This Is The Jalopnik Staff Fleet As We Head Into 2026
This Is The Jalopnik Staff Fleet As We Head Into 2026
Image: This Is The Jalopnik Staff Fleet As We Head Into 2026 – Performance Comparison and Specifications
We survived 2025—some of us with a few dents, a few new stickers, and a whole lot of mileage under our belts. As we roll into 2026, the Jalopnik crew is ready to show you what’s under the hoods, behind the handlebars, and inside the cabins of the rides that get us to the office, the track, and the weekend getaways. Grab a coffee, buckle up, and let’s take a spin through our evolving fleet.
Why We Share Our Wheels
Transparency isn’t just for car reviews. Knowing what our writers, editors, and video guys drive helps you understand the biases (or lack thereof) behind our coverage. Plus, it’s fun to see how a turbo‑petrol enthusiast compares a plug‑in hybrid with a classic muscle car. Below you’ll find a mix of personal anecdotes, specs, and a little bit of friendly rivalry.
Staff Cars: From Hot Hatches to Luxury Sedans
1. Alex – 2025 BMW M3 Competition
Alex swears by the M3’s twin‑turbo inline‑six and its crisp Jalopnik staff fleet article. He loves the ADAS suite—especially the lane‑keeping assist—because it lets him focus on drafting on the highway while the car watches the blind spots.
2. Priya – 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance
Priya’s EV choice reflects her love for instant torque and zero‑emission city runs. The Model Y’s autopilot beta has saved her from more than one traffic jam, and the panoramic glass roof makes her feel like she’s driving under the stars, even on a rainy commute.
3. Marco – 2023 Subaru WRX STI
Marco lives for the rally‑inspired turbo‑petrol feel of the WRX STI. He often recounts how the car’s symmetrical all‑wheel drive helped him navigate a snow‑covered mountain pass on a weekend trip—something the front‑wheel‑drive crowd can only dream about.
4. Lena – 2025 Lexus LC 500
Lena’s love affair with the LC 500 is all about the V8 growl and the buttery smooth 9‑speed automatic. She notes that the car’s adaptive cruise control (a part of its ADAS package) makes long highway stretches a breeze, letting her enjoy the cabin’s hand‑stitched leather.
Two‑Wheeled Wonders
5. Sam – 2024 Ducati Panigale V4
When Sam isn’t on a video shoot, he’s on the Ducati Panigale V4. The 998cc desmosedici engine provides a symphony of high‑rev thrills, and the bike’s cornering ABS gives him confidence on twisty backroads.
6. Nina – 2025 Zero SR/F
Nina rides the Zero SR/F for its silent acceleration and the fact that it’s the only electric motorcycle on the team. She loves the integrated app that shows range, battery health, and even the regenerative‑braking level.
Design & Dimensions
| Vehicle | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M3 Competition | 4,735 | 1,880 | 1,430 |
| Tesla Model Y | 4,750 | 1,920 | 1,620 |
| Subaru WRX STI | 4,650 | 1,795 | 1,460 |
| Lexus LC 500 | 4,560 | 1,915 | 1,280 |
| Ducati Panigale V4 | 2,060 | 720 | 1,130 |
| Zero SR/F | 2,095 | 780 | 1,125 |
Feature Comparison
| Vehicle | ADAS Level | Infotainment | Key Tech |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M3 Competition | Level 2 | iDrive 8.0 | Digital Cockpit, Adaptive M Suspension |
| Tesla Model Y | Level 2+ | 15″ Touchscreen | Full Self‑Driving (beta), Over‑the‑Air Updates |
| Subaru WRX STI | Level 1 | Starlink 8‑inch | Driver‑Control Mode, Torque Vectoring |
| Lexus LC 500 | Level 2 | Lexus Enform | Mark Levinson Audio, Adaptive Cruise |
| Ducati Panigale V4 | N/A | Full‑Color TFT | Ride‑by‑Wire, Cornering ABS |
| Zero SR/F | N/A | 6″ TFT | Fast‑Charge 150 kW, Regenerative Braking |
Engine Specifications
| Vehicle | Engine Type | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M3 Competition | 3.0 L Twin‑Turbo Inline‑6 | 503 | 650 |
| Tesla Model Y | Dual Electric Motors | 456 (Performance) | 637 |
| Subaru WRX STI | 2.5 L Turbo‑Petrol Boxer | 310 | 393 |
| Lexus LC 500 | 5.0 L Naturally‑Aspirated V8 | 471 | 560 |
| Ducati Panigale V4 | 998 cc Desmosedici V4 | 214 | 112 |
| Zero SR/F | Electric (Single Motor) | 110 | 190 |
Price Comparison (US MSRP)
| Vehicle | Base MSRP | Typical Options | Estimated Final Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M3 Competition | $74,300 | M Carbon Package, M Driver’s Seat | $82,500 |
| Tesla Model Y Performance | $58,000 | Full Self‑Driving, 21″ Aero Wheels | $68,700 |
| Subaru WRX STI | $38,500 | Performance Package, Upgraded Exhaust | $43,200 |
| Lexus LC 500 | $93,500 | Premium Package, 21″ Wheels | $108,000 |
| Ducati Panigale V4 | $23,900 | Quick‑Shift Kit, Carbon‑Fiber Wheels | $27,500 |
| Zero SR/F | $22,500 | Extended Range Battery, Premium Paint | $26,200 |
Personal Stories from the Road
Alex once told me that the M3’s launch control felt like a roller coaster in a parking lot—pure adrenaline without the fear of a ticket. Priya, on the other hand, swears that the Model Y’s instant torque turned a boring Monday commute into a “who‑a‑can‑hit 60 mph fastest” contest, which she always wins because the car does it in 3.5 seconds.
Marco’s favorite memory involves a midnight run through the Mojave. The WRX STI’s turbo hiss blended with the desert wind, and the car’s adaptive dampers kept the ride composed despite the sandy grit. Lena, ever the luxury lover, remembers the first time she opened the LC’s trunk and discovered the custom‑molded leather briefcase holder—a detail that made her feel like the car was built for her specific lifestyle.
Sam’s most exhilarating moment was a track day at Laguna Seca where the Panigale V4’s desmosedici engine sang through the famous Corkscrew. Nina laughs that the Zero SR/F’s silence is “the ultimate stealth mode”—she can glide past a coffee shop without waking the barista, and the regenerative brake feels like a gentle hug each time she slows down.
Looking Ahead: What 2026 Might Bring
Our fleet isn’t static. With new model years on the horizon, we expect more ADAS upgrades, a wider adoption of turbo‑petrol hybrids, and maybe even a team‑wide switch to a next‑gen electric platform. For now, each of us enjoys the blend of legacy performance and cutting‑edge tech that defines 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Which staff member drives an electric vehicle?
- Priya (Tesla Model Y Performance) and Nina (Zero SR/F) both run electric.
- 2. Do any of the cars have Level 3 autonomous capabilities?
- Not yet. The Tesla Model Y runs Level 2+ with Full Self‑Driving beta, while the BMW and Lexus offer Level 2 ADAS.
- 3. What is the most powerful engine in the fleet?
- Lena’s Lexus LC 500 V8 produces 471 hp, the highest horsepower among the staff cars.
- 4. Which bike has cornering ABS?
- Both the Ducati Panigale V4 and Zero SR/F feature cornering ABS for added safety.
- 5. Are any of the vehicles turbo‑petrol?
- Yes—Alex’s BMW M3, Marco’s Subaru WRX STI, and the Ducati Panigale V4 all use turbo‑petrol (or a turbo‑charged gasoline engine).
- 6. How does the team decide who gets which car?
- Assignments are based on personal preference, test‑drive impressions, and occasionally a bit of luck at the office lottery.
- 7. Will there be a staff EV conversion in 2026?
- We’re exploring a pilot program that could see two more colleagues switch to plug‑in hybrids or full EVs.
- 8. Which vehicle has the best fuel economy?
- The Tesla Model Y, being electric, has the best MPGe (approx. 130 MPGe combined).
- 9. Do any of the cars support over‑the‑air updates?
- Both the Tesla Model Y and the BMW M3 (via BMW ConnectedDrive) receive OTA updates.
- 10. What’s the most affordable ride in the fleet?
- The Zero SR/F, with a base MSRP of $22,500, is the most budget‑friendly option.
Conclusion
Our fleet is more than a lineup of metal and rubber; it’s a snapshot of the diverse ways we experience the road. Whether you’re chasing the turbo‑petrol rush, the silent glide of an electric powertrain, or the raw edge of a superbike, there’s a piece of the Jalopnik family that mirrors your own automotive passion. Stay tuned for 2026 updates, because as the industry shifts, so will our rides. Until then, keep the engines humming, the batteries charged, and the road ahead wide open.
