Inside The Engineering Limits That Might Kill Off BMW’s Iconic 6-Speed Manual Tran

Gilbert Smith is an automotive journalist with over five years of specialized research and writing experience. Before joining CarBuzz in 2024, he produced in-depth buyer’s guides and feature articles for Vehicle History, focusing on practical insights and detailed automotive analysis. TheMazda Miataholds a special place in the automotive industry as living proof that you don't need to break the bank tohave some fun. The market has rewarded Mazda year after year with nearly four decades of strong sales. While the rest of the industry has its ups and downs, it's hard to find one lousy sales year for the MX-5.

Nigel first entered the world of automotive journalism in the mid-80s, working for what was then the “bible” of weekly automotive content - Motoring News. Those were the days of tip-tap typewriters, landline telephones and proper news cycles. Social media was yet to become a modern-day plague and people waited for their automotive news until Tuesday mornings. Nigel has remained a gearhead since the early days in London. He's enjoyed a variety of roles in marketing, PR and events with such storied brands as Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini. He has spent much of adult life in the United States, but currently resides in (a much colder) United Kingdom.

Matt Nelson is an automotive journalist with nearly a decade of experience in all things cars.  He's spent years working at dealerships in sales, finance, and service. He's since traded in his pens and wrenches for a keyboard, and leveraged the expertise gained from his work experience into a writing career. When it comes to cars, facts, and the truth, Matt’s equal love for all three meant automotive journalism was the only path forward. Ever since the age of six, when he’d spend his time helping his father fix his family’s old Buick, Matt has had a keen interest in anything and everything with four wheels. Naturally, once Matt started working, he ensconced himself in the automotive industry and held positions spanning from car detailer, mechanic, to automotive sales and finance. Because he’s seen it all, driven most, and heard a lot, auto journalism came naturally to him. With a passion for cars like Matt’s, it’s safe to say every article will showcase his penchant for truth, accuracy, and overarching desire to make sense of the modern, complex automotive world. This means every one of his readers can be at the forefront of the most important automotive news.

A tribute to the Ferrari that went rally racing? We're listening. Italian brand AC Motorsport has unveiled a modern take on the iconic Ferrari 308, created in partnership with local engineering and racing car firm Michelotto. The car, badged the Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo, prioritizes a pure driving experience rather than earth-shattering performance like so many other new exotics.

Last weekend I purchased a new 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee after realizing that my 5-speed “Holy Grail” project hadn’t gone anywhere in five years and wasn’t likely to go anywhere in the next five years. This nice 1993, I figured, would replace that project and give me an opportunity to drive a ZJ now instead of sometime far in the future. There’s only one issue: There’s no chance I can drive this thing now, as it’s got some issues. Here’s what they are. When I first saw this Jeep ZJ, I knew I was buying it. The shiny paint, the 100% rust-free body, the rare unkillable AW4 automatic, the 95,000 miles on the odometer, the low $1700 asking price — it was a no-brainer.

GM has partnered with Peak Energy to develop next-generation sodium-ion battery cells, but they’re not going into EVs – they’re for grid-scale energy storage projects. GM Ventures is making a strategic investment in Peak Energy. June 10, 2026: Under the partnership, GM will develop the sodium-ion cells in its Michigan battery labs and retain exclusive manufacturing rights. Peak Energy will integrate the cells into its battery storage systems as it ramps up US manufacturing.