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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

Yet Another Special EditionWhen it comes to rolling out special edition models, Mini is one of the top automakers that can't stop making them one after another. We're still relatively fresh from the launch of the 1965 Victory Edition, but the British automaker has introduced yet another limited-run model. Exclusive to the U.S. market is the Red Line Edition, based on the Cooper S but featuring goodies from John Cooper Works models. It's an interesting addition to the Mini lineup, but you'll have to quick because it won't be around for long. Mini The JCW BitsFrom an aesthetic standpoint, the Red Line Edition gives the Cooper S a JCW-exclusive color: Legend Grey Metallic. Red stripes adorn the hood and tailgate, and the roof is finished in gloss black, and it gets the panoramic sunroof as standard. JCW-inspired aero enhancements come in the form of winglets on the front and rear bumper corners, along with a unique tailgate spoiler and JCW wheels. Inside, it gets more red highlights, namely on the steering wheel, seats, and center console. A checkered flag pattern is proudly displayed on the dashboard, and it gets the sportier digital displays. In essence, the Red Line Edition gets the JCW Style interior package for that racier look. Do note that this model is only offered on the four-door model. It's also worth noting that the four-door doesn't get the JCW treatment. With that, this is as close as it gets to a practical Cooper JCW and ideal for those who are allergic to the thought of getting a Countryman JCW. Mini Are There Performance Goodies?Well, not really. Power is standard Cooper S fare with its 2.0-liter turbo that makes 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. It does get the JCW Sport Transmission, so it has that going for it. The brakes have also been upgraded, although it wasn't mentioned if there are any tweaks to the suspension. So, how much for this limited edition Mini Cooper four-door? It can be yours for $43,365 plus a destination charge of $1,175. It's about $10,000 more than a base Cooper S four-door, but given its potential rarity and additional kit, the Red Line Edition will be worth it for Mini diehards. Mini View the full article

You may not know the name Hussein Al Attar, but you're almost certainly aware of some or all of the cars he's worked on during 14 years at the BMW Group and Designworks, and you're about to become even more familiar with his work because his new role is Design Director at GM Advanced Design's Pasadena Studio. That's the same studio responsible for the second of three Corvette concept cars revealed last year, so Al Attar will be helping shape the future of GM's cosmetic signature. Is he up to the task? His resume certainly indicates he is. GM's New Designer Has Worked for the Best in the Business BMW Australia Al Attar's past experience includes design internships at AMG, Audi, and BMW. He also did some freelance work before spending time with Mercedes-Benz, ultimately becoming the lead exterior designer at BMW. There, he was responsible for the simply gorgeous F87 BMW M2, turning a beautiful shape into something taut and aggressive. While that was certainly a high point, he didn't exclusively design pretty cars, and the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo he was in charge of is proof. It's almost inconceivable that the man who designed something as well-proportioned as the first-gen M2 could also be the man who penned the awkward 6 Series GT, but hey, he's not the one who decided such an unusual thing should be created in the first place. Another vehicle birthed under his design stewardship is the third-generation G06 BMW X6, which has evolved into something relatively good-looking over the years. BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article In 2019, he moved to BMW's advanced design studio in Los Angeles, Designworks, where he eventually became Director of Automotive Design, where he helped shape the BMW M Hybrid V8 LMDh racecar alongside Michael Scully. And as noted by BMW Blog, he was involved in the design of the elegant taillights on the G22 4 Series coupe. Autoblog's Take BMW GM has acquired a versatile and highly skilled designer with plenty of experience in European cosmetics that appeal to a global audience, including the U.S. market. He's capable of sculpting contemporary production vehicles and racecars alike, and at GM Advanced Design, he will likely be involved in conceptual exercises as well as helping to shape imminent arrivals, so he'll be comfortable, even as adapting to American design will place him outside his usual space. Could he help style the C9 Corvette? That remains to be seen, but whatever he does work on, we expect it to be good. We'll be watching closely. BMW View the full article

What Drivers Need to Know Right NowSeveral fires are burning across southern Florida, and the Florida Highway Patrol is actively monitoring I-75 for smoke. The most pressing threat for drivers is in Collier County, where the Hilux Fire is burning in Big Cypress National Preserve just north of I-75 and east of State Road 29. The fire, which ignited April 3 near Bear Island Campground, grew to 511 acres with zero percent containment as of this past weekend. According to the National Interagency Fire Center's April 8 situation report, the Hilux Fire is still showing moderate fire behavior with numerous structures threatened. Firefighters have 75 crew members on scene with four fire engines, five swamp buggies, nine utility terrain vehicles, one air tanker helicopter, two light helicopters, and two water tenders. The Collier County Sheriff's Office ordered evacuations at Bear Island, Gator Head, and Pink Jeep campgrounds. An area closure is in effect for all land north of I-75, west of Bundschu Grade, south of the Big Cypress boundary, and east of SR 29. A Temporary Flight Restriction is also in place over the fire area. The Hilux Fire is burning in the same corner of Big Cypress where the 35,027-acre "National Fire" burned from late February through mid-March. That blaze shut down Alligator Alley multiple times, including a full closure between Exit 80 (SR 29) in Collier County and Exit 23 (US 27) in Broward County. NWS Miami issued warnings that smoke combining with overnight fog could produce near-zero visibility, and several hundred people were evacuated from the surrounding area. Kristen Brown Other recent I-75 smoke events: April 2: An 80-acre brush fire near the Charlotte-Lee County line sent thick smoke across I-75 near mile marker 150, forcing a northbound lane closure during the afternoon rush.March: A wildfire in Columbia County affected visibility near mile marker 425 on I-75, with FHP setting up periodic detours at exits 423 and 427.February-March: The National Fire in Big Cypress triggered multiple I-75/Alligator Alley closures, Dense Smoke Advisories, and air quality alerts for Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Smoke drifted as far as Miami Beach.Beyond I-75, the Sargent Fire on the Florida-Georgia border burned roughly 2,700 acres with overnight road closures on Georgia Highway 94 / Florida Highway 2 due to smoke and fog. That fire reached 50 percent containment as of April 6, though the highway remains on an overnight closure schedule (closed 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.). Today, the NWS Weather Prediction Center flags critical fire weather concerns for the Florida panhandle and southeastern Georgia, and South Carolina has issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert effective this morning. Key corridors to watch: I-75 (Alligator Alley), mile markers 65-85, Collier County: Hilux Fire burning nearby; FHP monitoring. History of repeated shutdowns since February.SR 29 and US 41, Collier County: Direct smoke impacts from the Hilux Fire.I-75 near mile marker 150, Charlotte County: Site of April 2 smoke-related lane closure.I-75 / US 441 near Florida-Georgia border, Baker and Columbia counties: Sargent Fire area; overnight closures still in effect.Check the Florida 511 travel information system and the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map before departing. Conditions can change rapidly, especially overnight and in early morning hours when smoke settles. How to Drive Safely Through Wildfire SmokeDriving through wildfire smoke requires a different approach than driving in rain or fog. Smoke can shift direction suddenly, pool in low-lying areas, and drop from light haze to near-zero visibility in seconds. Florida Highway Patrol has repeatedly issued guidance to drivers this season, and the core advice applies every time conditions deteriorate. Use low-beam headlights, not high beams. High beams reflect off smoke particles and reduce your visibility further, the same way they behave in fog. Low beams light the road ahead without the blinding reflection. FHP specifically calls this out in every smoke advisory. Switch your ventilation to recirculate mode. This prevents outside air, and the fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke, from being pulled into your cabin through the fresh air intake. Most vehicles have a recirculate button on the climate controls, usually marked with an icon showing air circling inside the car. Keep the AC running to maintain positive cabin pressure. Increase your following distance significantly. Smoke density can change without warning, especially near terrain changes and in low-lying areas where it tends to collect. Florida's flat topography means smoke can blanket an entire stretch of highway with very little warning. The Ultimate Road Trip Gear Guide If you're planning a long-distance drive through Florida this spring, packing an emergency kit is essential. Our road trip gear guide covers the basics. When Will Conditions Improve?Not soon. Florida's Agriculture Commissioner has been blunt about the timeline: "The busiest part of the fire season is April, May, and June." The state's dry season typically doesn't end until late May or early June, when a pattern of daily afternoon thunderstorms establishes itself. For drivers making regular trips on I-75 through Southwest Florida, the best strategy is to assume smoke is possible on any trip and plan accordingly. Bookmark the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map and the Florida 511 system for real-time road conditions. View the full article

For years, American farmers couldn't fix their own tractors without going through a John Deere authorized dealer. The company had allegedly withheld diagnostic software, specialized tools, and repair manuals. Plaintiffs argued this "software lock" allowed Deere and its dealers to charge inflated prices. Now, after a four-year legal fight, Deere has agreed to pay $99 million to settle a class action lawsuit accusing it of monopolizing repair services. The fund covers farmers who paid authorized dealers for large equipment repairs going back to January 2018. This Isn't Just a Farming ProblemThe same dynamic is playing out in driveways across America. A viral complaint from a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N owner reignited the debate last year, with the driver alleging the company had blocked owners from performing basic brake work through software locks, proprietary tools, and corporate policies. Brake jobs, once the most basic of DIY tasks, are now gated behind dealer-only systems on some modern vehicles. As cars evolve into rolling computers, manufacturers have quietly accumulated enormous control over what happens after the point of sale. Hyundai Right to Repair Is Now a Courtroom BattlegroundFor John Deere specifically, the FTC has a separate active lawsuit seeking to force the company to give farmers and independent repair shops access to its fully functional Service Advisor repair tool — the same kind of access dealers have always had. The legal pressure is building across industries. The automotive, agricultural, and home appliance sectors are all watching closely, knowing that any court ruling formally condemning these practices could set a precedent with sweeping implications. Meanwhile, lawmakers in 16 states have introduced right-to-repair bills this year, with advocates suggesting some may impose even stricter requirements than the current settlement. For consumers, the bigger fight of who really owns a product after it’s paid for is only just getting started. View the full article

A Sign of the TimesIs the era of the simple car coming to an end, or is pushing the boundaries of software development the new normal? Either way, cars are relying more and more on programming, and there's no stopping that train whether we like it or not. BMW is well aware of this, to the point that BMW's development chief had declared that vehicle design is defined more by software than hardware. "In the past, platforms were largely defined by body styles and engine layouts. Today, digital functions and software are at the core of everything we do," said Joachim Post in an interview with Automobilwoche (via Automotive News). BMW Group China is Reshaping the IndustryWhile there is still a degree of skepticism, there's no denying that China has forced legacy automakers to rethink how cars are designed. The country is the world's biggest market, and everyone wants a slice of the big pie. Chinese automakers have prioritized software development, and their home market has accepted that as the norm. Anything that isn't up to par with homegrown products is quickly relegated to the back of the pie. That's why BMW is further doubling down on tech. Adapting software to local markets has become key to success in China, highlighting how quickly and flexibly manufacturers have to be to make an impact in that market. So far, BMW is keeping pace, as Automotive News reported that 'more than 70 percent of BMW's infotainment software is already tailored to local requirements.' The thing is, legacy automakers have to be way ahead of the curve if they want to stay competitive. Zeekr Neue Klasse is a Response to the Tech RevolutionThe iX3 and the recently unveiled i3 will be key to strengthening BMW's technology push in the coming years. At the center of all of this is the 'Heart of Joy,' a centralized control unit that combines powertrain, drivetrain, braking, and energy management into a single package. In theory, it reduces the need to add multiple electronic control units, streamlining and simplifying manufacturing while speeding up processing via the car's 'superbrain.' Of course, building the said 'superbrain' requires significant investment, and BMW has done so by employing thousands of software engineers worldwide. Per Automotive News, over 10,000 of those are currently working on the company's in-house cloud-based platform dubbed Codecraft. At the same time, BMW will continuously improve and enhance its current technologies and make them available to customers via over-the-air updates. There will be challenges, of course, as Post explained that delivering over-the-air updates reliably is a 'major hurdle.' "It's not that simple. Stability in series production is a real challenge - but that's exactly what we're good at," said the executive. Of course, BMW needs to sell a good number of its Neue Klasse models to push forward with its plans. But with the iX3 receiving a good amount of orders in Europe, the folks from Munich might just be able to achieve that. BMW View the full article

Tyler Reddick continues to lead the championship standings, 82 points ahead of Ryan Blaney. After taking a weekend off for Easter, the NASCAR Cup Series is back for Round 8 at Bristol Motor Speedway. They will be joined by the Craftsman Truck Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. In this story, you can find all the information you need to watch this weekend's action in Bristol, from the ...Keep readingView the full article

A Familiar Name, a Very Different FutureThe Volkswagen Touareg has always been a bit of an outlier in the brand’s lineup. It never tried to be flashy or chase a premium badge, but it quietly shared a lot with the Audi Q7. Same bones, less attention. Over time, the Touareg earned a reputation for doing things its own way. It came with some of Volkswagen’s most unusual engines – V10 TDI and W12 – yet it could handle rough roads and long highway drives without fuss. It towed well, cruised comfortably, and never felt out of place. That run is over. Volkswagen confirmed last year that the Touareg is retiring after more than twenty years, quietly closing the book on one of the brand’s more ambitious projects. But the story might not be finished yet. There’s talk of a comeback, though the next Touareg could be very different from the one enthusiasts know. Volkswagen An Electric Flagship in DisguiseAccording to Autocar, Volkswagen is looking at a new flagship SUV to fill the space left by the Touareg. Sales boss Martin Sander told the publication that the outgoing model wasn’t a big seller, but it did serve a certain kind of customer Volkswagen wants to keep. Those customers, as described by Sanders, "are very down-to-earth people who are affluent." Someone who wants space, quality, and presence, but doesn’t necessarily want to show up in something like a Porsche Macan. It’s a niche that sits between traditional mass-market and premium brands. If it happens, the replacement will still be a large SUV, but this time fully electric. It’s being considered as part of Volkswagen’s next batch of EVs, likely after the ID. Golf, and would use the new SSP platform. Like before, it could share tech with Audi and Porsche. The idea isn’t to make a flashy luxury SUV, but something that quietly does the job at the top of the range. Volkswagen A Touareg in Spirit, Not in FormThere’s still room for a vehicle like this. Budget EVs are improving, and premium brands keep moving upmarket, but there aren’t many options for buyers who want something in between – especially if they prefer their luxury on the quiet side. A new Touareg could slot right into that gap. It doesn’t need big engines now, but it does need to feel just as capable and effortless as before. Quiet performance, good range, and a premium feel – without the extra flash. The real question is what it will feel like. Without the old engines and with a new look, the next Touareg might just be a familiar name on a very different SUV. That isn’t a bad thing, but it does mean expectations will change. If Volkswagen gets the mix right, this could turn out to be one of its more interesting EVs. And if the Rivian partnership shapes the software and platform, there’s a real chance for something worth a closer look. It might not be the Touareg fans remember, but at least the idea isn’t gone for good. Volkswagen View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

EV discounts have been particularly aggressive in the U.S. in recent months, given cooling demand for fully electric models and the loss of the federal tax credit last year. For a relatively young brand like Polestar, the deals are even more attractive as the EV maker looks to grow its footprint in this market. This month, Polestar is offering mega incentives for its midsize SUV, the Polestar 3. If you’re a Tesla owner looking to switch to Polestar, you can put yourself in a position to save over $20,000 on a new Polestar 3 lease or purchase this April. Polestar Chases Tesla Owners Polestar The Tesla Conquest Bonus for the Polestar 3 is valued at $3,000. When combined with all other lease and purchase offers, along with additional incentives, it’s possible to save $21,000 on the 2025 Polestar 3 SUV in April. Eligible customers will need to provide proof of ownership or a current lease on any Tesla model. This should include U.S. registration or U.S. insurance documents with the VIN, name, address, and expiration date. Members of the same household can also qualify for the Tesla Conquest Bonus as long as the relevant documentation is presented. When combined with the $18,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Noncash Purchase Incentive, the saving amounts to $21,000. The Polestar 3 starts at $67,500 for the base Long Range Single Motor variant, so will cost only $46,500 with the full incentive. That puts the midsize SUV into the same price bracket as the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is impressive when you consider the Polestar is more of a Porsche Macan EV or Audi Q6 e-tron competitor. The top Polestar 3 Dual Motor with the Performance Pack costs $79,400, but will only be $58,400 with the discount. This model makes 517 horsepower and sprints to 60 in just 4.5 seconds. What’s It Like To Drive? Polestar In our first drive of the Polestar 3 Single Motor a year ago, we found the EV to be very enjoyable to drive and appreciated its comfortable ride. The charging speeds (up to 250 kW) and range (350 miles) are further advantages for this derivative. Moving inside, the interior is gorgeous to look at and to touch, but too many functions are baked into the touchscreen, and the menus are not as easy to sift through as they should be. Polestar’s campaign for the Tesla Conquest Bonus is quite cheeky, encouraging buyers to “choose better, not the status quo”. Based on our experience with the Polestar 3, it has a more upscale vibe about it than the average Tesla, but the touchscreen-based interface isn’t as easy to operate. Even so, with the Model X soon to be gone, Tesla doesn’t have a true midsize model to compete with the Polestar 3. Related: The U.S. Will Build the Polestar 3 for the World Final Thoughts Polestar Polestar’s massive April savings on its SUV may be an aggressive attempt to clear 2025 stock, but for anyone wanting an electric SUV of this size, it’s one of the best deals right now. If you own a Tesla and want to upgrade to something a bit more luxurious, you can save an additional $3,000, making it an even more enticing deal. The Polestar 3’s incentive is well-timed, too, as gas prices have climbed dramatically in recent weeks, driving renewed interest in EVs. If you can live with the sometimes frustrating infotainment system, this is a superb deal. View the full article

Chris Rice is facing a certain degree of cognitive dissonance over the topic of granting Chase for the Championship waivers to Truck Series drivers that have missed races. The president of Kaulig Racing says he has asked for a waiver to make Corey Lajoie eligible for the 10-driver championship. The inner conflict came when he was asked on SiriusXM's The Morning Drive about the potential of ...Keep readingView the full article

It seemed that tariffs would kill any chance of Kia's Tasman pickup reaching the U.S., and it still may not, but the Korean marque has just announced new plans for a body-on-frame midsize truck that will arrive before the end of the decade. At the automaker's annual investor day, CEO Ho Sung Song said that Kia is aiming for annual U.S. sales of 1.02 million vehicles and a 6.2 percent market share (across all model lines) by introducing a new line of electrified vehicles, which includes extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). Kia is venturing into a highly competitive space that includes the likes of the Toyota Tacoma, the Ford Ranger, and the Chevrolet Colorado, to name a few, but it most likely won't be doing all the work on its own. New Kia Pickup to Share Hyundai Bones with Hybrid Power Sebastian Cenizo/Ideogram Sister company Hyundai just announced its own plans to introduce a new midsize pickup that will take visual cues from the striking Boulder concept revealed at this year's New York International Auto Show, which seems to indicate that the incoming Kia truck won't necessarily be a restyled Tasman; it makes sense for Hyundai and Kia to work together using learnings from the Tasman and styling from the Boulder. Whatever the basis of this new pickup, both range-extender hybrid and all-electric powertrains will be offered, something Kia's CEO sees as "untapped" territory, reports Automotive News (subscription required). But it won't be untapped for long, and Kia is aware that it must be conservative with targets; Kia wants to sell 90,000 units of its new truck per year, and while that's a lofty target, the Toyota Tacoma, for example, shifted over 274,000 units last year. Related: Hyundai's Toyota Tacoma Rival Will Be More Rugged Than the Santa Cruz Overcoming brand stigmas and proving reliability in the demanding midsize truck space will be immense challenges, but as Ho Sung Song's comments indicate, if Kia can hit the nail on the head the first time it enters America's truck market, there's plenty of potential for growth. Kia Is Entering a Market That Will Get Competitive Fast Sebastian Cenizo/Ideogram Volkswagen-owned Scout Motors is set to introduce range-extender and all-electric versions of its new Traveler pickup and Terra SUV by the end of the decade, and the vast majority of its pre-order interest has been for the EREV powertrain. On a more mainstream front, the Ford F-150 Lightning is becoming an EREV, too, so while this area of the market may have room for exponential growth through today's lens, the landscape will be considerably more saturated by the time Kia's offering arrives. Along with off-road capability, towing capacity, styling, and interior room, Kia will need to be on par with or ahead of rivals in terms of range and interior tech. Can it meet the demands of American buyers? Well, Kia and Hyundai are both far more respected in the U.S. (and rightfully so) than they were just two short decades ago, and they have to start somewhere in the truck game if they want to be as revered as Toyota and its ilk two decades from now. Given how impressive Hyundai Motor Group's brands are and intend to be, we wouldn't bet against it becoming impossible for truck buyers to ignore them soon. Note: The images in this article are AI-generated renders and should not be considered official Kia concepts. View the full article

The Hyundai Tucson is getting ready for a major redesign for the 2027 model year, and recent spy shots and leaked images are offering clues as to what we should expect from the next-generation compact SUV. The transition from the fourth-generation model to the fifth-gen Tucson (codenamed NX5) will likely be as dramatic as the switch from the third-generation Tucson to the current version in 2020. At least that’s the vibe that next-generation Tucson pre-production prototypes recently spotted in South Korea are giving off. A Boxier, Santa Fe-Inspired Tucson Is Coming While Hyundai is keeping the essential parts of the design under wraps, there are elements that indicate the 2027 Tucson will be radically different from its predecessor. Those include the more rugged proportions, boxier chiseled body and rugged details inspired by the larger Santa Fe, such as the vertical front fascia, flatter clamshell hood, and the muscular, squared-off wheel arches. Based on the spy shots and leaked photos of the front and rear ends, The Korean Car Blog and Cochespias created a rendering that accurately depicts the 2027 Hyundai Tucson front end. As you can see, it has very little in common with the current model, ditching the “Sensous Sportiness” language in favor of the new “Art of Steel” visual identity, which also brings flush door handles. Cochespias.net The rendered 2027 Tucson gets vertical LED turn signals and low-mounted headlights, similar to the 2027 Palisade. There’s also a horizontal LED light bar spanning the entire width of the vehicle. The new “H-effect” front lightning signature replaces the “angel wing” DRLs of the outgoing Tucson. The rear end is expected to feature a full-width LED light bar uniting the slim, vertical taillights. However, the spy shots and leaked images do not offer a clear picture of the design, so you should take the rendering above with a grain of salt. A Hi-Tech Interior With Tesla-Style Interface Hyundai As far as the interior is concerned, the 2027 Hyundai Tucson is expected to be more hi-tech than ever before, reportedly adopting a twin-screen setup consisting of a massive 17-inch central touchscreen and a 9.9-inch digital cluster. The infotainment system is expected to run Hyundai Motor Group’s Android-based Pleos Connect operating system, which will feature a smartphone-like interface, an integrated app store and the “Gleo” AI assistant. The cockpit won’t be all screens, though, as Hyundai will still provide physical knobs for the multimedia system and essential climate functions. Hyundai hasn’t confirmed anything about the upcoming Tucson’s powertrain lineup, but the compact SUV is likely to continue with the assortment of turbocharged gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Expect the Tucson to get more EV range (a target of 62 miles) in PHEV guise and possibly an N performance variant with over 300 hp from an AWD turbo-hybrid setup. We’ll learn more about the 2027 Tucson as we get closer to its global debut in late 2026. View the full article

Honda’s American Lineup Will Start to Feel a PinchHonda was once promising a bold electric push, but the company has now slowed sharply in North America. With the move away from battery EVs, there’s a clear gap in the lineup. If you were hoping for a new Honda EV, you’ll be waiting much longer. Honda has canceled several planned EVs, and even the Prologue’s future is unclear. The real question is what’s coming next – or what isn’t. Reports say Honda won’t launch any significant new models in the US this year, and maybe not next year either. The next new model for the US is a refreshed CR-V, expected in 2027, but it looks like a minor update rather than a full redesign. That means Honda will rely on its current lineup – Civic, CR-V, Accord – with little new to offer in a crowded market. Honda Billions in Losses and a Development BottleneckIt’s not just about new models. Honda’s move away from EVs is costing the company a lot. According to Nikkei Asia, Honda may owe suppliers up to $10 billion due to canceled EV projects, plus additional losses from halted development and wasted investments. In fact, the company is bracing for a significant net loss – its first since going public – with total EV-related losses potentially reaching 2.5 trillion yen by 2027. That kind of hit naturally raises concerns about dividends, cash reserves, and long-term stability. Honda faces bigger structural problems. Its development process is slower than rivals like Toyota, partly because it doesn’t share parts as efficiently. The focus on EVs also pulled resources away from gasoline and hybrid models, even though those still account for most of Honda’s sales. Now, Honda is trying to regroup by reorganizing its R&D structure, spinning off its development arm to improve speed and creativity. There’s also talk of potential collaboration with Nissan in North America, though nothing concrete has materialized yet. Kristen Brown Standing Still in a Fast-Moving MarketThe main worry isn’t just the financial losses – it’s the lack of new products. In today’s market, going a year without updates can set a brand back. If that stretches to two or three years, the problem gets much bigger. With no new models, Honda is relying more on incentives to sell cars. In the US, the average incentive per vehicle is much higher than Toyota’s, suggesting that some models are aging. If this keeps up, profit margins will shrink for both dealers and Honda. There’s also a knock-on effect. Aging models are harder to sell without discounts, reducing profitability and, in turn, limiting investment in future development. It’s a cycle that’s difficult to break once it starts. Switching to hybrids might help Honda in the long run, but for now, the company risks losing ground. Competitors keep launching new models, and staying put isn’t an option. Honda’s larger vehicles may help for a while, but it’s not a long-term fix. 2026 looks like it will be a quiet year for Honda in America. Whether this pause becomes a reset or a setback depends on how fast Honda can bring new models to market. H View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Hendrick Motorsports has confirmed that Alex Bowman will be back behind the wheel of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for this weekend's NASCAR Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway. He has been battling symptoms of vertigo for the past month. The 32-year-old had to get out of the car mid-race at COTA, with Myatt Snider bringing the car to the checkered flag. After Anhony Alfredo filled ...Keep readingView the full article

Getting a car diagnosed has always been a bit of a lottery. A knock, a whine from somewhere under the hood, or a grinding that only appears when you brake at speed. You take it to the dealership, do your best to describe it, and the quality of what comes back depends almost entirely on who happens to be working that day. AutoSonix is hoping to change that. Their AI-powered device plugs into a car's OBD-II port, listens to the vehicle, and converts sounds into diagnostic data in real time, no guesswork. What's even better is that there's an app that offers similar diagnostics, too. Ford Why This Solves a Very Real ProblemThe inconsistency in dealership diagnostics has always come down to human experience. A seasoned technician with 20 years on the floor will catch something a junior tech simply won't. AutoSonix addresses this directly. The platform cross-references audio capture with live OBD-II data to flag issues across engines, transmissions, and other core systems, and it gets sharper with every assessment it runs. Every technician, regardless of experience level, gets the same objective starting point. The artificial intelligence also layers in predictive warranty analytics, helping dealers identify hidden mechanical risks before they become expensive claims, alongside trade-in valuations and cloud-based inventory management that gives a full picture of vehicle health in seconds rather than hours. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Version That Would Change EverythingThe dealership tool is genuinely useful. But the stripped-back smartphone app built on the same technology is something else entirely. Record a few seconds of audio near the engine bay, get an instant read on what's wrong, and decide whether it's worth a service visit before you've even picked up the phone. If you catch a problem early, you’ll know whether that sound is urgent or nothing to worry about. Or even skip the trip altogether if it turns out to be minor. Available on both Android and Apple platforms, the AutoSonix app could be a game-changer for at-home diagnostics. View the full article

Smart's Unorthodox PathSmart started out as a joint venture between Daimler-Benz and the makers of Swatch watches, SMH, resulting in the formation of Micro Compact Car AG in 1994. The first product of that partnership eventually resulted in the Smart City-Coupe that made its world premiere in 1998. It would later be called the ForTwo in 2002, and it was eventually joined by the Roadster and ForFour in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Despite initial success, the brand saw its fair share of struggles down the line. It was eventually passed on to Geely via another joint venture with Daimler to keep Smart going. So far, it's been proving fairly successful, although it's a relatively far cry from its microcar and subcompact roots. Smart even has a compact crossover these days, something unimaginable back then. Smart Going BigThe current Smart range consists of two subcompact crossovers and the aforementioned compact crossover. Its names are #1, #3, and #5, signifying the size and positioning of said vehicles. The #5 is the largest Smart vehicle made so far, measuring in at 185.2 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, 67.1 inches tall, and rides on a lengthy 114.2-inch wheelbase, which isn't that far off a FordCrown Victoria (114.7 inches). But coming soon is the #6, and it's something that no one expected Smart to ever build. Previewed late last year, the #6 is the brand's upcoming midsize sedan, and it's aimed at the likes of the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and a whole slew of midsize sedans from China. Dimensions? Based on available information, it's 193.1 inches long, 75.7 inches wide, 59.4 inches tall, and has a wheelbase of 115.2 inches long. To put that into perspective, a ForTwo will fit well within the #6's wheelbase with over a foot to spare, and the overall length of the sedan is about the same as two of those ForTwos. It's strange times we live in, but Smart isn't totally abandoning its roots. It'll soon introduce a successor to the ForTwo that'll be named the #2. Smart What the #6 OffersThe Smart #6 is based on the same architecture as the #5, which is also used by several Geely models. It boasts a plug-in hybrid powertrain, pairing a 1.5-liter turbo with a rear-mounted motor, claiming 429 horsepower and a range of up to 1,124 miles with a full charge and a full tank. Inside, there are three screens that will likely please the Chinese market. You won't find many buttons inside, a common trait among Chinese cars, and just about everything is controlled via the touchscreen. It also comes with a 20-speaker, 2000W Sennheiser audio system, though it's unclear whether that's standard across all potential trims of the car. A barrage of advanced driver assists is also to be expected. The price? That's yet to be disclosed, although we wouldn't be too surprised if it starts below $35,000. We'll learn more about it once it debuts publicly at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, which will be held from April 24 to May 3. Smart China's MIIT View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In the world of custom, one-off cars, you’ll typically find moneyed collectors paying exorbitant amounts for Rolls-Royces and Bentleys that will spend most of their lives garaged. So, it’s quite refreshing to find a one-off project for something a lot smaller, simpler, and driver-focused. The car in question is a Mini John Cooper Works Convertible, and a longtime Mini fan in the U.S. decided they wanted something more unique than what’s available from the factory. Mini Plant Oxford was tasked with bringing the customer’s vision to life, and the end result is one of the coolest and most unique drop-tops you’ll see. An NFL-Inspired Look Mini JCW Convertible One-Off Matthew I van Howell/Mini View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article The customer wanted this JCW Convertible to be themed according to their favorite U.S. football team, which is where the custom Midnight Black and Metallic Green two-tone exterior comes in. The colors were hand-sprayed and clear-coated, with a distinctive diagonal color split across the exterior that works well with the retro design cues of the latest Mini. On the soft-top, there’s a tonal Union Jack graphic. Moving inside, the same green colorway of the exterior is mirrored here. Over 50 details have been individually specified, including the green-trimmed speaker surround for the Harmon Kardon sound system, custom door armrest overlays, and personalized floor mats. The customer chose to apply “MINI.01” badging to this one-off creation, which appears on the sill plates and steering wheel. Mini JCW Convertible One-Off Matthew I van Howell/Mini View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article “Our owners see their MINI as more than just a car, and for many, it becomes a canvas for self-expression shaped into a true reflection of their personality,” said Kate Alini, Head of Marketing, Product, and Strategy, MINI USA. “This project gave us the opportunity to explore creating a unique custom-crafted MINI specific to customer preferences. With a vision this distinctive for a one-off car, it was exciting to see our customer’s vision come to life.” Being a JCW, this particular Mini is equipped with a 228-horsepower four-cylinder engine that can get it from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, half a second quicker than the Cooper S Convertible. Related: I Drove The Mini Cooper JCW Here's My Honest Review Autoblog’s Take Matthew I van Howell/Mini This one-of-a-kind Mini showcases the design expertise of Mini’s product and design teams. It also demonstrates that the level of customization typically reserved for high-end luxury cars could be replicated on smaller, more affordable models like the Mini. That being said, we’re sure this customer paid top dollar for this one-off Mini, which already costs $44,600 in standard form. With all the extras, we wouldn’t be surprised if the final cost exceeded $60,000 or more. That could buy you a genuine sports car, but for many, you can't put a price on a bespoke vehicle like this one. View the full article

In an ironic twist of fate, a Chinese SUV with looks that mimic premium British styling—particularly the Range Rover Evoque—has become the UK’s best-selling vehicle in March. The Jaecoo 7 compact SUV, built by Chinese automaker Chery, saw 10,064 registrations in Britain last month, overtaking the previous top-selling car, the Ford Puma subcompact crossover (9,193 units sold), and the Nissan Qashqai (8,718 units), a longtime favorite of British car buyers. From Zero to Hero in Only 14 Months Jaecoo UK This is a remarkable result for Chery’s brand Jaecoo, which only entered the UK market a little over a year ago in January 2025. According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 15,569 Jaecoo 7 SUVs were sold in the UK since the start of this year, putting it just behind the Ford Puma, which saw 16,128 registrations in the first quarter. Jaecoo UK Known as the “Temu Range Rover” because of its resemblance to the Range Rover Evoque and its 50% lower price, the Jaecoo 7 offers three available powertrains—gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid—and starts at £30,165 in the UK ($37,700 at the current exchange rate). It’s worth noting that 85% of all Jaecoo 7 sales in March were for the range-topping SHS-P plug-in hybrid variant, which offers an EV range of 56 miles. The Jaecoo 7 SHS-P starts at £35,175 ($47,220). Chinese Carmakers Nearing 10% Market Share in Europe Jaecoo UK “This result reflects not only the strength of the product, but also the commitment of our growing UK retail network and the confidence customers are placing in our brand,” said Gary Lan, the CEO of Jaecoo UK. “While we are relatively new to the market, our global Chery Group manufacturing base and extensive experience in vehicle exports have enabled us to adapt quickly to UK market needs and grow sustainably here,” he added. Jaecoo UK As Autocar points out, the Jaecoo 7 is not the only Chinese car that UK buyers are buying in large numbers. In the first quarter of 2026, SAIC Motor-owned MG had a market share of 3.88%, while BYD was not far behind. Chinese brands are growing their market share in Europe, reaching 8% of the total EU car market in February 2026. This should serve as a warning to European manufacturers as it shows that consumer loyalty to the established companies, badges and models in the region only goes so far, with the better deals offered by Chinese carmakers being more important for an increasing number of buyers. Jaecoo UK View the full article

Mitsubishi Sets Its Sights on the “Real” Land CruiserWe already know the Mitsubishi Pajero is returning. The name is confirmed, the comeback is locked in, and the timing is starting to look clearer. Current reports point to a global debut sometime in the third quarter of 2026, with order books opening shortly after and first deliveries trickling in toward December. It’s also clear where Mitsubishi is aiming. The new Pajero isn’t returning to blend in with the crowd. It’s being developed to go head-to-head with the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, which still sets the standard in markets where the Land Cruiser name means something. That’s not just speculation anymore. A Pajero prototype was recently spotted in Japan running side by side with a Land Cruiser 300 during testing. Automakers don’t set up these comparisons unless they’re serious. It’s a clear sign of who Mitsubishi is targeting. Toyota What the Sighting RevealsThe prototype sighting, published exclusively by Japan’s Best Car, was covered in heavy camouflage and running Okazaki plates. It doesn’t reveal everything, but the basics are there. The proportions point to a full-size SUV with real presence, likely built on a ladder frame from the latest Triton pickup, not on the Nissan Patrol platform. Compared to the Land Cruiser 300 running alongside it, the Pajero appears slightly lower in height but still carries a solid, upright presence. The design leans boxy, more squared-off than recent Mitsubishi SUVs, and notably skips the rear-mounted spare tire seen on older models. Underneath, it’s expected to use Mitsubishi’s Super Select II four-wheel-drive system – hardware that’s proven itself off-road (Mitsubishi Ralliart’s return in rallying). There’s also word of an upgraded eight-speed automatic replacing the Triton’s six-speed, which should help close the gap in refinement with Toyota. With the latest sighting, this isn’t just about bringing back a rugged nameplate. Mitsubishi looks set to move the Pajero upmarket, focusing on comfort and on-road manners as much as off-road ability. MitsubishiMotorsTV/YouTube Benchmarking Isn’t Just for ShowHaving experienced one of Mitsubishi Motors’ benchmarking sessions firsthand during my visit to Okazaki last year, it’s clear these comparisons aren’t symbolic exercises. Engineers push both the Destinator SUV and the benchmark vehicle to their limits, often well beyond what most drivers would consider reasonable. At one point, it got intense enough that I opted out of a final session. Riding shotgun in the competitor while both vehicles were being driven flat-out back-to-back wasn’t exactly reassuring. That background makes this Pajero sighting matter more. If Mitsubishi is benchmarking the new SUV against the Land Cruiser 300, it shows they’re not just chasing nostalgia. They know what they’re up against and are preparing for it. If Mitsubishi gets the mix right – durability, refinement, and the right tech – the new Pajero won’t just be another option. It could shake up the segment in a way we haven’t seen for a long time. Jacob Oliva View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The second-generation Toyota GR86 first went into production back in 2021, which means a successor can’t be too far off. Toyota’s most affordable sports car, the current GR86 shares a platform and engine with the equally fun Subaru BRZ. While concrete information about the next GR86 has been scarce until now, a Japanese publication called Best Car magazine recently shared new details about the next GR86’s powertrain. If you’re expecting a big boost in power, you may be disappointed—but the rumor suggests Toyota has worked hard to maintain the car’s simple, lightweight philosophy. Related: Which 2026 Toyota GR 86 Trim Level Is The Smart Buy? New 2.0-Liter Mild Hybrid Toyota According to information received by Best Car magazine, the next GR86 will have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system. Previous rumors suggested the GR86 may use the turbo three-cylinder engine from the GR Yaris, but a four-pot now looks likelier. The publication also shared a spec sheet for the 2028 GR86, which suggests the new engine has an output of 217 horsepower, which is actually a bit less than the 228 hp in the current model. However, the good news is that a curb weight of under 2,900 lbs is expected, just like the current car. This is the advantage of using a mild hybrid system, which doesn’t add as much weight as a normal hybrid. At under 170 inches in length, the upcoming GR86 will be only slightly longer than the current model, so the compact footprint that contributes to it being such an engaging sports car will still be intact. The spec sheet shown by the Japanese magazine suggests six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions will be available, with power going to the rear wheels. Related: 2026 Subaru BRZ Pricing Makes Toyota GR86 Look Like A Bargain What About The Mazda Collaboration? Mazda Last year, rumors suggested that Toyota was collaborating with Mazda on a new platform that would be shared between the next GR86 and MX-5. While that plan may still happen, it’s now understood it will only come to light for the fourth-gen GR86, not the third-gen model expected around 2028. It’s easy to see why such a collaboration makes sense. Both the MX-5 and GR86 are lightweight, uncomplicated sports cars. Toyota and Mazda already work together, with the CX-50 Hybrid adopting the same powertrain as the previous RAV4 Hybrid. Mazda is currently working on a new Miata, which it says will weigh around 2,200 lbs; this suggests that a hybrid powertrain won’t happen at all. However, Mazda is open to a hybrid for its iconic sports car if the tech doesn’t add too much weight. As for the next BRZ, it’s no longer expected to be closely related to the GR86. What It Means Toyota The latest information about the new GR86 is promising. A mild hybrid system modernizes the car’s powertrain but should not detract from its character. The specifications suggest the car will not grow much in size and its weight will be well below 3,000 lbs. It all points to a car that’s very much in keeping with the 86’s ethos of uncomplicated sports car fun. The new powertrain suggests the GR86 will still be quite affordable, too, which will keep some daylight between it and the next Supra, which may adopt a hybrid turbo-four powertrain. Toyota’s new junior sports car looks destined to keep at least one GR model attainable, which is great news for enthusiasts on a tighter budget. View the full article

A late-season winter storm is set to bury the Northern Sierra Nevada under feet of snow this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service in Sacramento to issue a Winter Storm Watch for the west slope and Western Plumas County above 4,500 feet. The heaviest impacts are expected from late Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. What to ExpectThe NWS is forecasting 12 to 24 inches of snow above 4,500 feet, with 36 to 48 inches possible at the highest peaks. Snow levels will start relatively high Friday night, around 6,000 to 7,000 feet, before dropping sharply to 4,000 to 4,500 feet by late Saturday into Sunday as colder air filters in behind the second, stronger low. Wind gusts up to 45 MPH will compound the snowfall, reducing visibility across exposed passes and ridgelines. The most intense accumulation window runs from Saturday morning through midday Sunday. Drivers on I-80 over Donner Pass, US-50 over Echo Summit, and routes including CA-88 at Carson Pass and CA-89 should anticipate chain controls and the possibility of full closures during the heaviest snowfall rates. Road ConditionsChain controls on I-80 are virtually certain once snow levels drop below 6,000 feet Saturday evening, and Caltrans may implement full closures over Donner Summit if snowfall rates and visibility deteriorate beyond manageable thresholds. Wet, heavy spring snow will pack onto road surfaces faster than midwinter powder, overwhelming plows during peak intensity. Secondary mountain roads will become impassable quickly. Caltrans recommends checking QuickMap or calling 511 before attempting any Sierra crossing this weekend. Winter Driving TipsLate-season Sierra storms catch drivers off guard because many have already removed winter gear from their vehicles. If you must cross the mountains this weekend, carry chains even if you drive an AWD vehicle; chain controls do not exempt AWD when Caltrans moves to R-3 restrictions. Heavy, wet spring snow reduces visibility faster than lighter midwinter powder, and it packs onto windshields and roofs quickly, so clear your entire vehicle before driving. Stock your trunk with an emergency kit including a phone charger, blanket, water, and a shovel. For a full breakdown on handling snow, ice, and rain behind the wheel, review Autoblog's guide to best practices for winter driving. The safest move is to delay any Sierra crossing until Sunday evening at the earliest, once the second low clears and Caltrans crews have time to treat and reopen passes. TimingSnow begins Friday evening and intensifies sharply Saturday morning. The worst window for travel runs from Saturday predawn through Sunday afternoon. Conditions should begin improving Sunday evening as the system pushes east, but overnight refreezing will keep mountain roads hazardous into Monday morning. If your schedule allows, hold off until Monday midday for the safest crossing. View the full article

In a Wednesday night legal filing, Spire Motorsports and co-owner Jeff Dickerson responded to Joe Gibbs Racing’s motion for expedited fact discovery with retorts that the Toyota flagship organization’s posture has devolved into a series of hypotheticals. “In a case that is supposed to be about JGR’s ‘crown jewels’ and ‘secret sauce,’ JGR’s primary focus in the preliminary ...Keep readingView the full article