Town in McLean County, Illinois
FIA, F1 and teams have moved to fast-track changes to power-unit regulations after a Miami weekend marked by energy-management concerns. Officials aim to tilt the balance toward the internal-combustion engine, with new talks about larger fuel tanks and possible future V8s to restore flat-out racing. The shift comes as teams upgrade ahead of the 2027 rules and long-term engine plans are debated.
Magna is embedding AI across its global supply chain to improve quality, maintenance, safety and efficiency, while Rivian outlines an expanded R2 family and a Georgia factory to scale production; Ford unveils a Long Beach EV development center amid leadership changes in its EV unit, and Toyota is pursuing a privacy-conscious data fabric in its Woven City project.
Rivian has begun delivering the R2, its more affordable EV, with plans for a $50,000 base version by 2027. CEO RJ Scaringe argues the R2 will broaden choice and avoid copying rivals, while production scales in Illinois and Georgia expand capacity.
Slate Auto has unveiled a no‑frills electric pickup starting at $24,950 and a two‑row SUV conversion from $29,950. The company has opened preorders with $300 deposits, said the base truck uses a 63 kWh LFP battery and rear‑wheel drive, and has increased its EPA range estimate to about 205 miles; production is scheduled to begin late 2026.