Electric Cars

The automotive landscape is undergoing a notable transformation as numerous vehicle models, encompassing both cars and sport utility vehicles, are set to exit the market by the 2026 model year. This development highlights a continuing trend where consumer tastes are gravitating away from traditional sedans and towards the versatility and elevated driving position offered by SUVs. While some departing models have not achieved widespread commercial success, others, like a multi-time '10Best' award recipient, represent significant losses to their respective segments. This change signals a pivotal moment for car manufacturers, who are realigning their offerings to meet shifting demand, potentially creating unique opportunities for buyers seeking to acquire these soon-to-be-discontinued vehicles.

Among the vehicles facing discontinuation, the Acura TLX is notable, as its departure signifies the end of a dedicated luxury sedan for Acura, a first since the brand's inception. This move follows the earlier discontinuation of the RLX and RL, signaling a definitive shift in Acura's lineup towards SUVs, with only the Integra liftback remaining as a car offering. Similarly, the Audi A4, a long-standing fixture since the 1990s, will be replaced by the A5, which will now be exclusively a four-door liftback, marking the end of the A4 Allroad wagon. This decision by Audi was initially tied to a revised naming convention separating electric and gasoline models, a strategy later reconsidered, leaving some uncertainty about future A4 iterations. The Audi Q8 e-tron, a battery-electric SUV, also faces the axe, with its production factory in Belgium closing and no immediate replacement announced, despite a previous name change from the simpler 'e-tron'.

Cadillac's lineup is also seeing significant changes, with both the XT4 and XT6 SUVs being discontinued. The XT4, a compact SUV, concluded its seven-year run with production ending earlier this year, making way for the revitalized 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and supplementing Equinox production. The XT6, a mid-size three-row SUV, had a shorter six-year lifespan, informally replaced by the more premium, all-electric Vistiq. General Motors' shift reflects a broader industry movement towards electrification and larger utility vehicles. Chevrolet's Malibu sedan will also cease production after the 2025 model year, leaving the brand without a single sedan in the U.S. market, apart from the two-seat Corvette, emphasizing a complete focus on trucks and SUVs.

Infiniti will bid farewell to both its QX50 and QX55 models by the end of the 2025 model year. The QX50, despite featuring an innovative variable compression engine and being Infiniti's second-best-selling model in 2024, is being discontinued without a direct replacement, creating a void in their luxury SUV offerings. The QX55, a liftback variant of the QX50, shares the same fate. Infiniti's future focus appears to be on the three-row QX60 and its upcoming liftback counterpart, the QX65. Lexus is also ending production of its RC coupe, including the high-performance RC F, by the close of the 2025 model year. This decision comes as no surprise given the declining sales of the RC, and while the V-8 powered RC F offered a thrilling driving experience, the entire RC line will soon be a relic.

The Polestar 2, an electric liftback, is also reaching its end despite its Chinese origins facing a 100 percent tariff, with Polestar shifting its focus to the Polestar 3 and 4 SUVs. A particularly poignant loss for enthusiasts is the Porsche 718 Boxster convertible and Cayman coupe, both highly acclaimed, which will be discontinued by the end of 2025. While an electric successor is planned, it is still some years away, leaving the high-priced 911 as Porsche's sole dedicated sports car. Subaru's Legacy sedan, after seven generations dating back to 1989, is also being retired due to dwindling interest in sedans, though its closely related Outback will continue, embracing a more SUV-like design. Finally, the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV will undergo a name change to simply 'bZ' for 2026, receiving significant updates including increased power, revised styling, and a greater estimated range, effectively ending the bZ4X designation but continuing the model's lineage with improvements. The Volvo S60 and S90 sedans are also being discontinued by 2025. The S60, after nearly 25 years and three generations, will simply cease to exist in Volvo's lineup, with no plans for a comeback to the U.S. market given the low demand for sedans. The Chinese-built Volvo S90, the brand's flagship sedan, is falling victim to trade tensions and tariffs, marking the end of its resurrected run since 2017.

The automotive industry's dynamic nature is clearly reflected in the upcoming discontinuation of these various models by 2026. This extensive roster of vehicles, from sedans to SUVs and electric cars, illustrates a significant realignment of manufacturers' strategies. The primary drivers behind these changes include shifting consumer preferences, production complexities, and evolving market regulations. As the industry continues its march toward electrification and larger vehicle formats, the departure of these models serves as a clear indication of a new era in automotive design and consumer choice.

Unleashing the Beast: RML GT Hypercar's Grand Debut

From Concept to Reality: The RML GT Hypercar's Journey

The visually striking, purple-hued RML GT Hypercar is no stranger to automotive enthusiasts. This machine, the culmination of the project previously dubbed the P39, emerges from the esteemed British engineering firm, Ray Mallock Limited. RML, with a rich history rooted in motorsport, has diversified its expertise across various engineering domains. The core philosophy driving the GT Hypercar's creation was elegantly straightforward: to transform a contemporary Porsche 911 Turbo into a road-legal monster inspired by Le Mans, focusing on amplified power, advanced aerodynamics, and an exhilarating auditory experience, all while meticulously reducing overall mass.

Performance Metrics: A Glimpse into its Unrivaled Capabilities

The specifications of this automotive marvel, initially revealed last year, are nothing short of breathtaking. Thanks to a strategic collaboration with the renowned tuner Litchfield, the GT Hypercar’s 3.7-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine delivers an astounding 907 brake horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. This immense power propels the vehicle from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 2.4 seconds, and astonishingly, to 100 miles per hour in an exhilarating 4.5 seconds. With a top speed reaching 205 miles per hour and generating an impressive 923 kilograms of downforce, its performance figures are truly in a league of their own.

The Exclusive SE Edition: A Fortieth-Anniversary Celebration

Adding another layer of exclusivity, the newly unveiled GT Hypercar is not just any model; it is the GT Hypercar SE, a special edition crafted to commemorate RML’s illustrious 40-year legacy. This particular variant comes standard with both the Performance and Track Packs, elevating its capabilities even further. Notable enhancements include the removal of the rear seats to accommodate a robust roll cage and the integration of a selectable ride height adjustment system, providing unparalleled control and adaptability for diverse driving conditions.

A Symphony of Design and Power: Aesthetic and Engineering Harmony

For those seeking an unequivocal statement, RML has meticulously finished this inaugural production model in an eye-catching Storm Purple, perfectly complemented by lustrous gold wheels. While visual confirmation of the interior is pending, it is reported to feature Porsche's distinctive "Crayon" shade—a unique whitish-grey that adds a touch of understated elegance to the otherwise audacious exterior.

A Testament to Excellence: The Vision Behind the Creation

RML's production plan for the GT Hypercar is strictly limited to just 39 units, with an even more exclusive allocation of only 10 units for the SE specification. Michael Mallock, a board member overseeing RML’s bespoke division, expressed profound pride in this achievement. He remarked on the ambitious nature of the project and how the final product has exceeded even his demanding expectations, both on the road and the track. His heartfelt commendation extends to the entire RML team for transforming his and their customers' dream cars into a tangible reality.

The Future Unveiled: More Innovations on the Horizon

The RML GT Hypercar is merely a prelude to the intriguing creations expected from RML. The firm has several other "P-something" projects actively in development. Last year, RML announced a carbon-bodied restomod of the iconic 1970s Aston Martin V8 Vantage, alongside plans for a bespoke "F1-inspired" track car. Enthusiasts are encouraged to stay tuned for more thrilling announcements from this innovative automotive house.