Automotive News Roundup: Week of September 19, 2026

Welcome back to the CI Motorsports weekly automotive news roundup. We dig through the headlines so you don't have to. This week, we've got everything from giant bull bars to classic muscle cars and important recalls. Let's get into it.

Toyota RAV4 Gains An Unapologetically Massive Bull Bar

First up, a sight from the Australian outback. The Toyota RAV4, a common sight on city streets, is getting an 'Aerostyle' bull bar that makes it look ready for a road train, per Carscoops. This isn't your average nudge bar. It's a full-on, grille-dominating piece of metalwork.

This trend shows a shift. Mainstream SUVs are getting aggressive, off-road inspired accessories. It's about styling as much as protection for some owners. This specific bar makes a statement, turning a suburban crawler into something much tougher.

CI Motorsports Take: Bull bars like this change the whole front end look. They're heavy and can impact aerodynamics and front sensor function. We can help spec out the right suspension upgrades to handle the weight and integrate aftermarket lighting into these setups.

This Six-Wheeled Ford EcoSport Is A Monument To Questionable Decisions

Next, we found something truly unique. A custom Ford EcoSport with six wheels. Yes, six. According to Carscoops, this build has 5.6 mpg on the dash, a cramped rear seat, and it's already bidding over $5,500.

This EcoSport is a wild custom project. It shows what happens when someone decides to push limits, even if the result isn't always practical. It's a conversation starter, whether you like the build or not. Extreme custom work always gets attention.

CI Motorsports Take: We appreciate the custom fabrication work, even on a questionable base. Projects like this highlight the need for solid drivetrain and suspension engineering. We can help with custom axle solutions and chassis reinforcement for unique builds, though we might steer you away from a six-wheel EcoSport.

1989 Pontiac 20th Anniversary Trans Am For Sale With 30,000 Miles Will Thrill You With Its Turbo V6

For the muscle car enthusiasts, there's a gem. A 1989 Pontiac 20th Anniversary Trans Am is for sale with only 30,000 miles, reports Jalopnik. This car was a legend when new. It held the quickest 0-to-60-mph time of any American production car.

That speed came from a Buick-sourced turbo V6, not a big V8. This car proved that forced induction could deliver serious performance. It's a piece of Pontiac history, showing their innovative spirit. Finding one with low miles is a rare chance to own a true performance icon.

CI Motorsports Take: That turbo V6 is a beast, similar to the Grand National setup. We can help bring these classic turbo systems back to life. Think modern ECU tunes, upgraded intercoolers, and exhaust systems to unlock more power safely. These cars respond well to performance upgrades.

Over 200,000 Jeeps Have A Faulty Convenience Feature Owners Love

Important news for Jeep owners. Over 200,000 Jeeps are part of a recall due to a faulty convenience feature, according to Carscoops. The 2024-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most affected model.

This recall impacts a feature owners use daily. While specific details on the feature are limited in the summary, any electrical or safety recall needs immediate attention. It shows even new vehicles can have widespread issues that need factory fixes. Always check if your vehicle is part of a recall.

CI Motorsports Take: Recalls like this are critical. A faulty electrical system can cause bigger problems down the line, even impacting aftermarket accessories. Get these issues addressed by the dealer. After that, we can help ensure your aftermarket electrical upgrades integrate properly and safely.

Ford Aerostar Monster Truck, Suzuki Katana Restomod, De Tomaso Pantera: The Dopest Cars I Found For Sale Online

Jalopnik's 'Dopest Cars I Found For Sale Online' is always a good read for unique builds, and this week didn't disappoint. It features a jacked-up Ford Aerostar Monster Truck, a Suzuki Katana restomod, and a De Tomaso Pantera, among others.

These are examples of extreme customization. Turning an Aerostar minivan into a monster truck takes vision and serious fabrication. Restomods like the Katana blend classic style with modern performance. It highlights the passion people have for creating something one-of-a-kind.

CI Motorsports Take: That Aerostar monster truck is a prime example of custom fabrication we love. Lift kits, custom axles, and engine swaps are all in our wheelhouse. If you're looking to build something truly unique, bring your ideas to us. We handle the complex drivetrain and suspension work needed for these builds.

2027 Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country Is Fancier Than Ever: Photo Gallery

Chevy is stepping up its truck game. The 2027 Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country trim is looking fancier than ever, with Car and Driver providing the first close-up look. This is the new top-of-the-line trim for the light-duty Silverado.

New truck launches always get attention. The High Country trim focuses on luxury and premium features. This means advanced tech, better interiors, and often, more refined powertrains. It sets the bar for what a half-ton truck can be, blurring the lines between work vehicle and luxury transport.

CI Motorsports Take: A new Silverado means new opportunities for upgrades. Expect new lift kits, leveling kits, and performance exhaust systems to hit the market quickly. We'll be ready to help you customize these new trucks, whether you want more power, better off-road capability, or a standout look.

Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s Bigger Battery Better? We Tested It

Finally, an EV update. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 got a bigger battery for its 2025 update. Car and Driver tested it, and the results show it makes an already impressive EV SUV even more appealing.

Bigger batteries mean more range and often more power. This is crucial for EV adoption and performance. Hyundai is pushing forward, making its electric vehicles more competitive. It's a reminder that EV technology is still rapidly evolving, and performance gains are coming through battery improvements.

CI Motorsports Take: Better EV batteries translate directly to better performance, whether that's range or acceleration. For EVs, performance tuning often means focusing on suspension, brake upgrades, and lightweight wheels to manage the weight and deliver sharper handling. We keep an eye on these developments for future EV performance parts.

Quick Hits

Here are a few other stories that caught our eye this week, but didn't make the deep dive list:

• American Airlines Expecting To Pay Extra $1 Billion For Fuel Thanks To Iran War - Fuel costs are up, affecting airline prices, per Jalopnik.
• DARCARS Lexus, BMW dealerships in N.Y. pay $1.9 million to settle state’s allegations of deceptive charges - Dealerships settled deceptive charge allegations, according to Automotive News.
• Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Isn't Even At Its Destination Yet And It's Already Doubled Its Lifespan - Good news for space exploration, per Jalopnik.
• This Rolls-Royce Phantom Has Hummingbird Art Made From Dozens Of Pieces Of Abalone Shell - Luxury car art showcases extreme craftsmanship, per Jalopnik.
• BYD Could Soon Be Building EVs And Batteries In Europe - BYD expands its global footprint, eyeing European production, reports Carscoops.

That's the rundown for this week. The automotive world keeps moving, from classic turbo power to wild custom builds and new EV tech. We're here to help you get the most out of your ride, whatever it is.

Looking to upgrade your truck, dial in your classic, or boost your daily driver's performance? Browse our selection of performance parts online or stop by the shop. Our experienced team can help you pick the right parts and get them installed right. Got questions about a build? Give us a call.