The One-Year Garage: 2026
About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds as the hosts engage in their popular one-year garage game, this time focusing on the model year 2026. They debate and select cars across various categories, including sports cars, family haulers, and daily drivers, while also sharing personal anecdotes and insights about the automotive landscape. Notable picks include the Gordon Murray T33, E53 AMG wagon, and a Ducati e-bike. The episode highlights the evolving car market, the challenges of keeping up with new models, and the nostalgia for classic designs, making for an entertaining and informative listen.
This week we're putting a modern twist on everybody's favorite game: The One Year Garage is visiting the fresh, dewy, barely sentient year of 2026 to see what of its offerings might strike the fancy of the diehard old-car obsessives on our panel. Spoiler alert: there are strongly held opinions, some of which are not the same as yours. Along the way, they also cover Tekashi 6ix9ine; hypercar ignorance; the cost of modern car ownership; when 2014 still means "new"; auto show nostalgia; Fiero dreams; DRS on a "street car"; (good) weird small cars; non-metallic snarkiness; exotic e-bikes; Dakar semis; a far-off Scout fantasy; gigantic vehicles with gobs of power; going solo in a Sterrato; Morgan snarkiness; and a general unease with the new car industry.
For those unfamiliar, the rules of One Year Garage are simple: each of our contestants, round-robin-style, pick a vehicle for every one of five categories: Sports Car, Daily Driver, Family Hauler, Truck/4x4, and Wild Card. All picks must be (or will theoretically be) available during the 2026 model year. Once a particular car has been picked, it can't be picked again. Self-doubt is encouraged, and judgment must be passed on others' choices. Arguments about what belongs in a certain category are expected. And the group must accidentally leave out at least one important option, the absence of which must raise the ire of a minimum of two people on Instagram. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this episode:
3:21 The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Does 0-60 MPH in 1.68 Seconds Road & Track
16:09 Gordon Murray Automotive T.33
18:24 Alpine A110
20:28 Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package
21:13 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
24:22 AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon
26:43 Volkswagen ID.Buzz listings
28:54 Acura MDX Type S
30:31 Honda Jet Echelon
32:17 Modified 2023 Honda Civic Type R
33:02 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
35:10 Renault 5 - Fully electric city car
37:05 2026 Toyota GR86
40:10 Ducati Futa E-Bike
44:00 Land Rover Defender D7XR
47:11 6k-Mile 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V ESV
48:38 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato
50:07 2026 GMC Canyon AT4 & AT4X
52:36 Taurus T3 Max (FIA)
55:41 Lotus Emira
57:16 Ferrari Daytona SP3
58:37 Ferrari 849 Testarossa
59:50 2026 Nissan Z
1:01:23 Ferrari 296 GTB
Got suggestions for our next guest from the BaT community, One Year Garage episode, or (B)aT the Movies subject? Let us know in the comments below!
0-1 time
"So, yeah, 0-1s, crazy. I mean, they dropped all those stats this year, and it pretty much blew every supercar out of the water for a fifth of the price, right?"
0-1 time is a way to measure how fast a car can go from a stop to one second. It's important for understanding how quickly a car can accelerate.
The 0-1 time refers to the acceleration performance of a vehicle, specifically how quickly it can go from a complete stop to 1 second. It's a metric often used to compare the performance of supercars and high-performance vehicles.
supercar
"...it pretty much blew every supercar out of the water for a fifth of the price, right? Yes."
Supercars are very fast and expensive cars that are built for performance. They are usually some of the best cars in terms of speed and technology.
A supercar is a high-performance sports car that typically offers extreme speed, advanced technology, and a high price tag. They are often seen as the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design.
quarter mile
"...runs 8.5 second quarter mile. Yeah, no, but the 060 is like meaningless."
The quarter mile is a distance of 1,320 feet that cars race to see how fast they can go. It's a popular way to measure how quickly a car can accelerate.
The quarter mile is a standard drag racing distance, commonly used to measure a car's acceleration performance. It is a benchmark for comparing the speed and power of different vehicles during a short race.
0-60 time
"...but the 060 is like meaningless. It's 1.3, I think."
0-60 time is how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how quickly a car can speed up.
0-60 time measures how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to evaluate a car's acceleration capabilities.
BMW E36
"It's like your E36 that you drove with the third seat in the back. Exactly, the center middle."
The E36 is a model of the BMW 3 Series, which is a line of compact cars. This generation is known for being fun to drive and is often favored by car lovers.
The E36 is the third generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1990 to 1997. It is known for its balanced handling and sporty performance, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
power plants
"what the power plants are these days. Just having no clue."
'Power plants' is a term used to describe the engines in cars. It can mean either gas engines or electric motors that make the car move.
In automotive terms, 'power plants' refer to the engines or powertrains that provide the necessary power to propel a vehicle. This can include traditional internal combustion engines as well as electric motors in electric vehicles.
battery
"It's a battery. Do you guys still have that brain stuck in a certain year?"
A battery in a car is what stores energy to power the vehicle, especially in electric cars. It’s different from gas engines that use fuel.
In the context of vehicles, a battery typically refers to the rechargeable energy storage unit used in electric vehicles to power the electric motor. Unlike traditional cars that use gasoline engines, electric cars rely solely on batteries for propulsion.
average price of a new car
"Do you know what the average price of a new car is today? Gosh, I remember when it was 30 grand and I thought that was crazy, but it's got to be way more than that now."
The average price of a new car is how much people usually pay for a brand-new vehicle. This price can change depending on the type of car and what features it has.
The average price of a new car refers to the typical cost consumers pay for a new vehicle, which can vary based on make, model, and features. This figure is important for understanding market trends and consumer spending in the automotive industry.
30 grand
"Gosh, I remember when it was 30 grand and I thought that was crazy, but it's got to be way more than that now."
'30 grand' means $30,000. It shows how much people used to think a new car cost a lot back then.
'30 grand' is a colloquial way of saying $30,000, which was considered a high price for a new car in the past. This reference helps to illustrate how car prices have increased over time.
45 grand
"I'm going to guess 45 grand."
'45 grand' means $45,000. This is what the speaker thinks a new car costs now, showing how prices have gone up.
'45 grand' refers to $45,000, which is the estimated average price of a new car today. This figure reflects the rising costs of vehicles over the years due to inflation and increased features.
MSRP
"It's 50 grand. That's the average price of a new car sold in the US."
MSRP is the price that car makers suggest you should pay for a new car. It's like a starting point for how much a car should cost.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle. It's often used as a baseline for negotiations at dealerships.
inflation
"I guess some of that is inflation, but also everyone buys electric SUVs and they're more expensive."
Inflation is when prices go up and money doesn't buy as much as it used to. This means that things like cars can become more expensive over time.
Inflation refers to the general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money. It affects the cost of goods and services, including cars, making them more expensive over time.
Mitsubishi Mirage
"It used to be a Mitsubishi. That was the joke a long time ago. It was a Mirage or something."
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a small, inexpensive car that is easy to drive and good on gas. It's often considered a budget-friendly option for new car buyers.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact car known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. It has been marketed as one of the cheapest new cars available in the U.S. market.
Nissan Versa
"Oh, is it a Versa? It is a Versa. Versa, still cheapest car in the US."
The Nissan Versa is a small, budget-friendly car that is popular for being one of the least expensive options you can buy new in the U.S.
The Nissan Versa is a subcompact car known for its affordability and practicality, often considered one of the cheapest new cars available in the U.S. market.
Volkswagen Fox
"My dad bought our Volkswagen Fox in 1991 for $7,000. That was a new car."
The Volkswagen Fox is a small car that Volkswagen made in the early 1990s. It was a budget-friendly option for families and individuals.
The Volkswagen Fox is a subcompact car that was produced by Volkswagen. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers in the early 1990s.
Colin McRae
"Texas cars, cars are dead. There's no Colin McRae, Subaru rally cars like jumping through the air."
Colin McRae was a well-known race car driver who competed in rally races. He was famous for his exciting driving and won many championships.
Colin McRae was a famous Scottish rally driver known for his success in the World Rally Championship. He became a household name in motorsport and is remembered for his thrilling driving style and contributions to rally racing.
Porsche Carrera GT
"I saw the Carrera GT debut at LA. Is that right? Yeah."
The Porsche Carrera GT is a supercar made by Porsche, famous for its powerful engine and fast performance. It was made in limited numbers and is highly sought after by car enthusiasts.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a high-performance sports car that was produced by Porsche from 2004 to 2007. It features a V10 engine and is known for its exceptional handling and speed.
Mazda Protegé 5
"Like it didn't matter if it was a Mazda, what were we talking about? Mazda protégé 5 or like the Crer GT."
The Mazda Protegé 5 is a small car that has a hatchback design, which means it has a rear door that swings upward to access the trunk.
The Mazda Protegé 5 is a compact hatchback that was produced by Mazda, known for its sporty handling and practicality.
Volkswagen Golf
"Or you'd want to see the new Golf."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that is well-liked for being practical and fun to drive, available in different versions.
The Volkswagen Golf is a popular compact car known for its versatility, quality, and performance in various trims, including sporty versions like the GTI.
Jeep Wrangler
"...It starts with the new Wrangler. Oh, look out. Then goes immediately to the Hyundai Equus."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough vehicle designed for off-road driving. It's known for its ability to handle rough terrain and is loved by people who enjoy outdoor adventures.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness and versatility. It's popular among off-road enthusiasts and has a strong following for its iconic design and capabilities.
Hyundai Equus
"...Then goes immediately to the Hyundai Equus. Oh, okay. I think telling why Randy stopped going."
The Hyundai Equus is a luxury car made by Hyundai. It's designed to be very comfortable and has many high-end features, making it a good choice for people looking for a luxury vehicle without the high price of some other brands.
The Hyundai Equus is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced by Hyundai. It is known for its high-end features, spacious interior, and competitive pricing compared to other luxury brands.
Chevrolet Camaro
"And then new Camaro C60 R1. And then we've got like a Mini Cooper with Woody Wagon, big handling."
The Chevrolet Camaro C60 R1 is a type of sports car that is part of the Camaro lineup. It's known for being fast and fun to drive, especially among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Camaro C60 R1 is a variant of the popular Camaro sports car, known for its performance and sporty design. The Camaro has a long history in American muscle car culture, often competing with the Ford Mustang.
Nissan Leaf
"YLR concept and the Nissan Leaf. And then we've got like a Mini Cooper with Woody Wagon, big handling."
The Nissan Leaf is an electric car that doesn't use gasoline. It's designed to be environmentally friendly and is popular for being easy to drive and maintain.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric hatchback that has gained popularity for its efficiency and eco-friendliness. It is one of the best-selling electric vehicles worldwide.
Mini Cooper
"And then we've got like a Mini Cooper with Woody Wagon, big handling. Yeah, there you go."
The Mini Cooper is a small car that is known for being fun to drive and easy to park. It has a unique style and is popular in urban areas.
The Mini Cooper is a compact car known for its distinctive design and agile handling. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts for its fun driving experience.
Pontiac Fiero
".... And I saw the like the first time I ever saw a Fiero. And it was on the turntable and there was these..."
Aston Martin Valkyrie
"I mean, the Valkyrie is kind of one, but that's made by Aston Martin."
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a super-fast car made by Aston Martin, famous for its cutting-edge technology and design.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a high-performance hypercar known for its advanced aerodynamics and hybrid powertrain, designed for extreme speed and handling.
Porsche 911
"They've rest him on a 911."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people recognize for its unique shape and fast performance.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car known for its distinctive design, rear-engine layout, and exceptional performance across various models and generations.
Gordon T50
"This year, though, that's the second model, right? T-50 is out, but T-33 is coming out. Oh, Randy's following."
Cosworth engine
"Yeah. Some crazy number. Cosworth engine. They're Cosworths, of course."
A Cosworth engine is a type of engine made by a company called Cosworth, known for building powerful and efficient engines for racing cars. They're famous for their speed and performance.
A Cosworth engine refers to high-performance engines developed by Cosworth, a British engineering company known for its expertise in motorsport. These engines are often characterized by their advanced engineering, lightweight design, and high power output, making them popular in racing and performance applications.
GMA T33
"...but the GMA T33. Have you moved to Gordon? Oh, you're going straight in."
The GMA T33 is a high-performance sports car made by Gordon Murray Automotive. It has a powerful V12 engine and is designed to be very light and fast.
The GMA T33 is a supercar designed by Gordon Murray, known for its lightweight construction and high-performance capabilities. It features a naturally aspirated V12 engine and is part of a limited production run.
Alpine A110
"...'ve always been able to get my hands on an Alpine A110. Oh, that's good."
Nissan XTerra
"which I would love to replace one. Here's the modern X-Terra. Which is supposedly they're going to come back there."
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...m not taking it because of that. It's not a 2026 ID buzz. Oh, it's going to come back though."
Subaru BRZ
"I think they started around the early 30s. The BRZ is more expensive. The BRZ is like 35 or 37."
Ford Mustang
"...ar that I very much thought about here is just a Mustang GT, which is a huge amount of power now. Remembe..."
Shelby Cobra
"...tick, rear drive, and a big Vietnam. From the 93 Cobra? Totally."
Volkswagen Jetta
"...ng out and doing different things. We need to do Jetta trick. We totally do."
Land Rover Defender
"...y exciting as my truck four by four, which is the defender. Have you been watching the vids on this?"
Porsche 959
"...n't know if you saw that and there's guys running 959 replicas, which is unbelievable. I think there's..."
Ford Bronco
"Steely S wheels. Sort of like how a Bronco needs to be spare. Yes, totally."
Cadillac Escalade
"...ngs to say about last week. I'm going to take an Escalade. There you go."
Lamborghini Huracan
"I'm putting it in. The Huracan Strato is my truck. There you go."
Subaru Outback
"Anyway, it's like a lifted, it's like a Subaru Outback version of the Huracan. Is that right?"
Ford Mavericks
"I'm back. Maverick's re-engaging. I just, I want a..."
Gmc Canyon
"Back to the 98s. No, I want a GMC Canyon AT4X, which is their midsize truck, and they're ..."
Toyota Tacoma
"...w one of those driving down the road. I'm a huge Tacoma guy, but I actually think this is a cooler truck..."
Ford Ranger
"...going down the road the other day. I do like the Ranger. I'm a big Ford guy too, but this GMC is very co..."
Ford Taurus
"...where you're going. And there's a company called Taurus that makes the T3 Evo. But more importantly, you..."
Ford Gtd Mustang
"...u're going to take mine or not. I think I want a GTD Mustang. Oh, that's exactly what I was thinking."
Ford Gt350
"...It is Pitt right next to though. He has white 66 GT350, no stripe, and then old GTD. It's crazy because..."
Lotus Amira
"... I think they're really rad. And that is a Lotus Amira. I really, they're fascinating to me."
Ferrari Daytona SP3
"...here's some honorable mentions. Still making the Daytona SP3, which I feel like is kind of a cheater answer, ..."
Ferrari LaFerrari
"Just cool to see. Is it in the lineage of the LaFerrari and stuff, or is it a lesser thing than that? I ..."
Ferrari SP1
"... at the watch dealer? Seeing a guy pull up in an SP1. It's like this big exhale moment, like, oh, yes..."
Honda That Honda
"So anyway, all that's to say. Yeah, give me that Honda Jet. Great."
Mazda Miatas
"I talked about normally aspirated, rear-wheel drive manual cars. Nobody even discussed Miata's. That's still a thing that you can buy."
Toyota Supra
"...hat Nissan put out that the 400Z had beat out the Supra in sales, and I haven't seen any."
Chevrolet Corvette
"...ear, but you probably get them for next year. No Corvette love. Yes, the R1X was on my list, though, only ..."
Ford Ranger Raptor
"Any other honorable mentions, guys? Ranger Raptor was my number two. Oh, yes."
Dodge Charger
"No, the EV one is around, isn't it? That's a 2D charger. That's a Dodge."
Dodge Challenger
"That's a Dodge. I think the Challenger is the same. Same, same electric one."
Porsche Boxster
"...here's other Porsche products, Porsche SUVs. The Boxster is still around. Presumably, you can still buy a..."
Subaru WRX
"...is still around. Presumably, you can still buy a WRX, right? I don't see very many of those."
Lamborghini Urus
"...out new cars. And I thought it was a Lamborghini Urus. And when I got closer to it, I was like, oh, it..."
Honda Civic
"...rts car GT3 RS with DRS activated, family hauler Civic Type R, daily driver is a Ducati road bike, truc..."
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