Tired of boring, lookalike crossovers? The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce is the answer to that issue. It and the all-new 2026 Toyota Corolla FX are our road test vehicles this week. Host Jack Nerad found himself at the controls of the Tonale, a compact SUV that brings Italian luxury and performance to a pretty ho-hum segment. With its sharp design, 268-horsepower turbo engine, adaptive suspension, and upscale interior, it offers a distinctive alternative in a crowded class.
The Veloce trim that Jack Nerad tested features adaptive dampers, optional 20-inch alloy wheels, and performance-tuned steering for sharper handling. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine is teamed with standard with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the Tonale offers leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. With its distinctive styling, including the test car’s optional Verde Fangio green paint and signature LED lighting, the Tonale Veloce brings premium European character to the compact SUV segment.
At a special Toyota event in Plano, Texas, guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo took the wheel of the all-new 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback FX Edition. The colorful trim builds on the SE model with unique visual and functional upgrades that nod to the original 1980s-vintage FX16. It features a black vented sport wing for added aerodynamic flair, 18-inch gloss white alloy wheels, and retro FX badging on the rear hatch. Inside, it offers suede-trimmed sport seats accented by orange contrast stitching, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, and standard wireless charging. The FX is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower, and offers a sporty suspension setup and a manufacturer-estimated 33 mpg combined. Only 1,600 units will be offered in the U.S., and it will come in three vibrant color choices: Inferno, Ice Cap, and Blue Crush Metallic.
In our news segment, we will discuss Cadillac’s debut of the 2026 Optiq-V, a performance-oriented electric SUV boasting 519 horsepower, an estimated 275-mile range, and Cadillac’s first use of the North American Charging Standard. With dramatic styling, launch control, and a 33-inch LED display, it's yet another move in General Motors’ EV strategy.
That strategy might take its lumps as the Trump Administration takes steps to roll back Biden-era fuel economy regulations, citing legal issues with the way EVs were factored into earlier targets. While immediate changes are limited, this signals a broader shift in auto policy that could ease pressure on automakers but potentially slow progress toward emissions reduction.
Speculation swirled this week about Porsche manufacturing cars in the U.S., but the company denied any such plans, citing low volumes and high costs. Despite that, ongoing tariff talks and Volkswagen Group's broader American investment strategy suggest the door may not be fully closed. Matt DeLorenzo and Jack Nerad will share their thoughts on those prospects.
Tesla also made headlines with the resignation of Milan Kovac, head of its Optimus robot project. Kovac played a major role in developing Tesla’s humanoid robotics program, and his departure raises questions about the future of the bold, still-developing initiative.
In Los Angeles, the Petersen Automotive Museum has launched its *“Totally Awesome! Cars and Culture of the ’80s and ’90s”* exhibit. With standout vehicles like the McLaren F1, Audi S1 E2 rally car, and Ferris Bueller’s Ferrari replica, the show is a nostalgic and immersive look at two transformative automotive decades.
Our special guest this week is Doron Levin, a longtime automotive journalist and editor at BetterInvesting, who joins us to share his insights on where the industry is heading. Jack caught up with him at a Toyota event in Texas.
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