Daily Drive: Mustang RTR goes full hooligan, MG’s Model Y rival leaks, Ram’s midsize ute confirmed, and more

I brewed a too-strong coffee and sat down to a surprisingly upbeat morning in carland. Drift-ready Mustangs, leaked EVs, a long-awaited Ram ute, and a mid-engined Hyundai rumor that made me grin like a teenager discovering heel-and-toe. Here’s what matters, and what it might mean when you’re actually in the driver’s seat.

2026 Ford Mustang RTR EcoBoost: turbo anti-lag and factory-backed sideways

Ford’s in-house hooligan division—via the RTR folks—has given the four-cylinder Mustang some serious intent. The new 2026 Mustang EcoBoost RTR surfaces with a package built to slide, not just pose.

I’ve spent time in the current S650 EcoBoost on a bumpy canyon; it’s a nicer car than purists admit. Give that car a little lag-busting wizardry and chassis setup that invites a dab of oppo, and you’ve got a pony that’s much more than “the V8-less one.” If you’ve ever tried to link corners only to wait for the turbo to spool, you’ll understand why I’m excited. Anti-lag keeps the turbine spinning between throttle lifts, making transitions cleaner and confidence higher.

Mustang RTR EcoBoost highlights

• Anti-lag system inspired by Ford GT tech for sharper response between slides.
• Drift-leaning chassis and software tuning; expect a friendlier car at the limit.
• Visual and interior tweaks shown in fresh photo sets (per Car and Driver).
• Built on the S650’s already excellent steering and clever electronic drift brake.

Daily life take: this is the Mustang that lets you enjoy weeknight parking-lot autocross and still get 30-ish mpg on your highway commute—without constantly missing the V8’s soundtrack. You’ll be busy with tires though. Buy two sets: one for the ’gram, one for your sanity.

MG’s Tesla Model Y rival caught after European crash testing

MG’s first real swing at the Tesla Model Y segment just popped up in a fresh set of leaked images, reportedly after European crash testing, via CarExpert. That suggests the program’s well along—Euro NCAP shots usually mean certification is close and showroom cars aren’t far behind.

The brand has momentum in Europe and Australia, and this looks sized and styled to squarely hit family EV sweet spots: school run, Costco, and a sneaky long weekend away. If MG nails range, charging speed, and pricing (they’ve been aggressive there), this could be a serious cross-shop to the Model Y, Kia EV6, and Skoda Enyaq. I’ll be keen to see rear-seat headroom and cargo floor height—two places some rivals compromise in the name of aero.

Hyundai’s mid-mounted ICE sports car project: a proper wild card

While most brands are shuffling resources into BEVs, Hyundai is cooking a mid-mounted internal-combustion powertrain for a future rear-drive sports car, according to CarExpert. That’s a sentence I didn’t expect to type in 2025—and I love it.

Hyundai’s N division has been playful and brave from day one. A mid-mounted layout promises balance and feel the front-drive-based Ns can’t match. Picture something Cayman-sized with daily-driver manners and a sense of humor. Maybe hybrid assistance, maybe not—details are thin. But the idea of a compact, mid-engined Hyundai you could use for a rain-soaked commute and a Sunday hill climb? Yes, please.

Trucks and utes: Ram confirms Ranger rival for 2028, Navara leaks ahead of November reveal

Two bits for the truck crowd. First, Ram is officially launching a Ford Ranger rival in 2028 (CarExpert). That puts Stellantis back in the midsize game versus Ranger, Tacoma, Colorado, and the rest. The big unknowns—powertrains, electrification, and markets—will define whether this is a straight Tacoma fighter or something more global and diesel-friendly.

Second, details on the 2026 Nissan Navara have leaked ahead of a November unveiling (CarExpert). Expect a proper body-on-frame workhorse with creature comforts to match the latest crop of lifestyle utes. I’m watching for towing numbers and rear-seat packaging; the outgoing truck was solid but felt narrow inside on family trips with bulky child seats.

Midsize pickup landscape at a glance

If Ram brings a rugged, efficient powertrain and a bed height humans can actually reach over, this segment gets spicy. And if Nissan’s rear suspension tune feels less pogo-stick with a load, the Navara could be a sleeper hit for tradies and weekend warriors alike.

Cost-cutting watch: Hyundai’s cheapest crossover loses LEDs and built-in nav

Carscoops notes that Hyundai’s most affordable crossover just dropped LED headlights and onboard GPS navigation. Not the end of the world—most of us live in Apple/Android maps anyway—but worth knowing if you frequent unlit rural roads or preferred the punch of OE LEDs over halogens. It’s part of a wider trend: keeping base MSRP neat by sneaking formerly standard kit into option packs. If you’re shopping entry-level, bring a flashlight to the lot and test the headlight spread at dusk. You’ll notice.

Used car corner: Mercedes-AMG A45 (2013–2018) — tiny terrier with a snarl

Autocar revisits the first-gen A45, and I’m glad. I ran one for six months back in the day and still remember the way it snapped to attention under throttle. The M133 2.0-liter turbo made a then-wild 355 hp at launch and up to around 376–381 hp post-facelift, sending it through a 4Matic setup that made fast roads feel like a gym session for your neck.

Why it’s fun

• Explosive pace: think 0–60 mph in the low 4s when launched hard.
• Point-and-shoot handling with mega traction in foul weather.
• Still feels special at idle—pops, crackles, and that dense AMG thrum.

What to watch when buying

• Ride quality: firm at best, harsh at worst on poor surfaces. Try before you buy.
• Front tire wear and alignment sensitivity—check for uneven wear and tramlining.
• Turbo/boost control: look for consistent pull and no hesitation; scan for codes.
• Brakes: track use can cook them; budget for discs/pads if there’s vibration.
• Infotainment feels old now; CarPlay retrofit solutions exist, but vet the installer.

If you’re commuting through rain or snow and want something that feels like a rally special on your morning ramp, the A45 still hits. Just leave a little cushion in the budget for tires and alignments.

Motorsport espresso: Mercedes’ faith in youth, MotoGP penalties

From Autosport: Toto Wolff says George Russell’s “under-rated” talent informed Mercedes’ comfort promoting Kimi Antonelli—essentially, if you know what you’re looking at, the risk isn’t a risk. That’s a big statement about pipeline confidence. Meanwhile in MotoGP, Marco Bezzecchi is nursing plenty of pain and a double long-lap penalty after the Indonesia clash with Marc Márquez. Tough crowd, tougher track limits. Respect to anyone trying to hustle a MotoGP bike while dinged up; it’s like doing ballet in a wind tunnel made of gravel.

Industry watch: Why Europe’s factories are courting Chinese automakers

Autocar lays out the economics we’ve all been hearing in hushed tones on factory floors: European plants need utilization; Chinese brands want local production to dodge tariffs, shorten logistics, and build trust. Marry those incentives and you get interesting alliances. Think job retention in legacy facilities, battery supply chain proximity, and quicker model turnarounds for brands like MG’s parent SAIC—or others eyeing a European foothold. It’s less “if” than “where first?”

From the odd files: Grappler stops a 142-mph Corvette Z06

Carscoops captured a slice of modern policing: a teenager ran a Z06 to 142 mph before a Grappler tether device snagged a rear tire and ended playtime. Wild tech, sobering reminder. On public roads, the fastest car is still the one that stops in time. Track days exist for a reason—go do one. Your insurance company and mailbox will thank you.

Conclusion

Today’s theme: intent. A four-cylinder Mustang that’s serious about sideways. An MG that wants the Model Y’s lunch. A Ram that finally re-enters the fight it should’ve been in years ago. And a Hyundai mid-engine project that proves combustion still has chapters left. If you’re shopping, keep an eye on headlight delete shenanigans and, if you’re going used, remember the A45 is a riot wrapped in a stiff chassis. The enthusiast life remains busy—in the best possible way.

FAQ

What is anti-lag on the Mustang RTR EcoBoost and why should I care?

Anti-lag helps keep the turbo spinning when you lift off the throttle, reducing delay when you get back on it. Translation: smoother transitions, better control mid-slide, and a more responsive car on tight roads and circuits.

When will Ram’s new midsize pickup go on sale?

Ram has confirmed a Ford Ranger rival for 2028. Powertrains and markets are still to be announced.

Is MG’s Model Y rival coming to Europe?

Leaked images reportedly followed European crash testing, which suggests a European launch is likely. Final specs and timing haven’t been announced.

Should I buy a used Mercedes-AMG A45 (2013–2018)?

If you value all-weather pace and hot-hatch theatrics, yes—just budget for consumables (tires, brakes) and check for alignment and turbo health.

Why are some base crossovers losing features like LED headlights?

To keep sticker prices in check. Automakers are trimming standard kit on entry models and moving popular features into packages or higher trims.