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BMW of North America has announced a recall of 87,394 vehicles due to a fire risk from an engine starter that could overheat. Submitted on January 30, 2026, this newest recall follows several months of analysis into the starters equipped to a range of BMW products. The issue came to light in September last year, when almost 200,000 models were initially recalled for a starter that could be a fire risk, even when the vehicle is parked. Since then, more tests have been conducted as BMW and its supplier, Valeo, work to resolve the issue. BMW Starter Motor Recall: What Models Are Affected? BMW/Fabian Kirchbauer Photography The latest recall (#26V056) affects multiple BMWs sold in the United States, along with the Toyota GR Supra, which shares a platform and many components with the BMW Z4. Here’s a look at all models implicated in the new recall: 2021-2023 Toyota GR Supra2021-2024 BMW 5 Series2021-2022 BMW Z42022-2023 BMW 2 Series Coupe2022-2024 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe2021-2024 BMW 4 Series Convertible2021-2023 BMW 4 Series Coupe2021-2024 BMW 3 Series2021-2023 BMW X42021-2024 BMW X3Of the 87,394 vehicles recalled, the 3 Series population is the largest at 46,384 models, while only 1,186 2 Series Coupe models are implicated. A further 803 Supras are to be recalled, too. Toyota In September last year, several vehicles with engine starters showing thermal damage had been identified, but the root cause was unknown at that point. The new BMW starter motor recall states that wear on an internal component of the engine starter could result in starter overheating and a potential fire. A buildup of metallic material because of abrasion in the electrical relay chamber was also discovered last month. These findings go deeper than the thermal damage detected last September. Dealers will replace the engine starter at no cost to customers, with customer letters to be mailed on March 24, 2026. What Should Owners Do Now BMW If you want more information on what to do until your vehicle can be attended to, you can contact BMW customer service on 1-800-525-7417, while Supra owners can reach Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Confirming whether a specific vehicle is involved in the recall can be done with the VIN from March 24, 2026. Until then, it may be wise to park your vehicle outside. BMW says it’s not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the latest recall, but in the extreme and unlikely case where your vehicle catches on fire, it’s obviously better if it’s parked outside and away from structures. You can also take the proactive step of reaching out to BMW/Toyota before the official owner letters are mailed out, as it may be possible to get your vehicle booked in before then. Fortunately, BMW has not requested that anyone stop driving their vehicles, which would be the most inconvenient outcome. Exercising caution is advised until your vehicle’s starter can be checked or replaced, though. View the full article

A Rivalry That Refuses to Cool OffBoth Ferrari and Lamborghini have redefined their supercars through modern electrification with the SF90 Stradale and Revuelto, respectively. Deciding which one is “better” ultimately comes down to personal preference – though a straight-line drag race can highlight performance differences once real-world variables come into play. DragTimes lined up the two Italian hybrid supercars for a quarter-mile showdown at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida, further fueling the long-running rivalry between Ferrari and Lamborghini. Of note, both vehicles were tuned—a factor worth considering when interpreting the results—while their custom exhausts, including the Gintani setup in the Lambo, delivered a soundtrack to match the spectacle. Drag Racing in the Hybrid EraSpecs-wise, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with three electric motors, producing a claimed 1,200 horsepower – roughly 200 horsepower more than stock. DragTimes also noted that the SF90 Stradale tipped the scales at 3,982 pounds, giving it both a power and weight advantage over the Lamborghini Revuelto, which combines a 6.5-liter V12 with a tri-motor hybrid system for around 1,100 horsepower and weighs approximately 360 pounds more. Despite what the specs might imply, the Revuelto posted a 9.422-second quarter-mile run at 147.79 mph, edging out the SF90 Stradale’s 9.669-second pass at 149.28 mph in the first round. On the second attempt, the Lamborghini got off the line quicker before the Ferrari closed the gap. The time slip showed that the Revuelto still prevailed with a 9.407-second run – roughly three-tenths quicker than its opponent. The Revuelto ultimately secured a 3–0 victory on paper, though the final time slip showed an 8.497-second pass – almost certainly an error, since a one-second drop without any reported setup changes would be highly unlikely. DragTimes/YouTube Same Speed, Different SoulResults can vary. In CarWow’s test, stock versions of the two were pitted against each other, with the SF90 Stradale narrowly edging out the Revuelto, while the Porsche 918 finished third. Taken together, the Ferrari and Lamborghini appear broadly matched in straight-line performance, particularly given that both produce around 1,000 horsepower and employ similar tri-motor hybrid systems, leaving design, brand character, and overall appeal as factors that may define the broader comparison. What stood out with the Revuelto, however, was its V12 symphony, which sounded especially sweet as it charged down the strip. With increasingly stringent emissions regulations, only a handful of manufacturers still offer this type of engine. Ferrari is one of them, continuing the tradition with the 12Cilindri – a model that completely forgoes hybridization and turbocharging, delivering around 819 horsepower. DragTimes/YouTube View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

As EV Demand Softens, Wells Bets Bigger on Throwback Sports CarWhile several mainstream automakers recalibrate electric vehicle production amid cooling demand, small British manufacturer Wells Motor Cars is heading in the opposite direction. The Warwickshire-based startup has confirmed to Autocar that it will ramp up production of its featherweight Vertige sports coupe to 12 cars in 2026, before doubling output to 24 units in 2027. For a hand-built, niche performance car, that represents a meaningful expansion. The Vertige first appeared at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed as founder Robin Wells’ interpretation of a modern, back-to-basics sports car. Limited Founders Edition production began in 2023. Each example is assembled by hand in England with an almost entirely British supply chain. Wells’ intent is clear: scale cautiously, preserve craftsmanship, and meet demand without diluting exclusivity. Wells View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The Lightweight Vertige: Compact, Analog, and Unapologetically FocusedAt under 1,870 pounds dry, the mid-engined Vertige is engineered around minimal mass, powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Ford Duratec four-cylinder making up to 250 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual, individual throttle bodies, and unassisted rack-and-pinion steering for a pure, analog driving experience. Its modular chassis uses a central tub with detachable front and rear subframes and delivers a claimed 34,700 lb-ft per degree of torsional stiffness, complemented by double wishbone suspension at all four corners and 11-inch ventilated brake rotors with four-piston calipers. Measuring just under 13 feet long and 5.7 feet wide, with dihedral doors that extend only about 1.6 inches beyond the body when opened, the Vertige remains compact yet usable, offering approximately 7 cubic feet of rear cargo space, an optional 2.3 cubic-foot front trunk, and a 13.2-gallon fuel tank for legitimate long-distance capability. Inside, Wells blends traditional craftsmanship with essential modern tech. Analog gauges move with the adjustable steering column, and a discreet 7-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hand-stitched Scottish leather, Alcantara trim, and a wooden gearknob carved from a single block of sustainably sourced wood elevate the cabin. In today’s sports car landscape, where even compact ICE coupes have grown heavier and more complex, and electric performance cars routinely exceed 2,000 lbs. Even as the Miata easily surpasses that, the Vertige occupies a distinct niche. It offers a lightweight, naturally aspirated alternative that aligns more closely with classic Lotus minimalism than with contemporary, tech-laden grand tourers. Wells View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article Internal Combustion’s Last Stand Looks Very AliveWells’ production increase may be modest in absolute terms, but symbolically it matters. In an era dominated by battery density and software-defined platforms, the Vertige champions mechanical tactility. Its unassisted steering, linear throttle response, and structural rigidity aim to reconnect driver and machine without algorithmic filtering. Internal combustion is evolving under regulatory pressure, yet cars like the Vertige demonstrate that demand for lightweight, driver-focused ICE machines persists. For enthusiasts fatigued by screens and synthetic soundtracks, Wells offers something elemental. As larger manufacturers hedge their bets, this small British outfit is doubling down on the proposition that simplicity, low mass, and a naturally aspirated engine still resonate deeply in 2026. Wells View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Look Back at the Isuzu TrooperNow, for those born within this millennium, we highly doubt that they have much recollection of the Isuzu Trooper. Sold for two generations between 1981 and 2002, it saw a fair amount of success in its heyday. The first Trooper was, quite literally, a box on wheels and more of a utility vehicle that happened to have four-wheel drive. It was born in an age where the term SUV had yet to be coined, and it's safe to say that it's one of the pioneers of the genre, at least among its Japanese peers. It's the latter second-generation model that really defined the model, butting heads with other midsize SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero (which will be revived soon), and Toyota 4Runner. Introduced in 1991 and facelifted in 1991, it's a far more refined and premium product than the model it succeeded, and it even offered robust off-road mechanicals. Both generations lasted a decade each and have a small but faithful following. The thing is, the Trooper also has a rather odd honor of perhaps being the most rebadged car in automotive history. Isuzu Thanks, General MotorsNow, we should note that the second-generation Trooper saw a whole barrage of rebadged models over 11 years. During its production run, a good number of automakers used the Trooper as their midsize-to-large SUV offering (depending on market) in different parts of the world. That's mainly thanks to Isuzu's long-standing partnership with General Motors. GM's stake in Isuzu is much smaller now, though it's still evident today, with Chevrolet's medium-duty trucks rebadged as Isuzus. Back then, though, the badge engineering was taken to the extreme. Back then, it was pretty much guaranteed that you would get at least three versions of the same car, with just a few differentiators between them. Then again, this is GM we're talking about here. Opel An Odd Collab With HondaAnother reason the Trooper had so many versions is that, in part, it was thanks to Honda. Isuzu and Honda had a little exchange program that started in 1993. The deal was for Honda to provide passenger cars to Isuzu, and Isuzu would reciprocate by lending some trucks and SUVs to Honda. That partnership gave birth to two Trooper-derived models, along with a smattering of oddballs that are largely forgotten today. Does anyone remember the Isuzu Oasis? Yep, we thought so. Honda Total DerivativesOfficially, the second-gen Trooper saw ten different manufacturer badges during the course of its production. Starting alphabetically, we kick things off with the Acura SLX, followed by the Chevrolet Trooper for specific Latin American countries. For Australia and New Zealand, it was called the Holden Jackaroo and Holden Monterey, the latter being the fully-loaded upmarket version. There was even a sportier-looking version dubbed the HSV Jackaroo. Up next is the Honda Horizon, which was literally the SLX for the Japanese market, as Acuras aren't sold there. Interestingly, Isuzu even had different names for its own product, being called the Bighorn in its home market, and the Citation in Malaysia. GM's European division (at the time), Opel, also got the Trooper and changed its name to Monterey, and even China got in on the action with the Sanjiu 3-Nine Trooper. But perhaps the most obscure version of the Trooper was the Subaru Bighorn, which held the odd distinction of being the brand's first midsize SUV, long before the Tribeca and Ascent. Of course, Vauxhall being part of GM back then, it too rebadged the Trooper and dubbed it the Monterey like its Mainland European twin. All in all, that's 13 names across 10 brands with varying degrees of success, or rather, failure. In the end, most of the rebadged models were consolidated back to the original version and consigned to being odd footnotes in automotive history. Mind you, the Trooper isn't the most renamed car in history, but that's a story for another time. Isuzu Acura View the 25 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article