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The same storm system that buried Colorado's mountain passes and sent Front Range temperatures crashing into the teens overnight is now driving a dangerous severe weather outbreak across the central and eastern United States. From the Plains to the Great Lakes and into western New York, today's threat includes tornadoes, wind gusts up to 60 mph, large hail, and major river flooding — while Colorado begins a rapid recovery. Severe Weather: Where the Threat Is NowAccuWeather meteorologists have placed a high risk of severe weather from central Arkansas to southwestern Ontario today, including much of Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and southwestern New York, with damaging wind gusts and hail the primary threats. Friday night was the most dangerous window, targeting southeastern Minnesota, eastern Iowa, northwestern Illinois, and southwestern to central Wisconsin. Cities including Topeka, Kansas City, the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and Madison all saw elevated threat. Late in the evening, storms organized into a squall line producing widespread wind gusts. AccuWeather AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty warned: "Make sure your cell phone is charged, notifications are turned on, and you have multiple ways to get warnings that can wake you in the middle of the night. Never depend solely on outdoor tornado sirens, especially at night." By Sunday, the severe weather peak will have passed for most areas, though gusty thunderstorms may extend from the northern Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast. Much of the Southeast is in serious need of rainfall amid long-term drought and elevated wildfire danger. Getty Images Western New York: Storms Arrive TodayBuffalo, Rochester, and Albany are all in the storm's path today. NWS Buffalo has confirmed showers and thunderstorms arriving Saturday into Saturday night ahead of a cold front, with damaging wind gusts as the primary threat and an isolated tornado possible. Keep alerts enabled tonight, and do not rely on outdoor sirens as your only warning source. Flooding: Upper MidwestModerate to major flooding is ongoing and not resolving quickly. The Muskegon and Grand rivers in Michigan and the Shiocton, Menominee, and Wolf rivers in Wisconsin are at or approaching major flood stage, with some expected to crest at record levels and remain above flood stage for a week or more. Minor flooding along the Wabash River in Indiana and the Mississippi above St. Louis may persist for several weeks even if rainfall stops entirely. Where It Started: ColoradoA late-season cold front dropped Front Range temperatures more than 50 degrees in under 36 hours. Denver hit the upper 70s Thursday. By Friday night, lows had fallen to 18 to 24 degrees, triggering a NWS Freeze Warning. Above-ground irrigation lines that were not drained likely failed. Sensitive vegetation and fruit trees will show damage. Colorado's snowpack was at just 17 percent of the median peak as of April 13, the worst in four decades. Recovery is underway. Denver is sunny and near 60 today, with the low 70s expected Sunday. Mountain passes are clearing, though residual ice remains possible on shaded sections of I-70 and Berthoud Pass. One caution for southern Colorado: NWS Pueblo has issued a Freeze Watch for Colorado Springs tonight into Sunday morning. If You Are Driving This WeekendIn Colorado, residual ice on shaded sections of I-70 and Berthoud Pass is still possible this morning. CDOT's Traction Law requires 3/16-inch minimum tread depth and remains in effect through May 31 between Dotsero and Morrison. Cold temperatures drop tire pressure 1 to 2 PSI per 10 degrees. AWD helps you move but does nothing to shorten stopping distance on ice. Carry chains, a blanket, water, a phone charger, and a flashlight if crossing the passes. On I-25, bridge decks and overpasses between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs may still carry black ice in shaded areas this morning. Treat every overpass as a risk. In the Midwest and western New York, the threat is severe thunderstorms moving fast with little warning. A squall line producing 60 mph gusts can drop visibility to near zero in seconds. Know your shelter options before you leave. If warnings are issued while you are on the road, get off the highway and into a sturdy building; a vehicle is not a safe place in a tornado or severe squall line. Wherever you are driving, charge your phone, enable wireless emergency alerts, and check road and radar conditions before you go. View the full article

America’s Favorite Truck, Now Under ScrutinyFor years, the Ford F-150 has been the go-to truck for Americans. It’s always at the top of the sales charts, and full-size pickups still rule the market. The recipe is simple: lots of options, real capability, and a reputation built over decades. When a truck is this popular, any problem hits harder. That’s what’s happening now: Ford just announced a recall for a huge number of older F-150s. These aren’t showroom-new, but they’re still working hard all over the country. It’s not the kind of thing that ruins the F-150’s reputation, but it does make you wonder about how these trucks hold up after years of real-world use. Drew Phillips What’s the IssueThe recall affects nearly 1.4 million F-150s from model years 2015 to 2017, all with the 6-speed automatic. Built between March 2014 and August 2017, these trucks are being flagged for a transmission issue linked to the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS). According to the NHTSA’s recall report, the problem comes down to worn electrical connections inside the transmission lead frame. After years of heat and vibration, the signals between the TRS and the truck’s computer can get scrambled. That means the truck might briefly think it’s in the wrong gear. Sometimes, that glitch makes the truck suddenly drop into second gear, even if you’re cruising at speed. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, the sudden slowdown can catch you off guard. On wet roads, while towing, or at highway speeds, it could make the rear tires lose grip for a moment. Ford began investigating after owners began complaining in late 2024. By early 2026, the NHTSA was digging deeper. Ford has now connected the problem to hundreds of warranty claims, a few injuries, and at least one accident. Ford The Fix and What Owners Should DoFord’s first fix is a software update. Owners will need to bring their trucks in so dealers can recalibrate the powertrain control module. The new software is supposed to detect faulty TRS signals before the truck tries to downshift, providing an extra layer of protection. If the problem has already worsened and certain fault codes appear, dealers will swap out the transmission lead frame, too. Both the software update and any needed parts are free for owners. That said, owners of the affected F-150s can check their VIN online or at a dealership to see if their truck is part of the recall. Ford View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Up and DownStellantis is one of the biggest and most diverse automotive groups in the world. This wide-ranging portfolio allows them to offer products at different price points to hit the key segments of the automotive market. Another key advantage is the flexibility to offer a diverse lineup of brands and models that can be made to fit any region in the world. This type of business model and size has some drawbacks; staying in contention is tough, and 2025 exposed everyone. Stellantis saw declines in sales and shipments in the first two quarters of 2025, but rebounded in the 2nd half. Stellantis 2026 OptimismStellantis has announced its Q1 global shipments and sales, and it looks like some momentum was carried from the end of 2025. Specifically, the group has published its estimated consolidated shipment numbers, with "shipments" referring to the volume of vehicles delivered to dealers, distributors, or directly from the Company to retail and fleet customers. This also generally gives an idea of revenue outlooks. According to the report, by the end of Q1 (March 31, 2026), the tally of global shipments reached 1.4 million units, 12% higher than in the same period last year. Much of the growth is attributed to shipments coming from Europe and North America, but growth is also steadily increasing in the African and South American markets. Diving deep into the numbers, North America's shipments grew to 379,000, up from 325,000 in 2025's Q1. According to The Detroit News, the 50,000 increase in shipments came from higher sales of the Ram 1500, Cherokee, and Grand Wagoneers. Stellantis DownsidesSome of the surge was offset by fewer shipments and sales of the small Compass crossover because of the Cherokee's production ramping up at the same plant in Toluca, Mexico. Europe's sales jumped by 69,000 units, a 12% bump driven by Leapmotor shipments in the region. Stellantis and the Chinese automaker currently have a partnership to sell cars globally. Despite growth in some regions, the Middle East took a significant hit due to the ongoing conflict in Iran; shipments fell by more than half. Many of the losses in the first two quarters of 2025 were due to production gaps and product lineup transitions. Q3 in 2025 saw the turnaround begin as U.S. inventory issues normalized. Stellantis View the full article

If you're a pessimist, the news that Nissan is cutting 11 models as part of a turnaround plan might sound desperate, but if you see the glass as half full, doing so allows the automaker to work on interesting vehicles like the new Xterra and the new Skyline. And they may not be the only exciting developments in the pipeline because Nissan told numerous media outlets that it is taking seriously the idea of a proper sports car lineup that could bring the Silvia back to complement the Nissan Z and the next GT-R. Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa is described as "a real car guy," and he's indicated a desire to revive the Silvia nameplate before, but now, the carmaker's chief of product planning is teasing its return, and that's arguably even more of a big deal because it means Nissan is on the path to more sports cars, not just thinking about it. Why Nissan Is Creating a Buzz With Sports Car Enthusiasts Ideogram/Sebastian Cenizo Nissan seems to understand what car enthusiasts want, finally giving the Z Nismo a manual transmission, and it intends to build on that momentum, with the company's global head of product strategy, Richard Candler, telling Motor1the following: "We are really deeply looking at a sports lineup again. We want to do some cool cars. The first car I ever bought was a Silvia, so I'd love to bring back that nameplate. I do think it's really valuable... I think there's still space for Silvia, and we need to find the right solution for it." Similarly, The Drive reports that Candler said the announcement of the Skyline "has been a big passion product for [Nissan]," adding that, with the new Z and now a Skyline on the way, Nissan is "[starting] to bring back a good lineup." The tricky bit will be developing a sports car that stays true to the Silvia's ethos of fun and affordability (potentially as a Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5 Miata rival), and those two things are difficult to put together. "We need to find the right positioning," said Candler, before hinting that more enthusiast-focused cars could find their way to production. Nissan Has Strong Back Catalog, Could Launch Smaller-than-Silvia Sports Car Ideogram/Sebastian Cenizo "In terms of the rest of the sports car lineup, we've got some pretty great names that we would like to develop further," said Candler. Besides all the obvious Z variants (240Z, 260Z, 280Z), there have been RS, GT, GT-X, GTS, and GTS-R versions of the non-GT-R Skyline, but the 300ZX is also worth mentioning independently, as this took the Z badge to new levels of performance and luxury. We should also note the Datsun SSS, an icon in its own right. Indeed, Nissan has a rich history from which to draw, and it is preparing to leverage that. "We’re going to shrink our portfolio a bit. We’re going to stop cars that you probably won’t even notice and then reinvest that money into a few passion projects," said Candler, adding, "All of those cars [we are going to kill] consume money, for the company to keep them on, to keep them going, keep them homologated, latest requirements, standards, etc. That takes up a certain amount of resources. 
We could sort of stop those without a lot of business impact and then bring in, you know, let’s invest in the Silvia or let’s invest in something even smaller. I mean, I've also got an ambition personally to find something maybe even smaller than that." We hope to see the fruits of these ambitions soon. Ideogram/Sebastian Cenizo Note: The images in this article are AI-generated renders and should not be considered official Kia concepts. View the full article

A widespread severe thunderstorm outbreak is unfolding across nine states from the southern Plains into the Upper Mississippi Valley today, Friday April 17, 2026, with the Storm Prediction Center flagging the threat of strong tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds through tonight. The SPC has upgraded the southern and central Plains to a Moderate Risk, the second-highest category on the severe weather scale and a designation issued only a handful of times per year. A Tornado Watch is already active across much of eastern Iowa, with a separate Severe Thunderstorm Watch covering eastern Minnesota and central-to-northern Wisconsin including Rochester, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, where hail up to 2 inches in diameter and isolated 70 MPH wind gusts are the primary threats. Peak danger window: Friday afternoon through Friday night across I-35 from central Texas to Kansas, I-29 through Iowa, and I-94 across Minnesota and Wisconsin, where initial supercells could produce strong tornadoes before merging into a damaging wind squall line after dark. What to ExpectTornadoes: 10% probability across the moderate risk zone, with strong (EF2+) tornadoes possible from initial supercells in Wisconsin, Iowa, and prefrontal storms in IllinoisHail: 30% probability of severe hail, with stones up to 2 inches in diameter (hen egg size) reported in active watchesDamaging winds: 45% probability, with 70 MPH gusts forecast as storms merge into a squall line tonightWorst corridors: I-35 (central Texas through Oklahoma into Kansas), I-29 (Iowa), I-80 (eastern Iowa to Illinois), I-94 (Minnesota and Wisconsin), I-90 (southern Minnesota to Wisconsin) NWS The synoptic setup is textbook for a major outbreak. A strong upper trough oriented from Montana to the Southwest will eject eastward into the Plains tonight, with 40-60 knot southwesterly flow at 850-700 mb intensifying ahead of it by late afternoon. A surface dryline will extend from a High Plains low through the western Oklahoma/Texas panhandle border into central Texas, while a cold front will run from eastern Minnesota into central Kansas at midday. Ahead of these features sits a broad warm sector with mid-to-upper 60s dewpoints and temperatures climbing into the 80s, the recipe meteorologists describe as a strongly sheared and deeply unstable environment. Road ConditionsThe most dangerous road conditions will arrive in two distinct phases. Initial supercells across the warm sector are capable of dropping golf-ball to hen-egg-size hail with little warning, which can shatter windshields and disable visibility instantly on rural highways. As the cold front overtakes the storms tonight, the threat shifts to a fast-moving squall line with damaging straight-line winds capable of pushing vehicles out of lanes and knocking over high-profile trucks and trailers. Squall lines move at 40 to 55 MPH, leaving almost no reaction time once they appear on radar near your location. Flash flooding is also a real concern with 1-2 inches per hour rainfall rates, and even a foot of moving water can sweep a car off the road. Hail Damage Risk to VehiclesTornadoes get the headlines, but hail is the single most expensive weather hazard for vehicles in the United States. State Farm paid out more than $1.2 billion in auto hail claims nationally in 2024, and Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma recorded the most hail events that year, all of which sit inside today's threat zone. A single hailstorm can total a vehicle on paper without affecting the engine at all, because adjusters total the cost of every dented panel, cracked light housing, and shattered windshield, and if that figure exceeds the car's actual cash value, the insurer writes a salvage check. Only comprehensive auto insurance covers hail damage, and insurers will not let you add comprehensive coverage once a severe weather event is already in the forecast. Autoblog's guide to storm damage and car insurance breaks down exactly what your policy covers and how to document damage for a claim. Tropicaltidbits Severe Storm Driving TipsIf you are driving in the threat zone today, the most important rule is simple: get off the road before the line arrives. A supercell can cross a highway in minutes, and the difference between baseball-size hail and missing the storm entirely can be a matter of a few miles. If you see a dark, rotating wall cloud ahead of you, do not drive into it. Exit the highway and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If hail begins, pull over under any available cover. A gas station canopy or parking garage can prevent thousands of dollars in body and glass damage. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your location, never shelter under an overpass. Wind speeds actually accelerate through the narrow channel beneath a bridge, and you lose all debris protection. Pull well off the road, angle your vehicle away from the direction of the storm, keep your seatbelt on, and get below window level. For a fuller breakdown of severe storm driving protocol, Autoblog's recent severe storm corridor coverage covers the I-35 and I-44 playbook in detail. Monitor local NWS alerts on your phone and have a clear shelter plan before you depart. TimingInitial supercells are already firing across eastern Iowa and the upper Mississippi Valley this afternoon, with the Plains threat ramping up through the evening hours. The tornado and large hail risk is highest during the discrete supercell phase from late afternoon through about 9 PM local time. As the cold front overtakes the storms tonight, the threat will transition to a damaging wind squall line that will sweep east through the overnight hours, reaching the lower Missouri Valley and Midwest by Saturday morning. Conditions will improve behind the front Saturday, but additional severe weather is possible Sunday across the Mid-South as the system progresses. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Up to two feet of snow and temperatures plunging 25 degrees below the mid-April average are slamming 11 western and northern states today, Friday April 17, 2026, as a late-season "cold storm" presses from the Cascades and Northern Rockies into Colorado and the Northern Plains. The Weather Prediction Center is headlining late-season snow for the Northern Rockies, Central Rockies, and Northern Plains, with mountain passes from Washington and Oregon east through Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado all in the impact zone through Friday night, plus snow and ice probabilities extending into North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Peak danger window: Friday afternoon through Saturday morning across I-70, I-80, and I-25 in Colorado and Wyoming, where 70-degree highs Thursday will collapse into the 30s Friday and refreeze wet pavement after sunset. What to ExpectSnow totals: 1-2 feet across the Cascades and Northern Rockies; 8-16 inches cumulative across Utah and Colorado mountains; 4-8 inches in Yellowstone National ParkLower elevations: Light accumulations expected in Boise, Pocatello, Great Falls, Salt Lake City, Laramie, Cheyenne, and AspenTemperature crash: 40-degree drops in under 24 hours across eastern Wyoming and ColoradoWorst corridors: I-90 across Montana, I-84 through eastern Oregon and Idaho, I-80 across Wyoming, I-15 through Utah and Idaho, I-70 over the Colorado RockiesThe storm's heavy snow focus is shifting south and east through Friday, with Colorado terrain taking the brunt as the Utah and Wyoming snow tapers off. Snow squalls and convective bands hammered Utah and Wyoming overnight, and the WPC is flagging Day 1 snow probabilities of 10-20% for greater than 4 inches over central North Dakota, with ice probabilities of 10-30% for greater than 0.1 inches stretching from northeast North Dakota through northwest Minnesota. Per OpenSnow's multi-day breakdown, southwest Montana, northwest Wyoming, and northern Utah saw the heaviest accumulation Thursday, with Colorado now in the firing line through end of day Friday. Road ConditionsMountain passes in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado will see accumulating snow throughout the day, with rapid changes in surface conditions on bridges, overpasses, and shaded stretches. Even AWD and 4WD vehicles need winter-rated tires to stop on ice, which is the threat that builds across the impact zone after dark. Autoblog's AWD vs. 4WD breakdown covers what each system actually does and doesn't do in this kind of weather. Drivers should allow extra travel time, keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, and avoid travel altogether during peak accumulation windows if possible. US NWS Temperature Whiplash on the Front RangeCheyenne, Laramie, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aspen are the textbook examples of why this event is dangerous well beyond the snowfall totals. A 40-degree temperature swing in 24 hours over wet pavement is the recipe for late-evening black ice on roads that looked perfectly drivable at lunch. If you're traveling I-25 between Cheyenne and Pueblo Friday afternoon or evening, or heading west on I-70 toward Vail and Glenwood Springs, plan to either be off the road by sunset or to slow your stopping calculations dramatically as temperatures cross freezing. Winter Driving TipsIf you are driving into the impact zone today, your tires are the single most important variable. AWD will help you accelerate on snow, but it does nothing to shorten stopping distance on ice, which is exactly the threat you'll face on I-80 in Wyoming or any pass along I-70 in Colorado as temperatures crash overnight. Autoblog's winter car readiness checklist recommends a minimum of 4/32 inches of tread depth for safe winter driving, and cold temperatures will drop tire pressure by roughly 1 to 2 PSI for every 10 degrees, so check your pressures before you leave a warm garage. Give yourself at least triple the stopping distance you would use on dry pavement, and double that again on ice. If today's storm is the reminder that your vehicle isn't set up for winter, Autoblog's full breakdown of the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving is worth a read, and our best practices for driving in snow, ice, and rain guide covers everything from skid recovery to what to keep in your trunk for emergencies. The smartest call on a day like today, if your schedule allows, is to wait out the peak refreeze window entirely. TimingThe system is moving through the western U.S. today, Friday April 17, 2026, with Colorado snowfall winding down by Saturday morning as the storm exits east. The Cascades and Northern Rockies are tapering after their Thursday peak. However, the National Weather Service notes a new storm system arrives by Sunday, bringing additional rain and mountain snow to the West Coast, so this is not the last round. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

A Tesla Model Y taxi crashed heavily in Bergen, Norway, in 2023, plowing through one of the city’s busiest public squares. Somehow, despite the car reaching 56 mph and launching into a kiosk, nobody died. The driver, a sober 12-year veteran taxi driver, had insisted from the start that the car malfunctioned. When the vehicle was sent to an independent analyst, he found the dashboard partially dismantled and electrical connections severed. Motor reports a critical piece of hardware, the network card linking the vehicle to Tesla's servers, was missing. It remains unclear when or by whom it was taken. The defense attorney has called for a full independent investigation, including a potential police raid on Tesla's servers. Motor.no The Data Does Not Add UpDashcam footage shows the car reversing into a parking spot before suddenly lurching forward, jumping the curb, and plowing through outdoor seating. Then, after a brief pause, it accelerated again. Tesla's event data recorder showed the accelerator pedal depressed throughout both impacts. But the brake lights were clearly on during the crash, and independent experts have argued that electronic faults or software errors could produce identical accelerator signals without the driver's foot ever touching the pedal. There was also a six-second gap in Tesla's data, the exact window between the two collisions, that the company says it simply does not have. Bergen police closed the case in December 2024, unable to determine whether the crash was driver error or mechanical failure. The driver was eventually cleared. The missing network card is the one component most likely to have contained those six lost seconds of data. Motor.no Vital Crash Evidence Has a Habit Of Getting LostThis is not the first time Tesla's handling of crash data has raised red flags. In a 2019 fatal Autopilot crash in Florida, the car uploaded a full data snapshot to Tesla's servers within minutes, then deleted its local copy, making Tesla the only party with access. When police asked for help, a Tesla technician claimed the data was corrupted. Forensic analysis later proved it was intact and had been accessed by Tesla that same day. A jury found Tesla 33 percent liable and ordered it to pay over $240 million. The missing Norwegian network card is hard to view in isolation from that history but it remains to be seen what comes of the renewed investigation. View the full article

A widespread severe thunderstorm outbreak is unfolding across nine states from the southern Plains into the Upper Mississippi Valley today, Friday April 17, 2026, with the Storm Prediction Center flagging the threat of strong tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds through tonight. The SPC has upgraded the southern and central Plains to a Moderate Risk, the second-highest category on the severe weather scale and a designation issued only a handful of times per year. A Tornado Watch is already active across much of eastern Iowa, with a separate Severe Thunderstorm Watch covering eastern Minnesota and central-to-northern Wisconsin including Rochester, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, where hail up to 2 inches in diameter and isolated 70 MPH wind gusts are the primary threats. Peak danger window: Friday afternoon through Friday night across I-35 from central Texas to Kansas, I-29 through Iowa, and I-94 across Minnesota and Wisconsin, where initial supercells could produce strong tornadoes before merging into a damaging wind squall line after dark. What to ExpectTornadoes: 10% probability across the moderate risk zone, with strong (EF2+) tornadoes possible from initial supercells in Wisconsin, Iowa, and prefrontal storms in IllinoisHail: 30% probability of severe hail, with stones up to 2 inches in diameter (hen egg size) reported in active watchesDamaging winds: 45% probability, with 70 MPH gusts forecast as storms merge into a squall line tonightWorst corridors: I-35 (central Texas through Oklahoma into Kansas), I-29 (Iowa), I-80 (eastern Iowa to Illinois), I-94 (Minnesota and Wisconsin), I-90 (southern Minnesota to Wisconsin) NWS The synoptic setup is textbook for a major outbreak. A strong upper trough oriented from Montana to the Southwest will eject eastward into the Plains tonight, with 40-60 knot southwesterly flow at 850-700 mb intensifying ahead of it by late afternoon. A surface dryline will extend from a High Plains low through the western Oklahoma/Texas panhandle border into central Texas, while a cold front will run from eastern Minnesota into central Kansas at midday. Ahead of these features sits a broad warm sector with mid-to-upper 60s dewpoints and temperatures climbing into the 80s, the recipe meteorologists describe as a strongly sheared and deeply unstable environment. Road ConditionsThe most dangerous road conditions will arrive in two distinct phases. Initial supercells across the warm sector are capable of dropping golf-ball to hen-egg-size hail with little warning, which can shatter windshields and disable visibility instantly on rural highways. As the cold front overtakes the storms tonight, the threat shifts to a fast-moving squall line with damaging straight-line winds capable of pushing vehicles out of lanes and knocking over high-profile trucks and trailers. Squall lines move at 40 to 55 MPH, leaving almost no reaction time once they appear on radar near your location. Flash flooding is also a real concern with 1-2 inches per hour rainfall rates, and even a foot of moving water can sweep a car off the road. Hail Damage Risk to VehiclesTornadoes get the headlines, but hail is the single most expensive weather hazard for vehicles in the United States. State Farm paid out more than $1.2 billion in auto hail claims nationally in 2024, and Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma recorded the most hail events that year, all of which sit inside today's threat zone. A single hailstorm can total a vehicle on paper without affecting the engine at all, because adjusters total the cost of every dented panel, cracked light housing, and shattered windshield, and if that figure exceeds the car's actual cash value, the insurer writes a salvage check. Only comprehensive auto insurance covers hail damage, and insurers will not let you add comprehensive coverage once a severe weather event is already in the forecast. Autoblog's guide to storm damage and car insurance breaks down exactly what your policy covers and how to document damage for a claim. Tropicaltidbits Severe Storm Driving TipsIf you are driving in the threat zone today, the most important rule is simple: get off the road before the line arrives. A supercell can cross a highway in minutes, and the difference between baseball-size hail and missing the storm entirely can be a matter of a few miles. If you see a dark, rotating wall cloud ahead of you, do not drive into it. Exit the highway and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If hail begins, pull over under any available cover. A gas station canopy or parking garage can prevent thousands of dollars in body and glass damage. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your location, never shelter under an overpass. Wind speeds actually accelerate through the narrow channel beneath a bridge, and you lose all debris protection. Pull well off the road, angle your vehicle away from the direction of the storm, keep your seatbelt on, and get below window level. For a fuller breakdown of severe storm driving protocol, Autoblog's recent severe storm corridor coverage covers the I-35 and I-44 playbook in detail. Monitor local NWS alerts on your phone and have a clear shelter plan before you depart. TimingInitial supercells are already firing across eastern Iowa and the upper Mississippi Valley this afternoon, with the Plains threat ramping up through the evening hours. The tornado and large hail risk is highest during the discrete supercell phase from late afternoon through about 9 PM local time. As the cold front overtakes the storms tonight, the threat will transition to a damaging wind squall line that will sweep east through the overnight hours, reaching the lower Missouri Valley and Midwest by Saturday morning. Conditions will improve behind the front Saturday, but additional severe weather is possible Sunday across the Mid-South as the system progresses. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Earlier this week, Volkswagen reported Q1 2026 sales for its lineup in the United States. Overall sales were down by 16.1%, but sales of the Jetta sedan fell even further than the brand’s lineup as a whole, with a drop of 34.9% relative to the same quarter last year. The sedan’s sales figures already fell by 24.4% throughout 2025, and that decline is continuing in 2026. Since so many sedans have been discontinued in the U.S. in recent years, there were legitimate concerns that the Jetta could be next, but VW isn’t ready to throw in the towel on one of its longest-running nameplates. That’s based on recent comments made by one of the company’s top executives. Jetta Still Plays an Important Role Volkswagen In a recent interview with CNBC, Petar Danilovic, the senior vice president of North American product marketing for VW, explained why the compact sedan still has a place in the automaker’s lineup. “Jetta is one of our most important nameplates,” said Danilovic. “Every car has a different role in the portfolio. And the Jetta, for example, is of course important to also attract entry customers. So hopefully to be able to grow them in the brand from a Jetta maybe to a Tiguan to an Atlas. So this is also the logic behind it.” Despite its age, VW still displayed the Jetta at the recent New York International Auto Show. It was overshadowed by the new Atlas, but the decision to show the compact sedan at this prominent event is another sign that the company isn’t willing to follow the likes of Ford by abandoning this segment. Jetta Still Keenly Priced Volkswagen Starting at $23,995, the Jetta remains VW’s most affordable new car. It undercuts the Taos by over $2,500 and is over $5,000 cheaper than the Tiguan. It’s not the cheapest compact sedan, though. Toyota’s Corolla starts at $23,125 and the much newer Kia K4 begins at $22,290. The Jetta does have a more premium feel than these rivals, though. A standard turbocharged engine isn’t available in many rivals, but the Jetta has one, giving it decent overtaking punch. Despite VW’s optimism about the Jetta, one has to wonder how long the sales slide will be acceptable. The sedan is also aging, with the current generation having been introduced in 2018. Several small upgrades have kept it fresh, but this hasn’t been enough to create sustained interest from buyers in this segment. Volkswagen either needs a new Jetta, or the current model should get a more comprehensive overhaul. It also lacks a hybrid to compete with the Civic and Corolla, part of a slower-than-ideal rollout of electrified models throughout the VW lineup. For now, the Jetta lives on, keeping a household name alive that was first introduced to America back in 1979. View the full article

Hyundai’s Ioniq family of dedicated all-electric vehicles has grown spectacularly in recent years, but up until now the automaker has focused mainly on mid-range and high-end models. That is about to change, because the smallest member of the Ioniq range yet—the Hyundai Ioniq 3—is only days away from its world premiere. Hyundai will officially unveil it on April 20 at the 2026 Milan Design Week in Italy, with the market launch in Europe following later in the year. World Premiere at 2026 Milan Design Week The model has been confirmed for Australia as well, where it will debut in early 2027. “Our existing EV line-up already covers 85 per cent of the market, and with the introduction of the Staria commercial van later this year and Ioniq 3 hatch early next year, we expect to reach 96 per cent overall EV market coverage,” said Hyundai Motor Australia director of sales David Rodda in a statement to local media cited by Drive. While the teasers shared by Hyundai Europe on Instagram only provide pieces of the puzzle, the automaker's Concept Three that debuted in September 2025 provides a rough sketch of the compact EV that’s about the size of a Hyundai i30. The styling will be bolder than that of a typical compact hatchback, with the Concept Three adopting a low-slung hatchback shape that resembles more a Hyundai Veloster than an Elantra GT. SH Proshots/Autoblog As it usually happens when a concept vehicle morphs into a production model, the Ioniq 3 will be significantly toned down compared to the Concept Three, though. For practicality reasons, the Ioniq 3 will ditch show car elements like the rear-hinged rear doors, the extreme over-fenders, as well as the aggressive bumpers and ducktail spoiler. As spy shots have shown so far, the electric hatch will be taller and less edgy, and it will have a more generous glasshouse. Still, it will retain the concept's coupe-like silhouette. Expect the interior to be toned down as well for more functionality. Expected to Share E-GMP Platform and Powertrains with the Kia EV3 Details on the production Ioniq 3’s range and performance are yet to be confirmed, but most reports claim the compact hatch will share hardware with the Kia EV3 compact crossover. If that is the case, the Ioniq 3 should use the same 400-volt E-GMP platform, which means that battery options could include a base 58.3-kWh version and a long-range 81.4-kWh option. On the EV3, the big battery enables a range of up to 375 miles, while the entry-level pack is good for 270 miles (both figures calculated according to Europe’s WLTP cycle). SH Proshots/Autoblog As with the Kia EV3, the Ioniq 3 should offer a single-motor FWD powertrain, while a dual-motor AWD setup may arrive later, likely borrowing the EV3 GT range-topper’s 288-hp powertrain that enables a 0-62 mph sprint in 5.7 seconds in the crossover. Until the EV3 GT arrives, the regular EV3 is FWD-only for now and delivers 201 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Ioniq 3 will be assembled at the automaker’s plant in Izmit, Turkey, whereas the Kia EV3 is made in South Korea. Unfortunately, while the EV3 is coming to the US for the 2027 model year, Hyundai does not have any plans to sell the Ioniq 3 here mainly due to import tariffs and a focus on larger vehicles in America. View the full article

Letting Your Hair DownA key part of the sports car experience is the ability to let loose and have fun, which is why most models in that segment have convertible variants. Most convertibles are generally softer and tuned for grand touring rather than outright track performance. Which is why it's somewhat surprising that Ford is apparently working on a convertible version of one of the most track-oriented Mustangs, the Dark Horse SC. Adam Lynton/Autoblog Dark Horse SC Drop Top?For every generation of the Mustang, it has always offered a convertible version, peaking at the GT variant equipped with the Coyote 5.0 V8. But a report by Carsdirect claims spy shots of a Mustang convertible test mule, which they also say could be a Dark Horse SC. Though the test mule is heavily camouflaged, there are some telltale signs that the claims could be true. It has a rear wing that isn't as big as the Dark Horse SC's, but more importantly, the test mule uses the same wheels and uniquely shaped quad-exhaust exits. The report also suggests that the front end of the mule also has the same large rectangular air vents, hood bludge, and sharply designed headlamps as the Dark Horse SC, giving more credibility to the idea of a soft-top Dark Horse SC. Considering that the Dark Horse SC is one step higher than the standard Dark Horse, and one level below the GTD, as convincing as the spy shots are, the lack of a standard Dark Horse convertible is a head-scratcher. Why give the treatment to the SC instead? The high-performance Mustang convertible might launch around the summer, but Ford hasn't confirmed or even hinted at a convertible SC yet. Adam Lynton/Autoblog It's Been Done BeforeWhile it might seem surprising to some that something as track-focused as the Dark Horse SC might eventually be offered as a convertible, there is a market for such vehicles. We're seeing some higher-end brands introduce hardcore drop-tops to the market. Porsche is launching a 911 GT3, a first for the brand. Historically, we've also seen cars like the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, the McLaren 765 LT Spider, and the BMW M4 Convertible. All offering some form of high-performance with the thrill of open-top driving. Ford View the full article

The Nichols N1A is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Designed by Steve Nichols, the mind behind the dominant McLaren MP4/4 Formula One car, the N1A shares a similar mantra. In photos, the N1A looks like a car that belongs on a track or in a museum. Seeing it in person at the 2026 Salon Privé Concours only reinforces that impression. It's striking, low to the ground, compact, has an engine with way too much power, and only comes offered with a manual transmission. Did we mention it's road-legal, too? The Nichols N1A Prototype Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog The car on display was the final development prototype, the one Nichols Cars will use to complete validation before customer deliveries begin in mid-2026. In other words, what you’re looking at is essentially the finished product. And up close, you'll notice it's just 4.3 meters (14.1 feet) long and under a meter tall (3.25 feet) – your face will be exposed to the elements – and has a very steep front end. The exposed simplicity is part of the appeal, as is the stance, helped by staggered wheels with tires measuring 245 at the front and 305 at the rear. Adam Lynton/Autoblog Underneath, a bonded aluminium and carbon fibre chassis keeps the weight to around 900 kg (1,984 lbs). Mechanically, it stays true to its philosophy. A six-speed manual is standard, with no automatic option – even power steering is optional. Buyers can choose between a naturally aspirated Chevrolet LT1 V8 that makes either 454 hp or 513 hp, or step up to a 7.0-litre unit producing over 640 hp. ICON 88 And A Near-Perfect Season Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog Prices start at $500,000, and production will be limited to 100 units, with the first 15 cars forming the ICON 88 series. These limited-run examples will benefit from more standard equipment, including carbon wheels, carbon brakes, an Inconel exhaust, and, of course, the 641-hp 7.0-liter V8. Each will be individually tailored and numbered to reflect one of the 15 victories achieved by the McLaren MP4/4 during the 1988 season in the hands of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. That season had 16 races, and should have been a clean sweep, but its perfect record was broken at Monza after Senna had an altercation with a backmarker. This N1A prototype represents the “16th race,” closing the gap nearly four decades later, in spirit at least. A Road-Legal F1 Car In Spirit Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog Seeing the N1A emphasises that it truly is as uncompromising as it looks. No screens, no driver aids, no creature comforts, and a body that looks nearly identical to an old F1 car. And it really does make you wonder how Steve Nichols and his team managed to make a car that looks like this road legal. According to Nichols, buyers can customize their N1A however they want, whether it be a bespoke color, material, or finish – you can even spec yours with a custom livery. Chances are, most of the 100 N1A units will hibernate in a garage and appreciate. But to the handful of owners who actually drive them, it will be a reincarnation, reminding them of a time that existed long, long ago. View the full article

The news that Doug Field, the man who led Ford’s electric vehicle and software efforts for the past five years, is leaving the company is a big one, and the automaker has tried to dampen the impact by throwing in the mix an announcement about “one of the most intensive product, software, and services rollouts in Ford’s history” coming by the end of the decade. You can read details about Ford’s product offensive in our initial coverage of the news; but that’s not what this article is about. While researching for the news story, I wanted to see if Doug Field had posted anything about his departure from Ford on his LinkedIn page. Hidden in Plain Sight? Doug Field's LinkedIn Page Shows Stillborn EV LinkedIn I found no recent career updates on his profile, but I was surprised to see something else that piqued my interest: his LinkedIn background banner. The image at the very top of the page shows an as-yet-unknown vehicle that may or may not be an unreleased Ford or Lincoln EV. Interestingly, there’s no way of knowing when Field uploaded the image on his LinkedIn page, but according to a thread on BlueOvalForums, it has been sitting there for quite a while, which is quite intriguing. Why do I think it’s an EV? For several reasons; first of all, it has an aerodynamic, teardrop shape that most battery-electric vehicles go for because it’s very important for efficiency. Then there’s the very short and low hood that couldn't possibly house a gas engine and its ancillaries. Finally, elements like the aero wheel covers and high-set, minimalist door handles are also strong clues that the vehicle may be an EV. But which EV is it? It must be one of the EV models Doug Field has led development on while working at Ford, right? And then it dawned on me: I remembered seeing spy shots of a very similar-looking test prototype a couple of years ago. The Design Is Strikingly Similar to a Test Prototype Spotted in Dearborn in 2023#news #Concepts Mystery Ford Or Lincoln Sporty Model Spotted At Dearborn Premises https://t.co/qQBsqOweb8 pic.twitter.com/MMpU7yYHfJ — Flyin18T Motorsports (@Flyin18T) February 2, 2023 Here’s what I’m referring to, courtesy of CarScoops. At the time, the website noted that the photos were taken in Dearborn, Michigan, on Ford’s home turf. Seen from the side, the camouflaged vehicle has the same roofline and proportions as the one in Doug Field’s photo. Furthermore, if you look at the door sills, you can see that the plastic cladding drops toward the wheels, exposing more sheetmetal—exactly like on the vehicle featured in Doug Field’s photo. Judging by the fact that the spy photos were taken three years ago and the prototype hasn’t been seen since, we can assume that it’s either still in development or it has been canned. The latter hypothesis seems more plausible, especially if you've read reports from 2024 about Ford initially delaying to 2027 and then canceling a three-row EV altogether. You may recall that the said Ford electric vehicle, which was announced in 2023 as a sleek, 350-mile family EV, was twinned with a three-row crossover from Lincoln, which was also dropped. So which one is it? I’m inclined more toward the Lincoln, partly because of the sleek design that suits the luxury brand better and partly because the high-set door handles are very similar to the last Lincoln Continental luxury sedan that went out of production in 2020. Obviously, I asked Doug Field for information about the vehicle, and if he ever replies, I’ll update the article accordingly. Until then, what vehicle do you think this is? Or even better, do you happen to know what it is? View the full article

Up to two feet of snow and temperatures plunging 25 degrees below the mid-April average are slamming 11 western and northern states today, Friday April 17, 2026, as a late-season "cold storm" presses from the Cascades and Northern Rockies into Colorado and the Northern Plains. The Weather Prediction Center is headlining late-season snow for the Northern Rockies, Central Rockies, and Northern Plains, with mountain passes from Washington and Oregon east through Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado all in the impact zone through Friday night, plus snow and ice probabilities extending into North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Peak danger window: Friday afternoon through Saturday morning across I-70, I-80, and I-25 in Colorado and Wyoming, where 70-degree highs Thursday will collapse into the 30s Friday and refreeze wet pavement after sunset. What to ExpectSnow totals: 1-2 feet across the Cascades and Northern Rockies; 8-16 inches cumulative across Utah and Colorado mountains; 4-8 inches in Yellowstone National ParkLower elevations: Light accumulations expected in Boise, Pocatello, Great Falls, Salt Lake City, Laramie, Cheyenne, and AspenTemperature crash: 40-degree drops in under 24 hours across eastern Wyoming and ColoradoWorst corridors: I-90 across Montana, I-84 through eastern Oregon and Idaho, I-80 across Wyoming, I-15 through Utah and Idaho, I-70 over the Colorado RockiesThe storm's heavy snow focus is shifting south and east through Friday, with Colorado terrain taking the brunt as the Utah and Wyoming snow tapers off. Snow squalls and convective bands hammered Utah and Wyoming overnight, and the WPC is flagging Day 1 snow probabilities of 10-20% for greater than 4 inches over central North Dakota, with ice probabilities of 10-30% for greater than 0.1 inches stretching from northeast North Dakota through northwest Minnesota. Per OpenSnow's multi-day breakdown, southwest Montana, northwest Wyoming, and northern Utah saw the heaviest accumulation Thursday, with Colorado now in the firing line through end of day Friday. Road ConditionsMountain passes in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado will see accumulating snow throughout the day, with rapid changes in surface conditions on bridges, overpasses, and shaded stretches. Even AWD and 4WD vehicles need winter-rated tires to stop on ice, which is the threat that builds across the impact zone after dark. Autoblog's AWD vs. 4WD breakdown covers what each system actually does and doesn't do in this kind of weather. Drivers should allow extra travel time, keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, and avoid travel altogether during peak accumulation windows if possible. US NWS Temperature Whiplash on the Front RangeCheyenne, Laramie, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aspen are the textbook examples of why this event is dangerous well beyond the snowfall totals. A 40-degree temperature swing in 24 hours over wet pavement is the recipe for late-evening black ice on roads that looked perfectly drivable at lunch. If you're traveling I-25 between Cheyenne and Pueblo Friday afternoon or evening, or heading west on I-70 toward Vail and Glenwood Springs, plan to either be off the road by sunset or to slow your stopping calculations dramatically as temperatures cross freezing. Winter Driving TipsIf you are driving into the impact zone today, your tires are the single most important variable. AWD will help you accelerate on snow, but it does nothing to shorten stopping distance on ice, which is exactly the threat you'll face on I-80 in Wyoming or any pass along I-70 in Colorado as temperatures crash overnight. Autoblog's winter car readiness checklist recommends a minimum of 4/32 inches of tread depth for safe winter driving, and cold temperatures will drop tire pressure by roughly 1 to 2 PSI for every 10 degrees, so check your pressures before you leave a warm garage. Give yourself at least triple the stopping distance you would use on dry pavement, and double that again on ice. If today's storm is the reminder that your vehicle isn't set up for winter, Autoblog's full breakdown of the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving is worth a read, and our best practices for driving in snow, ice, and rain guide covers everything from skid recovery to what to keep in your trunk for emergencies. The smartest call on a day like today, if your schedule allows, is to wait out the peak refreeze window entirely. TimingThe system is moving through the western U.S. today, Friday April 17, 2026, with Colorado snowfall winding down by Saturday morning as the storm exits east. The Cascades and Northern Rockies are tapering after their Thursday peak. However, the National Weather Service notes a new storm system arrives by Sunday, bringing additional rain and mountain snow to the West Coast, so this is not the last round. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Ford continues the restructuring of its EV business with the dissolution of the Model e division that focused on designing, producing and scaling electric vehicles and connected technology. In addition to this move, the automaker has announced that Doug Field, the head of the Model e unit, is leaving the company as part of a wider reorganization. Field, who joined Ford five years ago to lead the company’s electric vehicle and software projects, “has elected to leave the company after a transition over the next month,” the automaker announced in a press release. Ford Model e Chief Leaves After Five Years Ford Before joining Ford, Doug Field, worked as VP of special projects at Apple for three years, acting as the de-facto head of the ill-fated Apple car project. Prior to his tenure with Apple, he spent five years at Tesla, first as its vice president of vehicle programs and later as senior vice president of engineering. “I'm honored to have been a part of leading Ford during an unprecedented period of technology and market disruption,” Field said. “I believe Ford now has a winning technology strategy and plan. The first breakthrough product off the Universal EV platform – a mid-size pickup – is on its way to production. We have clearly defined hardware, software, and electrification plans across our full product line. The initial quality of our core technologies is now near the top of the industry.” Doug Field’s departure from Ford signals a shift in the way the automaker is approaching electrification and software. The company said it formed a new end-to-end organization called Product Creation and Industrialization, which will integrate the company’s Electric Vehicle, Digital and Design team that Field headed with its industrial operations. By creating this new division, Ford will be able to “turn its highest‑volume vehicles into platforms for digital growth.” The new division will be headed by Ford COO Kumar Galhotra and is expected to help accelerate the Ford+ plan and its target of an 8% adjusted EBIT margin by 2029 “by delivering one of the most intensive product, software, and services rollouts in Ford’s history,” the carmaker said. Next-Gen F-150 and F-Series Super Duty Headline Slew of New Products Arriving by 2029 Ford aims to refresh 80% of its North American portfolio by volume and 70% of its global portfolio by volume by 2029, the company said. That includes the first vehicle based on the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform—a midsize pickup—and the next-generation F-150 and F-Series Super Duty trucks. By 2030, Ford is planning for nearly 90% of its global nameplates to offer electrified powertrains, including advanced hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles, and fully electric vehicles. It is also gunning for 90% of its vehicles by volume to feature updated electrical architectures, in-house developed user experiences and hardware, and next-generation over-the-air capability. This is expected to enable a continuous improvement in experiences and services, as well as a rapid rollout of BlueCruise and the Ford Digital Experience, “providing a scalable path toward future Level 3 autonomous driving.” In addition, the “skunkworks” model that has been successfully used in California to develop the UEV platform will be leveraged for select future programs, Ford said, possibly referring to the future Tesla Model 3/Y rival. Speaking of the UEV architecture, Ford said it has already yielded breakthroughs in other areas, including high-efficiency motors that will improve future hybrids, and LFP battery engineering capability that now serves as the foundation for Ford Energy, the automaker’s stationary energy storage business. “We’re on the eve of the biggest change the company has seen, which is delivering all this new software and hardware and products and services in ’27 through ’29 that will get us not only to that 8% margin, but transform the company,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said on a call with media on April 15. “This is the team that’s going to deliver this.” View the full article

It's already been nearly two months since the all-electric i3 sedan debuted, and now a leak from a reliable insider has spilled the tea on what to expect in terms of performance from the combustion-powered BMW 3 Series. A user on the Bimmer Post forum claims that the eighth-generation G50 3 Series will launch with three models, with others to follow in due course: 318, 320, and M350 (we've known for some time that the 'i' suffix is being dropped from gas Bimmers to prevent confusing them with their electric brethren), with the latter reportedly getting more power than was previously reported. BMW M350 Will Be Boosted Beyond 400 Horsepower SH Proshots/Autoblog Spy photographers reported in June last year that the current range-topping 386-horsepower M340i would be replaced by an M350 delivering 400 hp from a mild-hybrid powertrain, but the new information leaked online is more specific, claiming that the M Performance 3er will get the B58B30M3 straight-six turbo engine with a total of 420 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. While that is higher than previously understood, the discrepancy may be a result of Euro 7 emissions regulations, with European-market models potentially getting less performance than the unshackled U.S.-spec models, as is the case with the current G20 M340i. As for the rest of the range, a four-cylinder turbo will continue. Related: BMW's High-Performance Electric X5 Is Getting Tires Not Even Supercars Have Yet The forum update says the 318's mild-hybrid, featuring the 2.0-liter turbo B48B20M3 engine, will make 154 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the 320 will reportedly develop 208 hp and 243 lb-ft, with both four-pots being assisted by an electric motor producing an extra 11 ponies. The latter is expected to be offered in both rear-wheel-drive and xDrive formats. In the U.S., those figures may not be potent enough, but don't forget, these are just the launch models, and it's almost certain that a 330 model with a more powerful setup will follow. This, too, is likely to be offered in RWD and AWD configurations, and a 330e plug-in hybrid is also expected to make production. So, when will these rumors be officially confirmed or denied? Gas BMW 3 Series Coming After X5 Debut SH Proshots/Autoblog The new G50 3 Series has already been teased by BMW, and a major leak in February of this year confirmed that it will arrive in xDrive form for the 2027 model year. This is expected to occur after the new X5 is launched, and that enters production in August, with a reveal happening in the summer (so anytime from late June). With 3 Series production scheduled for November, we don't expect the all-new 3 Series to break cover before the fall. View the full article

OEM Plus Hyundai has a new parts catalog for 2026. The recipients of these new pieces include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the Elantra N. We have yet to see the Ioniq 6 N, but perhaps we'll see a new catalog dropping from the South Korean brand soon enough as models make their way to owners and dealers. The Elantra N and the Ioniq 5 N are both stellar forays into Hyundai's performance vehicle category. The brand's N Division continues to generate excitement among its "Nthusiasts" by providing several accessories designed and engineered by Hyundai N. These products will be made available at select U.S. Hyundai dealers that sell Hyundai N cars. Hyundai New Dress Up Bits Both the Hyundai Elantra N and the Ioniq 5 N receive dress-up parts and hardware in Hyundai's published catalog of parts. These are model-specific pieces that align with the "Just Drive" tagline of Hyundai's performance-driven brand. Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N N Performance Black Wheel Nuts Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N N Design Floor Mats Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N Metal Door Scuff Plates Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N Wheel Caps Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N Alcantara Steering Wheel Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N N Performance Decals “Hyundai’s new N Performance Parts are specifically engineered to meet the discerning demands of our Hyundai N Nthusiasts,” said Joon Park, Vice President of N Management Group, Hyundai Motor Company. “These rigorously engineered N Performance Parts deliver high performance and motorsports-inspired designs for N owners who crave more performance and a higher degree of design personalization. The biggest ticket item of the bunch is the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel which will replace the stock leather-wrapped unit. Along with that, we also get floor mats, metal scuff plates, wheel caps, decals, and even black wheel nuts. Hyundai N Performance Parts (IONIQ 5 N Alcantara® steering wheel) Hyundai View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Elantra N-Specific Upgrades Hyundai is rolling out more upgrades for the Elantra N. The platform is reaching a certain level of maturity with owners. You could say it's the right time for an upgrade. If you didn't get the Elantra N TCR, full assemblies for the rear wing and carbon fiber side mirrors will be available for purchase. Interior bits that might have been worn down over time can now be refreshed with Alcantara-clad parts. Elantra N Carbon Fiber Rear Wing Elantra N Carbon Fiber Side Mirrors (without camera) Elantra N Alcantara Gear Knob & Shift Boot (M/T or A/T) Elantra N Alcantara Parking Lever Elantra N Alcantara Center Armrest Elantra N 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels (Matte Black) The biggest upgrades in this bunch are the 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels and the Carbon Fiber Rear Wing. You have to remember that the rear wing on the Elantra N is actually a functional bit of aero. The wheels are also forged, and an upgrade over the stock set. Hyundai N didn't publish fitment specifications for the new set of 19s, but zooming in on the press photos, you'll see it's wrapped in 245/35 R19-series tires, which are close to stock size. The kicker is that the OEM-plus set is forged, so you'll save a bit of unsprung mass there. Hyundai N Performance Parts (Elantra N 19-inch matte black forged alloy wheels) Hyundai View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Simple and UnderstandableI'd like to think that one of the hardest automotive processes is naming the actual car. As simple as it may be, I'm sure countless man-hours and meetings have been spent on naming. Some brands like to use words and come up with unique names, while others prefer to keep it simple with a combination of letters and numbers. This is usually reserved for the premium brands, but Infiniti is looking to shake things up. After years of using letters and numbers, a change to a more streamlined type of naming process. Adam Lynton/Autoblog Internal ConfusionWhile it's understandable that some people are confused by the numbers-and-letters naming style, most have gotten used to it by now. However, it has come to light that some Infiniti executives have expressed confusion about how the brand names its models. In a report by Edmunds, they were able to attend a media session with Nissan Americas' chief product and planning officer Ponz Pandikuthira. Pandikuthira candidly admitted to the assembled media that he was frustrated with the current naming process and that Infiniti is working to change it. He isn't alone in feeling this frustration; he notes that Nissan Americas' chairman, Christian Meunier, isn't a fan of this "alphabet soup," which doesn't stick to people or resonate with buyers. Most of the confusion centers on the "Q" and "QX" models, introduced in 2012 to streamline the lineup. This naming convention debuted in 2014, when the G became the Q50, the M transformed into the Q70, and the crossover and SUVs took on the QX (add number here) names. Pandikuthira says that Nissan banks on a lot of great nameplates, that Infiniti lost our on by going alphanumeric, lamenting the loss of the FX, which he claims stood for something. Cole Attisha Using Midjourney 7.0 and Gemini 3 Pro What Now?There are a few cars slated for launch still under the current naming convention: the QX65 and the Skyline-platform Q50 are set to make a return. After that, nothing is clear, which could provide Infiniti the opportunity to fix its naming problems. Some will argue they understand Infinit's model lineup, but looking at the competition proves Pandikuthira's point. Alphanumeric works if it provides a clear distinction between models. For example, you understand that the BMW 2-series is different from the 3-series, that the Audi Q5 is different from the Q7, and that a Lexus IS is not the same as an LS. Infiniti View the full article

"Wings" Trademark disputes are quite interesting to cover. On the one hand, there are the outright copycats who deserve to be served, while on the other hand, there are more finicky situations, such as the one that Geely finds itself entangled in. Aston Martin is suing Geely because the Chinese brand's new badge looks a little too similar to Aston Martin's classic wings logo. Bentley may have wings on its logo, but it's nowhere near the shape of Aston Martin's. You could argue the same for the London Electric Vehicle Company's emblem as well. London Electric Vehicle Company Too Similar?The dispute was served to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group by Aston Martin, arguing that the new logos that the Chinese brand wants to use on its cars are too close in design to the British marque's famous wings emblem. Geely plans to use its new "Aston-like" logo for its London taxi subsidiary, London EV company. Whereas Aston's logo is slim and has the brand's name on it, Geely's "copy" features a horse's head in the center of the wings, and it's a much fatter set of flappers to boot. Different enough, but not dissimilar enough to – potentially – confuse buyers. You could say that Aston has a case if you consider the logos alone. However, would you really confuse an electric taxi with a wings logo for an Aston Martin? London Electric Vehicle Company Since 2022 The Telegraph reported that the dispute was first filed in 2022, when Geely attempted to register the logos with the U.K.'s intellectual property office. In 2023, Aston Martin blocked this, stating that the Chinese automaker infringed on its logo design. The court ruled in Geely's favor, however. Again, the argument was that car buyers are unlikely to mistake an EV taxi for an Aston Martin. In the following year, Geely bought a 17-percent stake in Aston Martin for $310 million, putting it squarely on the list of majority shareholders. Ironically, Aston Martin also "lost" James Bond to BYD – in a manner of speaking. The addition of Aston Martin to Geely's portfolio during this time is only one of the few British brands the Chinese company has managed to secure, which also includes Lotus. Even if Geely owns part of Aston Martin, the brand isn't backing down and still wants to block the logos. The British brand declined to discuss the case further, while Geely stated that it's just a routine trademark dispute. Despite the kerfuffle, Geely is committed to maintaining a professional relationship with Aston Martin as a business partner and part-owner. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Cadillac Prices Are Climbing FastCadillac is seeing a serious spike in what buyers are paying. According to a report from Cox Automotive, in March 2026, the average transaction price hit $84,139, up 11.6% from last year and 3.0% from February, a big jump in a short time. It aligns with a broader industry shift in which expensive vehicles, especially SUVs, are dominating. Cadillac, with its lineup of premium models, is right in the sweet spot of that trend. Cadillac The Market Is Starting to Look Like a Luxury ClubThis is where things get more interesting. The U.S. new car market itself is starting to behave like a luxury business. Higher-income households now make up a much larger share of buyers, while lower-income buyers are being pushed out or opting for used instead. That shift helps explain why brands like Cadillac are thriving. There’s a growing gap between buyers who can afford these vehicles and those who can’t. In fact, studies show that 70% of buyers are cutting back on everyday expenses just to afford a car, which tells you just how far people are stretching to stay in the new-car market. Cadillac Buyers Are Stretching, And It’s Propping Up PricesAnother possible reason prices keep climbing? Financing. Buyers aren’t necessarily earning more; they’re borrowing more. Longer loan terms, some stretching 72 to 84 months or more, are helping people afford vehicles that would otherwise be out of reach. The result is a market that looks strong on the surface, but is being supported by bigger loans and higher monthly payments. That’s helping keep prices elevated and not just for luxury brands like Cadillac, but across the entire industry. Cadillac No Real End in SightAll signs point to this trend continuing. Average new car prices have already crossed the $50,000 mark, and there’s little indication they’re coming back down anytime soon. Put it all together, and Cadillac’s rising prices act as a snapshot of where the entire market is headed. More expensive cars, wealthier buyers driving demand, and everyone else trying to keep up. Cadillac View the full article

Chevron Exec Says “Drive Less” as Fuel Crisis DeepensComments from Andy Walz, president of downstream, midstream, and chemicals at Chevron, are striking a nerve as global fuel prices surge. Speaking to CBS News, Walz urged Americans to rethink their driving habits: “People should try to drive less. They should try to conserve energy… We should be doing that all the time.” The remarks come as oil markets reel from geopolitical instability, particularly disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply. With tanker traffic reduced, Brent crude has climbed to around $100 per barrel, pushing fuel costs higher across the board. The effects are already being felt at street level. Some Americans are reportedly beginning to ditch their cars altogether as fuel becomes prohibitively expensive. What was once a cornerstone of daily life: commuting, errands, and road trips, is now being reassessed in real time. Walz himself admitted there’s likely no “silver bullet” to bring prices down, emphasizing the global nature of oil markets and warning that prolonged instability could make conditions even tougher for consumers. $4 Gas and the Ripple Effect on IndustryThe pressure is quantifiable. U.S. average gas prices recently breached the $4-per-gallon mark again, a psychological and financial threshold that tends to reshape consumer behavior. This spike is beginning to affect automakers as well. Companies like General Motors have already reported declines in sales, suggesting that rising fuel costs are influencing purchasing decisions, particularly for larger, less-efficient vehicles. Technology is attempting to soften the blow. A growing number of apps now help drivers locate the cheapest gas stations nearby, some even leveraging AI to predict price fluctuations. But these tools are ultimately a stopgap. They optimize spending within a broken system rather than addressing the root cause. As Walz noted, if global supply constraints persist, even the cheapest station on the map won’t feel particularly affordable. David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images America’s Car Culture Faces an Uncomfortable RealityAmericans have a deeply ingrained relationship with their cars, one that goes beyond transportation into identity and freedom. The Interstate Highway System was built to enable this lifestyle, prioritizing long-distance, high-speed travel over alternatives such as high-speed rail. When a top executive from a major oil company suggests driving less, it signals more than just a temporary adjustment; it signals a structural strain in the system. If even the industry benefiting from fuel consumption is advising restraint, it underscores how dire the situation has become. And with no clear resolution to the geopolitical tensions driving these prices, the road ahead looks increasingly uncertain. Ford View the full article

The Ford Mustang GTD has just rewritten the record books at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. A lighter, more powerful, more aerodynamic GTD Competition variant has reset the benchmark with a time of 6:40.835 around the Green Hell, beating the GTD's previous time by 11 seconds and the Corvette ZR1X's time (6:49.275) by over eight seconds to become the fastest American car at the circuit, the second fastest production car ever to run the course—behind only the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar (6:29.090)—and the sixth fastest for the Nürburgring Pre-Production/Prototype Class. You can watch an on-board video of the record at the bottom of this article. The news confirms a rumor from last month and is particularly impressive since the AMG ONE is a hypercar produced in collaboration with a Formula One team, and the ZR1X is an all-wheel-drive hypercar with 1,250 horsepower. So how did Ford do it, and can the Corvette team snatch it back again? Mustang GTD Competition Gets Lighter, Slipperier, and More Powerful Ford View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The 5.2-liter supercharged V8 under the GTD Competition's hood has been enhanced with both hardware updates and more aggressive tuning to deliver more than the original GTD's 815 hp, says Ford, though an exact figure was not revealed. As the likes of Hennessey have shown, the 5.2-liter supercharged Predator engine is capable of four-figure output, but we'll have to wait to find out just how far Ford pushed the limits. The GTD team worked on the aerodynamics, too, with a modified rear wing, secondary front dive planes, and carbon fiber aero discs on the rear wheels (like on a Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey Racing), enhancing downforce while minimizing drag. There's also new rubber on the wheels, which have lost weight and are made of magnesium, and the damper system is lighter, too. Inside, new carbon bucket seats further strip weight, among other undisclosed upgrades. While Ford is keeping its cards close to its chest, it does say the GTD Competition remains street-legal, and it'll be offered to the public. Speaking of, Ford today reopens the application window for North American customers who want a chance to buy the GTD. So, can Chevy fight back and reclaim its title? Probably. Chevy Has to Make One Change to Go Faster at the Nürburgring Ford While the Blue Oval points out that Ford Racing and Multimatic factory driver Dirk Müller is a former professional racing driver, the Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X times were achieved by engineers, not pros, and it's therefore safe to assume that GM may be able to reclaim the title of fastest American car around the Nordschleife with a Nordschleife specialist at the wheel. Perhaps because of this, Ford notes that this more extreme Mustang GTD Competition was also taken around the course by engineer Steve Thompson, who has done fewer than 40 laps of the Green Hell, and he set a time of 6:49.337, which is still quicker than Müller's original record and just a fraction behind the ZR1X's time. Clearly, Ford recognizes just how tight the friendly competition is, but for now, it's the undisputed American king of the 'Ring. View the full article

Show Cars with a PointOne-off show cars usually exist to test boundaries, not rack up sales. They’re rolling design exercises that let brands explore ideas without worrying about production realities. In the case of Mini, that idea has always revolved around individuality. Mini Mini teamed up with Austrian design studio Vagabund to create two Countryman SUVs that look nothing like what you’d find at a dealership. Vagabund is known for turning the ordinary into something expressive, and here, they’ve injected a strong dose of culture and lifestyle into the mix. The end result? Two Countryman builds that treat the SUV as a blank canvas. Underneath, it’s still a Countryman, but the purpose is on a whole different level. Mini A Louder, Wider, More Theatrical CountrymanBoth builds start life as a Mini Countryman S ALL4, but that’s about where the stock story ends. The body gets wider arches, new bumpers, and a stance that looks ready for a show, not a school run. Ride height is up, and those 20-inch wheels with 3D-printed covers look like they belong on a speaker, not a crossover. Each build has its own personality. One goes for a lighter Melting Silver with sand and white accents, while the other is all-in on Midnight Black. Put them side by side, and you get a clear contrast: playful versus technical, open versus precise. But the real highlight is the sound system. Instead of rear-side windows, you get a custom audio setup designed to project music outdoors. Tweeters and mid-range speakers are built right into the body, and subwoofers in the back turn the tailgate into a mini stage. Even the roof rack gets in on the act. It’s laser-cut aluminum with mesh details that look like speaker grilles. There’s even a Walkman tucked into a 3D-printed case on one side – a small touch that brings a bit of old-school nostalgia to this modern build. Mini More Than Just a Design ExerciseBut it’s not just about looks. Mini and Vagabund want these builds to be platforms for connection – bringing people together through music and shared experiences, with the cars as the centerpiece. Just as wild as the looks are the materials used in the project. The speaker housings are made from cast polymer granite, chosen for its sound, not just its looks. Each car works on its own, but together they create a bigger, more immersive setup – almost like a two-car stage. One of these will debut at Auto China 2026 in Beijing next week, together with other wild concepts, with additional showings planned afterward. Production isn’t on the table, nor do we hope it would be, because frankly, this isn’t something you’d want in your garage, more so in your neighbor’s. Mini View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ford has just revealed a new version of the electric Explorer in Europe. But don’t be fooled, this isn’t aimed at families. It’s a commercial vehicle. And oddly enough, if you add some seats in the back, it might be closer to what some buyers hoped the Mustang Mach-E would be from the start. A Simpler, More Useful Explorer EV The new Explorer Van is essentially a two-seat version of the standard electric SUV, reworked for fleet use. The rear seats have been replaced with a flat load floor, while a full bulkhead separates the cabin from the cargo area, making it perfect for light-duty work. Because it features a partition behind the driver and no rear seats, it’s classified as a van in Europe. That's also why it has the yellow lug nut indicators on its wheels. The all-wheel-drive version produces 335 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, while the rear-wheel-drive model can travel up to 374 miles on a single charge. Payload capacity tops out at 650 kg (1,433 lbs), and towing capability reaches up to 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs). The numbers aren’t meant to rival larger petrol-powered or hybrid vans, but they don’t need to. The EV Americans Might Actually Want Ford While this model is designed for European fleets, it unintentionally hits a sweet spot for American buyers, assuming it regains rear seats. If this were to become a reality, the almost station-wagon-looking Explorer EV could do everything the Mustang Mach-E does, just better. The size and simplistic design are much closer to what US consumers typically prefer, especially given the mixed reception to the Mach-E. And best of all, no more blasphemed Mustang name. The Possibility of It Coming To The States Ford will introduce a new affordable four-door model in the States, rumored to be a sedan. As it stands, the Explorer Van is unlikely to make its way to the United States. It has been developed specifically around European regulations. Although America gets the gas-powered Explorer, the Explorer EV, and its van variant join the list of Euro-only Ford SUVs, including the Puma, Kuga, and Capri (you can keep that one). Not every buyer is looking for something flashy or overdesigned. Sometimes, a clean, practical EV with the right size and shape is exactly what’s missing. View the full article

Still Chasing the Rotary DreamCall it resilience or sheer stubbornness, but Mazda still wants to include rotary engines in its future lineup. Of course, making that happen has been a challenge, to say the least. On their own, rotary engines emit a lot of emissions, and given the automotive industry regulations now, Mazda faces an uphill battle that gets steeper every day. Mazda gave the rotary another shot fairly recently with the MX-30 e-SkyActiv-R. It used a rotary engine as a generator for the electric motor, and it was a cross between a plug-in hybrid and a range-extended EV. That version was axed earlier this year due to low sales and high prices, leaving only the piston-powered mild-hybrid model. Mazda Not Giving UpSo, the MX-30 rotary plug-in hybrid flopped, but Mazda still isn't willing to throw in the towel. We've seen several patents and concepts to make it work, and the company has even gone so far as to revive its rotary engine development division. Executives have also said that the brand will come back to making another rotary sports car someday. The last rotary-powered sports car Mazda and the world had produced was the RX-8. It was built from 2003 to 2012, and while it wasn't a direct successor to the RX-7, it did inherit the mantle of the company's flagship sports car. In the end, emissions regulations killed it in Europe, and with the loss of a major market, sales dwindled and were eventually discontinued. Reclaiming a TrademarkMazda's dream of a sporty rotary never died, but its hold on the RX-8 trademark did. It had been left idle for so long that the rights to the name simply expired. Anyone could've simply yanked the name, but fortunately for Mazda, no one did. In fact, Mazda recently filed for the trademark RX-8. We found the document in the U.S Patent and Trademark Office database, and it was dated February 17, 2026. But before anyone gets too excited, it can mean one of two things. The first is that Mazda just wants to reclaim the rights to the name. The recent Luce (pronounced lu-che) filing by Ferrari might have prompted Mazda to review the nameplates from its back catalog and check whether it still owned them. At the same time, it might be an indicator of Mazda's intent to revive the model. It could mean nothing, and it could mean everything. But let's say Mazda is, indeed, in the middle of developing a new rotary-engined sports car. One thing is for sure: it will be electrified in one way or another to meet tighter regulations. There's a better chance the engine would simply be used as a range extender (think Nissan e-Power) to keep the batteries juiced, but at least the rotary would get another chance. Who knows, we might even see a similar arrangement of more pedestrian models. Wieck View the full article