Continuing its streak of reveals, Dodge is showcasing the Challenger “Black Ghost,” the sixth out of seventh “Last Call” models to be introduced for the Challenger’s (and Charger’s) twilight year.

The 2023 Challenger Black Ghost pays homage to a similarly named model of Woodward Avenue legend. Owned by Godfrey Qualls, the original Black Ghost was a 1970 Challenger RT SE powered by a 426 HEMI. It went on to earn a spot in the National Historic Vehicle Register in 2020, and remains in the Qualls family.

The OG famously flexed its muscle before driving off into the night, gone without a trace; the new one should be equally stealthy thanks to the black and chrome appearance dressing the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody. Under the hood is something less inconspicuous; the Hellcat Redeye’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 beefed up to 807 horsepower.

Some of the more standout appearance features include the bright Dodge badging upfront and the “gator skin” roof vinyl. Less noticeable is the Midnight Metallic SRT grille badge, black MOPAR hood pins and six-piston Brembo brakes. The undercover interior is wrapped in a mix of Alcantara and leather, broken up by the red SRT logo on the wheel and carbon fiber bezels.

The sad news is that only 300 of these will be made, allocated to specific dealerships. As with all “Last Call” models, pricing and ordering details will be shared once ordering opens later this fall.

This year’s New York International Auto Show is a special one: 2025 marks 125 years of bringing the latest autos direct to the consumers. While the spectacle has waned in recent years, auto shows continue to serve that very same role; and this year’s NYIAS is putting the spotlight on a number of new products, from refreshed currents to all-new generations, and even a few concept cars.

2025 Jeep Wagoneer Overland Special Edition

The Jeep Wagoneer might not be “the” Jeep you think of when it comes to overlanding; but that doesn’t mean it isn’t capable of leading such a life, and this all new 2025 Wagoneer Overland Special Edition further drives that point down the trail.

More than just an appearance pack, the Overland Edition rides on 32-inch all-terrain tires wrapping 20-inch aluminum wheels, supported by an electronic limited-slip differential and a two-speed transfer case with 4-Low and a 48:1 crawl ratio, allowing for a more precise delivery of the 420 horsepower created by the Wagoneer’s twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six engine. A Quadra-Lift air suspension can provide up to 10 inches of ground clearance; and if the going gets a little too rough, steel skid plates protecting the front axle, transfer case and fuel tank should provide peace of mind. Two front tow hooks and a removable rear hook are there for recovery, be it for yourself or to aid others.

A Heavy Duty Trailer Tow package allots up to 10,000 lbs. of towing, meaning a camper should be no problem to haul into the wilderness; though you may find yourself spending more time in your Wagoneer, as the Overland is based on the Series II trim and comes packaged with all the amenities you’d expect: tri-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment screen (that can play games), wireless device charging and more. And another note regarding that touchscreen: All 4×4 Wagoneers now come with a two-year trial of Off-Road Pages+, providing over 200 trail guides for owners. That’s not an Overlanding Special Edition exclusive, but surely adds to it all the same.

Limited to 2,000 units, the Overland Special Edition package will retail for $5,795, and MSRP, with destination, is $74,835. As if showing off this new special edition model in New York wasn’t enough, patrons of this year’s Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, can also get an up-close look.

2026 Subaru Outback

Entering its seventh generation for 2026 is the Subaru Outback; and with this next-gen overhaul comes a drastically new look, more tech and altered powertrains.

The ‘26 Outback has the same two choices of boxer-four engine as before: 2.5-liter NA or 2.4-liter turbo, either paired with a CVT automatic. The standard 2.5-liter now produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, 2 HP less and 2 lb-ft more than the outgoing variant. The 2.4-liter turbo, available on the Outback XT and Wilderness (yes, there’s a new Wilderness trim, too), punches out 260 HP and 277 lb-ft, same as last year. All-wheel drive is standard, as expected from Subaru, and the Outback borrows the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic power steering rack to improve handling.

Whether it’s a trend follower or set on doing its own thing to shake things up, the new Outback trades some of its wagon proportions in for a taller and more squared-off form. There’s still plenty of black cladding around the wheel arches and trail-facing surfaces, but the whole thing appears more upright. Up top is a standard set of roof rails with an 800-lb. Static, 2020-lb. dynamic capacity; and a 220-lb. Lateral load capacity means a hammock could be hung from the crossbars, should the occasion arise.

A roofline that’s 2 inches taller provides more headroom for all passengers, and allows for 34.6 cu.-ft. of rear cargo storage, 2 cubes more than before; and the whole load floor measures 43.3 inches wide. Gone is the pair of dual 7.0-inch screens and the larger 11.6-inch tablet infotainment screen, usurped by a landscape-oriented 12.1-inch display paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The screen uses a new processor, which Subaru claims and we suspect improved responsiveness. Wireless smartphone projection is standard.

Now, how about that new Wilderness? If you’re at all familiar with the sub-brand or the previous Outback Wilderness, many of these upgrades won’t come as a surprise. First, the 2.4-liter turbo is standard, sending all its power to a revised version of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system with a faster center differential lockup. The suspension has been upgraded, now boasting 9.5-inches of ground clearance, up from the regular’s 8.7-inches; and the tires have been uprated for outdoors exploration, too, now Bridgestone Dueler all-terrains on 17-inch matte black wheels. All the important off-road angles– approach, departure and breakover– have been improved, too.

Styling is very much the same, though you can peep the trademark copper-colored accents adorning various exterior components. Hexagonal fog lights and so, so much body cladding define the rest of the body. Meanwhile, the interior can come finished in Nappa leather, a first for the Outback Wilderness, among other interior amenities.

Launching later this year, we’ll have a better idea on the 2026 Outback and Outback Wilderness pricing and final specifications closer to then.

2026 Subaru Trailseeker EV and Solterra

Subaru’s first press conference at the show centered around two models, the all-new 2026 Trailseeker and the updated 2026 Solterra, both all-electric utilities.

The Trailseeker follows the Solterra as the brand’s second all-electric production vehicle made to date, more wagon-like in profile. A “new propulsion system” is constituted by a two-motor setup, one on either axle, capable of a 375 horsepower output and still branded with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive nomenclature. Another returning name, X-MODE system, including Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control, is also standard. According to Subaru, the suspension and all-wheel-drive system is tuned specifically for the Trailseeker, said to provide straight-line stability and enhanced control on various surfaces.

Range is projected at 260 miles, derived from a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery, rechargeable through a standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) port and aided by a battery preconditioning system, ideal for topping off in warm or cold climates.

Compared to the Solterra, the Trailseeker is 6 inches longer and approximately an inch taller, translating to more interior room for people and cargo alike; and a flat load floor should help with loading and unloading too. The interior sees a 14-inch touchscreen, the largest ever mounted in a Subaru, with wireless smartphone projection, joined by a duo of wireless device chargers and a pair of USB-C chargers for the second row.

The full rundown of specs, including pricing, is yet to be confirmed, but we’ll know more as we approach the Trailseeker’s early 2026 launch.

The Solterra is a familiar name, as we’ve driven a handful of them at this point, including our ongoing Long Term Road Test. And while some updates purely involve style, the Solterra’s improvements for 2026 go deeper than its sheet metal.

Perhaps best of all is the improved range, now up 25% compared to the outgoing model, estimated to be “more than 285 miles” thanks to a larger 74.4-kWh battery, a slight uptick over the current’s 72.8-kWh unit. The all-wheel drive powertrain has been improved in a number of ways; more powerful motors front and rear raise horsepower up from 215 to 233; both motors are overseen by an improved controller, allowing for better control in varied conditions; and a new battery preconditioning, working with the navigation or engaged by the driver, puts the battery at an optimal temperature for charging, now done though a standard NACS port capable of 10-80% recoups in under 35 minutes. Should 233 HP still feel too lean, a new Solterra XT trim ups the ante to 338 ponies, sending the Solterra to 60 mph in under 5 seconds.

The Solterra gains the aforementioned 14-inch touchscreen, as well as new 15W smartphone chargers for the front row. The exterior sees updated lighting features, to include an illuminated grille, new front numbers, badging and various accents, the most noteworthy of which possibly being the paint-matched fenders.

Like the Trailseeker, pricing and details will surface later this year.

2026 Kia K4 Hatchback, EV4 and EV9 Nightfall

Three models– two all-new units and a new trim for the third– were rolled out during Kia’s NYIAS press conference.

The obvious advantage to the K4 Hatchback is improved cargo space and headroom. The latter is improved by an inch; the former sees 22.2 cu.-ft. Behind the second row, up to 59.3 cubes with the seats folded. Its bold Sparkling Yellow paint allows for the floating roof design to be more easily picked out; less obvious is the smaller profile, 11 inches shorter than the sedan. Kia claims, and we suspect, the smaller form will play well on left-right backroads and our Mason Dixon Dragway slalom course, as will the GT-Line’s available 190 horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-four and eight-speed automatic combo, an upgrade over the standard model’s 147 horsepower 2.0-liter NA engine and “intelligently variable transmission.” The turbo engine’s 195 lb-ft of torque will also feel more lively than the standard’s 132, and all GT-Lines also come with a sportier suspension setup. Expect these to arrive later this year.

The all-electric 2026 EV4 is the brand’s first global EV sedan, arriving early 2026. Design is clearly derived from Kia’s other EV models, particularly the EV6, as is its 400-volt E-GMP platform. The three-trim structure may also sound familiar, with Light, Wind and GT-Line making up the EV4’s portfolio. A standard 58.3-kWh battery can provide up to 235 miles of range, with 330 miles available with the 81.4 kWh long range pack. A 10-80% recharge with either hovers around 30 minutes, plugged in through a NACS port. A 150 kW motor sends power strictly to the front wheels here. Inside is a familiar digital canvas, composed by a pair of 12.3-inch displays and a 5-inch screen for climate, while the interior is self-described as simple and open, further reminiscent of the EV6 in its layout.

The three-row EV9 has received a new Nightfall Edition. Like we’ve seen on other Kia utilities, the EV9 Nightfall features a slew of blacked out accents, including the 20-inch wheels, grille, mirrors and more. Land AWD trims can also come finished in a new Roadrider Brown color. But this goes deeper than cosmetics. The Nightfall comes standard with a Boost function, temporarily upping torque from 443 to 516 lb-ft, giving way to a 4.5 second 0-60 time; they’ll never see you comin’. You’ll be able to recoup all that spent juice through a standard NACS port, granting access to Tesla’s Supercharger network and, with an adapter, other chargers using Combined Charging System ports.

2026 Hyundai Palisade

A new Hyundai Palisade is slated to arrive as early as this summer, marking the beginning of a second generation for this three-row utility. This latest rendition will offer a new XRT PRO model for the off-road-minded buyer and a first-time hybrid option for the fuel conscious ones.

The hybrid offering is a 2.5-liter turbo inline-four, capable of 258 horsepower on its own. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic, embedded in which is a pair of electric motors, adding some additional grunt of a grand total output of 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Not a bad deal, though a targeted 30+ mpg and driving range of 619 miles might give hybrid homies more to smile about. The standard internal-combustion option is a 3.5-liter V6, good for 287 HP and 260 lb-ft, paired to an eight-speed auto. Both two-wheel and HTRAC four-wheel drive is available.

HTRAC is the only way to go with the new XRT PRO grade, and quite fittingly so. Designed for going off-road, the XRT PRO also bolts up a trim-exclusive electronic limited-slip diff to the rear, helping the all-terrain tires traverse the adverse, as will the new Mud, Sand and Snow terrain modes. This model boasts an 8.4-inch ground clearance rating, one inch more than the others, with improved off-road angles to boot.

The XRT PRO wears the Palisade’s new digs quite well, with the model leaning a little bit more into the boxy trend without going too far in. The boldest part of the new Palisade may be its new lighting elements, especially the array of LEDS stacked vertically front and rear. The new model is 2.5 inches longer, resting on a wheelbase that’s 2.7 inches longer itself while reducing front overhand by 1.6 inches.

Press photos show off a very sterile white interior, with contrasting elements detailing the HVAC controls displayed just underneath Hyundai’s dual 12.3-inch displays. The center console offers more storage solutions, as well as a wireless device charger with its own cooling fan. Front and second row passengers, if equipped, can lean back and kick their feet up with Relaxation seating, new for the Palisade, while third row passengers may benefit from heated surfaces. It should be noted that the standard Palisade configuration is for eight passengers, though a seven-seater layout with captain’s chairs is available.

Built in Ulsan, South Korea, we expect the first ICE models to hit U.S. shores early this summer, with hybrid units arriving sometime in the fall.

Genesis X Gran Equator Concept, GMR-001 Hypercar

It might be safe to say adventure vehicles have never totally gone out of style, but their popularity certainly rises and falls over time. That wave is continuing to swell right now, evident by the number of bold. boxy, overland-ready vehicles seen in this recap alone and the rest of the automotive news cycle.

Of all the brands to consider dabbling in it, Genesis might not be the one you’d first guess, but their X Gran Equator Concept has us hoping they very much do. It combines the brand’s simple and elegant approach to design with some more rugged, traditional SUV elements. For example, the Two-Line lighting elements on the front, sides and rear are very much Genesis, while the more upright and squared off rear pillars, and long, angular hood, invoke an sense of toughness not often associated with this luxury brand. The 24-inch wheels are luxury in size, and adventurous in their beadlock design.

The same juxtaposition is seen inside, with a combination of simplistic and upscale. A mix of colors and materials compose the cabin; the seats are two-tone and look comfortable, yet bolstered; the front and rear consoles look plush, yet offer additional support via grab handles; and the dash itself, while simplistic and sterile, also houses a four-circle array of gauges, inspired by vintage cameras, and different storage solutions.

The name “Equator” is taken from “the “finest stallion” in the world of Arabian horses– a symbol of endurance, agility, and refined power,” according to Genesis. You can get up close with the X Gran Equator yourself at the NYIAS though April 27, then the Genesis House in the Meatpacking District through July.

It wasn’t long ago when Genesis announced their “Magma” performance sub-brand, and we’ve known for some time that they were itching to compete on some of motorsport’s grandest stages. The NYIAS sees the unveiling of their first full-scale racer, the GMR-001 Hypercar. This LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) prototype has its headlights aimed at the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, and IMSA SportsCar Championship.

It wouldn’t be Genesis without parallel lighting elements, and it wouldn’t be an endurance racer without extensive aero work. The GMR-001 features both, highlighted by its Magma orange and dark red livery. Full specs are unsurprisingly being held back for the time being, but we’re hoping to get a better look under the hood, so to speak, as its debut gets closer.

Genesis Magma Racing is already competing in the 2025 European Le Mans Series with an LMP2 entry, and is planning for a WEC competition debut in 2026.

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo

The latest Volkswagen Tiguan is getting a new top trim for 2026, and it’s more than just a few extra bells and whistles. The SEL R-Line Turbo gets a decent surge of 67 horsepower and 51 lb-ft of torque, bringing total output from VW’s 2.0-liter EA888 turbo-four up to 268 HP and 258 lb-ft.

This has been achieved primarily by a larger turbocharger capable of pushing higher boost. The engine itself has a lower compression ration, now 10.5:1, along with stronger pistons and connecting rods, and a more durable nitrided crankshaft. Along with other changes made to the standard-output engine (higher fuel injection pressure, and a better intake, intercooler and cooling system), the R-Line Turbo should pack a nice punch.

Expect all the add-ons and amenities included with the new 2025 Tiguan; this top of the line unit will benefit from wireless charging and device integration, a three-zone Climatronic Touch HVAC system, a Head-Up display, and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, just to name a few goodies. The 10.25-inch gauge unit is standard, while the available 15-inch infotainment screen comes included with this new upper echelon.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo, 20-inch wheels and all, will be available sometime this fall at a to-be-disclosed asking price.