The global economy is still seeing new effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and this week, the automotive industry saw many changes to its labor force. Honda, Nissan, Subaru and Volkswagen announced layoffs and furloughs this week, and more are expected as plants and offices stay shut down as we mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Layoffs and furloughs weren't the only big news, though. A fire sent a rental-car lot ablaze at a Florida airport, destroying more than 3,500 cars. Our editors tested some fine automobiles this week, as well, including a big-body Bentley, a quick and fast Porsche, a torque-happy Jeep and more.
Here's a recap of our most important stories from April 5 to 11.
Top reviews
2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport delivers sharp looks and surprising practicality
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2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
If looks are a higher priority than massive cargo space, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport may be a better option than the larger Atlas. Executive Editor Chris Paukert appreciates the chopped-top looks, but isn't as impressed with the power, fuel economy or handling characteristics of this still large VW. It's a solid five-passenger SUV, but one that's focused on style above all.
Click here to read our 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport first drive.
2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S
The top-of-the-line Porsche 911 Turbo S hits nearly every mark for Managing Editor Steven Ewing. It does so, in part, by out-accelerating its supercar rivals, while still providing everyday comfort and amenities you should expect from a sporty grand tourer.
Click here to read our 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S first drive.
2020 Toyota Highlander
Toyota loyalists will not be upset with the marque's latest Highlander, and neither is Reviews Editor Andrew Krok. The 2020 Toyota Highlander has pleasant looks, sufficient power, decent handling, lots of comfort and more, but the midsize SUV faces some hot competition from other manufacturers. The Highlander is a great all-around choice.
Click here to read our in-depth review of the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
Top news
- Automobile manufactures rolled out layoffs and furloughs: Honda and Nissan are temporarily laying off 10,000 workers each, VW furloughed all of its Chattanooga plant workers, and Subaru announced furloughs for its US production workforce.
- An airport fire left thousands of rental cars destroyed: The grass fire that started at South Florida International Airport spread to a nearby lot of rental cars. There were no injuries, and the cause is still under investigation.
- 2020 World Car Awards announced: Kia won big this year with its Telluride SUV and Soul EV, and Porsche's Taycan won awards for both performance and luxury.
- Sandy Munro is tearing down the Tesla Model Y: The manufacturing world's consulting guru has a lot of good things to say about the Model Y compared to the Model 3, but it's not without its faults.
- BP gas stations give health care workers fuel discounts: BP wants to show its support of those on the front lines and is giving healthcare workers half-dollar-per-gallon discounts at stations across the country, despite already low gas prices.
- McLaren looks to synthetic fuel for the future: Battery production is still quite harmful to the environment and McLaren says it's allocating resources for a development car that can run on synthetic fuels.
2020 Lexus LC 500 dons a lovely shade of green for the limited-run Inspiration Series
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Top videos
2020 Bentley Flying Spur: Heritage meets modern luxury
Editor-in-Chief Tim Stevens takes a deep dive into what modern luxury should be, and to no surprise, the 2020 Bentley Flying Spur does not disappoint. The centenarian automaker's new sedan is really quite good, and we think it's an excellent alternative to Bentley's SUV, the Bentayga.
2020 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel gets muddy
Craig Cole puts the diesel-equipped 2020 Jeep Wrangler through all its normal paces, including on- and off-road driving. The new engine option offers plenty of torque while also delivering decent fuel economy for an SUV of its capability.
5 PC games that'll make you a better racer
Now more than ever, PC gaming is a solid option for folks who want to get their racing fix. Editor-in-Chief Tim Stevens has five good choices for folks looking to transition from real-world driving or casual gaming systems to PC gaming in the video above.