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Late last year, we learned that the Volvo V60 Cross Country station wagon would end production in April 2026, and while the company has given hints that it is still looking into the space for the future, there haven't been any official comments that could be considered promises of the longroof's return. Until now - Volvo Cars president and CEO Håkan Samuelsson told Road & Track that Volvo is "looking into that," adding, "Not just looking into. I think it's not really too much [to say] that ... I think we will not only have SUVs five years from now." While he understands that the U.S. has become obsessed with SUVs, he also pointed out that practical and emotional factors may play into the drive for wagons or sedans again. Wagons Are Better EVs, and They Might Be More Hip, Too Cole Attisha The CEO noted that air resistance will play a role in decision-making, something that Ford CEO Jim Farley has repeatedly noted, too, saying that "the sedan silhouette turns out to be very clean aerodynamically." The other big factor is one of individuality. Many Americans grew up in the back of station wagons, and having crossovers and SUVs when they came of age felt like a meaningful change that differentiated them from their parents. As SUVs and crossovers proliferate, younger generations may want something that feels different from what today's parents drive, and that could shift the perception of what is desirable and modern "back to lower cars," according to Samuelsson. "They say, 'My mother used to have [that car] when they see an SUV." In a nutshell, EV range benefits and the pleasure of driving something different in shape from the previous generation may make station wagons very compelling by the end of the decade. But Volvo can't rely only on that, and it's got plans for a big SUV that could be very popular in the U.S. Volvo Is Working On Something Big Volvo Samuelsson's discussion also revealed that Volvo is working on something that R&T says points to a previously rumored Cadillac Escalade rival, something to take on the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS with. The CEO said, "We are, right now, developing a car where it's really the U.S. market in sight, which should be a really big seller here." He added that it's "a family-oriented bigger car," adding that it needs variety in its powertrain offering, with an EV-only offering "difficult" to find success with. Better still, this new SUV may be produced at Volvo's South Carolina plant, which is currently underutilized and has been offered to other brands. "With such a car," Samuelsson said, "with the volume we [could] sell in the U.S., it should be no problem to fill the factory. If Volvo can introduce a big SUV specifically for America while also bringing wagons back, it should be able to appeal to more buyers, something it desperately needs to do. Unfortunately, a specific timeframe for any new Volvos is out of the question for now, but we'll report back as soon as more information becomes available. View the full article

At a rainy Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR decided that Richard Childress Racing should be the first to unload their Cup cars for the 67th running of the Coca-Cola 600. They will also be the first two through inspection in a change of procedure for the weekend. Video from the track shows the emotional scenes as an unusually quiet garage watched on as the No. 33 of Austin Hill -- with a small ...Keep readingView the full article

The Return Of The Commute HackWith gas prices still high amid the conflict in the Middle East, more people are turning to hybrid vehicles, which help improve fuel economy by adding at least one electric motor for propulsion. But a CBS News report shows that high gas prices are not only pushing people into more efficient cars, but also toward public transportation. The report stated that Amtrak saw a 5% increase in passengers in March compared to a year earlier. Meanwhile, bus company Trailways saw a 9% increase in April over the same period, with some passengers opting to take the bus for long-distance travel instead, as airfares have reportedly risen by 15% due to increasing jet fuel prices. Gas Prices Could Redefine DemandIt has only been a few months since gas prices surged, but the shifts happening in the transportation sector could still bring major long-term changes to the car industry, including reduced demand for new vehicles, particularly larger, less fuel-efficient models like pickup trucks. The growing preference for efficiency was also reflected in Honda’s sales last month, when the automaker’s hybrid lineup – including hybrid versions of the CR-V, Civic, and Accord – reached an all-time April high. There is also reportedly growing interest in electric vehicles, though that may not fully translate into sales because of slowing EV demand, particularly in the U.S. While some are turning to public transportation to combat high gas prices, others are starting to carpool. Not only does that help car owners save money on fuel, but it can also reduce emissions by putting fewer cars on the road while still moving more people. Artūras Kokorevas/Pexels Public Transportation Has MomentumBut despite growing demand for public transportation – with Trailways saying it is looking to hire more drivers and buy more buses – the report stated that the company has not raised fares yet. However, conditions could change if more drivers start facing the anticipated $5-per-gallon mark around Memorial Day. Gas prices can vary by state, which helps explain why California – with its steep gas taxes – tends to have higher prices. As a result, some drivers there are crossing into Arizona to gas up and save as much as $3 per gallon. But hey, respect the effort when every gallon counts. Bruno Coelho View the full article

Let's be honest: the Honda Prelude's sporty coupe styling writes checks its 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain and continuously variable transmission can't cash, and with it sharing much in common with the Civic, questions about a hotter, Type R-inspired variant are always being asked. Honda Australia president and CEO Jay Joseph has now explained why those questions are always doused with cold water, as reported by regional publication CarSales. The executive has plainly explained that a manual or turbocharged Prelude simply won't happen, not because it's impossible, but because it's impractical from a cost perspective. Hi-Po Honda Prelude Would Cost Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Honda Racing Corporation Speaking to Australian media, Joseph recited the usual PR-sculpted answers that Honda has previously given, saying that the Prelude was designed to appeal to a different global audience than the Civic Type R and saying that the hybrid powertrain made sense for the Prelude as a "lifestyle vehicle." But he later went into more detail about the financial and technical limitations of the Prelude's performance, noting that while the platform is adaptable to several different powertrains, sharing fundamental elements with the Civic Hybrid, Civic Si, and Type R, the Prelude has been so particularly adapted to its current form that altering it to be a hotter coupe would be nearly as much work as redesigning the Prelude from scratch. Related: Honda’s New Prelude Is Already Getting Another Special Edition After Strong Demand "There's some level of interchangeability that's inherent to a platform approach," said Joseph, "but at the same time, we've made so many adaptations of the platform for this specific vehicle. It's just such a different philosophical approach ... adapting this body to all the things that would be required of the Type R is more or less a full development." This would cost Honda "in the order of hundreds of millions of dollars," he said. Given Honda's current financial state, there's no way it would pour that much money down the drain. Basically, if you want Type R performance, you have to buy a Civic, with the Prelude intentionally designed for a less hardcore audience. Honda's Type R badge is legendary, so it can't be watered down, but what about something else? A More Focused Honda Prelude May Still Happen Kristen Brown/Autoblog While more power appears to be off the cards for the Prelude, Honda Racing Corporation is developing various HRC performance upgrades that aim to "enhance the driving experience," meaning lower, stiffer suspension, sharper brakes, stickier tires, and other handling and aero improvements. HRC also suggested widened front and rear tracks, new mirror caps, and a slightly wider body kit to enhance aggression at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Show in January, and the HRC Prelude Concept had loads of forged carbon fiber. It's unclear exactly what will be offered, but Honda is serious about bringing at least some of these upgrades to the dealership. In fact, Honda says its HRC upgrades for the Civic Type R should reach dealerships, including America, by the end of the year, and it makes sense for similar enhancements to be offered for the Prelude before long. So while a new, more potent variant of the Prelude may not be coming, Honda will enhance style and handling through factory-approved aftermarket upgrades. View the full article

The Dwindling Midsize Sedan MarketFor anyone who grew up in the '90s and '00s, the sedan was practically the default family car. In the U.S, midsize sedans once ruled the roost with Camrys, Accords, and Altimas practically flying off showroom floors. Fast forward to today, and a good number of automakers have abandoned that segment in America. Mitsubishi had dropped out of that race, and so have Subaru, General Motors, and Ford. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are still at it, but sales aren't like they were anymore, with the Altima barely hanging in there. Mazda, on the other hand, is being more selective in the markets it sells its midsize sedan. Hyundai and Kia midsize sedans are doing okay, but again, the volumes aren't the same as before. The sole European offering, the Volkswagen Passat, is no longer offered stateside. That said, there are still markets where these cars thrive. China is the biggest market for these, and its homegrown brands have no shortage of offerings. South Korea is another one worth mentioning, as well as the Middle East. The latter brings us back neatly to the Volkswagen Passat. Volkswagen The Passat NowMany countries no longer get the Passat, which is a bit of a shame given that it was such a good car - the international versions, at least. The ninth-generation Passat (B9) was introduced in 2023 and sold exclusively as a wagon in Europe. That's unsurprising given that an overwhelming majority of the previous generations left dealer lots in wagon guise in that market. But go over to China, and the B9 Passat loses its long roof and sprouts a trunk. Its either called the Passat Pro or the Magotan, the latter sporting a different look from the European Passat and Passat Pro. Interestingly, you can get the Magotan as the Passat over in the Middle East. That means the Middle East is the only market that gets that specific version of the midsize sedan. The Passat for that region was introduced late last year for the 2026 model year. While it's essentially a Magotan, there are key differences in the infotainment system for markets outside China. Despite its appearance and some similarities to the last NMS Passat sold in America, this one rides on a completely new platform shared with the Euro Passat. Volkswagen The Middle Eastern PassatOver there, the Passat is marketed as a more upmarket car. That explains the spacious rear accommodations and rear headrest pillows on higher-trim models. Speaking of which, there are three available: Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline. According to Drive Arabia, prices range from 118,500 to 145,000 Saudi Arabian Riyal. That's roughly $31,600 to $38,700, not bad given current prices for the Accord and Camry. So, what comes standard? There's remote engine start, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, power-adjustable seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and IQ.Drive Select modes. Comfortline models add a panoramic sunroof, illuminated front and rear logos, ambient lighting, wireless charging, power-reclining rear seats, advanced driver assists, and more. As for the Highline, it rides on larger 19-inch alloys and comes with goodies such as ventilated front and rear seats, a massage function, tri-zone climate control, and those headrest pillows at the back. Both Trendline and Comfortline models are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 158 hp. Exclusive to the Highline is a 2.0-liter turbo from the GTI, but detuned to 217 hp. There is no six-cylinder or hybrid version of the Passat for the Middle East. Volkswagen Does America Need It?Given America's insatiable appetite for crossovers, SUVs, and trucks, the chances of the Passat, whether in sedan or wagon body styles, are slim to none. Also, tariffs effectively seal the car's fate, as the wagon is built in Slovakia, whereas all sedans are built in China. If you want a VW sedan in America, your only choice is the Jetta. If you want a wagon, you're out of luck. Yes, there will be people who would want the all-new B9 Passat in the country. However, given the state of the midsize market right now, it's safe to say that VW North America won't be able to sell enough to make a profit. If it's any consolation, though, the Passat is still selling well enough in the markets where it's offered, so the name will live on for a couple more years. Volkswagen Volkswagen View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Nonstop rain continues to plague an emotional race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Following the sudden death of Kyle Busch, NASCAR is trying to move forward with a triple-header weekend of racing, but Mother Nature has had other ideas. When the green flag finally flies for Trucks, Day will lead Layne Riggs, Kaden Honeycutt, Ty Majeski, and Brandon Jones. After washing out Friday ...Keep readingView the full article

Stellantis' Bold New Car RolloutStellantis is showing signs of positive growth following losses of about $25.9 billion in 2025. At the time of writing, the automotive conglomerate posted a 6% increase in its net revenue year-on-year to $42.2 billion, while net profit improved to $464.5 million. The company still has a long way to go, but its outlook looks promising. Now, Stellantis has announced its FaSTLAne 2030 turnaround plans. It will spend close to $70 billion in overhauling its management, production, and, of course, product portfolio. By the end of 2030, the company wants to have done 60 new vehicle launches and 50 significant refreshes. No pressure, then. Stellantis Plans for North AmericaAs average car prices breach the $50,000 mark, Stellantis wants to roll out more cars priced below that. Seven models will carry a price tag below $40,000, and two more will start at less than $30,000. Two more pricier models will be launched, bringing the total to 11 new models by 2030. It wasn't mentioned what the sub-$40,000 and $30,000 models will be at the moment. However, it's Jeep and Ram that will get the lion's share of development and focus as Stellantis pinpointed both as its biggest volume and profit drivers. With that in mind, we could see more attainable pickups and crossovers from those brands. That said, it has been reported that Chrysler will introduce a new model under $30,000. It's said that it was already shown to dealers in concept form and was called Pronto. Not many details were revealed about it, but we're hedging our bets that it's a subcompact crossover based on a European Stellantis product. The Bigger PictureOf the estimated $70 billion for the overhaul, Stellantis will allocate about $42 billion for brands and products. The upcoming 11 new Stellantis models for North America will bear a good chunk of those costs, up to 60%, per the company's figures. It's a massive investment, but Stellantis hopes to raise revenue growth by 25% and volume gains by 35%. To bring these new models to market more quickly, the company is targeting 24-month vehicle development cycles instead of the usual 40 months. In the company's own words, it will be rolling out '29 battery-electric vehicles, 15 plug-in hybrid or range-extended electric vehicles, 24 hybrid electric vehicles, and 39 ICE/mild hybrid electric vehicles.' With that, over 100 redesigned and refreshed models worldwide are expected within the next four years. As mentioned, Jeep and Ram will receive the most investment in the North American market. For Europe, Stellantis will be pouring more into Fiat and Peugeot, while the rest of the brands will benefit from the platforms used by those marques. Stellantis even wants to 'strengthen the future of Maserati,' which is probably its tallest order. Stellantis View the full article

In a country better known now for its booming domestic car market than for exporting global automotive icons, a new Jeep is taking shape. It's a proper, ground-up SUV destined for 50 countries, across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and beyond. And the country doing the engineering and the building is India, according to ET Auto. The partnership that makes it possible has been in place for over two decades. Stellantis and Tata Motors, through their 50:50 joint venture at the Ranjangaon facility near Pune, India, have produced more than 1.37 million vehicles together. Now they're ready for something far more ambitious. Stellantis Jeep's Comeback StrategyStellantis hasn't exactly been subtle about how bad things got. The company posted negative profit margins last year and has spent much of 2025 rebuilding under new CEO Antonio Filosa. His answer is FaSTLAne 2030, a $70 billion turnaround plan that commits to over 60 new vehicles and 50 refreshes by the decade's end. Jeep sits at the very centre of it. The brand is being repositioned as one of four true global pillars, alongside Ram, Fiat, and Peugeot, with new models spanning everything from a revived Cherokee to a Wrangler Scrambler pickup. The idea is to flood showrooms with cars and claw back market share that drifted badly in recent years. Stellantis View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article Why India, and What Comes NextThe new India-developed SUV is one of five globally oriented vehicles Stellantis is building across Asia through local partnerships. The logic is straightforward. Engineering and manufacturing costs in India run significantly cheaper than in Europe or North America, and Tata brings a formidable platform, supplier network, and manufacturing infrastructure. The platform in question is expected to be ARGOS, the same modular architecture underpinning the Tata Sierra, capable of supporting petrol, hybrid, EV, and AWD configurations. Localisation levels are targeted to climb from around 65 percent today toward 90 percent, sharpening the cost advantage further. The SUV is expected to arrive by 2028, and for Jeep, India isn't just a market anymore. It's a launchpad. View the full article

The sixth-generation Subaru Forester has just been tweaked for Japan, but don't worry, at least some of the changes are expected to reach the U.S.-spec model. The compact crossover's biggest update is that a more affordable Touring trim has been added to the JDM Forester, but it's not like the Touring sold here in America, though that's nothing new. While our Touring is more premium, Japan's is more basic, and it removes certain features to make a more attractive price possible, but given the practical nature of the Forester, the changes fit the crossover well. Let's take a closer look. Cheaper Subaru Forester Touring Simplifies the Crossover Subaru The JDM Forester Touring gets unpainted black bumper guards fitted front and rear with matching side mildings, and 18-inch two-tone diamond-cut wheels appear in a similar design to the Sport and X-Break trims. Inside, the barebones approach continues with cloth upholstery in plain black or gray and platinum, but it's not as sparse as you might expect. While the base Forester in the U.S. loses out on the 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display in favor of a cheaper 7-inch screen, this does not. But the script is flipped with the driver display, though that may not be a bad thing. The JDM Forester Touring doesn't have a 12.3-inch digital cluster behind the steering wheel, instead featuring a relatively old-school set of analog gauges with a 4.2-inch display between them. Other notable attributes of the JDM Forester Touring are a 10-way power driver's seat with memory, an 8-way passenger seat, heated front and outboard rear seats, and power folding mirrors. Step up to the Touring EX, and the large digital driver display returns, and you get Eyesight X ADAS driver aids, which come standard on all U.S.-spec Foresters. Other Updates to the 2026 JDM Forester Subaru The rest of the Forester range in Japan includes the bronze-accented Sport EX, the black-accented Sport EX Black Selection, the more rugged X-Break and X-Break EX, and the top-of-the-range Premium EX, which is more like America's Touring. Subaru has also improved the resolution of the digital rearview mirror, added faster wireless smartphone charging, and included a 100-volt AC power outlet with 1,500 watts of power on all hybrid models. In terms of powertrains, the Touring, Touring EX, Sport, and Sport EX get a turbocharged 1.8-liter boxer-four with 174 horsepower and 221 lb-t of torque, sent to all four corners through a CVT. The other trims (X-Break, X-Break EX, and Premium EX) are only available with the self-charging hybrid (S:HEV) powertrain, which marries a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated e-Boxer engine making 158 hp to a traction electric motor with 118 hp. Pricing starts at ¥3,850,000 ($24,200). Expect to see mild trim updates and things like a better digital rearview mirror and faster smartphone charging when the Forester is revised for North America. After prices went up in the U.S. for 2026, a more affordable option might be just what buyers need right now. View the full article

Rear Suspension Recall The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has just published a recall order for the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the Ioniq 5. The electric SUV's rear suspension apparently needs some work, as it has a loose rear suspension that can cause accidents. Certain production numbers have been marked, with the report citing that specific production dates from Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America need to undergo the recall service. Hyundai Specific Production Dates Hyundai Ioniq 9s that were produced between March 25, 2025, and July 23, 2025, have been flagged for recall. Meanwhile, Hyundai Ioniq 5s that were produced between December 10, 2024, and July 10, 2025, are also being recalled for the same issue. These models were all locally produced for the U.S. market at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Bryan County, Georgia. As per usual, check with Hyundai America's VIN checker to see if your car falls under the recall parameters, then go to your assigned dealer in order to facilitate the recall process. Kristen Brown The Problem As for the production defect itself, the rear suspension of the affected Ioniq 5s and Ioniq 9s "may have been assembled with insufficiently torqued fasteners, which can loosen over time and result in noise or vibration. If the vehicle is continuously operated under this condition without being addressed, the nut and/or bolt may detach from the vehicle over time and potentially reduce vehicle stability or control during operation," the recall report reads. In a nutshell, the Hyundai factory might not have tightened the bolts on certain Ioniq 5s and 9s, which will cause discomfort and possibly a crash. With that being said, the early warning signs include noise coming from the rear of the car while it's running. The problem was first identified through a field report, dated August 1, 2025. From there, investigations were held, durability testing was done, and on May 11, 2026, the recall order was underway. At this time, there are no confirmed fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities that are linked to this recall, thankfully. Hyundai View the full article

Alfa Romeo’s future is finally starting to take shape. During Stellantis’ 2026 Investor Day presentation, the Italian brand confirmed two major additions to its lineup: a new compact SUV and a mysterious low-volume “Bottega Fuoriserie” project developed alongside Maserati. These announcements come at an important time for Alfa Romeo and its parent company. Stellantis lost $26.3 billion last year, yet Alfa Romeo's global sales rose by 20.1%. That said, the company’s lineup has started to feel increasingly stale. Aside from the Alfa Romeo Tonale and the all-electric Junior, the brand has very little fresh metal in showrooms. Alfa Romeo’s Core Models Are Showing Their Age Alfa Romeo The Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio have now been on the market for nearly a decade. Alfa Romeo has kept them relevant with updates and special editions like the Collezione range and Giulia Luna Rossa, but both models are beginning to show their age against newer rivals from Germany. Despite that, the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio remain some of the most characterful performance cars in their segments, which helps explain why enthusiasts are still so attached to them. Reports suggest the next-generation Giulia and Stelvio may not arrive until 2028, leaving Alfa Romeo with a significant gap to fill. Another Compact SUV On The Way Stellantis Alfa Romeo wants to focus on smaller cars and SUVS for the future. That's why we're seeing yet another small SUV being revealed, despite the brand already offering the compact Tonale in the US. Alfa Romeo teased the crossover under a cover during the presentation, while executives confirmed it will ride on Stellantis’ new STLA One platform. The architecture supports both hybrid and fully electric powertrains and is expected to introduce technologies like steer-by-wire systems and advanced centralized software controls. Alfa Romeo’s Next Passion Project Stellantis Enthusiasts have always admired Alfa Romeo for its emotional halo cars as much as its everyday models. Cars like the 8C, 4C, and 33 Stradale helped define the brand’s image, despite small sales volumes. Now Alfa Romeo wants to continue that tradition with its new “Bottega Fuoriserie” project. Developed together with Maserati, the initiative will focus on ultra-exclusive halo models inspired by cars like the 33 Stradale and Maserati MCXtrema. Early teaser images suggest the upcoming vehicle may have a slightly more practical shape than previous Alfa Romeo specials, though the company has not revealed any technical details yet. The project also arrives during a difficult period for Maserati itself. The luxury brand has struggled with declining sales, while recent reports claimed Maserati’s next EV could even be built in China with help from Huawei. A project like Bottega Fuoriserie could be exactly what both Italian brands need to reconnect with the emotion and exclusivity that made them desirable in the first place. View the full article

Built Tough, But Not BulletproofFull-size SUVs are often presented as large, commanding vehicles capable of conquering almost any terrain or hauling big families, but even something as small as a defective bolt can cause major problems. Case in point: General Motors is recalling 2,464 full-size SUVs over incorrect wheel-hub bolts that may loosen or deform over time, increasing the risk of a crash. NHTSA recall number 26V304 states that the affected vehicles may have been fitted with incorrect bolts after receiving a dealer-installed accessory brake package or undergoing front wheel-hub bearing service. These vehicles include the following: 737 2025 Cadillac Escalade units411 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV units83 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe units76 2025 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 units12 2025 GMC Yukon unitsSeven 2025 GMC Yukon XL units647 2026 Cadillac Escalade units335 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV units51 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe units35 2026 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 units49 2026 GMC Yukon units21 2026 GMC Yukon XL units Chevrolet Rolling HeavyThe affected units are limited to models equipped with 24-inch wheels, which are typically offered on higher-end trims. Most of these SUVs come with 20- or 22-inch wheels, while the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban are also available with 18-inch wheels. Given the size of these vehicles, especially under heavy braking, replacing the bolts is crucial to avoid consequences such as a possible loss of control. The safety campaign states that GM is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the issue. However, it warns owners that they may hear noise or feel vibration from the affected wheel hub. Affected owners will be asked to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the front left and right wheel-hub bolts replaced. Since all affected vehicles are still under warranty, reimbursement will not be offered. Recall TroubleGM will begin notifying owners on June 29, 2026, though affected VINs have been searchable since May 14 for owners who want to check whether their vehicles are included in the recall. Aside from that, a separate recall is affecting certain GM full-size SUVs and trucks, including some 2026 model-year examples and older vehicles that may have received a replacement transfer case. That safety campaign involves a missing oil pickup tube inside the transfer case, which could prevent proper lubrication and potentially lead to internal damage or wheel lock-up. Chevrolet View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In all of the tributes and reactions pouring in from across the motorsports world and beyond, this one stands out. On Friday, Austin Dillon, the driver of the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet and grandson of the team's namesake, posted the following letter to his social media. RCR runs two full-time Cup cars, and for the past four seasons, those cars were driven by Dillon and his ...Keep readingView the full article

Late last year, Jason Fenske from the Engineering Explained YouTube channel detailed several faults encountered during just six months of leasing a Lucid Air sedan. In January, he reported that Lucid had reached out and explained how it intended to fix the flaws, but in the five months since, things have only gotten worse, as he explains in another new video (embedded below). As if that's not frustrating enough, when Lucid offered to replace the car under Lemon Law, Fenske discovered that finding an exact match to his current spec in an effort to maintain his current lease payments was impossible. So Lucid offered to compensate him for his past payments, buying the car outright to let him start a new lease with a new car. But even that didn't work out, and there's still more to the story, including how Lucid's offer of a Gravity SUV as a long-term loaner only added to his inventory of irritations. Weekend From Hell: 8 Unique Lucid Air Glitches in One TripAfter Lucid offered to address Feske's multiple earlier issues with software updates, some problems still persisted, and on a single weekend trip over four days and roughly 400 miles, eight unique new problems appeared from a Thursday to a Sunday. You can watch the full video above for more details, but in a nutshell, these were the issues: All of the Air's electronic door handles popped out, but the rears would not open.One rear vent was measured to be blowing 50 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the other, despite temperature testing being carried out in a garage out of sunlight, and with equal settings for all four zones of the climate control system.Dynamic white lines to assist with parking using the display from the rearview camera did not load.Apple CarPlay booted up, but navigation did not work, despite leaving the car, coming back, and trying again.On another occasion, CarPlay simply would not load at all.With around 7,000 miles on the odometer, Fenske noted that the car's stop mode, despite being set to 'Hold' instead of 'Roll' (enabling one-pedal driving in tandem with regeneration set to 'High'), randomly switched to the opposite after just a few minutes inside a nearby shop, causing the car to roll forward after being started and pressure being taken off the brake pedal.The car indicated that the speed limit in a 45-mph zone was 75, despite neither the zone before nor after the 45-mph zone being a 75-mph zone.Music randomly stopped playing, on one occasion pausing three times during a single song and never resuming playing automatically, despite good cell coverage.Fenske documented all these problems so he could email Lucid for assistance, with the most concerning being how the car changed its stop mode after he spent just a few minutes inside a nearby store. When starting the car, you put your foot on the brake and select Drive or Reverse, and with 'Hold' selected instead of 'Roll,' the car should slowly creep away in the selected direction. Normal, right? As Fenske was on a slight decline and the car had changed its setting without warning, he rolled forward. Trying to go back into Park and back into Reverse didn't solve the issue, and on the third try, he used the accelerator pedal, and the car moved back as it was supposed to. As Fenske notes, if this setting changes when someone is on a steep hill, especially when they're used to the car behaving as selected, this could cause a crash or worse. Unfortunately, the problems didn't end there. Other Problems Appearing on Fenske's Lucid Air Engineering Explained/YouTube While all the above happened over one weekend, other issues have appeared in Fenske's short time with the car. The audio system was particularly buggy, sometimes not working at all, and sometimes sounding tinny. On other occasions, only the front speakers would fail, and these issues are separate from the regular but random pausing of music. Another problem was that the heated seats would keep turning off, and sometimes, the car would select neither Drive nor Reverse, despite all other functions working - Fenske theorizes that the car thinks it's connected to a charger when this happens. Finally, on that one weekend trip while skiing, the Lucid mobile app was operating in the background and consumed 46 percent of Fenske's new iPhone 17's battery charge, despite only one minute of screen time, while a GPS-tracking app that was running simultaneously in the background only used 7 percent. Engineering Explained/YouTube Yet another issue is that, after leaving the frunk and trunk open for roughly 10 minutes or more (as many do while packing for a trip), the apertures would not close, regardless of whether Fenske used the buttons in the storage spaces, the screen on the dashboard, or his smartphone app. This is despite the car showing on-screen that the openings aren't closed and that the app isn't working. Furthermore, after closing manually, the trunk would sometimes not reopen. Since the people at Lucid are reasonable, they agreed that these issues were too big to live with, and they tried to make the "popular YouTuber," as the engineer laughingly admits he is, happy with a replacement. Lucid's Solution to a Buggy Air Touring Backfires with the Gravity SUV Engineering Explained/YouTube Lucid offered to replace the car under the existing lease agreement using a similar spec, but legally, for Fenske's payments to stay the same, Lucid would have to provide the exact same spec, not similar. With Fenske finding over 4,600 unique builds based on the Air Touring alone, and with Lucid being a relatively low-volume company, that would be impossible. To Lucid's credit, the company didn't give up. The EV maker offered a full buyback and a new lease, providing a Gravity SUV as a long-term loaner while a suitable vehicle was being sourced, but Fenske was at his breaking point and declined for three reasons. Firstly, the lease signed in August 2025 was at $865, and speccing the same build now is $265 more, at $1,130. Secondly, Fenske only wanted a three-year lease, and at this point is 11 months in; not only would a new lease restart the term, but a two-year lease would increase payments even more dramatically, to $1,440. Finally, the experience left a bitter taste in Fenske's mouth, and he knew that if the replacement was bad, it would make things worse for Lucid. If the replacement was good, critics would suggest Lucid had provided a flawless car just because of Jason's publicity, impossible as that would be for software-related issues. Even though he declined, Lucid kept trying to make things right by maintaining the offer of a long-term Gravity loan. Related: New Lucid Gravity Recall Isn't Even Lucid's Fault Fenske took delivery of the SUV and planned an in-depth long-term review, but shortly after editing the video, the Gravity had to return to Lucid Service because a passenger-side window would not roll back up even after multiple vehicle resets. As if the experience couldn't get much worse, the cruise control "cancel" button would only work sporadically, and the cameras would repeatedly fail to load images. Lucid may be brilliant when it comes to engineering and packaging, but its software still has a long way to go, as Fenske's closing statement sums up nicely. "While Lucid has been very understanding and supportive, I am not sure if I will complete the long-term loan. While I believe Lucid has continuously innovated in the EV space and delivered impressive engineering throughout their vehicles, unfortunately, my personal experience has been overshadowed by glitchy software." - Jason Fenske, Engineering Explained View the full article

The NASCAR community arrived to Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend facing the unthinkable, trying to deal with the tragic and sudden death of 41-year-old NASCAR Cup star Kyle Busch. The Truck Series was first up on Friday, but practice and qualifying were canceled due to rain. Because of Busch's win last weekend, the No. 7 Spire Motorsports truck he was supposed to drive -- now covered in ...Keep readingView the full article