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Stellantis is about to make important announcements for the U.S. market on May 21 at its investor day event in Auburn Hills as part of the company’s new strategic turnaround plan. The strategy is likely to focus regionally on key brands such as Jeep and Ram in the U.S. and Fiat and Peugeot in Europe, with Stellantis also expected to detail a cost-cutting plan and lay out how it aims to return to profitability following a net loss of over $26 billion in 2025. Parts of the strategy have already started to be revealed by Stellantis, including the planned launch of a “groundbreaking, small and affordable E-Car project” in Europe. The automaker argues that Europe needs a new generation of basic, cost-efficient small vehicles, in the style of Japan’s kei cars. The First E-Car Will Be Made in Italy From 2028 The first small, low-cost EV for the European market is expected to enter production in 2028 at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Italy, with potential for “significant” volumes. This may be a hint that the first product of the E-Car line will be a Fiat, since the facility currently builds the Fiat Panda. Mind you, badge engineering is quite common across Stellantis brands, so the E-Car will put on more than one badge. While Stellantis did not disclose how much its affordable electric city car will cost, sources cited by Reuters claim it will have a price tag of around 15,000 euros, which is the equivalent of around $17,500. In order to achieve such a low price, Stellantis said the E-Car will draw on partnerships to keep costs down and speed up development, while supporting local manufacturing jobs. “Our customers are calling for a revival of small, stylish vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, which are also affordable and environmentally friendly,” said Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa. “Stellantis is answering their call with exciting new models for multiple brands. Production is expected to start in 2028 in our Pomigliano (Italy) plant.” The E-Car Line Will Be Developed With Unnamed Partners Stellantis’ press release also noted that the E-Car models will feature “cutting-edge design” and will be powered by “world-class BEV technologies” developed with selected partners. While no partners have been named, the low-cost approach and the focus on an accelerated time-to-market hint at tie-ups with Chinese automakers. Stellantis already has a close partnership with Leapmotor, in which it holds a 20% stake, and has announced plans for joint production of two models in Spain with the Chinese carmaker. Additionally, Stellantis on May 20 announced the intention to form a European joint venture with China’s Dongfeng for sales, distribution, manufacturing, purchasing and engineering activities. With its new small, low-cost category of EVs, Stellantis is targeting a market that has been neglected in recent years in Europe. Rising costs tied to electrification and safety regulations, as well as a search for higher profit margins, have driven carmakers toward mid-sized and larger cars, leading to a shrinking entry-level car segment as a result. Stellantis has warned that without more affordable EVs, the European Union’s push toward zero-emission mobility risks stalling, especially among lower-income consumers. Stellantis View the full article

Kyle Busch has been checked into a hospital with an undisclosed illness and will not compete in the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The official Kyle Busch social media channels posted the following statement on Thursday. “Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his ...Keep readingView the full article

Genesis Magma Is Starting To Take ShapeThe GV60 Magma already gives us a sense of what Genesis has in mind for its entry into the electric performance realm. Aggressive aero, chassis revisions, and a dual-motor setup producing up to 641 horsepower in Boost Mode. Not too shabby. The GV60 Magma is getting ready for its US arrival for the 2027 model year, but what’s next? Well, thanks to a recent prototype sighting in Korea, it looks like Genesis may already have another Magma model deep into development – and this time, it might not be electric at all. A GV70 Prototype Hints At Something BiggerA prototype seen near Hyundai Motor Group’s Namyang R&D Center gives a good idea of Genesis’s next move. It was a Genesis GV70 – not the first sighting, but this one has a clearer sound that refutes the previous report about a V8 engine. The Magma Orange paint was the first giveaway. Genesis uses this color as the signature for its performance models, so seeing it on a GV70 prototype is no accident. The rear end also featured a quad-exhaust setup, which the standard GV70 does not have. The main question is what’s under the hood. The prototype in the video sounded like it had a V6, supporting previous reports that the GV70 Magma will be powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with a 48-volt electric supercharger. It’s the same setup used in the G90 and GV80 Coupe. This setup makes about 415 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, a step up from the standard GV70 3.5T. The electric supercharger is key here, cutting turbo lag and giving immediate low-end response. The GV70 uses the Hyundai-Kia M3 platform, which it shares with the larger GV80. That means the twincharged setup should fit without major changes. HealerTV/YouTube What We Expect From The GV70 MagmaInterestingly, the prototype ran on larger forged wheels with staggered tires: 265/40 R21 in front and 295/35 R21 at the rear. Red monoblock brake calipers and bigger rotors point to upgraded braking. The ride height looked slightly higher, possibly to accommodate wider arches or new suspension tuning, though we still expect a better stance in the production model. Meanwhile, the prototype’s body looks mostly unchanged. Unlike some performance SUVs with oversized aero or body kits, this prototype keeps the standard GV70 proportions. If Genesis moves ahead, the GV70 Magma could be a key performance model for the brand. Unlike the electric GV60 Magma, this version is aimed at buyers who still want a traditional, combustion-powered luxury SUV. With prototypes already on the road in Korea, it looks like Genesis is nearly ready to show what’s next – and soon. HealerTV/YouTube View the full article

Blazing its Own TrailFor those worrying if Alpina will be diluted because of BMW ownership, you can all breathe a sigh of relief. The Vision Alpina BMW made its world premiere recently, and so far, praise has been heaped on it. Its primary goal is to establish Alpina's new design language, and we're liking what we see. With the reveal of the concept, it shows that Alpina is forging its own path. Exciting times for the brand, indeed, and it'll be interesting to see how the design elements will be applied to production models. As reported by BMW Blog, design chief Adrian van Hooydonk implied that the Vision Alpina BMW is, so far, the most important concept car of his career. BMW Inspired by an IconAt least for concepts, BMW isn't shy about drawing inspiration from its back catalog. The Hommage concept vehicles were prime examples of that being applied. But the Vision Alpina BMW's nod to the past is a little more subtle, but you'll be able to connect the dots once you see van Hooydonk's explanation. The Dutch designer points to the E24 6 Series as the primary inspiration for the concept car. More specifically, it's the Alpina B7 Turbo Coupe that helped form the elegant shape. It's fitting, too, given that the B7 Turbo Coupe was the first 6 Series Alpina got its hands on and gave a helpful boost to. Van Hooydonk was quoted as saying, "It's even more acute, even more extreme, more sculptural, more three-dimensional" than the E24. One could say it's modernization done right. The most obvious nod to the past is the shark-nosed front end. However, the rear is a stark contrast to current BMW models. Instead of going inwards, the trunklid goes the opposite way. If you take a look at the back of the E24 and other BMW models from the same era, you'll see the connection. That detail further defines Alpina's design language. BMW More Retro Cues from Alpina?With the Vision Alpina BMW serving as the foundation of Alpina's future designs, does this mean we'll see more throwback elements in its models? It's hard to say for now, but it isn't outside the realm of possibility. After all, BMW wants to give its newly-acquired brand its own personality, just as it did for Mini and Rolls-Royce. Let's say, for a moment, that Alpina's exterior design will be inspired by BMWs from the '70s to the mid-'80s; it should bode well for the brand. The company's first car under new management will be based on the 7 Series, and we'd like to imagine it as an elegant, futuristic interpretation of the E23 from 1977. One can dream. BMW View the full article

The Last C8 Series Corvette is heading back into the shop and preparing for one of the last chapters in the C8's history. The 2027 Corvette Grand Sport and Grand Sport X are coming, bringing several tweaks to the mid-engined platform and updated powertrains. The Grand Sport and Grand Sport X variants will sit above the Stingray and replace the E-Ray in the lineup. We're going to see the new Grand Sport series go into production at the brand's Bowling Green factory by June 8, 2026. As far as accuracy goes, GM Authority is on the ball, but General Motors will be General Motors, so nothing's absolutely set in stone according to the source. This Grand Sport will also pay homage to the models that predate it, and Corvette will revive the Iconic Admiral Blue Metallic, plus a new body color, Pitch Gray Metallic, plus a special launch edition with either Santorini Blue or Adrenaline Red interior colors. Chevrolet A New Engine Corvette has a new engine. At 6.7 liters of displacement (409 cu in), the new LS6 V8 engine in its base configuration delivers an additional 45 horsepower and 55 pound-feet of torque over the 6.2 LT2 V8. Both the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X will get this updated engine, which makes 535 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque in the Grand Sport trim. The engine can also be paired with an electric motor, and together they produce 721 horsepower and 665 pound-feet of torque in the Grand Sport X trim. The new motor will be produced in GM's Flint Engine Operations plant. It will be paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, available on the Grand Sport line. As per the source, however, it looks like a manual transmission will not be available for the C8, unfortunately. Chevrolet Grand Sport And Grand Sport X The 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and Grand Sport X will have two different powertrains. The base Grand Sport will get the LS6 engine with 535 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Sport X will get the same LS6 engine paired with the front-mounted electric motor, and together they produce 721 horsepower and 665 pound-feet of torque. Both the X and non-X will come with Magnetic Ride Control, also standard are Micheline Pilot Sport 4 tires for both models, unless customers opt for either the Z52 Sport or Track Packages, which bring better rubber (Pilot Sport 4S for the Sport pack and Pilot Sport Cup 2R for the track pack), better brakes, a stiffer chassis, carbon fiber aero bits, and an optional center-exit-quad-tipped exhaust system. The all-wheel-drive 'Vette Grand Sport X takes from the eAWD technology that was pioneered in the groundbreaking Corvette C8 ZR1X. Not only does it improve grip, but it can also be configured for efficiency and endurance. Corvette will stuff the Grand Sport X with the same modes found in the ZR1X, which include Endurance, Qualifying, and Push-to-Pass. Having that electric motor also brings practicality into the conversation, with the car being able to run on the electric motor only in stealth mode and shuttle mode. Chevrolet Launch and Availability Right off the bat, Corvette is also unveiling a Launch Edition of the C8 Corvette Grand Sport and Grand Sport X. The special edition will feature an interior Santorini Blue-Dipped color combination, with Santorini blue paired with red stitching and accents. Chevrolet has also added Grand Sport logos all over, which are stitched into the floor mats and embossed on the headrests. Red accents can also be found running down the center of the gauge cluster hood, wrapped in leather, and matching the red accent on the steering wheel. On top of that, the Launch Edition also gets a Waterfall speaker plaque and a Grand Sport steering wheel badge. As for body styles, the Grand Sport will follow the C8's lineup and be offered with either a coupe or a hard-top convertible. Pricing will be announced when the model officially debuts. Customers will be able to color their Grand Sport any way they want with hundreds of combinations to choose from. On top of that, there are two wheel options available: a 10-spoke aluminum set finished in Pearl Nickel, Gloss Black, or Carbon Flash with bright-polished surfaces, and High Polished. There's also a five-spoke carbon wheel design, made to be lightweight, and finished in Carbon Flash, or with a red stripe. Price-wise, we're looking at an MSRP of $88,495 for the Grand Sport and $112,195 for the Grand Sport X, as covered in a previous story. With that, the Grand Sport will replace the E-Ray in the middle of the lineup, above the Stingray, and slot below the Z06. More details to follow as we inch closer to the launch, which is coming very soon. Chevrolet View the 18 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

For decades, Hyundai Motor Group has leveraged its industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty as one of its primary selling points. To most people shopping for a new car, this warranty signals bulletproof reliability. However, The Car Care Nut Reviews takes a closer look at the actual mechanical engineering beneath the hood—such as the layout found in the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid— and it reveals a contrasting narrative. Instead of timeless durability, modern Kias and Hyundais appear to be designed to excel through their warranty periods, only to face expensive and potentially catastrophic failures immediately after. Kia The Problem with Turbocharged HybridsHistorically, both Hyundai and Kia have suffered severe setbacks, most notably the $5 billion Theta II engine recall nightmare. The recall centered around an engine that was plagued by manufacturing debris, oil starvation, and seized bearings. While Hyundai and Kia have pivoted to newer powertrains, their current engineering choices present deep long-term longevity concerns. Take their modern 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injection hybrid powertrain. Combining turbocharging with a hybrid system is a well-known engineering risk. Hyundai and Kia hybrids are designed to aggressively shut off the gas engine to coast in EV mode, a choice made to drive up MPG figures, showing tangible use of the hybrid powertrains. However, repeatedly cutting power to a hot, spinning turbocharger starves the component of cooling oil and subjects it to extreme thermal cycling. Over 100,000 miles, this rapid on-and-off behavior is a recipe for premature mechanical fatigue. Critical Failure Points by DesignHybrid turbocharging decision aside, these vehicles rely exclusively on direct injection rather than dual port-and-direct injection. Without port injectors washing fuel over the intake valves, severe carbon buildup becomes inevitable over time, strangling engine performance. Toyotachooses port injection for the Corolla hybrid, and it seems like the smarter engineering choice. The structural vulnerabilities extend to the undercarriage and accessories. The hybrid starter generator (HSG) is belt-driven and subjected to immense mechanical loads to crank the engine over. If this vital drive belt snaps out of warranty, the car immediately depletes its battery and shuts down completely. Below the vehicle, essential coolant lines lack structural shielding and rely on fragile plastic quick-disconnects exposed directly to road debris. This used to be acceptable when Hyundais were sold new for about $20,000 a long time ago, but now that a fully kitted new Kia Sportage Hybrid sells for over $40,000 MSRP, this sort of visible cost-cutting is difficult to justify. Kia Built for the First OwnerUltimately, Kia and Hyundai build vehicles packed with impressive out-of-the-box tech, refined drive dynamics, and accessible price points that make them appealing to initial buyers. But with unshielded underbody wiring harnesses, thermal mismanagement risks, and complex, high-stress powertrain combinations, these vehicles are optimized to survive the 100,000-mile finish line—leaving secondary owners to inherit the inevitable. View the full article

The first-ever all-electric take on the brilliant BMW M3 sports sedan is only due to arrive next year, but BMW has already been building anticipation by sharing tidbits on what to expect. BMW M boss Frank van Meel recently shared a post on Instagram showing that the electric M3 (which we'll call iM3 but has not been confirmed to carry that name) will share one design detail with the BMW M Hybrid V8 Le Mans endurance racer: yellow daytime running lights. Clearly, BMW is implying that the know-how gained in developing the racecar's electrification systems will benefit the iM3, and it's not the only way the high-performance EV has been linked with motorsport. BMW M3 EV Will Be As Racy As the Gas One franciscusvanmeel/Instagram The caption on the above image on Instagram says that yellow lights are part of BMW's racing DNA, and the company wants to "bring them to the streets." The yellow LEDs have previously been a signature of BMW's high-performance CS models, but it appears that they may be included on regular M cars going forward. It should also be noted that, while the electric M3 will appear first, just as the i3 sedan has already been launched and the gas 3 Series has not, the post does not specifically indicate that this is a teaser for the iM3, leading some to wonder if BMW is also hinting at V8 power for the next gas M3. Related: BMW Built A Manual Rear-Drive M3 CS Just For North America This seems unlikely, but it's not impossible, especially since BMW is now employing pre-chamber ignition, a technology that originated in motorsport and helps produce a cleaner burn, with improvements in both power and efficiency. Still, we think this is all about the iM3, as BMW M also let a camouflaged M3 EV lead a pack of all six M3 generations onto the Nürburgring last weekend (clip embedded below), and this had yellow DRLs too. Spare a thought for all the poor CS buyers who thought the yellow lighting would remain exclusive to special editions. What We Know About the First Electric M3 The M3 EV has also been spotted testing at the Nürburgring, and it looks quick doing it. The electric sports sedan is expected to produce between 800 and 900 horsepower from its quad-motor powertrain, though its architecture is capable of up to 1,341 hp, and although this is far more grunt than the next gas M3 is expected to deliver from its mild-hybrid powertrain, BMW will sell both combustion and electric variants at roughly the same price. The EV will also feature simulated gearshifts like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N to increase engagement, and when BMW M first began alluding to a high-performance EV, it shared a clip showing its M Quad-Motor Prototype burning rubber as it performed incredibly tight donuts, so expect torque vectoring and a drift mode to help make the experience as fun as possible. More information should be available before long, as these teasers mean BMW is making significant progress. View the full article

The 'World Center of Racing' is getting a major update in the form of Musco’s modern LED lighting system, the same system utilized by venues like Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Musco also installed the original system at Daytona International Speedway in 1998. Working with Musco, the 2.5-mile superspeedway in Daytona Beach, FL, will install LED lighting ...Keep readingView the full article

Another Day Another RecallDespite the inherently negative nature of a service advisory or recall, the severity depends on the specific issue at hand. Some recalls address major issues, such as powertrain problems, malfunctioning features, or safety-related faults. Other recalls simply tackle the very simplest and, in some cases, strange mistakes. GM's latest Customer Satisfaction Program (a gentle name for recall) is for the Cadillac Optiq, and the reason is perplexing. Cadillac The Wrong SwitchGM Authority wrote a report highlighting program N262552010, issued in May 2026. This program states that units of the Cadillac Optiq built for the 2026 model year have an issue with the driver-side power seat switch. Specifically, the bulletin states that some units of the Optiq have been built with a power seat switch that doesn't match the proper specifications. GM has instructed its Cadillac dealerships to inspect the seats on possibly impacted Optiq units and replace them with the correct spec if necessary. According to the report, an inspection might even determine that no repair or replacement is necessary. GM has not disclosed the number of Optiqs affected by the bulletin, but GM Authority says it expects only a small number of cars to be affected. Kyle Edward Other GM BulletinsAs is often the case with GM service bulletins, dealerships must first confirm that the car is still under warranty through their own proprietary global warranty management system. Once clear, the necessary replacement can be done. GM also says that this program will be available until June 30, 2028. The automaker is also telling customers that the supply of the correct part might be "constrained" for now. Customers can also expect a quick resolution to the problem, with the inspection and replacement taking less than an hour. Interestingly, this isn't the first service bulletin for the Optiq. Some models needed their brake system control module software updated due to an issue affecting braking performance at low speeds. A certain AC Delco brake fluid was also found to produce sediment and affect braking performance under certain conditions. Kyle Edward View the full article

Some of the biggest automakers in the U.S. are Japanese, led by Toyota and Honda. But on the other side, there’s Mitsubishi, with sales volumes that are only a fraction of those brands. Last year, Mitsubishi sales declined by 13.7%, and the brand closed a high number of dealerships in the country over the last few years. Many remaining dealers have expressed frustration with the automaker’s dated, uncompetitive lineup, as well as the its heavy reliance on fleet sales. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening behind the scenes as remaining dealers battle to keep Mitsubishi alive. A Dramatic Decline in Dealerships Mitsubishi According to Automotive News, Mitsubishi started 2026 with 56 fewer dealerships than it had early in 2019. No other mainstream brand besides Ford and Chevrolet (far larger brands overall) have seen their dealer network diminish at this rate. In the last 18 months alone, 35 franchises have been terminated by Mitsubishi, according to CEO Mark Chaffin. However, the company added 12 new dealerships over the last year, with the new stores expected to be more lucrative. “We’re focused on quality over quantity as we evolve our franchise,” said Chaffin. “It’s all about the right stores run by new-car-focused operators in the right areas.” Currently, Mitsubishi has 297 dealerships, but they only average 15 new-car sales monthly, which Chaffin believes isn’t good enough. Mitsubishi Dealers Aren’t Happy Mitsubishi Motors North America Mitsubishi dealers are unhappy with the automaker on several fronts. These include a heavy reliance on fleet sales, challenging factory demands, and few incentives for a generally older range of models. Mitsubishi’s only three models are the Outlander, Outlander Sport, and Eclipse Cross. The Outlander Sport is based on a platform that’s been around for 15 years, while the Eclipse Cross first went into production in 2017. Go back to around 2010, and Mitsubishi still sold sedans and even the Raider pickup. “It’s harder to compete with this lineup,“ Mitsubishi National Advisory Board Chairman R.C. Hill said. ”Dealer enthusiasm for the brand is fading." Mitsubishi Motors North America One dealer in the Midwest recently closed a store there, saying he had “lost confidence” in the brand’s lineup and was “fed up” after several years of losing money. Dealers are further incensed by the fact that many lower-trim models are being directly allocated to rental companies. In the first quarter of this year, almost 60% of Mitsubishi models sold went to fleet buyers. A compact electric crossover planned for September and a more rugged Outlander due to arrive in the first half of 2027 are part of Mitsubishi’s plans to revitalize its lineup, but retailers aren’t confident these models will arrive on time. “We keep being promised all this new stuff and how it’s gonna get better,” one of the retailers said. “Eventually Mitsubishi may get there with the new product, but it’s going to have to commit more to the U.S. if it wants to do well here.” What It Means Mitsubishi There’s only so much an automaker can do with a small, mostly dated lineup of vehicles. Until Mitsubishi introduces a few new models, its growth is expected to be limited and dealer frustrations will mount. Besides the need for more competitive crossovers, today’s Mitsubishi is a far cry from the enthusiast-pleasing brand it was in the 1990s and 2000s, when models like the Galant VR-4, 3000GT, and Lancer Evolution elevated its image. Such vehicles may not sell in large volumes, but they can be essential in attracting a new generation of customers to the brand in other segments. View the full article

A 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition convertible crossed the block at Mecum Indy 2026 and sold for $605,000. Its starting price at launch was $241,395, meaning the buyer paid nearly 2.5 times what the dealer originally paid for it. For that price, the buyer gets 1 of 60 cars made, this one with just six miles on the clock. With just an estimated 100 scheduled for production, getting a ZR1X through the normal process required being the right kind of customer at the right dealership at the right moment. That scarcity is exactly what’s sent used prices into the stratosphere. Mecum Rules, Restrictions, and Why None of It MatteredChevrolet has been fighting the scalper problem for years. GM requires ZR1X buyers to sign a retention agreement promising not to sell within the first year of ownership. Violators forfeit the car's factory warranty and become ineligible to order future high-demand Chevy models. The second owner also loses warranty coverage if the car is resold within that window. For the ZR1X specifically, that means bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, sheet metal, tire, accessory, and electric propulsion coverage are all voided, with the only exception being the EV battery warranty. The Mecum buyer knew all of this and raised the bar anyway. Mecum What $605,000 Actually BuysThe ZR1X is quite extraordinary. It combines 1,064 horsepower from the LT7 engine with an additional 186 horsepower from the electric front drive unit, reaching a combined 1,250 horsepower. On a prepped drag strip, it hit 60 mph in 1.68 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 8.675 seconds at 159 mph. At the Nürburgring, it set a lap time of 6:49.275, making it the fastest American car to ever turn a lap there, till the Mustang GTD beat it, at least. That time made it the fourth-quickest unmodified production car to lap the Ring overall. Mecum View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Quail Silver edition added a layer of ceremony to all that performance. It wears Blade Silver Matte paint, making it the first factory matte-finish Corvette in roughly 60 years, along with a full Carbon Fiber Aero Package including a rear wing, dive planes, and hood spoiler, plus carbon fiber wheels. For $605,000, you could have bought a Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato and a Porsche 911 GT3 RS and still have money left for track days. Whether this ZR1X buyer got a bargain depends entirely on how desirable these things remain five years from now. That part remains to be seen, of course. View the full article

This week, BMW announced arguably its coolest G-series car yet: a 2027 BMW M3 CS with a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. But why is it only being offered in the U.S. and Canada? What makes us worthy of such a focused means of experiencing the manual transmission when the rest of the world missed out? Jay Hanson, a spokesperson with BMW's Product and Technology department, explained to BMWBlog that the U.S. is arguably the M division's most important market, and what an automaker's most important market wants, it gets: "The U.S. is the largest market for BMW M, and our fans there, more than anywhere else, have made it very clear to us that they still want these special, high-performance cars with manual transmissions. They asked for it, and we delivered - the M3 CS Handschalter was created for them." America Has Always Been a Fan of BMW M's Manual Transmission BMW While so-called daily drivers are almost always equipped with an automatic transmission for the majority of U.S. drivers, Americans tend to feel differently about performance cars, and the M3 CS Handschalter is only the latest manual Bimmer we get to keep to ourselves. The E60 BMW M5 was sold worldwide exclusively with the SMG transmission, a single-clutch automated manual, but in the U.S., a true six-speed manual was demanded, and BMW obliged by making it a no-cost option. The take rate for the stick shift was only said to have been around 14 percent, or 1,366 cars, but these were the days when 'paddle-shift' technology was a relatively new concept that, despite its clumsiness and ineptitude relative to modern DCTs and automatics, allowed a buyer to role-play as a Formula One driver, and every manufacturer that had a similar system boasted how it felt like being in a supercar. It was next-gen tech, and it's understandable why so many wanted to try it, especially when some manuals in high-performance cars had stiff clutch pedals. Related: BMW Alpina Starts Its New Era With A Big V8 Sedan Still, the fact that BMW was willing to go to the effort of providing a manual just for those few Americans who might not otherwise have bought an M5 showed that the brand understood the hardcore enthusiasts who make up an important portion of its buyer population, and they're the ones who talk most passionately about how fun-to-drive their M car is. Today, being able to drive a manual car properly is arguably the same kind of flex as having the means to own a paddle-shift car used to be. And flexing comes at a premium. Or does it? The Cynic's View of the $108,450 M3 CS Is Flawed BMW It's understandable if you have to question why this pricy special variant of the G80 M3 has only appeared now. The E60 M5 was offered from 2004 to 2010, and already in late 2006, around the middle of its time with us, BMW announced the option of a manual for the U.S. Meanwhile, the G80 M3 has been around since 2020, and only as a farewell to this generation is the three-pedal M3 CS arriving. Introducing this choice at the end of the G80's life cycle, for a single year, effectively limits availability. That's great for resale values, but if it had come sooner and been sold in greater volume, the CS badge might be less closely associated with the phrase "collector status," perhaps even avoiding most of the inevitable markups. Yes, this is the last non-hybrid M3, and it may well spell the end for the manual M3, too, which would make it the only M3 CS ever offered with three pedals. It's also the lightest G80 in this form, but it shouldn't be treated as something to preserve for posterity. Its performance should be plundered. It should be something to indulge in on a quiet canyon road, or during an untimed track day, not parked as an appreciating asset for all time. On the other hand, much of the essence of the manual M3 CS can be had with the base M3, too, and BMW's contemporary commitment to the stick isn't only extended to those paying six figures, though it could easily have made it so for 2027. If you want a manual M3, you can have one for $80,650. A 'normal' M3 won't be quite as light as a CS Handschalter, but you still get to row your own gears through 473 horsepower of rear-wheel-drive fun - and save nearly 30 grand in the process. The point is this: it's easy to be cynical about special editions, but while AMG and Audi Sport have long deserted enthusiasts of the manual transmission, BMW M has celebrated them as best it can for as long as it can, and whatever happens with the next M3, manual or not, giving Americans the choice of three pedals for this long, in base or CS form, is worthy of respect. BMW View the full article

Toyota’s V6 Recall Keeps GrowingThe saga with Toyota’s non-hybrid 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 continues. In the latest round, the Japanese marque has confirmed that another 44,000 model-year 2024 Toyota Tundra trucks in the US have been added to the recall list. That brings the total number of vehicles recalled for the V35A-FTS engine family to nearly 270,000 since 2024. This engine isn’t just powering the Tundra – it’s also used in several Toyota and Lexus trucks and SUVs, like the Lexus LX and GX. According to Toyota, the culprit is machining debris left inside the engine during production. That debris can damage the #1 main bearing, which might lead to knocking, rough running, hard starts, or even total engine failure. In some cases, drivers could suddenly lose power while on the move. However, this latest recall pops out because these engines were supposed to be safe from the issue, built with extra cleaning steps after the earlier recalls. However, Toyota admits that, even with those added measures, debris can still slip through and damage the bearings. Hybrid versions, for now, remain unaffected. Lubrication-Related Issues Could Also ContributeWhile Toyota continues to blame debris contamination, independent engine teardowns are starting to raise more questions about the V6’s long-term reliability. In a failed 2023 Tundra V6 engine – one with only 38,000 miles on the clock – the lower end looked far from ideal. Metal flakes were found in the oil pan, while several main bearings showed severe wear and heat damage. Some rod bearings also appeared heavily worn for the mileage. The damage seemed concentrated around the bearings rather than spread randomly throughout the engine. Looking at these findings, it’s easy to wonder if oil pressure inconsistencies, bearing tolerances, or other lubrication issues might also be at play. Toyota hasn’t pointed to any alternative causes, but says newer engines now use an improved #1 main bearing that should handle contamination better. What Happened Since 2024Toyota first recalled about 102,000 Tundra and Lexus LX models in May 2024, later announcing that many would receive full engine replacements. By November 2025, another 127,000 vehicles joined the list, including more Tundras, Lexus LXs, and the Lexus GX. Toyota says over 77,000 repairs from the original recall have already been completed. Even so, reports of failures outside that initial group kept popping up, which eventually led to this latest expansion. As for the newest recall, Toyota says fixes are still being worked out. Owners will be contacted in phases as soon as repairs are ready. I Do Cars/YouTube View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released new crash-safety scores for 16 models this month, and only two of them managed to achieve a safety award. This comes as the authority’s safety tests are made progressively more challenging. One notable vehicle that missed out on a safety award is the Toyota Land Cruiser, a model more closely associated with durability and toughness than most others. While not as large as the previous Land Cruiser, the new one’s more modern design was expected to attain perfect safety scores, so where did it fall short? Toyota Land Cruiser Safety ScoresFirst, we’ll start with the good news. The 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser excelled in the small overlap front and side crash tests, where it achieved the highest possible ‘Good’ ratings. The former test represents a crash whereby the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or object, while the side test represents a T-bone crash. The Toyota held up well in both tests, with no elevated risk of injury for the driver or passenger. The moderate overlap front test was another story, though. In this test, an offset crash is represented between two vehicles traveling at just under 40 mph in opposite directions. In 2022, the IIHS updated this test to evaluate rear-seat protection, too, and this is where the Land Cruiser struggled. It achieved only a ‘Marginal’ overall score for this test. While the structure and safety cage remained intact, there was a raised injury risk for the driver’s legs and feet, along with an increased risk for head/neck and chest injuries for those at the back. The rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics were only rated as Marginal. In the test, the rear passenger dummy’s head approached the front seatback and the lap belt moved from the ideal position on the pelvis to the abdomen. This result prevented the Land Cruiser from attaining a safety award, as a Good rating is required in all three crashworthiness tests. Related: Toyota Corolla Misses IIHS Top Safety Pick Over One Rear-Seat Weakness A Possible Weak Spot For Toyota? Toyota We took a look at ratings in the moderate overlap front test for other Toyota/Lexus models and noticed a bit of a trend: The Land Cruiser wasn't the only Toyota to struggle in this test. The Highlander, Sienna, and 4Runner were also rated as Marginal; the 4Runner shares its platform with the Land Cruiser. An Acceptable rating was given to the Corolla Cross, bZ, and bZ Woodland, while another SUV from the Toyota family, the Lexus RX, was rated as Poor. One Toyota SUV did well, though, and that was the Grand Highlander. Toyota isn’t the only automaker to struggle with the tougher moderate overlap front test; the popular Honda CR-V also got a Poor rating. However, in the midsize SUV segment, the Land Cruiser is one of the few vehicles to be marked down. While the Land Cruiser remains a safe vehicle overall, this gap in its level of safety protection is something for Toyota to pay attention to in a forthcoming update, as it’ll bring the vehicle up to the level of similar models like the Jeep Wrangler and Honda Passport. View the full article

A late-season winter storm is hammering the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains today, Thursday May 21, 2026, with enough snow to threaten the scheduled Memorial Day weekend opening of the US-212 Beartooth Highway. NWS Billings has an active Winter Storm Warning through 6 PM MDT for the high country straddling south-central Montana and northwest Wyoming. Peak Driving Danger WindowThe worst window runs through Thursday afternoon and into the early evening refreeze, with 8 to 15 inches of fresh snow and 30 mph north winds piling drifts onto US-212 between Cooke City and the Wyoming line, and onto the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY-296) climb toward Dead Indian Pass. What to ExpectSnow totals: 8 to 15 inches on north-facing slopes above 6,500 feet, roughly 10 inches at pass-level elevationsWind gusts: North winds to 30 mph, tapering through the eveningWorst corridors: US-212 over Beartooth Pass, the Cooke City southern access via WY-296, and Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance approachTiming: Through 6 PM MDT todayThe Weather Prediction Center had this corridor flagged at 40 to 50 percent probability for 4-plus inches days before NWS Billings upgraded to operational warning language. A cold upper-level trough is wringing moisture against the highest peaks of the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges, hence heavy mountain accumulation with modest valley impacts. Road ConditionsThe Beartooth Highway is still under seasonal closure. MDT and WYDOT plow crews have worked through 15-foot drifts since mid-April to ready the 64-mile corridor, and the Friday, May 22 scheduled opening is now in doubt. NWS Billings stated directly that several inches of snow are expected over Beartooth Pass, which may impact the opening of the highway. Cooke City is the bellwether. East access via the Beartooth is closed; the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY-296) remains open but exposed to the same wind and snow. The only year-round route in is from the west through Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance. Check Montana 511 and the WYDOT road map before committing. Winter Driving TipsThree numbers matter more than vehicle type for spring mountain snow: Tread depth: At least 4/32 inch before climbing a pass at altitudeTire pressure: Cold air drops PSI 1 to 2 pounds per 10-degree temperature drop; check cold, adjust to door-jamb specStopping distance: Triple your following distance on snow; AWD helps you go, not stopLook for the 3PMSF mountain-snowflake symbol on the sidewall, the only winter-specific certification the industry recognizes. M+S markings alone do not qualify. Autoblog's guide to best practices for driving in snow, ice, and rain covers technique, and our roundup of the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving covers hardware. At 10,947 feet on Beartooth Pass, a stuck vehicle is an exposure problem, not an inconvenience. Yellowstone NPS road status has the live picture for the Cooke City corridor. TimingThe Winter Storm Warning runs through 6 PM MDT this evening, Thursday May 21, 2026. Snow tapers as the trough exits east, winds easing overnight. The forward-looking question is whether plow crews clear the new accumulation in time for the Friday, May 22 opening. A similar 2024 storm delayed the Beartooth opening by several days. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Spring might be in full swing across most of the country, but road crews in Wyoming and Montana are facing a brutal reality check. The annual battle to reopen the scenic Beartooth Highway is officially underway, and the Montana Department of Transportation is currently using heavy machinery to carve through massive 15-foot snowdrifts. Photo by Maleo Photography on Getty Images The High-Alpine ChallengeConnecting southwest Montana to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, U.S. Highway 212 is one of the highest paved roads in North America, peaking at a staggering 10,947 feet. Because of this extreme alpine elevation, the 64-mile stretch closes every winter under dozens of feet of snow. Rebuilding the InfrastructureHowever, do not expect an early trip. Plowing is only half the battle. Once the pavement is clear, crews must complete essential safety repairs, fix damaged asphalt, and reinstall protective guardrails that are purposefully dismantled every autumn to prevent destruction from winter snow chutes. The official target opening date is locked in for May 22, just in time for the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. Drivers planning an early-season road trip should prepare for intense mountain conditions. Up at 10,000 feet, the weather changes instantly. Mountain officials run a pickup truck with a snowplow across the pass every single morning to clear rockslides and sudden snow accumulation, meaning travelers should always pack extra warm clothes, food, and water before making the climb. Late-Season Storm ComplicationsThe hard-set opening date of May 22 is now facing a major, last-minute challenge from mother nature. The National Weather Service in Billings has officially issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, stretching through 6:00 p.m. MDT today. A late-season system is bringing heavy snow and 30 mph wind gusts to the region, dropping an estimated 8 to 15 inches of fresh accumulation right over the mountain pass. This sudden blast of severe weather puts the highly anticipated Friday morning opening at significant risk. Crews who were previously cruising ahead of schedule to clear the remaining 5 to 15-foot snowdrifts must now pivot to clear a massive layer of fresh snow and ice. Fortunately, the intense system is expected to clear out quickly. The local forecast shows high pressure building right behind the storm, bringing clear skies and a rapid warm-up into the mid-50s by Friday, followed by low 60s for the weekend. While the Montana Department of Transportation and the National Park Service have not officially canceled the May 22 at 8:00 a.m. reopening time, travelers looking to tackle U.S. Highway 212 this holiday weekend need to keep a close eye on local road reports. If the gates do unlock on time, expect winter driving conditions, heavy slush, and potential delays as daily plow trucks clear any lingering rockslides or overnight snow accumulation from the pavement. Take a ride in a snow cat to see the massive scale of this clearing operation first-hand in this Beartooth Highway Snow Clearing Video. This footage captures the immense size of the high-altitude snow drifts that crews must level and push past mountain cliffs before standard passenger vehicles can safely access the pass. View the full article

The National Weather Service has formalized what its Weather Prediction Center has been signaling for two days. At 1:15 a.m. MDT Thursday, May 21, NWS Billings issued two bulletins covering high mountain ranges of NW Wyoming and S Montana, with both running through Thursday evening. The warning was anticipated in our coverage of the Weather Prediction Center's outlook earlier this week. Where It's Hitting TodayZone Highway / Location Snow Wind NWS Bulletin Through WPC Signal Through Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains (Warning) Cooke City, Beartooth Pass 8–15" 30 mph 6 PM Thu 6 AM Fri Pryor/Northern Bighorns (Advisory) Story, Burgess Jct (MT) 5–10" 30 mph 9 PM Thu 6 AM Fri Northeast Bighorns (Advisory) US 14 through Burgess Jct (WY) 5–10" 30 mph 9 PM Thu 6 AM Fri NWS Billings on the Bighorns advisory: "Expect wintry travel conditions on US-14 through Burgess Junction. Recreation in the high country will be impacted by heavy accumulating snow." The full national list of active Winter Storm Warnings is updated continuously by the NWS. Beartooth Highway Is the StoryUS 212, the Beartooth Highway between Red Lodge, Montana and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone, is the second-highest paved road in the United States at 10,947 feet. It closes every winter and typically reopens for the season around Memorial Day weekend. NWS Billings explicitly flagged the threat in Thursday's bulletin: "Several inches of snow are expected over Beartooth Pass, which may impact the opening of the highway at the end of the week." The Weather Prediction Center's latest probability guidance holds the heavy-snow signal across NW Wyoming and S Montana through 6 a.m. MDT Friday, meaning fresh accumulation could continue right up until the Beartooth opening window. For drivers with Memorial Day plans into Yellowstone via the Beartooth, this is now the route to check before committing. Live status at Montana DOT's 511 system. US 14 Through Burgess JunctionIn Wyoming, the named highway is US 14 over the Bighorns between Sheridan and Cody. Burgess Junction sits at 8,300 feet, and the road climbs higher on either side. Five to ten inches of fresh snow with 30 mph north winds will produce blowing and drifting conditions on what is normally a busy late-spring tourist route. US 14A through Lovell is in the same advisory zone. Photo by rbkomar on Getty Images What Drivers Should DoCheck road conditions before committing to a route. WYDOT and Montana DOT 511 update continuously.Avoid US 14 over Burgess Junction Thursday unless travel is necessary. Five to ten inches of snow with 30 mph winds means reduced visibility and drifting.Do not assume Beartooth Highway opens Friday. Montana DOT will confirm or postpone based on Thursday's accumulation at the summit.Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) tires are the industry standard for late-season mountain conditions above 8,000 feet. Summer tires are not adequate for fresh snow in the Bighorns or on Beartooth Pass.Cold-soak tire pressure drop is real. A vehicle leaving Cody or Sheridan at 60°F can sit several PSI light at Burgess Junction (8,300 ft) or Beartooth Pass (10,947 ft). Check pressures before climbing.Cell coverage above 8,000 feet is limited across both ranges. A stranded vehicle in a late-May storm at altitude is the same survival problem as in February.High-profile vehicles, RVs, and trailers should delay Bighorn crossings until Friday afternoon when winds typically subside.Prepare before you climb. Five inches of fresh snow at 8,000 feet handles differently than five inches at sea level, and the techniques that work on the Front Range may not be enough on a mountain pass. Our guide on best practices for driving in snow, ice, and rain is worth reading before you leave the driveway.We will update this story as the Beartooth Highway opening status is confirmed and as NWS Billings posts further bulletins. View the full article

A rule change, effective immediately, brings the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series more symmetrical to what takes place in the Cup Series, specifically regarding cars involved in an incident and on the damaged vehicle policy. Starting last year, NASCAR changed its DVP for the Cup Series allowing cars involved in a crash to complete repairs behind the wall and return ...Keep readingView the full article

Street Trucks Are So BackIt started with the Ford Maverick Lobo, which quietly reopened the door for the street truck segment after years of dormancy. Then Ford doubled down with the F-150 Lobo, giving fans a lowered, sportier full-size pickup powered by a 400-horsepower naturally aspirated V8 mill. Not too shabby. But if there’s one thing guaranteed in the American truck market, it’s that competition never stays quiet for long. Stellantis is officially entering the conversation with the 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee, a new lineup of V8-powered “muscle trucks” designed to bring back the kind of performance pickups that disappeared after the mid-2000s. And unlike Ford’s more appearance-focused Lobo formula, Ram is determined to go much further. And yes, it’s a whole lineup of V8-powered Rumble Bee trucks (hence, the name), starting with a 395-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8, moving up to a 470-hp 6.4-liter 392 HEMI, and topping out with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 making 777 hp in the Rumble Bee SRT. Ram says the flagship can hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and run an 11.6-second quarter mile, which puts it in serious performance car territory. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article More Than Just a Styling PackagePreviewed by last year's visually loud SEMA Concepts, the Rumble Bee feels much more aggressive mechanically compared to the Ford F-150 Lobo. The latter mainly focuses on street-oriented styling and suspension tweaks, while Ram redesigned major chassis components specifically for performance driving. The truck features a unique Quad Cab short-bed layout with a 13-inch shorter wheelbase. Ram says the reduction improves rigidity and sharpens handling response. Wider tracks, Bilstein Performance Dampers, massive stabilizer bars, and available air suspension also help set it apart from a standard Ram 1500. The SRT model takes things even further with 325-section rear tires mounted on 22-by-12-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, launch control, adaptive dampers, and a dedicated rear-wheel-drive mode. Ram even engineered aerodynamic aids like a front splitter, rear spoiler, and underbody aero shielding to keep the truck stable at its claimed 170-mph top speed. Interestingly, Ram still wants the Rumble Bee to function like a truck. Depending on trim, towing capacity reaches 8,890 pounds while payload tops out at 1,160 pounds. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Loud Looks, Driver-Focused CabinThe Rumble Bee lineup clearly takes inspiration from old-school muscle trucks, especially the original Ram SRT10. Widebody fenders, aggressive fascias, functional hood vents, and oversized wheels give the truck a much meaner stance than a regular Ram 1500. The hotter 392 Track Pack and SRT variants get even more dramatic with deep front splitters, larger grille openings, unique spoilers, and optional graphics packages. Ram also revived the angry bee logo with different variations depending on trim level. The top-spec SRT gets black-and-orange accents that tie into the orange-painted Hellcat engine block. Inside, the muscle truck theme continues with flat-bottom steering wheels, paddle shifters, bucket seats, and performance pages built into the Uconnect system. Higher trims add suede, carbon fiber trim, upgraded audio systems, and larger portrait-style touchscreens. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Hotter Models Arriving Next YearThe 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee will be built in Saltillo, Mexico. Production starts with the 5.7-liter HEMI model in late 2026, while the 392 and SRT variants arrive sometime in the first half of 2027. Ram hasn’t announced pricing yet, though the SRT will almost certainly sit deep into premium performance territory like the circa $100,000 Ram TRX SRT. What’s interesting is how quickly the street truck segment has escalated. Ford reopened the conversation with the Maverick Lobo and F-150 Lobo, but Ram just answered with a 777-hp supercharged pickup that feels closer to a modern-day SRT10 successor than a simple appearance package. If this is where the new muscle truck era is headed, the horsepower wars are probably just getting started. View the 16 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Electric vehicle startup Slate Auto is getting up to $5 million from the State of Michigan to expand its Troy headquarters. The taxpayer-funded grant was approved on May 19 by a state economic development board for the Michigan-based company, which is closing in on its goal to start production of its affordable battery powered pickup truck by the end of the year. Slate Pledges to Bring 400 New Jobs to Troy HQ Slate Auto In return, Slate is promising almost 400 new corporate, engineering and design jobs in Michigan that pay a minimum of $43 an hour over the next five years as production ramps up. Currently, the company employs approximately 325 people in the state. Slate is promising close to 400 new corporate, engineering and design jobs in Michigan that pay a minimum of $43 an hour over the next five years as it ramps up production. The company employs abut 325 people in the state. Slate’s headquarters expansion is expected to result in capital investments of roughly $10.4 million in Troy. Under the terms of the state grant, Slate may request reimbursement for up to $2.5 million in construction, machinery, furniture, job training and other expenses. The company could get another $2.5 million after meeting job creation and capital investment targets. Backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Slate Auto was set up in 2022 and so far has raised at least $650 million to begin production of its electric truck in Warsaw, Indiana. Deliveries are expected to begin late this year for the Slate Truck, which comes as a two-seater pickup that can be converted into a four-seater SUV. $25,000 Electric Truck on Track to Launch Before Year-End Slate Slate Auto says it has more than 150,000 reservations for the truck, which is expected to start at around $25,000, making it the most affordable electric truck on the U.S. market. To build a low-cost EV, Slate’s government affairs head Will Nicholas said the company recruited engineers, product designers and other innovators, mostly from Michigan, with experience from the blue chip automotive brands. “We needed a team that had been in the metaphorical trenches," he told the Michigan Strategic Fund Board during a May 19 meeting, according to The Detroit News. "There are few places in the world that buzz with automotive innovation. Michigan is clearly one of them.” Slate is entering the market amid slow-growing demand for EVs and no more EV incentives, but the low starting price could offer an advantage, along with rising gas prices. The Slate Truck features a single rear-mounted electric motor rated at 201 hp (150 kW) that draws energy from a standard 52.7-kWh battery pack enabling a targeted range of 150 miles. An 84.3-kWh extended-range pack is also planned with a 240-mile range target. Slate View the full article

The Journey... Recently, Great Wall Motors (GWM) announced its plans to expand more in Europe with seven new hybrid models. The brand is betting on plug-in hybrid and electric cars, which it will be launching over the next two years across the Atlantic. The brand's lineup consists of crossovers and off-roaders, all of which are big, filled with tech, and electrified. Based on its lineup in China and the rest of the world, the brand has a wide range of compact crossovers and off-road SUVs. Some are exercises in excess, while others are more sensible. GWM Europe View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article ... of 6,250 Miles... GWM has been amping up its presence in Europe with a clear roadmap and plans to build a complete business ecosystem on the continent. The brand is cultivating an environment that will see its products through their life cycles from start to finish. "We are committed to building a complete business ecosystem in Europe – not just to sell cars, but establish local R&D and production capabilities, operate our wholly owned sales and service organizations, and partner with a network of outstanding local dealers," said GWM's President, Mu Feng. The current lineup of GWM in Europe covers three key product categories in GWM's business unit. The Ora series is presented as a stylish daily driver of an electric compact SUV, while the Jolion nameplate features hybrid power in a compact SUV body. The biggest of the bunch is the H7, an off-road-focused hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUV that's next on the brand's launch calendar for the region. GWM Europe ... Starts with the First Step While the brand has already put down its roots in Europe, intending to become a mainstream brand on the continent, it's still determined to enter the U.S. market. "The U.S. is the No. 1 market [GWM wants to get into], so of course we have plans and ambitions," said Parket Shi, the head of the automaker's international business unit at this year's Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. GWM's ambitions also align with those of other Chinese brands seeking to enter North America. Geely is one such brand that has already entered North America through Lotus, but GWM appears hell-bent. Considering the brand's lineup of products, it features big, bold, electrified vehicles that might just appeal to U.S. customers. Product lines like the Tank series are of particular interest. They're big, bold, rugged, and filled with tech, offering a different take on what an off-road-focused SUV should be. This Plug In Hybrid SUV makes 865 Horsepower GWM View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article GWM's Already in the U.S... Sort of GWM already has technology centers in Detroit and Los Angeles, and it has participated in American trade shows like CES a total of 2 times as of the time of writing. At CES, the brand showcased two models that might appeal to the U.S. market: the G9 and the 07 crossover. The 500 series was also showcased, and given its size's proximity to the Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia, this could be the brand's headlining gig, presenting a robust, rugged appearance and feature set while keeping its forward-thinking approach to its tech elements. In addition, the brand also showed a twin-turbo V8 engine this year. What's keeping GWM and other Chinese automakers is the tariffs and trade restrictions that are in place. With that in mind, and since it already has roots in the U.S., the brand plans to bide its time until restrictions ease. GWM View the full article

Improving PerfectionSinger Vehicle Designs is one of the most respected restomodders in the world. Ever since their renditions of what they believe to be the perfect retro-inspired 911s hit the market, the world has gone crazy for them. Each car is carefully planned, designed, and built to a standard that would even make Porsche blush. In February of this year, Singer announced that it would be embarking on two new development projects. Specifically, the Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe and Cabriolet reimagined by Singer. Some details have already been shared with the public, but new information about the engines of both cars has just come to light. Naturally Aspirated BlissThe good news about Singer's new engine project is that the ethos behind it is purity. Rob Dickinson, Singer’s founder and creative director, said that they used the wide-body naturally aspirated 911s of the 80s as inspiration for the project. He also said that the goal was to create "the ultimate, naturally aspirated G model 911, reimagined for the twenty-first century in both coupe and cabriolet body styles." At the heart of it all is the iconic 911 flat-six, with optimized throttle response, thrilling high-rpm performance, and a manageable, consistent torque output throughout the rev range for better daily driving characteristics. According to Singer, it drew on its 15 years of experience and even sought the services of legendary engine builder Cosworth to build the engine they wanted. A lot of the magic comes from a redesigned Type 964 Flatsix, where Singer and Cosworth collaborated to optimize variable valve timing, combustion chamber design, and intake and exhaust paths. In fact, this engine has a lot of firsts for Singer: it's the first to feature variable valve timing, the first non-turbo engine to use water-cooled cylinder heads combined with air-cooled cylinders, and the first to use an electrically powered fan, all utilizing learnings from the DLS Turbo program. Singer Real PowerSinger also published a video in which the brand test driver, Marino Franchitti, visited Cosworth's HQ to see for himself how the development process is going. Towards the end of the video, you can see the engine being dyno-tested, giving us a sneak peek at its true performance. Singer's goal is to have it produce 420 horsepower, but at one point during the test, the needle rose to 450 hp. While that isn't an official number, it just goes to show the dedication that went into this engine and how capable it is. Singer Vehicle Design View the full article

Volvo Underrated The EX60The all-electric 2027 Volvo EX60 is a total sleeper car, and not just because of its Swedish minimalist styling. Volvo will sell three powertrains ranging from 369 to 670 horsepower, and based on our real-world experience in two of them, we believe the Swedish automaker has underrated this car. During the First Drive event for the EX60, Autoblog sampled the P6 RWD and P10 AWD versions of the EX60; both accelerated quicker than Volvo's zero-to-60 mph estimates using a Racebox data recorder. Volvo P6 RWD P10 AWD P12 AWD 369 horsepower 503 horsepower 670 horsepower 354 lb-ft 524 lb-ft 583 lb-ft 5.7 seconds to 60 mph 4.4 seconds to 60 mph 3.8 seconds to 60 In our testing outside Barcelona, Spain, the P6 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.22 seconds, beating Volvo's claimed time (5.7 seconds) by nearly half-a-second. The P6 doesn't have a sport mode of any kind, so this time was pretty impressive for the 369-hp rear-drive car. The P6 was quick, but the P10 was outright blistering. With the performance powertrain setting activated, it gently rolled off the line (because there is no launch control) in just 3.96 seconds, beating Volvo's estimate (4.4 seconds) by around the same gap as the P6. Quicker Than Two BMWs Volvo Even taking Volvo's estimates as face value, the EX60 is quicker than its closest rival, the 2027 BMW iX3. That vehicle launches with only one available powertrain configuration: the 50 xDrive with 463 hp. BMW says the iX3 50 can hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, though we've recorded it doing the sprint in 4.53 seconds. Of course, BMW will have a quicker M variant coming in the future. The EX60 P10's 3.96-second time puts it into impressive territory along with some truly quick cars: Tesla Model Y Premium AWD (4.6 seconds)GMCHummer EV 2X SUV (4.4 seconds)Mercedes-AMG G63 (4.2 seconds)Porsche 911 Carrera T (4.3 seconds)Toyota GR Supra (3.9 seconds)Not only is the EX60 P10 substantially quicker than its German competitor, it's actually quicker than the base BMW M3 with a manual transmission (4.1 seconds). In fact, even that new M3 CS Handschalter will struggle to keep up with Volvo's latest electric crossover off the line. How Quick Is The P12? Volvo did not have an EX60 P12 on-hand for us to drive, but we can't wait to find out how quick it is in the real world. Assuming it beats the manufacturer estimates by around the same margin as the P6 and P10 variants, we can expect it to hit 60 mph in under 3.4 seconds. If the P12 lives up to these expectations, it would be near the following vehicles: Cadillac Optiq-V (3.5 seconds)Aston Martin Vantage (3.4 seconds)BMW M5 (3.4 seconds)Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack (3.3 seconds)Tesla Model Y Performance AWD (3.3 seconds)The Volvo EX60 P12 would even keep up with a BMW M3 Competition xDrive (3.4 seconds) on paper, though that car is also severely underrated by the manufacturer and has been known to hit 60 mph in under three seconds. When we record a 0-60 time for the EX60 P12, we will let you know how quick it is. The upcoming Polestar 7 will use the same SPA3 architecture as the EX60 and may have sportier tuning, so perhaps it will be even quicker than the Volvo. View the full article

Confusing Wade Mode for a Boat HullOne of the TeslaCybertruck's most discussed off-road features is Wade Mode. This specialized setting raises the ride height and uses the vehicle's onboard air suspension to pressurize the battery pack against harmful water intrusion. It allows the electric pickup to safely navigate shallow flooding and minor river crossings. Unfortunately, one ambitious owner in Texas saw this tool as an open invitation for total maritime mayhem. Tesla explicitly states that Wade Mode is designed strictly for shallow water, not as a lake-crossing cheat code. That warning did not stop a driver from treating Grapevine Lake like an open ocean yesterday. Elon Musk once promised that the Cybertruck would briefly serve as a boat, but that production reality has not arrived. An Instagram video showed brief success near the shore, but the truck quickly succumbed to gravity in deep water. Yacht-mode Envy?Perhaps the driver read about a high-end Chinese range-extended electric SUV that features a functional emergency Yacht-mode and felt a sudden bout of cyber-insecurity. If the goal was to match that swimming capability, the attempt failed miserably. Grapevine Police reported that the Cybertruck quickly became disabled and started taking on water, forcing the driver and passengers to promptly abandon ship. The recovery process turned into a massive logistical headache for local emergency services. What began as a sunny daytime stunt dragged into the dead of night, requiring the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team and a heavy crane to hoist the truck from the depths. Things worsened significantly when police officially arrested the driver for operating a motor vehicle in a closed section of a park and for multiple water safety equipment violations. Facebook: Grapevine Police Department View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Software Doesn't Make a Truck FloatTexas state laws are incredibly strict regarding operating motor vehicles in closed or barricaded sections of parks and lakes. Furthermore, Texas legally requires proper vessel registration and onboard safety gear for any amphibious machine navigating its public waters. Expecting a multi-ton electric pickup truck to double as a registered watercraft without life jackets or a valid hull ID is a legal nightmare. The ultimate takeaway here is simple: stop doing stupid things for social media clout. Tesla frequently pushes impressive over-the-air software updates to enhance off-road capabilities, but code cannot override the laws of physics. No amount of software tuning will ever transform a heavy highway vehicle into a seaworthy vessel, so please keep your expensive truck on dry land. Tesla View the full article

NASCAR on (Amazon) Prime Sports earned widespread critical acclaim last season and crew chief analyst Steve Letarte says their success came from a very simple set of instructions from executive producer Alex Strand. “Alex won't pat himself on the back but I think the Prime group gave us a really clear direction on what was expected,” Letarte said on Wednesday during a media call previewing ...Keep readingView the full article