August 11th Throttle 🏎️💨

From Showroom to Missile Range: Cybertruck Joins the Air Force

The U.S. Air Force has decided to give the Tesla Cybertruck the ultimate stress test—by turning it into live-fire target practice. Two of the stainless-steel, wedge-shaped EVs are headed to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where they’ll be stripped of their batteries and subjected to explosive experiments. Officials are interested in the Cybertruck’s unusual design—its ultra-hard steel exoskeleton, angular bodywork, and advanced 48-volt electrical system—which could theoretically offer battlefield advantages. With the vehicle’s polarizing mix of futuristic styling and heavy-duty materials, the Air Force wants to understand how it would fare if the rumors about its possible military use ever became reality.

For Tesla fans, it’s a bittersweet moment—seeing Musk’s “apocalypse-ready” creation put to the test, but under conditions even the company’s marketing team never dared imagine. The tests will reveal whether the Cybertruck is genuinely as tough as its looks suggest or whether it folds like any other vehicle when faced with modern munitions. Either way, it’s a strange twist in the Cybertruck’s journey—from Silicon Valley showpiece to Air Force crash-test guinea pig—and proof that when the military goes car shopping, it has a very different wishlist.

Six Cylinders, Zero Apologies: Dodge’s 2026 Charger Sixpack Is Back to Burn Rubber

In a world gone electrified, Dodge just flipped the script—reviving the soul of muscle with the 2026 Charger Sixpack. Instead of plush EV hums, this beast roars back with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six known as the “Hurricane,” available in two terrifying trims. The entry-level R/T pumps out a respectable 420 hp and 468 lb-ft, topped at a blistering 168 mph, while the more sinister Scat Pack cranks things up to 550 hp and 531 lb-ft, zipping from 0–60 in under four seconds and pushing all the way to 177 mph. Both versions come standard with all-wheel drive—and a rear-wheel-drive mode for classic burnout shenanigans thanks to features like Line Lock and launch control.

Looks-wise, the Sixpack plays dress-up similar to its electric Charger Daytona twin, but ditches the silent sci-fi vibe for a hulking hood—bulging just enough to show off that twin-turbo six—and a pair of proud stainless-steel exhausts. Inside, you get the same slick digital cockpit as the EV, but with extra attitude: think carbon fiber, suede trim, paddle shifters, and an “Start Engine Stop” button that’s basically begging you to go full sport. Pricing kicks off at around $51,990 for the R/T and $56,990 for the Scat Pack, with orders opening mid-August 2025 and deliveries rolling in by late 2025 to early 2026

Sony & Honda Shift Into Gear: The Afeela 1 Enters Pre-Production

The Afeela 1—Sony and Honda’s glitzy “living-room-on-wheels” EV—has progressed from concept stage to real-world assembly, kicking off pre-production trials at Honda’s East Liberty plant in Ohio. Engineers are obsessively tightening panel gaps to sub-millimeter perfection, running parts through custom jigs, and applying a mirror-worthy paint finish that’s more art installation than automotive trim. It’s the kind of detail you’d expect from an electronics titan turned carmaker, combining Honda’s experience with a software-obsessed brand’s relentless polish. 

This electric mid-size liftback brings more than wheels to the party. The Afeela 1 packs dual-motor AWD, a 91 kWh battery promising around 300 miles, and more gadgets than a Hollywood tech demo—think AI assistants, panoramic infotainment, and a Tesla-style charge port. With prices starting near $90,000 for the Origin and inching higher for the tech-soaked Signature, it’s targeting EV glitz in the Tesla–Lucid price battleground. The ride toward mid-2026 deliveries is well underway—just don’t ask if it includes popcorn, though that panoramic dash might make you think it’s a drive-in theater.  

Sharper Corners, Cooler Brakes—Porsche’s 2026 911 Race Cars Bring the Heat

Porsche’s 2026 911 race cars get a serious tune-up for the new season, with sharper aerodynamics and improved cooling that make these flat-six beasts more balanced and reliable on the track. The GT3 R features louvered vents to reduce front-end lift and a swan-neck rear wing with an adjustable Gurney flap, while the Cup car adds bigger front brakes, increased front downforce, and a smarter, illuminated multifunction steering wheel. Both pack serious power—557 hp in the GT3 R and 512 hp in the Cup—ready to dominate corners and blast past competition with precision and confidence.

Beyond raw speed, Porsche focused on driver comfort and control, making in-race adjustments easier with illuminated buttons and intuitive controls designed for quick, eyes-on-the-road tweaks during the heat of battle. Improved cooling systems for the power steering and rear brakes ensure consistent performance even under punishing race conditions. These tweaks keep the 911 race cars razor-sharp, blending classic muscle with cutting-edge tech and aggressive styling, ensuring they stay the kings of the circuit for 2026 and beyond. Fans can expect even more thrilling battles and eye-catching performances from these iconic race machines.

Hot Wheels Could Get More Expensive Thanks to Tariffs

Hot Wheels enthusiasts might soon face a price bump at checkout. President Trump recently threatened a 100% tariff on Mattel, the toy giant behind Hot Wheels, after its CEO, Ynon Kreiz, suggested shifting production away from China to avoid steep import taxes. Kreiz emphasized that while design and development remain in the U.S., manufacturing is increasingly global, with a significant portion of production in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. He also noted plans to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing from 20% to 10% by 2027.

In response, President Trump warned that such a move could result in a complete ban on Mattel’s toys in the U.S., potentially leading to a 100% tariff. While Kreiz acknowledged that some price increases might occur, he emphasized that Mattel aims to keep 40-50% of its products under $20. However, global economists agree that tariffs often lead to higher consumer prices, as companies typically pass on the increased costs to buyers. This situation underscores the broader economic implications of trade policies on everyday consumer goods.