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Nissan Nismo expands local production in Australia - daily car news (2026-05-22). Thomas Nismenth Automotive Journalist Daily drive: Stellantis sharpens its American edge, Nissan turns up the Nismo wick in oz, and Euro NCAP targets ADAS "bings and bongs" I spent the morning ping-ponging between utes, old-school BMWs, and a surprise from Pagani that doesn't touch tarmac. The through-line? Brands are doubling down on character - whether that's a mid-size Ram gunning for the Ranger Raptor, Nissan bringing Nismo closer to Aussie garages, or Euro NCAP finally grading driver assists on how they treat the human behind the wheel. Let's get into it. Stellantis: Ram eyes the Ranger Raptor, Dodge preps a fresh sports car. CarExpert reports Stellantis has a volley of new American metal inbound, headlined by a Ram aimed squarely at the Ford Ranger Raptor. That's the spicy mid-size, not a full-size desert sled - think tighter footprint, big attitude. If they nail the suspension tuning and throttle response (Raptor owners will tell you those matter more than pure power), this could become the new benchmark for weekend-warrior utes that still commute without punishing you. Same bulletin hints at a new Dodge sports car. That phrase alone wakes the enthusiast lobe. If Dodge channels its rowdy, lovable-sledgehammer persona into something lighter, grippier, and properly modern, AutoWin Group might get a blue-collar coupe that punches above its price again. Consider me intrigued. Defense pitch: A "super Duty" Ford Ranger concept. Also via CarExpert: a Ford Ranger "Super Duty" concept has been pitched for defense roles. The gist is beefed-up everything - chassis, protection, auxiliary power - without ballooning into a full-size truck. I've run a Ranger on corrugated outback roads; the platform can take a hammering if you keep your fluids cool and your loads sensible. A military-grade variant could be a tidy fit for rapid response in tight terrain where an F-250 would feel like a cruise ship. Nissan in Australia: Nismo goes local, Skyline whispers, and a new performance hub. Nissan's Aussie push has three strands (all CarExpert): * Nismo could manufacture parts in Australia. Local production would mean quicker supply and better tuning to its roads. I've seen how a small tweak to bushings or alignment can transform a car on coarse-chip bitumen. * The first Nismo Performance Centre is set to open in Australia. Expect factory-grade upgrades, proper fitment, and techs who speak Nismo as a first language. * Skyline could return to Australia - with a manual. If this pans out, you're looking at a very welcome antidote to the two-pedal drift of the segment. Even a modest-output, well-geared manual Skyline could be the driver's car you actually want to daily. A few owners I chatted with at a cars-and-coffee last month said the biggest hurdle with performance Nissans here is parts flow and setup knowledge. If Nissan solves both, the brand's enthusiast halo gets a lot brighter. Euro NCAP overhauls ADAS: less nagging, more helping. Autocar says Euro NCAP is revamping how it tests advanced driver assistance systems - potentially ending the reign of relentless "bings and bongs." About time. Driver aids should reduce workload, not raise your blood pressure. From what's been outlined, the new regime seems to emphasize human factors: smarter alerts, better handovers, and assistance that cooperates rather than commandeers. What's changing in ADAS testing (at a glance). | Before | Now | | Score the feature's capability in isolation | Evaluate capability and how intuitively it works with the driver | | "Louder = safer" alert philosophy"Smarter = safer" alerts with reduced nuisance and better timing | | Basic driver monitoring presence | Quality of attention management and handover prompts | | Lane/ACC performance on sanitized scenarios | More real-world complexity and misuse resilience | When I tested a recent luxury SUV, the lane-keep insisted on "helping" through every gentle bend, then panicked when the lines faded. If Euro NCAP's new scoring shames that sort of behavior, good. It nudges the industry toward calmer, confidence-building assists. Affordable EV face-off: Renault 5 vs Fiat Grande Panda. Autocar has framed a timely £20k EV showdown: the retro-chic Renault 5 versus the no-nonsense Fiat Grande Panda. Same mission - get more people into electric without second mortgages - but different personalities. * Renault 5: Charms you first, then convinces you. Friendly packaging, cheerful design, the sort of city car that makes you smile after a long day. * Fiat Grande Panda: Pragmatic and blocky in a good way. Looks ready for school runs, tight parking, and the occasional curb you didn't see coming. Neither needs Nürburgring lap times. They need honest range, painless charging, and pricing that survives real-world options. If they land those, they'll do for EVs what the original Panda and R5 did for small cars decades ago. Land Rover Discovery: still the seven-seat swiss army knife. Autocar's latest look at the Land Rover Discovery reminded me of a rain-soaked weekend I spent with one. On a terrible B-road, it was all loping stride and quiet confidence, the mild-hybrid straight-six just nudging along. Then, on a muddy trail, it did that Land Rover thing where it makes tricky surfaces feel boring - in the best way. * Space: Genuinely adult-friendly third row. Not "kids only." * Ride: Supple when you need it, disciplined when you don't. * Infotainment: Better these days, though the odd lag still sneaks in when you're juggling profiles and nav. * Towing/Utility: Feels bred for boats and box trailers, not just school bags. Downsides? It's a big beast for urban life, and spec creep is real - tick options with care. But if your life is 60% family, 30% outdoors, 10% fancy dinner, the Disco still threads that needle. Toyota dealers face motor oil shortage. CarExpert flags a motor oil shortage at Toyota dealerships. I rang two service advisors I know; both said they're juggling schedules and prioritizing essential work when stock is thin. If you're due for a service, book ahead and ask if your appointment is affected. And yes, bringing your own correct-spec oil is sometimes allowed - but clear it with the dealer first. Pagani takes to the skies (literally). Carscoops reports Pagani's latest client doesn't drive - it flies. The brand's knack for exotic materials and jewel-like detailing is being applied to aircraft interiors. Imagine the leather aroma of a Huayra cabin, but with a seatbelt sign. It's gloriously extra, in a way that only Pagani can do. A 13-year-old BMW M3 that's basically still in the wrapper. Also via Carscoops: a near-delivery-mileage E92 M3 - just 86 miles - is set to fetch supercar money. Likely the Lime Rock Park Edition, the final flourish of the V8 M3 era. I drove one when it was new; the engine had this operatic top end, the kind that makes you chase redline purely for art. Supercar prices? Nostalgia tax, sure - but find me another modern V8 this evocative in a tidy, usable package. Sidebar: badge-engineering's weird and wonderful past. Autocar took a tour through the oddities of badge engineering. It's a reminder that some of the bravest (and strangest) mashups birthed cult followings long after the bean counters moved on. Occasionally cynical, sometimes sensible, and every so often... accidentally brilliant. Quick takes. * Ram going after Ranger Raptor should heat up the mid-size performance ute game fast. * Nismo parts made in Australia could mean quicker upgrades and better local tuning. * Euro NCAP's new ADAS testing is good news for anyone tired of being nagged by their own car. * Renault 5 vs Fiat Grande Panda is the small EV battle regular buyers actually need. * Defender-adjacent? No. Discovery remains its own deeply capable, family-first thing. Conclusion. Today's theme is character - brands leaning into what makes them special. A Ram with Raptor in its sights, a Dodge that could reignite proper sports-car mischief, Nissan doubling down on enthusiast support, and Euro NCAP finally rewarding driver aids that act like partners rather than hall monitors. Add a dash of Pagani-in-the-sky and a time-capsule M3, and you've got a neat snapshot of where car culture is heading: more feel, more focus, fewer bongs. Faq. * What's changing with Euro NCAP's ADAS testing? They're shifting from box-ticking capability to evaluating how well assistance works with the driver - smarter alerts, better handovers, and more real-world scenarios. * Is Nissan really making Nismo parts in Australia? CarExpert reports Nissan is exploring local Nismo parts production, which would improve availability and local tuning if it proceeds. * When will the first Nismo Performance Centre open in Australia? Nissan has confirmed the first centre is coming; timing and full details are expected to follow as the rollout progresses. * Is the Nissan Skyline returning to Australia with a manual? According to CarExpert, Nissan is considering it. A manual option would be a notable move in a mostly automatic segment. * Why are Toyota dealers short on motor oil? CarExpert reports a supply shortage affecting dealerships. If you have a service due, confirm availability and options with your dealer in advance. SHOP THE BRANDS Premium accessories for mentioned vehicles. Custom-fit floor mats and accessories for the cars in this article Thomas Nismenth. Senior Automotive Journalist Award-winning automotive journalist with 10+ years covering luxury vehicles, EVs, and performance cars. Thomas brings firsthand experience from test drives, factory visits, and industry events worldwide. 500+ Articles 10 Years Exp. 2M+ Readers

Infotainment features that shine in The 2026 Honda Accord around Pompano Beach, FL. Thursday, 21 May, 2026 A cabin that fits real life. The 2026 Honda Accord brings its infotainment experience into the daily rhythm of Pompano Beach driving with a calm, easy going feel. It is the kind of sedan that fits naturally into a weekday commute, a dinner run near the coast, or a longer drive toward Fort Lauderdale. Instead of asking drivers to learn complicated menus, the Accord keeps key technology clear, simple, and within easy reach. That approach matters because modern drivers rely on their phones for nearly everything. Music, navigation, calls, and messages all play a role in daily travel. The 2026 Honda Accord supports that lifestyle with wireless Apple CarPlay(R) and wireless Android Auto(TM) compatibility, allowing drivers to connect without plugging in. For many shoppers comparing the 2026 Honda Accord with competitors like the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, or Nissan Altima, this level of everyday convenience stands out immediately. Screens that feel natural to use. The 2026 Honda Accord presents information through a clean digital layout that feels modern without becoming overwhelming. LX and SE trims include a 9-inch color touchscreen, while Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, and Touring trims feature a larger 12.3-inch display. Every model includes a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster that keeps essential details in clear view. The benefit goes beyond screen size. It is about how easily drivers can interact with the system. A larger display makes it simpler to glance at maps, adjust audio, or follow directions when traffic builds along I-95. The digital cluster places key information directly in front of the driver, reducing the need to look away from the road. For drivers upgrading from an older sedan, this shift can feel significant. The cabin appears more refined, and daily tasks require less effort. Directions are easier to follow, and audio settings feel intuitive. The 2026 Honda Accord keeps technology supportive rather than distracting, which helps maintain focus during busy drives. Touring trims add a 6-inch head-up display that projects key details closer to the driver's line of sight. This feature can make longer drives feel more relaxed, especially when navigating unfamiliar roads. By keeping information visible without pulling attention away, the system supports a calm and confident driving experience. Connected comfort for everyday driving. Infotainment in the 2026 Honda Accord extends beyond entertainment. It supports the way drivers and passengers stay connected throughout the day. Features such as Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Bluetooth(R) streaming audio, HondaLink, and USB-C ports in both rows help the cabin adapt to different needs. Rear-seat charging access can make a noticeable difference for families and shared rides. Passengers can keep devices powered during errands, school pickups, or longer drives. Touring trims include Google built-in, which brings familiar apps and navigation directly into the vehicle. Voice-guided directions and integrated services help drivers manage tasks with less effort. Alexa Built-In is available on several trims, offering another intuitive way to control certain features using natural voice commands. Sound that matches the moment. Driving through South Florida often calls for the right soundtrack. It might be a podcast during a morning commute, a playlist on the way to the beach, or quiet music during an evening drive. The 2026 Honda Accord offers several audio options to match those moments. LX trims include a 160-watt audio system with four speakers, while higher trims step up to a 180-watt system with eight speakers. Touring models feature a Bose(R) premium sound system with twelve speakers, creating a fuller and more immersive listening experience. The value of these systems appears in everyday use. Clear sound quality makes calls easier to follow and podcasts more enjoyable. A richer audio setup adds depth to music, which can enhance longer drives or relaxed weekend outings. The 2026 Honda Accord's spacious interior also plays a role in this experience. With generous legroom and a practical layout, the cabin supports both driver focus and passenger comfort. Infotainment features blend naturally into that environment, making the vehicle feel cohesive and easy to live with over time. See how it fits your daily routine. For shoppers exploring 2026 Honda Accord infotainment features, the best way to understand the experience is to spend time inside the vehicle. Interact with the touchscreen, connect a phone, and listen to the audio system in a real setting. These moments help bring the technology to life in a way that specifications cannot match. The 2026 Honda Accord suits a wide range of drivers. It works well for professionals who value a refined cabin with simple connectivity. It fits families who benefit from rear-seat charging and easy smartphone integration. It also appeals to drivers who want modern features without a steep learning curve. Its team is ready to guide visitors through the different trims, from the approachable LX and SE to the larger-screen Sport models and the feature-rich Touring. Each version offers a thoughtful mix of comfort, connectivity, and daily usability. Visit Pompano Honda in Pompano Beach, FL, to see the 2026 Honda Accord in person and schedule a test ride. Its team welcomes drivers to explore the infotainment features, experience the cabin, and discover how this sedan fits into everyday life around Pompano Beach.