This Week in the Auto Industry Jan. 12-16

Jeep Celebrates 85 Years with Heritage-Themed Wrangler

The iconic off-roader gets a nostalgic makeover as the third installment in Jeep's year-long special edition series. Distinctive plaid fabric adorns the seats, dashboards, and door panels, while bronze-finished tow hooks and unique badging honor the brand's eight-and-a-half decades. The Anniversary model rolls on Steel Oxide wheels and includes commemorative medallions throughout the cabin.

The Corvette ZR1X Becomes America's Quickest Production Car

General Motors confirmed its most powerful production Corvette achieved unprecedented acceleration at US 131 Motorsports Park last October. The 1,250-hp flagship covered the quarter-mile in 8.675 seconds while hitting 60 mph in just 1.68 seconds — using pump gas and street-legal tires. 

European Market Gets Manual Kia K4 Wagon

While American buyers get to enjoy the sedan and upcoming hatchback variants of Kia's K4, European customers will receive a wagon version offering something rare: a stick shift. The entry-level Sportwagon pairs a three-pedal manual with a turbocharged three-cylinder, though more powerful automatic options remain available. 

BMW Releases Details on Electric M Models

BMW announced its legendary M performance sub-brand will launch fully electric models starting in 2027. The future lineup will feature individual motors at each wheel, creating what BMW calls unprecedented control over power delivery. The system can decouple the front axle entirely for traditional rear-drive or engage all four motors for maximum grip. Battery capacity will exceed 100 kWh, and the chassis incorporates natural fiber composite materials, a motorsport-derived technology producing 40% less CO2 than carbon fiber. 

Acura RDX Production Pausing Until 2028 Hybrid

Supply challenges will halt manufacturing of Acura's bestselling crossover next year, and the replacement won't debut until 2028, when Honda's dual-motor hybrid system will be introduced to the luxury brand's lineup for the first time. 

Honda Previews Lightweight Travel Trailer Concept

The Japanese automaker revealed its Base Station prototype, a compact, towable camper designed for midsize vehicles like the CR-V and RAV4. The unit features a raising roof for full standing height, removable window panels accepting various accessories, and integrated solar charging. Honda emphasized its "Man Maximum, Machine Minimum" philosophy, creating generous interior space within a footprint that fits standard garages.

Ford Announces Dark Horse Mustang, Partners on Bronco RTR

The automaker announced a new supercharged Dark Horse SC to its Mustang lineup, which will utilize the 5.2-liter V8 and Eaton blower combination from the previous-gen GT500. Meanwhile, a collaboration with drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. produced the Bronco RTR, offering enhanced off-road capability as a more affordable alternative to the Raptor variant. 

Volvo Debuts Gemini AI Integration on the EX60

The Swedish brand's upcoming electric crossover will be its first vehicle featuring Google's conversational AI assistant, enabling more natural voice interactions with vehicle systems. Volvo suggests the technology will eventually utilize the EX60's cameras to answer questions about the surrounding environment. Full details will be released at the model's official unveiling on January 21. 

Pricing and Availability Updates

Mazda's CX-5 now starts at $31,485, $90 more than its larger CX-50 sibling. Alfa Romeo's refreshed 2026 Tonale, originally expected at dealers late last year, should reach dealerships during the first quarter, minus the plug-in hybrid variant.