A Rare Opportunity to Own a Ford GT Carbon Series

The second-generation Ford GT is already a rare sight, but the Carbon Series takes exclusivity a step further. Introduced in 2018 as the lightest road-going variant of Ford’s supercar, it was positioned between the standard GT and the stripped-down Competition Series.

Only 50 examples of the Carbon Series were built, which makes it extremely scarce these days. However, a pristine example of this limited-run edition is now available, showing just 77 miles since new. Finished in Ingot Silver with Competition Orange stripes, this is a rare opportunity for collectors seeking a low-mileage, highly specified GT in near-new condition.

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The Car: 2020 Ford GT Carbon Series

This 2020 Ford GT was delivered new to McClary Ford in Athens, Alabama, and ordered with the $20,000 Carbon Series Graphics Package, which coordinates the center stripe, mirror caps, and brake calipers in Competition Orange. The Carbon Series distinguishes itself with extensive exposed carbon fiber, including the front splitter, rear diffuser, side mirrors, and trim elements, as well as 20-inch gloss carbon-fiber wheels secured by titanium lug nuts. Weight-saving measures also extend to a titanium Akrapovič exhaust system and a polycarbonate rear hatch, cutting around 40 pounds compared to the standard GT.

Power comes from a mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 660 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.

The model benefits from aerodynamic and cooling updates introduced for the 2020 model year, including revised buttress air ducts and larger intercoolers. Key performance figures include a 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds, a quarter-mile in 10.8 seconds, and a top speed of 216 mph. A hydraulically adjustable pushrod suspension, front-axle lift system, and active rear wing contribute to both road usability and track capability.

Inside, the cabin features the Dark Energy interior package, combining black Alcantara with Sparco carbon-fiber shell seats. An adjustable pedal box and steering column complement the fixed-position driver’s seat. Other features include automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, a configurable digital instrument panel, and six-point harness anchors. Clear protective film is applied to bodywork and interior sills.

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Current Bid Surpasses its MSRP

The Ford GT Carbon Series carried a window sticker totaling $613,800 when new, but this example, up for auction on Bring a Trailer, currently has a $660,000 bid at the time of writing. It comes with its original ordering kit, window sticker, car cover, battery tender, seat covers, two keys, manufacturer’s literature, and photographs documenting the build process. The clean Carfax report confirms no accidents or damage.

With such low mileage and a complete set of original accessories, this GT is well-positioned to appeal to serious collectors. The combination of limited production, weight-reducing specification, and near-new condition makes it a standout offering, despite the more affordable options out there, such as the new Chevrolet Corvete ZR1X.

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Meanwhile, EVs Topped Least-Stolen List

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1—the most powerful version of Chevy’s discontinued muscle car—is America’s most-stolen vehicle, according to a new report from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), a research arm of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Relative to its numbers on the road, the ZL1 had a theft rate 39 times the average for all vehicles surveyed.

All-wheel drive variants of the Acura TLX were the second-most prone to theft, according to the report, followed by the standard Camaro, the GMC Sierra 2500 (in crew-cab, four-wheel drive form), and the front-wheel drive TLX. Those rankings are based on whole-vehicle theft claims filed with insurance companies for the 2022-2024 model years.

“Muscle cars have often topped this list, as thieves are attracted to vehicles with high horsepower,” Matt Moore, chief insurance operations officer at the HLDI and IIHS, said in a statement. “This also helps explain why the more expensive, more powerful ZL1 is stolen so much more often than the standard Camaro.”

Software Issue May Be To Blame

Chevrolet

If its high horsepower makes the Camaro ZL1 a more likely target for thieves, a software vulnerability might make it easier to successfully steal, according to the HLDI. The organization cited media reports that thieves can clone the key fob for newer Camaros using diagnostic ports.

Chevy standardized a keyless pushbutton ignition for the sixth-generation Camaro, which was sold from model years 2016 to 2024, but the HLDI noticed a sharp increase in theft claims for these cars beginning in 2023, peaking in March 2024 with 18.3 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years (a measurement of one vehicle insured for one year), compared with about 1.3 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years for the previous 2010-2015 model.

General Motors launched a service campaign in March 2025 aimed at reducing theft risk for 2020-2024 Camaro models, in the form of a free software update performed by dealerships. A similar campaign helped tame a rash of thefts of Hyundai and Kia models that began in 2021, according to a previous HLDI report.

Tesla Model 3 Is Least-Stolen

Tesla

Meanwhile, Tesla monopolized the podium for least-stolen vehicles. The dual-motor Model 3 had the lowest incidence of whole-vehicle theft claims, followed by the Model Y and single-motor Model 3. the fourth and fifth least-stolen vehicles—the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Tesla Model S, respectively—also had charge ports.

That’s not a coincidence. Across multiple studies, the HLDI has found that EVs are more likely to be garaged or parked near buildings for charging, making them less attractive to thieves. Plug-in hybrids like the RAV4 Prime are also likely to parked at a charger overnight (assuming owners are using them correctly, that is).

Including the all-plug-in top five, the top 20 least-stolen vehicles included eight all-electric models and two plug-in hybrids, all of which had whole-vehicle theft claim rates that were more than 85% lower than average. It’s another potential advantage to buying an EV, albeit one we really don’t want to have to think about.

Nissan’s Bread and Butter Gets Slight Update for 2026

The Rogue is one of Nissan’s best-selling vehicles in the US, playing a crucial role in the struggling automaker’s lineup. In a segment that’s growing more competitive, especially with the fully revamped 2026 Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 arriving, Nissan’s update is surprisingly restrained. Following the 2024 facelift, changes are minimal: a small price adjustment, a new trim level, and some added tech features.

The 2026 lineup sees a $200 increase across most trims, while the Platinum AWD gets a rare $1,000 price cut. For buyers deciding between the outgoing 2025 stock and incoming 2026 models, the updates are subtle enough to make a discounted 2025 unit appealing—especially with many dealers clearing inventory at aggressive prices.

Nissan

Outgoing MY2025 Units Showing Heavy Discounts


For 2025, the Rogue starts at $28,590 for the S FWD and reaches $39,990 for the Platinum AWD before destination charges. Trims like the SV AWD list for $30,990, while the off-road-styled Rock Creek AWD is priced at $33,490.

Nationwide listings on Cars.com show substantial markdowns, particularly on SV and SL grades, with savings often in the $2,000-$4,000 range depending on location and dealer incentives.

The powertrain remains identical between 2025 and 2026 – a 1.5-liter VC-Turbo 3-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT – so there’s no performance loss in choosing a 2025. For value-focused buyers, these discounts may outweigh the modest updates in the next model year.

Nissan

What You’ll Miss in 2026

Opting for a 2025 Rogue means skipping several 2026 updates. The new Dark Armor trim joins the lineup, positioned between the SV and SL. It brings blacked-out exterior accents, satin black roof rails, 19-inch gloss black wheels, and SV-based equipment that includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof, and Nissan’s HD Intelligent Around View Monitor. It will be offered in both FWD and AWD, though pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Tech upgrades are also part of the 2026 package. All models gain Google Built-In, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play into the 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Platinum AWD now offers ProPilot 2.1, Nissan’s latest semi-autonomous system that enables limited hands-free driving on single-lane freeways.

However, if you want something truly groundbreaking, you will need to wait further for Nissan’s upcoming electrified option. The Rogue e-Power is confirmed for the US but won’t arrive until the brand’s 2026 fiscal year, likely as a 2027 model. Choosing a 2025 Rogue means sticking with the gasoline-only setup, even as competitors like the RAV4 move to all-hybrid lineups.

Nissan

Jaguar’s new look has been making headlines, but not for the reasons the brand had hoped. The British automaker’s rebrand has sparked a wave of criticism from customers, industry insiders, and now, U.S. President Donald Trump. Taking to his Truth Social account, Trump called the changes “stupid and seriously woke” and claimed the company is now “in absolute turmoil.”

The Controversial Rebrand

Jaguar

In November 2024, Jaguar unveiled a minimalist logo and a campaign aimed at steering the brand toward an electric and fashion-focused future. The move was meant to modernise Jaguar’s image, but instead it upset long-time fans who felt the company had abandoned its heritage. Leaked letters suggest Jaguar itself was unhappy with the rebrand, and the company has since ended its partnership with the ad agency behind it, Accenture Song. The turbulence culminated in July 2025 with the resignation of CEO Adrian Mardell, who had been with the brand for 35 years. Jaguar’s strategy is also shifting. Rather than competing directly with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the company plans to produce fewer cars at higher prices, targeting the ultra-luxury market alongside Bentley and Aston Martin. This transition will be led by PB Balaji, the current CFO of parent company Tata Motors, who will take over as CEO of Jaguar Land Rover in November 2025.

Trump’s Verdict

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In his Truth Social post, Trump praised American Eagle’s recent ad campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney, calling it “the hottest ad out there,” and contrasted it with Jaguar’s, which he called “stupid” and likened to Bud Light’s controversial marketing. He claimed such “woke” ads damage brands, alleging they resulted in a loss of billions in market value. Trump also tied the issue into his broader criticism of celebrity culture, referencing Taylor Swift and saying she was “no longer hot”. PB Balaji addressed the controversy in an interview with Bloomberg, defending the rebrand and new direction. He said the latest models were getting an “exciting response” from customers and dismissed suggestions that Mardell’s departure was tied to the changes. Instead, he pointed to the company’s resilience in a market facing slower global sales.

Jaguar’s Future

Jaguar Type 00 Badge

Jaguar

While the Jaguar Type 00 concept car has started to grow on people, the drastic rebrand has still left long-time fans with a sour taste in their mouths. In the luxury car world, image is everything, and a misstep like this can take years to recover from. For a marque that has long built its identity on elegance and tradition, finding the right balance between modernization and heritage will be critical. The question now is whether the company will adjust its course or double down on its vision for a new era with its new CEO, PB Balaji, at the helm.

There are pros and cons to steer-by-wire systems

Rivian recently announced plans to open a new technology hub in London, much like the one in California, as the EV automaker seeks to gain an edge over rivals by producing vehicles that are “the most technologically advanced” on the road—those were the words of James Philbin, Rivian’s vice president of autonomy and AI.

Something that could help Rivian meet that goal is the implementation of a steer-by-wire system, which the company now seems to be exploring, based on a new job listing discovered by Rivian Forums.

What Is Steer By Wire?

Rivian R1T

Rivian

Although not a new technology, steer-by-wire systems have still not been implemented on a wide scale. Essentially, the system dispenses with the normal mechanical link between a vehicle’s steering and its wheels, replacing this with electronic actuators. In the new job listing, which has since been removed, Rivian is on the hunt for a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager for a Steering Actuator System.

The role is described as a “unique opportunity to drive a critical technology that will define the future of our vehicles,” which sounds like Rivian intends to introduce the tech in multiple models. 

The potential advantages of a steer-by-wire system include the following:

More responsive handling and easier customization of steering feelFewer components can reduce development costsBetter integration with driver-assistance systemsWeight reduction and enhanced packagingUnique steering wheel designs, such as the yoke

The tech isn’t without its downsides, though, which is part of the reason it hasn’t been widely adopted.

Steer-By-Wire Systems Aren’t Always Better

Lexus, which is still trying to perfect its RZ steer-by-wire system for the American market, touted the technology a few years ago. According to CarBuzz, there are unique regulations involved in launching the tech in the United States, which is part of the reason it’s not here yet.

Having personally experienced steer-by-wire in an earlier version of the RZ, the system does result in much more responsive steering, allowing you to keep your hands at the “10 and 2” or “9 and 3” positions for longer periods, as there is less wheel twirling required. However, the yoke doesn’t necessarily make for a more relaxing overall experience, especially in a luxury car, as the extra sharpness requires greater attentiveness, and navigating traffic circles while indicating with a yoke wheel is more annoying. Many people also have safety concerns about such a system, given the lack of a mechanical link between the steering and wheels.

Tesla also offers steer-by-wire for the Cybertruck, and it does make a large vehicle feel more responsive, as we found out when driving the electric pickup. Redundant sensors and actuators are also in place if the primary system experiences an issue.

With Lexus and Tesla already having introduced the tech, Rivian now has an opportunity to use these systems as a starting point and eliminate the few grievances customers have with them. We don’t know when a Rivian with steer-by-wire will arrive, but we assume the tech will be introduced on larger, more expensive models like the R1T and R1S first, before possibly filtering down to smaller Rivians like the R3.