New Year Torque: Mexico Tariffs Bite, Ford’s Recall Crown, and a 1,085-HP Turquoise Wagon Because… Mansory

New calendar, same chaos. I started the morning with a double espresso and a triple facepalm: tariffs reshuffling the North American deck, Ford wearing the 2025 recall crown again, and Mansory spray-painting subtlety in neon turquoise. Autocar, meanwhile, cracked the door to a 2026 where Gucci might riff on a car key fob—and the car it unlocks. Let’s unwrap it all like a dealer lot on delivery day.

Policy and Industry: Mexico car tariffs in 2026 just made shopping weirder

Mexico is kicking off 2026 with steep tariffs on imported cars. One country, in particular, is reportedly taking the brunt. Practical translation for buyers on both sides of the border: some models that looked like mega-values yesterday may suddenly get pricier or vanish tomorrow, while locally built choices become the safe bet.

When I was last in Monterrey test-driving a compact crossover on beat-up ring roads, the pitch from sales reps was simple—great spec, great price, quick delivery. With tariffs in play, the “price” part gets fuzzy, and that could send brands scrambling for local assembly, partnerships, or just… patience.

Why it matters

• Price pressure: Imported EVs and budget-friendly sedans/crossovers could see sticker inflation and fewer incentives.
• Nearshoring momentum: Expect accelerated “build-it-here” talks; component sourcing may follow.
• Cross-border quirks: U.S. shoppers who eyed Mexico-market specials won’t find loopholes easy; compliance and homologation still bite.

Reliability watch: Ford reportedly recalled more vehicles than the next nine brands combined

According to reporting out today, Ford closed out the year leading the recall charts—again—and not by a nose. The claim: more vehicles recalled than the next nine brands combined. That’s a headline, but here’s the human part: recalls mean shuffling work schedules, arranging loaners, and (sometimes) a Saturday spent with stale coffee in the service lounge.

Over the last year, my long-term Ford tester racked up two recall notices—one handled over-the-air, the other requiring a dealer bay. The OTA was painless. The in-person fix collided with a parts delay. That contrast is Ford’s reality in 2026: a tech-forward brand pushing OTA updates while wrestling the old friction of physical components and supply chains.

What it means for owners

• Don’t ignore OTA prompts: Some calibrations genuinely improve driveability and safety.
• VIN check monthly: Use your automaker’s owner portal or the national database to see if you’re covered. It takes two minutes.
• Combine visits: Line up recalls with routine service to avoid repeat trips.
• Document everything: If parts are delayed, keep a paper trail for potential goodwill assistance.

Ford’s product is often excellent to drive—still the case. But quality control is a team sport played across suppliers, software stacks, and plants. The scoreboard doesn’t care which player flubbed the pass; it just tallies the drops.

Tuning and culture: Mansory’s 1,085-hp wagon and the turquoise tidal wave

Mansory has unwrapped a new wagon claiming 1,085 horsepower and paint louder than a Miami realtor’s pool deck. The basic recipe is familiar: take a already-fast super wagon, add wind-tunnel-snubbing bodywork, carbon fiber everywhere, and power figures that turn Pirellis into confetti.

I’ve driven my share of ultra-wagons—track days, luggage piled to the parcel shelf, kids giggling at launch-control theatrics—and I love the genre. But at 1,085 hp, you’re past “fast family car” and into “I need an accountant for tire budgets.” The looks are… subjective. I’ll say this: subtle it ain’t. On a dim street, the turquoise still glows like a plugin indicator.

Feature highlights (claimed/typical for the breed)

• Approx. 1,085 hp from a heavily breathed-on twin-turbo V8
• Widebody aero with extensive carbon fiber trim and ducts
• Gigantic brakes and likely stiffer, lower suspension settings
• Forged wheels wrapped in ultra-high-performance rubber
• Cabin restyle: vibrant upholstery, contrasting stitching, bespoke badging

Is it tasteful? Depends on your definition. Is it quick? You’ll run out of road before it runs out of thrust. As a daily? Watch those curbs, and maybe keep a stealthy set of winter wheels for the school run.

Wildcard corner: Autocar’s “alternative” predictions for 2026 (Gucci car, anyone?)

Autocar rang in the year with playful predictions for 2026, including fashion-house collabs—yes, a “Gucci car”—and other left-field ideas. Sounds bonkers, but the fashion-and-auto crossover isn’t new. We’ve seen special editions peppered with designer cues, and lifestyle branding only gets louder when the underlying platforms grow more similar. If everyone’s using the same EV skateboard, differentiation moves to software, services, and—why not—couture trim.

My take? A limited-run, tastefully executed collab could sell out in minutes, especially in cities where a valet line is a runway. The trick is substance over stitch: give us unique materials, curated colorways, maybe even a sensory experience pack (scent, soundscapes) that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. And please, no subscription to unlock the logo.

If even half of this comes true in 2026

• More co-branded specials with bespoke interiors and curated palettes
• Software-as-fashion: downloadable themes and sounds to match the badge
• Pop-up boutiques doubling as test-drive studios

Bottom line

Tariffs are tightening, recalls are reminding us the car is the most complicated device we own, and tuners are still turning the absurdity dial to 11. Somewhere in the middle, a “Gucci car” might arrive, if only to give the valet something to gossip about. Keep your VIN handy, your expectations flexible, and your sense of humor close.

Quick FAQ

• Are Mexico’s 2026 car tariffs already in effect?
  Yes, they’ve kicked off with the new year, and imported models are the focus. Expect pricing clarity from dealers and brands as Q1 unfolds.
• Which vehicles are most exposed to Mexico’s tariffs?
  Reports indicate imports—particularly those built in certain Asian manufacturing hubs—face the steepest headwinds. Locally assembled models are better insulated.
• How do I check if my Ford is under recall?
  Run your VIN through your automaker’s owner portal or the national recall database. Also watch for OTA update prompts; some recalls can be remedied without a shop visit.
• Is a 1,085-hp wagon practical?
  Define practical. It’ll carry kids and luggage at astonishing speed, but tire, brake, and insurance costs are not for the faint of wallet.
• Is a “Gucci car” real?
  It’s a playful prediction. Designer collaborations have happened before; a more ambitious, modern take wouldn’t shock me in 2026.