Is the V8 dead? Are manuals extinct? Not exactly. Here is your essential briefing on the car industry’s pivot in late 2025.

If you’ve been doom-scrolling through automotive news lately, you might think the sky is falling. The narrative that "everything is going electric tomorrow" has hit a massive speed bump. In its place, we are seeing a renaissance of hybrids, a stubborn survival of stick shifts, and a return to common sense inside the cabin.

Here is the rundown of what every enthusiast needs to know right now.

1. The "Save the Manuals" Update

The manual transmission isn't dead; it’s just become exclusive. As we head into the 2026 model year, the affordable sports car segment is drawing clear battle lines.

• Toyota vs. Subaru
  The GR86 and BRZ twins have diverged. For 2026, Subaru dropped the base trim of the BRZ, raising the entry price. Toyota has kept the base GR86 alive, making it the budget king.
• Honda & Subaru Refresh
  The Civic Si and Type R received tech updates but kept the mechanical magic intact. Meanwhile, the new WRX tS finally fixes the suspension complaints we've had since launch.
• The Prelude Returns
  Yes, the Honda Prelude is back. The bad news? It’s a hybrid-only coupe with no manual. The good news? It uses a tuned version of the Civic hybrid powertrain that actually feels sporty.

2. Muscle Car Schizophrenia

The biggest story in American muscle is the Dodge Charger Daytona. We finally have concrete details on the EV version, which rips to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. But the real news for petrolheads is the confirmation of the "Sixpack" gas models arriving mid-2026.

Dodge isn't killing the gas engine; they are trading the Hemi V8 for a Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (Hurricane). Early reports suggest this engine is a monster, capable of tuning potential that might make us almost forgive the lack of V8 rumble.

3. The Hyper-Hybrid Era

When Porsche announced the 911 was going hybrid, purists panicked. Then the reviews for the 911 GTS T-Hybrid dropped.

It turns out, Porsche didn't build a Prius; they built a spaceship. The new electric turbo system eliminates lag entirely, filling torque gaps instantly. This isn't about saving fuel; it's about performance. It’s a sign that the future of high-performance ICE cars will rely on hybrid assists to stay compliant and faster than ever.

4. The Best Trend of 2025: Buttons Are Back

Perhaps the best news for daily driving is the industry-wide backlash against touchscreens. Driven by new Euro NCAP safety regulations starting in 2026, manufacturers are finally bringing back physical controls.

• VW's Correction
  Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.2all and refreshed Tiguan feature real, clickable buttons for the steering wheel and climate control.
• Aston Martin
  Even the ultra-luxury segment is listening. The updated DBX707 interior ditches the old Mercedes trackpad for a new custom interface with satisfying, knurled metal dials.

5. Rumor Mill: Toyota’s Mid-Engine Return?

If you grew up in the 90s, get your checkbook ready. Serious reports from Japan suggest Toyota is developing a successor to the MR2. The rumors point to a 2026 release, a mid-engine layout, and the 1.6L turbo 3-cylinder from the GR Corolla (potentially tuned up to 400hp).