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Tesla’s Premium Charging Perk Moves Down the LineupFor a long time, free Supercharging was one of those small but meaningful extras that set the Model S and Model X apart. Even if it only lasted a year, complimentary charging made a real difference for owners who paid top dollar for Tesla’s flagship EVs. That era is wrapping up, though. Tesla is selling off the last Model S and Model X units, and even the $159,000 Signature Editions are already gone. Thankfully, one of their better ownership perks is now finding a new home. Tesla North America now says buyers of the Model 3 Premium and Performance in the US get a full year of free Supercharging. That’s a big change, since the Model 3 has always been the more affordable, mainstream option – not a flagship. New orders of Model 3 Premium & Performance now come with 1 year of free Supercharging 🇺🇸 Also, all Teslas pay the lowest Supercharging rates – all others pay a ~40% premium or need a subscription — Tesla North America (@tesla_na) April 24, 2026 But Not All Model 3 TrimsThe deal is for new orders from April 24 onward, but only if you pick the Premium (Long Range) or Performance Model 3. Standard Rear-Wheel Drive buyers miss out, and current owners don’t get the perk either. Tesla shared the update through its North America account on X, framing it as another advantage of staying within the Tesla ecosystem. Beyond the free year, the company also highlighted that Tesla owners continue to receive the lowest Supercharging rates across the network. Non-Tesla EV drivers using Superchargers typically pay roughly 40% more per kWh unless they subscribe for better access. That pricing gap reinforces one of Tesla’s strongest long-term advantages: direct access to the company’s massive fast-charging network without extra hoops. For most owners, the savings add up. If you drive a Model 3 for 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, you could save around $800 to $1,200 on charging in that first year, depending on how much you use Superchargers. A Strategic Move as Tesla Looks AheadThe timing here is worth a closer look. Tesla usually uses free Supercharging to help sell its premium models, so seeing it offered on the Model 3 raises some questions. Some think Tesla might be getting ready to update the sedan and wants to move current inventory before the new version lands. But it could just come down to demand. The Model Y is still Tesla’s sales leader, but the Model 3 has it tougher now that the $7,500 federal EV tax credit is gone. Free charging gives buyers a reason to jump in without Tesla having to cut prices. Meanwhile, Tesla is investing more in self-driving and robotaxi projects. Perks like free charging don’t just help sell cars – they also get more owners using Superchargers, which means more real-world data for Tesla’s software team. Tesla View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Different Kind of M3Countless unorthodox car builds have surfaced over the years, and this one from Bleumode and NightRide.pl fits right in. Unveiled at Ultrace Germany last weekend, it features a BMW E30 M3 riding on four Suzuki GSX-R bikes. Not everyone will like it, but that reflects the nature of car culture – it is not meant to be one-size-fits-all. Just as some enthusiasts are not drawn to slammed cars with extreme camber, others may not connect with this concept. Still, Ultrace is exactly the kind of event where such builds belong, with organizers narrowing a massive global applicant pool into a little over 1,000 selected cars. This year also marked the first time in the event’s 15-year history that Ultrace was held outside Poland. A Build With Racing FlavorThis E30 M3 build blends car and motorcycle culture, finished in the orange Jägermeister livery made famous by BMW’s early-1990s touring car history. It evokes the same nostalgic motorsport appeal as liveries like the now-banned Marlboro scheme. Trying to justify the creation is a challenge, especially since even the builders do not offer a clear definition. NightRide.pl, a Poland-based crew known for working on cars like the BMW E30 and Honda Civic, said, “If you’re wondering what this is, I’m wondering the same thing.” The most fitting description may simply be an interpretation of combining a car and a motorcycle – described by the team as “just a cool thing, cool piece to look at.” As for functionality, the build does not appear to be drivable in its current form. The E30 M3 body was mounted on a custom frame supported by four Suzuki bikes. Larry Chen/Instagram Hit or Miss?It may not have served the conventional purpose of being driven, but it still drew attention to the event, whether for better or worse. For those less interested in experimental builds, Ultrace Germany also featured a wide range of standout cars, from classics like the Bugatti EB110 to widebody track-focused machines. BMW also showed up to the event to celebrate the M3’s 40th anniversary, which made the wild car-bike E30 build even more amusing. It is probably safe to say the Bavarian automaker never imagined an M3 being reinterpreted this way – but that is what gives the build its personality. Larry Chen/Instagram View the full article

Ten races into the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, Richard Childress Racing has just one top ten finish as an organization -- a tenth by Kyle Busch this past weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Jim Pohlman, who left behind a successful career as crew chief for Justin Allgaier in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series to take over crew chief duties for Busch, is now being moved off the pit box. Pohlman, who won ...Keep readingView the full article

America has the Wilderness, Japan has...If there's something to be said about Subaru styling, it's either conservative or downright polarizing. On the one hand, you have models like the Crosstrek and Forester, and then you have the new Outback, which has drawn some, er, interesting comments. Either way, the company makes an effort to jazz up the look by introducing special trims. In most parts of the world, including North America, there's a Wilderness Edition that beefs up the styling and adds off-road goodies. But over in Japan, Subaru goes far beyond that. In its home market, the Forester has several design packages that range from amusing to downright strange, at least in our eyes. Subaru "STI" GoodiesWe'll kick things off with the STI Performance Parts for the popular crossover. Right off the bat, we'll tell you that none of these add power to the Forester, so don't get your hopes up. The performance parts are compatible with both the hybrid (badged e-Boxer) and the Japan-exclusive turbo versions. For that, there's an aero kit that adds a deeper front chin, side skirts, rear bumper diffusers, and a more prominent tailgate spoiler. Also available are various chassis upgrades, such as strut tower bars and a rear chassis brace. Exhaust kits can also be fitted to both turbo and hybrid models, and there's a selection of 18-inch STI wheels to spice up the most recent Japan Car of the Year winner. Think of this then as the opposite of the Wilderness Edition. Subaru It Gets Stranger From HereWe won't shock you immediately by showing you the most shocking package, so we'll start with the mild Accent Color Package that adds, well, accents to some exterior bezels. After that, it's the Adventure Style decal package that, to the surprise of no one, slaps on decals all over the place. There's one on the hood, another set on the doors, and another on the tailgate. One can even put on mountain decals if that's still not enough. Last but not least is the complete Adventure Style Package that gives the Forester a grille that's up for discussion, along with chunky door guards that are far from subtle. Subaru adds that those door guards can be used as a hanger of sorts. If that's still not enough, the package also includes headlight and taillight garnishes, said to be protective, as well as a roof edge protector. If we were to describe it as kindly as possible, we'd call it functional.. .to a degree. What's interesting here is that these packages can be mixed and matched to the buyer's desire. That means you can get the STI Performance Parts and Adventure Style Package to create, er, something unique, which is exactly what we did in the configurator. That said, you can choose to get bits and pieces individually if that's all too weird. Subaru Subaru View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Longevity WinsOne of the saddest automotive deaths we've recently had to mourn was the R35 GT-Rs. Never did we envision a world without the GT-R, but sadly, it's a reality. The R35 generation might not be the best for everyone, but it certainly marks a milestone as the longest-running GT-R model ever, having been in production in various shapes and specs for over 18 years. Debuted in 2007 as the all-rounder supercar, it garnered praise for its incredible performance at a much lower price than European competitors. It's definitely returning, that's for sure, but at a snail's pace, and we're now finding out why. Infiniti Political ImplicationsNissan's outspoken Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for Nissan North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, went on The Drive's podcast and dropped some shocking revelations about what is holding up the development of the next GT-R. Pandikuthira goes on at length to explain that the main reasons generally revolve around emissions, with a particular focus on American laws regulating them. He started by saying that the R35 generation was hampered by the emissions standards that require cars to be less harmful to the environment. Considering the age of the R35's engine, it would have significantly impacted the overall output and performance of the GT-R if they reworked the engine to pass the current emissions regulations. The idea of choking the powertrain would have negatively affected the R35 GT-R; thus, putting it out to pasture was the right move in the meantime. Still banking on the same principle of keeping the next-generation GT-R in production for a long time, Pandikuthira says Nissan plans to make it future-proof by making it easy to continually evolve. Easier said than done, says the executive, because the biggest roadblock to that is the direction of where the emissions standards are headed. He acknowledges that the current administration has eased restrictions, allowing them to do a lot in the current climate, but isn't sure whether that will continue come 2028 and 2032. Nissan Dedicated GroupThose unknowns are the core reasons for slowing down the development of what Nissan wants the next-generation GT-R to be. However, it has also come to light that a dedicated group of Nissan people is working hard on bringing Godzilla back to production, who, according to Padikuthira, are "completely nuts about the car." More details about the new GT-R have been coming out in the past year and months. In 2025, it was announced that the new model would be a hybrid; then, more recently, they said that the current VR38 engine block will be retained as well. Despite the delay and the uncertainty about regulation, I think it's safe to say we're all relieved that the next GT-R will still be powered by gasoline. Nissan View the full article

Not All Batteries Fade the SameLike smartphones, electric-vehicle batteries degrade over time, causing range to decline. But according to InsideEVs, citing a study from Recurrent, modern EVs barely lose range even after five years of ownership. Based on data from more than 1 billion miles of real-world driving, the report found that EVs retain 97% of their range after 3 years and 95% after 5 years. That means a 300-mile EV would still offer about 291 miles after three years and 285 miles after five years. Hyundai The Everyday ImplicationThat matters because many owners replace their vehicles within about six years, meaning many EVs may still retain most of their original range by the time they are replaced. The study could also ease range anxiety among buyers who assume EVs lose significant range within just a few years. The stronger range retention is attributed to several factors, including strategies used by some automakers. One is the use of over-the-air software updates, which can release battery capacity and refine range estimates over time. The report also notes that many batteries have an unused capacity buffer that can help slow visible degradation. Improvements in thermal management and aerodynamics also play a role. Brands like Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and Rivian reportedly showed no significant range loss after five years. Driver habits also matter. Constantly charging to 100% keeps the battery at high voltage, which can accelerate chemical reactions and stress the cells. Frequent DC fast charging can also add heat and strain, so slower AC charging at home, often to around 80%, is usually better for routine charging. Spirited driving can also drain the range more quickly. Rivian The Human FactorAutomakers continue to improve EV battery technology, but owners can help preserve range by adopting better charging and driving habits. That can slow degradation and potentially support resale value. Many modern EVs now offer around 300 miles of range, which is already plenty for many drivers. Since the average American drives about 30 to 35 miles per day, a 300-mile EV could last roughly a week between charges. Longer-range options are also available, led by the Lucid Air at 512 miles, followed by the Chevrolet Silverado EV at 493 miles and the Cadillac Escalade IQ at 460-465 miles. Lucid View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Audi’s best-selling EV worldwide, the Q4 e-tron, has received a major styling, tech and powertrain overhaul for its mid-cycle makeover. The updates apply both to the Q4 e-tron SUV and its coupe-flavored Sportback sibling, both of which are built on Volkswagen Group's MEB architecture. The facelifted Q4 e-tron’s most obvious updates are the ones you can see, namely the sharpened-up exterior and interior. On the outside, the 2027 Audi Q4 e-tron gets new optional Matrix LED headlights with four digital DRL signatures and second-generation digital OLED taillights that warn following vehicles if they come too close to a stationary Q4 e-tron when fitted with optional proximity lighting. A body color-matched Singleframe grille is also new, as are several accent trims depending on the trim level. Three new exterior colors and five new wheel designs have also been thrown into the mix. The Cabin Gets the Bulk of Updates Audi View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article The interior updates are more extensive and focus around the reimagined driver-oriented digital dashboard consisting of a new panoramic display that pairs an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch MMI touch display featuring large tiles for better visibility and usability. For the first time in this segment, Audi also offers an optional 12-inch passenger display—the largest ever in an Audi. Audi Q4 e-tron customers can also spec an optional augmented reality head-up display that projects information onto the windshield in two layers that appear on top of the real environment and look like they’re floating around ahead of the driver. The infotainment system is based on Android Automotive OS and includes an AI-powered voice assistant with ChatGPT integration. Third-party apps are accessible directly through the Audi Application Store in the MMI – no smartphone required. Audi has also redesigned the air vents, which are now vertical on the sides and horizontal below the main screen, while the rising center console has been rearranged for a more seamless look and improved functionality—it includes two cooled inductive charging trays (up to 15 watts each) and two cupholders. There are also two USB-C ports under the center armrest, while two additional C ports are optionally available in the rear. Beyond the functional upgrades, the interior gets a more premium touch thanks to cushioned knee pads, premium stitching and scratch-resistant surfaces. Sport seats come standard, while a Sonos premium sound system is available. More Range and Faster Charging View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article Moving on to the powertrain updates, the facelifted Audi Q4 e-tron has received a more efficient rear electric motor. Standard on both the single-motor RWD model and the dual-motor AWD model, the new APP350 permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) contributes to enhanced range and more torque in the Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron quattro. The facelifted EV also features new power electronics, including a pulse inverter that uses silicon carbide semiconductors, which reduce switching losses and improve efficiency, especially under partial load. In addition, energy consumption is further optimized by new software functions. Furthermore, a new low-viscosity lubricant for the transmission is said to reduce friction losses, extending range by up to 7 miles with a fully charged battery, especially in cold weather. Audi Overall, efficiency has improved by around 10 percent versus the previous model, resulting in a gain of around 18 miles for the Q4 SUV e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron with rear-wheel drive, and 10-20 miles for quattro models, depending on the variant. The longest-range variants are the Q4 SUV e-tron performance and Q4 Sportback e-tron performance, with up to 368 miles each. The facelifted Q4 e-tron’s charging capacity has also increased from 175 kW to 185 kW in the Q4 SUV e-tron quattro performance and Q4 Sportback e-tron quattro performance, resulting in a DC fast charging time of 27 minutes from 10-80%. This means that it is possible to add 115 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The First Audi to Get Bidirectional Charging View the 12 images of this gallery on the original article Another important update is the introduction of bidirectional charging, making the Q4 e-tron Audi’s first model to support this technology. As a result, the high-voltage battery can both receive energy from the grid and feed it back to external devices with the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the Q4 e-tron also offers a Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) function enabling it to serve as a home battery supplying stored energy to the household. As before, the facelifted Audi Q4 e-tron comes with two battery sizes: 63 kWh and 82 kWh. Quattro models get an increased towing rating of 3,968 pounds and a standard power tailgate. US prices and market-specific details haven’t been announced yet, but in Germany, the Q4 e-tron SUV with the standard battery starts at €47,500 ($55,800) while the Q4 e-tron Sportback in the same configuration is priced from €49,450 ($58,000). Orders open in May in Europe, with deliveries expected to begin in the summer. Audi View the full article

Not Good EnoughThe intentions of GM in launching the Buick Envision were good; it was meant to be a more premium offering than the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4, but with specs matching those of European marques without the European pricing. On paper, this sounds like a winning decision and recipe, using the upscale name and branding Buick is known for, but at more affordable prices. While it may have worked on the onset of Envision's life, it seems people are no longer taking to it. Cole Attisha Sales DeclineGM Authorityreports that Buick is having a tough time selling the Envision, with stock mounting and piling up in dealer lots across the country. The rate of loss of sales momentum is alarming, with a drop of almost 81% from the same quarter last year. In Q1 of 2026, deliveries of the Envision totaled just 4,485 in the United States, as opposed to last year's 15,485 units in the same period. This has translated into stocks either sitting or moving around the country; the numbers point to 16,873 cars unsold nationwide. Which estimates for the sales of these units take around 330 days to clear, almost a full year. This is an issue, as it affects one mainstream model; it might also be tough to clear the inventory without a price and production reduction. A lot of factors are contributing to the sales slowdown, chief among which is the price. The Buick Envision's pricing has increased over the year, driven mostly by import tariffs. This is because the Envision is actually built in China, and the segment that it competes in is a highly price-conscious one. Buick Unfavorable TermsInitially, its Chinese assembly didn't deter buyers, as evidenced by last year's Q1 sales, but unfortunately, the Envision doesn't enjoy the same U.S. tax advantages as domestic models. Another key factor might be the model's age, first introduced in 2021. This mid-cycle refreshed model is nearing the end of the current generational cycle. In a segment filled with choices and newer competitors, the Envision might be struggling to match what others can offer in features as well. Cole Attisha View the full article

Solar Charging Isn’t New, But Toyota Wants to Fix Its Weak SpotsSolar charging for EVs sounds like something out of the future, but automakers have been chasing this idea for years. We’ve seen solar roofs, solar-assisted charging, and even body panels meant to soak up sunlight as you drive or park. Nissan rolled out a concept EV with onboard solar tech last year, while Mercedes-Benz is testing solar paint that could turn the whole car into a power source. Nissan’s also been working on making solar panels blend in, so they don’t stick out like an afterthought. Toyota, on the other hand, is looking at a different angle. Rather than just chasing more solar power, the company is zeroing in on how to make the system last and work better in the long run. Toyota filed this patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office in June 2025 (patent no. 20260112895, if you want to check). It was published in April 2026. The focus isn’t on the solar panels themselves, but on the hardware that turns sunlight into battery power. It might not sound flashy, but this is probably the real hurdle to clear before solar EVs can go mainstream. Toyota Toyota’s Idea Is About Heat, Not Just SunlightIn Toyota’s patent, multiple solar panels feed electricity into a battery through several power conversion devices. These converters convert solar power into usable electricity for the vehicle’s battery pack. The catch is heat. These converters get hot, and not all at the same rate. Some work harder because of where they’re placed, how efficient they are, or how much they’ve been used. Too much heat over time can wear out the system, damage connections, and shorten its lifespan. Toyota’s solution? Instead of cutting power evenly across all converters, the system singles out the one working hardest and dials it back more than the rest. So instead of every converter dropping power by the same amount, the hottest one gets the bigger reduction while the cooler ones keep doing more of the work. In extreme cases, the system could even temporarily shut down one heavily loaded converter and let the others handle the job. While other brands are busy adding more panels or chasing higher solar output, Toyota is focused on making sure the system actually lasts through years of real-world use. Toyota Will It Actually Reach Production?Whether this idea makes it to production is anyone’s guess. Patents usually give us a peek at what engineers are working on, but most never see the light of day. Some get watered down and show up years later, others just gather dust. Toyota’s no stranger to solar charging. The company has already tried it with hybrids and plug-in hybrids, so this patent fits into a bigger picture rather than coming out of nowhere. There’s still no word on whether this exact setup will make it into a production EV soon. But if solar charging is ever going to be more than a gimmick, fixing reliability problems like this will count for more than just slapping on bigger panels. View the full article

Auctions Can Be a Bargain, Until the System Isn’tAuctions have long been one of the smartest backdoors into cheap motoring. Police impound lots and lien sales can turn up everything from barely used commuter cars to forgotten project vehicles at a fraction of market value. For buyers willing to do the homework, it is a proven way to score a deal. But the latest reporting from CalMattersshows that the system behind those bargains is not always as clean as it looks. The investigation highlights how California’s Department of Motor Vehicles has been quietly collecting surplus proceeds from auctioned vehicles. These are cars that were towed, accrued fees, and were eventually sold off. Once debts were covered, any extra cash did not go back to the owners. Instead, the state kept it without notification. Between 2016 and late 2024, that added up to more than $8 million from roughly 5,300 vehicles. For many owners, there was no indication that money was even available to claim. Eric Thayer/Bloomberg via Getty Images A Familiar Pattern of ControversyThis is not the first time the DMV has faced scrutiny over how it handles revenue streams tied to motorists. The new bill introduced by Senator Kelly Seyarto aims to close what lawmakers describe as a serious consumer protection gap. It would require the DMV to notify owners within 14 days if their vehicle sale generated surplus funds, using certified mail and clear instructions on how to claim the money. SB 1029 would require the DMV to send certified notice within 14 days of receiving lien sale proceeds, informing the registered owner that surplus funds may be available and providing instructions on how to file a claim. pic.twitter.com/E9ZbQRLgN4 — Senator Kelly Seyarto (@SenatorSeyarto) March 5, 2026 Owners had up to three years to claim surplus funds, but without any notification, most never knew the money existed. After that window closed, the funds were forfeited. While the DMV has since launched an online lookup tool following the exposure, the move is reactive. The proposed legislation is designed to formalize transparency rather than rely on voluntary fixes. YouTube @WPLGLocal10 Revenue GenerationFrom an industry perspective, this is another example of how revenue generation can quietly creep into systems intended to serve motorists. The DMV has already faced criticism for monetizing driver data. Now, even the overlooked corner of lien sale auctions is under the microscope. It paints a picture of an agency that has become increasingly comfortable extracting value wherever it can. At a time when used car prices remain stubbornly high, buyers are hunting harder than ever for value. Auctions should be part of that solution. Instead, stories like this undermine trust in one of the few remaining bargain channels. If even government-run processes are opaque, it raises serious questions about accountability. For car buyers and owners alike, transparency is not a luxury. It is the baseline expectation. Kevin Carter/Getty Images View the full article

That Special FeelingCar ownership is a very special milestone for everyone, but more so for true car guys. That moment of choosing and buying your brand-new dream car is unmatched. At higher price points, brands offer a more immersive buying experience, allowing owners to customize certain aspects of the car to make it uniquely theirs. Ford isn't often in the business of offering customization, considering it's primarily a mass-market brand, but for the Mustang GTD, it seems to be giving owners a taste of it. One owner's specific request has just made the rounds online, and it shows just how far Ford will go to please. Mustang GTD in Lamborghini PaintPosted on Instagram by mustanggtd_registry is a very special all-new Mustang GTD. What sets it apart from the others is the obviously very purple paint job. Reports said the owner's request for his GTD was to match a Lamborghini color palette exactly. The specific color in question is called Viola Pasifae, and was offered on cars like the Aventador, Urus, and Huracan. We have to admit that, as outlandish as a purple Mustang sounds, in GTD trim it actually looks pretty good. Hopefully, the owner of this car is aware that Ford advises these new paint jobs take time to properly set in and cure. In fact, Ford tells new GTD owners to refrain from driving their new toys for at least 30 days to allow the paint to "gas out" properly before applying Paint Protection Film (PPF). If you're an eager beaver and can't wait to rip your GTD out of cars and coffee meets, then that might be too long a wait. Take note, though, that the wide, very wide tires and rims of the GTD are prone to kicking up stones and other paint-damaging particles that could harm the paint and the carbon fiber body panels. Which is why Ford recommends owners apply at least two layers of PPF on the rear diffuser, rear quarter, fenders, and rocker panels. mustanggtd_registry /Instagram View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Looks and PowerThe Mustang GTD is, for all intents and purposes, a monster of a pony car, featuring Ford's supercharged 5.2-liter V8 making 815 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. It is a very track-focused Mustang, and apparently, you can color this beast any way you want. Which is just right considering the price you pay for one. Ford doesn't openly disclose the starting price, but it's widely reported to begin at $325,000 and can reach up to $400,000 depending on the add-ons you select. We can bet this Lambo-inspired colorway wasn't cheap. mustanggtd_registry /Instagram View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

AI Dealership Clones Are Getting Better We are all too familiar with fake websites and social media pages that pose as celebrities or established businesses. Now scammers are pushing that playbook further with artificial intelligence. As first reported by Automotive News, a recent case out of North Carolina shows how convincing this has become. A buyer wired $77,300 for a Lexus GX 550 that did not exist. The dealership he believed he was dealing with was real, but it had no involvement in the transaction. The fraudster cloned the dealer’s online presence and maintained contact for over a week. What makes this case alarming is the level of detail. The scammer provided photos, documentation, and ongoing communication that mirrored a legitimate sales process. These are no longer crude phishing pages. Fraudsters are now building full replicas of dealership websites, complete with inventory listings, staff profiles, and even AI-generated reviews. The result is a near-seamless illusion that is catching even cautious buyers off guard. James Riswick Even Legit Dealers Feel Sketchy Now, And Scammers Know ItAs if dealing with legitimate dealerships was not already intimidating for some buyers, scammers are exploiting that uncertainty. Using AI tools, they create polished digital storefronts that appear more responsive and professional than the real thing. Experts say these scams are now appearing multiple times a week, costing consumers millions. Victims often only realize the truth after funds are wired and communication stops instantly. Avoiding these traps now requires more than a quick glance at a website. Buyers need to verify independently. Call the dealership using a publicly listed number. Cross-check the website URL against official sources. Be cautious of any seller who pushes urgency or requests wire transfers. In today’s environment, flawless service and fast responses can be a red flag rather than reassurance. Old Scam, New Tech, Bigger FalloutThis is not an entirely new scheme. Criminals have long posed as legitimate businesses to trick buyers. The difference now is scale and precision. AI allows scammers to replicate branding, tone, and even customer interaction patterns with unsettling accuracy. That creates a secondary victim. Real dealerships are left to deal with reputational damage when angry buyers post negative reviews about transactions they never handled. In rare cases, legitimate dealers step in to help victims recover or soften the blow. Those stories make headlines, but they are not the norm. Most businesses simply do not have the resources to compensate for crimes they did not commit. The burden ultimately falls on the consumer, who is left to navigate both financial loss and limited recourse. Google Street View In-Person Car Buying Still PreferredA recent study shows that many buyers still prefer the traditional, in-person car-buying process. Cases like this explain why. Physical presence offers verification that digital channels cannot increasingly guarantee. You can see the vehicle, meet the staff, and confirm the business exists beyond a screen. In an era where AI can fabricate nearly everything online, that matters more than ever. At the same time, rising vehicle prices are pushing buyers to hunt aggressively for deals. That urgency creates the perfect opening for scammers. The promise of a well-priced vehicle like a Lexus GX 550 becomes a powerful hook. The takeaway is simple. If the deal looks exceptional and the process feels frictionless, slow down and verify. In today’s market, skepticism is part of the purchase process. Getty Images View the full article

Ram owners expect durability and confidence, especially when spending big on a new pickup. For Ontario resident Victor Sanchez, that expectation was not met when his 2025 Ram 1500’s airbags deployed without warning while he was driving on the highway. What should have been a straightforward warranty claim has instead turned into a costly dispute, with Stellantis refusing to cover the damage. The incident also comes amid broader concerns around Ram’s quality control, including a recent recall of 6,605 units of the 2026 Ram 2500 due to a faulty steering module that can disable electronic stability control. Airbags Deploy Without Warning Joe Raedle/Getty Images According to CTV News, Sanchez was driving his $90k pickup early one morning in February when multiple airbags suddenly deployed despite no collision. Curtain airbags and seat-mounted units went off at the same time, accompanied by a loud bang that left him briefly disoriented. He managed to maintain control of the truck, but the situation could have easily escalated into a serious accident. While incidents like this are rare and recalls usually involve airbags that don't deploy, they raise valid concerns when they occur in a nearly new vehicle. Stellantis Denies Warranty Claim Ram After taking the truck to a dealer, Sanchez expected the repairs to be covered under warranty. Instead, Stellantis concluded that the system operated as designed. Data from the vehicle suggested it detected conditions consistent with a potential rollover, which triggered the airbag deployment. That decision leaves Sanchez facing a repair bill estimated between $15,000 and $20,000. The work includes replacing airbags, repairing seats, and addressing several interior components. With warranty coverage denied, those costs fall squarely on the owner. Growing Questions Around Quality Stellantis Although a single case does not define a brand, it adds to a wider pattern. Ram has slipped below the industry average in new vehicle quality studies, recording 218 problems per 100 vehicles. In response, the automaker has moved to address these concerns by deploying 2,000 new engineers across Jeep, Dodge, and Ram, while prioritizing investment in core brands such as Ram. Still, those long-term fixes offer little immediate relief for customers Sanchez, who is left with an unusable truck and a repair bill he did not expect. View the full article

Pickup Beds Should Work SmarterA pickup is only as good as its bed. You’re trading away the security and convenience of a closed trunk for hauling power, so the bed has to earn its keep. That’s exactly what Nissan seems to be targeting with a new tailgate patent aimed at making the bed of the Frontier (or a future truck?) more versatile. Filed at the US Patent and Trademark Office in October 2024 and published in April 2026 (patent no. 20260109410), the application details a tailgate with a second, movable panel built right into it. Instead of just one way to open it, you get multiple options for how the tailgate works. USPTO A Tailgate Within a TailgateAt first glance, the patent sketches look like any other pickup tailgate. But look closer, and you’ll spot the real trick: a smaller panel in the center that moves on its own, turning the whole thing into a split tailgate, albeit different from Ford’s idea. This inner panel can slide or shift using tracks, rollers, springs, or even an electric motor in some versions. So you can open the whole tailgate like usual, or just pop open part of it if your cargo calls for it. Say you’re hauling pipes, lumber, or anything that sticks out. Dropping the whole tailgate isn’t always ideal. With this setup, you could just open what you need, letting long items poke out while keeping the rest of your gear secure. The patent mentions different modes – unrestricted and restricted – so you get more than one way to use the tailgate. It’s not about flashy gimmicks, just making the bed more useful for people who actually use their trucks. USPTO View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Not Quite a MultiPro RivalIt’s easy to compare this to GM’s MultiPro Tailgate, but they’re really tackling different problems. GM’s MultiPro Tailgate is built around folding sections and multiple hinge positions. It can serve as a step, a workbench, a load stop, and an easier access point into the bed. It’s essentially a multi-tool for the rear of the truck. Nissan’s idea goes a different way. No folding panels here – just a center section that moves. The focus is on smarter cargo access and easier load management, not turning the tailgate into a workbench. Think of GM’s system as a Swiss Army knife, while Nissan’s feels more like an adjustable cargo gate. Like any patent, there’s no promise this will hit showrooms. Automakers file plenty of ideas that never leave the drawing board. But this one feels practical enough that it wouldn’t be a shock to see it on a future Frontier or another Nissan truck. USPTO View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

If you needed yet another example of what “China speed” means in the automotive industry, here it is. The new Freelander brand, which is the fruit of a joint venture between China's Chery Auto and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), has already unveiled its first production model, less than a month after revealing its first concept vehicle. So say hello to the Freelander 8, a luxury all-terrain SUV that combines British Land Rover design with Chinese tech into a compelling package. Freelander released the first official images of the tech-focused electrified SUV on China’s Weibo social media platform, but we’ve also come across photos of the vehicle on X.com, courtesy of Steve Fowler. The images appear to have been taken at a public event, likely at Auto China 2026. Production Model Debuts Less Than a Month After the ConceptHere’s the new Freelander 8. Designed by JLR, engineered and built by Chery in China. Six models coming in five years. Left- and right-hand drive. First market - Middle East. It’s a 5.1m long plug-in hybrid. pic.twitter.com/igWcO7pwue — Steve Fowler (@SteveFowler) April 25, 2026 Building on the Freelander Concept 97’s styling, the Freelander 8 is a 200-inch long SUV with a boxy silhouette featuring a closed-off front grille, square headlights and taillights, clean surfacing, off-road cladding, and a diagonal D-pillar that is a throwback to the original three-door Land Rover Freelander. The concept's rear-hinged rear doors and the folding fabric replacing the rear screen are gone. As for the interior, one of the photos shared on X reveals a very similar low-set dashboard to the one seen on Concept 97, with a big central display and a screen band in the background that spans the entire width of the dash. We can only assume that the concept's three-row seating layout has been retained, albeit without the lounge-style third-row sofa. A closer look at the vehicle reveals the neatly integrated LiDAR unit above the windshield, which is a clear hint that the Freelander 8 places strong emphasis on assisted driving and terrain perception. The Freelander 8 Is a Tech Fest with Inputs from Huawei, Qualcomm and CATL Freelander / Weibo Freelander’s first production model is equipped with Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5.0 intelligent driving assistance and a 896-channel LiDAR—the Freelander 8 is one of the first vehicles to get this system. The i-ATS intelligent all-terrain system uses data from the LiDAR and binocular camera for terrain recognition, which the vehicle’s computer then uses to adapt the driving strategy accordingly. Speaking of the computer, the Freelander 8’s computing architecture uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8397 hardware, which is the brain of a centralized vehicle control platform. The new processor is said to have three times more computing power compared to the previous generation. According to several reports from China, including CnEVPost, the Freelander 8 features a dedicated new platform called iMax, which was designed to accommodate battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrains. In China, the Freelander 8 will offer a high-voltage 800V electrical architecture, which will also be standard for EREV models. The battery is jointly developed with industry-leader CATL and is said to feature 350kW peak charging capability and and up to 6C charging performance. The new Freelander 8 is expected to make its debut in China in the second half of the year with an extended-range powertrain. The brand also has plans to come to the Middle East, which will reportedly become its first export market, and Europe later on. The model you see here is only the beginning, as Freelander plans to launch six new models—Land Rover currently has nine—over the next five years, for both left- and righ-hand-drive markets. Unfortunately, the US has not been mentioned as a potential market. Freelander View the full article

They saved fuel for half the raceThey then tried to race and immediately crashed nearly the entire fieldThey were then stuck 2x2 and were unable to pass the front row "You said it perfectly," said Ryan Blaney after the massive 26-car crash at the start of the final stage. “We’re either fuel saving or we’re running all over each other because that’s just what this car is and that’s how ...Keep readingView the full article

The NASCAR community is watching both Carson Hocevar and Spire Motorsports grow up together and that journey reached another benchmark on Sunday at Talladega with their first collective victory. There is a caveat, of course. Spire does have one previous Cup Series win, and that was the rain-shortened 2019 summer race at Daytona, but team co-owner Jeff Dickerson barely counts it. That was ...Keep readingView the full article

Tyler Reddick managed to slightly extend his championship lead at Talladega, now 110 points clear of Denny Hamlin in the standings. After earning his first Cup win, Carson Hocevar jumped from 12th to eighth in the standings. However, the biggest mover in the points was Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who jumped five positions from 30th to 25th. The biggest losers were Michael McDowell, William ...Keep readingView the full article

Carson Hocevar became NASCAR's newest winner on Sunday, capturing the checkered flag after 500 miles of NASCAR Cup Series action at Talladega Superspeedway. Chris Buescher finished second and Alex Bowman third. In the end, 21 cars finished on the lead lap, and several others failed to reach the finish after a Stage 2 melee that collected at least 25 cars. Ryan Preece, who won Stage 1 ...Keep readingView the full article

In his 91st start, Carson Hocevar captured the checkered flag for the first time in his NASCAR Cup Series career. It was also Spire Motorsports' first win as a team since the 2019 season. Chris Buescher finished second, Alex Bowman third, Chase Elliott fourth, and Zane Smith fifth. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Noah Gragson, and Kyle Busch filled out the remainder of the ...Keep readingView the full article

Electric vehicles tend to perform very well in crash-safety tests, due to how their bodies are structured. Heavy batteries help create a lower center of gravity, while the absence of an engine allows designers more space to create effective crumple zones. The Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T pickups are two of the biggest EVs around, so their sheer size can also improve crash safety. But how do they compare to each other? And how do they perform when it comes to crash prevention? To answer those questions, we’ve compared the latest safety ratings for both pickups from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Let’s see which one is safest. Related: Ford F-150 Vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 Vs. Ram 1500: Which Pickup Is The Safest? Crashworthiness: Cybertruck Takes The LeadThe IIHS runs three core crashworthiness tests: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side. These tests collectively evaluate how a vehicle performs in different scenarios, whether it’s an offset crash with another car or hitting something with the front corner. Each test is rated as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. Here’s how the two vehicles compared. Tesla Cybertruck Rivian R1T Small Overlap Front Good Good Moderate Overlap Front Good Acceptable Side Good Good While there are no red flags for either pickup, the Cybertruck performed better in the moderate overlap front test, where many other full-size pickups tend to struggle. In this particular evaluation, the Tesla’s rear passenger restraints and dummy kinetics received a Good rating, while the Rivian’s rating was Marginal. That brought down the Rivian’s overall score and prevented it from attaining a Top Safety Pick+ award. The Cybertruck achieved this and is the only tested full-size pickup to do so. Both pickups generally performed well in crash tests. Related: Tesla Cybertruck Vs. Ford F-150 Lightning Safety Ratings—Which Truck Is Safer? Crash Prevention: More Good News For Tesla IIHS/YouTube In this category, the IIHS assesses a vehicle’s ability to avoid a crash with another vehicle or a pedestrian. Headlights are also tested for effectiveness. Tesla Cybertruck Rivian R1T Headlights Good Acceptable Front Crash Prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle) Good Acceptable Front Crash Prevention (pedestrian) Good Good Once again, the Cybertruck achieved only Good ratings—it easily lives up to Tesla’s generally excellent reputation for safety. The Rivian’s headlights and vehicle-to-vehicle crash-prevention system were rated as Acceptable. On curves, the Cybertruck’s high beams were more effective than the Rivian’s. In vehicle-to-vehicle collision avoidance, the Cybertruck warned the driver of a possible collision more effectively than the Rivian did. As in the crashworthiness category, the Rivian isn’t bad at all, but there are a few gaps where its performance could be perfected. Final Verdict: Tesla Builds The Safest Pickup 2026 Tesla Cybertruck Tesla View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Things may change in the future, but 2026 IIHS ratings show that the Tesla is the only pickup of any size to achieve the organization’s Top Safety Pick+ award. Pickup safety has improved in recent years, but still lags behind other body styles of vehicle, where Top Safety Pick+ awards are more commonly earned. The Cybertruck beats its R1T rival in these tests, although the Rivian can’t be described as unsafe—it still held up well in crash tests and put in a solid performance for crash prevention. View the full article

Chinese manufacturing giant BYD, through its Fang Cheng Bao luxury brand, unveiled the Formula SL at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show—a 1,000-horsepower electric sedan engineered to disrupt the market currently dominated by the likes of the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan. Seriously Quick and Curiously ContemporaryHistorically, the Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand built its reputation entirely on rugged, boxy off-roaders. The introduction of the 'Formula' sub-brand marks an aggressive, targeted pivot into ultra-luxury performance. While the carbon-fiber Formula X serves as the halo supercar, the Formula SL is the flagship of the brand’s new executive sedan range. BYD On paper, the Formula SL is more than well enough equipped to take on the industry stalwarts, built on an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, the SL uses a tri-motor AWD powertrain generating a shocking, yet par-for-the-course, 1,000 horsepower. With its 122.1-inch wheelbase and length over 196 inches, the Formula SL matches the physical footprint of the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and the Lucid Air. The Formula SL does not rely solely on straight-line acceleration; handling dynamics are managed by BYD’s proprietary DiSus-M magnetic ride control system to ensure cornering stability. Visually, the sedan abandons the brand's utilitarian roots for aerodynamic efficiency, featuring heavily sculpted profiles and 21-inch gold-finished alloy wheels. BYD Will We See it?The vehicle is slated to arrive in Chinese dealerships in late 2026. While heavy protectionist tariffs currently block BYD passenger cars from US soil, the global market share of legacy Western automakers is under immediate siege. Porsche recently reported a brutal 21 percent first-quarter sales drop in China, directly attributing the loss to a highly competitive domestic EV price war. This comes during a broader industry-wide slowdown in Chinese auto due to the subsidies finally being partially rolled back. The Formula SL is explicitly engineered to bring a sort of flair back to democratized EVs, delivering hypercar-level output and software integration at a price point that legacy luxury brands will struggle to match internationally. The takeaway for the domestic auto industry is stark: the performance EV ceiling is rapidly rising, while the cost of entry is simultaneously dropping. Even if the Formula SL never legally wears a U.S. license plate, its existence forces Detroit and Stuttgart to radically accelerate their engineering timelines, or watch their international market dominance evaporate to overseas competitors. View the full article

115 laps into the race and 15 laps into second stage at Talladega, complete chaos broke out at the front of the field. Bubba Wallace was leading the race from the middle lane with Ross Chastain behind him. Chastain was surging forward as he, Ryan Blaney, and Joey Logano were all connected. Wallace got hit hard from behind, and slid up the track into Cole Custer, turning Wallace into the ...Keep readingView the full article

From fossil fuels to future mobility, Shell is encouraging EVs. Its upcoming concept car, built around the Triple 10 Challenge, is set to debut in June. Rather than chasing extreme performance figures, this project focuses on making electric vehicles even more efficient and easier to live with day to day. The Triple 10 Challenge Shell Shell’s Triple 10 Challenge sets out three clear targets. The first is rapid charging, aiming to take the battery from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes. The second is efficiency, to exceed 10 km per kilowatt-hour. The third focuses on sustainability, targeting a total lifecycle carbon footprint of under 10 tonnes. Albeit a bold set of goals, EV innovation has become a battleground. Recently, BYD managed to engineer an EV battery that can charge in just five minutes, showing how quickly EV innovation is becoming. At the same time, emerging technologies such as solid-state batteries are inching closer to becoming production-ready. Shell says the idea behind the Triple 10 Challenge is to set the "new benchmark for next-generation BEVs." A Small SUV With Big Ambitions Cole Attisha Rather than creating an outlandish, aerodynamic concept, AutoExpress reports that Shell shared a sketch of its creation: a compact B-segment SUV, roughly comparable in size to a Volvo EX30 or Nissan Kicks. The emphasis is on intelligent engineering, with a target kerb weight of around 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs). For comparison, the Hyundai Kona Electric weighs 1,870 kgs (4,120 lbs), significantly more than Shell's target. A smaller battery plays a central role in achieving this figure. However, efficiency is maintained through an advanced cooling system, where battery cells are submerged in a non-conductive fluid. This setup manages heat more effectively during charging and driving, allowing the vehicle to sustain higher charging speeds while using energy more efficiently. Lightweight composite materials, including carbon fibre components, further contribute to the overall weight reduction. June Reveal With A Bigger Purpose David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images While full specifications remain under wraps, Shell has confirmed the concept will be revealed in June as a fully functional, driveable vehicle. While it will not reach production, this concept will serve as living proof of what can be achieved using current, scalable technology. Innovative tech like this may be exactly what the world needs since everyone is suffering from rising gas prices. View the full article

Fuel Prices are Doing the SellingRising fuel prices – driven by trouble in the Middle East – are putting EVs back in the spotlight. As oil prices rise, it’s easier to show buyers why EVs make sense. Lower running costs, fewer trips to the pump, and less stress about sudden price hikes turn EVs from a trend into a smart, everyday choice. This isn’t just a US story. Europe, the UK, Brazil, and plenty of developing markets are all seeing more people switch to EVs. Chinese brands like BYD are ready for it, with a lineup that fits both new and established markets. Interestingly, the US market is not part of BYD’s immediate concern. Speaking to the BBC during the Beijing Auto Show, BYD executive vice president Stella Li made that clear. “We survive and are successful without the US market today,” Li said. Instead of chasing American buyers, BYD is busy trying to keep up with everyone else. Places like Brazil, the UK, and Europe are already asking for more cars than BYD can build right now. “Consumers feel the daily savings when oil prices increase. EVs help them save money every day,” she added. Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images Too Much Demand, Not Enough SupplyIt sounds like a good problem, but for a company moving as fast as BYD, hitting production limits gets old fast – just ask Ford, which is currently dealing with problems with the F-150. Even BYD admits supply is the real headache at the moment. “Actually, we are now suffering [insufficient] capacity. Our demand is much higher than what we can supply,” Li said. That tells you a lot about where EVs are headed. While some carmakers are still arguing about when to go electric, BYD’s problem is the opposite: buyers are already on board, and the factories are scrambling to keep up. The next move is to get deeper into North America, but not by starting with the US. Canada is shaping up as BYD’s way in, with reports saying it could be the first big Chinese brand to make a real push there. It’s a simpler entry point and keeps BYD close to a growing crowd of EV buyers. BYD The Next Bet Is Five-Minute ChargingBYD isn’t just focused on building more cars or entering new markets. The company is also pushing hard on charging speed, and its new flash-charging tech is proof. BYD’s latest system can add real driving range in about five minutes – suddenly, charging an EV starts to feel a lot more like a regular gas stop. For anyone still worried about waiting at chargers, that’s a big deal. This lines up with where the whole industry is going. EVs are already cutting oil demand by millions of barrels a day, and making charging easier will only speed things up. BYD gets that winning the EV race isn’t just about building more cars. It’s about taking away the last excuses people have for not switching. Right now, the real problem isn’t getting into America – it’s making enough EVs for everyone else. BYD Fans via CarNewsChina View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article