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Record Q1 Performance Signals Continued MomentumPolestar opens 2026 with its strongest first quarter on record, delivering 13,126 retail sales globally in Q1 2026, marking a 7% year-on-year increase from 12,263 units in Q1 2025. The result builds on what was already a record-setting 2025, reinforcing the brand’s upward trajectory despite increasingly complex global market conditions. This comes despite cooling EV sales across the industry, with some manufacturers scaling back forecasts and even canceling planned models. Growth was driven by solid demand across key markets, including Australia, Germany, Sweden, South Korea, and the UK. CEO Michael Lohscheller pointed to the company’s resilience amid geopolitical headwinds, highlighting both brand strength and execution across regions. Polestar Network Expansion Accelerates Global ReachPolestar’s retail footprint continues to scale aggressively, ending Q1 2026 with 230 retail sales points worldwide, a 50% increase from 154 locations in the same period last year. This rapid expansion reflects a deliberate strategy to improve accessibility and customer touchpoints across established and emerging EV markets. The company is targeting approximately 250 global sales points by the end of 2026, signaling continued investment in physical retail presence alongside its digital-first approach. Polestar Outlook: Growth Amid a More Challenging MarketWhile the first quarter sets a strong baseline, Polestar is entering a more volatile phase, with macroeconomic pressure building from geopolitical uncertainty, tighter financing conditions, and a cooling pace of EV adoption in some regions. These are not just short-term disruptions but actual structural headwinds. They will test how efficiently the brand can scale beyond early adopters. That said, Polestar’s Q1 performance points to real underlying demand and improving operational discipline. With retail expansion continuing and key markets holding steady, the brand is positioned to carry momentum through 2026. The next challenge is maintaining the quality of their growth and keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of what is, in essence, a new market. Maintaining volume while protecting margins, brand equity, and pricing power will define whether Polestar emerges as a durable premium EV player or gets squeezed in an increasingly crowded field. View the full article

Last year, there were almost countless recalls for failing rearview cameras, and while that issue is still causing problems in 2026, another problem is becoming increasingly common: detaching seatbelt anchors. That's the fault with nearly 300,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles, according to a new recall published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall hits 13 products in total, affecting multiple powertrain types and body styles, and because it's a hardware problem, owners with vehicles named in the recall documents will have to visit a dealership to have it resolved. Let's take a closer look. Hyundai and Genesis Named, But Not Kia Cole Attisha/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The recall potentially affects 294,128 vehicles, including the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan, the Santa Fe SUV (hybrid included), and the Genesis G90 luxury sedan. No Kia vehicles have yet been found to have the fault, but that may change with a future recall. For now, these are the model years in question: 2023-2026 Genesis G902023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 62024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe2024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe HybridThe NHTSA recall report indicates that vehicles produced both in South Korea and at Hyundai's plant in Alabama have been affected, describing the issue as front seatbelts (driver and passenger) that may not be sufficiently attached to the seat frame "due to a damaged snap-on anchor." Hyundai's North American Safety Office (NASO) first received word of a possible problem in September 2025, and its investigation determined that damage due to "external occupant interaction" was unlikely. In other words, this issue isn't caused by the user. It also apparently was not caused by bad assembly or in-plant repair processes, prompting Hyudai to initiate crash testing to replicate the issue. Related: Hyundai Rethinks Santa Fe Design for 2027 Refresh By March of this year, a new snap-on anchor design was introduced in production, and Hyundai, in collaboration with the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation, determined that only in some rear-end crashes did the problem appear, and some field claims were associated with prior seat repair and improper removal in service. Ultimately, Hyundai decided that it's better to be safe than sorry, however limited the appearance of the problem, hence this recall. What Hyundai and Genesis Owners Need to Know About the New Recall Hyundai As of now, Hyundai knows of six reports related to these insufficiently attached seabelt anchors in the U.S., but in no instance have the bad anchros caused crashes, injuries, or fatalities in America. Unfortunately, while the redesigned snap-on ancho has already been implemented in vehicle production for the affected models, Hyundai's solution of installing a reinforcement insert to the anchor clip will only reach affected owners a couple of months from now, with dealers and owners only expected to be notified on June 5. VINs are already searchable on nhtsa.gov, however, and since no injuries have been reported in relation to this recall issue, there's no cause for alarm just yet. View the full article

If you needed another reason to envy European car buyers for the diversity of their car market, here it is: the Honda Super-N electric city car is coming to the UK market this July. Based on Honda’s iconic N Series kei car platform sold in Japan, the Super-N is inspired by the legendary 1980’s City Turbo II. The Super-N boasts a striking exterior design featuring bulged wheel arches and sporty side sills for a distinctive wide stance, as well as more aggressive bumpers with incorporated aero ducts. A Kei Car With a Widebody Kit and Boost Mode Honda UK Customers will be able to choose from a wide range of colors and customization options, including body graphics and a two-tone specification that features a contrasting gloss black finish for the roof panel and rear spoiler. Inside, the electric kei car gets enhanced seats that offer greater support and comfort, blue highlights that pay homage to the original City Turbo II, and ambient lighting, which switches from a cool blue at night to a rich purple when Boost mode is selected. While the City Turbo II was gas-powered, the Super-N features an all-electric powertrain consisting of a compact front motor rated at a puny 63 hp (47 kW) in normal operation. However, there’s a Boost mode that turns it up to 94 hp (70 kW) when the driver feels like having some fun. And you can indeed have fun with the Honda Super-N because it’s one of the lightest EVs available in Europe, with a curb weight of just over 2,400 pounds (approximately 1,092 kg). Contributing to the low weight is the relatively small battery pack of 29.6 kWh. The fact that the battery is mounted under the floor also keeps the center of gravity low, which, along with the wide 185/55 R15 Yokohama Advan Fleva tires, enhances stability. It Simulates Combustion Engine Sounds and a 7-Speed DCT Honda UK Speaking of driving fun, the Honda Super-N, sold as the Super-One in Japan, simulates a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an engaging gas engine sound via an Active Sound Control system. The automaker says this combines the instant response of an EV with “the strong emotional connection of driving a combustion engine vehicle.” The Super-N also features an uprated suspension and chassis tuned by Honda engineers for enhanced dynamic performance, having undertaken extensive testing on various road surface conditions in Japan and the UK. “The Super-N promises to bring Honda’s ‘Joy of Driving’ and the thrill of EV performance to a whole new audience. With its iconic looks, driving dynamics tailored to UK roads, and unique features such as BOOST Mode, every aspect of this model has been engineered to bring exhilaration and fun to every journey, no matter how short,” said Michael Doyle, Head of Automobile, Honda UK. Since we’re talking about an EV, it’s worth pointing out that the Super-N has a combined range of 128 miles, which is nothing to write home about. However, if you drive it only in the city, the range increases to 199 miles, which is a decent amount for normal users. UK buyers will be able to buy the Super-N starting in July for a base price of under £20,000—the equivalent of $26,900 at the current exchange rate. That will make it one of the most affordable EVs on sale in Europe, competing with the likes of the Renault 5 E-Tech, BYD Dolphin Surf, Hyundai Inster, Citroën ë-C3, and other similar small EVs. Honda UK View the full article

Tesla is cracking down hard on owners who used FSD enabler hacks to illegally unlock Full Self-Driving in countries where the software remains unapproved. The company has begun remotely disabling FSD capabilities on affected vehicles across Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, amongst other countries. While every Tesla ships with the FSD hardware baked in, software activation remains tied to regulatory approval. Outside the United States, FSD has not received full approval in most markets due to varying safety standards, data privacy requirements, and local traffic laws. That gap created an opportunity. Hackers in Poland, Ukraine, and elsewhere began distributing modules that plug into the CAN bus to geo-spoof the car, and silently unlock the full FSD suite, including advanced navigation, Autopark, and Summon. In China alone, over 100,000 owners have reportedly installed such modifications to gain access to FSD. The devices, typically priced between $700-$2,000, had spread quickly before Tesla moved to respond. Tesla FSD v14.3 Raises the StakesThe timing of Tesla's crackdown is no coincidence. FSD v14.3 recently began rolling out, representing a foundational rebuild of the system's AI architecture. The update rewrites the AI compiler, delivering a 20% faster reaction time. Not to mention a completely overhauled neural network vision encoder that improves performance in low-visibility conditions, one of FSD’s biggest issues so far. The reinforcement learning stage has also been upgraded, targeting harder training examples sourced from Tesla's global fleet. This is the update Musk called "the last big piece of the puzzle." With v14.3 pushing FSD capability to new heights, and v15 built on a large AI model with roughly 10 times more parameters on the horizon, Tesla has a serious incentive to ensure only verified, approved users are running these systems. Unauthorized activations are more than just a legal liability, with which Tesla has its hands full already; they are a safety risk. Mark Leong/The Washington Post/Getty Images Tesla's Response and What It Means for OwnersTesla launched an enforcement campaign, sending in-car notifications and emails warning that unauthorized modifications violate its terms of service, compromise vehicle safety systems, and expose cars to cybersecurity risks. Vehicles detected using the hacks have had FSD capabilities remotely disabled without refund. In some cases, owners report permanent bans, even where they had legitimately purchased the software package to use in the US before transferring their Tesla out of the country. Getty Images This is not the first time Tesla has used its over-the-air capabilities to lock out owners who strayed outside official channels. The company has a long-standing pattern of remotely restricting features on vehicles that underwent unauthorized repairs or modifications. Owners who had independent repair work done on their cars have faced the prospect of being locked out of the Supercharger network entirely, sometimes weeks after the vehicle was already back on the road. Third-party performance modules, like those that replicate paid software upgrades at lower cost, have also triggered in-car warnings after Tesla software updates detected their presence. Tesla has always framed these controls as a safety measure. The FSD crackdown fits that same argument, just with much higher stakes attached. View the full article

If you need to cross the Sierra this weekend, today is your last realistic window. The National Weather Service has a Winter Storm Warning active for Mono County and the Donner Pass area, with watches across the Northern Sierra, and what is heading for the mountains starting Friday evening is not a routine spring snow event. Two Pacific systems are stacking back-to-back. The second is stronger. Snow totals above 7,000 feet could reach 28 inches near Lake Tahoe and up to four feet on the highest peaks. Wind gusts along the Sierra crest are forecast at 70 to 80 mph. The NWS says travel "could be very difficult to impossible." I-80 over Donner Pass, Highway 50 to Lake Tahoe and Highway 395 along the eastern Sierra are all in the direct path. Chain controls are virtually guaranteed. Full closures are on the table, and I-80 already shut down for 60 miles during a similar system in February. If you do not need to be on the other side of the mountains before Monday, do not go. The StormA lead upper low moves ashore Friday night. A stronger, more compact closed low follows Saturday night into Sunday. Together they will push moisture anomalies in the 90th to 95th percentile into the Sierra, and the slow movement of the upper low means the snow keeps falling for roughly 48 hours. The critical detail for drivers is the snow level. It starts above 9,000 feet on Friday, which means the passes initially get rain. Then it drops. By Saturday evening snow levels fall to 6,000 to 7,000 feet. By late Saturday into Sunday morning they crash to 4,000 to 4,500 feet. That means snow at the level of foothill communities and heavy accumulation at every pass in the Sierra. People who drove over Donner in sunshine on Thursday will not recognise the road by Saturday night. The heaviest period is forecast from late Saturday morning through midday Sunday. Zone ForecastsMono County (NWS Reno, Winter Storm Warning): 2 to 6 inches west of Highway 395. 6 to 12 inches above 8,000 feet. Up to 24 inches along the Sierra crest. Winds gusting 70 to 80 mph on the crest, up to 40 mph along 395. Friday evening through Sunday evening. Lake Tahoe area (NWS Reno): 6 to 10 inches around the lake and up to 7,000 feet. 12 to 28 inches above 7,000 feet and along Sierra passes. Northern Sierra / Western Plumas County (NWS Sacramento, Winter Storm Watch): 1 to 2 feet above 4,500 feet. 3 to 4 feet on the highest peaks. Light accumulations of 2 to 4 inches possible as low as 4,000 feet. Winds up to 45 mph. Heaviest snow late Saturday morning through midday Sunday. NWS The HighwaysI-80 overDonner Pass (roughly 7,000 feet). The primary east-west corridor across the Northern Sierra. With 12 to 28 inches forecast at pass elevation and winds gusting above 45 mph, chain controls will be in effect at minimum. In February a similar system shut down a 60-mile stretch of I-80 and stranded hundreds of drivers for hours. Expect chain controls beginning Saturday with possible closure Saturday night through Sunday. Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe. Echo Summit sits at 7,382 feet, squarely in the heavy snow zone. Highway 50 has the same closure risk as I-80 and fewer plowing resources. When both routes close simultaneously there is no realistic alternative across the central Sierra. That happened in February too. Highway 395 (Eastern Sierra). The Warning specifically names 395 with gusts to 40 mph and 2 to 6 inches of snow. Higher terrain west of 395 faces 6 to 12 inches, which makes side roads to Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain treacherous.Highway 88 through Carson Pass (8,574 feet) and Highway 89. Both exposed to heavy snow and high winds with limited plowing resources. These are typically among the first routes to close and the last to reopen, and nobody should be counting on them this weekend. US NWS When To DriveFriday daytime (today). Your last safe window. Snow levels remain above pass level through Friday afternoon. If you need to be on the other side this weekend, go now. Friday evening. Storm arrives. Rain transitions to snow at higher elevations. Chain controls begin. Saturday. Conditions deteriorate through the day. Snow levels drop, winds increase, and by evening you are looking at heavy snow above 6,000 to 7,000 feet. Not a good day to be on a mountain highway if you have a choice. Saturday night through Sunday morning. The worst window. Snow levels crash to 4,000 to 4,500 feet. The stronger second system arrives. Crest winds hit 70 to 80 mph. Pass-level gusts reach 40 to 45 mph. Visibility could go to near zero. This is when closures are most likely. Sunday afternoon onward. Storm weakens. But do not assume roads reopen quickly. Clearing 1 to 2 feet of snow off a mountain highway takes hours even after the snow stops. Why This Storm Is DifferentThe Sierra gets spring snow. That is not news. What makes this one worth paying attention to is the wind. 70 to 80 mph on the crest is not a spring number. Those speeds create whiteout conditions, knock down trees and power lines, and make high-profile vehicles undrivable on exposed passes. On top of that, the snow level drop is unusually large. Starting above 9,000 feet and falling to 4,000 means communities that normally get rain from this kind of system will get snow instead, and the passes go from wet to buried in a matter of hours. And because two systems are stacking back-to-back, road crews will be working for roughly 48 hours straight with no real break between rounds. That is a lot to ask of plows that are already running on a lean-snowpack winter budget. This comes after a winter with well-below-average snowpack across the Sierra. March 2026 was California's warmest and driest on record, which forced early closures at several ski resorts. The storm will help the snowpack numbers, but nobody who has to drive over the mountains this weekend is going to be thinking about water supply. What To CarryCaltrans will require chains on most vehicles above 4,000 to 5,000 feet. AWD and 4WD with snow tyres may still need chains. Bring tyre 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. 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. Photo by John Normile on Getty Images Road ConditionsCheck Caltrans for current highway conditions, live traffic cameras and chain controls. NWS Sacramento and NWS Reno forecast pages are linked in the zone forecasts above. View the full article

Corey Heim finds himself the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship leader through five races but that isn’t exactly the newsworthy part. It’s the fact that Heim has only participated in three of those races. Of course, he’s won twice and added a fifth-place finish to boot and inherited the championship lead last weekend only after Chandler Smith was disqualified for rear ride height ...Keep readingView the full article

Electrified Except for OneLexus has had electrified vehicles in its lineup for a little over 20 years. Today, just about every model in its lineup gets some form of hybrid assistance. From the subcompact and not-available-in-the-U.S LBX, all the way to the full-sized LX, hybrid power is, at the very least, an option on all Lexus vehicles save for one. In case you missed the headline, that model is the GX. For over 20 years, the midsize luxury SUV never once received an electric assist. For most of its life, it had V8 power under the hood, and it's only now taken the downsized turbo route with its boosted 3.4-liter V6. Given Lexus' strong hybrid lineup, it's rather odd that it's still leaving out the GX, but that might change soon. Lexus A Trademark Filing Gives a HintThe subject of the hybrid GX had been brought up several times already, but this might finally be the moment that it comes to fruition. A more recent trademark filing looks promising. The application was filed fairly recently in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It was dated March 16, 2026, and its status is currently under examination. The name is GX550h, which probably isn't too surprising at this point. But it appears the Lexus is dead serious about securing its name. A look at the global trademark database reveals trademark applications in Cambodia, Canada, Peru, and the Philippines, among others. The question now is, what kind of powertrain could it get? Lexus Under the HoodThere are two possibilities as to what could be under the hood of the GX550h. Wishful thinking says the hybridized 3.4-liter V6 straight from the LX700h with 457 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. That's a huge jump from the GX550's 349 hp and 479 lb-ft figure, and it should make it a proper hot rod. Realistically, though, it could end up with the now-familiar 2.4-liter turbo hybrid arrangement used in several Toyota and Lexus vehicles today. After all, that's already fitted to the Land Cruiser (Prado) hybrid, and it's good for 326 hp and 426 lb-ft, which is less than the 3.4-liter V6 that's already in the GX550. While it'll surely be a lot less thirsty than the six-cylinder, we're not too sure whether GX customers will accept the idea of a four-cylinder model. In the meantime, we wait, and we'll hopefully get answers soon. Lexus View the full article

UPDATE (April 10, 2026): The National Weather Service in Sacramento has upgraded the Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Storm Warning for the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County, now in effect from Friday evening through Monday afternoon. Snowfall totals have been revised sharply upward, with 1 to 2 feet now expected between 5,000 and 6,000 feet and 2 to 5 feet above 6,000 feet, with locally higher amounts at the peaks. Wind gusts have also increased to 55 MPH in the mountains, and NWS Sacramento is now explicitly forecasting whiteout conditions at times. Snow levels will drop to 5,000 to 6,000 feet Saturday afternoon, roughly 1,000 feet lower than the original Watch forecast, meaning accumulation will begin earlier on lower-elevation approaches to I-80 and US-50. The Warning now extends through Monday, a full day beyond the original Sunday evening window. A Flood Watch has also been issued for the Sacramento Valley and Sierra foothills below 4,000 feet due to heavy rain. Drivers should check Caltrans QuickMap or call 511 before attempting any Sierra crossing this weekend. A powerful late-season winter storm is bearing down on the Sierra Nevada this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Winter Storm Warnings spanning every major mountain corridor from Lassen County to Sequoia National Park. Multiple NWS offices, including NWS Sacramento, NWS Reno, and NWS Hanford, are coordinating warnings as back-to-back upper-level lows push ashore from the Pacific, delivering moisture surges with precipitable water anomalies running 150 to 200 percent of normal according to the Weather Prediction Center. The system arrives Friday evening, and conditions will deteriorate rapidly through Saturday morning. Feet of Snow From Donner Pass to YosemiteThe heaviest accumulations are forecast for the Northern Sierra, where NWS Sacramento is calling for 1 to 2 feet of snow above 4,500 feet and up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks, including ski resort elevations near Donner Summit and Blue Canyon. Snow levels will start above pass level Friday afternoon before dropping to 6,000 to 7,000 feet late Friday, then plunging to 4,000 to 4,500 feet by late Saturday into Sunday, bringing 2 to 4 inches of accumulation to elevations as low as 4,000 feet. The Lake Tahoe Basin is expecting 6 to 10 inches at lake level and 12 to 28 inches above 7,000 feet and at Sierra passes. Further south, NWS Hanford warns the Yosemite region could see 1 to 4 feet above 7,000 feet, with visibility dropping below a quarter mile and conditions described as potentially life-threatening. 90 MPH Ridgetop Gusts and Whiteout ConditionsWind is the force multiplier in this storm. NWS Reno forecasts Sierra crest gusts reaching 90 MPH Saturday afternoon, with sustained gusts of 70 to 80 MPH along the crest in Mono County and 40 to 45 MPH at lower elevations and along US-395. These winds will combine with heavy snowfall to produce extended whiteout conditions across exposed passes, making I-80 over Donner Pass, US-50 over Echo Summit, CA-88 at Carson Pass, and CA-120 near Yosemite extremely dangerous. Chain controls are virtually certain once snow levels drop below 6,000 feet Saturday evening, and Caltrans may implement full closures over Donner Summit and other passes if snowfall rates and visibility deteriorate beyond manageable thresholds. Drivers can check conditions at QuickMap or by calling 511. Getty Images Record-Low Snowpack Adds to the RiskThis storm lands on a Sierra Nevada that has almost no snowpack left. California's April 1 measurement came in at just 18 percent of average, the second-lowest on record, with the Northern Sierra at a staggering 6 percent of normal after March finished as the state's warmest and driest month on record. The result is warm, bare pavement that will create a rapid melt-and-refreeze cycle as heavy, wet spring snow falls on surfaces that have been baking under above-normal temperatures for weeks. That cycle makes road surfaces especially unpredictable, particularly overnight and in early morning hours when treated roads refreeze. Staying Safe Behind the WheelLate-season Sierra storms are deceptive because many drivers have already stowed their winter gear. If you must cross the mountains this weekend, carry chains even if you drive an AWD vehicle; Caltrans R-3 chain controls require chains on all vehicles, no exceptions. Wet spring snow is heavier than midwinter powder and packs onto windshields and roofs quickly, so clear your entire vehicle before driving. Disable cruise control on any snow-covered surface and reduce speed before entering curves or highway ramps, not during. Keep an emergency kit in your trunk with a phone charger, blanket, water, and a small shovel. For a full breakdown on handling snow and ice at speed, review Autoblog's guide to best practices for winter driving. The safest move is to avoid any Sierra crossing between Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon entirely, then check Caltrans conditions before committing to a drive once crews have had time to clear and treat the passes. When It EndsSnow begins Friday evening and ramps up sharply by Saturday morning. The worst travel window runs from Saturday predawn through Sunday afternoon, with the most intense accumulations falling late Saturday morning into midday Sunday. Conditions should begin improving Sunday evening as the system exits east, but overnight refreezing will keep mountain roads hazardous into Monday morning. If your schedule allows, Monday midday offers the safest window for a Sierra crossing. View the full article

Mercedes-Benz USA has released its first-quarter sales results, with total sales of 78,500, a 3% decline relative to the same quarter in 2025. Of that total, 8,500 models were vans (-6%) and 70,000 were passenger cars (-3%). Unlike BMW, Mercedes doesn’t report sales data for specific models, making direct comparisons with its rivals difficult. But this also hints at low sales for models not mentioned by the brand. Here’s a look at Merc’s sales highlights for the first quarter and how the company compares to BMW. BMW Still Ahead in the U.S. Mercedes-AMG BMW has outsold Mercedes in the U.S. for a few years now, and the same trend is continuing in 2026. Excluding Mini, BMW sold 84,231 vehicles in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2026, putting it 14,231 units ahead of Mercedes, when Mercedes vans are excluded. Even with its van lineup, Mercedes is still behind its rival by around 5,700 models. Here’s a look at some sales highlights for Mercedes in Q1: GLC, GLE, and GLS sales grew by 22% and made up 61% of all passenger-car salesG-Class, SL, and Mercedes-Maybach saw double-digit growthSL sales alone climbed by 47%Maybach sales climbed by 22%Globally, electric GLC generated more orders in first three months than any previous Mercedes EVMercedes said customer interest continues to build for the new CLA, but did not say how many examples of the new model were sold. It’s also telling that the press release did not mention a single sedan or EV directly, suggesting that sales of these models declined in Q1. Based on the fact that the GLC/GLE/GLS made up 61% of passenger car sales (42,700 units), this means all other Mercedes models combined for 27,300 sales. By comparison, BMW sold 36,058 passenger cars in Q1, including the X1 and X2 but excluding all other SUVs. Mercedes-Benz "Our first-quarter results reflect the resilience of our incredible dealer network and strong demand despite challenging market conditions across the U.S. auto industry,” said Adam Chamberlain, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. “Our core SUV lineup continues to resonate with customers, and top-end vehicle sales remain brisk with strong sustained interest in our awe-inspiring AMG models.” Related: BMW M Just Beat Mercedes-AMG Again and Set Another Sales Record Fresh Lineup Should Bolster Customer Interest Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz has revealed a slew of heavily updated core models in recent weeks, and these have yet to impact the sales charts. The 2027 S-Class was revealed late in January with revised looks, a new interior, and a new V8 engine. It was followed by the midsize 2027 GLE-Class and full-size 2027 GLS-Class late in March, both of which received extensive changes. Like the S-Class, these SUVs have a new MBUX Superscreen, updated front fascias, and enhanced engines. Given that these SUVs already sold strongly in Q1, they’re likely to increase in sales when the refreshed versions hit showrooms later this year. What It Means Mercedes-Benz Merc’s increasingly mysterious sales figures make it challenging to paint a clear picture of what the company is doing right, but its core gas-powered SUVs remain major sales drivers. There are question marks over the performance of its sedans and EVs, which were not mentioned in the latest sales release. We do know that Merc is on a mission to realign its EV range to fit in better with its gas models, as the original EQ models were unloved with their sci-fi-like designs. For now, Mercedes has not managed to close the gap between it and arch rival BMW. That could change if the brand’s new EVs and revised core models catch fire later in the year. Related: Mercedes-Benz Targets Higher Volume After Years of Sliding Sales View the full article

China's Ruffling FeathersEvery once in a while, a country disrupts the automotive market to a point that it eventually defines it and becomes a major player. There was Japan in the '70s, South Korea towards the late 2000s, and now, it's China's turn to shake up the establishment. Like it or not, the rise of Chinese cars has put the world on notice, and it's now legacy automakers scrambling to keep up with the rapid pace of development China has set. Like any disruptor, it's seen as a threat, but some automakers have applauded and acknowledged the efforts of Chinese brands. One of those is Porsche, and it doesn't see Chinese cars as a threat. It's not in a cocky way, mind you, but rather, it's seeing it as an opportunity. Xiaomi A Different Kind of ChallengeSpeaking to Drive and other members of the Australian motoring press, Porsche Cars Australia CEO and managing director Daniel Schmollinger was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't call it concern; I wouldn't call it worried; I look at it as an opportunity." The executive even went as far as saying he's happy about the influx of Chinese marques, even as some are creeping into the luxury performance space, a space that Porsche also occupies. So, how is competition an opportunity? Schmollinger reckons that those who get a taste of these Chinese EVs will wonder if there's a higher, more elevated experience than what's on offer now. The CEO reckons that Porsche will be the answer to that, adding that the company is "here for them," once current Chinese EV owners are ready to step up. With that, Porsche appears to be hoping that its name is still worth its gold and remains aspirational for many. But as Chinese cars develop at a rapid pace, the German automaker also risks relying solely on its legacy to sway customers to its showrooms. However, this is also where the opportunity opens up. Porsche could take this chance to make its products shine even brighter. Currently, Porsche has the Taycan, Macan EV, and most recently, the Cayenne EV to fend off luxury performance electric vehicles from China. That said, it can explore expanding and enhancing its plug-in hybrid performance-vehicle portfolio, something the Chinese have been doing for quite some time. Porsche A Tall OrderTo do that, the company needs to double down on tech while delivering a high degree of emotional appeal, something most Chinese cars have yet to achieve. Not only do the cars have to impress, but they also have to instill the brand's values that made it aspirational in the first place. It needs to do that while attracting new customers who are 'graduating' from Chinese cars, without alienating current owners. A tall order, yes, but no one said that all opportunities would be easy. Porsche faces a mountainous challenge ahead as it tries to recover from a tough 2025 while deepening its collaboration with Audi. It will be interesting to see how Porsche will actually compete against ever-advancing Chinese cars, but it should make for interesting comparisons down the line. Porsche View the full article

2027 Corvette rollout begins, led by the Grand SportChevrolet is approaching the 2027 Corvette model year with a measured, step-by-step rollout. The Rick Corvette Conti YouTube channel uploaded a great preview of the new 2027 model. The full order guide is set to drop on April 13, 2026, with pre-orders opening just a few days later on April 16. Early allocations will be tight as Chevy carefully balances demand with production capacity. Retail production is expected to kick off in the second quarter, though an exact start date hasn’t been locked in yet. At the heart of this update is the new Grand Sport. It’s expected to become the volume leader in the 2027 Corvette lineup, slotting neatly between the base Stingray and the more extreme performance variants. The idea is to offer a sweet spot, something that’s just as comfortable on the street as it is capable on the track. Orders for the Grand Sport should open toward the end of the second quarter, with production ramping up in the third quarter as supply stabilizes. Production hurdles, fresh updates, and what’s aheadThings aren’t entirely smooth behind the scenes. Bowling Green Assembly is dealing with a few scheduled shutdowns that could slow the early stages of 2027 production. These pauses are believed to be tied to supplier issues, possibly involving carbon fiber components. Because of that, timelines remain flexible, and there’s even a chance that 2026 production could stretch a bit longer than planned. GM has also stopped sharing target production weeks, reflecting the uncertainty. On the update front, the 2027 Corvette brings in new exterior colors like Pitch Gray and Admiral Blue, along with refreshed wheel designs and more interior trim options. These changes are more about refinement than reinvention, but already the comments section on the video is blowing up over it. Pricing details for the 2027 lineup are expected soon, and allocation should gradually improve throughout 2026. Grand Sport production, in particular, is expected to gain momentum in the third quarter as demand builds. YouTube: @RickCorvetteConti View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The Lowdown. Hype Still Strong for C8 CorvetteEveryone can still recall how GM had to temporarily suspend production of the C8 because of high demand; the hype was real. The Corvette continues to draw attention because it delivers serious performance at a price that still undercuts many European competitors. The mid-engine layout already reset expectations, and the Grand Sport adds another compelling option to the mix. It’s aimed at enthusiasts who want track-ready performance without jumping to the most extreme, expensive models. Overall, this update keeps the momentum going. The new colors bring a fresh look, while the staggered rollout builds anticipation. Rather than chasing trends, Chevrolet seems focused on refining what already works, and that’s a big part of why excitement remains strong. The Corvette is evolving with clear intent, and the 2027 model year looks ready to strengthen its standing as a benchmark in its class. YouTube: @RickCorvetteConti View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Lineup in FluxTesla has been quietly adjusting its lineup, focusing on core models and axing its more expensive offerings. Supporting that idea is a recent report that Tesla is set to introduce a cheaper SUV in its lineup. This latest move feels familiar. After focusing on premium models, software features, and big promises about autonomy, Tesla seems to be returning to what it announced last year: building a more accessible, lower-priced EV. It’s not a new idea, and it’s not a surprise either. What’s different now is the timing. Demand has slowed, inventory is piling up, and Chinese brands are making a real impact. The real question isn’t just whether Tesla can make a cheaper car, but whether it can do so without losing the strong margins it’s relied on. Tesla What’s Reportedly on the TableAccording to Reuters, Tesla is working on a smaller, more affordable electric SUV, likely to slot below the Model Y. Sources say it could be built in China on a new platform, not just a basic version of an existing model. Suppliers are reportedly already involved, which means the groundwork has started. The aim is clear: make EVs more affordable, increase sales, and compete better in markets where price matters most, like China and Europe. There’s also pressure from recent numbers. Tesla built far more cars than it sold last quarter, showing a clear gap between supply and demand. Losing US EV tax incentives has also made its cars less attractive in important markets. The investors, however, appear divided about the idea. A cheaper model could help move more cars and keep factories busy, but it could also squeeze margins that are already feeling the pressure from discounts and lower-priced trims. In other words, solving one problem could just create a new one. Tesla We’ve Seen This BeforeIf this sounds familiar, it’s because Tesla has tried this before. Last year, the company signaled plans for a more affordable EV, widely associated with the so-called $25,000 project. That effort was eventually scrapped, with CEO Elon Musk suggesting that a conventional low-cost car didn’t align with Tesla’s long-term vision. Instead, Tesla rolled out cheaper versions of the Model 3 and Model Y by cutting features, not by rethinking the cars from the ground up. That helped a bit, but it didn’t really change the demand picture. That history makes it easy to be skeptical about the new reports. Building a smaller, more affordable SUV makes sense, especially for China. But there’s a risk it will just mean lower prices by cutting features, not by offering something truly new. Tesla’s real challenge isn’t making cars people want. It’s figuring out how low it can go on price without hurting its brand or its profits. This latest move shows Tesla might be ready to test that limit again. Tesla View the full article

A Fresh Start Riding on the PacificaThe refreshed Chrysler Pacifica, despite its not-so-extensive updates, carries more weight than it probably should. It’s currently the only model you can walk into a Chrysler showroom and buy, which makes this update less about staying competitive and more about simply staying present. That puts a lot of pressure on what is, at its core, a familiar formula. The tweaks – some exterior styling changes and sparse interior updates – feel incremental, but the role it plays is anything but small. New Chrysler CEO Matt McAlear appears confident in the Pacifica’s ability to carry the brand, at least in the short term. But even with that confidence, the bigger issue is hard to ignore. Chrysler needs more metal in its showrooms, and soon. Dealers see it the same way, and they’re starting to say it more openly. Adam Lynton/Autoblog Dealers Want Direction – And Something to SellAcross the retail network, patience is starting to wear thin. Chrysler dealers, many of whom still strongly identify with the brand despite being under the Stellantis umbrella, are looking for clarity. Murray Haukaas, a dealer council leader, summed it up simply to Automotive News: other Stellantis brands have a defined identity. Chrysler, at the moment, does not. That lack of direction is becoming harder to overlook in showrooms. Dealers say there’s still emotional weight behind the Chrysler name, and they believe customers would respond to a well-positioned product. The issue is that there isn’t enough product to begin with. Right now, the Pacifica is doing most of the heavy lifting. But relying on a single model limits foot traffic and long-term growth. Dealers aren’t just asking for a plan – they’re asking for something tangible they can sell in the near term. There’s also a sense that time matters. The longer Chrysler waits to define itself, the harder it becomes to stay relevant in a crowded market. Adam Lynton/Autoblog A New Sedan on the HorizonChrysler has been dropping hints about a new sedan. Details are scarce, but it sounds like this one won’t just be a copy of what’s come before. That might be on purpose. Sedans still have a place, but they need a strong identity to get noticed. If Chrysler wants to rebuild, a bold new sedan – maybe electric, definitely modern – could help change how people see the brand. The real test is whether Chrysler can actually deliver. Dealers have seen big promises before that never turned into real cars they could sell, and they’re not looking for another letdown. If the Pacifica is just the start, this new sedan has to be the main event. Dealers want a clear answer to what Chrysler stands for today, and this car could be it. Stellantis View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Conflict Cuts DemandFor all the trouble this Iran war has caused, most of the effects were felt at the fuel pumps. However, big businesses have also suffered setbacks because the Middle East is a key market with high demand. Nissan, despite all its struggles, has always done well in the Middle East. The Patrol full-size SUV is considered one of the best-selling cars in the region, loved by all, and even modified to various extents. The conflict has, of course, affected sales and, in Nissan's case, deliveries as well. Production BottleneckIt's been reported by Nikkei Asiathat 1,400 units of the Patrol originally bound for the Middle East have instead been diverted to another key market, the United States. This was done to free up the production bottleneck stemming from the demand drop. In America, the Patrol is sold as the Armada. Since the war broke out, exports of the Patrol to the Middle East have stopped, mainly due to the Strait of Hormuz's unstable status, a vital passage for much of the world's trade and commerce with the region. Production on Nissan's end has remained open, but because the war continued, storage of the finished models has filled up. This has affected the production of other Nissan models. These 1,400 vehicles are due to arrive in the U.S. sometime in April and May, with Nissan considering extending this stock diversion through June and possibly later into 2026 as well. The Patrol/Aramada is assembled at the company's subsidiary, Nissan Shatai Kyushu, in Japan's Fukuoka prefecture. Toyota Affecting the BunchThis issue isn't isolated to just Nissan; Toyota, which also has a best-seller in the region, the Land Cruiser, also cut Middle East production by around 40,000 cars during March and April. Subaru, meanwhile, has stopped exporting to the region flat out, with Mazda stopping production of Middle East spec cars. The Armada enjoys healthy sales in the U.S., while the Patrol in other markets also has some dedicated following. Diverting the stocks could help Nissan boost and spread global sales of the model. It's unclear whether the diverted Patrols will arrive in America with their original Patrol badges or if Nissan plans to rebadge them prior to arrival. Nissan View the full article

A Problem You Won’t Even NoticeA few days back, GM hit pause on Corvette C8 sales because of a rear turn signal issue – one so subtle that most owners would never spot it unless it happened to them. At first, it looked like a small-scale problem, affecting only about 3,300 cars. But that number didn’t stay small. According to the official recall document, the issue now stretches to nearly 33,000 cars – basically every recent mid-engine Corvette, from the 2025 and 2026 coupes and convertibles to the electrified E-Ray and even the rare ZR1X. For a car that stands alone in GM’s lineup, stopping sales on this scale is a big deal. What makes it trickier is that this isn’t a problem you’d spot in everyday driving, which is exactly why regulators take it seriously. Adam Lynton/Autoblog What’s the IssueThe culprit is buried in the rear lighting software. The car’s lighting control module sometimes misses when a rear turn signal goes out, so it doesn’t warn the driver. Of note, the issue wasn’t discovered through owner complaints; engineers actually caught it during internal testing. They noticed that the system remained quiet when a rear turn signal failed, prompting an investigation. According to the recall document, the trail points to a supplier’s software update from October 2024. It was supposed to help with tire pressure monitoring, but it accidentally messed with how the car spots lighting problems. In plain terms: if your rear turn signal quits and the car doesn’t tell you, drivers behind you won’t get the message – raising the risk of an accident. Affected models include: 2025–2026 Corvette Coupe and Convertible2025–2026 Corvette E-Ray (Coupe and Convertible)2026 Corvette ZR1X (Coupe and Convertible)Production spans from late 2024 up to early February 2026, just before the fix was implemented in manufacturing. And no, the newly introduced Corvette Grand Sport isn't part of the problematic batch. Chevrolet The Fix Is Relatively EasyIt’s important to point out what’s not wrong here. The turn signals themselves work just fine under normal conditions. The real issue is with the system that’s supposed to alert you if something goes wrong. So if a bulb or part fails, the car might not give you a heads-up, which is something safety rules require. GM’s fix is a software update for the lighting control module, so it can spot and report a failed rear turn signal as it should. If your Corvette has over-the-air updates, you might not even need to visit the dealer. For others, a quick trip to the service bay will do the trick. Corvettes built in February of this year already have the updated software. So while the recall numbers look dramatic, the fix is a behind-the-scenes update – appropriate for a problem that only pops up when something else fails. Chevrolet View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Autoblog spy photographers have discovered a fascinating feature of the upcoming Rolls-Royce electric SUV: it'll have a two-piece hood opening, evoking the coachbuilt classics that an electric SUV with a Spirit of Ecstasy mascot seems, on paper, so far from. Since Goodwood can't impress buyers with the cylinder count, Rolls-Royce will instead create spectacle with the body, as nothing else on the planet has such a setup. Sure, it'll be less practical than a regular hood opening, but when the bellhops extract your luggage outside the Four Seasons, even Bugatti owners will be forced to take a look. New Rolls-Royce SUV Will Win on Drama SH Proshots View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article With such a unique front end (which still incorporates a retractable and potentially illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy figurine to prevent customers from rioting), the Rolls-Royce electric SUV will surely beat the upcoming Bentley Barnato electric SUV for theater, and if you're going to buy a six-figure EV, it ought to feel special. Of course, while this particular hood opening has already been revealed in a patent, there's no guarantee that it will necessarily conceal the everyday Hermes bags of the owner. BMW/WIPO Like the Boat Tail, it's quite possible that this front storage area could be filled with whatever the customer decides: fitted luggage, glassware and beverages, picnic baskets, or anything else. In fact, that's a distinct possibility because of what Goodwood said two weeks ago, words which automotive historians of the future will take note of. Related: What Is the Most Expensive Rolls-Royce Ever Built? Rolls-Royce recently announced the Coachbuilt Collection, a series of ultra-exclusive creations for the highest echelons of its customer base, allowing the imaginations of the ultra-wealthy to run at their wildest, with effectively no limits on customization prospects. What makes this relevant here is that the automaker also said the first creation from this program will be electric. Of course, something with two doors based on the Spectre seems more predictable, and this prototype's Cullinan-like shape isn't all that amazing, but perhaps plenty of this vehicle's design is being well-hidden by the camouflage. Second RR EV Shares Spectre Underpinnings SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Reportedly built on the Architecture of Luxury platform that underpins every current Rolls-Royce product, but with new BMW EV technology (which likely means Rimac technology), this SUV is expected to be capable of close to 400 miles of range, if not a little more. That should be plenty for the well-heeled city dwellers this is aimed at, and they'll be able to wow onlookers with the two-piece opening hood hands-free, as this and the tailgate are expected to be voice-activated, among other things. With this hood now evident and most of the other bodywork looking finished, we expect more vinyl camouflage to be peeled off soon, with a reveal before the end of this year. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

F-Series TroublesFord's F-Series trucks aren't having such a great time at the moment. The first quarter of 2026 saw sales down by a substantial 16% compared to last year's figures, a worrisome figure for the nation's best-selling vehicle. Not helping matters were the successive fires at one of Ford's key suppliers for aluminum, Novelis, late last year. Novelis is instrumental in the F-Series supply chain, as it produces aluminum sheets for its beds. Its facility in New York caught fire three times in the span of two months, crippling supply and causing production disruptions. Getty Domino EffectWhen the fires broke out back in October and November last year, it was said that it would take months before Novelis' New York facility would be fully operational again. At the time of writing, the plant is still not at full capacity. Given the demand for F-Series trucks, Ford has had to source aluminum from abroad to keep up, but therein lies another problem. According to Reuters, imported aluminum is subject to a 50% tariff, and Novelis is tapping aluminum from its South Korean and European operations to fulfill orders. Because of that, every panel that Ford makes for its full-sized pickups is costing the company dearly. The Drive reports that it's costing the company about $900 million in additional obligations. It's why Ford has been requesting tariff relief from the government until Novelis' New York facility is at full capacity. The White House Says...According to The Wall Street Journal, Ford, along with other automakers affected by the Novelis fires, 'have not requested tariff relief on this matter in a particularly pronounced way.' That's either a PR way of saying no to the repeated requests, or the Government saying that the automakers aren't asking hard enough. In addition, Automotive World noted that the government had already done its part last year. Per the publication: "The White House informed companies it had already provided relief from other national security tariffs in 2025." Ford's heavy reliance on aluminum in building its full-size pickups makes it the most affected by the tariffs. The thing is, it's not the only automaker that's been blighted by the tariffs. General Motors and Stellantis are also major clients of Novelis, along with Toyota, Hyundai, and Volkswagen. With so many companies affected by the whole matter, one has to wonder what kind of appeal the companies have to make for the White House to move a finger. Either way, those tariffs will be passed on to the consumer. The war in Iran has also disrupted global aluminum production, so until there's a reprieve, expect supply chain issues and volatile prices. Ford View the full article

It's the end of the line for the Volkswagen ID.4 compact SUV in the US as the automaker has announced it is ending production of its only US-made EV at the Chattanooga plant in Tennessee this month. The automaker said in a press release that it is prioritizing production of high-demand vehicles in Chattanooga, noting that the all-new 2027 Atlas SUV will be made at the site starting this summer. “Volkswagen’s Chattanooga assembly plant will shift its primary focus to higher‑volume models that support sustained growth in North America. Central to this effort is the launch of the all‑new, second‑generation Atlas for model year 2027, which begins production this summer and will be available in dealerships this fall.” 2026 ID.4 Dealer Inventory Expected to Last Through 2027 VW Of course, the current generation Atlas is already being manufactured at the plant, so it’s not exactly a surprise that the next-gen model would also be built there. After all, the Atlas has ranked as Volkswagen’s second‑best‑selling model in the United States for the past three years. The more important part of the announcement regards the ID.4, which will no longer be assembled in Chattanooga starting this month. The automaker said this is a strategic decision and cited the unpredictability of the EV market as one of the reasons for the move, along with the need to free up production capacity for other products that are more in demand. “As part of the focus toward higher‑volume products that meet market demand, Volkswagen will no longer assemble the ID.4 in Chattanooga starting mid-April 2026,” the automaker said. Production of the ID.4 began at the Tennessee factory in 2022. VW noted that 2026MY ID.4 EVs will remain available to customers in the US through current inventory, which is expected to support customer demand into 2027. The company said a future version of ID.4 is currently planned for the North American market, but details will be shared at a later date. It’s not clear if the future ID.4 variant will be made in Chattanooga, though. Decision Follows a 62% Sales Decline in Q4 2025 VW Volkswagen ID.4 sales in the US for 2025 totaled 22,373 units, up 31.4% over 2024. However, sales saw a massive 62% decline in the fourth quarter as the cancellation of the EV federal tax credit severely reduced demand. The ID.4’s best year in the US was 2023, when a total of 37,789 units were sold, a substantial increase over 2022’s 20,511 units. Volkswagen said it is exploring pathways to introduce “potential new product intended specifically to meet U.S. consumer needs and in line with the new focus on high-volume vehicles.” However, the automaker was not more specific, noting that details will be announced as decisions are made. It’s probably a safe bet that the new product or products being considered for Chattanooga production are not all-electric given the US EV market downturn. Volkswagen said it has informed Chattanooga employees and the local union of the upcoming production strategy. Hourly workers currently supporting ID.4 production will be transferred to other positions within the plant based on seniority and in consultation with the local union. In addition, the automaker will offer a special early retirement program for eligible employees. View the full article

A Familiar Shape, But a Different PlaybookNissan previewed a new midsize SUV for China late last year, one that closely matches the Pathfinder in size. Now that the NX8 is official, it’s clear Nissan is taking a different approach compared to its global models. The NX8, developed by Dongfeng Nissan, joins the N Series, which focuses on electrification and advanced software. Buyers can choose between a full battery-electric version and a range-extended EV with a combustion engine for added flexibility. The range-extended version stands out, especially since most markets are moving toward either pure EVs or conventional hybrids. By offering this format, Nissan gives buyers more flexibility, which makes sense in a market as diverse as China, where charging infrastructure and driving needs can vary widely. Dongfeng Nissan Tech-Heavy, Range-Obsessed, and Built for ComfortLooking at the numbers, the NX8 is built to compete in China’s rapidly evolving EV market. The full-electric version can go up to 404 miles on a charge, while the range-extended model can cover up to 900 miles in total, including up to 193 miles on pure electric power alone. Charging speeds are also impressive. With an 800-volt system and 5C charging, the NX8 can add about 186 miles of range in around six minutes if conditions are right. That puts it among the fastest-charging vehicles available today. Inside, the NX8's cabin comes with two 15.6-inch screens running Nissan OS 2.0, powered by a Snapdragon processor. There’s also an augmented reality head-up display, an AI voice assistant, and a full set of convenience features included on every model. The NX8 offers rear seats that recline and come with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, along with Nissan’s so-called AI Zero Gravity Seats. There’s a built-in refrigerator that can both cool and warm, and a Pet Protection Mode designed to keep the cabin safe for pets left inside for short periods. The NX8's battery uses CATL cells and is monitored in real time through cloud systems. Driver assistance features, developed with Momenta, add semi-autonomous driving capability. Dongfeng Nissan Will You Ever See It in America?Short answer: don’t count on it. Like the N6 and N7 sedans, the NX8 is built specifically for China’s new-energy market, where buyers look for fast charging, advanced technology, and flexible powertrains. Nissan has already confirmed exports to markets outside the People’s Republic, but there’s no sign it will reach markets like the US. That last bit is a real challenge due to tariffs, but it's not impossible. It’s a missed opportunity, since Nissan’s approach here – combining fast charging, smart packaging, and practical features – shows more forward thinking than much of its current global lineup. At the very least, the NX8 demonstrates what Nissan can achieve when it focuses on innovation. The real question is whether this momentum will extend beyond China. China's MIIT View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

With the reveals of the iX3 crossover and i3 sedan out of the way, BMW is now preparing to go up a size with the iX5, or electric X5. Thanks to new spy shots from the Autoblog photographers, we now know that the most powerful version, tipped to get the M70 badge (not M60 as previously assumed), will have new rubber from Michelin, rubber that isn't yet available, even on the quickest supercars. The sidewalls reveal that the tires are Pilot Sport S 6, the latest evolution of the road-going range, and our photographers got close enough to see the measurements, too. The wheels are a massive 23 inches in diameter, and at the front, they're 295/35 tires, while the back tires measure a monstrous 315 millimeters across, with a 35 percent sidewall. Clearly, there's a lot of power to put down (and, as an EV, a lot of weight to deal with, too). New Electric BMW X5 Likely to Exceed 650 HP SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The PS S 5 rubber only launched in 2023, so this new G65 iX5 must be seriously monstrous to require a new compound, and the star on the sidewall indicates it's a BMW-specific variation. The i7 and iX M70 variants produce totals of 650 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque, but since this new iX5 is based on Neue Klasse architecture, it's likely to make even more. BMW's quad-motor electric powertrain is capable of over 1,340 hp, and given that the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo S EV makes up to 1,140 hp, and that this isn't a full-fat M product, it's quite likely that this will make well over 700 hp, leaving the range room to expand without feeling underpowered. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Among the other range fillers for the global market are expected to be diesel, gas, hydrogen, and plug-in hybrid variants, though America will likely only get gas, all-electric, and hybrid setups. We'll know more when the X5 debuts this summer for the 2027 model year, but until then, let's take a closer look at the design. 2027 BMW iX5: An iX3, But Bigger and Bolder SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Much like the iX3, the iX5 prototype in these images shows that the production vehicle will have a Vision Neue Klasse X-inspired design, with a "valley" running down the middle of the hood into narrow, vertically aligned kidney-style grille outlines. Either side of the illuminated kidney shapes will be the inner sides of a mask-like frontal signature, within which the headlights will be placed. Lower down, there's a central intake, and in profile, drilled brake rotors with large silver calipers will help slow the behemoth. Inserts on the lower sides of the doors will help add texture to the body and minimize damage from dings, while at the back, we see a sporty roof spoiler with two large fins. Related: The New BMW 7 Series Hits the Nürburgring for the First Time As at the front, the taillights will be separated by a recess in the bodywork, but these will be more contoured and more L-shaped for the iX5 than the iX3. A placeholder bumper hides the final form of the rear end, but renders give us a good idea of what to expect. And inside, BMW's Panoramic Vision iDrive X system will appear once more. Expect more details before long, as BMW has already begun teasing the iX5 Hydrogen. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Hyundai has officially launched its all-electric Ioniq brand in China with two concepts. The Venus sedan and Earth family SUV are set to pave the way for Hyundai Motor’s first steps into China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market. While Americans know Ioniq models as a range of EVs, including high-performance models like the Ioniq 6 N, the brand will represent a broader mobility ecosystem in China. These concepts—which have appeared just ahead of Auto China 2026—are unlikely to reach the U.S. at any point in the future, which is a pity, as their designs are a lot more futuristic and impactful than any Hyundai you can buy right now. Related: Hyundai Is Making a Massive New Bet on China With 20 New Models Emotionally Distinctive Venus and Earth EVs Hyundai Hyundai The two Ioniq concept cars are based around the ‘Lead, don’t follow’ ethos, and they more than live up to that. The names Venus and Earth were chosen specifically as part of a special naming convention for China, with all models set to be named after the planets. The Venus sedan concept is finished in Radiant Gold and doesn’t really look like a traditional three-box sedan at all. It has an almost MPV-like stance from the front, with a short but broad hood that seamlessly meets up with the wide windshield. A frame-structured roof and transparent spoiler are features that may not make it to production, but it sure looks the part of a concept. Inside, there’s a wrap-around cockpit with layered mood lighting, soft suede finishes, and chrome-gold seatback covers. A single widescreen display rests on the dashboard. Hyundai Hyundai The Earth SUV has a much more utilitarian look—it could be a relative of Tesla’s Cybertruck if you ask us. It’s finished in Aurora Shield, with lots of sharp edges, exposed bolt accents, and skid plates. The innovative ‘air-hug’ seats are made of soft air modules, and the seats can swivel to make ingress and egress easier. This concept has no B-pillar and rear coach-style doors, so there’s a massive opening to boost versatility. Hyundai did not share any technical details about the powertrains in these concepts. “Starting with the two concept cars unveiled today, we will continue to present products that reflect deep insight into Chinese customers and our genuine commitment to this market,” said Li Fenggang, President at Beijing Hyundai Motor Company. “Built on IONIQ’s uncompromising principles of world-class safety and quality, we will soon introduce production models that seamlessly combine the smart driving and smart cabin experiences that Chinese consumers demand.” Autoblog’s Take Hyundai The Chinese car market is the biggest and most influential in the world, so it comes as no surprise that Hyundai has launched a brand dedicated to meeting the preferences of customers in this region. Other examples include AUDI (a collaboration between Audi and SAIC motor) and SAIC Volkswagen (a joint venture between SAIC Motor and the Volkswagen Group). Launching the electric-only Ioniq brand is a smart move, since China is one of the leaders in transitioning to electric mobility, far outpacing the U.S. in EV sales and growth. The Ioniq sub-brand’s future technologies include advanced autonomous driving systems and extended range EVs, which could potentially filter down to Hyundai models in other markets. We don’t know when the first production Ioniq vehicles will launch, but they could prove influential for a new generation of Hyundais in the not-too-distant future. View the full article

The Storm Prediction Center has flagged four consecutive days of severe weather from Saturday, April 11 through Tuesday, April 14, across the south-central United States. Sunday is the day to worry about. Dallas, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Tulsa and Joplin are in the primary threat corridor for two to three of those days, with tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds exceeding 60 mph all on the table. If you are driving I-35, I-44, I-40 or I-20 between Texas and Missouri this weekend, you need to either have a plan or pick a different departure date. Four consecutive extended-range outlooks is not something the SPC does casually. At the Day 4-8 range, forecasters usually hedge because model confidence that far out is low. This time they are not hedging. The outlooks span all four days with what the SPC describes as a level of confidence seen only a couple of times per year. Model agreement is strong and the pattern driving the event is well-defined: a potent upper-level trough digging into the western U.S. this week, building a ridge over the East, then pushing a powerful surface frontal system through the Plains. Ahead of that front, moist southerly return flow from the Gulf will push surface dewpoints into the 60s across the southern and central Plains. That is textbook April severe weather fuel. The Weather Prediction Center's extended forecast discussion reads the same way: an amplified upper-level pattern this weekend into next week, a strong frontal system, heavy rainfall and severe weather potential across the south-central U.S. The SetupThe synoptic picture is not complicated. An upper-level trough currently over the western U.S. ejects east across the central states over the weekend, dragging a strong surface cold front through the Plains. Deep Gulf moisture streams north ahead of the front and supplies the instability. Each afternoon, as surface temperatures climb and the cap erodes, thunderstorms fire along and ahead of the boundary. The threat corridor shifts northeast each day: west Texas on Saturday, central Oklahoma and north Texas on Sunday, the Midwest by Monday and Tuesday. None of that is unusual for mid-April in the Plains. What is unusual is the duration. The same set of major interstates (I-35, I-44, I-40) runs directly through the highest-probability zone for two to three straight days. A single severe weather afternoon is one thing. Three in a row over the same highways is a different problem. NWS Norman already has a Marginal Risk posted for northern Oklahoma this Friday, the day before the main threat window opens. NWS Saturday, April 11: West TexasStrengthening mid-level southwesterly flow and a low-amplitude shortwave trough will generate scattered thunderstorms across west Texas during Saturday afternoon. Surface dewpoints in the 50s to 60s are already confirmed across Texas and Oklahoma, and a lee trough over the High Plains will serve as the primary focus for afternoon storm development. The SPC forecasts mixed-layer CAPE peaking near 1,000 J/kg with 0-6 km shear in the 30 to 40 knot range over the southern High Plains. Storm mode will likely be multicellular with straight hodographs, which favours hail and severe wind gusts over tornadoes. Highways at risk: I-20 from Midland-Odessa to Abilene, I-27 from Lubbock to Amarillo, US-84 and US-87 across the southern High Plains. Sunday, April 12: The Day That MattersThis is the day the SPC is watching most closely, and it is the day drivers need to take seriously. Strong moisture advection overnight Saturday pushes deep Gulf moisture across the Great Plains. By Sunday afternoon, moderate instability should be in place over much of the moist sector, and the updated Day 4-8 outlook issued April 9 has strengthened the language considerably. The greatest potential for severe storms will likely be in the southern and central Plains, with moderate deep-layer shear and steep lapse rates favourable for supercells with large hail and severe wind gusts. A 50 to 60 knot mid-level jet pushing through central and northeast Texas during the afternoon and evening would add a tornado threat on top of that. How far the jet penetrates and how quickly storms go linear will determine whether Sunday is a notable severe day or a genuinely bad one, but the conditional hedging from Tuesday's outlook is mostly gone now. The tornado risk is highest where the low-level jet intersects surface boundaries across central Oklahoma and north-central Texas, particularly if discrete supercells maintain rotation before storms consolidate into a line. NWS Norman and NWS Fort Worth will carry the local warnings for that zone. Photo by Anadolu on Getty Images The highway exposure on Sunday is the core concern: I-35 from Dallas through Oklahoma City to Wichita. This is the most exposed corridor in the entire event. A discrete supercell crossing I-35 in Oklahoma during the afternoon or evening can produce hail large enough to shatter windshields and wind strong enough to push a truck out of its lane.I-44 from Oklahoma City through Tulsa to Joplin, right where the warm-sector moisture is richest.I-40 from Oklahoma City toward Little Rock. Storms moving east off the dryline will cross this road repeatedly through the evening.I-30 from Dallas to Little Rock, the southern edge of the primary threat.I-20 across east Texas into Louisiana if storms propagate south.Monday, April 13: Northeast ShiftSame airmass, different geography. Moderate instability should be in place from north Texas northward into the upper Mississippi Valley by Monday afternoon, and storms are again expected with all hazards active: hail, damaging winds, tornadoes. The axis shifts northeast, which puts I-44 from Tulsa toward Springfield in the path, along with I-70 across Missouri, I-49 from Fort Smith through Joplin into Kansas City. The I-55 and I-64 corridors across the Mississippi Valley pick up secondary risk. If Sunday underperforms, Monday may not, and vice versa. The pattern supports both days. Tuesday, April 14Confidence is lower by Tuesday but the threat has not been dropped. The western U.S. trough is forecast to finally approach the southern Plains, where a moist and unstable airmass should still be in place. Some model solutions suggest a mid-level jet arriving Tuesday afternoon, which would create enough deep-layer shear to support supercells with large hail, severe gusts and tornadoes. Whether that actually happens depends on details that are hard to resolve at this range, and the spatial uncertainty is still considerable. But the outlooks are still up, which at Day 7 tells you something. If You Are DrivingThis is four days of afternoon and evening severe thunderstorms across a corridor that shifts from west Texas to the Midwest. There is no clean travel day in that window. There are only narrower gaps. Best option: leave Friday before the first storms develop, or wait until Wednesday. If you cannot do either, travel before noon local time. The strongest storms each day will peak in the afternoon and evening, which is also when most people are on the road, which is the whole problem. If storms catch you on the highway, get off at the nearest exit or gas station and wait. Do not drive into a wall of rain or hail. Supercell hail can exceed two inches in diameter, which is enough to total bodywork and blow out a windshield. If you see rotation or a funnel, get off the road immediately and into a sturdy building. If there is no building, a ditch or low area away from your vehicle. High-profile vehicles (trucks, SUVs, anything being towed) are at real risk from gusts over 60 mph. Driving one of those on I-35 or I-44 during active storms means accepting the possibility of a rollover. Rain rates in supercells can hit three inches per hour, which is enough to hydroplane even good tyres. Keep your phone charged. Keep NWS Wireless Emergency Alerts on. They push Tornado Warnings directly to your phone and they are the fastest public alert system available. Getty Images What To CarryIf you are driving through the threat corridor this weekend: full tank of fuel before you enter the affected area, portable phone charger, flashlight, water, food, blanket, first aid kit. Check your tyres before you leave. Worn tyres in heavy rain are a problem that compounds fast. When Forecasts Get SpecificEverything above is based on the Day 4-8 outlook issued April 9, which upgraded confidence from the previous day's version. The SPC will issue Day 1 and Day 2 outlooks with specific risk contours and probability areas starting Friday morning. Those are the products that include detailed tornado, hail and wind probabilities. Watch for upgrades from Slight Risk to Enhanced or Moderate Risk, especially for Sunday. NWS offices in Norman, Fort Worth and Wichita will issue Hazardous Weather Outlooks and eventually Watches as the event gets closer. View the full article

A powerful late-season winter storm is bearing down on the Sierra Nevada this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Winter Storm Warnings spanning every major mountain corridor from Lassen County to Sequoia National Park. Multiple NWS offices, including NWS Sacramento, NWS Reno, and NWS Hanford, are coordinating warnings as back-to-back upper-level lows push ashore from the Pacific, delivering moisture surges with precipitable water anomalies running 150 to 200 percent of normal according to the Weather Prediction Center. The system arrives Friday evening, and conditions will deteriorate rapidly through Saturday morning. Feet of Snow From Donner Pass to YosemiteThe heaviest accumulations are forecast for the Northern Sierra, where NWS Sacramento is calling for 1 to 2 feet of snow above 4,500 feet and up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks, including ski resort elevations near Donner Summit and Blue Canyon. Snow levels will start above pass level Friday afternoon before dropping to 6,000 to 7,000 feet late Friday, then plunging to 4,000 to 4,500 feet by late Saturday into Sunday, bringing 2 to 4 inches of accumulation to elevations as low as 4,000 feet. The Lake Tahoe Basin is expecting 6 to 10 inches at lake level and 12 to 28 inches above 7,000 feet and at Sierra passes. Further south, NWS Hanford warns the Yosemite region could see 1 to 4 feet above 7,000 feet, with visibility dropping below a quarter mile and conditions described as potentially life-threatening. 90 MPH Ridgetop Gusts and Whiteout ConditionsWind is the force multiplier in this storm. NWS Reno forecasts Sierra crest gusts reaching 90 MPH Saturday afternoon, with sustained gusts of 70 to 80 MPH along the crest in Mono County and 40 to 45 MPH at lower elevations and along US-395. These winds will combine with heavy snowfall to produce extended whiteout conditions across exposed passes, making I-80 over Donner Pass, US-50 over Echo Summit, CA-88 at Carson Pass, and CA-120 near Yosemite extremely dangerous. Chain controls are virtually certain once snow levels drop below 6,000 feet Saturday evening, and Caltrans may implement full closures over Donner Summit and other passes if snowfall rates and visibility deteriorate beyond manageable thresholds. Drivers can check conditions at QuickMap or by calling 511. Getty Images Record-Low Snowpack Adds to the RiskThis storm lands on a Sierra Nevada that has almost no snowpack left. California's April 1 measurement came in at just 18 percent of average, the second-lowest on record, with the Northern Sierra at a staggering 6 percent of normal after March finished as the state's warmest and driest month on record. The result is warm, bare pavement that will create a rapid melt-and-refreeze cycle as heavy, wet spring snow falls on surfaces that have been baking under above-normal temperatures for weeks. That cycle makes road surfaces especially unpredictable, particularly overnight and in early morning hours when treated roads refreeze. Staying Safe Behind the WheelLate-season Sierra storms are deceptive because many drivers have already stowed their winter gear. If you must cross the mountains this weekend, carry chains even if you drive an AWD vehicle; Caltrans R-3 chain controls require chains on all vehicles, no exceptions. Wet spring snow is heavier than midwinter powder and packs onto windshields and roofs quickly, so clear your entire vehicle before driving. Disable cruise control on any snow-covered surface and reduce speed before entering curves or highway ramps, not during. Keep an emergency kit in your trunk with a phone charger, blanket, water, and a small shovel. For a full breakdown on handling snow and ice at speed, review Autoblog's guide to best practices for winter driving. The safest move is to avoid any Sierra crossing between Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon entirely, then check Caltrans conditions before committing to a drive once crews have had time to clear and treat the passes. When It EndsSnow begins Friday evening and ramps up sharply by Saturday morning. The worst travel window runs from Saturday predawn through Sunday afternoon, with the most intense accumulations falling late Saturday morning into midday Sunday. Conditions should begin improving Sunday evening as the system exits east, but overnight refreezing will keep mountain roads hazardous into Monday morning. If your schedule allows, Monday midday offers the safest window for a Sierra crossing. View the full article

Great News for Mercedes-BenzJust a few days ago, it was reported that Mercedes-Benz is chasing volume yet again in a bid to rake in more cash after its previous strategy was blighted by tariffs. Well, it seems that the German automaker could potentially reach its annual sales target early because the redesigned CLA has become a massive hit in Europe. In just the first two months of 2026, the small luxury sedan had raked in 13,138 unit sales on the continent, firmly placing it in second place just behind the Audi A3. Making this achievement even more remarkable is that the total figures for the A3 include both hatch and sedan models. The CLA sales mix consists of the four-door and the rather niche Shooting Brake wagon. Mercedes-Benz Doing the Heavy LiftingAccording to Automotive News Europe, Mercedes-Benz sold so many CLAs in such a short period that it lifted the premium compact sales by a significant 13% over the same period in 2025. To put things into perspective, the model contributed to 22% of premium compact car sales in Europe. With 59,709 unit sales from January to February 2026, the segment had overtaken large premium SUV and midsize car sales on the continent. The CLA is also making good bank for Mercedes-Benz, too. Year-on-year sales jumped by a whopping 127% for the compact luxury car, a massive leap over its previous iteration. The European market had also embraced the electric version of the CLA, with the long-range version taking up over half of the model's sales during the aforementioned period. It also helped that the introduction of the hybrid model late last year further boosted its appeal. Mercedes Leading the ClassWhile the CLA is behind the A3, it did more than enough to put Mercedes-Benz at the top of the sales charts in the premium compact class. The A-Class saw 9,202 new registrations from January to February 2026, a 20% improvement in year-on-year sales, while the B-Class added another 1,417 unit sales (-39% YoY) to the company's tally. Add it all up, and that's 23,737 units, putting Mercedes-Benz ahead of BMW. In comparison, total sales of the Bavarian's premium compact offerings – comprising the 1 Series, 2 Series (Coupe and Gran Coupe), and 2 Series Active Tourer – amount to 16,892 units. The A3 did all the work for Audi in the premium compact class with a total of 16,768 units. With that, Mercedes-Benz gets a good chunk of the segment in Europe with a 39.75% market share. In comparison, BMW is at 28.29%, while Audi is not far behind at 28.08%. Should the upward trajectory of the CLA continue, it'll be the folks from Sindelfingen who have a lot of reasons to celebrate. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Under normal circumstances, civilians can’t buy military vehicles, especially not recent models that are still in service. But if you’re willing to bid generously, you’ll be able to get a 2026 Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility (ISV-U) built by GM Defense later this month. Going under the hammer at Barrett-Jackson’s The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions in Palm Beach, Florida on April 18, the one-of-a-kind ISV-U will raise money for charity, with 100% of the price to benefit the Medal of Honor Foundation in support of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s mission. The First-Ever Public Sale of an ISV-U GM Defense The auction will represent the first-ever public sale of an ISV-U, which was engineered to meet US Army and allied requirements. The ISV-U is a five-passenger, ultra-light tactical vehicle designed for high-speed, off-road mobility and demanding operational environments. Thanks to its open roll-cage design, expeditionary footprint, and extensive use of commercial-off-the-shelf components, the ISV-U can support a wide range of mission applications, offering modern military capability that is in use today by the US Army and other militaries worldwide. The five-seat layout and versatile cargo bed are designed to carry mission-critical loads for logistics, fire support, command and control, electronic warfare, counter-unmanned aircraft systems and reconnaissance roles. Built on the GM's midsize truck platform, the ISV-U is powered by a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Custom Livery Pays Homage the Medal of Honor and America's 250th Anniversary GM Defense The vehicle that will be auctioned off also carries a custom livery honoring the Medal of Honor, recognizing America’s 250th anniversary, and acknowledging the US Army units that use the Chevy Colorado-based ISV-U platform today. “Partnering with the Medal of Honor Foundation to offer this ISV-U at Barrett-Jackson is a powerful way to connect our mission-focused technology with a cause that honors the very best of American service,” said Steve duMont, president, GM Defense. GM Defense “This vehicle was designed to help soldiers accomplish their missions in the toughest conditions, and we’re proud that its first public sale will directly support the Foundation’s work to care for Recipients, preserve their stories and inspire future generations with the values embodied in the Medal of Honor.” All funds from the sale will directly support the Medal of Honor Foundation, which secures private support to care for living recipients and their families, preserve their stories and advance educational initiatives that support the foundation’s core value of courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism. View the full article