Street News Anchor

Auto industry CEOs are traditionally among the best paid business executives in the world, but there are significant differences between the pay packages US automakers provide to their bosses. Last year, America’s biggest automakers paid their CEOs in the tens of millions of dollars each, with General Motors’ Mary Barra earning $29.9 million and Ford’s Jim Farley bringing home $27.5 million. As for Stellantis, its new CEO Antonio Filosa received a total compensation package of €5.4 million (approximately $6.3 million), although it’s worth noting that the pay covered only half a year of work as he started in June. But compared to the CEO of Rivian, Detroit Three CEOs made peanuts last year. RJ Scaringe, who founded the EV startup in 2009, earned a total of $403 million for his work at the electric-truck maker in 2025. That’s about 13 times more than the next best-paid automotive CEO in the US, Mary Barra. RJ Scaringe Got an Elon Musk-Style Pay Deal Phillip Faraone/Getty Images According to an April 27 SEC filing cited by the Financial Times, Scaringe received $373 million in stock options and $26.6 million in stock awards as part of a deal agreed by Rivian’s board last year. Those sums were in addition to his yearly salary of $1.1 million and $1 million bonus. Scaringe’s 2025 pay package saw a massive increase over the two previous years, when he made $14.9 million (2024) and $14.3 million (2023). In 2026, his base salary is set to double to $2 million and his maximum bonus will reach $1.7 million, according to the filing. But why is RJ Scaringe making so much more money than the CEOs of much bigger automakers that have been around for more than 100 years? It all comes down to the company hitting stock price and financial targets, as those bonuses were tied to company achievements. Interestingly, RJ Scaringe could end up making much more in the coming years after Rivian’s board in November 2025 approved a package that could be worth as much as $4.6 billion over the next decade if the chief executive hits a series of ambitious stock price and financial goals. As FT points out, this system reminds of that used by Tesla, which has given its CEO Elon Musk a potential $1 trillion pay deal last year tied to seemingly unrealistic goals such as increasing the group’s valuation six times and boosting earnings 24-fold. Midsize R2 Electric SUV Is Expected to Take Rivian to the Next Level Rivian As for Scaringe’s pay package, Rivian’s directors justified it by saying it was “entirely at-risk” and the shares would only be awarded after significant price and financial improvements would be achieved; those indicators include operating income and cash flow. To get the pay package, Rivian's valuation would have to grow by $153 billion compared to its current market cap, the directors said. Rivian’s current valuation is $21 billion, down 86 percent since the company’s initial public offering in 2021. The EV maker has been losing money for its entire existence, ending 2025 with a net loss of 3.6 billion despite selling 42,000 R1T pickups and R1S SUVs last year. Rivian is hoping that the upcoming launch of its new mass-market R2 midsize SUV, which entered production last week at the company’s plant in Normal, Illinois, will help it reverse years of multibillion-dollar losses. The company also expects to make money by selling its software and autonomous systems to other companies, following a $5.8 billion software and electrics deal with Volkswagen last year. Additionally, the EV maker relies on a $1.25 billion investment from Uber, which agreed to buy up to 50,000 R2 EVs by 2030. As part of the deal, Rivian has to turn the vehicles into autonomous, unsupervised robotaxis. View the full article

Road Racing HeritageOnly a few automotive brands still left in existence can claim that they've reached 100 years in the business. Even fewer are able to reach this milestone and also tout a true racing heritage backed up by multiple wins spanning decades and legendary drivers. Maserati's story hasn't been an easy one, going through a lot more downs than ups, but here they are 100 years later, still alive and kicking. With this major achievement reached, 2026 is set to be a very special year for the brand. Maserati View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article 100 Years of the TridentHaving been through multiple ownerships in the 100 years, Maserati's current owner, Stellantis, is going all-in on the celebrations for 2026. The automotive group giant announced that "every Maserati event around the world in 2026 - from sporting events to concours d’elegance, from product presentations to cultural initiatives - will turn this special milestone into a manifesto of identity and pride shared by Trident enthusiasts worldwide." To further amplify the celebrations, there will also be a commemorative marketing campaign. Where the tagline is "100 Years of The Trident," further enhancing the messaging is that RIDE in the word Trident will be in bold letters, to evoke the refined yet sporty driving experience that has always distinguished every Maserati. The Ministry of Enterprises of Italy is also adding to the festivities by releasing a postage stamp that is dedicated to the Trident’s centenary and to Maserati's global reach in 70 markets, which the ministry recognizes as an expression of Italian excellence. Santo Facili, Maserati's COO, says that the Trident embodies the most authentic soul of Maserati. Maserati View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Born on the RacetrackFacili also points out that this soul was born on the racetrack back in 1926, where the brand also secured its first race win during the gruelling Targa Florio. The logo was conceptualized as early as 1925, but took on full form a year later. It was designed by Mario Maserati, the only brother of a member of the Maserati clan who wasn't directly involved in the car business. His first logo sketch is currently preserved in the Maserati archives in Modena. It was first displayed on the Tipo 26 race car, the car with which Alfieri Maserati entered the Targa Florio, taking first place in the 1500 cc class. It was the first in a long series of successes, including two consecutive editions of the Indianapolis 500 in 1939 and 1940, four consecutive victories at the Targa Florio in 1937, 1938, 1939, and 1940, nine Formula 1 wins, and the 1957 Formula 1 World Championship with Juan Manuel Fangio. View the full article

Unified Charging SystemOne of the most annoying parts of EV ownership has been the different charging port standards. Over the years, each brand has claimed its technology is the best option, but it only leads to confusion and frustration for owners. Some charging stations would only support a specific charging port, which might not be compatible with some EVs. In a bid to streamline charging for EV owners, brands have begun switching to a single charging port option, making it much easier for everyone to charge at most stations. Chevrolet GM Going NACSGM announced earlier this year that part of its new EV strategy is to equip all 2026 model-year cars with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port. A new announcement confirms that the recently announced 2027 Blazer EV will also include the NACS port. The Blazer EV is following in the footsteps of the Bolt EV, but officially, the first GM product featuring NACS is the 2026 Cadillac Optiq. Tesla's the biggest reason NACS is becoming the new industry standard, thanks to the sheer number of Supercharger stations across the nation. This should allow most EV owners to charge without hassle. GM does say, though, that new owners will not lose access to existing chargers that use the old CCS1 connector, as they will be providing a charging adaptor. GM says the goal is to simplify the customer experience while expanding access to more reliable charging. New Blazer owners will now have easier access to one of the biggest and broadest-reaching charging networks in America, thanks to the NACS integration, while continuing to have the flexibility to use older charging stations with the adaptor, making it easier to plan trips and go on long-distance journeys. Chevrolet Bigger ImplicationsNACS was originally a Tesla-developed and patented charging technology; it was eventually opened to others and has quickly become the go-to charging port layout for most North American EVs. GM's quick adaptation of NACS shows that the market as a whole is leaning towards NACS as the industry standard for public charging stations. Most brands, including Hyundai, Nissan, and Audi, have already shifted to NACS as early as 2025. Apart from GM, the likes of Toyota and other automotive brands have stated that NACS integration will begin with cars made in 2026. View the full article

Kia has found success in multiple vehicle segments. From cheap sedans to near-premium midsize SUVs, the company’s brave design choices and diverse powertrain lineup have seen sales surge. So, it’s especially disappointing that the brand’s first pickup, the Tasman, has been unable to achieve the same level of success as other Kias. It marks a rare misstep for the otherwise thriving Korean marque. In the latest sales results out of Australia—where midsize pickups like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger are immensely popular—the Tasman is falling far short of its sales target. Tasman’s March Sales Were Dismal Kia Kia originally hoped to sell 20,000 Tasman pickups in Australia annually. In March, only 399 Tasmans were sold Down Under, far below the monthly target and most competitors; the HiLux and Ranger moved over 4,000 units each in the same month. Other pickups like the Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton were also well ahead of the Tasman. Many observers have pointed to the Tasman’s unorthodox design as a reason for its poor initial sales. However, in December last year, Kia denied suggestions that it would fast-track a redesign of the pickup. Kia Australia CEO, Damien Meredith, says he knows where the company needs to focus to get Tasman sales up. “Lifestyle [sales] we’ve done very, very well and that’s probably been the Kia owner, the one who’s loyal to the product,” said Meredith to Carsales. “What we need to do is improve fleet, we need to improve our [agricultural] performance and we need to improve our provincial performance. Selling cars to people – not farmers – in provincial areas.” Dennis Piccoli, Kia Australia COO, said that cracking the fleet market is tough, as “existing brands that are out there are pretty well entrenched”. What It Means Kia For now, many Australians needing a no-frills, workhorse pickup are still turning to traditional, trusted nameplates. These cheaper pickups prioritize capability, reliability, and value, and it’s this area where the Tasman has so far failed to resonate with buyers. In the U.S., we’ve seen a similar level of loyalty for more established truck brands. Take Ford and Hyundai, for instance. Even though they entered the compact pickup segment at a similar time with the Maverick and Santa Cruz, the Ford has been comprehensively outselling the Hyundai for a while now. Like Hyundai, Kia is relatively new to the pickup space, so this trend potentially spells trouble for Kia’s upcoming body-on-frame midsize pickup. It may struggle to match the Toyota Tacoma on the sales charts, just as the Tasman is battling to compete with established truck rivals. In the pickup segment, no matter how accomplished your product may be, buyers tend to stick with what they know and trust. Earning that respect could take Kia years. View the full article

When you think of hands-free semi-autonomous driving technology, Tesla may be the first automaker that comes to mind, not always for good reasons, but it's not the only one working towards true self-driving. While the likes of BMW and Mercedes are scaling back their efforts in this space, General Motors isn't, and it's getting closer every day while simultaneously working to bring AI to more drivers. This week, GM customers in nearly 750,000 Super Cruise-enabled vehicles have driven 1 billion hands-free miles, or almost 2,100 trips to the moon and back, using the advanced driver aid. The data collected during these trips will be critical in helping the automaker advance on its path towards fully autonomous technology, something it's still determined to achieve despite the challenges associated with making eyes-off self-driving safe and dependable. And GM believes it'll get there sooner than you might think. The Data Behind Super Cruise's Widespread Use Cadillac GM intends to launch eyes-off driving with the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028, but the technology is intended to be available with combustion cars, too, and not only the most expensive ones like the Escalade. As with Super Cruise, which is available even on the entry-level Bolt EV, GM hopes to make self-driving in personal cars a reality, no matter how much you can afford to spend on your car. This is why the data behind today's system is so important, and there's a lot of it. GM says that over the last 12 months, customers used Super Cruise for 7.1 million hours over 28.7 million trips, logging nearly half a billion miles with Super Cruise engaged. That translates to more than a million miles every day, with the average customer spending approximately 24 minutes per trip with their hands off the wheel. But there's still plenty of room to grow. Related: WATCH: Tesla Robotaxi Tells Passenger to Exit Car at 40 MPH Over 50 percent of users activate Super Cruise weekly, and almost 85 percent use it at least once a month, with up to 40 percent of users renewing their subscription. While those figures show room for improvement, that improvement appears to be happening right now, with GM saying Super Cruise-equipped vehicles grew by roughly 70 percent over the last year, and users grew by about 80 percent. GM expects to exceed 850,000 users before the end of 2026, and in March, it began testing its next-generation automated tech, which will roll out to over 200 development vehicles. With safety as a priority, these vehicles will be supervised with a human test driver ready to take over. Upgraded AI Tech from GM and Google Cadillac Along with its progress towards self-driving, GM today announced that it will be upgrading its voice assistance tech with Google Gemini, giving some 4 million vehicles AI aids through an over-the-air software update. This won't just be for new cars, with GM saying the update will be applied to models from as early as 2022. The automaker also announced "a more deeply integrated AI experience shaped by OnStar intelligence" later in 2026. We should get more details before long, but the key takeaways from GM's announcement today are that Super Cruise usage has more than doubled year-on-year, and along with better integration of AI, General Motors is showing that it can compete with tech companies like Tesla on a bigger scale than ever. This competition will help lead to advances for all automakers, hopefully with safer, more efficient roads as the ultimate byproduct. Or are flying cars the answer? Ron DeSantis thinks so. View the full article

The three-row midsize crossover is the ideal vehicle for many American families. Some models are capable of seating up to eight occupants, you get better towing abilities than in a minivan, and there are a wide range of models to choose from. The Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-90 are three of the most trusted options in this category, but which one should you trust the most to keep your family safe? We’ve turned to the latest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to find out. These ratings are based on 2026 models. Related: Honda CR-V Vs. Nissan Rogue Vs. Hyundai Tucson: Which SUV Is The Safest? Crashworthiness: Mazda ShinesThe IIHS evaluates the crash integrity of all vehicles in three major tests: Small Overlap Front (a collision involving the front corner of a vehicle)Moderate Overlap Front (an offset crash between two vehicles)Side (side-impact test)In each category, a vehicle receives a rating of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. These can make or break a vehicle’s ability to attain a coveted Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Here’s how the three Japanese crossovers performed. Toyota Highlander Honda Pilot Mazda CX-90 Small Overlap Front Good Good Good Moderate Overlap Front Marginal Acceptable Good Side Good Good Good The Toyota and Honda struggled to varying degrees in the safety authority’s latest moderate overlap front test, automatically ruling them out of a safety award. The Highlander was especially disappointing, with the rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics achieving only a Marginal score. There was also an increase in head and neck injuries for rear passengers in this test. The Pilot was a bit better, but still stopped short of a Good rating. The Mazda was the only one of the three to achieve perfect ratings in all three tests. It’s also alone in qualifying for the top IIHS accolade, the Top Safety Pick+ award. This adds to Mazda’s growing reputation as having one of the safest car lineups on the market right now. Related: Mazda Just Took Volvo’s Safety Crown, Says Consumer Reports Crash Prevention: No Red Flags For Any Model 2025 Mazda CX-90 Mazda View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article A modern vehicle must also help the driver avoid a collision from occurring in the first place. Here, the IIHS tests the headlights, as well as the ability to avoid a crash between another vehicle and a pedestrian. Toyota Highlander Honda Pilot Mazda CX-90 Headlights Acceptable/Good (depends on trim) Good Acceptable/Good (depends on trim) Crash Prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle) Not Tested Not Tested Acceptable Crash Prevention (pedestrian) Good Good Good In these three tests, every SUV earned a Good rating for pedestrian crash prevention. Only the Mazda was tested for vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention, where it managed to avoid a collision at most speeds; at higher speeds, the Mazda could only reduce its speed but was unable to avoid a collision entirely. The Honda is the only one with Good-rated headlights, regardless of the trim. If it earns a Good rating in vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention, it will be the best of the three in this category. Related: Toyota Corolla Vs. Mazda 3 Vs. Honda Civic: Which Is Safest? Final Verdict: Mazda Bests Its Rivals Mazda While some crash-prevention results are still unknown, Mazda currently ranks as the safest of these three crossovers. It has the best crash protection in the moderate front overlap test and is the only vehicle to qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ award. Crash prevention between the three vehicles is more even, based on the tests that have been conducted so far. The Toyota and Honda are still safe SUVs, but crash-safety tests have steadily become tougher, so the older designs of these two models have been shown up in the moderate front overlap tests. View the full article

EV Ambitions RecalibratedAlfa Romeo was one of the brands that once vowed to go all-electric this decade, but had to pump the brakes due to shifting market conditions. Now, the Italian marque is instead adopting a multi-powertrain approach, telling Autocar that the “world is not ready everywhere” for electric vehicles. That is because not every market has the same level of EV adoption. EVs may work in some parts of the world, while hybrids may be a better fit elsewhere. Alfa Romeo is sticking with its two long-running nameplates, the Giulia and Stelvio, which will reportedly be underpinned by Stellantis’ STLA Large platform and could be offered with combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains. “We need to find a way to satisfy the needs of our customers. What does this mean? It means BEV, and it means all the other kinds of endothermic [powertrains], so ICE, PHEV, BEV. So that's the direction,” Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili said. Alfa Romeo Flexibility Pays OffSuch a strategy has worked in favor of brands that took a more gradual approach, with Toyota making a strong case. Stellantis, meanwhile, reportedly took a $26 billion hit after overestimating EV demand. Now, the automaker is recalibrating its strategy around real-world demand, echoing Ficili’s remarks. While the STLA Large platform is designed primarily for EVs, it can accommodate other powertrain types. Both the upcoming Giulia and Stelvio are expected to use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a mild-hybrid system to meet emissions standards. For the PHEV versions, reports suggest a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine could be paired with a rear electric motor. Details on the EV options also remain scarce. Alfa Romeo The Powertrain Mix ExpandsIn addition, the models’ high-performance Quadrifoglio variants are expected to be offered with combustion and fully electric powertrains, with reports suggesting outputs of up to 1,000 horsepower from a tri-motor setup, though nothing has been confirmed. This could be welcome news for enthusiasts, especially since the Giulia Quadrifoglio is seen as a strong alternative to the BMW M3. While waiting for further developments, observers can turn to the Dodge Charger for early indicators, as it uses the same platform that will underpin the new Giulia and Stelvio. Both models are expected to be released in 2028. Alfa Romeo View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

At one point, it looked as if Nissan would not survive without Honda's intervention, but since Ivan Espinosa took over as CEO on April 1 last year, things are starting to look a lot rosier. Initially, Nissan shareholders were less than impressed with Espinosa, but in the short year that he's been in charge, he's made major changes that could ultimately result in more exciting offerings, particularly for enthusiasts. As noted by Automotive News, Nissan announced that it now expects an operating profit of ¥50 billion ($313.8 million) for the fiscal year that ended March 31, a completely different result from its earlier forecast of a ¥60 billion ($376.6 million) loss. The automaker's net loss forecast has also fallen by over $60 million, so how does this translate to good news for car enthusiasts? Nissan May Soon Have the Money to Build More Exciting Cars Leroy Marion/Autoblog Nissan's new turnaround plan will see it cull 11 models but introduce many others in the years leading up to 2030, and since it was announced last week, the automaker's top executives have indicated a desire to introduce or revive coupes and convertibles that have been missing from its lineup for years. Among these could be a new Silvia sports car to compete with the likes of the Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5 Miata and a new Nissan Z convertible, but in order to make a bet on these two-door niches, Nissan USA product planning boss Ponz Pandikuthira indicated that the company would need to be as successful as possible over the next two years. Related: American Emissions Rules Are Delaying the Next Nissan GT-R Developing a worthy rival to the aforementioned sports cars from Toyota and Mazda is neither easy nor cheap, and introducing a Z convertible requires engineering and time. Even once those hurdles are overcome, there's no guarantee that they will repay their investments with tens of thousands of sales every quarter, but this new financial outlook could be the first step on the path to a place where Nissan can afford to lose a little money on the occasional passion project. How Nissan Plans to Become Successful Starts with New Products Adam Lynton/Autoblog Before Nissan has the bandwidth to launch coupes and convertibles, it must first appeal to a broader market. To get there, the automaker intends to launch a Nismo version of the Leaf EV as a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N rival, a new Rogue crossover, and a new Xterra SUV at under $40,000, among other things. Should these new products prove successful and be embraced by a large audience, Nissan will find greater freedom, but as always, there's an asterisk. Nissan managed to turn its forecast around by cutting costs and jobs. It was also the result of a weakened Japanese yen, which increases the value of repatriated overseas revenue converted from foreign currencies, and loosened U.S. emissions rules that allowed for revised regulatory liabilities. However unlikely some changes may be for the foreseeable future, any of those factors (besides staffing) could radically swing in the opposite direction. It also remains to be seen how cutting costs could affect products in the future, particularly when it comes to customer satisfaction and recalls. But with Espinosa saying the company is ahead of schedule in much of its turnaround plan, things are looking good for Nissan and, by extension, fans of fun-to-drive cars. View the full article

Styled Like a LegendOwning a classic Aston Martin DB car is the dream – timeless design and the kind of presence that draws film fans thanks to its ties to the James Bond film series. The catch is the price, as most examples trade well into six figures. That’s what makes this one listed on Bring a Trailer feel oddly compelling. This example didn’t start life as an Aston Martin, but as a 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport. It wears custom fiberglass Zagato-style bodywork built by Washington-based Simpson Design in the early 2020s. The listing doesn’t specify the Aston Martin model that inspired it, but the design appears to reference the DB4 GT Zagato, an ultra-rare coachbuilt model from the 1960s. Bring a Trailer Designed to Turn HeadsThe exterior is finished in light green, reminiscent of British Racing Green, traditionally associated with British race cars, while Italian race cars like those from Ferrari were painted red. It also rides on a set of 16-inch knock-off wire wheels similar to those on the DB4 GT Zagato. Inside, the cabin gets a more luxurious finish with beige vinyl bucket seats, woodgrain trim on the dashboard and center console, and a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel with an Aston Martin horn button. The factory stereo and air conditioning have also been retained. What wasn’t replicated, however, was the DB4 GT Zagato’s 3.7-liter straight-six. Instead, it keeps the stock 2.0-liter inline-four, which makes 166 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Bring a Trailer A More Realistic OptionAston Martin produced only 19 examples of the DB4 GT Zagato, making it especially rare. This custom Miata channels that look, but even if the craftsmanship appears well executed, it likely won’t fool enthusiasts. The NC Miata, the third-generation predecessor to the current ND, is much shorter than the DB4 GT Zagato, with the lack of a rear backlight/window arguably being the biggest giveaway. Still, this MX-5 Miata for sale could be considered an affordable way to get a classic Aston Martin, at least visually, with bidding at $23,500 as of this writing. Other details worth noting include non-functional fog lights, a digital odometer reading 26,000 miles (1,600 of which were added under current ownership), and a clean Oregon title in the seller’s name. Bring a Trailer View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The internal combustion engine just lost another motorsport stronghold. Ford Performance has officially pushed the boundaries of battery-electric capability on the drag strip, with the entirely newly developed Mustang Super Cobra Jet 2200, shattering the quarter-mile record by running a 6.87-second quarter mile at 221 mph at the NHRA Nationals in Charlotte this past weekend, defeating their own record of a 7.623-second pass with the Cobra Jet 1800 back in September 2024. Heritage Name, All-New EngineeringHistorically, Ford has used the 'Cobra Jet' brand to signify brutal, straight-line supremacy, a tradition dating back to the late 1960s. That lineage transitioned to electricity with the 1,400-horsepower prototype and the subsequent Super Cobra Jet 1800. This latest iteration ditches incremental updates for a significant bump in output. Developed strictly for the strip, the custom twin-motor 2,200-horsepower electric monster proves that Dearborn is actively investing in its EV motorsport presence. Ford A major step up from the Cobra Jet 1800, the Cobra Jet 2200 uses two motors rather than four. Each has an attached inverter, producing 600 more horsepower while reducing weight due to fewer motors, making for a major increase in energy density. Motors aside, the Cobra Jet 2200 also uses a patented centrifugal clutch. Yes, a clutch in an EV. It is designed to allow slip upon initial delivery and then switch to a "direct drive" where there is no slip, and power is delivered with maximum efficiency. The car also has a geared transmission, and Ford says that the gearing took about a second off the Cobra Jet's quarter-mile time, as EV motors deliver maximum power at the highest revs. Are EVs Still Relevant?The timing of this run is critical, with legacy automakers constantly scrutinized over the cooling consumer demand for passenger EVs, Ford is redirecting the narrative toward raw, unapologetic performance. Pushing roughly 2,200 horsepower through a heavily revised, advanced battery system and a custom high-voltage inverter setup, the electric dragster crossed the quarter-mile threshold in a gravity-warping pass that leaves traditional combustion rivals outclassed. The domestic auto industry has to reckon with the sheer speed of this technological escalation. While traditional V8 dragsters spend decades chasing fractions of a second through mechanical forced induction and volatile fuel tuning, Ford is finding massive power gains simply by rewriting the thermal management software and upgrading the electrical architecture. The rapid turnaround time from the previous 1,800-horsepower variant to this 2,200-horsepower record-breaker underscores the terrifyingly fast development cycle of performance EVs. Ford The takeaway for the American enthusiast is stark. The eventual sunset of the V8 doesn't mean the end of hyper-aggressive, domestic drag racing. While the strip might be losing the deafening roar of a supercharged engine, the sheer violence of a 2,200-horsepower electric launch is quickly proving that the future of straight-line speed may belong to the battery. Detroit's performance divisions aren't stepping away from the quarter-mile—they are just changing the fuel. View the full article

VW's Healing Era?The last couple of years have been rough on Volkswagen. Declining sales, loss of market share, and models that alienated the VW faithful and left critics underwhelmed heavily hampered the brand's efforts. But since the present CEO, Thomas Schäfer, joined the board in 2022, he's promised to steer the company back on the right course. That said, change isn't overnight, but we are seeing some of the corrective measures being applied little by little. More recently, the ID.3 Neo got the makeover it desperately needed and turned into the car it should've been in the first place. The upcoming ID. Polo holds a lot of potential thanks to its familiar looks and name, and more models will follow a simpler, tried-and-tested philosophy. Should the company keep this up, VW will be healed in no time. Volkswagen It's the Most Important Redesign YetBut VW's future lay in the hands of its most important product, the Golf. It saved the company in 1974 and has been the brand's moneymaker (at least in Europe) since then. While the Golf is no longer the company's top-selling model, its significance alone is worth its weight in gold. That means the Mk9 Golf has a lot of weight resting on its fenders. VW cannot afford to mess it up, as its failure could effectively send the brand into a downward spiral it might never recover from. Every new Golf is important, but given the automotive climate at the moment, one can say that the Mk9 could nearly be as crucial as the Mk1. Volkswagen Mk9 Golf: The Juicy DetailsLately, though, the company has been hyping it up, despite it being at least two years away, by releasing a teaser and giving a few hints here and there. CEO Thomas Schäfer and development chief Kai Grünitz recently sat down with Motor1 Spain and shared details that could delight VW fans who have felt that the company has turned its back on them. In the interview, Schäfer mentioned that the MK.9 Golf is coming along nicely, saying, "The team is working on the car. Last year, in November, I was able to see the first full-size model, and all I could say was, 'Wow. It's so beautiful.' It was just one of the ideas—not the final model, but one of those prototypes you continue to make decisions around. But at first glance it seemed very good to me." That said, it's Grünitz who laid down more juicy details of the next-gen hatchback. He said there will be two platforms, one for ICE/electrified and another for pure electric, so it's safe to say that VW isn't forcing an EV Golf on everyone. He then added that the design will be a nod to the Mk4 Golf, which makes us believe that the Mk9 is undergoing Ferdinand Piëch-levels of scrutineering to get it right. As for the design, it's "already 96–97 percent done," in Grünitz's words. Better Days Ahead?With Volkswagen openly admitting to past mistakes and actively correcting them, one can say that the brand has a brighter outlook ahead. So far, the ID.3 Neo is looking like a preview of what we can expect from VW down the line, and we actually like what we're seeing. Instead of starting from a blank sheet of paper and trying to build wheeled smartphones, the company's new philosophy is to blend traditional traits and values with ever-evolving technologies. In other words, it's reverting to a tried-and-true formula that served it well from the '70s until the ill-advised move to go all-out on tech. Volkswagen is determined to win back the fans it had lost and instill a desire to own one of its cars in a new generation of car buyers. The future Golf Mk9, so far, is looking like a step in the right direction. Volkswagen View the full article

Design DNA Still IntactAutomakers have retained certain design signatures that have evolved over time, such as Alfa Romeo’s triangular “Doritos” grille and Porsche’s 911 round headlights. At Jeep, that signature is the seven-slot grille, which dates back to the CJ-2A launched in 1945. Now, it is set to evolve again with the mid-cycle update for the brand's smallest model, the Avenger. If the nameplate doesn’t ring a bell, that’s understandable, as it is not sold in the U.S., much like many subcompact crossovers available elsewhere. Still, the new grille design could hint at what to expect from Jeep’s broader portfolio, and from the looks of it, the update is subtle but gives the Avenger a more modern look, which could resonate with younger buyers, a key demographic for subcompact models. Stellantis New Glow for a Familiar ShapeThe update appears to add seven LED light strips above the grille, visually linking the daytime running lights from each headlight. The Grand Wagoneer features a similar treatment, though its light bar runs as one piece across the grille. The next-generation Compass, which is still not yet on sale in the U.S., uses a design closer to the one coming to the Avenger. For reference, the newer Compass has been delayed due to setbacks in retooling at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. The Avenger, meanwhile, is produced in Poland, but Stellantis is expanding in South America with production in Brazil. Aside from the newly teased grille design, Jeep did not provide many details about the mid-cycle update, describing it only as a “bold new vision” designed to “light up every adventure and make compact freedom shine.” Stellantis A Modern Touch for the AvengerThe Avenger is expected to retain its diverse powertrain options, including combustion, hybrid, and all-electric variants. The all-wheel-drive hybrid version, dubbed Avenger 4xe, uses a 48-volt hybrid system with up to 145 horsepower, while the EV offers a WLTP-estimated range of 248 miles. Reports suggest the facelifted model could be unveiled by the end of 2026, marking the nameplate’s first update since its debut three years ago, primarily for the European market. With the Avenger unlikely to reach the U.S., the closest thing American buyers have to an affordable Jeep is the Compass, whose current version traces its roots to the second-generation model launched for 2017. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

From Older Range Rover Sports to a Much Bigger InvestigationLast year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating a front suspension issue in 2014 to 2017 Range Rover Sport SUVs after owners reported cracks in the aluminum steering knuckle. That part is what links the main steering and suspension pieces together, so any fracture there is a big deal. The first investigation covered almost 92,000 vehicles, which eventually led to a recall of over 121,000 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport SUVs. Now, the investigation is much bigger. NHTSA has moved it up to an Engineering Analysis and is now looking at both the Range Rover Sport and the full-fat Range Rover from 2014 through 2022. That means over 330,000 vehicles are under review. Land Rover What Exactly Is FailingThe reason for the bigger investigation? According to NHTSA documents, more reports have come in, and it turns out newer models use almost the same steering knuckle design. In fact, two of the latest complaints were about 2020 and 2021 Range Rovers, so this isn’t just an old SUV problem. The main issue is cracks forming at the point where the upper control arm connects to the steering knuckle. If that spot breaks, the upper suspension arm can actually come loose. That’s when things get serious. If the upper suspension arm separates, you could lose control of the vehicle. This isn’t just about a rough ride or weird noises – it’s a real risk to steering and safety. So far, investigators have found 236 unique cases after sorting through owner and manufacturer reports. There’s been one crash linked to the problem, but no injuries or deaths have been reported. Land Rover What Owners Should DoIf you own a 2018-2022 model Range Rover, there’s no recall yet. This is still just an investigation, not a recall notice. It may or may not lead to a recall, depending on what the NHTSA discovers. Still, if you hear clunks from the front, notice steering feels off, or get sudden alignment problems or noises when turning, don’t ignore them. Those could be early signs of suspension trouble. If you have an older Range Rover, check if it’s already under recall 25V514. For now, NHTSA is still determining whether this problem is bigger than they thought and whether more Range Rover owners could be at risk. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Forefront of TechnologyOur modern world has reached a point where technology seems to be making big leaps and bounds at a rapid pace. What used to take months and years to develop can sometimes be done in a matter of days. When it comes to the automotive industry, most brands are focusing on improving safety, efficiency, and autonomous driving through the crucible of tech. There are still some who believe that flying cars are a possibility, and it seems one believer is Florida's Governor. Xpeng Aeroht Flying Car FriendlyJalopnik reports that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis really wants to ensure his state is at the forefront of aerospace and aviation. He has expressed his intention to aid in the integration of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, or "flying cars," if you will. DeSantis signed legislation early this week stating that Florida will pay 100% of the construction costs to build VTOL vertiports or landing and takeoff venues. The legislation is in preparation for these flying cars that will most likely be used as taxis before more private individuals buy them. DeSantis, along with Florida Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue's new aspirational push for these ports, is one way they're tackling the state's heavy traffic congestion. This should come as no surprise, given that both men are well-established fans of flying car technology, having visited the Paris Air Show recently. Having had first-hand experience with these VTOLs at the air show, DeSantis promptly partnered with SunTrax, which will be the testing center for the VTOL system in Florida. Currently, there is only one other vertiport in the country, located in Chicago. So Florida's new legislation could really put it ahead in terms of this new aerial mobility solution. However, there are other vertiports already under construction in other states, though none are ready yet; these ports can also accommodate personal vehicles such as drones or helicopters. Xpeng Aeroht Is it actually possible?According to Jalopnik's report, they've been following VTOL technology for quite some time now, and while there have been many showcases and prototypes, actual production of these so-called air-taxis is virtually nonexistent. There are a few VTOLs already in use, but these aren't civilian projects, mostly built for military purposes. From a practical standpoint, Florida's plans seem out of this world, and while there is merit to the thinking behind this legislation, actual application that will benefit the broader population isn't in sight just yet. Audi, Airbus, Italdesign View the full article

A second late-season storm is taking aim at Colorado and forecasters are flagging it as potentially the more impactful of the back-to-back systems hitting the Rockies this week. The Weather Prediction Center is already calling for high probabilities of significant snow across the Front Range, Pikes Peak, and Sangre de Cristos from Wednesday night into Friday, putting major mountain corridors back in the danger zone just as drivers were getting a brief reprieve from this week's first storm. Chat GPT generated image Peak Danger Window: Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, when expanding snow above 8,000 feet collides with cold overnight pavement temperatures across I-70, US-50, and southern Colorado highways. What to ExpectSnow totals: 70%+ probability of 6 or more inches across the higher Front Range, Pikes Peak, and Sangre de Cristos; significant high-elevation accumulation continuing into the weekendSnow level: Above 8,000 feet, dropping close to the foothills as cold air filters in Thursday nightFront Range cities: Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo will see the storm's edge with possible upslope-enhanced surprise accumulationWorst corridors: I-70 across the high country, US-50 over Monarch Pass, US-160 over Wolf Creek Pass, US-550 through the San Juans, CO-65 over Grand Mesa, and I-25 between Denver and PuebloThe system begins as a closed mid-level low near Baja Wednesday evening before opening and ejecting east into the Desert Southwest by Thursday. Strong warm and moist advection ahead of the wave will push ascent over the Colorado Rockies again, while easterly low-level flow drives upslope-enhanced moisture into the state from the Southern Plains. This arrives just behind the storm that hit the Rockies Sunday and Monday, which dropped 12 inches across Crested Butte, Monarch Pass, and the San Juans before exiting Tuesday morning. Road ConditionsThe I-70 mountain corridor is once again the headline travel concern. Berthoud Pass on US-40 (11,307 feet), the Eisenhower Tunnel approach (11,158 feet), and Vail Pass (10,662 feet) all sit well above the 8,000-foot snow level forecast for Thursday and Friday. Drivers should expect renewed chain requirements for commercial vehicles and traction law enforcement for passenger cars. US-50 over Monarch Pass (11,312 feet) and US-160 over Wolf Creek Pass (10,857 feet) are squarely in the southern Colorado heavy snow zone. CDOT has historically closed both passes for snow removal operations during events of this magnitude. The US-550 corridor through Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass, and Red Mountain Pass remains one of the most exposed and dangerous routes in the state during winter storms, with limited guardrails and avalanche risk. CO-65 over Grand Mesa (10,839 feet), which already saw 24 inches in the first storm, is forecast for additional accumulation that could push it back to impassable. Pikes Peak Highway and routes through the Sangre de Cristos south of Salida will also be heavily impacted. Drivers along I-25 between Denver and Pueblo should plan for slick conditions on bridges, overpasses, and shaded sections Thursday night into Friday morning. Photo by Bloomberg on Getty Images Winter Driving TipsColorado's Traction Law remains active through May 31, regardless of conditions. Passenger vehicles need AWD or 4WD with mud and snow rated tires and at least 3/16-inch tread depth, or chains. Autoblog's AWD vs. 4WD breakdown covers what each system actually does and doesn't do, and the bottom line is that AWD does not reduce stopping distance on ice. That's the real threat across the Front Range and southern Colorado mountains Thursday night into Friday. Carry chains, a blanket, flashlight, portable phone charger, water, food, and a full tank of fuel before crossing any pass. If your vehicle isn't set up for a sudden return to winter, Autoblog's full breakdown of the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving is worth a read, and our best practices for driving in snow, ice, and rain guide covers everything from skid recovery to what to keep in your trunk for emergencies. Check COtrip.org for live closures and chain law alerts before any mountain crossing. Winter Storm TimingThe storm arrives Wednesday evening as the closed low approaches from Baja, with snowfall ramping up across the southern Colorado mountains overnight. Heaviest accumulation across the Front Range, Pikes Peak, and Sangre de Cristos is forecast Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, with significant high-elevation snow continuing into the weekend. Front Range valley cities will see their best chance of accumulation Thursday night as cold air filters in and snow levels drop toward the foothills. Conditions should improve across most of the state by Saturday afternoon, but high-country roads will remain treacherous through the weekend as overnight refreeze cycles continue. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Prior to the weekend, Joe Gibbs Racing notified both Spire Motorsports and Chris Gabehart that it intended to amend and refile its lawsuit against them both. As a result, their intended responses to the lawsuit due on Monday is no longer necessary. The below in italics is taken from the notice to the Western District of North Carolina. “Defendants requested JGR provide a copy of the ...Keep readingView the full article

These aren't sports cars, but somebody has to winNobody buys a Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, or Ford Bronco Sport expecting to embarrass Mustangs at a stoplight. These are practical cars for practical people: good fuel economy, reasonable cargo space, the kind of vehicles that appear in "best family car under $35,000" roundups and end up in suburban driveways next to basketball hoops. But "practical" and "slow" aren't synonyms, and this comparison is more interesting than it looks. Because the fastest car here isn't the one most people would pick, and the second-fastest isn't the one anyone would expect. The specs that actually matterHere's where this gets complicated fast: none of these cars comes in just one flavor. The Civic has two engines. The Bronco Sport has two engines. The Prius, to its credit, just has the one: a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder paired to a hybrid system good for 194 horsepower total, with an available AWD variant that nudges it to 196 hp. The 2024 Civic base LX runs a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four making 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque through a CVT to the front wheels. Upgrade to the Sport, EX, or Touring and you get a 1.5-liter turbocharged four: same CVT, but 180 horses and 177 lb-ft. On paper that's more power with less displacement, which is how turbos work, and which is why Honda charges you more for those trims. The Bronco Sport's split is more dramatic. The base Big Bend and Outer Banks run a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder making 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft. Step up to the Badlands, or the Heritage, Heritage Limited, and the outgoing First Edition, and you get a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder: 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic with standard AWD across the lineup. That 250-horsepower number starts to look meaningful very quickly. The Bronco Sport Badlands isn't messing aroundCar and Driver tested the Bronco Sport Badlands at 6.1 seconds to 60 mph. That's not a typo, and it's not a fluke. Two hundred and fifty horsepower going through a proper automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, in a vehicle weighing around 3,563 lbs, produces legitimately quick acceleration. Quick enough to embarrass a lot of cars that consider themselves performance-oriented. For context, 6.1 seconds is faster than a base Porsche Cayman from 2009. It's roughly the same as a 2018 Camry V6. The Bronco Sport Badlands is wearing mud flaps and a roof rack and goes like actual stink. The base Bronco Sport, though, is a different story. Motor Trend clocked the 1.5-liter version at 8.0 seconds flat, a full 1.9 seconds slower. Same nameplate, completely different performance character. If you're shopping a Bronco Sport and speed is anywhere on your list, the trim choice matters enormously. The Prius, somehow, is secondThe 2024 Toyota Prius is not the shapeless econobox of the mid-2000s. Toyota redesigned it top to bottom for 2023, dropped a genuinely attractive body on it, and made it substantially faster. Car and Driver recorded a 7.2-second 0-60 run, which puts it ahead of the turbocharged Honda Civic by a meaningful margin. The mechanism here isn't complicated: electric motors make instant torque, and the 2024 Prius's combined system output of 194 horsepower hits harder off the line than a small turbo four that needs half a second to build boost. The Prius weighs 3,197 lbs, about 300 pounds more than the Civic, and it still pulls ahead. There's a lesson buried in there about how we think about hybrid powertrains, but we'll skip the sermon. The Prius also gets 57 mpg city / 56 mpg highway on the LE trim, which is why it exists, and which it does while still outrunning a car with a turbocharger attached to it. Make of that what you will. The Civic's case and its asteriskThe turbocharged Civic Sport and above hit 7.5 seconds to 60 mph in Motor Trend testing: a respectable number that would have been genuinely impressive five years ago. The Civic's edge is in what the rest of the car does: at 2,877 lbs it's the lightest of the three, it handles with more precision than either of its rivals here, and on a twisting road it would likely feel faster than its stoplight numbers suggest. The base Civic LX, at 8.5 seconds, is a different animal entirely. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine gets the job done commuting-wise, but "gets the job done" is the ceiling of its ambition. Step up to any turbo trim if you care about this at all. The verdict and what you should actually buyFastest car here: Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, 6.1 seconds, no competition. If outright acceleration matters to you and you want something that can also handle a gravel road afterward, this is the answer. The performance differential over the base Bronco Sport is so significant that they barely share a comparison. Second place goes to the Toyota Prius, which continues to be a car that surprises people who decided what they thought about it in 2007 and never revisited that position. At 7.2 seconds and 57 mpg combined, it's an argument against the idea that you have to sacrifice something meaningful to drive efficiently. The turbocharged Civic slots in third at 7.5 seconds: close behind the Prius, better-handling than either of its rivals here, and significantly cheaper to insure and service over time. The base Civic LX is the slow one, and you should know that going in. The rankings: Bronco Sport Badlands, Prius, Civic turbo, Bronco Sport base, Civic LX. But "fastest" and "best" are different questions entirely, and none of these cars was built to answer the first one. View the full article

The logo on the hood used to be the whole point. You bought the German sedan or the British SUV because the badge told the world something about where you'd arrived. That calculus, according to a new survey from Mazda North American Operations, is eroding fast. In a study of recent car buyers, 81% said the experience behind the wheel, encompassing comfort, performance, and intuitive technology, is what makes a vehicle stand out. Only 19% pointed to the brand's badge. And when asked to define what "more" means in a vehicle, just 7% of respondents chose status or social recognition. Seven percent. That's fewer people than the margin of error in most political polls. Mazda What buyers actually want is less glamorous and far more practical. Space and practicality led the list at 40%, followed by value paired with quality at 36%. Advanced technology, driving enjoyment, and performance capabilities each came in at 30%. These are people who want a car that fits their life, not one that impresses the neighbors. The markup isn't worth itThe survey's sharpest finding might be this: 76% of respondents said the premium markup on traditional luxury brands isn't worth the money, and 83% believe buying a mainstream brand with a premium feel is the smarter choice. In a market where the average new car now costs north of $49,000, that's not an abstract opinion. It's a financial calculation that millions of buyers make every time they walk onto a lot. Earl Lee/Autoblog Mazda posed a hypothetical to drive the point home. If respondents received a $75,000 cash windfall, the top priorities were retirement savings (67%), paying down debt (65%), and emergency funds (64%). A full 61% said they'd invest in a new vehicle, but only 46% would direct that money toward a high-end luxury car. The rest would rather spend smarter on something that delivers the features they care about without the badge tax. This tracks with what the broader market has been signaling for years. Brands like Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia have been steadily climbing in interior quality, technology, and refinement, while some traditional luxury players have coasted on reputation. The CX-90, for example, sits in showrooms with Nappa leather, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a starting price that undercuts a comparably equipped BMW X5 by more than $15,000. Consumers have noticed. Safety is the new status symbol Chase Bierenkoven If the badge no longer defines premium, safety might. Seventy-five percent of survey respondents identified advanced active safety and driver-assist features as essential markers of a high-quality vehicle. That finding carries extra weight, given that Consumer Reports recently named Mazda its first-ever Safest New-Car Brand, a distinction that carries more credibility with buyers than most advertising campaigns could ever manufacture. "Drivers are shifting their focus to what genuinely improves their time on the road," said Jennifer Morrison, Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy at Mazda North American Operations. "Comfort, safety, and features that support real life are winning out over labels, and people increasingly recognize they don't need to pay luxury prices for an exceptional vehicle." The car as a quiet roomThe survey also surfaced something more personal. When asked what lifestyle sacrifices they'd make to drive their dream car for free for a year, respondents were willing to give up alcohol (59%), their favorite podcast (58%), new clothes (55%), social media (54%), and even a gym membership (52%). That's a level of emotional attachment that goes well beyond transportation. Mazda For parents, especially mothers (40% of whom agreed), the car is often the only quiet space in a day filled with school pickups, work calls, and the general chaos of running a household. For Gen Z drivers, 45% said the car is where they feel most like themselves, whether that means singing along to a playlist, decompressing after class, or just sitting in the driveway for five extra minutes before walking inside. But the standards for how you behave in that space are high. Respondents said they won't judge someone by the brand they drive, but they will absolutely judge texting while driving (75%), not wearing a seatbelt (68%), or a car that smells like it lost a fight with a fast-food bag (62%). What this means for the marketMazda commissioned this survey, so it's worth noting the obvious: the findings align neatly with the brand's own positioning as a mainstream automaker that delivers a premium experience without luxury pricing. That doesn't make the data wrong, but it does mean the framing is intentional. Still, the broader trend is real and supported by industry-wide sales data. Mainstream brands that have invested in interior quality, safety technology, and driving dynamics are gaining ground on legacy luxury names that have relied on heritage and badge equity to justify their pricing. The gap between a well-equipped Mazda CX-70, Hyundai Palisade, or Kia Telluride and an entry-level BMW, Audi, or Mercedes has narrowed to the point where many buyers are asking the obvious question: What am I actually paying for? View the full article

Toyota reported declining global vehicle sales for the second consecutive month in March, blaming a sharp drop in the Middle East and a model changeover for the RAV4 SUV for dwindling deliveries. The company said global vehicle sales shrank 7.3% from the same month a year ago to 897,871 vehicles, including sales of the Lexus luxury brand. In Japan, Toyota sales fell 7.8% to 142,225 units, while in overseas markets they were down 7.2% to 755,646 units. US Sales Affected by RAV4 Changeover, Tariffs Toyota In the United States, Toyota and Lexus sales dropped 8.5% to 211,617 units, with the automaker noting in the sales report that the decline was “due to a rebound from last year’s pre-tariff-driven demand, as well as the impact of the changeover to the all-new RAV4.” The automaker added that demand for hybrids and other models remained solid. According to a Toyota spokesperson cited by CBT News, there was a RAV4 supply issue, not a demand problem. The shortage is due to a production gap at Toyota’s Kentucky assembly plant, which has not yet fully retooled for the redesigned 2026 RAV4. For this reason, Toyota sold just 21,693 RAV4 SUVs in the US in March, compared to 41,509 a year ago. Year-to-date RAV4 sales stand at 59,869, down from 115,402 through the same period last year. In China, sales fell 8% to 142,706 units, with Toyota noting that sales remained on par with the previous year “amid an increasingly competitive market environment.” Toyota sales in China were supported by solid demand for models such as the Avalon and Camry. Toyota's Europe sales remained relatively steady, with a drop of 5.6% to 113,875 units. Middle East Sales Dropped by a Third Amid Regional War Toyota But the biggest decline by far was in the Middle East, where Toyota and Lexus sales collapsed by nearly 33% to 33,919 units. Toyota did not provide a reason for the sharp decline in sales in the region, but it’s safe to assume that had a lot to do with shipping disruptions in the context of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Iran has blocked cargo ships from using the Strait of Hormuz, making it more difficult to deliver cars to buyers. The Middle East is a relatively small market for Toyota. Despite the dwindling sales, Toyota’s global production rose 2.1% in March from a year earlier, with stronger growth of 4.9% in the US and 7.7% in China. Production dropped 3.3% in Japan. According to Reuters calculations, Toyota was the world’s top-selling automaker for the sixth straight year in 2025 with 10.5 million units. In the fiscal year that ended on March 31, the Japanese automaker racked up record global sales of 10.48 million vehicles, achieving its highest-ever US deliveries and hybrid volume. When its subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors are included, Toyota's total sales amounted to 11.28 billion, up 2.5% year-on-year and also a record. View the full article

A More Powerful Z Is PossibleSpeaking with The Drive during a podcast, Nissan North America Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer Ponz Pandikuthira let it slip that a more powerful version of the company's sports car could be coming in the future. "I do see performance upgrades in the future of the Z, that twin turbo is capable of a lot more power and output that are compatible obviously with the latest emissions," he said. Nissan "So I do see performance versions coming out, special limited series," Pandikuthira added. How much power could these limited edition Z variants deliver? The base Z produces 400 hp from its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, while the Nismo is tuned to 420 hp; 500 hp isn't out of the realm of possibility, the executive hinted. We know this engine can produce 460 hp in the Armada Nismo, but that vehicle features a 3.5-liter displacement. Leaning On Heritage Nissan While the Z has not been a massive sales hit (no sports car sells in huge numbers in the US), the sports car is currently finding an unlikely audience among an older demographic of buyers. That is why Nissan will lean in with more special editions based on cars from its past. "It's going to be heritage based, Pandikuthira explained. "[Nissan will] go back to the authenticity of what Z was in the past. Create special editions that resonate with that heritage, and keep that animated cycle plan. Nissan won't just build it and then walk away. So you'll see a lot of that animation coming through special versions." Nissan says it would even like to build a convertible, but it depends on the company's success in the next two years. While we'd love to see a convertible Z, there are other models that sound just as interesting, like the rumored Silvia revival. View the full article

In August last year, Stellantis revealed the Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept at the Overland Expo in Colorado, giving its popular minivan an off-road-ready makeover. And according to the folks at Mopar Insiders, people in the company want to make it a real production vehicle that adventurous families can buy. The publication did not disclose its sources but said that insiders claim Chrysler is "seriously considering" producing something similar to the concept shown last year, with "momentum behind the idea [...] growing internally." So how would Stellantis go about such a project? Chrysler Pacifica Off-Roader Won't Be Too Hardcore Chrysler It's unlikely that a production-bound Pacifica off-roader would be as extreme as some of the options out there; it won't be produced on the basis of a body-on-frame SUV because that would be too expensive, but it would almost definitely be given all-wheel drive and the revised looks of the 2027 model. Instead, it's likely to take most of its cues directly from the concept shown last year. This wore 31-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels and had been given raised suspension, going up 2.75 inches at the front axle and 2.5 inches on the rear. It also gained a roof rack with extra spotlights, a retractable awning, and space for a pair of traction boards and a spare tire. And inside, the third row of seats was replaced with a flat cargo panel to make living in the van easier. Related: Chrysler Dealers Need a New Model to Sell Beside the Pacifica—and They Need it Yesterday The concept was based on the most expensive trim, the Limited, with leather upholstery, orange seatbelts, and a big infotainment display, and it's possible that Chrysler opts for a less costly basis for the production version. Still, we'd expect the 115V outlet to carry over because the concept wanted to show how practical the Pacifica could be as an overlander and base of operations for adventures. That brings us to why Chrysler is thinking about such a model at all. Chrysler Needs New Offerings, and Off-Roading Is Popular Chrysler View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Chrysler's reveal of the Grizzly Peak concept explained why the brand was thinking about entering this portion of the market by saying the vehicle was "inspired by the growing number of recreational overlanding and van-life customers who value flexibility and a space to sleep." While that may seem like a relatively small niche to those who aren't in it, it's always growing, and with the Pacifica as the only vehicle in its roster, Chrysler needs to take advantage wherever it can. The company has been talking about expanding its offering, potentially by launching a new sedan and other vehicles, but since the brand doesn't appear to be a priority for Stellantis right now, it may have to make do with new versions of the Pacifica until it gets a real revitalization plan or fades into nothingness. Chrysler View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Tesla just quietly filed plans to commit over $25 billion in capital expenditures this year, but the massive corpus isn't meant for new passenger vehicle platforms. Instead, the automaker is focusing entirely on custom silicon, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Representing triple the capital they spent in 2025, this staggering financial pivot signals an expensive, calculated transition away from merely building cars and toward setting up factory production lines to support AI infrastructure and its underlying hardware. Elon Musk is actively converting his automotive empire into a hardcore AI and custom silicon infrastructure powerhouse, spearheaded by the newly announced Terafab project in Austin, Texas. Tesla What Terafab is, and Why Its Success is CriticalWhile the corporate narrative frames this as the inevitable evolution of an ultra-modern tech company, the underlying geopolitical situation tells a much darker, defensive story. The fate of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)—the silicon-wafer production giant that supplies chips for the entire American automotive and tech sectors—remains precariously uncertain. For decades, the global automotive supply chain, as well as other supply chains, treated advanced microprocessors like any other raw material, essentially interchangeable modules. Today, the entire digital backbone of both Detroit and Silicon Valley is dangerously tethered to a single, highly vulnerable island: Taiwan. As Chinese militarization aggressively escalates at the Taiwan border, that foundational supply line is visibly fracturing. A localized blockade, an invasion, or even a sudden wave of severe trade sanctions wouldn't just delay the delivery of the next-generation tech; it would paralyze the American economy overnight. Tesla Tesla’s $25 billion Terafab pivot is an aggressive and well overdue insurance policy against that exact doomsday scenario. By introducing the capacity for 2-nanometer chip design, AI architecture, and robotics development completely in-house, Tesla is actively attempting to sever its fatal reliance on external supply chains, while also positioning itself to cater to all but the entire American economy. They aren't merely building a factory; they are frantically constructing a closed-loop supply fortress before the geopolitical powder keg across the Pacific finally ignites. How is American Auto Positioned?The broader domestic auto sector is watching this play out with a grim sense of realization. Legacy brands remain entirely captive to TSMC's survival. If the boats stop crossing the Pacific, Detroit doesn't just lose the high-stakes race for full autonomy—it loses the baseline hardware required to build a modern, heavily digitized car at all. Tesla The takeaway for the American auto industry is absolute, and it is expensive. The era of the globalized, monopolistic semiconductor supply is dead. If domestic automakers fail to aggressively diversify and secure their own localized, iron-clad chip pipelines, they are essentially outsourcing their entire corporate future to foreign military posturing - Tesla could end up being the nucleus around which American manufacturing achieves its invaluable autonomy. View the full article

Racing Beyond TrophiesThe beauty of manufacturers competing in motorsports is that races can be used to develop and validate powertrains that may eventually make their way into road-going models. That's exactly what Hyundai plans to do with a new high-performance engine set to be publicly tested at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Hyundai has not disclosed many details, but the engine is expected to power future N models. In a press release, the Korean marque said the day-long race will serve as a real-world test of the engine’s performance and durability. In other words, it could be a major validation moment, especially if the cars complete the race without reliability issues. Hyundai A Prototype Under PressureThe pre-production engine will power two Elantra N1 RP cars in the SP4T class. Hyundai says it features “improved power and response characteristics with enhanced race capability while meeting current emissions standards.” For reference, the current Elantra N uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 276 horsepower. The “T” in SP4T suggests the upcoming engine will use forced induction, while the class allows up to 2.6 liters of displacement. Whether Hyundai has increased displacement remains unclear, but it would not be surprising to see output climb to around 300 horsepower. That would still trail the Honda Civic Type R’s 315 horsepower, but it would be a welcome upgrade for future Hyundai N buyers. In addition to the two Elantra N1 RP entries, Hyundai will field one Elantra N TCR in the TCR class as it seeks a sixth straight class victory. The main race, scheduled for May 16 to 17, will also mark the automaker’s 11th consecutive appearance at the event. Hyundai A Track Record That MattersHyundai has used this approach before. In 2016, the company entered an i30 fitted with a prototype 2.0-liter Theta engine. After the car completed the 24-hour race, the i30 N was introduced in 2017, which marked the start of its performance N lineup. Over the next three to four years, Hyundai reportedly plans to add more N models. That could make the brand more competitive with Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, which already has a broad performance portfolio that includes the GR86 and the upcoming GR GT halo car. With the automaker describing the program as “A New Era Begins,” it will be worth watching how the new powertrain performs in one of motorsport’s toughest proving grounds next month. Hyundai View the full article

The Skyline has become an iconic name for Nissan fans in America, despite the model never being sold here in that form. We've had the Infiniti G35 and G37, as well as the Q50, but never the Skyline, and while the next-generation Skyline that Nissan recently teased is also not destined for the U.S., customers may be able to make it look like they bought a Skyline domestically, and not with aftermarket body kits, either. Speaking on The Drivecast podcast, Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for Nissan North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, responded with one word when asked if Nissan might consider offering a JDM Skyline retrofit kit for the next Q50 sedan at U.S. dealerships: "Yes." How Nissan Could Provide the Skyline Experience in America Nissan The executive explained how the Skyline retrofit program might work by saying that whatever powertrain Nissan brings to North America "will be tunable," indicating that Nissan may be willing to offer factory support for aftermarket upgrades, and that may extend to a Skyline retrofit kit. "If we can offer it through the factory with all our warranties, we will," said Pandikuthira. "And sometimes, if the volumes are too small, it's actually a business better done with a tuner. We partnered with tuners before, so we could officially partner with them. And we would definitely consider that and make sure that the supply chain's in place, sharing the right mapping and ECU data so the tuner is well equipped to get a perfectly functioning car out there. So that's an absolute yes." It seems that Nissan's current head honchos are true car enthusiasts who understand that modifying is part of what helped the brand become so popular, both here and abroad, as evidenced by what else Pandikuthira said. Related: Nissan Is Getting Serious About Bringing the Silvia Back "What you're referring to [a Skyline retrofit kit] is a very interesting proposition, which we could very easily do, and which my planning team and I have really tossed around is, what if you have an Infiniti version because that's the right brand and the right demographic to bring in, but maybe there's some purists out there who'd be like, 'You know what? I'd like this to be like the Skyline that's in Japan or whatever car that's super authentic to the heritage of this. Help me make this.' And we would love to facilitate that." Pandikuthira conceded that it would be a very small group of buyers who would be interested in such a niche, but noted that "there's culture around it" and that those who do show interest are not the sort of people who would sell a car after a short time just for something new. What This Means for Skyline Fans in America Nissan/Youtube Pandikuthira's comments were far less vague than we're accustomed to, which not only indicates that Nissan has already seen a desire for the Skyline badge in the U.S., but also that the company itself is trying its absolute best to be a true enthusiast brand. Nissan's leadership, with "real car guy" Ivan Espinosa at the top, seems to understand that, while affordable but profitable everyday cars are critical, so is being perceived as desirable and fun, and tapping into the brand's heritage is how the culture spreads. With Pandikuthira responding to questions about a Skyline with factory backing in America resoundingly, Nissan no longer sounds like it's trying to keep its head above water. Instead, it's preparing to surf the waves. View the full article

A Sweet Restomod PlatformBefore the Gladiator, Jeep built the Scrambler based on the Wrangler's predecessor, the CJ-7. Also known as the CJ-8, production ran from 1981 to 1986, and not many were made during that time. About 28,000 were produced, making it one of the rarest series-production Jeeps ever. Despite its relative rarity, we've seen a fair bit of these Scramblers being restomodded. Oftentimes, it's with a larger V8 swapped in, and there's also the occasional Cummins swap. But the folks from Vigilante 4x4 upped the ante by sticking in a modern 392 Hemi under the CJ-8's hood. Vigilante 4x4 Meet the Vigilante ScramblerVigilante 4x4 is no stranger to sweet swaps when it comes to classic Jeeps. The Vigilante Scrambler simply continues that tradition, and it's done in a way that makes it a bit of a sleeper. Exterior-wise, it's faithful to the original Scrambler, so there are no over-the-top embellishments here. For the people who want to retain the purity of the classic version, that's good news. The same goes for the interior, although it gets more comfortable-looking seats and a more modern audio system. No touchscreens present, of course. That said, this isn't just a Scrambler with a 392 swap. The frame gets a fair bit of mods to handle the additional power, and the body gets a high-strength replacement aluminum tub. It also gets an Atlas II transfer case, courtesy of Advance Adapters, while Currie Enterprises provides a Dana 44 (front) and Dana 66 (rear) axles for the Jeep. A new, heavy-duty steering box is also part of the long list of mods, along with Baer 6-Piston brakes with 14-inch cross-drilled and slotted rotors. Vigilante 4x4 Build Your OwnThe best part isthere's a configurator that lets you visualize your ideal Scrambler restomod. There are 13 colors to choose from, all inspired by Jeep's back catalog. One can also choose from 8 decal patterns, the first set taking cues from 1981 to 1982 models, while the latter from 1983 to 1984 models. Three wheel styles are on offer, along with three interior color combinations. It can be ordered with a Safari Top, Soft Top, or no top at all. You can have any engine you want, as long as it's that 392 Hemi and left untouched, so it makes 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. It's a brand-new crate engine, too. Oh, and there's a choice of a Tremec five-speed manual or a beefed-up GM 4L80E four-speed automatic from Bowler Performance. So, how much for all of these? According to the configurator, it starts at $260,000, though the only option seems to be the automatic transmission, which costs $15,000. Of course, there's also the matter of finding a suitable donor vehicle. Given all the work that will go into it, it's no surprise it'll cost that much. Worth it? For a well-heeled Scrambler fanatic, it's no big deal. It'll certainly be rarer than the upcoming Hemi-powered Gladiator that should be coming this year. Vigilante 4x4 Vigilante 4x4 View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article