These new winter tires have studs that retract as it warms up

​Clever polymer science and a little robotic precision created the Hakkapeliitta 01.  Nokian provided flights from Austin, Texas, to Ivalo, Finland, and accommodation so Ars could visit its test facility. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. IVALO, Finland—In 1987, fictional superspy James Bond careened around a frozen lake…

2026 Australian Grand Prix: Formula 1 debuts a new style of racing

​The key is understanding how to conserve energy across a lap. Oh, and be reliable.  Formula 1’s 2026 season got underway this past weekend in Melbourne, Australia. Formula 1 has undergone a radical transformation during the short offseason, with new technical rules that have created cars that are smaller…

Chevrolet killed it then brought it back, now we drive it: The 2027 Bolt

​Faster charging, more modern infotainment, and a new LFP battery are highlights.  Chevrolet provided flights from Washington, DC, to Los Angeles and accommodation so Ars could drive the Bolt. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.—When the Chevrolet Bolt debuted in 2017, the electric hatchback stood…

It’s almost a station wagon: The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, driven

​Despite the Toyota platform, there’s plenty of Subaru DNA in this one.  A new pair of EV siblings joins the Subaru lineup this year, each using a shared skateboard chassis developed in partnership with Toyota. Compared to the original Solterra and smaller Uncharted, the new Trailseeker bears more Subaru…

And the award for the most improved EV goes to… the 2026 Toyota bZ

​Toyota’s small electric SUV is much-revised, much more efficient, and much better.  The world’s largest automaker has had a somewhat difficult relationship with battery-electric vehicles. Toyota was an early pioneer of hybrid powertrains, and it remains a fan today, often saying that given limited battery supply, it makes sense to…