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Smart's tiny EV, Zoox robotaxi, and a dealer scandal: Friday's automotive headlines. 6 August 2026 The automotive world continues to spin in unexpected directions this Friday, August 7, 2026, with news that spans from tiny electric vehicles to high-tech robotaxis and a surprising scandal in the dealer network. It's a week that underscores both the industry's bold innovations and its real-world challenges. While manufacturers are pushing boundaries with new designs and technologies, they're also grappling with issues like trust, ethics, and the realities of consumer expectations. From a mural campaign in Melbourne to an electric truck with 37-inch tires, today's headlines paint a vivid picture of where the automotive landscape is heading - and what it might look like when Yourcarsold get there. Smart unveils its teeny EV with a mural campaign in Melbourne. Smart has officially revealed the design for its upcoming teeny EV, the #2, which will make its debut in Paris. The announcement comes with a splash of creativity - literally - with a large mural campaign in Melbourne that's setting the stage for the vehicle's international release. The Smart #2 is intended to be a compact, efficient urban electric car that targets younger consumers and city dwellers who are looking for an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles. It's part of the brand's broader strategy to reposition itself as a modern, forward-thinking automaker with a focus on smart mobility solutions. Zoox robotaxi goes driverless - but at a premium price. Zoox has made headlines again with its latest robotaxi concept, which skips the human driver entirely. The company is positioning this fully autonomous vehicle for a premium market segment, suggesting that it's aiming to be more of a luxury ride-sharing experience than a mainstream service. While the idea of driverless vehicles has been around for years, Zoox's latest move indicates a growing confidence in the technology and its commercial viability. However, with a price tag likely higher than current Uber or Lyft services, the question remains: can consumers justify paying more for a fully autonomous ride? Nissan promotes Matthew Weaver to chief designer. Nissan has promoted Matthew Weaver, who previously led the iconic Juke design team, to chief designer, signaling a new direction for the brand's styling. This move comes as Nissan is aiming to reinvigorate its design language and align it with evolving consumer tastes, especially in the electric vehicle segment. Weaver's promotion suggests that Nissan values innovation and bold design decisions, which are key ingredients in differentiating the brand in a competitive market. Ram and Fox Factory showcase high-performance truck concepts. Ram and Fox Factory have collaborated on some impressive high-performance truck concepts, including one featuring massive 37-inch tires on the TRX. These trucks aren't just about power - they're about pushing the limits of what's possible in off-road performance. With these kinds of upgrades, Ram is catering to a segment that demands not only capability but also style and exclusivity. It's clear that truck enthusiasts are looking for more than just basic functionality; they want vehicles that make a statement. SRT turbocharges a six-cylinder engine to rival V8s. SRT has demonstrated its engineering prowess by turbocharging a six-cylinder engine to rival supercharged V8s in a Jeep. This isn't just about performance - it's about efficiency and power. With fuel economy concerns on the rise, manufacturers are finding innovative ways to deliver high performance without sacrificing efficiency. SRT's approach shows that it's possible to have your cake and eat it too - powerful performance with better fuel economy. Dealer scandal: parts theft leads to serious consequences. On a more sobering note, a recent scandal involving a Minnesota city's police camera network has spilled into the automotive world. A dealer was caught stealing customer parts, leading to significant consequences that are being closely watched by industry stakeholders. This incident highlights ongoing issues within the dealership ecosystem and underscores the importance of trust and integrity in customer relationships. As the industry shifts toward digital platforms, these kinds of ethical failures can have far-reaching implications. Chery outperforms Honda and Mazda in Britain. China's Chery is making waves in Britain by out-selling both Honda and Mazda combined. This achievement shows that global automakers are increasingly competing for market share on a worldwide scale. Chery's success in the UK market signals growing consumer interest in value-driven, well-designed vehicles from international brands - especially when they offer competitive pricing and features. EV range anxiety and political commentary. Despite some political commentary from Donald Trump referring to EV range anxiety as a "disease," the automotive industry continues to make strides in battery technology and charging infrastructure. These developments suggest that while there may be vocal critics, the shift toward electrification is gaining momentum. The industry's resilience in the face of criticism is a testament to its commitment to innovation. What this all means for car enthusiasts. Today's automotive news reveals a landscape that's more dynamic than ever. From the sleek designs of Smart's teeny EV to the cutting-edge technology of Zoox's robotaxi, enthusiasts are witnessing a wide range of innovations. Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses like Ram and SRT continue to prove that performance isn't going anywhere, even as the industry shifts toward electrification. The dealer scandal reminds Yourcarsold that behind every new car is a human element - trust, integrity, and ethical business practices matter more than ever. For car lovers, this is an exciting time to be alive: the future of driving is being redefined, one headline at a time.

FOX introduces the Transfer Neo E-Optimized. FOX expands its electronic dropper lineup with the new Transfer Neo E-Optimized, an electronically actuated dropper post that connects directly to an e-bike's power supply for unlimited power and seamless integration. FOX Transfer Neo E-Optimized dropper post. Designed specifically for modern eMTBs, Transfer Neo E-Optimized features adjustable travel, up to 240mm of drop, low stack height, an ergonomic lever, and intuitive app connectivity, making it the ultimate electronic dropper solution for e-bike riders. Transfer Neo E-Optimized will initially be available exclusively for the Specialized Levo 4 / Levo R / Levo Evo - Specialized retailers will be able to support the complete installation process for customers wanting to upgrade their bike. Additional applications for other popular drive units are currently in development for launch in 2027. Unlimited power. By tapping directly into the e-bike drive system, Transfer Neo E-Optimized eliminates battery management and ensures the post is always ready to perform. Adjustable and connected. Like the analog MY26 Transfer, the new E-Opt post features adjustable travel for a personalized fit - you can adjust it down 25mm in 5mm increments. In addition, the post can be accessed through the FOX Bike App for an intuitive digital experience, including integrated service tracking. Proven Transfer Neo performance. Paired with the Transfer Neo lever, riders benefit from exceptional ergonomics and precise actuation, delivering effortless control on every ride. With unlimited power, integrated connectivity, and class-leading adjustability, Transfer Neo E-Optimized brings the next evolution of electronic dropper performance to eMTB riders everywhere.

Ridetech releases bolt-on GM SUV suspension lowering kit. July 17, 2026 Installing a new GM SUV suspension sometimes leaves you between two choices. Either comfort or aggressive styling. A modern Cadillac feels great off the lot, but the tall factory ride height leaves room for visual improvement. Dropping a full-size sport utility vehicle requires specific components to maintain proper handling characteristics. Thanks to Ridetech, there's actually a way to tackle this hurdle. The new HQ Series coilovers fit 2021 to 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV models. Installing this kit lowers the vehicle 1 to 3 inches below the stock height. Engineers recommend a 2-inch drop to achieve the best overall ride geometry. Ridetech made sure that its new HQ coilover system can help improve the aesthetic and performance of GM's full-size SUV platform without compromising on ride quality. The entire system also features a completely bolt-on installation process requiring zero welding. Looking closer at the hardware, the manufacturer partnered with Fox Factory to develop impact-forged aluminum-body monotube shocks. This specific GM SUV suspension upgrade outperforms standard twin-tube shock technology. Drivers can easily tune their ride quality using a 24-position rebound damping knob located on every single unit. Adding to the high-performance nature of the kit, Ridetech installed some premium Hyperco springs. These springs are high-tensile steel that can deliver a consistent spring rate at all four corners. Lowering a heavy truck throws the factory alignment far out of specification. Ridetech includes tubular front upper control arms to correct the camber, caster, and ball-joint angles. The package also provides a rear adjustable upper control arm to keep the back wheels aligned properly on vehicles lowered beyond two inches. Builders can install this hardware on both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. Finishing the build, the brand suggests matching the new stance with 24x10-inch wheels wrapped in 305/35/24 tires. Dropping a large family hauler gives the chassis a much more aggressive profile on the street. A dedicated GM SUV suspension eliminates the harsh bouncing associated with cheap lowering springs. Because of this kit, lowering a modern Escalade or Tahoe makes daily driving much more enjoyable for the person sitting behind the steering wheel. A 2015 Camaro Z/28 swaps its LS7 for a 904-hp Whipple-supercharged LSX, creating one of the wildest fifth-gen Camaros ever built. Josh Leatherwood LS & LT power - straight to your inbox. Get the latest feature builds, tech, and performance stories from LSX Magazine. Get it delivered FREE every week.