Today’s Auto Brief: Gladiator Goes Sahara, Police Pony Cars Return, and a $4M Toyota Pops Up on Marketplace

I’ve been doing this long enough to know when the car world decides to get a little weird. Today is one of those days. Jeep finally gives the Gladiator the street-friendly trim it always wanted, cops are dusting off the V8 muscle for high-speed duty, Autocar is reminding us why light cars are life, and—because of course—someone tried to sell a $4 million Toyota on Facebook Marketplace. Pull up a chair.

Jeep Gladiator Finally Gets Its “Sahara” Moment

Carscoops reports Jeep is adding a Sahara trim to the Gladiator. If you’ve driven Wranglers as often as I have, you’ll know “Sahara” is Jeep-speak for the middle path: less rock-crawl cosplay, more everyday comfort. Think refined ride, shiny bits, and tech you actually use when your commute involves speed bumps, not slickrock.

When I last ran a Gladiator over washboard backroads, the Rubicon’s knobby tires and gearing were heroic off-road but a touch wearing on long highway slogs. A Sahara-flavored Gladiator should calm that daily grind without ditching the Jeep character. Expect the usual Sahara cues cribbed from the Wrangler playbook—street-bias rubber, plusher trimmings, and the kind of convenience features that make Costco runs less of an expedition.

Where the New Sahara Likely Lands in the Gladiator Family

• Why it matters: Owners have been asking for a more livable Gladiator; Sahara is Jeep’s “city-weekday, trail-weekend” answer.
• What I’ll watch for: Tire spec, gearing, and whether it gets a smart full-time 4WD mode for foul-weather commuting.

More States Arm Up with Mustang GTs for High-Speed Police Chases

Carscoops flags a trend: Mustang GTs joining more state fleets. With the old V8 sedans bowing out and the Dodge Charger Pursuit in transition, agencies are slotting in a good old-fashioned pony car for highway interdiction. The latest S650 Mustang GT packs around 480 hp from a 5.0-liter V8—plenty of get after 90 mph, where chases tend to stretch.

I’ve done a ride-along in a pursuit-rated sedan, and even those had brake fade after repeated hard stops. The Mustang’s big binders and aero stability make sense for the “one and done” sprint to box in a reckless driver. Day to day, most departments will still lean on SUVs for gear and personnel; the coupe is a scalpel for the high-speed stuff.

• Upside for agencies: Speed, visibility, and modern driver aids.
• Upside for road users: Better-equipped units to safely intercept the truly dangerous few.
• Catch: Two doors and tight rear access limit general patrol duties.

Farewell Tour: The Cars Bowing Out for 2026

Car and Driver assembled the annual roll call of models headed for the great scrapyard in the sky (figuratively) for the 2026 model year. The reasons are familiar—tightening emissions rules, slow sales, overlapping lineups, and the relentless march toward electrification.

If a niche coupe, a slow-selling small car, or an aging SUV you love is starting to disappear from dealer lots, this is the time to act. My advice from years of last-chance shopping:

• Buy with your eyes open: Discontinued doesn’t mean bad, but parts pipelines and resale can get interesting.
• Hedge with the right trim: Seek the most common engine/transmission combination—easier servicing, better parts availability.
• Keep it documented: A clean service history matters more when the badge leaves the showroom.

Enthusiast Corner: When the Light Stuff Steals the Show

Everyday Heroes Crash the Supercar Party

Autocar dug into one of my favorite truths: sometimes a “normal” car is the better dance partner than a carbon-tub exotic. We’ve all watched an everyday hero stick with the big boys on a tricky B-road because it’s lighter, friendlier, and happy to use every inch of grip. On a damp Welsh ribbon, give me feel and visibility over 800 hp and a cold sweat.

Clio Trophy & Toyota MR2: 20 Years On

Also from Autocar: revisiting the Renault Clio Trophy and Toyota MR2 as they hit the big 2-0. I remember hopping into a Clio Trophy back when sat-navs were discs and podcasts were called “radio.” Cup dampers, alcantara wheel, Recaros—no fluff, all fizz. The mid-engined MR2 wasn’t perfect (storage? what storage?), but in the right gear at the right moment it delivered that karting clarity you chase for years. Lightness ages well; weight doesn’t.

Britain’s Best Driver’s Car 2025: 10 Cars, 6500 bhp, One Winner

Autocar’s annual big test dropped with a headline figure—10 cars, a combined 6500 bhp, and one champion. As ever, it’s not just the stopwatch. The trick is how a car makes speed accessible. Can you place it to the inch on a blind crest? Does the brake pedal talk at nine-tenths? I’ve driven some howling track specials that switched off on regular roads and a couple of “mere” sports coupes that lit up every commute. The winner matters, but the lessons matter more: balance > brawn, feedback > fireworks.

Marketplace Mayhem: A $4M Toyota on Facebook and a Massive Stolen-Car Ring

Carscoops spotted an ultra-rare Toyota popping up on Facebook Marketplace with a $4 million ask. I love the chaos of online classifieds as much as anyone, but that’s museum-grade metal mixing with memes and yard-sale blenders. Could be legit; could be a fishing expedition. Either way, eyes open.

In less amusing news, another Carscoops report details how four stolen cars led investigators to hundreds more hidden in plain sight. It’s a reminder that the digital bazaar cuts both ways.

Buyer’s Checklist: Don’t Get Burned

• Verify the VIN on the chassis, not just paperwork; make sure it matches in multiple stamped locations.
• Run a history report and, if you can, a quick check with local authorities for stolen-status clearance.
• Meet at a bank or police-designated safe exchange area; avoid wire transfers to strangers.
• For high-value cars, use escrow and get a pre-purchase inspection from a marque specialist.
• If the price or story is “too good,” walk—another car will come along. They always do.

What Caught My Eye Today

• Jeep Gladiator Sahara: The trim daily drivers have been asking for finally arrives.
• Mustang GT Patrol Cars: A focused tool for high-speed interdiction, not a replacement for the everyday cruiser.
• Discontinued for 2026: The culling continues—shop smart if you’re tempted by a last-year bargain.
• Autocar’s Trio: Light cars, big smiles, and a mega 6500-bhp face-off to cap the year.
• Marketplace Caution: Verify before you Venmo, especially when the price tag has seven digits.

Conclusion

The day’s theme? Focus. Jeep is focusing the Gladiator on the daily life most owners live. Police are focusing on the right tool for high-speed jobs. Enthusiasts are focusing on feedback over fireworks. And buyers, more than ever, need to focus on due diligence. Keep your hands light on the wheel and your wits about you—it’s busy out there.

FAQ

Is the Jeep Gladiator really getting a Sahara trim?

Yes. Reports indicate Jeep is adding a Sahara variant to the Gladiator, aimed at improved on-road comfort and everyday usability without ditching Jeep’s 4x4 credibility.

Why are police departments buying Mustang GTs?

They offer strong high-speed performance and braking for highway interdiction. With traditional V8 sedans fading, the Mustang fills a niche alongside SUV-based patrol vehicles.

Which cars are being discontinued for the 2026 model year?

Car and Driver compiled the list, which includes models exiting due to regulations, sales, and lineup consolidation. If you’re shopping a niche or aging model, check whether 2026 is its final bow.

Are lightweight classics like the Clio Trophy and MR2 still worth it?

If you value steering feel, chassis balance, and affordable thrills, absolutely. They lack modern speed but deliver timeless engagement.

How do I avoid buying a stolen car online?

Match VINs on the car and title, run history checks, meet in safe locations, use escrow for big purchases, and walk away from sketchy deals. Verification beats regret.