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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

Overall, Chris Gabehart, through his legal counsel, is objecting to the latest expedited discovery motions made to the court from former employer Joe Gibbs Racing but also says he is making efforts to recover the deleted texts with Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson at the center of the latest legal wrangling. Big picture, the Gabehart legal team wants these latest series of motions denied because ...Keep readingView the full article

Bentley is exploring a limited-run off-road model while preparing its first electric vehicle and a next-generation Bentayga — a combination that reflects how significantly the British luxury brand's thinking has shifted in recent years. Speaking with Autoblog at the 2026 New York Auto Show, Bentley Americas CEO Mike Rocco outlined a strategy that looks quite different from the one the company was pursuing just a few years ago. "We're not on the same track that was announced four or five years ago, where we were going to be fully electrified by 2030," Rocco said. What's replaced it is something more nuanced: a lineup built around electrification, high-performance variants, and limited-production special models, with Bentley maintaining flexibility across all three rather than committing entirely to any one direction. Bentley Bentley Could Build A Limited-Run Off-Road ModelAs we reported in January, Bentley debuted the Bentayga X Concept at the FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria — a heavily modified Bentayga Speed built to gauge interest in a more capable off-road variant. Based on the Bentayga Speed's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 641 horsepower, the concept rides 2.1 inches higher and sits 4.7 inches wider than the standard car, with forged 22-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and around 12.2 inches of ground clearance. A roof rack, auxiliary lighting, and twin tow eyes completed the picture of something built to actually go places. Related: W12 is Dead, Long Live the V8: The New Bentayga Speed is Bentley's Fastest SUV Yet The response has been strong enough to keep the idea moving forward. Rocco made clear that dealer feedback had been unambiguous. "There's a lot of interest in it," he said, though he stopped short of confirming production. What's also clear is that if a production version does happen, it won't follow the same path as the Bentayga. Rather than a full model-line addition, Bentley is thinking small in volume and exclusive in character. "If we did it, it would probably be in the same vein as a Supersports with a limited run of production," Rocco explained. "It wouldn't be a full model — we would limit it." The implication is a collector-focused halo product, designed to extend the brand's image and demonstrate capability rather than contribute meaningfully to overall sales volume. Related: Bentley's Continental GT Supersports Is Rear-Drive Only, 657 HP, and the Lightest Bentley in 85 Years Bentley's First EV Arrives In 2027 — And It's Staying ElectricBentley's first electric vehicle is on a firm timeline, with a reveal planned for the second half of this year and sales beginning in 2027. The model — a smaller SUV positioned below the Bentayga and described internally as the Luxury Urban SUV — will ride on Volkswagen Group's PPE platform, the same architecture that underpins the Porsche Macan Electric and Audi Q6 e-tron. Prototypes are currently in testing. SH Proshots/Autoblog Bentley has made clear that the model will not spawn a combustion or plug-in hybrid variant — a contrast to some rivals that have pivoted back toward hybrid solutions in response to softening EV demand. For Bentley, the reasoning is partly strategic and partly technical, with the platform itself not designed to accommodate combustion power. The car is also positioned not as a replacement for existing models, but as an addition to the lineup aimed at attracting new customers. This will be a new Bentley that happens to be electric, aimed at buyers the brand doesn't currently reach. Rocco echoed that in New York: "We're not positioning it as an EV product — it's the next Bentley." The car will also introduce Bentley's next-generation design language, shaping the look of the brand going forward. On performance, the SUV is expected to deliver rapid charging capability and a balance of comfort and agility in line with Bentley's existing models. Bentley Next-Generation Bentayga Later This DecadeWhile attention is focused on the new EV, Bentley is also developing the next-generation Bentayga, though timing remains fluid. Rocco suggested it could come in around two years from now. Unlike the Luxury Urban SUV, the next Bentayga is expected to offer plug-in hybrid and internal combustion powertrains, keeping it accessible to buyers who aren't yet ready for a full switch to electric. Bentley is not expected to introduce a second EV before the end of the decade, meaning the new SUV will carry the brand's electric ambitions alone for several years. In the meantime, the company is also considering exclusive limited-run combustion-only models in response to continued demand for gas-powered cars — a signal that Bentley intends to serve that part of its audience rather than phase it out. Related: Bentley Marks 10 Years of the Bentayga With a New Special Edition Performance Remains Central To What Bentley IsRunning through all of this is a consistent emphasis on performance, which Bentley views as one of the clearest points of differentiation within the luxury segment. "We're the only luxury brand that can say we can do all of that — luxury, craftsmanship, bespoke, and performance," Rocco said. Recent models like the Supersports and Speed variants have reinforced that position, with demand proving strong. Adam Lynton/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article "The demand has been exceptional — the car is sold out," he noted. Performance-focused derivatives currently account for around 35 percent of Bentley's business when a full derivative strategy is in place, and the brand intends to lean further into that. "We want to shine a light on performance a bit more," Rocco said. Related: Bentley’s One-Off Travis Pastrana Supersports Looks Wild In Person Bentley View the full article

Mazda’s Upmarket PushMazda once occupied a similar space to brands like Toyota and Hyundai, but a number of changes gradually gave the brand a more premium feel. The introduction of Kodo design on the CX-5 in 2012 was one of them, though Mazda still isn’t on the same level as luxury brands like Lexus. Still, the Japanese marque is reinforcing its market position with a survey exploring what consumers today consider “premium” in a car. The survey, which polled 1,000 U.S. vehicle owners who purchased a car within the past five years, suggests that more buyers now associate premium with intuitive in-car technology, design, safety, generous space, and practicality rather than the status signaling of a brand badge. Mazda Rethinking PremiumThe results bolster Mazda’s case, given that its lineup delivers a near-luxury feel without the premium pricing. Looking at the numbers, 93% of respondents said they would rather own a vehicle with “more of what matters” to them than a more expensive one. That “more” was most commonly defined as space and practicality (40%), value and quality (36%), and advanced technology and connectivity, driving enjoyment, and performance capability (30% each). On the other hand, 7% of respondents said “more” refers to status or social recognition, while 19% said a brand’s badge elevates a vehicle above others. While many would love to own a Mercedes-Benz or a Porsche, the survey suggests more buyers today are making more considered choices – looking beyond the badge and evaluating a vehicle’s specs rather than relying solely on brand reputation to determine its worth. Mazda leaned into that idea with a strong statement of its own, saying that “modern luxury is practical, purposeful, and deeply personal – not performative.” Mazda Mazda Draws the LineOther notable findings include 76% of respondents saying a premium markup is not worth it, while 83% believe a mainstream vehicle with a premium feel is the smarter luxury choice. In fact, even with an extra $75,000 to spend, more respondents said they would rather save the money for financial security, although 46% still said they would put it toward a high-end car. Some recent developments that support Mazda’s broader narrative include earning more 2026 Top Safety Pick+ awards than any other brand and winning the 2026 World Car Design of the Year award with the 6e (or EZ-6 in China), an electrified sedan considered as a successor to the Mazda6 that is not currently sold in the U.S. Mazda View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Having joined the race to zero emissions, Mercedes-Benz, like other European carmakers, has committed itself to a fully electric future. As quickly as they all joined the race, though, it seems they are just as quickly easing themselves out of it. This is not because the environment is healing, but rather because even America’s best-selling EV manufacturer has dealerships full of unsold inventory. One could conclude, then, that while there is demand for EVs, the supply of EVs in the American market has already met this demand. For this reason, the new G-Class and S-Class, the latter of which will be in dealerships in 2027, have been confirmed as coming with the new V8 as well other ICE models, alongside EV variants of course due to the higher adoption rate of EVs in Europe and China, driven primarily by a policy push in the EU, and the Chinese Govt and auto industry’s investments into the EV Infrastructure respectively. Mercedes-Benz The New(ish) Mercedes-Benz V8Why has Mercedes announced a new V8 when it should be sending it off into the horizon? Simple, because its American customers are not ready to make the switch to EVs, and American sales make up over 15 percent of Mercedes sales across the globe. While China makes up for 30-35 percent of global sales, and its home market in Europe is committing to a fully electric future, Mercedes-AMG Board of Management Chairman, Michael Schiebe, says that the new flat-plane crank V8 engine continues to make sense for low-volume, high-performance vehicles. Mercedes has also announced a $7 billion investment into its Tuscaloosa, Alabama facility, aiming to produce core models such as the C-Class and E-Class here, primarily to minimize the loss in margins due to tariffs in one of their largest markets. Mercedes-Benz View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Are Big ICE Motors Making a Comeback? Mercedes-Benz Is this a larger signal from the industry? Can we expect to see big ICE motors making a comeback? Well, yes and no. Yes, it is a signal from the industry, consumers have conveyed their sentiment clearly - announcing that while firms were ready to only sell EVs, their customers weren’t ready to buy them. One could argue, though, that this new V8 could be the last hurrah of the Mercedes V8 meant to meet the upcoming revised European emissions regulations, and nothing more. However, Mercedes representatives have repeatedly hinted at ICE models being available well past 2030, as long as there is demand for them. Mercedes-Benz View the full article