The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense. Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the important stories directly to you every weekday. In the past ten years, we've witnessed the revival of numerous car model names. As you may have observed, many of the new vehicles bear little resemblance to their namesake predecessors. Some instances are more striking than others (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Ford Maverick), but the question persists—why do manufacturers engage in this practice? As our Editor-in-Chief and video host Kyle Cheromcha details in the latest mini-documentary on The Drive’s YouTube channel, there's more to resurrecting car names than simply exploiting nostalgia for profit. The process of naming a car is highly intricate and involves numerous stakeholders. Leveraging an old name has significant appeal for automakers aiming to market their products across diverse cultures and markets. Moreover, nostalgia is indeed a powerful influence. Even if consumers are uncertain about why a name is familiar, something that sparks even a slight sense of recognition is more likely to trigger interest among potential buyers. Additionally, it allows manufacturers to ride the momentum of "Make Model Is Coming Back" headlines. More importantly, the risks associated with launching a completely new name with no established recognition are considerable. Do you remember the Acura ILX? Probably not, and neither does anyone else. In contrast, the Integra utilized the same concept (compact platform combined with luxury and an available manual transmission), and suddenly it garnered a tremendous amount of excitement. Ford has been particularly aggressive in reviving old model names. The popular Ford Maverick bears no resemblance to the Maverick from the 1970s. As for the Mustang Mach-E, would people have been nearly as enthusiastic about an electric crossover from Ford if it didn’t invoke one of the most recognizable sub-brands in the automotive world? So yes, unapologetic cash-grabbing plays a significant role. However, another major aspect is the intricate corporate environment surrounding car naming. Be sure to watch the video for a deeper exploration of the history and context behind the resurgence of these "zombie" car names. Visit The Drive’s YouTube channel for more videos like this and other automotive programming!

The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense. Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the important stories directly to you every weekday. In the past ten years, we've witnessed the revival of numerous car model names. As you may have observed, many of the new vehicles bear little resemblance to their namesake predecessors. Some instances are more striking than others (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Ford Maverick), but the question persists—why do manufacturers engage in this practice? As our Editor-in-Chief and video host Kyle Cheromcha details in the latest mini-documentary on The Drive’s YouTube channel, there's more to resurrecting car names than simply exploiting nostalgia for profit. The process of naming a car is highly intricate and involves numerous stakeholders. Leveraging an old name has significant appeal for automakers aiming to market their products across diverse cultures and markets. Moreover, nostalgia is indeed a powerful influence. Even if consumers are uncertain about why a name is familiar, something that sparks even a slight sense of recognition is more likely to trigger interest among potential buyers. Additionally, it allows manufacturers to ride the momentum of "Make Model Is Coming Back" headlines. More importantly, the risks associated with launching a completely new name with no established recognition are considerable. Do you remember the Acura ILX? Probably not, and neither does anyone else. In contrast, the Integra utilized the same concept (compact platform combined with luxury and an available manual transmission), and suddenly it garnered a tremendous amount of excitement. Ford has been particularly aggressive in reviving old model names. The popular Ford Maverick bears no resemblance to the Maverick from the 1970s. As for the Mustang Mach-E, would people have been nearly as enthusiastic about an electric crossover from Ford if it didn’t invoke one of the most recognizable sub-brands in the automotive world? So yes, unapologetic cash-grabbing plays a significant role. However, another major aspect is the intricate corporate environment surrounding car naming. Be sure to watch the video for a deeper exploration of the history and context behind the resurgence of these "zombie" car names. Visit The Drive’s YouTube channel for more videos like this and other automotive programming!

      South Barrington Police Department

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      A Tesla driver in Illinois reports that Autopilot was engaged when their vehicle crashed into the rear of a police cruiser while they were sleeping. We have encountered various incidents linked to Tesla's semi-autonomous driving technology, including some involving emergency responders, but this incident may be particularly notable.

      We mention "Autopilot" because that’s what the South Barrington Police Department shared on Facebook (post included below), and if their information is correct, the driver was suggesting the same. For those unfamiliar, Autopilot is Tesla's basic "hands-free" system. It does not possess the door-to-door capabilities of "Full Self-Driving" and operates on a more restricted road network (mainly highways), similar to GM’s Super Cruise or Ford’s Blue Cruise. Additionally, either system should relinquish control to the driver if the vehicle's monitoring detects drowsiness or sleep. That said, Tesla owners have been known to bypass these safeguards.

      In other words, we have no doubt that the driver was using Autopilot at some point, but whether it was still engaged at the time of the collision is a different question. From previous incidents, we've learned that drivers' accounts can't always be relied upon. Furthermore, the Tesla was not photographed by the department, so there is no information about its year or model.

      The local police seem to be taking the driver's account at face value, reminding all drivers that even vehicles with self-driving features require full attention, and that legally, occupants are held responsible in the case of an accident, regardless of whether the vehicle was technically "driving."

      “The South Barrington Police Department wants to remind all motorists that while using vehicle automation systems like Autopilot is not against the law, drivers must remain alert and focused at all times,” stated the department in its post. “Vehicle technology may aid drivers, but it cannot replace the necessity of human attention and judgment when driving.”

      “Technology is advancing and can improve safety when used correctly,” Deputy Chief Puralewski mentioned in the post. “However, it’s vital to understand that drivers remain responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles at all times.”

      The positive news? Neither officer was injured. The department did not provide details regarding the driver’s condition, aside from indicating their inability to keep their eyes open while driving.

      Have a tip? Reach out to us at [email protected].

The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense. Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the important stories directly to you every weekday. In the past ten years, we've witnessed the revival of numerous car model names. As you may have observed, many of the new vehicles bear little resemblance to their namesake predecessors. Some instances are more striking than others (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Ford Maverick), but the question persists—why do manufacturers engage in this practice? As our Editor-in-Chief and video host Kyle Cheromcha details in the latest mini-documentary on The Drive’s YouTube channel, there's more to resurrecting car names than simply exploiting nostalgia for profit. The process of naming a car is highly intricate and involves numerous stakeholders. Leveraging an old name has significant appeal for automakers aiming to market their products across diverse cultures and markets. Moreover, nostalgia is indeed a powerful influence. Even if consumers are uncertain about why a name is familiar, something that sparks even a slight sense of recognition is more likely to trigger interest among potential buyers. Additionally, it allows manufacturers to ride the momentum of "Make Model Is Coming Back" headlines. More importantly, the risks associated with launching a completely new name with no established recognition are considerable. Do you remember the Acura ILX? Probably not, and neither does anyone else. In contrast, the Integra utilized the same concept (compact platform combined with luxury and an available manual transmission), and suddenly it garnered a tremendous amount of excitement. Ford has been particularly aggressive in reviving old model names. The popular Ford Maverick bears no resemblance to the Maverick from the 1970s. As for the Mustang Mach-E, would people have been nearly as enthusiastic about an electric crossover from Ford if it didn’t invoke one of the most recognizable sub-brands in the automotive world? So yes, unapologetic cash-grabbing plays a significant role. However, another major aspect is the intricate corporate environment surrounding car naming. Be sure to watch the video for a deeper exploration of the history and context behind the resurgence of these "zombie" car names. Visit The Drive’s YouTube channel for more videos like this and other automotive programming! The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense. Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the important stories directly to you every weekday. In the past ten years, we've witnessed the revival of numerous car model names. As you may have observed, many of the new vehicles bear little resemblance to their namesake predecessors. Some instances are more striking than others (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Ford Maverick), but the question persists—why do manufacturers engage in this practice? As our Editor-in-Chief and video host Kyle Cheromcha details in the latest mini-documentary on The Drive’s YouTube channel, there's more to resurrecting car names than simply exploiting nostalgia for profit. The process of naming a car is highly intricate and involves numerous stakeholders. Leveraging an old name has significant appeal for automakers aiming to market their products across diverse cultures and markets. Moreover, nostalgia is indeed a powerful influence. Even if consumers are uncertain about why a name is familiar, something that sparks even a slight sense of recognition is more likely to trigger interest among potential buyers. Additionally, it allows manufacturers to ride the momentum of "Make Model Is Coming Back" headlines. More importantly, the risks associated with launching a completely new name with no established recognition are considerable. Do you remember the Acura ILX? Probably not, and neither does anyone else. In contrast, the Integra utilized the same concept (compact platform combined with luxury and an available manual transmission), and suddenly it garnered a tremendous amount of excitement. Ford has been particularly aggressive in reviving old model names. The popular Ford Maverick bears no resemblance to the Maverick from the 1970s. As for the Mustang Mach-E, would people have been nearly as enthusiastic about an electric crossover from Ford if it didn’t invoke one of the most recognizable sub-brands in the automotive world? So yes, unapologetic cash-grabbing plays a significant role. However, another major aspect is the intricate corporate environment surrounding car naming. Be sure to watch the video for a deeper exploration of the history and context behind the resurgence of these "zombie" car names. Visit The Drive’s YouTube channel for more videos like this and other automotive programming!

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This prototype features wheels that seem different from those available on Honda’s configurator. Looking through the windows, the interior likely showcases a larger, potentially standard digital instrument cluster across all models. The infotainment screen also seems poised for an upgrade, possibly a 12-inch or larger display, aligning it more closely with what competitors have been providing. Honda has yet to unveil its MY26 Pilot, so it is possible that we are seeing this version. However, it’s more likely that Honda will postpone these updates until MY27, introducing them in the summer or fall of 2026. What Will Power It? Regardless, we may need to wait a bit longer for the significant change heading for the Pilot: hybrid power. Currently, the SUV is available with a single engine, a 285 hp (289 PS) 3.5-liter V6 that propels either the front or all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Many competitors already offer hybrid engine options that provide better fuel efficiency. Honda has acknowledged plans to introduce a new hybrid engine by the latter part of this decade aimed at enhancing performance, economy, and towing capabilities for its larger vehicles. The Pilot certainly qualifies as one of those larger models, though it remains uncertain whether the existing Pilot will adopt hybrid power or if we will need to wait for the fifth-generation SUV. However, it seems unlikely that Honda can wait until 2028 or 2029 to electrify this model. Related: Government Investigates Honda and Acura Engine Failures Following a Spike in Complaints One expectation from the facelifted version of the current Pilot is the continued availability of the off-road-themed TrailSport variant, as buyers appear to be increasingly interested in SUVs that resemble and perform like traditional off-road vehicles. 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The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense. Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the important stories directly to you every weekday. In the past ten years, we've witnessed the revival of numerous car model names. As you may have observed, many of the new vehicles bear little resemblance to their namesake predecessors. Some instances are more striking than others (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Ford Maverick), but the question persists—why do manufacturers engage in this practice? As our Editor-in-Chief and video host Kyle Cheromcha details in the latest mini-documentary on The Drive’s YouTube channel, there's more to resurrecting car names than simply exploiting nostalgia for profit. The process of naming a car is highly intricate and involves numerous stakeholders. Leveraging an old name has significant appeal for automakers aiming to market their products across diverse cultures and markets. Moreover, nostalgia is indeed a powerful influence. Even if consumers are uncertain about why a name is familiar, something that sparks even a slight sense of recognition is more likely to trigger interest among potential buyers. Additionally, it allows manufacturers to ride the momentum of "Make Model Is Coming Back" headlines. More importantly, the risks associated with launching a completely new name with no established recognition are considerable. Do you remember the Acura ILX? Probably not, and neither does anyone else. In contrast, the Integra utilized the same concept (compact platform combined with luxury and an available manual transmission), and suddenly it garnered a tremendous amount of excitement. Ford has been particularly aggressive in reviving old model names. The popular Ford Maverick bears no resemblance to the Maverick from the 1970s. As for the Mustang Mach-E, would people have been nearly as enthusiastic about an electric crossover from Ford if it didn’t invoke one of the most recognizable sub-brands in the automotive world? So yes, unapologetic cash-grabbing plays a significant role. However, another major aspect is the intricate corporate environment surrounding car naming. Be sure to watch the video for a deeper exploration of the history and context behind the resurgence of these "zombie" car names. Visit The Drive’s YouTube channel for more videos like this and other automotive programming!

We're doubtful about this Tesla driver's account, but that's not surprising.