Daily Brief: V8s Won’t Go Quietly, EVs Get Strategic, and a Chinese “007” Crashes the Party

Odd day in carland. On one side, big engines are getting a second (third?) wind. On the other, EV players are tightening their game plans, swapping credits, and sharpening pricing—sometimes a little too sharply between siblings. In the middle of it all, a cheeky Chinese “007” shows up and steals a bit of the limelight. I spent the morning ringing around dealers, swapping notes with engineers, and sipping coffee that tasted suspiciously like 10W-40. Here’s what matters.

V8s: Louder, Longer, and in Greater Numbers

The death of the V8 has been greatly exaggerated—again. According to multiple reports today, one American giant is leaning in hard on cylinders and charisma, while a Bavarian stalwart quietly tears up an expiry date.

Stellantis is tripling Hemi production

Yes, tripling. The Hemi V8—arguably the rumble that launched a thousand cul-de-sacs—is set for a major manufacturing ramp this year. The logic tracks: there’s still real demand for burly, naturally aspirated torque and that signature, bassy idle. When I talk to long-time owners, they always come back to the same two things: the way a V8 takes a merge lane in one impatient breath, and the way it sounds on a cold start. Not a spreadsheet metric—more like driveway theater.

• Why it matters: It signals a hedge. Even as electrification spreads, some buyers still put character over kilowatt-hours.
• Real-world read: Expect better availability on V8 trims that were tight last year, and likely some spicy special editions to keep the line moving.

BMW scraps an end date for its V8 and V12

In a quieter but equally symbolic move, BMW has reportedly removed the sunset date for its V8 and V12 production. Considering the V12 has been all but a unicorn in recent years, that’s a statement. BMW’s always played both sides: electrified flagships on one hand, and wonderfully indulgent performance engines on the other. This move says the company wants the flexibility to build what each market actually buys, not just what a roadmap once promised.

I’ve driven enough modern turbo V8 BMWs to know why: they’re devastatingly effective—big, smooth torque and a ruthless sort of speed that shrinks distances. Leave the office late, point one home, and the day sort of dissolves in the middle revs.

EVs: Commitments, Credits, and a Confidence Check

Jaguar says “no” to hybrid detours, doubles down on EV-only future

Jaguar has shot down hybrid rumors as “rubbish” and reiterated its EV-only trajectory. That’s bold, especially after a year when plug-in hybrids won hearts and driveways with their easy familiarity. If you’ve driven a good PHEV in city traffic, you know the appeal—quiet mornings, gasoline safety net for the weekends.

But a clean break can be a brand reset. Jaguar’s design and ride DNA could translate beautifully to dedicated EV platforms. The trick will be making them feel like Jaguars rather than nice, anonymous appliances. Steering feel. Seat comfort. That noir-cab interior vibe. Get those right, and the silence will sing.

Polestar will sell emissions credits to EV-averse brands

Polestar is stepping into the role Tesla once owned more publicly: selling emissions credits to manufacturers who haven’t moved enough metal with plugs. It’s a very 2026 tactic—regulatory chess with a revenue kicker. For buyers, this doesn’t change the drive; for boardrooms, it can be a bridge between compliance and actual product readiness.

Australian dealers say EV demand has “flatlined” (even as sales rise)

One of Australia’s big dealer groups says EV demand is plateauing despite the sales charts creeping up. That squares with what a few sales managers told me last month: more test drives, more curiosity, but a chunk of shoppers are still in “wait-and-see” mode. Charging visibility, resale confidence, and price transparency come up the most.

When I ran a couple of mainstream EVs over rough country roads out of Sydney, the suspension isolation felt terrific—but the charging stops meant more planning (and podcasts). For urban commuters with home charging? Easy win. For road-trippers? It’s a conversation.

Sibling Rivalry: Toyota’s New EV Costs Over $5K More Than Its Subaru Twin

A fresh Toyota-badged EV is reportedly priced at more than $5,000 above its closely related Subaru counterpart. We’ve seen this movie before—badge twins diverge on price because of brand equity, feature packaging, dealer networks, or simply because one company can leverage supply differently at launch. But five grand is a noticeable delta.

Advice if you’re cross-shopping: drive both, check the equipment lists line by line (wheel/tire packages, driver-assist suites, heat pumps, roof rails, charging cables—yes, some still make it optional), and look at dealer fees. I’ve watched that $5K gap shrink to almost nothing once the paperwork hits the desk.

From Shanghai With Love: A Chinese “007” Makes Waves

A Chinese “007” is coming, and no, it’s not a tuxedoed spy with a license to overtake. It’s a car—an EV by the sound of it—wearing the most internationally loaded number in pop culture. The intent is clear: global ambitions, glamor, and a smirk you can see from the curb. I’ll reserve judgment until I’ve had a proper drive, but China’s latest crop of EV sedans has been impressive: tight panel gaps, rapid infotainment, and ride/handling tuning that’s evolved fast in just two generations.

If this 007 lands with sharp pricing and a design that pops on TikTok and in traffic, you’ll be seeing them at school drop-off and valet stands before long.

Quirk Corner: A Roll-Caged Kei Car and an Aftermarket Obituary

Daihatsu builds a sleeper Kei with a roll cage—and it’s for sale

Kei cars are normally about tax codes and city parking. Then Daihatsu goes and bolts in a roll cage. The result? A tiny track-day terrier that trades cargo space for laughs-per-mile. If you’ve ever hustled a light, short-wheelbase car on a tight circuit, you know the joy: lift, rotate, and feed in boost—it’s karting with license plates. Expect it to be a cult item, quickly.

Bankruptcy claims Autolite and other legacy brands

A bankrupt supplier is reportedly pulling the plug on Autolite and other familiar aftermarket names. That stings. Those little orange-and-black boxes were a rite of passage for a lot of home mechanics. The upside: the market abhors a vacuum. New (or revived) labels will fill the shelves, but if you’re particular about brand, maybe grab a couple of spares for the garage while inventories exist.

What It All Means

We’re deep into the “and” era. V8 power and EV exclusivity. Credit trading and price sparring. China’s confidence and Japan’s quirks. For shoppers, that’s good news: more choice, sharper strategies, and enough competition to keep everyone honest. For enthusiasts, it’s even better. We still get our noise. And our silence. Pick your soundtrack.

Quick Hits

• Stellantis will ramp Hemi V8 output significantly this year.
• BMW has removed the end date for its V8/V12 engine production.
• Jaguar reiterates an EV-only future; no hybrids planned.
• Polestar plans to sell emissions credits to slower-moving rivals.
• Toyota’s new EV is priced over $5K above its Subaru platform twin.
• Daihatsu preps a roll-caged, sleeper Kei car for sale.
• A supplier bankruptcy is killing off Autolite and other aftermarket brands.

FAQ

Is BMW really keeping V8 and V12 engines around?

Reports indicate BMW has scrapped a firm end date for both, signaling ongoing availability based on market and regulatory conditions.

Which brand is increasing V8 production this year?

Stellantis is set to triple Hemi V8 production, betting on continued demand for eight-cylinder power.

Is Jaguar going hybrid before going electric?

No. Jaguar has dismissed hybrid rumors and says it’s committed to an EV-only lineup.

Why is Toyota’s new EV pricier than its Subaru twin?

The reported gap is over $5,000. The reasons aren’t clear yet; equipment differences, brand positioning, or dealer economics could play a role. Compare specs and fees carefully.

What’s this Chinese “007” everyone’s talking about?

It’s a Chinese car carrying the “007” name—likely an EV—aimed straight at global attention. Expect a bold spec and design push; more details to come as it nears broader markets.