By Phil Royle – Aug. 27, 2026
The original Mini was a fun-loving, tossable runabout. The new Mini has its own following for different reasons. But what if the next Mini was EV and rear-wheel drive? Rumors indicate that might be the case, and we discuss what that means on this week’s podcast. Also on the show, Polestar theories abound, the Genesis GV90 gets coach doors, diesel EREV tech comes to EV semis, and more.
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SHOW NOTESPolestar claiming “disparate treatment” from Volvo in U.S. ban ruling from Commerce Department: https://www.autoblog.com/news/polestar-says-its-u-s-ban-doesnt-add-up-after-volvo-gets-a-pass
Next Mini Cooper could be RWD: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/next-mini-cooper-be-inspired-2001-r50-%E2%80%93-and-could-go-rwd
Aptera partners with Shanghai-based Launch Design to streamline production processes, lower component purchasing costs: https://theevreport.com/aptera-launch-design-production-program
Coach (aka “suicide”) doors make the cut on the production Genesis GV90: https://electrek.co/2026/08/20/genesis-gv90-luxury-coach-doors-images/
EREV tech comes to the heavy truck segment: https://insideevs.com/news/805476/electric-truck-range-extender-mahle/
Tesla says Semi will debut for the European market at IAA Hannover in September: https://x.com/tesla_semi/status/2090333014576488877
Mate Rimac says the future of supercars is combustion engines: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/25/bugatti-ceo-mate-rimac-supercars-gas-engines.html
This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy Mini
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
Website: https://www.thewattcar.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar
