Car Design News takes a look at the news that may have gone under the radar this week, including the latest from Honda, Lotus and Nissan
Ram returns – with a HEMI
An iconic powerplant is back with the 2026 Ram 1500 available once again with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. It also coincides with the brand’s return to NASCAR’s truck racing series after a 13 year hiatus. On face value, this is admittedly less of a design story and more a tale of branding, but perhaps signals a new focus for Ram and in turn a new approach to design down the track.
“Everyone makes mistakes,” noted Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis. “Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI — we own it and we fixed it.” He adds that “we’re not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan.” Up front, the 2026 1500 carries a new fender-mounted “Symbol of Protest” badge created by Ram’s design team.
The HEMI had only been dropped for the 2025 model year, but is clearly integral to the overall feel of the truck for many drivers.
Full release here.
New Bentayga Speed
Featuring dark tint exterior detailing across its bodywork, a matrix front grille and oval tailpipe finishers at the rear, the new Bentayga Speed is one of the last production Bentleys to be fitted with a pure V8 engine before transitioning to hybrid and electric propulsion.
Inside, the cabin is clad in a diamond quilted hide and plenty of personalisation opportunities, with 15 primary hide colours, contrast stitching and piping.
It takes the crown for the most powerful Bentayga that Bentley has built, with up to 850 Nm of torque and 650 PS maximum power – delivering 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
Full release here.
Honda releases ‘Ultimate Edition’ Type R
As a celebration of the Civic Type R, the new ‘Ultimate Edition’ has been released to mark the end of sales for the model in Europe.
This special model will appear in trademark Championship White with bespoke red decals across the bonnet and down the side of the vehicle that matches its iconic badge – topped with a painted black roof.
Carbon detailing on the wing spoiler and doorstep garnish continues in the interior, with a carbon centre console panel. Adding pizzaz, there’s a Type R logo projector when the front doors are opened. A limited run of 40 units are available.
The Civic Type R first found fame in Japan with the sixth generation of the Civic hatchback model in 1997. Five generations and many special editions later, the Civic Type R has built up a solid fan base.
Full release here.
New Kia Sportage
The latest iteration of Kia Sportage models has been unveiled with a new look.
Following Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned with LED Star Map lighting and a tiger nose grille. The new wheel design is available in 17-, 18- and 19-inch.
The interior includes a two-spoke steering wheel and hidden air vents which create a sleek finish. A non-woven microfibre suede by Dinamica is featured in the door and seat insert in the GT-Line as standard.
Full release here.
Lotus unveils the all-new Emira V6 SE & Emira Turbo
This mid-engine premium sports car includes everything you’d expect from Lotus – a wide stance, muscular proportions and a low-slung cabin that resembles a modern supercar.
The new Emira V6 SE is finished in Zinc Grey as standard and sits on 20-inch forged alloy wheels; the interior is finished with Alcantara and carries ‘sport’ pedals.
Meanwhile, the Emira Turbo carries a twin-turbo four-cylinder and marks the entry point to the Emira lineup, with styling including an integrated rear spoiler, yellow-black Lotus emblems and satin silver details.
Full release here.
Nissan launches four Silence S04 Nanocar models
Nissan has expanded the Nanocar line-up with four new models, aiming to meet the demand for urban living.
The Silence S04 L6e ‘Unico’ is the entry-level model priced under €10,000; the Silence S04 L6e ‘Vivo’ is an enhanced premium model; the Silence S04 L7e ‘Plus’ is a step above, while the Silence S04 Cargo supports last-mile and light commercial operations.
All S04 models have a weather-proofed cabin with air conditioning and heating as standard, removable batteries and compact dimensions to handle busy city life.
Full release here.
No comments yet