News & Reviews

Fairfax, Va. – September 17, 2026 -- Commuters along Virginia's I-66 corridor can now skip tolls and save on gas through a new 66-day carpooling initiative called the I-66 Slugging Challenge, which launched Sept. 14 and runs through Nov. 20, 2026.

The program, organized by the I-66 Slugging Network, revives "slugging," a decades-old Washington-area tradition where drivers pick up strangers to meet HOV-3+ requirements and drive toll-free in express lanes, while passengers ride for free.

Commuters meet at two Park and Ride hubs to start their trips

Morning slug lines form at the Monument Drive Park and Ride in Fairfax and the University Boulevard Park and Ride in Gainesville, typically operating from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Riders are dropped off at four Washington-area destinations: Rosslyn, L'Enfant Plaza, Navy Yard, and Metro Center.

Auburn Hills, Mich. – – September 16, 2026 -- Jeep has unveiled the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A, a special edition that pays tribute to the Willys CJ-2A, the first Jeep vehicle built specifically for civilian buyers in 1945. The model is the 11th release in the brand's yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series and will be available to order in October.

Built on the Wrangler Rubicon platform, the JL-2A adds a package priced at an MSRP of $4,995, just $115 more than a similarly equipped Rubicon.

The original CJ-2A brought Jeep capability from the battlefield to the farm

In July 1945, Willys-Overland of Toledo, Ohio adapted the military Willys MB for civilian use, creating the CJ-2A. The vehicle introduced a tailgate, rear power takeoff, larger headlights and the now-iconic seven-slot grille, serving farms, ranches and industry. It also debuted bold postwar color pairings like Harvest Tan with Sunset Red wheels.

Shenzhen – September 15, 2026 -- AKEEYO Global has launched the XPRO, a 4K dash cam built exclusively for the Toyota RAV4 that replaces the plastic housing behind the rearview mirror instead of sticking to the windshield. The camera is now available in North America at akeeyo.com for $289.

The camera draws power from a connector already near the mirror

There is no suction mount, no cable taped down the glass, and no visible hardware on the dashboard. AKEEYO says installation takes about four minutes: owners remove the factory mirror cover with an included trim tool, plug in a supplied adapter, tuck the cable into the XPRO housing, and press the unit into place. The process requires no drilling, cutting, or wire splicing, and the original mirror housing can be reinstalled at any time, a detail relevant for leased vehicles and resale.

Vacaville, Calif. – September 15, 2026 -- Ammaar's Toyota Vacaville now has the 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser on its lot, giving Northern California shoppers access to a hybrid SUV rated for 326 net combined horsepower, 465 lb.-ft. of torque and 6,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Full-time 4WD and locking differentials tackle rocky trails

The SUV sends power continuously to both axles, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case that adjusts torque for gravel, mud, snow or rock. Rear and center locking differentials add traction when wheels lose grip, while Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control automate throttle and braking so drivers can focus on steering.

An available Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism increases wheel articulation over uneven ground, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor uses front, rear and side cameras to show obstacles near the vehicle, including terrain underneath it.

Hangzhou – September 15, 2026 -- ZEEKR delivered more than 10,000 shooting brake electric vehicles worldwide in August, marking the third straight month the Chinese automaker has cleared five-digit monthly sales in the segment.

Cumulative global sales of ZEEKR's shooting brake lineup have now topped 400,000 units, giving the brand roughly 70% of the entire global shooting brake market and cementing its position as the category's top seller.

The 007GT led first-half sales with nearly 27,000 units delivered

In the first half of 2026, the ZEEKR 007GT topped shooting brake sales with 26,738 units delivered. Combined sales across ZEEKR's shooting brake models exceeded 42,000 units in that period, outpacing the combined total of every other brand in the segment.

San Francisco – September 14, 2026 -- The California Highway Patrol, working with Caltrans and the Bay Area Toll Authority, is stepping up enforcement this month on the westbound bus/carpool lane bypassing the toll plaza on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

The lane is restricted to specific hours and vehicle types

Accessible from Interstate 80, Interstate 880 or West Grand Avenue, the lane may be used by buses, motorcycles, or carpools carrying three or more people only during weekday commute windows of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Outside those hours -- including all day on weekends -- only buses are permitted.

Irvine, Calif. – September 13, 2026 -- The 2027 Karma Gyesera Grand Coupe has been named 2027 Luxury Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Awards, months ahead of its December dealership debut.

The Gyesera carries a base price of $139,995 and arrives at Karma dealerships in December

Built on a high-strength aluminum space frame with extensive carbon fiber reinforced composites, the four-passenger Grand Coupe is powered by Karma's latest Hybrid EREV powertrain, designated HRL15665. The system produces 566 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque, pushing the car from 0-60 mph in just under 3.7 seconds.

Germany – September 13, 2026 -- Drivers across Germany are paying significantly more for fuel this week, with the ADAC's latest weekly survey showing Super E10 up 7.6 cents per liter to a national average of 2.259 euros. Diesel climbed even faster, rising nearly 9 cents to 2.321 euros per liter.

Oil prices rose, but only partly explain the jump

The ADAC links the increase to a higher oil price, with Brent crude currently trading just under 100 US dollars per barrel. However, the association says the oil price and the euro-dollar exchange rate only partially justify current pump prices.