C-pillar and a rear hexagonal motif, while acoustic glass, added noise reduction, Super All Wheel Control, four 4WD settings, and seven drive modes aim to blend refinement with serious off-road ability. Inside, Kimekomi-inspired craftsmanship, a configurable central display with the classic triple-meter layout, standard third-row seating, tri-zone climate control, Emergency Lane Assist, and MI-PILOT give the SUV an upscale, family-friendly, and technology-rich character. Sales begin later this year in Thailand, Japan, and Australia before expanding to roughly 100 markets, though North American availability remains unconfirmed.
WHY IT MATTERS: Mitsubishi has been facing numerous headwinds lately, and bringing back this iconic nameplate might add some luster to the brand—and it’s well-poised to take advantage of consumer interest in offroading and offroad-capable vehicles.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Aside from its initially limited engine range, the new Pajero appears to be a thoughtful and compelling resurrection of the nameplate.
Toyota’s GR Plans
Toyota appears to be moving Gazoo Racing toward becoming a more independent performance brand, following a path similar to Cupra and Polestar: its new GT supercar wears only GR branding, while the Supra, 86, and performance versions of models such as the Corolla and Yaris have already established the badge across the lineup. With the current Supra ending production in March, attention is shifting to a likely GR MR2 revival that is expected to combine FT-SE concept styling with a compact hybrid-specific 2.0-liter engine producing more than 400 horsepower. A new Celica also appears to be in development, likely based on the next Corolla in much the same way the Honda Prelude is related to the Civic, with front- or all-wheel drive and a version of the MR2’s 2.0-liter engine.
WHY IT MATTERS: Cupra has been a success for VW Group (without having the benefit of the motorsports heritage that Toyota does), and spinning off GR might be good news for both enthusiasts and Toyota stockholders.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The remaining question is how these products will be sold: although the Supra and 86 use Toyota dealers and the GT will go through select Lexus stores, a truly standalone GR brand may ultimately need its own retail channel.
Rebooting the Interceptor
Jensen International has previewed the reborn Interceptor through the track-only GTX, ahead of two roadgoing versions, with roughly 80 percent of its exterior design expected to carry over. The car combines a hand-formed aluminum body and bonded aluminum chassis with double-wishbone suspension, traditional hydraulic power steering, a carbon-fiber driveshaft, and a rear-mounted six-speed sequential transaxle, while its front-mounted, supercharged 6.8-liter V8—developed from a General Motors 6.2-liter unit by Late Model Engines—produces 960 horsepower; automatic and conventional manual transmissions are planned later. Signature Interceptor cues such as the wraparound rear window remain, but the GTX adds an enormous rear wing, splitter, flat underbody, and diffuser to generate nearly 800 pounds of downforce, along with a stripped, race-ready cabin featuring carbon seats, six-point harnesses, a roll cage, and polycarbonate windows. The less extreme GTR and road-focused GT will broaden the lineup with greater refinement, rear seats, and rear access doors.
WHY IT MATTERS: Ultraluxury is big business these days, with expansion by both existing players (like Rolls-Royce) and new players getting into the business (like Range Rover). This is a potential interesting move by a company that can lean into its history.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Aside from the backlight, the new Interceptor might be too generic for some, but there’s something to be said for a nameplate with heritage—and the new model certainly doesn’t skimp on performance.
Stelato Chases Range Rover
The Stelato G9 enters China’s increasingly crowded flagship SUV market as the second model from Stelato, a joint venture between Huawei and Beijing Automotive within the five-automaker Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance. Building on the S9 sedan launched in March 2024, the G9 combines BAIC’s off-road experience with Huawei technology in a Range Rover-rivaling package marked by a grille-free face and twin round Xpixel lamps capable of projecting images onto the pavement. Slightly smaller and lower than an Escalade, it uses a body-frame-integrated architecture, can wade through 900 millimeters of water, and features standard air suspension, an actively disconnecting stabilizer bar, an adaptive differential-lock electric-drive system, roof-mounted lidar, and 38 high-precision sensors supporting Level 3 autonomous driving; it is also the first vehicle permitted to test that capability on Beijing roads at speeds up to 75 mph. The Mercedes-inspired cabin includes a nearly full-width display, dual zero-gravity front seats, and a compressor refrigerator, while buyers can choose a 586-horsepower dual-motor EV with a 120-kWh battery and an estimated 340-mile range or an extended-range version with a 1.5-liter turbo engine, 75-kWh battery, and about 190 miles of electric range. Its 2,000-kilogram tow rating is modest for the class, but a starting price of roughly $65,000 makes the G9 a notably aggressive luxury offering.
WHY IT MATTERS: Not only is the Chinese auto market contracting, but automakers are getting increasingly aggressive as they expand their portfolios. This creates challenges for newcomers like Stelato, even against Chinese brands with two or three years’ of experience already. The G9 also represents the increasing level of sophistication of Chinese products.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Stylish, capable, and technologically advanced, but can the G9 stand out from a fleet of similarly “9-influenced” offerings?
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