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Happy Monday and we hope you enjoy the first day of fall! If you would like to impress your significant other, make a note of what you did last night - for the next time Phil Collins comes asking on the radio.

Industry News

Mercedes Backtracks: Buttons Are Back

Mercedes is reversing course on one of its boldest design choices: ditching physical buttons for haptic and touchscreen controls. After years of customer complaints, the brand admits it “got ahead of itself” and is bringing back real, tactile controls for everyday functions like volume and cruise settings.

The change starts with the next-gen GLC (arriving late next year) featuring rollers on the steering wheel, with more models to follow. While the upcoming CLA will stick with the current setup for 2026, future versions will adopt the updated control layout.

This shift doesn’t mean Mercedes is abandoning tech. Expect larger touchscreens, its 4th-gen MBUX infotainment, and new “software-defined” vehicles capable of over-the-air updates. The brand’s future strategy is a balance: physical buttons where drivers want them, digital displays where they shine, and a big push into voice controls powered by AI.

The takeaway? Even luxury automakers aren’t immune to customer feedback. Sleek, screen-heavy cabins may look futuristic, but when usability suffers, people want their buttons back. Mercedes listened—and now, it’s pressing reset.

Read More —> 

Other News

• Porsche has changed their mind. They will, in fact, be bringing a gas-powered 718 Cayman and Boxster to their next generation. Read More

• Genesis has plans to enter the large vehicle market. Showcasing concepts of a new off-road focused SUV and three-row passenger SUV. Read More

• Mercedes takes ‘van-life’ to the next level with new VLE and VLS minivans. Coming to the US! Read More

Fast Lane

Quick Entertainment

Take a break to enjoy these interesting clips from this past week:

• Watch: Meth addict jumps rising bridge with car to evade police. Classic.

• Game: Dunlop become the official partner of Grand Turismo 7 and the GT World Series.

• View: Rolls-Royces levels up their starry headliner with the Milky Way.

Local Listings

Because who doesn’t like looking at cars they shouldn’t (or can’t) buy.

Top Pick of the Week: 2023 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS

Price: $249,995 Milage: 4,568
Selfishly, I chose this Targa 4 GTS because it is my favorite trim of the 911 and hope to get one when I’m old and retired. Would it be as loud as this baby blue and red spec? Probably not, but I admire it. Contact Dealer→

Other Listings:

• 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk | $42,900 | Precious Metals Autos

• 2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster | $23,999 | Ranch & Coast Motorsports

Have a cool car for sale? Email us at [email protected] to get listed.

What’s Happening

Saturday, September 27

• Bonita Cars & Coffee, 6am-9am

• Carlsbad Cars & Coffee, 7am-9am

• Cars and Coffee Fay’s Diner, 7am-9:30am

• Point Loma Cars & Coffee, 7:30am-10am

• Rancho Santa Fe Cars & Coffee, 8am-12pm

• South OC Cars & Coffee, 9am-11am

Sunday, September 28

• Sunday Funday Cars & Coffee, 7:30am-10am

• Escondido Cars & Coffee, 8am-12pm

Have an event coming up? Let us know at [email protected] to be featured!

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Final Thoughts

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Stay tuned, and keep the spark alive!