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The Supercar That Started It AllThe Lamborghini Miura isn’t just another classic. It’s the car that set the template for what we now call a supercar. When the Raging Bull brand rolled it out in the 1960s, the mid-engine layout and those unmistakable proportions changed the game. Call it oversimplifying, but it made every other car at that time look ordinary. That legacy still matters, so a factory restoration isn’t just about making an old car look good. For this 1972 Miura SV, Polo Storico focused on getting every detail right rather than reimagining or updating it. After three years of work, it’s obvious they didn’t take shortcuts. Lamborghini Rebuilding a Legend, One Detail at a TimeThe restored Miura SV showed up for its first public outing at the Anantara Concorso Roma in the heart of Rome. But what really matters here are the details you don’t see at first glance. When the car landed in Sant’Agata Bolognese in 2023, it was far from original spec. That kicked off a deep dive into production records, and from there, the team either fixed, restored, or rebuilt every part that didn’t match the original build – nearly three years in the making. Lamborghini Polo Storico brought back the right front fender grilles, handle fins, and rear louvers, all to match the original specs. Even the octagonal center-lock hubs and the unique 'Bob-type' exhaust tips, named for test driver Bob Wallace, returned. Inside, factory features like air-conditioning prep and hazard lights are back, along with a smaller steering wheel and a longer handbrake lever. Getting the colors right took extra effort too: the car now wears Luci del Bosco brown paint with a Senape interior, both matched to the exact shades used in that year. The end result isn’t just about looks. Polo Storico basically turned back the clock to 1972, with the car now officially certified as historically correct. Lamborghini Why the Miura Still MattersThis restoration comes at the right moment. The Miura turns 60 this year, and its influence is still obvious. If anything, more brands are looking back to move forward. At the same event, another Miura – the one from the opening of The Italian Job – won its class. That just shows how deep the Miura runs in car culture. It’s more than a car; it’s part of the story. There are hints that Lamborghini isn’t finished with the Miura name. Rumor has it a special Revuelto could show up soon, bringing some Miura-inspired design into the hybrid age. If that happens, expect the same approach as in this restoration: stick to what made the original special, even as you move into new territory. As this Miura SV shows, real perfection takes time, but it’s worth it. Lamborghini View the 12 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Desert Power Wagons has unveiled a new one-of-one creation that combines the classic look of the Dodge WC-53 Carryall 3/4-ton military vehicle with a steel ladder frame chassis, an off-road suspension and a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8. This rare build, finished in deep Pepper Gray Metallic, has required more than 3,000 hours of craftsmanship, and that is reflected in the half a million dollar price tag. So let’s see why it costs so much. While the project is rooted in history, it is not a restoration but a complete reimagination, as the North Carolina-based outfit puts it. The project is said to combine the best of both worlds: rugged pre-war American design with modern performance, luxury and capability. According to Desert Power Wagons, that makes the custom WC-53 feel equally at home on the trail, on open highways or in a fancy urban setting. Hellcat Muscle Meets Rugged WW2 Military Vehicle Design Desert Power Wagons The heart of the project is Dodge’s supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8, which in this application delivers 717 horsepower and 656 pound-feet of torque. You just wouldn't expect a 1940s military truck to pack that kind of muscle, would you? The Hellcat is linked to a heavy-duty TorqueFlite 48RE 4-speed automatic from Randy’s Transmissions, which is said to offer immediate power delivery. Desert Power Wagons The truck is built on Tisdale Coachworks’ proprietary fully boxed steel ladder frame, a fitting chassis for a purpose-built off-road machine. Desert Power Wagons added a custom four-link suspension with King Shocks 3-inch internal bypass coilovers, remote reservoirs, and adjustable compression. This setup is said to provide serious articulation off-road and surprising composure on pavement. Sticking with the off-road hardware, the truck also packs a Bulldog Tough 241DHD transfer case with shift-on-the-fly capability between 2WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low modes. Finally, the custom truck rides on 37-inch Toyo Open Country M/T tires wrapped around 18-inch Black Rhino Armory wheels. Desert Power Wagons One of the many cool things about this truck is it can also be used for work. It comes with a custom matching trailer that mirrors the truck’s fit and finish, and it even comes with the same type of wheels. The trailer can be used for hauling gear for the trail or other stuff, making it more than just a cool accessory. Speaking of accessories, the 4-door truck is also fitted with a 12,000-lb Warn VR Evo 12S winch and Amp Research XL power side steps for easy access to the cabin. As Luxurious Inside as the WC-53 Carryall Has Ever Been Desert Power Wagons Now, we seriously doubt that whoever is going to spend $500,000 on this truck will use it for work—just look at that luxurious interior. The custom WC-53 features Premium Light Platinum leather upholstery for the front and rear bucket seats, finished in a spectacular double-diamond stitch pattern, with the same leather adorning the door cards and center console. The classic metal dashboard is brought into the modern age courtesy of the Dakota Digital VHX analog gauges, Atoto infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the JL Audio / Rockford Fosgate sound system. Desert Power Wagons The cabin also features amenities like Vintage Air climate control, power windows, cruise control, and a Viper security system with remote start. A power-operated tailgate is also on the menu for a seamless access to the trunk. Impressive stuff, but is it worth the $499,950 price tag? Let us know what you think. Desert Power Wagons View the full article

Rivian is close to starting deliveries of its cheapest EV yet, the long-awaited R2. But the company’s factory in Normal, Illinois, was hit by an EF1 tornado this past weekend, which may hamper efforts to get the SUV to customers on time. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, a message sent to employees by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe expressed relief that nobody was injured. The incident occurs at a sensitive time for the EV company, which hopes to dramatically increase sales with the arrival of its Tesla Model Y competitor. Related: Rivian’s Cheapest Model: Everything We Know About The R2 Photos Confirm Substantial Damage Rivian factory damage Hilbe and raushel/Rivian Forums View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article In pictures posted on Rivian Forums, the Normal plant sustained visible damage to portions of the roof and structure. No Rivian models are visible in the images, but this is the same location where the new R2 will be built, with employee deliveries set to begin this month. “While Building 2 has sustained damage and is closed for the time being as we complete our assessments, I am incredibly relieved to share that there were no injuries at our plant,” said Scarings in a message sent to employees and viewed by CNBC. Building 2 is being used for parts storage and logistics for the R2. Fortunately, Scaringe said other crucial areas of the site, such as the assembly lines, are operating normally. In the damaged area, operations are expected to resume this week, but the rest of Scaringe’s statement leads us to believe there may be more damage than indicated here. The CEO said that Rivian would “share more information as it becomes available, but for now, our priority is ensuring our Normal [Illinois] team is safe and supported.” Peak wind speeds of tornadoes in the area were estimated to have reached as high as 100 mph when the outbreak occurred. Why Is The R2 So Important? Rivian R2 Rivian View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article With a starting price of under $50,000, the new R2 is the cheapest new Rivian ever sold. It undercuts the three-row R1S by around $30,000 and places the EV maker into an all-new segment with the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Toyota bZ Woodland. The R2 has the same rugged, angular styling of the R1S, a complete contrast to the rounded Model Y. Specifications are good, with even the base single-motor model having 350 horsepower and a 345-mile range. The top-spec R2 Performance that arrives first costs $57,990, has 656 hp from dual motors, and blasts from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Even this model has a competitive 330-mile range. Between these two trims is the Premium, which produces 450 hp from dual motors and also has a 330-mile range. While certain other EV startups have failed to launch a mainstream product, Rivian has finally gotten to this stage, and it would be disheartening if the damage from the tornado delays this crucial vehicle in any way. Fortunately, the automaker has not announced a later arrival date yet, so there’s still every chance that the first customers will receive their vehicles this spring. Related: 2026 Rivian R2 Performance vs. 2026 Tesla Model Y: Which Crossover EV Should You Choose? View the full article

Euro NCAP Pushes Back on “Safety Equals Higher Prices” NarrativeEuro NCAP is pushing back against a familiar industry refrain: that advanced driver-assistance systems are driving up vehicle prices. In an interview with Australia's Drive, secretary-general Michiel van Ratingen stopped short of directly accusing automakers, but made it clear the organization does not design its protocols to inflate costs. “Costs are a very important aspect of the whole discussion,” he said, emphasizing that Euro NCAP’s 2026 and 2029 roadmaps are deliberately shifting away from simply mandating more hardware. Instead, the focus is now on system integration, getting existing sensors and safety features to work cohesively. Van Ratingen noted that many modern vehicles already carry the necessary hardware; the real gains lie in optimizing software and coordination. That pivot, he argues, should reduce the need for costly additions while still improving safety outcomes, thereby undermining claims that stricter crash-test criteria inherently lead to price hikes. Euro NCAP/YouTube Debunking the Cost MythThe interview aligns with a broader industry analysis, which argues that blaming safety tech for rising car prices is overly simplistic. While features like AEB, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring do add cost, they are only one variable in a much larger equation. Vehicles today are larger, more complex, and packed with infotainment, electrification components, and connectivity systems, all of which contribute significantly to pricing. There’s also a financial dimension. As buyers increasingly accept longer loan terms, automakers and lenders gain more flexibility to push transaction prices higher without immediately shocking monthly payments. Combine that with global factors like supply chain volatility and currency fluctuations, and the narrative that safety tech alone is responsible for the situation starts to look more like convenient scapegoating than economic reality. Nissan Democratize Safety, Don’t Monetize ItVan Ratingen’s most compelling argument is rooted in scale economics: safety tech should get cheaper, not more expensive, as adoption widens. “Democratize it,” he said, stressing that widespread implementation across brands will naturally drive costs down. This is consistent with how most automotive technologies evolve, from premium-only features to standard equipment once production volumes rise and supplier costs fall. There’s also evidence that safety tech can offset costs elsewhere. A study cited by Mazdasuggests advanced safety systems can reduce insurance claims, which in turn lowers premiums for owners. That creates a downstream financial benefit that rarely enters the pricing debate. If anything, positioning safety as a cost burden ignores its potential to deliver long-term savings. The more credible stance is that automakers should absorb early development costs and scale the tech efficiently, because using safety as a justification for perpetual price increases doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. View the full article

Well, That Was QuickZacoe is back at it again, and this time it has its sights set on the all-new Lamborghini Temerario. The tuner has previewed a full carbon fiber body kit that looks like it could pass for a factory-born Lamborghini Huracan STO successor, except Lamborghini had absolutely nothing to do with it. Based on early renders, the kit leans heavily into track-inspired theatrics, adding a deep front splitter, aggressive intake shrouds, and a vented hood that dials up the visual drama. Along the sides, extended skirts sharpen the Temerario’s already angular profile, but it’s the rear where Zacoe really commits. A roof scoop channels air into the engine bay, while a towering fixed wing with swan-neck uprights works alongside a pronounced lip spoiler and a massive diffuser. Everything is crafted from lightweight carbon fiber, and crucially, the entire kit is bolt-on with no cutting required. It’s reversible, which is rare at this level of visual aggression. And if this feels familiar, it should: Zacoe previously made waves building a pseudo-Lamborghini Revuelto SVJ before Lamborghini even got there. Zacoe View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Lamborghini’s Momentum Makes The Temerario A Prime TargetThis kind of aftermarket attention feels like Lamborghini making a victory lap even before they cross the finish line. Lamborghini is coming off its strongest year ever, riding a wave of demand that has pushed production and brand visibility to new heights. Against that backdrop, the Temerario, one of the most anticipated Lamborghinis in recent memory, steps in as a key pillar of the brand’s electrified future. Even before customer cars have fully hit the streets, the tuning scene is already circling. Spy shots of upcoming variants, including a likely Spyder version, suggest Lamborghini itself is still expanding the lineup. Yet Zacoe has wasted no time offering an alternative vision, one that effectively turns the volume up to 11 straight out of the gate. It speaks to both Temerario’s design potential and buyers' appetite to stand out, even in a segment where standing out is the baseline. Zacoe View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Does The Temerario Even Need This?Here’s the thing: the Temerario is already shaping up to be a monster. A twin-turbo V8 hybrid setup with a rumored 10,000 rpm redline is about as far from “needs more drama” as it gets. Visually, Lamborghini has nailed the brief too; it’s sharp, futuristic, and unmistakably a Raging Bull. For purists, that raises a fair question: why mess with it? But that’s missing the point. Kits like this are all about expression. Zacoe’s take pushes the Temerario into full track-day cosplay territory, borrowing heavily from STO DNA and amplifying it for maximum presence. Will most owners ever exploit the claimed aerodynamic gains? Probably not. But will they appreciate the added theater every time they glance back at it in a parking lot? Absolutely. And in this segment, that’s often reason enough. Zacoe View the full article

Growing PainsTesla is a major car manufacturer nowadays, with a global reach and a more diverse lineup. In the not-so-distant past, Tesla was still trying its best to convert people to its budding electric vehicle-first mindset. It did eventually catch on, but not without issue. A lot has come out against Tesla over the years regarding the safety and longevity of the cars and batteries it makes. One lawsuit filed against Tesla has just been settled. This one targets the safety of the car, since two out of the three occupants of the vehicle were killed during the accident. Tesla No EscapeIn 2018, two teenagers were killed in a Tesla when it crashed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The parents of 18-year-old Edgar Martinez, one of the two teenagers who perished, sued Tesla and the family of the driver, Barrett Riley. The lawsuit cites negligence as the main point of the case in the accident that tragically took both teens' lives weeks before their graduation. Martinez was a passenger in the 2014 Tesla Model S, while his friend Riley was driving, along with another passenger. It was revealed that Riley was driving 116 mph in a 30 mph zone, causing him to lose control of the car, which eventually slammed into a concrete wall. Upon impact, the car immediately burst into flames, killing Martinez and Riley. The third passenger was ejected from the vehicle and survived. The Martinez family argued that Tesla bore full responsibility for the accident, claiming the battery of the Model S was defective and ultimately contributed to the fire that killed their son. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleged that a speed-limiting device was removed by a Tesla technician during servicing without the Rileys' consent. A speed limiter was installed by Riley's parents after he was caught speeding. The limiter was said to cap the car at just 85 mph. ResolutionAccording to the judge, Tesla had reached an agreement with the suing parties last week, although details of the settlement weren't disclosed to the public. What isn't clear is the status of the case against the Riley's, with both families deciding not to make any comments. Jury selection had been underway for the Martinez case when they reached an agreement with Tesla. View the full article

The Nürburgring is open for industry testing pool evaluations, and Lexus has been spied taking advantage by giving its upcoming electric full-size three-row SUV a workout around the Nordschleife. It's called the Lexus TZ, and it's widely expected to be an upmarket version of the Toyota Highlander BEV, giving the award-winning Kia EV9 yet another rival to contend with. According to trademarks uncovered in 2023, it will be available in TZ450e and TZ550e forms, but before we discuss predicted output and range, let's take a closer look at the new spy shots to try unpack its styling. 2027 Lexus TZ Looks Smart Despite Camouflage SH Proshots/Autoblog With plenty of vinyl camouflage disrupting the lines, it's tough to get a clear understanding of the styling, but the rear three-quarter angle is particularly attractive, showing a slanted window behind the C-pillar, indicating that those in the third row will have a decent view out. From this angle, the slant of the window gives a bit of Escalade IQ flavor, and like that vehicle, the rear windshield is relatively small, thanks to a sudden sloping of the roof. This helps create a sporty feel, but it appears that there'll be plenty of headroom and cargo space. Muscular rear haunches draw the eye to a full-width taillight bar, but the side indicator lights are placed lower down and nearer the extremities of the rear fascia. Also apparent is a low tailgate opening that will make loading easy. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Up front, it's even tougher to make out details, but we needn't guess because the Lexus BEV SUV concept (not a particularly inspiring name, but it gets the job done) previews what to expect. Revealed in 2021, the concept shows angular lines and a sheer front end framed by small headlights that are not connected by an LED strip of lighting. Flush door handles also carry over from the concept to this prototype, but the wheel arches are more rounded than on the concept. We can also see a panoramic glass roof, and given how resolved this development mule looks, it likely won't be long before the end result is revealed. Until then, the image below shows the aforementioned concept. Now, let's talk about power and range. Toyota 2027 Lexus TZ SUV Coming in Two FlavorsAccording to the rumor mill, the TZ450e is likely to produce in the region of 338 horsepower, and the TX550e is expected to make up to 420 hp. The former figure is the same as the AWD Highlander EV, which gets a 95.9kWh battery pack rated at up to 320 miles. We expect at least that, but more is also possible given how quickly EV technology advances. Either way, the figures should be competitive with others in this segment; the Hyundai Ioniq 9 manages up to 320 miles in AWD form, and the Kia EV9 achieves up to 305 miles. Expect more info on the Lexus TZ to be revealed in the coming months, with a reveal before the end of the year. SH Proshots/Autoblog SH Proshots/Autoblog SH Proshots/Autoblog SH Proshots/Autoblog View the full article

BMW and Mercedes are stepping back from Level 3 autonomy. Both had bet heavily on eyes-off driving, but high costs, limited use cases, and weak demand killed the push. In walking away, they've handed a quiet vindication to Tesla, the company the industry spent years mocking for refusing to go down the same road. Tesla held firm at Level 2+ and built its system around cameras rather than expensive LiDAR sensors. That last point drew particular ridicule. Cameras struggle in fog, heavy rain, and low-visibility conditions, but LiDAR does not. The consensus was that Tesla was cutting corners. It's now looking more like Tesla read the market correctly, and everyone else got ahead of themselves. Mercedes-Benz Why Level 3 Costs a FortuneThe SAE's autonomous driving scale runs from Level 0 (fully manual) to Level 5 (fully driverless). Most cars on the road today sit at Level 1 or 2, meaning the system assists but the driver remains responsible. Level 2+ systems, like Tesla's Full-Self Driving, can steer, brake, and accelerate independently but still demand constant human attention. Level 3 is the tipping point, where the car takes over, and the driver can legally disengage. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article According to a McKinsey study, software development, testing, and validation cost four to seven times more at Level 3 than at lower autonomy levels. For BMW's 7 Series, the Level 3 option was priced at roughly $7,000 on top of an already expensive vehicle, and understandably, few buyers chose it. A BMW spokesperson confirmed this, telling Automotive News that although the company brought the technology to production-ready status, no Level 3 function would feature in the revised 7 Series, because system costs and validation expenses remain very high. Why the Roads Aren't Ready, and When They Might BeThe harder truth is that the world's infrastructure simply wasn't built for autonomous vehicles. Mercedes’ Drive Pilot was initially capped at 60 kmph or 37 mph (later 95 mph or 60 mph), required a vehicle ahead of it to function, and only operated in clear weather on specific mapped motorways. Inconsistent lane markings, unpredictable road users, and fragmented regulations across countries make Level 3 autonomous driving difficult to guarantee. Nissan The original promise of self-driving was compelling. Road accidents kill over 1.3 million people globally each year, and human error accounts for the vast majority. Autonomous driving could, eventually, change that. But most experts now place meaningful mass-market Level 4 deployment somewhere between 2035 and 2040, and only in well-mapped, well-regulated urban environments. Not everyone is retreating in the meantime. General Motors is still pressing forward, testing an eyes-off, hands-free system in a fleet of 200 vehicles, with Level 3 targeted for its Cadillac Escalade IQ by 2028. On the whole, the destination remains worthwhile. It’s just that the road there looks increasingly like the one Tesla mapped out years ago. View the full article

Somewhat unexpectedly, the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV has been revealed with a fastback bodystyle rather than a traditional three-box sedan shape, and it seems that Stuttgart made this decision to make up for the fact that a station wagon version won't arrive. Mercedes has confirmed that this C-Class will be the first not to be offered in longroof form, and it's because of American and Chinese buying habits that other markets are missing out on a practical C-Class wagon for the new generation. Speaking with Autocar, Mercedes designer Robert Lesnik said that while journalists and other designers like station wagons, the business case simply no longer exists. C-Class Wagon Would Be Too Expensive with Too Few Buyers Mercedes-Benz Discussing why Merc skipped the wagon, Lesnik said, "In the end, nobody is buying them. We have three regions. Nobody is buying them in America; we tried the shooting brake CLS, and nobody bought it. The Chinese don't understand [wagons] and don't buy them. Then Europe is left, and if you look at a Mercedes E-Class [which is offered as a wagon], it's pretty expensive - so who can actually buy a car like that in Europe?" Basically, American and Chinese indifference towards wagons means that the economies of scale in developing such a vehicle simply do not make sense, particularly given how much competition legacy automakers are facing from the likes of Chinese brands. The designer did add a "never say no" to his disappointed explanation of the current state of affairs, probably because Mercedes is watching its closest rivals keenly. Compatriot BMW has teased a longroof version of the new i3, and should this prove successful, Mercedes may well adjust course to make the C-Class more useful, but until then, the GLC crossover will have to do. It's also worth mentioning that BMW wants to sell more wagons in America, but there's a key caveat: the status that comes with high performance. American Buyers Like Wagons, But Only When They're Fast Fabian Kirchbauer Photography View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Last month, BMW Senior VP of Brand and Product Management, Bernd Koerber, revealed that wagon buyers in America aren't all that interested in the added usability of a wagon. "The reasons for buying a Touring [BMW parlance for wagon] in the U.S. are totally different. It's purely the shape," he said, adding that, from his perspective, the BMW wagon buyer (who has the M5 Touring available) views the bodystyle as a lifestyle choice. Perhaps a fast wagon (such as the new RS 5 Avant) is seen as more performance-minded than a hot crossover, but a "regular" non-M/non-AMG/non-Audi Sport wagon still has a whiff of the 20th century about it. Offered a crossover or SUV for similar money, most everyday buyers find greater security in the taller bodystyle. Related: The 5 European Wagons That Redefined Practical Performance With Volvo also shutting the door on wagons for now and Subaru turning the Outback into an almost-SUV, wagon-loving buyers in America have fewer choices than ever, and with nothing to choose from, the likes of Mercedes can't show the bean counters that there's a demand worth satisfying. Unfortunately, it's a chicken-and-egg scenario that is unlikely to change anytime soon. View the full article

Ferrari’s first fully electric model hasn’t even been revealed yet, but one detail is already raising eyebrows. According to Bloomberg, the upcoming Luce is expected to carry a preliminary price of around $647,000 (€500,000). It sounds expensive, because it is, and immediately places the Luce above every obvious rival, including Ferrari’s own Purosangue SUV. Priced Above Ferrari’s Own Benchmark Limited Spec Automotive At nearly $650,000, the Luce would sit far above the Purosangue, which starts at roughly $430,000. Many justify the Purosangue’s price because it still delivers a familiar formula with its naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12, shared by the 12Cilindri. The Luce may share similar proportions, but it takes a completely different approach under the skin. Instead, Ferrari is asking buyers to pay a significant premium to ditch the V12 soundtrack for an electric hum. Furthermore, the Luce tops all other high-performance SUVs on the market. The Lamborghini Urus SE starts at around $250,000, and the Aston Martin DBX S at $400,000, yet the Luce tops them by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Rather than competing directly, Ferrari seems to be positioning the Luce as something more exclusive and experimental. Far Beyond Electric Rivals Lotus The gap becomes even more obvious when you look at electric performance cars. While ludicrously quick electric sedans like the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Lucid Air Sapphire both cost around $250,000, you can buy each of them and still spare some change. Even mighty electric performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric and the Lotus Eletre R PHEV cost $165,000 and $230,000, respectively. Compared to the Luce's reported $647,000 price, its contenders seem like absolute bargains. This further reinforces the theory that Ferrari intends for the Luce to be a halo car and isn’t trying to win on value or volume. One Of The Most Expensive SUVs Ever Ferrari/YouTube If the $647,000 starting price tag holds, the Luce will become the most expensive SUV in the world. In second place sits the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge, which carries an approximate starting price of $510,000. Ultimately, Ferrari is pricing the Luce on its own terms. The Luce is shaping up to sit in a league and segment of its own with a retro interior penned by iPhone designer Jony Ive and more than 1,000 hp on tap. Bloomberg also reports that the price may increase or decrease by 10%. Even if it were to go down to $582,000, it still edges into hypercar pricing territory. View the full article

A Worthy Successor Say what you will about Nissan being in a precarious spot, but an injection of excitement might be just what the doctor ordered to get the brand back on track. Obsessed with its heritage and with a desire to relive its glory days, the Silvia is the only car that's left from the golden era of Japanese performance that got stuck in time. News of the next-generation Silvia has been going around, and it appears that Nissan's current President, Ivan Espinosa, can't stop talking about it. It seems that Nissan is excited about the prospect of going toe-to-toe with Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda in the space. Unfortunately, the SR20DET and all of Nissan's SR variants were discontinued years ago. The Silvia was discontinued by Carlos Ghosn to prioritize the Z and the GT-R, and we have not seen another SR motor since. Whether it was due to profitability or emissions, Nissan never gave us a clear answer for why another performance four-cylinder turbo engine never came to be. Even if that is the case, a look into the company's portfolio reveals a few candidates that might make it to the new Silvia with a few tweaks. Nissan The Criteria When it comes to the Silvia, we're looking for a few things. Number one is the engine's ability to be turbocharged, which we're hoping Nissan will continue to offer. Historically, pretty much every S-chassis generation had a turbocharger at its top-of-the-line trim, except for U.S. market 240SXs. If we're to go by old rumors, the engine must also be ready for electrification. Nissan's current president once stated that the brand is considering electrifying the Silvia. Though nothing is set in stone, it's a possibility that we're incorporating into our criteria. Next, the engine has to be modular. If you look at the history of the SR series of engines, you will note that it found its way into other nameplates like the X-Trail (Rogue), Pulsar, and Sentra. It makes sense given how Nissan does things. Think back to the 350Z and how it had the same powertrain as the Murano. You also don't have to look far, either, because the Nissan GT-R's VR series trickled down to the likes of the new Nissan Z (VR30DDTT) and the Nissan Armada (VR35DDTT). It's safe to assume the new Silvia will come with an engine tweaked from an existing line already in service. Lastly, the DDT at the end of every engine code has to be (or ideally should be) in the name, and it should have a hybrid or e-Power variant. That means that the engine is dual-overhead-cam, direct-injection, and turbocharged. Taking this all in and narrowing things down, we have two prime candidates. Note that these are our best guesses, not facts. Nissan KR Series K-swap, anyone? Kidding. Nissan has a K family of engines of its own, and if you look at the applications and variants of this family of motors, you will find that there are some very viable candidates in the lineup. Take the KR15DDT, a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that is found in the fourth-generation X-Trail. It also has Variable Compression technology and is e-Power ready, meaning it's a hybrid. It's featured on nameplates such as the fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail e-Power and (more notably) the Nissan Aura RS Concept, which was unveiled at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon. The Aura Nismo RS concept uses an upgraded KR15DDT, and on its own, it makes 142 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. With its front and rear motors, however, it produces a combined 211 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Given that the Silvia has to be rear-wheel drive, the KR series might be a bit of a stretch unless Nissan plans to mount this motor transversely and rely on an electric motor at the back. Nissan could use the Nismo RS concept's rear motor, which makes 134 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque on its own. Either that or Nissan can stick the front motor at the back, which makes 201 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Perhaps Nissan could consider upgrading the motors, since 201 hp nowadays feels a little underwhelming compared to the competition. If Nissan goes with an e-Power setup, I fear that the new Silvia will lose the mechanical feel that many enthusiasts crave. The other concern with going e-Power is which transmission Nissan will use. It's likely the direct-drive transmission from the X-Trail and the Aura Nismo RS Concept will be used, but I hope a manual transmission will always be an option. N MR Series Now, here is what I believe is the most likely candidate that I'm most biased toward, the MR series. As a successor to the SR series of motors from Nissan, I think this could be it, or at least the series I prefer. In terms of application, technology, and pedigree, this could be the series the new Silvia will pull from – or I could be totally wrong. Historically, the MR series has supported hybrid technology, as with the MR20DD Hybrid (series-parallel hybrid) and S-Hybrid (mild-hybrid). While it isn't an e-Power system, both are found in the previous-generation X-Trail Hybrid and the previous-generation Serena S-Hybrid. I can imagine that either may work out for the next Silvia. Also, the MR series can be turbocharged, and the most famous coupe to use a turbocharged MR-series engine is actually not a Nissan; it's the Alpine A110. See, Nissan has an alliance with Renault, which co-developed the MR series, and if Alpine thinks the MR18DDT is good enough for its flagship sports car, then dang it, Nissan could consider the same thing for its entry-level offering. Power-wise, the MR18DDT makes about 222 to 296 hp and about 221 to 310 lb-ft of torque on its own. From the archives, I managed to unearth an older article stating that the next Silvia engine could be a Renault-sourced unit. How cool would it be for that scoop to come true after 20 years? However, while the series has a performance pedigree, its hybrid tech is on the older side. We haven't seen a hybrid MR-series engine since Nissan went all-in on e-Power technology. Alpine Cars The LineupNissan could go with the lineup they had with the S15 Spec R and Spec S, or with the Jack's, Queen's, and King's scheme like the S14. The question is: if Nissan is dead serious about hybrid performance, will it be for the top-of-the-line trim, the base-model trim, or standard throughout the lineup? I see it going either way. The thing is, there is no explicit confirmation just yet about what type of electrification Nissan will be doing to the Silvia, so whether it's mild-hybrid, series-parallel, or e-Power, we don't know yet. The MR series is viable. It can be turbocharged and fitted with a series-parallel or mild hybrid system. Personally, this would be my pick, considering that it's in the Alpine A110 and, even as an MR18DDT, it delivers upgraded SR20DET levels of power, and Nissan can probably afford to bore it out up to 2 liters. The one thing holding it back is that its hybrid tech is outdated, and given the current push for Nissan's e-Power technology, that's a point against it. Also, only a few Nissan vehicles still run on the MR engine, such as the Nissan Kicks non-e-Power. Considering that Nismo's been having a lot of fun with e-Power lately, I think the KR series of engines will be Nissan's ace up its sleeve. Perhaps bore it out to 2.0-liters, slap a turbocharger on it, and make sure that there is a proper transmission between it and the driven wheels, and it'll probably be good. It's also an engine platform that's still in production and widely used across multiple Nissan platforms. Or why not both? Historically, the Nissan Silvia has been offered with many factory engine options throughout its life – whether we're talking about CA, SR, or KA series. It wouldn't be impossible for Nissan to go with an MR and KR mix, with the MR serving as the top-of-the-line enthusiast-spec while the KR stays at the entry-level – or vice versa. Will it make sense to have a turbocharged hybrid Silvia? Yes, and no. Yes, because if the R36 GT-R Hybrid rumors are anything to go by, then the Silvia would make sense, giving enthusiasts a peek into what the next Godzilla can deliver. However, it wouldn't make sense given the current lineup, considering that the Z has yet to adopt any form of performance electrification. If I were Nissan, I'd keep things simple. No hybrid powertrain just yet. Just keep it turbocharged. At the very most, give us a mild hybrid, but I don't think e-Power really fits the ethos of a Silvia; I'm open to the possibility. Finally, I certainly hope that regardless of what engine family Nissan goes with, a manual transmission will be available. I hope Nissan continues to put manual transmissions in its cars in the future, just like it did for the Z Nismo after numerous requests. Ideogram/Sebastian Cenizo View the full article

Financial Reality Behind ElectrificationProducing a broad electrified lineup to meet various market demands isn’t as simple as it sounds; factors like development costs come into play, with BMW even allocating resources to retool its century-old German factory to support electric vehicle production. Where there is a problem, though, companies will try to find a solution, and Horse Powertrain says its new “all-in-one” powertrain is designed to help automakers streamline that process. Horse Powertrain, a U.K.-based powertrain supplier backed by Renault and Geely, is set to unveil a product called the X-Range C15 Direct Drive at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. It is a hybrid powertrain engineered to be integrated into an existing all-electric vehicle platform, which, on paper, means automakers could use a single set of EV underpinnings for a broader electrified lineup – including BEVs, HEVs, PHEVs, and REEVs – without the significant changes that typically drive up costs. Horse Powertrain Rewriting the EV PlaybookThe new X-Range C15 Direct Drive features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine available in naturally aspirated form for smaller vehicles and a turbocharged version for larger ones. The NA setup produces 70 kW (95 horsepower), while the turbocharged variant delivers 120 kW (160 horsepower), around 20 hp more than the U.S.-spec Toyota Corolla Hybrid. The engine is integrated into a single housing with the transmission and two electric motors. One acts as a generator, while the other is connected to the transmission’s output shaft. The setup allows the motor to drive the wheels on its own in a series-hybrid configuration – similar to a range-extended EV – and to work with the engine to deliver additional power. The standard configuration is rear-wheel drive, though automakers can opt for all-wheel drive by adding another electric drive unit to the front axle. Horse Powertrain Flexibility by DesignSpeaking about the flexible hybrid powertrain, Matias Giannini, Horse Powertrain CEO, said, “The X-Range family of powertrains is about reflecting today’s market realities, allowing automakers to pivot from BEVs to hybrids and range extenders on a single platform, quickly and at scale.” As mentioned, Horse Powertrain will showcase the X-Range C15 Direct Drive at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, which runs from April 24 to May 3. It will also give the company an opportunity to attract more stakeholders by highlighting other products, including its hybrid engine concept, the H12, which is claimed to deliver up to 71.3 mpg under WLTP testing. That figure would likely be lower under EPA standards, though for reference, the Toyota Prius is rated at an EPA-estimated 57 mpg. View the full article

Four New Chinese Audi ModelsGermany automaker Audi just signed a new strategic cooperation agreement with Chinese SAIC Motor, which will result in the joint development of a next-generation Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP) for new electric vehicles. ADP, which will launch exclusively in China, will spawn four new AUDI models in the coming years. AUDI As a reminder, Audi launched a sub-brand in China called "AUDI," which began selling its first model called the E5 Sportback. Earlier this year, the E5 was awarded the Chinese Car of the Year based on its unique style, impressive 478-mile range, and premium quality. Audi has not announced what these four now ADP-based models will be, but we imagine they will have fairly unique styling, like the E5. AUDI Is Growing In China Audi The AUDI brand already followed up on the E5's success with a second model called the E7X, a large SUV. Despite its substantial proportions, the E7X Audi says this model is geared towards "no compromise" rear seat comfort and in-car entertainment, meaning it will likely be a five-seater rather than a three-row vehicle like the Q7. Audi is hoping the E7X will be a sales hit in China, as the E5 didn't have the smoothest launch despite its critical success. Early bugs caused issues when charging, resulting in disappointing sales numbers for the E5. Audi Embraces China Audi's ADP architecture in the E7X is highly impressive by American standards, as it supports 900-volt charging at up to 400 kW speeds. Only a handful of EVs sold in the United States can match that, such as the upcoming BMW i3 and iX3 as well as the Porsche Cayenne Electric. There are no plans to bring any Chinese-built Audi models to North America, as tariffs would likely make them prohibitively expensive. Here in the US, American automakers have lobbied against bringing Chinese cars into the market, on the grounds they can not compete with them on price. View the full article

A Time For ExperimentationThe '60s were an interesting time for the automotive industry; this was the era when multiple household brands solidified their reputations and market positions. It was also during this time that multiple brands began to sprout out of the woodwork, trying to find their niche and offer experimental products. Some of those brands produced decent cars but didn't survive beyond a short production run. One such brand and car known as the Bill Thomas Cheetah was supposed to take on the likes of the Shelby Cobra, but only a few were ever made – and one surviving unit just sold for a pretty penny. Bring-a-Trailer View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Cobra KillerCalifornian Engineer Bill Thomas is the man behind the Cheetah. He built up his resume by racing Corvettes throughout the '50s and eventually founded Bill Thomas Race Cars. In 1960, he secured a partnership with Chevrolet's performance division to use C2 Corvette parts to build his own car. Bill had his eyes set on taking on the Shelby Cobra, and he was able to build the Cheetah in partnership with famed fabricator Don Edmunds. One of the revolutionary things about the Cheetah was the layout they used; the engine was pushed so far back into the chassis that the layout was designated as a front-mid engine for better weight distribution. This also meant that the driver and passenger were pushed further back, effectively sitting on the rear axles. The Cheetah was powered by the famous Chevrolet 327 cubic-inch 5.4-liter Corvette V8, with power ranging from around 375 to 500 hp, depending on the tune and build. It was also extremely lightweight, weighing only 1,500 pounds. Around Daytona, it was clocked at 215 mph, which, for the time, was brisk, especially for a small-block V8. Bring-a-Trailer Up in FlamesAs much promise as the Cheetah presented, a fire tore through the production workshop that built it. Only 19 of the 23 promised cars met full production specs. One of them just sold for $520,000 on Bring-a-Trailer. What's surprising about this car is that, according to the listing, work began after the workshop fire, making this a survivor and rare. The car itself was delivered to the owner without an engine; later, it was equipped with a 377 cubic-inch Chevy V8 with mechanical fuel injection. Bring-a-Trailer View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The City Car That FadedThe Smart ForTwo once seemed like a practical solution for crowded cities. Its size made parking simple, and it stood out as a niche choice. European buyers took to it, but in the US, it struggled. Most Americans preferred larger, more flexible vehicles, and the ForTwo’s drawbacks were tough to overlook. Even so, the ForTwo built a name for itself as an efficient city car. That image stuck with Smart for years, even as the market moved toward crossovers and SUVs. Smart joined that shift, launching models like the #1 and #3, and eventually moving away from the small-car formula that made it unique. Smart stopped making the ForTwo in 2022, ending a run of over twenty years. Still, the idea of a small two-seater never fully went away. Now, Smart is returning to that concept – not with a direct copy, but with a new take. The #2 is meant to carry on where the ForTwo left off, and the Concept #2 gives us the best look so far at what’s coming. Smart A Concept That Leans Into Design as IdentityThe Concept #2 is clearly a city car, but the design feels more deliberate this time. It keeps the compact shape, but the lines are smoother and the surfaces look more refined than earlier models. The matte white and gold two-tone paint stands out right away. It gives the car a softer, more lifestyle-focused, fashion-led look instead of a purely practical one. Smart paid attention to the details, adding strap-like features, subtle textures, and finishes that feel more like accessories than standard car trim. Other elements, including the wheels, match the same approach. The design is simple but not boring, with details that become more noticeable the longer you look. Smart says it’s a mix of function and style, and that's evident in how the car stays clean while still standing out. Sketches of the car back up this direction. The #2 looks wide for its size, with rounded shapes and a stance that feels more confident than the old ForTwo. It still looks friendly, but now it seems more purposeful and less like a toy. Smart What Smart Has Confirmed So FarSmart has started to share what the project means beyond just design. The Concept #2 is the first real move toward a production car that will slot below the current models. It will be fully electric and use a platform made for small city cars. Smart plans to show the concept at its global brand event, then bring it to a bigger stage at Auto Beijing 2026. At the same time, the brand will reveal the #6 EHD, a fastback sedan that shows how much the lineup is expanding. The #2 is expected to launch in late 2026, with key markets to follow. It won’t replace Smart’s current SUVs, but will sit alongside them. Smart is aiming to offer both small city cars and larger, more traditional models again. It’s still unclear if a small two-seater can succeed in today’s market. But Smart is ready to try again, this time with a stronger design focus and a fully electric setup. Smart View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Next Phase of Self-DrivingThere has been a lot of discussion about the advancement of autonomous driving, especially now that it no longer feels as foreign as it did a few years ago. Some of the most common hurdles are cost, due to the added components such as sensors and cameras, and the legal framework, which is still trying to determine who is at fault when a fully autonomous vehicle hits a pedestrian. Still, that has not stopped automakers from continuing to develop their autonomous systems, and Nissan’s next-generation ProPilot system could mark progress toward wider adoption. The Drive was in Japan to test the system, which is being labeled L2++ for legal reasons, despite being considered Level 4-capable in self-driving technology. Initial impressions were highly positive after a roughly 40-minute drive around Tokyo. Nissan Built to See EverythingThe ProPilot system was fitted to a Nissan Ariya, a more premium electric vehicle positioned above the Leaf, which was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2025 model year. The test vehicle is said to be equipped with 11 cameras, five radar units, and LiDAR. According to the publication, the ProPilot-equipped Ariya performed well even in complex situations, including a construction zone that reduced traffic to a controlled one-lane, two-way flow. The test vehicle also managed to navigate the area without issue, even with a cement truck backing up nearby. One observation, however, is that the EV prioritized safety during the drive. In one instance, the EV yielded to a pedestrian even in the absence of any immediate danger. Whether that is a good or bad thing is ultimately up to interpretation. Tetsuya Iijima, Nissan’s Executive Chief Engineer for adaptive safety systems and software-defined vehicles, said that only Tesla and Wayve are at the level ProPilot is aiming to compete at. Nissan Making It Make SenseNissan is reportedly set to launch the ProPilot system in 2027, initially in Japan with the new Elgrand van. The automaker noted that other markets will follow “as soon as possible.” It will be interesting to see how Nissan approaches the market with this system, especially given that pushing Level 2 driver assistance to this level remains challenging. BMW even dropped its Personal Pilot L3 system on the 7 Series because demand was too low to make it profitable. One reassuring note, however, is that Iijima said the automaker plans to offer it at a “reasonable price” to support mass adoption. Nissan View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Global FirstBack in 2022, things were heating up in the EV segment. Suddenly, consumers were taking notice and were willing to experiment more with the alternative mobility powertrain. In response, all major car manufacturers kicked into high gear by announcing and introducing dedicated battery electric (BEV) models and nameplates. Jeep's first global BEV was named after the brand's legacy Wagoneer series and was the more sustainable and eco-friendly version. The Wagoneer S was launched in 2024 and has become the brand's sole EV offering in the US – at least until the Recon starts arriving in showrooms this summer. Jeep Playing it SafeInitial reception of the Wagoneer S was strong, with Jeep selling over 6,200 units in North America by mid-2025. This achievement was underscored by the fact that the launch edition models began deliveries only in December 2024. Since the market has slowed and cooled on EVs, the Wagoneer S hasn't sold as much as it used to. Jeep is planning to regroup, according to a report by Automotive News. The company plans to hold off on introducing a 2026 Wagoneer S. Parent company Stellantis says it is pacing production of the all-electric SUV to incorporate improvements in battery performance, software, and capability. Part of the plan is to resume production by 2027, which will be done at the Toluca, Mexico, facility. In an official statement, a Stellantis representative told the publication, “The Jeep brand will forgo a 2026 model‑year designation in North America as we prepare to debut the 2027 model year Jeep Wagoneer S, which will introduce full compatibility with the North American Charging Standard charging port to expand customer access to growing fast‑charging networks.“ Chase Bierenkoven Status QuoIn the meantime, Jeep will continue to sell the 2025 model through dealerships without interruption. The Wagoneer S is built on Jeep's STLA Large Platform, specifically to handle electric powertrains while adhering to Jeep's capability standards. It was launched as one of the most powerful Jeeps ever, with over 600 hp and a 0-60 mph time of around 3.4 seconds. Its design has also made use of aerodynamics, making it more energy-efficient than the more boxy design of the regular Wagoneer. Currently, the EV market has slowed, and the Wagoneer S just sold 175 units in the first quarter of 2026. View the full article

Happy 40th, M3The BMW M3 was built in response to the Mercedes-Benz 190 2.3-16, along with other cars that were taking wins in the world's touring car races. It made its world premiere in 1986, with production kicking off in March. 40 years later, the M3 had evolved significantly. The two-door model had been spun off into the M4, and we now have a Touring model. Power levels are insane next to the original model, too. The E30 M3 had 197 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque (192 hp and 170 lb-ft in the U.S), which is pedestrian by today's standards. Today, the M3 puts out 473 hp and 406 lb-ft, or 523 hp and 479 lb-ft in Competition xDrive form. To put that into perspective, the modern M3 Competition has over 2.5 times more power than the E30 M3. BMW Kicking Off CelebrationsUnsurprisingly, BMW has kicked off celebrations for the M3. The BMW Museum is putting more of those cars on display, and inevitably, there will be special edition models. Oddly enough, it's China that's getting the first of the country-specific 40th-anniversary models. That's mainly because China didn't get the M3 until the E90/E92 generation from 2008. The BMW M3 Edition 40 Jahre will make its public premiere at the 2026 Auto China. It will be displayed with the upcoming 2027 i7 and 7 Series, so the German automaker will be quite busy this weekend. It'll be available in both sedan and touring guises, with only 20 examples of each made. BMW What It PacksIt's easy to dismiss these cars as merely cosmetically enhanced versions of their regular counterparts. The thing is, these Edition 40 Jahre models are based on the xDrive Competition models, so that's a good thing right out of the bat. The best part is, the M Driver's in included in these limited-run cars, raising the top speed from 155 mph to 180 mph for the sedan and 174 mph for the Touring. For the sedan, BMW drew on its back catalog for the color. It's draped in Laguna Seca Blue, something normally associated with the E46 M3. As for the Touring, it was painted in a special Individual color called Wildberry Red. The wagon's wheels are then finished in Crimson Copper. Of course, the interiors get special touches, too, and there's a smattering of 40 Jahre labels everywhere from the roof to the center console. We can expect more major markets to launch their respective Edition 40 Jahre versions later this year. In the meantime, we wait, not just for this limited-edition model but also for the next generation. BMW BMW View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Cadillac’s Sportier EV PlayCadillac has built a competitive electric vehicle lineup, helping it claim the top spot in the U.S. luxury EV market last year. One of the most intriguing models in the brand’s EV range is the Optiq-V, a performance-oriented compact luxury crossover that can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds in Velocity Max mode. Beyond performance, Cadillac is also offering Optiq-V buyers a limited styling package called the Magnus Launch Edition. According to GM Authority, it is now arriving at dealerships and is available for purchase. The package adds interior and exterior design elements and is produced in extremely limited numbers, offering a sense of exclusivity for buyers who manage to secure one. Cadillac More Than Just FastThe Magnus Launch Edition features a Magnus Metal Frost exterior finish, a color exclusive to the package. It is paired with blue brake calipers – with the front set wearing the V-Series logo – housed behind 21-inch alloy wheels finished in Satin Graphite. Enhancing its performance-inspired look further is a carbon fiber package that includes a genuine carbon fiber front splitter, mid-spoiler, and rear diffuser. The blue motif continues inside with the Santorini Blue interior package set against a Noir (black) cabin. Again, the Magnus Launch Edition is strictly a styling package, so it does not bring any changes to the electric powertrain. The Optiq-V is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 519 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. It offers an EPA-rated range of 278 miles and can add up to 71 miles in about 10 minutes at a DC fast-charging station. Cadillac Paying for the LookGiven its exclusivity, it is not surprising that the Magnus Launch Edition carries a $10,990 premium. That is added on top of the Cadillac Optiq-V’s $67,300 starting price, excluding destination fees. By comparison, the non-V-Series model starts at $50,900, though the exclusive styling package is not available on those variants. For those who miss out on one, Cadillac is also offering the Optiq Premium Sport and V-Series with the Onyx Package. It adds 21-inch gloss black wheels, Obsidian Chrome mirror caps, and perimeter lighting for the driver and front passenger that illuminates the ground to assist with entry and exit. Production takes place at General Motors Ramos Arizpe Plant, where other all-electric models in the company’s portfolio, such as the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Blazer EV, are also built. Cadillac View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

People have always looked for cheaper and cleaner alternatives to mainstream fuels like gas and diesel, and the automotive industry today offers probably the most diverse lineup of powertrain types that have ever been available at one point in time. Besides the ubiquitous gas and diesel engines and their hybrid and plug-in hybrid derivatives, you’ve got biofuels such as bioethanol or biodiesel, cars that run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), all-electric vehicles and even cars that use hydrogen fuel cells and synthetic fuels for propulsion. There also used to be steam-powered cars a century ago, but we’re long past that now. At one point, gas produced by burning wood was another option, and it gained traction especially during World War II when fossil fuels were rationed. Known as “woodmobiles,” these vehicles were fitted with a wood gasification unit that turned wood, wood chips, sawdust, charcoal, coal and even rubber into gas that would then power a combustion engine. How Does It Work?As a reminder of those times and to prove that woodmobiles can still work today if need be, the owner of a Chevy Fleetside V8 'square body' from Finland converted it into a wood gas truck—and has covered over 60,000 miles on wood alone without any issues since. From the video posted on the Jp Prat Projects channel on YouTube, we learn that the vehicle is “very environmentally friendly” when you factor the carbon footprint caused by the entire life cycle of the wood fuel. Of course, you wouldn’t think that by looking at the big chimney installed behind the cab between the gasifier and the filter. Jp Prat Projects / YouTube The former transforms the wood into flammable gas composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, while the latter filters the wood gas for tars as well as soot and ash particles. Before going into engine filter, the gas is cooled by the additional radiator the size of a Rolls-Royce Pantheon Grille, and after it comes out of the filter it goes through a mixer that feeds the right amount of air and wood gas into the engine. Inside, the truck looks pretty much standard with the exception of a few additional gauges and buttons. The V8 Pulls as if It Runs on Gasoline Jp Prat Projects / YouTube The 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V8 engine comes from a 1972 Chevy truck and has a compression ratio of 11:1. It has seen some changes, including a different camshaft that’s better suited for wood gas use, while the intake manifold comes from a 1986 Corvette. Interestingly, it takes a while to start the vehicle up—5 to 10 minutes—and one of the required steps in the startup process is to light up the gas coming out of the chimney in order to observe the quality of the gas before directing it to the engine. Once the engine starts, it pulls the gas into itself automatically. Jp Prat Projects / YouTube For those of you who are interested in numbers, this Chevy woodmobile eats about 81 pounds of wood per 60 miles. Mind you, there’s a small inconvenience: given the size of the stove, you need to stop and feed wood into it every 43 miles or so. The owner of the car says the video does not present some “crazy energy hack solution” as the vehicle was built purely for the enjoyment of tinkering, not to pitch wood as an alternative fuel. A new video will follow in a few months to document the wood-burning Chevy truck participation in a 1-mile speed event. That should be fun. View the full article

Four-Cylinder No MoreFor those thinking of getting a Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss with a base four-cylinder engine, the moment has passed. According to GM Authority, the off-road-oriented version of the full-size pickup could no longer be offered with the 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder engine. The publication reports that about 200 units of the four-cylinder Silverado Trail Boss models remain. After that, that specific pickup version will no longer be available. With that, there's good news and bad news. Chevrolet The Bad NewsBecause the turbo-four option has been discontinued, the base price of the Silverado Trail Boss LT is expected to increase. Exact figures are unknown at the moment, but expect updates to the price lists down the line. Based on the configurator, the TurboMax-powered Silverado LT starts at $62,495. That said, there was no mention of whether the standard Custom Trail Boss will drop the TurboMax engine. It appears it will remain an entry point for those looking for an off-road-oriented full-size pickup for less. But for those who like the niceties from the LT version, you're out of luck. Chevrolet The Good NewsThen again, if you're spending that much on a well-equipped and off-road-ready full-size pickup, you might as well go for the V8, right? Well, it seems that GM might have followed that logic. Once stocks run out, the base engine for the LT Trail Boss will be the 5.3-liter. It'll raise the price, for sure, but hey, standard V8, right? Should Chevrolet stick to current pricing, that means the LT Trail Boss will now start at about $65,000. The 5.3-liter V8 is good for 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. While it has more horsepower over the TurboMax at 310hp, the V8 couldn't match the boosted four's torque, which is at 430 lb-ft. Of course, there are other engine options available. One can order the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. There's also the 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six diesel that makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. Chevrolet A New Silverado is ComingThe current Silverado has been around since 2018 and received a facelift for the 2022 model year. That means it's been eight years since we last saw a fully-redesigned Silverado, and we're due for an all-new generation. As we reported previously, the fifth-gen Silverado will start production by October this year. It'll be for the 2027 model year, and major changes are most definitely coming. The timing is just right, too, as the next-gen F-150 isn't due until 2029. Chevrolet View the full article

A Winter Storm Warning for central and southwestern Montana is probably coming before the storm hits Wednesday evening, with forecasters in the National Weather Service office in Great Falls signaling a likely upgrade as the system approaches. The current Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for the high mountain zones, alongside a Winter Weather Advisory covering West Yellowstone and the tri-border area with Idaho and Wyoming. The system is expected to bring up to 10 inches of heavy wet snow to higher elevations from the Little Belt Mountains through the Gallatin Range, along with wind gusts reaching 60 mph. Temperatures are forecast to drop sharply, running roughly 25 degrees below mid-April averages. The Watch runs from 6 PM MDT Wednesday through 6 PM MDT Thursday for the high mountain zones, with Judith Basin, Fergus County below 4,500 feet, and the Snowy and Judith Mountains added from midnight Wednesday. Rain To Snow Transition Raises ConcernThe storm is expected to arrive Wednesday afternoon initially as rain, before rapidly transitioning to snow as colder air moves in during the evening hours. That shift is expected to create hazardous travel conditions overnight into Thursday, particularly as wet surfaces freeze and blowing snow reduces visibility. Forecasters warn that visibility could drop below a quarter mile at times, with the combination of heavy snow and wind increasing the risk of downed trees and power lines. Isolated outages across central Montana are possible. Bozeman Pass And I-90 Expected To See Significant ImpactsInterstate 90 over Bozeman Pass, at 5,712 feet, is expected to be one of the most heavily affected travel corridors. The route, a key east to west freight artery connecting the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest, could see rapidly deteriorating conditions Wednesday night into early Thursday. US-191 between Bozeman and West Yellowstone is also expected to be impacted, affecting access to Yellowstone National Park, whose West Entrance sits inside the Advisory area. The park's roads opened for the spring season only days ago. Higher elevation passes across the region may require chain restrictions depending on conditions. Broader Impacts Across Ranch And Fire RegionsIn addition to travel disruptions, the storm arrives during calving season in parts of central Montana, raising concerns for ranching operations in Judith Basin and Fergus counties. Meanwhile, just across the state line in Wyoming's Bighorn Basin, dry and windy conditions associated with the same weather system have prompted a Fire Weather Watch, highlighting sharply contrasting impacts across the region. Timing And OutlookThe heaviest snowfall is expected late Wednesday night through Thursday, with conditions gradually easing by Friday. Updated advisories and warnings will be issued as the system approaches. Officials are advising residents and travelers to monitor forecasts closely and avoid non essential travel during the peak period of the storm. View the full article

The recent spate of lawsuits involving Tesla door handles shows no signs of abating. In a new lawsuit, the automaker has been sued after an Uber driver crashed the Model Y crossover he was driving and became trapped inside. Although the plaintiff survived the crash and a passerby managed to free him from the burning vehicle by smashing a window, he suffered serious injuries. The incident again highlights the dangers of electronic door handles, which may not function properly or at all after an accident. Related: Tesla Sued After Model S Owner Claims Defective Door Handles Hurt EV Value Model Y Crash Detailed Tesla The plaintiff in this case is Wondafrash Gebreyes Gebremedihen, who was driving a 2025 Model Y on the I-405 San Diego Freeway in California on September 26, 2025. The plaintiff drives for Uber and was alone when the crash occurred, with the vehicle traveling at a high speed when it hit a freeway entrance sign and eventually crashed into a concrete wall. The car burst into flames and the plaintiff was unable to exit the vehicle. "After the collision, good Samaritans attempted to render aid to Plaintiff, but the driver-side door of the subject Tesla Model Y could not be opened from the outside of the vehicle, trapping Plaintiff inside the burning vehicle,” stated the lawsuit. “Another passerby was eventually able to smash open the driver-side window, and good Samaritans were able to extricate Plaintiff from the vehicle just prior to when the fire completely engulfed the vehicle." T Gebremedihen claims to have suffered “catastrophic, life-threatening injuries” due to the fact that the Tesla’s doors couldn’t be opened from the outside. According to court documents, the doors can’t be opened from the outside if the crash causes a loss of power, while a manual interior door handle release can’t be operated by an occupant that has become incapacitated due to the crash. This lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California: Wondafrash Gebreyes Gebremedihen v. Tesla, Inc., et al. What It Means Autoblog / LeRoy Marion Thousands of modern vehicles are equipped with similar electric door handles to the Tesla Model Y. Most have manual releases for the front and rear doors, but these designs are not standardized, so many trapped occupants will not know how to exit the vehicle in an emergency. China has already banned these electronic, flush-style door handles due to safety concerns, and we expect other regions to adopt a similar ruling. In January, a U.S. lawmaker proposed a new bill called the SAFE Exit Act. Endorsed by Consumer Reports, it would require all cars to have easily accessible and identifiable manual door releases. Until these rules come into effect, occupants of Tesla models and other brands with similar door handle designs are vulnerable to being trapped in a vehicle in a crash. One owner of a Rivian R1S conducted his own test of his SUV’s door handles and concluded his kids would be “dead” in an emergency. No design or aerodynamic advantage of an electronic door handle is worth more than someone’s life, and automakers must urgently address the issue before more lives are put at risk. View the full article

With the introduction of the RS 3 competition limited in March, Audi seems to be preparing to say goodbye to its five-cylinder engine, and not because there's no interest from customers, but because it falls foul of incoming Euro 7 emissions regulations that will take effect in November. But according to Autocar, the engineers in Ingolstadt may find a way to keep the iconic engine alive; Audi CEO Gernot Döllner told the publication that the EA855 engine's future is "still under discussion." He added that he's unsure if the automaker is "able to refinance the investment in EU7 regulations." In other words, it's going to be expensive to find a way to keep the engine alive, and Audi doesn't know if the juice would be worth the squeeze. RS 3 Engine Could Survive with Hybrid Power Audi The publication reports that insiders say the five-pot turbo engine would need serious hardware upgrades, including a new particulate filter, more sensitive NOx sensors, revised fuel-injection mapping, and catalytic converters with higher cell densities. All of these are known to reduce power output, but when Audi Sport boss Rolf Michl was asked about the possibility of adding a hybrid element to the powertrain, he said Audi is open to "every possibility," adding that the automaker is still brainstorming its way through potential options. "I can tell you we are still thinking in different technological possibilities," he said, adding that the most important thing for a new RS 3 is "the maximum amount of emotional driving experience for the compact segment." Audi is aware that the appeal of a five-cylinder engine is tough to imitate, but the good news is that the engine will likely continue to be sold in the U.S., according to Autocar. However, we're not so sure that its future is secure anywhere. Audi's Five-Cylinder Engine is Tough to Justify Audi It's been reported that the Golf R will get a five-cylinder special edition next year, and if that's true, it would show that the Volkswagen Group, of which Audi is a part, is aware that the five-pot raises the pulses of enthusiasts, but we wonder if such a special edition may only be under consideration because the EA855 is nearing the end of the line. After all, besides the RS 3, the engine is only still used in the Cupra Formentor VZ5 (not sold in North America). Moreover, while Audi USA doesn't separate sales figures for the A3, S3, and RS 3, the whole lot only achieved 8,315 sales in the U.S. last year, indicating that the business case for the five-cylinder can't be made on American demand alone. To summarize, the RS 3 engine is a treasure, but keeping it alive will be expensive, and if Audi decides it's worth the R&D to keep it going, potentially with a mild-hybrid setup, that will almost certainly affect the U.S.-spec model, too. View the full article

A Different Kind of Hendrick PurchaseIf you know Rick Hendrick, you probably know him as the guy who always lands the first Corvette off the line. He’s made a habit of showing up at auctions, bidding big, and driving away with VIN 001 every time a new generation rolls out. But this latest buy is a different story. At the memorable Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction, Hendrick spent $1 million on something that’s about as far from a Corvette as you can get: the first 2026 GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility (ISV-U) offered to the public. It’s still a one-off, still a headline purchase, and still for a good cause. Only this time, it’s not a showroom queen but a military-grade machine with a story that goes beyond the usual collector’s tale. General Motors The GM Defense ISV-UThe ISV-U is built by GM Defense for the US Army and its allies. Forget luxury SUV – this is an ultra-light tactical vehicle made for tough jobs. It’s all about durability, modular design, and getting through rough terrain, not comfort. The one at Palm Beach wasn’t just any ISV-U. It wore a custom livery to honor the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Medal of Honor recipients like Kyle Carpenter and David Bellavia were there for the sale. The full $1 million goes straight to the Foundation’s programs. That money helps Medal of Honor recipients and keeps their stories alive. So yes, it’s another headline purchase, but as always, that money goes to charity (and tax write-offs). General Motors Hendrick’s Corvette HistoryHendrick is more than just a collector. He runs Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports, and he’s worked with GM for years. His company, Hendrick Technical Solutions, supplies parts for the ISV-U. But most car fans know him for his collection. Hendrick has landed the first C7, C8 Stingray, and even high-performance models like the ZR1 and the ZR1X. These cars often go for millions of dollars, which only adds to his reputation as the guy for milestone VINs. For someone who usually chases the next big Corvette, this ISV-U purchase is less about the vehicle and more about what it stands for. And of course, believing in what his own company helps build. GM Defense View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article