Automotive news, explained.https://specandsignal.com/https://specandsignal.com/articles/2027-toyota-highlander-confirmed-and-unknown/https://specandsignal.com/articles/2027-toyota-highlander-confirmed-and-unknown/Toyota has outlined four battery-and-drivetrain configurations, two trims, and manufacturer-estimated range up to 320 miles. Pricing, final ratings, and several charging details remain open.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/monterey-car-week-2026-schedule-free-events/https://specandsignal.com/articles/monterey-car-week-2026-schedule-free-events/A source-checked, day-by-day planner for 29 legitimate events from August 7–16, including historic racing, concours programs, auctions, free displays, and access details that still need rechecking.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/tire-sidewall-markings-explained/https://specandsignal.com/articles/tire-sidewall-markings-explained/Size, service description, the DOT tire identification number, and UTQG grades answer different questions. None replaces the vehicle placard, an inspection, or a fitment check.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/route-66-centennial-commission-tracker/https://specandsignal.com/articles/route-66-centennial-commission-tracker/Congress created a temporary commission for the 2026 Route 66 centennial. This tracker separates its statutory job, current public program signals, funding boundary, and December 31 termination date.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/2027-chevrolet-silverado-1500-spec-delta/https://specandsignal.com/articles/2027-chevrolet-silverado-1500-spec-delta/Chevrolet has named seven trims, four powertrain types, a new display layout, and expanded driver-assistance availability. Output, towing, payload, price, and full configuration data are still pending.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/worlds-fair-mustang-historic-vehicle-register/https://specandsignal.com/articles/worlds-fair-mustang-historic-vehicle-register/The surviving 1965 Magic Skyway convertible now has an NHVR entry and an assigned HAER number. Its supporting announcement says the full documentation package is still being completed for the Library of Congress.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/level-1-vs-level-2-home-charging/https://specandsignal.com/articles/level-1-vs-level-2-home-charging/A simple recovery-rate screen can show whether Level 1 has enough time to replace a normal day’s driving. Electrical capacity, permits, equipment certification, and the vehicle’s limits remain separate gates.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/pebble-beach-concours-2026-schedule-classes/https://specandsignal.com/articles/pebble-beach-concours-2026-schedule-classes/The August 16 Concours moves from dawn field access to judging and an afternoon Best of Show decision. Its selection rules, judge roles, Tour result, and 2026 classes explain what the event actually rewards.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/nhtsa-zero-unrepaired-recalls-explained/https://specandsignal.com/articles/nhtsa-zero-unrepaired-recalls-explained/The result is useful, but narrowly scoped. It does not show repaired recalls, every newly announced campaign, non-safety service campaigns, or whether a vehicle has a current safety problem.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/nurburgring-lap-record-rules-explained/https://specandsignal.com/articles/nurburgring-lap-record-rules-explained/The Nürburgring defines the course, timing points, oversight, vehicle-condition review, and category behind an official lap. Those controls make a time traceable, but only inside its recorded boundary.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/nhtsa-model-y-adas-pass-explained/https://specandsignal.com/articles/nhtsa-model-y-adas-pass-explained/A later-release 2026 Model Y met eight NCAP crash-avoidance criteria. The result is a technology pass, not a crashworthiness score, self-driving certification, or guarantee outside the tested conditions.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/epa-freedom-to-fix-sema-emissions-pathway/https://specandsignal.com/articles/epa-freedom-to-fix-sema-emissions-pathway/EPA says an SC-E certificate may ordinarily document that an aftermarket part does not harm emissions. Clean Air Act tampering prohibitions remain, and EPA retains case-by-case discretion.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/epa-50-years-new-car-trends/https://specandsignal.com/articles/epa-50-years-new-car-trends/The final U.S. fleet record runs from model year 1975 through 2024. It shows fuel economy and horsepower rising while average weight ends slightly above its 1975 level; footprint has a shorter history.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMThttps://specandsignal.com/articles/nhtsa-no-pedal-av-brake-proposal/https://specandsignal.com/articles/nhtsa-no-pedal-av-brake-proposal/NHTSA would let automated vehicles designed without manual driving controls omit manual brake controls while keeping current stopping-distance requirements. Comments are open through August 26.Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT