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BMW Unveils Limited Edition M2 Turbo Design Edition, Honoring the 2002 Turbo

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Fifty years after the introduction of its groundbreaking 2002 Turbo, BMW is celebrating this heritage with a special, limited-production variant: the 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition. This exclusive model masterfully blends nostalgic design elements with modern performance, offering enthusiasts a unique piece of BMW's storied turbocharged history. Priced at $82,900, this M2 iteration commands a premium over the standard model, justified by its distinctive appearance and the promise of future collectibility. It comes equipped with a potent 473-horsepower inline-six engine paired with a manual transmission, echoing the driver-focused philosophy of its predecessor.

BMW's journey with forced induction has been a fascinating one. Despite being a late adopter for mass-produced turbo engines in the modern era, the German automaker actually pioneered the first turbocharged production vehicle in Europe with the 1973 2002 Turbo. This classic, a true icon in its time, is now a highly sought-after collector's item, fetching impressive prices. The 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition draws direct inspiration from this legend, becoming the latest in a series of nostalgic tributes from BMW, such as the M850i Edition M Heritage, which paid homage to the original E31 8 Series.

While the original 2002 Turbo packed a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower thanks to its KKK turbocharger—a remarkable output for the early 1970s, enabling a sub-seven-second 0-60 mph sprint—the new M2 Turbo Design Edition steps into a new league of performance. Visually, the two cars share a two-door coupe silhouette and the iconic tri-color M stripes. However, the modern M2 is significantly more aggressive, featuring a wider kidney grille and pronounced rear fenders. Its Alpine White exterior provides a striking contrast to the Motorsport stripes, which adorn the power dome hood, complete with a black center finish. A subtle yet clever detail is the reversed turbo branding on the hood, designed to be read correctly in the rearview mirror of the car ahead, a playful nod to the original 2002 Turbo's front air dam.

Beyond its striking exterior, the M2 Turbo Design Edition boasts unique interior enhancements. While maintaining the core layout of the standard M2, this special edition features \"M2 Turbo\" script on the sill plates and M sport seats upholstered in Black Vernasca leather with M-colored accents. Carbon fiber M bucket seats are available as an option, and a carbon fiber roof panel, which is an extra-cost option on the regular M2, comes standard here. Crucially, the car retains a manual gearbox, a feature beloved by enthusiasts and a direct link to the driving experience of the 2002 Turbo, albeit with six speeds compared to the original's four. Carbon fiber interior trim and BMW's Live Cockpit Professional display further elevate the cabin experience.

Powering this special M2 is the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine found in the standard M2, delivering 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. This setup allows for a claimed 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph achievable with the optional M Driver’s Package. While the M2 CS, released earlier, offers more horsepower (523 hp), it is only available with an automatic transmission, as BMW states that the manual gearbox cannot handle the increased power output of the CS model.

Despite its higher price point of $82,900, which is $14,700 more than the base M2, the Turbo Design Edition is expected to be a strong draw for collectors. Adding optional features like the Carbon Pack, M Performance wheels in Matte Gold Bronze, and the M Driver's Package can push the total price to an eye-watering $96,166, placing it just below the quicker and more track-focused M2 CS. However, the allure of a limited-edition vehicle with such a strong connection to BMW's history makes it a compelling proposition for those seeking exclusivity. Production is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026, with deliveries beginning shortly thereafter.

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Audi Teases Robust SUV to Rival G-Wagen and Defender

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Audi, known for its rally heritage rather than extreme off-road capabilities, appears to be venturing into a new segment: rugged SUVs. Reports from 2023 suggesting Audi's interest in rivaling the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class are gaining traction, with recent statements from CEO Gernot Döllner indicating a strong possibility. This strategic shift could see Audi leveraging new platforms within the Volkswagen Group, such as those developed by Scout Motors, and potentially establishing U.S. manufacturing to meet market demands and navigate tariff complexities. This development marks a significant departure from Audi's traditional lineup, aiming to capture a share of the burgeoning market for high-performance off-road vehicles.

The concept of a robust off-roader from Audi was initially hinted at in 2023 with the introduction of the Activesphere concept. This high-riding, wagon-like electric vehicle, built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), showcased Audi's exploratory interest in expanding beyond its conventional offerings. At that time, former Audi design chief Marc Lichte publicly expressed that there was ample room in the market for a third contender alongside the established Defender and G-Wagen. His departure and subsequent replacement by Massimo Frascella, a former Jaguar Land Rover designer known for his work on the Defender, further fueled speculation about the project's continuation.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has not explicitly confirmed the development of such a vehicle but has strongly encouraged enthusiasts to "stay tuned," suggesting that the dream of a rugged Audi is very much alive. Döllner's strategy involves streamlining Audi's core product range while simultaneously exploring niche models. He believes that niche vehicles, like an electric sports car previewed by the Concept C and a potential off-roader, can serve to strengthen the brand and infuse new ideas into mainstream products. This approach allows Audi to maintain its luxury identity while diversifying its portfolio to appeal to a broader customer base interested in specialized vehicles.

A significant hurdle for Audi in developing an off-road capable SUV is identifying a suitable platform. The existing PPE and Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architectures might not provide the necessary ruggedness for extreme off-road use. However, a promising solution lies within the wider Volkswagen Group. Scout Motors, a new brand under VW, is developing a body-on-frame platform for its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck, scheduled for production in 2027. This platform, designed for all-electric or range-extended powertrains, could offer Audi the robust foundation it needs. Furthermore, the new South Carolina factory for Scout Motors might provide an opportunity for Audi to consider local production in the U.S., a move that could help mitigate the impact of tariffs and capitalize on the strong American demand for rugged SUVs and trucks.

This strategic move into the rugged SUV market signifies Audi's ambition to challenge established players and broaden its appeal. By potentially leveraging the Scout Motors platform and considering U.S. manufacturing, Audi aims to create a distinctive off-road vehicle that embodies its engineering prowess while meeting the evolving demands of the global automotive market. The company's cautious yet optimistic outlook suggests a calculated expansion into an exciting new territory for the brand.

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NHTSA Launches Sweeping Investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving System

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a significant inquiry into Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, affecting millions of vehicles. This investigation follows concerns from U.S. senators regarding the system's behavior, particularly at railway crossings, and a documented series of incidents involving traffic violations. Regulators are scrutinizing FSD's propensity to disregard red lights and execute hazardous lane maneuvers, issues that have unfortunately resulted in collisions and injuries. This broad examination aims to evaluate the overall safety performance of FSD across a wide range of Tesla models, prompting an important discussion about the evolving challenges and responsibilities associated with advanced autonomous driving systems.

The catalyst for this expansive investigation was a direct appeal from two U.S. senators, who urged federal regulators to specifically assess the risks associated with Tesla's FSD system when cars approach railroad crossings. In response, on October 7, 2025, the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) officially announced its probe, extending its scope beyond railway crossing concerns to include two other particularly problematic FSD behaviors identified through numerous reported incidents.

A primary focus of the ODI's investigation is FSD vehicles' tendency to run red lights. There have been 18 confirmed complaints detailing instances where FSD-enabled Teslas either proceeded through red lights, halted briefly before accelerating again prematurely, or misidentified traffic signal states on their in-car displays. These malfunctions have not been without consequence, leading to six reported crashes, with four resulting in injuries to occupants. Notably, multiple incidents were recorded at the same intersection in Joppa, Maryland, a location for which Tesla has reportedly implemented a specific fix.

The second major area of concern involves FSD's unsafe lane-changing capabilities. The ODI has received 18 complaints describing situations where FSD-equipped Teslas veered into opposing lanes of traffic, either during or immediately after a turn. This includes instances of crossing double-yellow lines or attempting to turn onto roads in the incorrect direction. Drivers involved in these incidents often reported insufficient time to intervene and correct the system's errors, highlighting the potential for critical safety risks.

The investigation is not limited to these specific scenarios; it will also consider any other traffic safety violations that come to light. The initial concerns about FSD's performance at railroad crossings, where some vehicles reportedly ignored warning signs or required urgent human intervention, remain a significant aspect of the inquiry. The potential for catastrophic outcomes in such situations underscores the gravity of these issues. The sweeping nature of this investigation means that nearly 2.9 million Tesla vehicles could be affected, encompassing Model S (2016-2025), Model X (2016-2025), Model 3 (2017-2026), Model Y (2020-2026), and the Cybertruck (2023-2026).

While Tesla recently rolled out Version 14.1 of its FSD (Supervised) software, which introduced several safety enhancements like improved responsiveness to unprotected turns, vehicle cut-ins, and better detection of road debris, these updates do not directly address all the specific complaints central to this investigation. The ongoing probes underscore the critical need for continuous assessment and improvement of autonomous driving systems to ensure public safety.

These governmental inquiries into Tesla's FSD system, though frequent, serve as essential mechanisms for ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous driving technologies. While many FSD users report positive experiences, the investigations are rooted in real-world incidents and potential traffic violations that demand serious regulatory attention. Tesla's reliance on a camera-only system presents both advantages and disadvantages; while it allows FSD to operate in more diverse driving situations, it also makes the system more susceptible to errors compared to vehicles equipped with additional sensors like radar or LiDAR. Consequently, drivers utilizing FSD must maintain constant alertness, even if the system has historically performed without fault in their personal vehicles.

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