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Software Still Defines the Tesla Ownership ExperienceTesla was the brand that made over-the-air software updates a real part of owning a car. Other automakers might push out more frequent patches these days, but Tesla’s updates still stand out for actually changing how the car feels to use every day. In line with that, the Spring Update 2026 is one of Tesla’s most packed seasonal releases so far, rolling out a dozen meaningful changes in one go. Holiday updates usually bring in new frameworks, while Spring updates focus on refining and expanding what’s already there. This one is all about making existing features work better and feel easier to use. https://t.co/FrWpKzTkjj — Tesla (@Tesla) April 13, 2026 Updates Rolling Out to Every TeslaMost owners will spot the biggest changes right away. The Self-Driving app for AI4-equipped cars now has a cleaner look, making it easier to manage Full Self-Driving subscriptions and see your usage stats at a glance. Voice control gets a real upgrade, too. With the new 'Hey Grok' command, you can activate the assistant hands-free. Location-based reminders add a practical touch, letting you set prompts just by speaking, instead of digging through menus. For safety and convenience, blind-spot warnings now use the cabin’s ambient lighting, making alerts easier to spot without adding extra clutter. They now record up to 24 hours of footage, and you can save important clips for later. Some changes are more subtle but still handy. Weather maps now show rain and snow more clearly, plus recent precipitation history. Media controls get swipe gestures for queueing tracks, and rear passengers can finally use the navigation maps on supported screens – useful for longer drives. Even small touches, like more options in Pet Mode (formerly Dog Mode), show that Tesla is still fine-tuning the experience in ways that matter to owners. Tesla/X Model-Specific UpgradesOwners of the latest Model 3 and Model Y get a clear visual upgrade. The in-car graphics are sharper, and the new park scene makes the interface feel more modern and polished. Those equipped with premium audio get the Premium Immersive Sound update, which now delivers music with greater depth and separation, no matter what you’re listening to. Meanwhile, outgoing flagship Model S and Model X get a different kind of upgrade – one focused on personalization. Owners can now customize their in-car vehicle avatar with visual touches like wraps, window tints, and even license plates through the updated interface. It’s a small touch, but it shows how Tesla sees the interface as part of the car’s personality, not just a set of buttons. There are still some gaps. Apple CarPlay is still missing, and automation features are only available in certain regions. Even so, the Spring Update 2026 is a good example of what Tesla does best: not just adding features, but quietly changing how the car feels to live with, one update at a time. Tesla/X View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Nissan has been in turmoil for some time, and when negotiations to merge with Honda fell through, it looked as if its end was on the horizon, but CEO Ivan Espinosa hasn't been idle since his appointment just over a year ago. Nissan just announced a new Nissan Skyline, revealed an all-new Juke EV, and presented the 2027 Rogue Hybrid. The Japanese automaker has also teased the return of the Xterra SUV, but it's not endlessly adding to its portfolio and actually intends to reduce it from 56 models to just 45, cutting 11 vehicles that are no longer deemed worthwhile. A New Strategy for Various Segments Nissan Nissan did not specify which vehicles would be cut, only saying the culling would target "low-performing models," but Nissan's early 2026 sales figures reveal that cars like the Versa, Sentra, Altima, and Maxima are not selling in strong numbers, partly because some of them are just too old. The Nissan Z and GT-R are not selling in huge numbers either, but the former has been updated for 2027 and was named as part of Nissan's Heartbeat lineup (more on that momentarily), and while the GT-R wasn't mentioned in Nissan's future lineup, we know a new one is coming. Saving money on underperforming vehicles will allow Nissan to invest in diversifying its powertrain offerings for the nameplates that remain and the new models that will be added. For example, the new Xterra will get V6 and hybrid options. That brings us to how Nissan plans to move forward. Related: 2027 Nissan Z Nismo in the Metal: Nissan's Manual Sports Car Looks Epic Nissan intends to divide future products into four clearly defined categories: Heartbeat, Core, Growth, and Partner. The Xterra and the new Skyline will be grouped with the Z, Leaf, and Patrol as Heartbeat models, while the Core lineup will include the Juke EV, the new Rogue Hybrid e-Power, and the Sentra. It also includes the second-gen Juke, which will continue to be sold as a hybrid, and the Qashqai and Versa. These nameplates have become known for good value, so it makes sense to keep them around, particularly for the U.S. market. The other two categories, however, don't concern Americans right now. Infiniti does, though. Nissan Seeks Growth and Collaboration Abroad, Infiniti Will Expand Nissan View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The Growth models include the Elgrand minivan and the Sakura electric kei car, but Nissan hasn't shown what else will fall into this category. That said, the two models just mentioned are aimed at the Japanese domestic market, so it's safe to assume that other members are likely to be JDM models, too. Finally, Nissan's Partner category refers to vehicles produced in collaboration with other automakers, like the Micra EV, which is based on the Renault 5, or the Chinese-market Frontier PHEV pickup, based on the Dongfeng Z9. Related: 5 Features That Make the 2027 Infiniti QX65 Stand Out As for luxury arm Infiniti, Nissan plans four new models. These will include a midsize hybrid SUV, two ladder-frame hybrid SUVs, and a performance V6 sedan, expected to be a fancier take on the Skyline mentioned earlier. We also know that Infiniti is interested in a high-performance SUV to rival the Cadillac Escalade V, and the recently unveiled QX65 is likely to get a Red Sport variant, too. With these plans, Nissan seems to finally have a clear direction, one that will allow it to compete globally by maintaining a clear brand identity while still leveraging partnerships and appealing to U.S., European, domestic, and Chinese audiences. Nissan View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The storm is now actively hitting the Cascades. The heaviest snow fell overnight Tuesday and continues into Wednesday morning as forecast, and additional accumulations of 3 to 7 inches are expected across the North Oregon Cascades through Wednesday evening. NWS Portland reports snow levels dropped lower than initially forecast, reaching 1,500 feet in Clackamas County, with up to an inch possible above 1,000 feet elsewhere. A freeze watch has been added for the foothills of the Blue Mountains from Wednesday night through Thursday morning. South Central Oregon Cascades have been downgraded to an Advisory. All Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect through 5 AM PDT Thursday. Conditions improve Thursday with a dry, mild weekend ahead. The National Weather Service has Winter Storm Warnings active for the South Washington Cascades, the Northern and Central Cascades of Oregon and the East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades. A deep Pacific trough is pushing cold air and heavy moisture into the range, and snow levels have dropped well below initial forecasts. Totals above 2,500 feet could reach 21 inches from Marion to Lane counties, with 6 to 12 inches on the east slopes above 4,000 feet. Gusts are forecast at 45 mph. The NWS says to consider delaying all travel. What To ExpectSnow levels started around 3,000 to 3,500 feet Tuesday afternoon and dropped to 2,500 feet overnight. NWS Portland confirmed they fell as low as 1,500 feet in Clackamas County, putting every major Cascade pass in the heavy accumulation zone. The heaviest rates hit late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Additional snow of 3 to 7 inches is forecast through Wednesday evening across the North Oregon Cascades, with 5 to 10 inches on the east slopes. Snow tapers to showers Wednesday night before the system exits Thursday. NWS Medford downgraded the South Central Oregon Cascades to a Winter Weather Advisory, with 3 to 5 inches expected above 4,000 feet. A Winter Weather Advisory was also issued for the upper east slopes of the Washington Cascades and portions of the Blue Mountains. Road ConditionsI-90 over Snoqualmie Pass, Highway 2 over Stevens Pass, Highway 58 over Willamette Pass, US-26 over Mount Hood, Highway 22 over Santiam Pass and Highway 20 over Tombstone Pass are all in the direct path. Chain controls are in effect. Full closures remain on the table. Snoqualmie Pass shut down during a similar late-season storm in mid-March and stranded drivers for hours. Santiam Pass (4,817 feet) sits in the heart of the zone where NWS expects the heaviest totals. Willamette Pass (5,090 feet) has fewer plowing resources than I-5 alternatives and is typically among the first Oregon routes to close and last to reopen. Stevens Pass (4,061 feet) is exposed to the full brunt of southwest flow and quickly becomes overwhelmed if I-90 closes. Check TripCheck.com for Oregon highway conditions and chain requirements. Check WSDOT Mountain Passes for Washington pass conditions. TimingWednesday morning (now). Heaviest overnight snow is winding down but additional accumulations are building through the day. Passes are at their most dangerous. Avoid mountain travel. Wednesday afternoon and evening. Snow becomes more showery but does not stop. Plows are catching up after 12-plus hours of sustained snowfall. Thursday morning. Storm exits. Lingering chain requirements and single-lane operations likely as crews clear the snow. A freeze watch covers the Blue Mountains foothills Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Thursday afternoon onward. Conditions improve. Friday and Saturday look dry with highs in the mid-60s. Winter Driving TipsOregon and Washington require chains or traction tires on mountain passes during winter conditions. AWD and 4WD vehicles may still need chains. Bring tire chains, a blanket, flashlight, phone charger, water, food and a full tank of fuel before entering the mountains. All-wheel drive helps you accelerate on snow, but it does nothing to reduce stopping distance on ice. If you are not sure your vehicle is prepared, check your tread depth and make sure your car is ready for winter before heading into the mountains. Brush up on best practices for driving in snow and ice including skid recovery and what to keep in your trunk. If storms like this have you thinking about a more capable vehicle, here are the best cars and SUVs for winter. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Run the engine in 15-minute intervals, crack a window and wait for road crews. View the full article

On Monday night, Joe Gibbs Racing submitted to the Western District of North Carolina photographs from over the weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway that accused Chris Gabehart of violating a temporary restraining order. Specifically, as part of the lawsuit from JGR that alleges a ‘brazen scheme’ from Gabehart to steal and potentially share proprietary information in violation of a non-compete ...Keep readingView the full article

A Closer Look Inside the GV90’s CabinThe Genesis GV90 is gradually revealing more of itself, and this time, a newly surfaced video offers the clearest view yet of its cabin, especially the ultra-luxurious 4-seater coach door version. Expanding on an earlier preview of its screen-dominated dashboard, this latest footage showcases an interior that fully embraces the “mobile sanctuary” concept Genesis has been hinting at. Drawing strong inspiration from the Genesis Neolun Concept, the GV90’s cabin combines clean, minimalist technology with classic luxury cues. Diamond-quilted leather covers much of the interior, while the second-row captain’s chairs recline deeply and provide ample legroom, emphasizing a VIP-focused layout. A detachable tablet built into the rear console manages key controls, and the lack of a B-pillar has led to inventive solutions, such as seatbelt systems integrated directly into the seats. A Mystery Box Worthy of JJ AbramsThis newest interior glimpse adds to the growing curiosity surrounding the GV90. Previous leaks had already indicated a massive, nearly full-width display that transforms the dashboard into a unified digital surface. Meanwhile, spy shots suggested the presence of Rolls-Royce-style coach doors, rear-hinged and pillar-less, placing Genesis firmly within the ultra-luxury space typically dominated by marques like Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. That said, some elements remain uncertain. Reports indicate those striking coach doors might not reach production, even though patent filings show Genesis has developed a complex multi-layer sealing system to support pillar-less construction. Elsewhere, features like MLA headlamps, smooth body integration, and oversized 24-inch wheels highlight a design approach that values dramatic presence just as much as technical sophistication. YouTube / @shorts_car View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Almost Nothing Left to the ImaginationBit by bit, the GV90 is becoming clearer, and it’s shaping up to be one of the boldest projects Genesis has undertaken. With earlier interior leaks, new prototype footage, and a steady flow of patent details, a picture is emerging of how luxury, technology, and design are being blended into a single flagship vision. Even so, a sense of unpredictability remains. Will the coach doors make it to production? Will the final model keep its concept-like simplicity? With talk of bespoke versions and even a high-performance Magma variant on the horizon, the GV90’s ultimate form is still evolving. For now, attention stays fixed on the next reveal, because from the looks of things, Genesis is deliberately crafting us a story here. YouTube / @shorts_car View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The National Weather Service has Winter Storm Warnings active for the South Washington Cascades and the Northern and Central Cascades of Oregon, plus the East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades. What is heading for the mountains starting this afternoon is not a routine April shower. A deep Pacific trough is pushing cold air and heavy moisture into the range, and the snow level is dropping fast. Totals above 2,500 feet could reach 21 inches from Marion County to Lane County in Oregon, with 6 to 12 inches on the east slopes above 4,000 feet. Wind gusts are forecast at 45 mph across exposed terrain. The NWS says to "consider delaying all travel." I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass, Highway 2 over Stevens Pass, Highway 58 over Willamette Pass and US-26 over Mount Hood are all in the direct path. Chain controls are virtually guaranteed. Full closures are on the table. Snoqualmie Pass shut down as recently as mid-March during a similar late-season event and stranded drivers for hours. If you do not need to be on the other side of the mountains before Thursday morning, do not go. Gemini The StormA deep upper-level trough is digging into the Pacific Northwest from the Gulf of Alaska. It will push onshore Tuesday afternoon and slowly grind through the region over the next 36 hours before conditions improve Thursday morning. The combination of strong dynamics and a deep moisture plume will deliver sustained heavy snowfall across the full length of the Cascade Range from southern Washington to south-central Oregon. The critical detail for drivers is the snow level. It starts around 3,000 to 3,500 feet Tuesday afternoon, which means the highest passes get snow right away while lower elevations initially see rain. By Tuesday night the snow level drops to 2,500 feet, and it could dip as low as 1,000 feet in some areas. That means nearly every pass in the Cascades will be dealing with heavy accumulation by Wednesday morning. The heaviest period is forecast from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. Snow will taper to showers Wednesday afternoon and evening before the system clears Thursday. In Washington, a Winter Weather Advisory is active for the central Cascades, including Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass, from late Tuesday morning through Wednesday night. Periods of snow are expected with the heaviest accumulation Tuesday night. South-Central Oregon's higher terrain above 4,000 feet is also under a separate Winter Storm Warning, with 4 to 12 inches forecast for zones including Willamette Pass and Diamond Lake. Zone ForecastsSouth Washington Cascades and Northern/Central Oregon Cascades (NWS Portland, Winter Storm Warning): Heavy snow above 2,500 feet. Total accumulations of 12 to 21 inches. Winds gusting to 45 mph. In effect from 5 PM Tuesday to 5 AM PDT Thursday. Heaviest snow forecast over the Cascades from Marion to Lane counties. East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades (NWS Pendleton, Winter Storm Warning): 6 to 12 inches above 4,000 feet, heaviest along the Cascade crest. Lighter amounts below 4,000 feet along US-97, US-26 and US-20. Winds gusting to 45 mph. Significant snowfall rates combined with low visibility will create very difficult driving conditions. In effect from 5 PM Tuesday to 5 AM PDT Thursday. High South-Central Oregon Cascades (NWS Medford, Winter Storm Warning): 4 to 12 inches above 4,000 feet in Klamath, Jackson and Douglas counties, including Diamond Lake and Willamette Pass. Winds gusting to 45 mph over high and exposed terrain. In effect from 11 PM Tuesday to 5 AM PDT Thursday. Central Washington Cascades, including Snoqualmie and Stevens Passes (NWS Seattle, Winter Weather Advisory): Snow, heaviest Tuesday night. Accumulations of several inches at pass level. Temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s. Advisory in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday night. Conditions could deteriorate enough to close passes if spinouts and collisions pile up, as happened in March. Getty Images The HighwaysI-90 over Snoqualmie Pass (3,015 feet). The primary east-west corridor linking Seattle and Spokane. Current Weather Underground forecasts call for periods of snow through Wednesday, with temperatures in the mid-30s and accumulations building through Tuesday night. Snoqualmie closed in mid-March during a similar late-season storm after multiple spinouts and collisions in both directions. Expect chain requirements at minimum starting Tuesday evening. WSDOT plows 24/7, but during heavy snowfall, fresh accumulation covers lanes faster than crews can clear them. Highway 2 over Stevens Pass (4,061 feet). Higher elevation means heavier snow totals. Snow-Forecast.com is calling for a heavy fall of snow, heaviest Tuesday night, with temperatures well below freezing. Stevens Pass sits squarely in the warning zone and is exposed to the full brunt of southwest flow. If I-90 closes, Highway 2 becomes the fallback route between western and eastern Washington, and it can quickly become overwhelmed with diverted traffic. US-26 over Mount Hood / Government Camp (roughly 3,800 to 4,000 feet). Right at the snow level transition zone. Even if accumulations are lighter here than farther south, wet heavy snow and gusty winds can create treacherous conditions on the steep grades between Sandy and Government Camp. ODOT will implement chain requirements as needed. Highway 58 over Willamette Pass (5,090 feet). One of the highest Cascade crossings in Oregon and squarely in the heavy snow zone. NWS Medford is forecasting 4 to 12 inches above 4,000 feet in this area, with snow possibly heavy at times overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. This highway connects Eugene with the US-97 corridor and central Oregon. It has fewer plowing resources than I-5 alternatives and is typically among the first Oregon routes to close and last to reopen. Highway 22 over Santiam Pass (4,817 feet). In the heart of the Marion County zone where the NWS expects the heaviest accumulations. Up to 21 inches of snow is possible at this elevation. This route connects Salem to central Oregon and should be treated as extremely high risk from Tuesday evening through Wednesday. Highway 20 over Tombstone Pass (4,660 feet). Similar exposure to Santiam Pass. Heavy snow, gusty winds and limited visibility will make this route dangerous. Central Oregon commuters should plan for delays or closures. US-97 along the east slopes. The NWS notes lighter snowfall below 4,000 feet along the US-97 corridor, but drivers should still expect slick and hazardous conditions. Anyone heading east-west over the Cascades and encountering closures will not find a clean alternative. When To DriveTuesday morning and early afternoon (today). Your last window before conditions deteriorate. Snow levels are still above most pass elevations. If you need to be on the other side, go now. Tuesday evening. Storm arrives in force. Snow levels drop to 2,500 feet. Chain controls begin across multiple passes. Conditions worsen quickly. Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. The worst window. The heaviest snow rates hit. Visibility drops toward zero in the mountains. This is when closures are most likely at Snoqualmie, Stevens, Santiam, Willamette and every other exposed pass. Wednesday afternoon. Snow becomes more showery but does not stop. Do not assume roads are open or clear. Plows will be working to catch up after 12-plus hours of sustained heavy snow. Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Storm exits. But clearing a foot or more of snow off a mountain highway takes hours even after it stops falling. Expect lingering chain requirements and single-lane operations into Thursday. Thursday afternoon onward. NWS forecasts clearer and cooler conditions. Roads should begin returning to normal, though frost and icy patches in shaded areas will persist, especially on secondary routes. Why This Storm Is DifferentThe Cascades get spring snow. That is not news. What makes this one worth paying attention to is the snow level. Dropping to 2,500 feet in mid-April is unusual and puts every major pass in the range into the heavy accumulation zone. Many of these passes sit between 3,000 and 5,000 feet, which means they are not catching the tail end of a high-elevation event. They are right in the middle of it. What To CarryOregon and Washington require chains or traction tires on mountain passes during winter conditions. AWD and 4WD may still need chains depending on conditions. ODOT and WSDOT can restrict travel to chains-required at any time during this storm. Bring tire chains and practice putting them on before you need to, a blanket or sleeping bag, flashlight, portable phone charger, water, food, a folding shovel, cat litter or sand for traction, and a full tank of fuel before entering the mountains. All-wheel drive helps you accelerate on snow, but it does nothing to reduce stopping distance on ice. If this storm is a reminder that your vehicle is not set up for winter conditions, Autoblog's winter car readiness checklist covers everything from tread depth to emergency kit essentials, and our guide to best practices for driving in snow and ice covers skid recovery, cruise control hazards and what to keep in your trunk. If you are considering a more capable vehicle for conditions like these, our breakdown of the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving is worth a read. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Run the engine for heat in 15-minute intervals, crack a window for ventilation and wait for road crews. Road ConditionsCheck TripCheck.com for current Oregon highway conditions, live traffic cameras and chain requirements. Check WSDOT Mountain Passes for Washington pass conditions, traction requirements and closures. NWS Portland, NWS Pendleton and NWS Seattle forecast pages are linked in the zone forecasts above. View the full article

For decades, the Porsche 996 was the 911 that purists had all but disowned. Being the first water-cooled 911, it was an affront to the air-cooled aficionados who ran the local Porsche clubs. From its “fried-egg” headlights to its at-the-time bulky design, the 996 assumed its role as the ugly-duckling 911. Little did we know, everything about the 996 that was then scoffed at, is exactly what would make it the ultimate attainable enthusiast car in the 2020s. Porsche What Changed For The 996?The 996 didn’t change; we did. As modern cars got increasingly bloated and electronically assisted, enthusiasts began pining for the days of old - when cars had soul, and felt like more than appliances. Even journalists spend more time reviewing the infotainment systems in new cars than their actual mechanicals, it really is the dystopian nightmare of the enthusiast. This fatigue of “Driver Assistance” and the rubbery monotony of driving cars meant to meet emissions standards left truly exciting new cars out of reach for most people, especially millennials and Gen-Z enthusiasts. Enter the 996, fully depreciated. Once a discouraged bet considering the catastrophic IMS-Bearing issue, which, if left untreated, would cause catastrophic engine failure, and its Porsche-level maintenance costs, it is now arguably the most user-friendly yet supremely capable Porsche that is attainable to enthusiasts in America. Porsche This “fear” of the IMS-bearing failure, as well as its earlier reputation of being undesirable, kept prices relatively stable at the fully depreciated level, where clean ones could be had for less than the price of a Toyota 4Runner from the same years. Having built over 200,000 of them, we can expect prices to stay under $25,000 for the base variants, while clean examples of their flagship variants such as the 996 Turbo and GT3 have already caught the attention of collectors and valuation analysts, the GT3, GT3RS, GT2, and Turbo variants of the 996 generation used the legendary Mezger engines, derived from the GT1 race engines. These flagship variants, after experiencing suppressed valuations for over a decade, cost a pretty penny these days. Porsche The Sweet SpotModern enough to have automatic climate control, hi-fi audio, and reliably start every morning, yet old enough to have hydraulic steering, repairable components, and a key to start it. The 996 is entering its swan era after having its ugly-duckling slump as an enthusiast’s car that requires legitimate skill to get the most out of. If you’re looking to get your hands on one, make sure you replace that IMS-bearing with the dual-row IMS fix, if it hasn’t already been done. Porsche The 911 has always been about “accessible performance, not flat out performance”. The 996 is the very embodiment of this philosophy, providing the kind of experience at 55mph on some twisty roads that $1,000,000 cars with a thousand horsepower could never; the 996 has transformed from an undesirable and unreliable bet, into the enthusiast-loved, cult-classic it was always destined to be. View the full article

Tolman Revives a 1990s IconA shift is underway in the restomod world, with overlooked performance cars now gaining recognition as cultural and engineering icons. Few embody that change better than the Honda/Acura Integra Type R (DC2), long regarded as one of the purest front-wheel-drive driver’s cars ever built. British specialist Tolman has applied its “sympathetic” restoration philosophy to the model, focusing on preservation rather than reinvention. That renewed appreciation is also being reflected in the market. Clean, well-preserved examples of the Integra Type R have surged in value, with top-tier cars reaching as much as $120,000 at auction, once-unthinkable territory for a car that was originally an attainable performance hero. Tolman View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Restoring What Time Took AwayWhat began as a solid donor car soon revealed corrosion beneath previous repairs. Tolman responded with a full structural restoration, fabricating hard-to-source panels by hand, including rear quarters and sections of the floor. Around 180 hours were spent on metalwork alone, prioritizing integrity over cosmetic fixes. Mechanically, the approach remains faithful. The 1.8-liter B18C engine was rebuilt to its original 190-horsepower specification, while the suspension retains its double wishbone layout, enhanced with modern dampers and refreshed components. Inside, original materials were sourced to preserve the cabin’s period-correct feel. Tolman View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The LowdownFinished in Sorrento Green as a subtle personal touch, the Integra maintains its unmistakable identity. The 740-hour build, validated on the road, feels less like a reinterpretation and more like a return to factory peak – an approach that mirrors what enthusiasts increasingly want from modern restorations. In an era dominated by electrification and digital interfaces, many drivers are gravitating back toward analog, connected experiences, one reason 1990s and early-2000s cars are becoming highly collectible. There’s also a growing recognition that cars from that era weren’t just engaging but, in some cases, engineered with safety advantages that have since been lost. Taken together, it helps explain why models like the Integra Type R are no longer just nostalgic favorites, but serious collector machines. Tolman View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

It ultimately didn’t factor into the finish on Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway but Ryan Blaney continues to lose track position on practically every NASCAR Cup Series pit stop and the sample size is growing with every start. Before Sunday, Blaney had lost 86 combined spots on pit road. On Sunday, Blaney was the leader and poised to win the race until a late caution forced crew chief ...Keep readingView the full article

Reading Between the LinesLamborghini has issued a press release highlighting its Few-Off Roadster lineage, essentially the open-top versions of its halo cars. While the release does not introduce any new information, a report from The Supercar Blog suggests that the latest few-off model, the Fenomeno, could receive a Roadster variant as early as May 2026. That could explain why the Italian marque is suddenly revisiting its Few-Off Roadster lineage. Not that anyone’s complaining – these models typically end up ultra-limited and highly valuable, with the Fenomeno, based on the Revuelto, expected to be next in line. Lamborghini Exclusivity Dialed UpNot much detail was shared, though the open-top configuration is clearly the main highlight. Historically, Few-Off Roadster variants are typically produced in even smaller numbers than their coupe counterparts, and Lamborghini is reportedly limiting the Fenomeno coupe to just 29 examples. This open-top V12 lineage traces back to the 1968 Miura Roadster, from a nameplate widely regarded as the world’s first supercar. The modern era, meanwhile, began in 2009 with the Reventón, the first entry in Lamborghini’s Few-Off series, a flagship line comparable to Ferrari’s Icona range. It was followed by the Veneno Roadster in 2014, with the Centenario Roadster and Sián Roadster arriving in 2016 and 2020, respectively. Given that the Fenomeno is based on the Revuelto, its open-top version is expected to become the most powerful Few-Off Roadster yet. Lamborghini’s latest flagship model uses a V12 plug-in hybrid powertrain with three electric motors to produce 1,065 horsepower, or about 64 hp more than the Revuelto. Lamborghini The Hybrid Era Hits the Few-Off LineIn addition, the Fenomeno is capable of a claimed all-electric range of around 12.4 miles. That may run counter to the traditional open-air experience of a V12 roaring behind the driver, but it could still prove handy for the few owners who might occasionally want a quieter change of pace. The report states that the new Few-Off Roadster could be showcased at Lamborghini Arena 2026, a two-day brand festival at the Imola Circuit in Italy on May 9 and 10. Lamborghini is also rumored to unveil a Miura-inspired special edition of the Revuelto in August to mark the model’s 60th anniversary, echoing the Aventador Miura tribute introduced a decade ago. 2017 Lamborghini Centenario Roadster Lamborghini View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Rolls-Royce has just created what may be the first EV ever to be immune to depreciation. The British automaker announced its new invitation-only Coachbuild program specializing in ultra-rare EVs last month, and this is the first product from that initiative, dubbed Project Nightingale. Not only is this an exceptional production-bound concept, but it's also a hint of what future Rolls-Royce products could start to look like, eschewing current Rolls-Royce products' horizontal headlights for a design this writer feels is slightly reminiscent of a Buick Riviera (don't tell them I said that). It's inspired by high-speed experimental 'EX' Rolls-Royces of the 1920s, though, pictures of one of which are included at the bottom of this article, and it's built on the same Architecture of Luxury platform as every other contemporary Rolls-Royce, including the Spectre. Rolls-Royce's First Electric Convertible Is Majestic Rolls-Royce View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Spectre with which Project Nightingale doubtless shares much is a coupe, and Goodwood's second series production EV will be an SUV (with a spectacular front end), so this coachbuilt creation fits neatly into a niche Rolls-Royce has yet to fill. The name, by the way, is derived from Le Rossignol (French for 'the nightingale'), which is the name of the designers' and engineers' house at company co-founder Henry Royce's winter estate on the Côte d’Azur area of the French Riviera. The monolithic aesthetic, meanwhile, draws inspiration from Streamline Moderne design from the end of the Art Deco era, and like the aforementioned EX prototypes, particularly 1928's 16EX and 17EX, Project Nightingale is adorned with red badges. Also like those cars, this is a massive EV, measuring 226.7 inches, or nearly 19 feet in length. The flagship Phantom is similarly long, but it seats four in comfort; this seats just two, increasing the sense of opulence. Even the grille is abnormally large, carved from a solid block of stainless steel and measuring almost 3.2 feet or 40 inches across. As an EV, Goodwood's designers didn't need a long front end for an engine, but they made one anyway, not for luggage space, but because it's imposing and fits with the extravagant vibe Rolls-Royce customers demand. Polished stainless steel bands inspired by yachts run down the whole length of the car to exaggerate the length, connecting the headlights to the tail lamps, and the latter are a more sculptural design than those of existing Rolls-Royces. Rolls-Royce View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A steeply raked windshield draws partial inspiration from the Phantom Drophead Coupe, contrasting with the tall side bodywork to cocoon occupants, while a carbon fiber sill helps minimize the slab-like effect slightly. This element, says Rolls-Royce, is also meant to evoke the running boards of classic Rollers, while hidden door handle locks and indicators are a nod to contemporary luxury design. Unsurprisingly, the wheels are the largest on a Rolls-Royce yet, measuring 24 inches in diameter and taking design inspiration from how yacht propellers look when viewed from underwater. Aluminum flakes and machined stripes make the wheels appear as if they're turning even when stationary, and when the car is in motion, a large carbon fiber diffuser eliminates the need for a spoiler. A single brake light and a recessed chrome license plate surround finalize the distinctive look. A Magical Cabin Inside Project Nightingale Rolls-Royce View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Inside, Rolls-Royce has used materials like cashmere, fabric, and composites to craft a new sound-deadening material that the marque says helps create a serene driving experience without cancelling out sounds like raindrops on the canvas roof, or birds singing in the countryside. Speaking of, hearing birds during prototype drives inspired the engineers to come up with a visual representation thereof, analyzing the sound-wave patterns created by nightingales and expressing them in the Starlight Breeze suite, a composite of 10,500 lights in three varying sizes on the doors and around the seats, behind which the so-called 'Horseshoe' rises. Related: What Is the Most Expensive Rolls-Royce Ever Built? Leather upholstery in Charles Blue and Grace White with Deep Navy seat inserts and Peony Pink highlights, faceted and glass-blasted metal switchgear, and polished billet aluminum cupholders further enrich the ambiance, and an electronically operated cover reveals a compartment for personal effects. There's also a hidden shelf behind the seats for hand luggage, while the wood is Openpore Blackwood laid in a V shape. Rolls-Royce Just 100 of Rolls-Royce's most esteemed customers will have the opportunity to own a version of this project, and they'll be granted access to exclusive new paint colors and materials currently in development, including the 17EX-inspired Côte d’Azur Blue paint and silver canvas top seen here. These won't be available on any other Rolls-Royce, helping ensure the EV is special for all time, and those lucky enough to be invited into the program will have plenty of time to design their dream EVs, with deliveries only planned to begin in 2028. As for pricing, Autocar reports that buyers will pay around £7 million, or roughly $9.5 million. Compared to the Droptail, that's a bargain. Rolls-Royce View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

If the Porsche Macan and BMW X3 are a little too German for your tastes, there's still a stylish Italian alternative, and it's about to be updated for the 2027 model year. The Autoblog spies have laid eyes and cameras on the updated Maserati Grecale in both combustion and Folgore EV forms, and after looking at it inside and out, it seems that the Stellantis-owned marque will be doing as much to its luxury crossover as it will to its GranTurismo and GranCabrio. That is, not much. Still, with the gas Macan ending production this summer, and its replacement only due in 2028, any update could be very valuable to the ailing Italian outfit. 2027 Maserati Grecale Gets Mild Visual Tweaks SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Grecale and Grecale Folgore prototypes are only wearing camouflage on their front bumpers, with the rest of their bodywork unchanged. That applies to the lighting systems front and rear, too, which maintain the shapes seen in current 2026 models, though they may yet gain new graphics. With the all-electric Grecle Folgore, the camouflage has been stretched over the bumper, making it difficult to discern what changes lie beneath, but it appears that the overall design of the main upper grille will be unaltered, and the lower side intake elements will retain their triangular shape. For the gas version, the changes are mildly more obvious. Related: Maserati's New Supercar Will Have the One Thing Ferrari Won't Offer The combustion-powered Grecale also carries over the design of the central intake, but the lower side intakes are now stretched and have sharper edges, perhaps in an attempt to make the vehicle look more aggressive. Perhaps this is the range-topping Trofeo version, but it probably won't matter much; for 2026, the U.S.-spec Grecale is only available with V6 power, dropping the four-cylinder turbo models previously available, and we expect the same for the 2027 model. Whatever engines are offered, we don't expect any major increases in power or fuel economy. 2027 Grecale Interior Unchanged, But Maserati Still Has a Chance to Win SH Proshots/Autoblog Our spies managed to get close enough to the Grecale mules to see inside, and they only shared a single image with us, but that's enough because there are no immediately apparent changes. The center display looks the same, the steering wheel looks the same, and the door cards look the same as before. In fact, the only element that Maserati bothered to conceal was the clock atop the middle of the dash, likely gaining a new face or perhaps redesigned hands. The luxury crossover entered production in 2022, and four years on, sales-starved Maserati isn't ready to make any major changes. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article But as noted earlier, the departure of the Macan may help the Grecale, and with a new-generation combustion X3 yet to be revealed, Maserati could have this little corner of the market to itself for a while. It's also worth noting that Maserati is preparing to embrace a new design direction, so perhaps it's not worth overhauling the Grecale too much just yet. We'll bring you more updates as we get them, but we doubt it'll be too long before the updated Grecale arrives. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A New Dawn for BMWOver 60 years ago, BMW introduced the Neue Klasse models that would eventually define, and save, the company. Today, the Neue Klasse name has been brought back, again to set a new direction for BMW. This isn't just a new design philosophy; it also includes a new approach to designing powertrains, chassis systems, and on-board technologies. All of these were first applied on the iX3, which is proving a success so far, followed by the recently introduced i3. The Core Models Take PriorityNeue Klasse doesn't just revolve around electric vehicles, as its philosophies will also be applied to its ICE and hybrid models. The first fuel-fed model to benefit from that will be the standard 3 Series, followed by the X5 and X7. We expect the next-generation X1, X3 LCI, the facelifted and next-gen 5 Series, as well as future 7 Series iterations. A company-wide overhaul of that magnitude required substantial investment, which is why the Neue Klasse models will have to sell exceptionally well to recoup it. BMW is prioritizing its core models in its brand overhaul to fast-track it, meaning some of its halo models will have to take a back seat, as reported by CarSales. BMW Group Halo Models are Still Coming, But...Now, this doesn't mean that the M cars will be delayed. BMW is already hard at work preparing for the rollout of both gas and electric versions of the M3. Performance models are, for the most part, still on track, as far as we understand. What BMW won't have for the time being are niche models, namely a large coupe and convertible, as well as a roadster. Production of the Z4 has wrapped up, and the 8 Series will disappear from the lineup as soon as the last car rolls out by the end of the month. We won't see potential successors launched immediately, as BMW says now isn't the right time to introduce 'brand shapers.' SH Proshots/Autoblog Lineup RationalizationSpeaking to CarSales, Ritu Chandy, head of BMW Group Sales Region Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, also mentioned that there will be rationalization in the company's lineup. "There is some rationalization that is happening. There will be some models that will not have successor models in the future," said Chandy. What she didn't say is which exact models won't get a successor. That said, the 8 Series comes to mind, given that sales had basically become a trickle at this point. A new generation of the Z4 has a better chance of reaching production, but the core Neue Klasse models should sell strong enough for BMW to afford development of an all-new version of the roadster. The same goes for the planned off-road-oriented SUVs targeting the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Overall, it's a sensible and rational move. As the saying goes, one has to spend money to make money; now isn't the time to go for passion projects. Still, BMW says it will make special models soon, but we'll have to wait a little longer before we see those come to life. View the full article

The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class have long been two of the best luxury SUVs you can buy. In the U.S., they’ve consistently been best-sellers for the brands as they sit at a size and price point many American buyers find appealing. Often used as family vehicles, safety is a top priority when shopping for a X5 or GLE, but which one is safest? We’ve compared them based on the latest ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While both 2026 models can be considered safe, only one of them qualified for the safety authority’s top award. Related: 2026 BMW X5 Vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: 3 Key Differences Crashworthiness: Both SUVs ExcelIn the crashworthiness category, the IIHS runs three major tests: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side. The small overlap front involves a collision with the front corner of the vehicle, while the moderate overlap front is an offset crash between two vehicles. In each category, a vehicle is rated as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. Here’s how the two German rivals matched up. BMW X5 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Small Overlap Front Good Good Moderate Overlap Front Good Good Side Good Good There’s not much to analyze here as both SUVs achieved Good ratings in all three crashworthiness tests, indicating their structures held up brilliantly. Digging deeper into their scores, the only minor blemish for the BMW was an Acceptable result for the rear passenger restraints and dummy kinetics. The GLE received an Acceptable score for rear passengers in one category, involving a slightly increased risk for head/neck injuries. However, only the X5 attained a Top Safety Pick+ award for 2026; the GLE received this award for 2025 but not 2026, which has to do with its crash-prevention systems. We’ll unpack this in the next section. Crash Prevention: BMW Shines, Mercedes Could Do Better BMW In this category, the IIHS evaluates the headlight effectiveness, crash prevention between two vehicles, and crash prevention between a vehicle and a pedestrian. Here’s how the two SUVs compared. BMW X5 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Headlights Acceptable Good Front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle) Good Acceptable Front crash prevention (pedestrian) Good Marginal (standard system); Acceptable (optional system) While the GLE’s headlights were rated as better, the X5’s standard crash-prevention systems outperformed the Merc’s standard and optional systems. The Mercedes only received a Marginal rating for pedestrian crash prevention, failing to avoid a collision with a child crossing in front of it at 25 mph; the BMW was able to avoid a collision in the same test. In the night tests where the vehicles had to stop for a child or adult, the BMW avoided a collision more often. Mercedes-Benz To qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ award in 2026, a vehicle needs at least a Good rating for the front pedestrian crash prevention system. The GLE missed this mark, which is why only the X5 qualifies for the award. Final Verdict: BMW Is Safer For Now BMW If you happen to be involved in a crash, the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE are equally capable of protecting occupants and helping to avoid serious injuries. But, if you want to avoid getting into a crash in the first place, the X5 is clearly out in front. Overall, the BMW is the winner. These ratings could change quickly in the months ahead. Mercedes has just unveiled a heavily revised GLE-Class for 2027, which may perform better than the 2026 model. BMW is also close to unveiling an all-new X5, which will likely improve on the current model’s already impressive safety scores. Related: Ford F-150 Vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 Vs. Ram 1500: Which Pickup Is The Safest? View the full article

Filling the VoidThe automotive world mourned the loss of the original Land Rover Defender, an icon so beloved that it transcended generations and remains relevant in modern times. Sometimes the demise of one is an opportunity for the birth of something new, and out of the loss of the Defender came Ineos. Ineos takes the core philosophy left behind by the true rugged off-roaders of yesteryear and adds the right modern touches to ensure that the cars they make are extremely capable and livable for today's standards. Starting small and gradually building up has paid off; Ineos just posted record sales for the first half of 2026. INEOS Bucking The TrendAutomakers are each facing their own trials and tribulations, but it's the little niche brands like Ineos that are finding success in these trying times. Over the years, Ineos has primarily sold the Grenadier and Quartermaster through the retail segment. In three full years, Ineos has produced, delivered, and sold around 35,000 models worldwide. For 2026, Ineos proudly announced that, for the first quarter, the brand had reached a sales milestone. Sales of the Grenadier 4x4 have risen 20% compared to the same period last year; this sales bump can also be attributed to the brand now securing significant orders from the public sector. This is a huge deal, considering the tariff restructure introduced by the Trump administration raised the price of the Grenadier in the U.S. Ineos credits new fleet sales for emergency services, utilities, rental, and even the military as the main drivers of growth. This was always part of the strategy from the beginning, says the brand, and is a reaffirmation of the warm reception of its products. Most of the fleet orders placed in Q1 2026 come from around the world, from notable companies and services. Some of the fleet sales come from the Kenyan Red Cross, Hertz rent-a-car in North America, and fire and rescue services in Germany, Spain, and France. Ineos Positive OutlookThis milestone has prompted positive outlooks from the brand for the future, with brand CEO Lynn Calder to say, "In the face of geopolitical challenges affecting the auto industry globally since we launched three years ago to this day, we've remained agile and relentlessly resiliant. The steps we've taken to maintain our positive trajectory are bearing fruit.” Currently, Ineos sells cars in over 50 countries across most continents. Ineos is primarily a Petrochemical company, but the gamble of setting up its own Automotive manufacturing arm is finally starting to pay off. FRAME/YouTube View the full article

It's finally happened: Porsche has created a convertible version of the sublime 911 GT3, and as the first of its kind, Porsche has endowed it with several upgrades from the limited-edition 911 S/T. It's called the 911 GT3 S/C, or Sport Cabriolet, and it's not quite as hardcore as the S/T, nor will it be as rare. The engine is the same as that of the 992.2 GT3, meaning it gets the camshafts of the 992.1 GT3 RS, resulting in 503 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque—15 less than the S/T. 0-60 takes just 3.7 seconds, and the top speed is 194 mph. Porsche produced only 1,963 examples of the S/T, making it an instant collectible, but this new S/C won't be a limited-production model, which should encourage owners to drive it more often. Also helping that aim is that Porsche has made no mention of the special single-mass flywheel of the S/T, which means the close-ratio six-speed manual in this Sport Cabrio should be easier to operate, as befits a drop-top. Pricing is steep, and we'll get to that soon enough, but Porsche hasn't charged extra for many of the upgrades. In a nutshell, this may be the best way to enjoy a 9,000 rpm engine on a winding road. Lightweight 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Is Carbon-Infused Porsche View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article At 3,322 lbs, the GT3 S/C is 203 lbs lighter than a 911 Carrera Cabriolet and only 266 lbs heavier than the hard-top S/T, despite its hydraulically operated folding roof. This was achieved, in part, by using magnesium in the drop top and fitting the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) hood, fenders, and doors of the S/T, as well as a carbon fiber rear anti-roll bar, carbon connecting links, and carbon underbody panel. Behind the 20-inch front and 21-inch rear center-locking magnesium wheels (also from the S/T, saving 19 lbs) is the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system, shaving another 44 lbs over cast iron rotors. The wheels are wrapped in the same rubber as other GT3 variants—255/35 at the front and 315/30 at the back. Porsche View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article It's a similar story inside, where the S/T's lightweight carpets and lightweight door panels with fabric door pulls appear. Further contributing to low mass is the deletion of the rear seats, while those in front can choose from a four-way Sport Seats Plus setup as standard or folding buckets with CFRP shells. Both options are heated, encouraging more top-down driving. Taking this feature away and not trimming the sun visors and A-pillars in leather, but this leans more into luxury than lunacy. Still, there are GT3 cues everywhere, including the Track Screen display that allows the redline to move to the 12 o'clock position and the fact that there's an ignition switch rather than a button. 911 GT3 S/C Is An Elegant Cabriolet Porsche View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article While the deletion of rear seats calls to mind the 911 Speedster, Porsche wanted the S/C to look cleaner, so it focused on the form intensely, avoiding the double-bubble design of the Speedster's rear end and ensuring the roof has no bows under the fabric, improving both aesthetics and aerodynamics. This opens or closes in about 12 seconds, while the wind deflector opens in two. Also making the car look sleeker is that the magnesium windshield frame is black as standard, matching the roof, though it can be had in body color as an option. Another neat touch is the integration of daytime running lights into the Matrix Design LED headlights, allowing for wider front-end intakes above the GT3 chin spoiler, and at the rear, there's a retractable spoiler like the S/T and the GT3 Touring, along with a GT3 diffuser. One thing no other GT3 has is a leather-trimmed storage box behind the rear seats, available at no extra cost. This weighs 22 lbs and offers 2.8 cubic feet of volume, and it can be made to match the Street Style Package. What is that, you ask? Porsche View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article From the Porsche design studio, this optional package includes Pyro Red graphics, Slate Grey Neo wheels with Puro Red wheel barrel accents, Victory Gold brake calipers with black Porsche lettering, and a newly designed Porsche coat of arms outline on the center caps. Black headlight housings and body color airblades are joined by a coat of arms embroidered on each headrest, as well as four-color braided leather upholstery. Two-tone leather in Slate Grey and Guards Red appears throughout the interior, and the steering column, seat consoles, door sill trim, and fuse box cover are also made of leather. Even the slats and surrounds of the air vents and the piping of the floor mats are trimmed in the material. The package also adds an open-pore walnut shift lever with a Pyro Red shift pattern, a color which also appears on the 911 and GT3 S/C badges. As always, the options don't stop there, and buyers can get a chronograph that matches the spec of their car. GT3 S/C Pricing Is High, But Not Obscene Porsche View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article The 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C starts at $273,000, which excludes a $2.350 delivery fee. Yes, that's a huge chunk of change, but there's plenty that a normal GT3 would charge extra for. The Lightweight package would be another $20,350, the magnesium wheels another $17,840, and the PCCB brakes $10,370. A leather interior would add $5,020, and these add-ons would bring the total beyond $306,000. Also, a cabriolet is normally $14,000 pricier than the equivalent 911 coupe, and the S/T's CFRP bits can't be optioned and therefore not priced. As a result, Porsche says the $273k base MSRP "represents a discount of roughly 11 percent" compared to a GT3 coupe with the same upgrades and without S/T doors, fenders, and hood. While we suspect dealers will still make ordering one of these difficult, hopefully, Porsche will produce the S/C for long enough that flippers don't ruin the secondhand market. The S/C arrives at North American dealers in the fall. Porsche View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Numbers Get RealSlate Auto initially drew attention with plans to sell electric vehicles for under $20,000. However, that pitch shifted after the loss of the $7,500 federal tax credit last September 2025, prompting the company to revise its expected starting price to the mid-$20,000 range. Even so, Slate Auto continues to show signs of momentum, including backing from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The latest is a $650 million Series C funding round led by TWG Global, according to Automotive News. It will help support manufacturing at the startup’s plant in Warsaw, Indiana, as the company works to deliver its first electric pickup truck later this year. Slate Auto Back to BasicsThe affordable price tag has been made possible by stripping the electric truck of features such as power windows and infotainment screens. Customers can then add and install extra equipment over time, much like building a PC by upgrading components such as memory. This approach allows buyers to get into an all-electric vehicle without paying a premium, especially considering that EVs such as the Tesla Model 3 still start at around $40,000. The exact pricing has not yet been disclosed, though more than 160,000 people have already placed a $50 refundable deposit. Nevertheless, the model is expected to become one of the most affordable EVs in the U.S., undercutting vehicles such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, which both start at around $30,000. More automakers like Ford have also signaled interest in affordable EVs, even as many, including Rivian, have acknowledged how difficult it is to make them profitable. Slate Auto Cashing In on the VisionA report from TechCrunch states that Slate Auto has raised roughly $1.4 billion to date. TWG Global has been investing in the company since 2024, with its most recent funding round seen as a boost as production nears. In addition to securing funding, the startup has also made a structural change by appointing Peter Faricy as its new chief executive officer. Faricy, a former vice president of Amazon Marketplace, is expected to help build a similar platform that makes it easy for customers to purchase vehicle accessories. Chris Barman, who served as CEO when the brand launched in 2022, has since shifted to overseeing manufacturing, engineering, and design. Slate View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Comeback We Didn't ExpectFor the most part, American automakers have all but abandoned sedans in the home market. Ford doesn't have anything to offer in that class, while GM has only Cadillac to sell these four-door cars. As for Stellantis, its lone offering is the Dodge Charger. You can literally count all the American sedans sold stateside with one hand. The irony is, GM and Ford are still selling sedans outside the U.S. GM's Chinese operations still have loads of them, while Ford has a model in select markets. Sure, crossovers now dominate the sales charts in America, but we can't help but think that American automakers gave away all their potential sales to rivals. Lately, though, there has been a turnaround. With rising average new-car prices, Ford and Stellantis, in particular, are looking to either reintroduce or introduce more sedans to their respective rosters. Even GM wants in on the fun, by the looks of things. So, with all major American automakers considering these at the very least, it looks like the American sedan will soon stage its comeback. Exciting times, indeed, especially for those with crossover and SUV fatigue. Dodge Chrysler's Much-Needed Second ModelSure, the Pacifica is the nation's best-selling minivan, but a car company cannot survive for long with just one model in the range. Chrysler desperately needs a second vehicle, and recently, it hinted at a sedan revival that will be 'unlike anything seen before.' There was mention of the possibility of it 'blending segments,' so it might be a lifted sedan of sorts, since people can't get enough of crossovers these days. It's a bolder, riskier approach, but it still doesn't rule out the possibility of it looking more traditional. A Charger-based 300 could work and help bring back Chrysler to its Halcyon days, provided it makes the right noises. Cole Attisha Using Gemini 3 Pro Ford's PlanCEO Jim Farley had made it clear that sedans are back on the table. However, what he didn't say is what kind of sedan the company could release down the line. Subcompact and compact sedans seem out of the picture, so there might be a chance we're looking at a mid-size or even large sedan in the future. As mentioned, Ford has the Taurus and Mondeo for China and the Middle East. So far, the Taurus has been doing consistently well, and the Mondeo has been steady. Both are effectively the Fusion had Ford not discontinued it in 2020, and it's not just a reskin of the old car. Another possibility is for Ford to use the rear-drive Explorer platform to build a large sedan. Maybe they can call it Crown Victoria, but we're just thinking out loud. Ford GM to Give Buick a Sedan?While there's no word from GM, there's a good chance that at least one of its brands is set to receive a sedan. There have been recent reports that Buick is adding a sedan to its lineup after years without one. It could be derived from the Cadillac CT5, a model that's underpinned by the Alpha 2 platform. There's also the possibility of GM tapping into its resources in China to bring in the Lacrosse from there. The Lacrosse was discontinued in the U.S in 2019, but continues to thrive in China. The Chinese Lacrosse is likely the most cost-effective solution if GM wants to give Buick a sedan as soon as possible. The question now is whether these planned and rumored future American sedans can still appeal to customers. It's one thing to say that people want one, but it's a totally different matter when it comes to actual purchasing. The cars can't be cookie-cutter sedans if these automakers want any chance against well-established rivals. It won't be easy, but it might be worth a shot. Buick View the full article

The Crossover Corolla Getting Ready for Its Next StepThe Toyota Corolla Cross only showed up in the US in 2022, but it’s been on sale elsewhere since 2020. That means it’s still a fresh face in automaker’s lineup, but it’s already closing in on the usual window for a full model change. Now, there’s a clearer idea of when the next step is coming. According to the latest issue of Japan’s Best Car magazine, the all-new Corolla Cross is penciled in for 2028. They’ve also dropped some early hints about what Toyota is working on, from hardware tweaks to the overall direction. It’s early, but the idea of a more advanced, hybrid-heavy Corolla Cross fits right in with Toyota’s recent moves. The current model already leans into electrification in many markets, and the next one looks set to push even further. Toyota What to ExpectThe report says the next Corolla Cross will stick with an updated TNGA-C platform, keeping front-wheel drive as standard and offering all-wheel drive as an option. No big surprises there. The real story is that Toyota seems to be focusing on refining what works, especially for buyers who need them. The biggest change is under the hood: the next Corolla Cross is expected to go all-hybrid just like the RAV4. The main setup will be a new 1.5-liter inline-four paired with Toyota’s sixth-gen hybrid system. Expect less friction, a tighter package, and better efficiency, thanks to new battery tech and silicon carbide semiconductors. If you want something with a bit more bite, there’s talk of a Corolla Cross GR Sport. This one could get a plug-in hybrid setup with about 200 horsepower, plus a more advanced suspension: struts up front, double wishbones at the back. Inside, the next Corolla Cross is expected to adopt Toyota’s newer Arene software system, similar to what’s seen in the latest RAV4. That likely means a larger infotainment display – potentially up to 12.9 inches – and a fully digital instrument cluster measuring around 12.3 inches. The next model could also stretch a bit, with reports pointing to 183 inches in length and a 108-inch wheelbase. That should mean a roomier cabin. Toyota Influenced by the RAV4’s DesignTiming-wise, the same report pegs the launch between spring and summer 2028. That would put the Corolla Cross right after the next-gen Corolla sedan, which is rumored for 2027. As for the design, Best Car’s early renderings show a lot of RAV4 influence, especially up front and in the lighting. The look is more squared-off and rugged, which lines up with what buyers want in compact crossovers right now. That said, it’s smart to keep expectations in check. Like most reports from the Japanese publication, this is preliminary information and not confirmed by Toyota. These details give us a peek at what could be coming, but nothing’s set in stone yet. For now, it’s a waiting game. But if these reports are on the money, the next Corolla Cross could be a more refined, more electrified, and slightly more upmarket version of a model that’s already a global staple. Toyota View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Last week, General Motors announced that it had attracted the designer of the F87 BMW M2 to lead its Advanced Design studio in Pasadena, bringing European influence to future American cars, and now the reverse has happened at McLaren. The British marque has poached a designer from an American company, appointing Kemal Curic as its Chief Design Officer, and that's a big deal. Curic was at Ford since 2004 and not only led design for its luxury brand, Lincoln, but was also responsible for the styling of the S550 Mustang, and now he'll be in charge of pretty much everything at McLaren, from the way its cars look when you first see them to the way they feel inside and how you interact with them through screens. McLaren's New Design Boss Has Big Shoes to Fill McLaren Automotive Curic replaces Tobias Sühlmann, who went to Porsche at the beginning of this year. Sühlmann worked on the Solus GT and also spent time at Bugatti, Aston Martin, and Bentley, the latter where he helped design the Batur. But Curic isn't stepping too far out of his comfort zone by moving to McLaren, as before he worked on the 2015 Mustang, he designed several European-market cars, including the Fiesta, Mondeo, Kuga, and third-generation Focus. At Lincoln, he led design for the Chinese-market Zephyr as well as America's Nautilus and then the Navigator, so McLaren is gaining a designer who knows how to create cars that appeal to a wide variety of demographics. Related: McLaren’s New Hybrid Tech Could Boost Acceleration at Speed If design isn't already too far along, Curic will have considerable input on the upcoming V8-powered McLaren SUV, which could either prove as successful as the Bentley Bentayga and help attract a whole new type of customer or be shunned and ignored as "not a true McLaren." In other words, he'll have his hands full, and not just with exteriors, either. McLaren Is Undergoing Transformation McLaren Curic's role as McLaren Chief Design Officer will encompass exterior design, interiors, and CMF (color, material, and finish), as well as digital design, so he'll effectively have final say on everything McLaren is working on as it tries to reinvent itself. Along with Sühlmann, McLaren lost CEO Michael Leiters to Porsche, with the latter being replaced by Nick Collins in 2025. Collins, Curic, and the rest of the McLaren leadership are overseeing a comeback plan that will be revealed in the summer, and this will include a replacement for the 750S and additional mid-engine supercars, but no EVs. Exciting times indeed. View the full article

The EV Struggle Is RealBMW had a tough year of selling EVs in the United States in 2025. Pure EV sales in 2025 dipped by 16.7% compared to 2024, with the largest drop in Q4 of 2025, falling 45.5%. While BMW isn't the only brand to be hit by slow EV sales, it's eager to regroup. However, the first quarter of 2026 is proving that it's tougher than it seems, EV sales are down 50% comapred to Q1 2025. Moves are being made, and one significant change is coming. BMW Shifting StrategiesBMWBlog was able to get an exclusive insight into a major change to BMW U.S. EV plans moving forward. BMW confirmed to the publication that the iX, considered the brand's flagship EV SUV, will be discontinued in the American market. This will end the iX's 5-year run in America, and marks the shift of the current BMW EVs into the Neue Klasse models. However, the iX will continue to be sold elsewhere in the world until 2027. The exclusive quote from the BMW executive highlights their pride in what they achieved in the U.S. with the iX. It served as a technological showcase for the brand, allowing them to push the boundaries of design, manufacturing, and sustainability. The executive also acknowledged that market dynamics led to this decision to transition to the new generation of BMW EVs under Neue Klasse. Furthermore, the brand executive also reaffirmed BMW's commitment to the U.S. market through the next phase of their EV push. Through Neue Klasse, the iX3 will usher in the new generation of EVs powered by the Gen6 eDrive Technology. The iX3 is just the jumping-off point, with future Neue Klasse cars coming. BMW China Neue Klasse RisingBMW's Neue Klasse line is dubbed a complete reboot of the brand's EV philosophy and push. Taking into account the changes in preferences when it comes to what people want from electric mobility. Headlining this new class of cars is the recently announced iX3, which will be the first model introduced under this reboot. The iX3 is a mid-sized SUV that debuts the new Gen6 battery technology, enabling a full range of 497 miles (WLTP), with faster charging capabilities as well. U.S. arrivals of the iX3 are expected sometime in Q3 of 2026, followed by the first-ever BMW iX5 SUV. Earl Lee/Autoblog View the full article

Betting Big on AmericaFord has long championed its commitment to America, and last year was no exception. The Blue Oval recorded the highest level of U.S. vehicle assembly in 2025, reinforcing its support for jobs and communities stateside while continuing to meet mobility needs with models like the F-150. A combined 1.8 million Ford vehicles were assembled and sold in the U.S. last year. The graph in the press release comparing industry assembly and sales did not disclose the names of the closest competitors, though they likely include General Motors and Toyota, the latter of which operates the world's largest factory in Kentucky. Ford also recorded 378,000 imports, meaning it assembled more than six vehicles in the U.S. for every one it imported, along with an industry-leading 311,000 exports. It is worth noting, however, that BMW was America's biggest car exporter by value last year. Ford A Familiar LeaderboardNeedless to say, the Ford F-Series was not only the brand’s best-selling model but also the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2025. It was followed by the Chevrolet Silverado, underscoring Americans’ strong demand for pickup trucks. The Toyota RAV4 ranked third, with the Honda CR-V and Ram trucks rounding out the top five. Looking ahead, Ford plans to expand its passenger electric vehicle lineup, currently centered on the Mustang Mach-E, amid reports that the F-150 Lightning is shifting toward a range-extended truck. Reports also say the automaker is developing an affordable electric truck targeting a roughly $30,000 price point, along with new EVs aimed at rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, the two best-selling electric vehicles in the U.S. Moreover, a return to sedans also appears to be on the table. Ford Backing American WorkersFord noted that there are places where it could reduce assembly costs, but it chooses to keep production in the U.S. to continue supporting American jobs and communities. That commitment helped Ford lead Time magazine’s inaugural “America’s Most Iconic Companies” list, ahead of brands like Apple and McDonald’s. It also says it employs about 56,300 manufacturing workers in the U.S., more than any other automaker. The Blue Oval brand plans to hire more workers across the U.S. in the coming years to support its upcoming models, including new gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles. It aims to maintain that momentum, noting that it does not “plan to give up that top spot any time soon.” Ford View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Lucid Air Pure is widely recognized as the most energy-efficient EV you can buy right now, achieving 5.0 miles per kWh. But that's assuming the half-shafts are still connected to the drive motor on the rear axle. According to a recall filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear-driven base model of the Air may have loose half-shaft bolts, potentially resulting in the half-shafts being disconnected from the drive unit and leaving drivers stranded. The recall affects 2024-2026 model years, but the good news is that not too many vehicles are named in the recall. Thousands of Lucid Airs Could Lose Power Again Lucid The NHTSA recall report states that 3,627 Lucid Air Pure sedans are potentially involved in the recall, which follows Lucid's earlier recall for a similar issue from 2024 (SR-25-03-0). That earlier recall only potentially affected 1,539 vehicles from the 2024 and 2025 model years, and the NHTSA recall report stated that the impacted EVs were built using a design for the rear subframe wiring harness "that was inadvertently shortened from the original design length." As a result, affected vehicles could face excess stress on their harness connectors, potentially leading to intermittent or complete disconnection from the drive unit, which would mean the drive unit could stop supplying power to the axle. In the latest Air recall, Lucid says affected vehicles have under 25,000 miles on their odometers, have not already had a drive unit replacement, and were not part of the earlier recall, showing that two completely different problems can sometimes lead to the same unfortunate outcome. Related: New Lucid Gravity Recall Isn't Even Lucid's Fault The NHTSA says the main reason the Air Pure's half-shafts could be loose is "interruption of the torque operations during the adhesive curing window," potentially resulting in bolts with damaged adhesive or contamination of the half-shafts. It could also be that bolts with cured adhesive were reused after torquing was interrupted. Either way, the bolts (M10x1.5) will need to be replaced. Lucid Air Pure Owners Getting Hardware and Software to Address Loose Bolts Lucid Motors Lucid says it is implementing the same remedy as in an earlier October 2025 recall, but is also working on a software detection strategy with a revised algorithm to enable "continuous, real-time, on-vehicle evaluation" of each impacted Air Pure to determine if a vehicle may be at risk of having its half-shaft/s disengaged while driving. With this, drivers will at least be warned if the problem is rearing its head before they're left stranded. Owners will be notified of the recall by first-class mail with instructions to contact a Lucid Service Center, but these letters are only planned for May 22. Until then, Lucid hopes that the over-the-air software update will allow it to limit bolt replacement to only the vehicles at risk, rather than replacing hardware on all Air Pure models. View the full article

A Cult Favorite Goes ElectricAt its recent Vision event in Japan, Nissan unveiled one of its most unconventional future models yet – the all-new, all-electric Nissan Juke. While more mainstream reveals like the new-generation Nissan Rogue e-Power and returning Xterra grabbed headlines, the Juke’s return in EV form is arguably the bigger story for – at least for us. First introduced stateside in 2010, the Juke immediately carved out a niche with its polarizing design and playful driving dynamics. That identity only grew stronger with projects like the GT-R-powered Nissan Juke-R, cementing its cult status. Now, the third-generation model aims to carry that same spirit into the electric age. Hyper Punk Concept IRLIf the new Juke EV looks every bit like a concept car brought to life, then it’s mission accomplished for Nissan. Its styling clearly channels the Nissan Hyper Punk Concept from the Japan Mobility Show in 2023, with angular surfacing and a distinctly digital, almost retro-futuristic vibe. It’s the kind of design that feels like a throwback to early Gran Turismo-era polygons, reimagined with modern EV proportions. Beneath that radical skin sits something more familiar. The Juke EV will ride on the same CMF-EV platform as the Nissan Ariya and Nissan Leaf. While Nissan hasn’t disclosed full specifications yet, the shared architecture points to actual, real-world driving dynamics and the possibility of advanced features like vehicle-to-grid capability. Nissan So Now, You Want an EV?For now, the Juke EV is being positioned primarily for Europe, with production set at Nissan’s Sunderland facility in the UK. That makes sense given the nameplate’s enduring popularity there. In a crowded segment, the Juke has consistently stood out by leaning into its quirks rather than dialing them back. That leaves the U.S. in a bit of a gray area. Nissan has since shifted its entry-level crossover focus to the Nissan Kicks, a more practical but far less expressive alternative. Whether the Juke EV returns across the Atlantic remains unclear. But if it does, it could be exactly the kind of personality-driven EV that helps win over skeptics, proof that going electric doesn’t have to mean going bland. Nissan View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Nissan has taken the covers off its most crucial future model to be sold in the United States, the next-generation Rogue. Since topping over 400,000 sales in the U.S. in 2018, Rogue sales have declined, with under 220,000 models sold here in 2025. The 2027 Rogue—badged as the X-Trail in other markets—gets an edgier design and new e-Power hybrid powertrain. It aims to recapture the model’s popularity and move it closer to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V; these rivals have had hybrid powertrain options for years now, leaving Nissan behind. Here’s everything we know about the new Rogue so far. Related: Nissan Rogue Generations Overview: How It Became The Top-Selling Nissan Redesigned Rogue Looks Premium Nissan The 2027 Nissan Rogue is easily one of the most stylish prospects in the compact crossover segment. Nissan did not say whether the new model has grown in size, but it’s likely similar to the current Rogue. The front fascia features a new grille with integrated daytime running lights, and it does away with the split-headlight arrangement of the outgoing model. There are sharper, more aggressive creases around the fenders, a sporty black roof, and new taillights. The new Rogue clearly leans more towards other road-biased crossovers like the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. It doesn’t have the rugged look of a Subaru Forester. Nissan didn’t show any images of the interior, but it should introduce larger digital displays. The current model has one of the most comfortable cabins in the segment, so the new one should be even better. What About The e-Power System? Nissan The biggest news is the long-awaited arrival of the e-Power hybrid powertrain. Nissan does have a Rogue plug-in hybrid now, but that’s little more than a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander. The e-Power technology has been available in overseas markets for some time, but it’s finally coming to America. Outputs remain unknown, but the way the e-Power system operates is distinct from most other hybrids. Two electric motors power the wheels, with the internal combustion engine acting as a generator, so there’s no need to plug in the Nissan. We had the opportunity to sample a Nissan Qashqai with e-Power last year and found it quiet and responsive. That model produced 188 horsepower from a single electric motor, but the Rogue e-Power is expected to be more powerful. “We’re late to the hybrid party, but we’re bringing a best-in-class product,” said Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, when talking to Automotive News. The new Rogue will launch later this year only as a hybrid before a gas-only variant arrives in 2027. However, Meunier expects over half of all Rogue sales to be made up of e-Power derivatives. Nissan is targeting 40 mpg combined, which puts it within the same efficiency range as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. To provide customers with more choice, the current gas-only Rogue will continue to be sold at a lower price for about a year, so not everyone will have to switch to the new e-Power model immediately. What It Means Nissan/YouTube Hybrid adoption has increased dramatically in recent years, so the arrival of Nissan’s first competitive hybrid in the compact crossover segment can’t come soon enough. The current Rogue is outselling Nissan’s entire passenger car lineup to start 2026, highlighting how important this model is for the brand. Furthermore, the e-Power technology is expected to find its way into other Nissans in the future. The chances of this will increase if Nissan decided to produce e-Power systems at its local factory in Tennessee—a hybrid Kicks, Pathfinder, and Sentra could significantly boost the company’s sales, since Toyota offers hybrids in all those segments. View the full article