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EV Strategy ResetSubaru expanded its U.S. electric vehicle lineup with the Uncharted and Trailseeker, which may be a welcome development for EV buyers, but the timing is difficult given Trump’s tariffs. The Japanese marque posted a ¥226.9 billion hit, or about $1.42 billion at current exchange rates, from tariffs alone, forcing it to make adjustments. According to Automotive News, one of those moves is delaying its in-house EV, which was expected to be built independently at Subaru’s Oizumi plant in Japan (scheduled to open around 2028), in favor of internal combustion and hybrid vehicles. That means the current EV lineup – the Solterra, Uncharted, and Trailseeker, all tied to Toyota platforms – will likely remain in the mix for a bit longer. Subaru Built On Toyota BonesThe Solterra and Trailseeker are essentially Subaru’s counterparts to the Toyota bZ and bZ Woodland, respectively, while the Uncharted is closely related to the C-HR+. Collaborating with Toyota likely allowed Subaru to enter the EV market more cost-effectively, avoiding the massive upfront cost of developing a dedicated EV platform alone. Subaru is also set to introduce a three-row EV, the Getaway, which is expected to share ties with Toyota’s electric Highlander, toward the end of 2026. While introducing an in-house EV brings several benefits, such as greater engineering independence, Subaru said it will continue monitoring market conditions, especially in the U.S., where tariffs continue to pressure automakers like Audi that rely heavily on imported vehicles. Aside from the aforementioned tariff hit, Subaru also took an additional ¥57.8 billion ($362 million) charge tied to EV-related write-downs and impairments. Subaru Playing The Long GameThe U.S. is considered Subaru’s biggest and most important market, so the automaker should continue making adjustments to protect profitability, even if that means significantly reducing resources allocated to EV models. In fiscal year 2025, 72% of Subaru’s worldwide sales came from the U.S. market. For the current fiscal year, the company expects operating profit to nearly quadruple to ¥150 billion, or about $939.5 million. Subaru recently saw a 50% increase in U.S. EV registrations in March 2026, though that growth was reportedly achieved with average incentives of $8,651 per vehicle – roughly $6,000 higher than the automaker’s overall average. That likely explains why shifting focus toward internal combustion and hybrid vehicles – segments that continue to perform well over EVs in the U.S. – appears to be the more practical move until market conditions improve and its in-house EV arrives. Other automakers that have doubled down on hybrids include Toyota and Hyundai, while Nissan is set to introduce its e-Power series hybrid system to American buyers. Subaru View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

GM Says Building 30 Chevy Bolts at a Time Makes Them BetterThe all-new Chevrolet Bolt has been getting attention recently for offering affordable EV ownership without feeling cheap. Early reviews have praised the hatchback for its refined ride quality, practical packaging, and solid interior execution. Features like GM’s latest infotainment system, improved range, roomy cargo area, and easy daily drivability have helped make the Bolt one of the more approachable EVs on the market today. GM managed to keep costs low without stripping away the features buyers actually care about, which is a rare balance in today’s increasingly expensive EV market. Now GM says maintaining that quality comes down to a surprisingly simple production strategy. At the General Motors Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, the automaker is building the 2027 Bolt in groups of 30 nearly identical vehicles at a time. Instead of mixing trims, colors, and configurations randomly across the assembly line, Fairfax sends batches of matching Bolt LT and Bolt RS models through production together. GM says the process helps workers stay focused on repeating the same tasks consistently while reducing mistakes and production complexity. Plant managers also say the strategy improves supplier coordination, saves floor space, and cuts paint shop downtime because equipment does not need to be cleaned as often between color changes. Chase Bierenkoven View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article GM’s Toyota-Inspired Production Strategy Is Paying OffFor years, General Motors has openly studied manufacturing methods pioneered by Toyota. The company has long tried to emulate Toyota’s reputation for efficiency and quality control. Much of that influence traces back to the NUMMI joint venture in California, where Toyota famously helped teach GM new production disciplines and lean manufacturing techniques. Those lessons continue to influence how GM approaches vehicle production today, especially as the company pushes for simpler, more repeatable manufacturing systems. The new batch-build system appears to be another step in that direction. GM says quality metrics at Fairfax are already improving through a process called Electrical First-Time Quality, or EFTQ, which measures whether vehicles pass major electrical inspections without requiring rework. The factory also uses “clone” body shells to keep production moving if a vehicle needs to be pulled from the line for inspection. The lessons learned from the Bolt program are expected to carry over to future products like the Chevrolet Equinox and an upcoming Buick compact SUV. Notably, the Equinox has already earned recognition from J.D. Power as one of the more dependable mainstream vehicles on sale today, showing that GM’s quality push may already be paying off. Chase Bierenkoven View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The 2027 Chevy Bolt Might Be The EV Buyers Actually NeedThe 2027 Chevrolet Bolt could not be arriving at a better time. New-vehicle prices continue to climb, and many buyers are struggling to justify the cost of modern EVs. The Bolt’s formula feels refreshingly straightforward. It delivers usable range, modern technology, and everyday practicality at a price point ordinary buyers can still realistically consider. What makes this story more interesting is that GM is not just chasing affordability. The company appears genuinely focused on improving build quality. Building 30 nearly identical vehicles in sequence might sound boring on the surface, but if it results in fewer defects and greater consistency, customers will absolutely notice it over time. For a product meant to bring EV ownership to the masses, getting the fundamentals right matters more than flashy gimmicks. Chase Bierenkoven View the full article

Fernando Alonso has added another ultra-rare machine to his already remarkable car collection, this time taking delivery of a one-of-one Pagani in Monaco. The two-time Formula 1 world champion was recently seen driving his Zonda Roadster Diamante Verde around the streets of the principality, grabbing attention with its exposed green-tinted carbon fiber bodywork and unmistakable V12 soundtrack. A One-Off 6-Speed Manual Zonda Instagram: @mechatronik and @alexpenfold Instagram: @mechatronik and @alexpenfold Instagram: @mechatronik and @alexpenfold Instagram: @mechatronik and @alexpenfold The car in question is a 2017 Pagani Zonda 760 Roadster Diamante Verde, powered by a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter Mercedes-AMG V12 producing 760 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. In classic hypercar fashion, power is sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. One of the Diamante Verde's key features is its hood, shared by the Zonda 760LM. Although Pagani moved on to newer models like the Huayra and Utopia years ago, demand for the Zonda has never slowed down. Limited production numbers, dramatic styling, and its old-school driving experience have helped cement the car as one of the most desirable hypercars ever built. Alonso’s $11.7 Million Monaco DeliveryFernando #Alonso & his new #Pagani Zonda Diamante. pic.twitter.com/5nHdTkx4wK — HyperCar™ (@metroTM33) May 6, 2026 The delivery was handled by Mechatronik, a German specialist known for dealing with some of the rarest performance cars in the world. The company shared the handover on social media, calling the Zonda “automotive royalty” and congratulating Alonso on adding another “unicorn” to his already enviable garage. Reports suggest the custom-built Pagani cost around €10 million ($11.7 million). Alonso’s Car Collection Continues To Grow Instagram: @mechatronik and @alexpenfold Instagram: @mechatronik and @alexpenfold Instagram: @mechatronik and @alexpenfold Instagram: @mechatronik and @alexpenfold Alonso’s passion for high-end performance cars has become almost as well-known as his Formula 1 career. Over the years, he has reportedly owned machines like the Ferrari Enzo, Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, Aston Martin Valkyrie, and Aston Martin DBX S. More recently, one of the 38 Aston Martin Valiants commissioned by Alonso sold for over $3.5 million, highlighting how closely his name is tied to some of the rarest modern performance cars. Even among that lineup, this dark green Zonda still stands out, more than two decades after its debut, due to how much of a driver's car it is. View the full article

Streamline and SimplifyThe Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG) didn't have the best start in the EV game. Some of its first mass-market EVs either failed to meet expectations of critics, consumers, or sales, or all three. Harsh and costly lessons were learned after that, and things might be looking up for Germany's largest automaker. However, that also means a lot of catching up to do, as well as putting out fires in sales, labor, and profitability. Right now, the group is tightening its belt but is actively implementing measures to simplify and streamline production and development processes across all companies under its wing. Volkswagen A New Modular EV PlatformVAG is set to roll out a new EV platform. Dubbed the SSP, it's short for Scalable Systems Platform. According to Automotive News Europe, the platform was delayed to ensure it could be used by most of the brands under VAG's wing. It's said to be used by future EV models from Audi, Cupra, Porsche, Seat, Skoda, and, of course, Volkswagen. Volkswagen chief financial officer Arno Antlitz further highlighted the importance of this platform. Automotive News Europe mentioned that VW will not be able to achieve EV profit margins at the same level as ICE vehicles until the first SSP-based models arrive. He was quoted as saying, "We have to sell more electric cars than the natural demand in Europe. Until this platform [SSP] arrives, we have to make trade-offs between BEV volumes and CO2 fines." It wasn't mentioned what size class SSP is primarily for, but since it's modular, it can go up or down by one class depending on the application. However, what is confirmed is the first brand that will use it. Surprisingly, it won't be Volkswagen, but rather, Audi. That means the initial success of the SSP architecture rests on Ingolstadt. No pressure. Audi Which Audi Model Will Get It First?Of course, company representatives didn't say which Audi model will utilize SSP first. However, the A2 e-tron might be a safe bet, as it's slated for a Fall 2026 reveal for the 2027 model year. VW CEO Thomas Schäfer then said Porsche will be the second brand to use the new platform. With that in mind, it suggests that SSP might be available with different drivetrain options. It's also possible that this platform could be used for compact or subcompact applications, as Audi and Porsche are already using the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture for larger models. Other models within VAG will follow suit, and there was mention of the ID. Golf is coming after the release of the SSP-based Audi and Porsche models. An electric version of the Skoda Octavia is also on the cards, while Cupra and Seat will eventually use the platform. By the looks of things, this is a similar strategy to the one VAG applied about 30 years ago with the PQ34 platform. Audi was the first recipient of the PQ34 platform with the first-generation A3. It then became the basis for the first modern-era Skoda Octavia, and after that, the MK4 Volkswagen Golf. Other derivative models were made, such as the Audi TT, Seat Leon, and VW New Beetle, to name a few. Audi View the full article

Two Dangerous Habits CollideA recent study published by the IIHS has revealed a troubling trend on American roads. The study, based on real-world telematics data received from insurance providers’ safe driving apps, has shown that speeding drivers are more likely to be using their cell phones, and that cell phone usage actually increases as speeds go up. These findings challenge the assumption that drivers tend to use their phones at lower speeds or in slow-moving traffic, demonstrating instead that the opposite behaviour was more common, especially on highways. Real-World DataRather than rely on volunteer groups and roadside observations for data, the IIHS study analysed information gathered by the telematics apps used by insurance companies to gauge how each person drives, so that they can adjust premiums accordingly. These apps track driving behaviour through smartphone sensors, gyroscopes, and GPS data, and record events such as hard acceleration, sudden braking, and phone use. The study covered nearly 600,000 trips across multiple regions in the United States, giving researchers a realistic look at driver behaviour. Getty What the Numbers SayThe study demonstrated a marked increase in phone handling that was more pronounced on higher-speed limited-access freeways than on surface streets. The data revealed a roughly 12 percent increase in phone use for every 5 mph over the speed limit on limited-access highways, with 70-mph-speed-limit stretches showing the strongest correlation between speeding and phone use. Conversely, when using surface streets and arterial roads, drivers demonstrated a smaller 3 percent increase in phone usage for every 5 mph over the speed limit. This is probably down to the fact that intersections, stop signs, and traffic lights force drivers to stay more engaged on these streets. Getty Images Risky Driving Habits Often Go TogetherResearchers have speculated that the overlap between speeding and phone use while driving may be down to risk-taking personalities simply being more likely to engage in both behaviours simultaneously. Traffic conditions may also play a role, with drivers feeling more comfortable reaching for their phones on open highways with lighter traffic and fewer interruptions. The findings of this study arrive as distracted driving continues to be a major road safety issue in the United States. Speeding and cellphone use have been shown to independently affect reaction times and increase crash severity; combining them creates an especially dangerous mix. View the full article

Rolls-Royce has unveiled one of its boldest Bespoke projects in recent years, commissioning renowned French contemporary artist Cyril Kongo to transform five Black Badge Cullinans into rolling artworks. Known as the Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo, the collection contrasts the dark, aggressive Black Badge SUV with bursts of colorful graffiti-inspired artwork. Rolls-Royce has a long history of collaborating with creatives on rare creations, but this may be one of its most beautiful creations yet. Kongo Joined Rolls-Royce’s Inner Circle Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce Rather than treating this as a simple design partnership, where Rolls builds the car and sends calls in Kongo for post-production details, the artist was directly involved in the Bespoke operation at Goodwood. For months, Kongo worked alongside the brand’s designers and engineers, even receiving his own dedicated studio space where he painted components by hand. Rolls-Royce Design Director Domagoj Dukec said Kongo’s “expressive, uncompromising style resonated perfectly with the spirit of Black Badge.” The project itself was curated through Rolls-Royce Private Offices in New York, Seoul, and Goodwood, where collectors reportedly showed growing interest in more daring and contemporary commissions. The Cabin Became A Hand-Painted “Kongoverse” Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce The biggest transformation happened inside. Kongo hand-painted the 19 veneered pieces, including the dashboard, center console, rear waterfall section, picnic tables, and of course, the famous Starlight Headliner. The artwork introduces planets, symbols, formulas, and abstract graphics inspired by what the artist calls the “Kongoverse.” The Starlight Headliner features 1,344 fiber-optic "stars" and eight shooting stars, but now includes a "final star" that stretches the full length of the roof, something Rolls-Royce says is a first. The cabin’s color layout is equally dramatic, split into four sections: Phoenix Red and Turchese in the front, and Forge Yellow and Mandarin in the back – the same color-coded formula applies to the lambswool carpets, too. A Surprisingly Subtle Exterior Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce Compared to the wild cabin, the exterior is relatively restrained. At first glance, these could almost pass as ordinary Cullinans. Each SUV wears a Blue Crystal Over Black finish that reveals blue tones under sunlight, while gradient coachlines fade between different colors along each side of the body. Rolls-Royce also fitted differently colored brake calipers behind the 23-inch wheels to match the interior accents. Kongo’s signature “tag” motif appears on the details too, like on the illuminated treadplates and hidden umbrellas. Unsurprisingly, all five examples have already been sold to collectors. Given Rolls-Royce’s famously expensive price tags, they were much more expensive than the 'ordinary' Cullinan Black Badge's $500,000 starting price. View the full article

Imminent LaunchNow that the BMW i3 has been revealed, it's only a matter of time before other derivatives of the EV are released. Of course, we're looking forward to the Touring, but there's a good chance of the electric M3 coming out first. Besides, BMW has been endlessly teasing it, and the car was even spied without camouflage not that long ago. Indeed, it has been confirmed that the M3 EV/iM3 will make its world premiere sometime in 2027. As we're approaching the halfway point of 2026, we might not have to wait too long for it. But as the launch date draws closer, BMW is giving the car its final bits of testing before the covers are finally taken off. SH Proshots/Autoblog Nürburging ShakedownPredictably, the car is undergoing further tests at the Nürburgring. In fact, a whole battalion of BMW test cars hit the 'Ring recently, including what seems to be a trio of electric M3s. Spotted by Carspotter Jeroen, we can see how it moves, and we must say it looks great. Mind you, we said looks great. Those who want more aural drama will be disappointed, as all you'll hear is the roar and squeal of tires. But if we judge it by how it behaves around corners, we can't help but be impressed. For something that will surely weigh over two tons, it appears light on its feet. We're aware that there will be certain opinions about the first pure-electric M car, especially from those who've already made up their minds before it's even out. Still, we say it pays to have an open mind about it, and we're actually looking forward to trying it out, mainly to satisfy our curiosity. But for those who'd still like to hear something out of it, the plug-in hybrid M3 is also underway. Bonus ClipThat said, we can't leave you hanging without mentioning the fuel-fed 3 Series. So far, BMW hasn't shown it, nor has the company even given a launch date for the car. Admittedly, we're excited about it, as it has more traditional proportions and, of course, a boosted straight-six for the M350. Carspotter Jeroen was also able to capture that car doing laps around the 'Ring, and we have to say, it sounds fantastic. If anything, it's pretty audible for a stock vehicle, but we're not complaining. Hopefully, BMW shows the ICE/PHEV 3 Series before the end of the year. In the meantime, listen to the video below. View the full article

Quietly WorkingPolestar is considered a niche brand in the EV landscape. While it isn't what one would call "premium," it also isn't a mass-market brand. It has survived under the radar and has actually thrived by being practical about its goals and development. 2025 was the brand's strongest sales year yet, and has caused them to reshift focus. We reported a few months ago that, due to a new strategy shift, Polestar announced it would delay the launch of the Polestar 6, its roadster/convertible model. Once again, the 6 is making headlines, and new details have just emerged. Polestar Not Dead Just AsleepCarsales reports that the Polestar 6 project is alive and kicking, but not considered a priority by the EV carmaker. The Chinese-Swedish carmakers are still adamant that they are more focused on the development and launch of more mass-market products, but the Global head of product communications, Graeme Lambert, told the Australian publication that too much work had already been done on the 6 for them to pull the plug. First announced as an "official" project in 2022, the 6 was supposed to be a high-end 2+2 convertible based on the brand's Polestar Performance Architecture (PPA), which was first introduced in the Polestar 5. The 6 has then been subsequently delayed in favor of the small-SUV 7 and the new 2 sedan. People involved in the 5 and 6 project are heavy hitters, recruited from notable brands like Lotus, Aston Martin, and McLaren. A working prototype of the 6 already exists, having done a showcase run up the hill at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Lambert says that viewing the 6 as a two-door 5 means a lot of the groundwork has already been laid. He notes that the entire front half of the 6 is the same as the 5, while the suspension and EV motors are already installed. Polestar More Work To DoDespite these statements from a notable brand executive, a lot of work still needs to be done in order to complete the 6 project for production. First, they need to finalize the design of the rear two seats and the complex folding hard-top system that will come standard. Looking ahead, another thing Polestar is considering before finalizing and eventually selling the 6 is the sales performance of the more affordable models. Lambert says the Polestar 7 SUV and 2 sedan need to help the company properly boost sales so they can explore new projects afterward. Polestar View the full article

If the already brilliant Honda Civic Type R isn't quite hardcore enough for you, Honda Racing Corporation will up the ante later this year, bringing components from the HRC Concept shown at Tokyo Auto Salon in January to dealerships around the world, including North America. Speaking at the Honda All Type R World Meeting 2026 in Motegi, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe said HRC is "developing the Civic Type R with the aim of further enhancing its potential as a base model by incorporating racing technologies such as those honed in Super Taikyu and aerodynamics from Super GT." He added that this will happen through aftermarket parts that will be available mainly in Japan and the U.S., reports local publication Car Watch. HRC Honda Civic Type R Upgrades to Arrive Later This Year Honda Watanabe did not give a clear indication of when the HRC upgrades would be available, but suggested they would arrive within a few months, saying, "We hope to deliver these as soon as possible." The upgrades shown on the HRC Concept included a new front fascia, widened and vented wheel arches, updated side skirts, a new rear wing, and a restyled rear diffuser housing the tips of an Akrapovič exhaust. There was also evidence of HRC-branded cooling upgrades. Perhaps the arrival of these parts will coincide with the Civic Type R updates confirmed earlier this year. It's also expected that some HRC upgrades will be available for the Acura Integra Type S before long. Related: Most Reliable Midsize SUVs: Honda Leads As Toyota Dominates The List The fact that elements of the HRC Concept will be made available as aftermarket parts means that one will not have to buy a special edition to get the upgrades they want, allowing existing owners to make their CTRs more exciting without affecting the factory warranty, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a special edition also being offered, potentially as a means of reclaiming Honda's FWD Nürburgring record from the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50. In 2021, Honda gave us the Civic Type R Limited Edition with less weight, and a similar offering could help put the spotlight on HRC's aftermarket improvements. Honda Has Started Work on the Next Civic HRC Honda has just revealed new concepts that preview the next Civic and the next Acura RDX, both of which will get hybrid power. Electrification alongside combustion is a big part of Honda's strategy for North America, with as many as 15 new hybrids planned. This comes after EVs turned out to be a mistake, contributing to Honda's first operating loss since 1957. Hopefully, updating the Civic, offering more performance upgrades via the dealership, and introducing new models with efficient powertrains will help the automaker turn things around. View the full article

Another One It might already be safe to assume that the rest of the industry will also issue service bulletins regarding the motor oil shortage. To recap, Toyota issued its own service bulletin to its dealers, which was sent out earlier in May. The reason for the shortage is the same here. The conflict in Iran has damaged some key facilities related to motor oil supply. The Drivemanaged to catch a Nissan service bulletin before it reached dealers, and it's pretty much the same story: Nissan is monitoring its oil supply for an impending oil shortage. If Toyota and Nissan are feeling the pinch, it's likely that more and more brands will follow or have already sent out their own announcements. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Subject: Important Sent under the subject: "Important Engine Oil Supply and Product Availability Changes." The document is dated May 1, 2026, but the source indicated that it hasn't been sent out just yet. Nissan announced to dealers that there will be a "reduced production capacity for most lubricant products." Following that, the brand gave several recommendations and largely cited the same reasons that Toyota did in its service bulletin. Nissan's supply allocation will be constrained to 55% Year over Year (YoY) based on its gallons purchased. This is alarming because dealers will only be able to purchase just a little over half their purchaseable volume compared to last year. This applies to all oils, including Mobil and Mobil 1 Nissan Genuine Oil. In a nutshell, the conflict in Iran is to blame for the impending shortage, with the brand citing raw materials, refining capacity, availability of key lubricant components, and an industry-wide shortage. The document also states that there will be a price adjustment due to reduced motor oil supply, so dealers should expect a price increase, and consumers can expect a price bump on their next service. Nissan is also cutting its oil allocations to just a little over half, effectively rationing what dealers consume year-on-year. Getty Images Solutions and FAQs While rationing is one of the solutions to the problem, Nissan U.S. stated in its announcement that it will seek supplemental sourcing options and will also explore sourcing Nissan Value Advantage lubricants. Apart from that, dealers will receive support if their stock runs low, and Nissan will prioritize critical cases. The brand even went so far as to mention that "these geopolitical supply issues are out of our control." Finally, there is no substitution clause in the bulletin, which states that dealers are required to use Genuine Oil or oil approved by Nissan and paid for by Nissan. In case things were a little unclear, there is a helpful FAQs section to smooth things over. I can see that the brand seems so done with this crisis already, but just like the rest of the industry, it has to power through. Dealers and their service clients can expect a price bump on oil changes soon, but Nissan says it's due to supplier price adjustments amid the current landscape. Now the question won't be whether oil changes are getting too expensive, but whether or not you will be able to get one at all from your service center. Getty View the full article

Practical FeaturesAutomotive companies are cramming as many features as they can inside each new model they sell. It has become the new barometer by which car buyers are deciding whether to buy a specific make and model. Brands are tailoring certain features to different aspects of the vehicle ownership experience; some address comfort and entertainment, while others address practical issues. GM has just announced a new mobile app that could be very useful for all its customers and owners. GM From Avoidance to AssistanceMost ADAS driving systems on cars in the market include a collision-avoidance feature. This is usually engaged by the car when it notices the driver is either distracted or when another motorist or pedestrian is in a dangerous proximity to the car. The car will alert the driver and, in some cases, apply the appropriate braking force to avoid a crash. GM is debuting a new feature to address the aftermath of a crash or accident. It is for the rare and unfortunate occasion when a GM owner gets into a crash and needs assistance with the next essential steps. It will roll out as a new feature in the GM vehicle mobile apps that owners already have; it will only be available in the U.S. market. This tool will help drivers properly begin the post-process of documentation, insurance claiming, and even finding a repair shop that uses GM-accredited repair processes. At Your Own PaceThe Collision Assistance system will also enable them to take photos of the accident and receive step-by-step, self-paced instructions to avoid numerous interrupting emergency calls. Crucially, it gives owners access to GM's Collision Repair Network, which includes dealerships and independent body shops. These shops use specialized equipment, perform pre- and post-repair scans, and adhere to GM's collision repair recommendations. According to GM, the NHTSA says, there are nearly 17,000 police-reported crashes in the U.S. every day. GM says many of those drivers need help making more informed decisions to reduce confusion after a crash. Noting that any accident is stressful for anyone, the system allows the owner to take the necessary steps when they feel like it, and to pause the process in the app and resume when ready. View the full article

Hyundai’s Growth Came With a CatchHyundai’s rise in the US has been nothing short of impressive. Over the past few years, the brand has rolled out new SUVs, EVs, and hybrids, steadily growing its lineup and pushing annual sales past 900,000 vehicles for 2025. That’s a huge leap from the 665,000 units it moved in 2017, and the company doesn’t plan to slow down. But as Hyundai’s showrooms fill up, the service side hasn’t kept pace. In fact, Hyundai has landed below the industry average in JD Power’s service satisfaction rankings every year since 2017. The issue is becoming harder to ignore as more owners complain about long wait times, delayed repairs, and difficulty getting answers about warranty coverage or parts availability. Hyundai Customers Are Growing Frustrated With Service DelaysA big part of the problem comes down to capacity. Dealers are seeing far more Hyundais roll in for service than they did ten years ago, but many shops never grew fast enough to handle the surge. Take the case of one Alabama owner, as chronicled by Automotive News: a 2024 Hyundai Palisade sat idle for months, just waiting on replacement rear shocks. Stories like this aren’t rare – online owner groups are full of similar complaints about backordered parts and repairs that drag on far longer than expected. Hyundai Motor America’s Michel Poirier, who oversees aftersales and customer experience, knows what’s happening. He points to the sheer number of engine replacements from warranty and recall campaigns as a major culprit. These jobs can tie up technicians and service bays for days, slowing everything else down. Poirier added that the ongoing technician shortage and Hyundai’s famously long warranties – which keep more cars coming back for covered repairs – are part of the problem, a recipe for bottlenecks that are now hitting owners where it hurts. Hyundai Hyundai Says a Major Fix Is Already UnderwayHyundai says it’s not standing still. According to Poirier, the company is rolling out several fixes aimed at cutting delays and making service more efficient across its dealer network. Hyundai now has about 150 mobile service vans on the road, handling everything from oil changes to software updates right at your doorstep. The company is also teaming up with dealers to boost shop efficiency, bring in more technicians, and ramp up training so techs can tackle today’s more complex vehicles faster. Dealerships are also adding more service bays as part of Hyundai’s updated facility program. Poirier expects these changes to start moving the needle on service satisfaction by 2028. For Hyundai, the real test is making sure the ownership experience finally catches up with the brand’s rapid growth. Hyundai View the full article

The Audi Concept C two-door sports car will arrive next year as an EV that sits somewhere between two discontinued vehicles, the TT and the R8, replacing neither of them. That leaves room for a halo supercar at the top of the lineup, and a recent interview with Audi Sport managing director Rolf Michl reveals that Ingolstadt is considering filling that void using the Lamborghini Temerario as a launching pad. Rumors about the R8's return are not new, with some claiming that a third-generation R8 will arrive in late 2027, but this is the most concrete indication yet, so we've created some renders to show what the new plug-in hybrid supercar could look like. Next Audi R8 Could Blend New and Old Styling ChatGPT/Sebastian Cenizo Our renders imagine the R8 with the same layout as the Temerario, but the styling is influenced by the Concept C. At the front, narrow horizontal headlights sit above vertical air intakes, framing a large, rectangular center grille, the outline of which we've illuminated. While the Concept C is exceptionally angular, and so is this R8 render, we've retained some of the second-gen R8's styling cues. The front arches curve sleekly into the door, which integrates a reinterpretation of the side blade that made the R8 instantly recognizable. Instead of this running to the roof, however, it extends only up to the shoulder line, and instead of the intake sitting ahead of the blade, it's now behind it. Related: Audi TT Restomod Brings Original 1995 Concept to Life The flowing rear arches lead into the rectangular rear end, where thin taillights stretch across the fascia, integrating an illuminated Audi logo. The engine cover is louvered to let heat escape from the twin-turbo V8, and because the large negative spaces on previous R8 supercars were such a hit, those have been added above a big rear diffuser that integrates a pair of rectangular exhaust tips. Y-spoked wheels finish off the look. But is a new R8 really likely, or are we just fantasizing? Temerario-based Audi R8 Could Happen ChatGPT/Sebastian Cenizo Michl acknowledged that the previous R8, which ended production in 2024, and the Huracán shared genes, adding that every car project benefits from synergies. The trick is to create "a definite character," he said, so that "emotional" cars like the R8 are more than just rebodied Lamborghinis. That unique character won't be a combustion-only powertrain, though, as Michl says that "to develop an engine just for a small volume doesn't make any sense" for Audi. The 10,000-rpm V8 in the Temerario is designed to meet regulations and requirements for at least two life cycles, so it seems like the perfect system for Audi to take advantage of, potentially with a unique approach to the electrification side of things. As for the reports claiming an R8 successor will arrive sometime next year, Michl neither confirmed nor denied them, saying, "Maybe it is another chapter of speculation." We'll just have to wait and see, but a new R8 seems more likely in 2027 than at any other time in the last two years. If it looks like our renders, we think it could be just as popular as the original. ChatGPT/Sebastian Cenizo Note: The images in this article are AI-generated renders and should not be considered official imagery of a new Audi R8 supercar. View the full article

The XT5 Isn’t Going Away Just YetThe current Cadillac XT5 has been around for quite a while, so much so that the rest of the midsize luxury SUV segment moved on to newer tech and bolder redesigns. Even after a 2020 facelift, it’s still running on the same basic formula. But Cadillac isn’t ready to close the book on the XT5. GM has already said the next-generation, combustion-powered XT5 will stick around for American buyers through at least 2027. That’s a surprise, especially since most expected Cadillac’s EV push to eventually edge the XT5 out of the lineup. China, though, might be showing us what’s next. Regulatory filings there just revealed a heavily updated XT5, and the headline isn’t just a new look. For the first time, the XT5 is set to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain. That’s a big shift, hinting that Cadillac is finally ready to give buyers a way to keep their gas engines while making fewer trips to the pump. China's MIIT A Plug-In Hybrid XT5 With LiDAR And Dual MotorsAccording to Chinese outlet Autohome, the upcoming Cadillac XT5 plug-in hybrid will keep much of the current SUV’s overall styling in its market while adding several notable upgrades. You still get Cadillac’s signature grille and split lighting, but the real story is the new roof-mounted LiDAR sensor. Add in extra sensors on the front fenders, and it looks like Cadillac is gearing up to offer a much more advanced driver assistance system than what’s on the current XT5. Size-wise, the Chinese XT5 is just over 192 inches long and 77 inches wide, staying right in the thick of the midsize luxury SUV crowd, lining up with the likes of the Lexus RX and BMW X5. Under the hood, the plug-in hybrid XT5 pairs a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine with electric motors at the front and rear. The numbers: 154 horsepower from the engine, 215 from the front motor, and 148 from the rear. It even supports V2L charging, so you can power devices directly from the SUV if needed. One detail you might miss: the visible dual exhausts are gone. The hybrid hides them completely, following the trend we’re seeing in many new electrified crossovers. China's MIIT View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Cadillac’s EV Success Isn’t Killing The XT5What makes this development more interesting is the timing. Cadillac has been seeing strong momentum with EVs like the Lyriq, and the brand recently crossed 100,000 EV sales globally as more luxury buyers shift away from Tesla and toward traditional premium automakers. Still, Cadillac isn’t ready to walk away from gas-powered SUVs. Internal memos confirm the XT5 will keep rolling out of Tennessee past 2026, with a new or refreshed model on deck for 2027. For Cadillac, keeping the XT5 around is probably the smart play for now. If the plug-in hybrid from China shapes what we get in the US, the next XT5 could be a very different SUV from the one that’s been quietly aging on showroom floors for years. Cadillac View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ram's Loudest Comeback?After electric vehicles took a major hit in 2025 amid shifting policies and slowing demand, automakers – particularly in the U.S. market – have started refocusing on enthusiast-favorite combustion models. Ram recently brought back the Ram 1500 TRX with an even more powerful 777-horsepower setup, though it appears that may be just the beginning of the brand’s renewed performance push. In an Instagram post, Ram shared a teaser video subtly previewing a new truck presented by UFC President Dana White while Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” plays in the background. No details were shared beyond a caption that read, “It’s on. And it’s about to get loud.” But given that the exterior and brake calipers appear to be finished in yellow, it could be a callback to the Rumble Bee, Ram’s old street-performance truck, and may hint at what this new model is. Asphalt Over DirtStreet trucks are primarily designed for on-road performance, unlike off-road-focused models such as the Ford F-150 Raptor R or Ram 1500 TRX. These trucks typically feature lowered suspension, muscle car-inspired styling, large-displacement engines, aggressive body kits, and loud exhaust systems. Today, street trucks are largely irrelevant, likely because pickups have become more expensive and buyers now expect more comfort, tech, and everyday usability. More stringent emissions regulations have also played a role, pushing automakers to focus on off-road performance trucks instead, which tend to appeal to a wider demographic. Against that backdrop, enthusiasts would likely appreciate it if Ram brought one back. If that happens, it could borrow the 1500 TRX’s 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8, which produces 777 horsepower and allows the truck to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Dana White/Instagram Return to FormBut then again, nothing has been confirmed as of this writing. Still, a new street truck could also bring a strong dose of nostalgia, given that the SRT-10 – a high-performance street truck from the 2000s powered by a Dodge Viper V10 – developed a massive cult following. That was during the era when Ram was still part of Dodge, before the two brands split in 2009, which allowed Dodge to focus more on performance cars. Whether that would create a ripple effect across the industry and push other automakers like Ford, which once had a famous street truck called the F-150 Lightning, not the EV but the SVT version based on the ninth-generation F-Series, to respond with their own is hard to say, but it is definitely interesting to think about. Dana White/Instagram View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A late-season Pacific storm is hammering the Western United States this weekend with a one-two punch: a few feet of snow piling up in the northern Rockies, and damaging wind gusts shutting down major highways from the California coast through the Mojave. Active National Weather Service alerts span nine states from Washington to Arizona. The NOAA Weather Prediction Center puts the chance of formal Winter Storm Warning criteria being met above 80 percent for parts of the Mountain West, and local NWS offices are expected to issue full warnings within hours. The Numbers That MatterUp to 20 inches of snow are forecast for the highest elevations of the Teton Range in Wyoming through Sunday night, per NWS Riverton. Wind gusts up to 70 mph are expected in the Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley in California from Sunday into Monday. Gusts to 60 mph are forecast on I-5 at Tejon Pass overnight Saturday into Sunday, per NWS LA/Oxnard. In total, nine Western states are under active snow or wind alerts from this single system: California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, and Washington. Roads You Should Think Twice AboutTonight and Sunday (the wind story): I-5 over Tejon Pass (the Grapevine) carries a High Wind Warning with 60 mph gusts overnight. This stretch is a chronic high-profile rollover zone even in normal conditions.US 395 through Owens Valley and Bishop is under the strongest active wind warning in the country right now, with gusts to 70 mph.I-10 at San Gorgonio Pass east of LA: 65 mph gusts forecast Sunday.I-15 across the Mojave between LA and Las Vegas: gusts of 55 to 60 mph Sunday.Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Hoover Dam area (AZ/NV/CA tri-state): High Wind Warning Sunday into Monday with 60 mph gusts.If you drive a tall vehicle (RV, box truck, anything with a roof rack), these are not the roads to push your luck this weekend. Sunday night through Tuesday (the snow story expanding): I-70 across the Colorado Rockies (Vail Pass, Eisenhower Tunnel) is squarely in the path of the heaviest snow. Chain laws and full closures are likely.I-80 across southern Wyoming is also exposed and routinely closes for spring storms.Canyon roads above Salt Lake City (Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood, Parley's) should be assumed to close.What's Already HappeningThis is not a forecast for next week: it is already underway. Snow showers are active right now in the Washington Cascades and Olympics, with NWS Seattle calling for 4 to 8 inches above 4,000 feet through Sunday morning. That covers Snoqualmie Pass on I-90, Stevens Pass on US 2, and White Pass on US 12. Glacier National Park and Montana's Rocky Mountain Front are under an NWS Great Falls advisory. Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the Tetons are getting hammered already, with up to 20 inches forecast at the highest elevations of the Teton Range. The High Wind Warnings on I-5, in the Antelope Valley, and across the Mojave were all issued late Friday and overnight Saturday by NWS LA/Oxnard and NWS Las Vegas. Getty Images Why the Winter Storm Warning Is ImminentThe WPC Winter Storm Outlook is what NWS offices watch as a heads-up that a formal Winter Storm Warning is coming. The highest category on its probability scale is purple, meaning a greater than 80 percent chance of warning criteria being met, and there are already two purple footprints on the map: one over western Montana and northwestern Wyoming for Sunday, and a much larger one over western Colorado and northern Utah for Monday into Tuesday. WPC's forecaster discussion states plainly that the trough "will bring a round of late season snow for the higher elevations of Colorado and Wyoming." Formal warnings from NWS Salt Lake City, Grand Junction, Boulder, and Riverton will arrive in a matter of hours. Driver Tips for the WeekendIf you drive a tall vehicle (RV, box truck, anything with a roof rack), reconsider I-5 over Tejon Pass, I-10 at San Gorgonio, and I-15 across the Mojave through Sunday. High-profile rollovers are the single most common wind-related crash type on these roads.Carry chains if you're crossing any Cascade or Rocky Mountain pass. Late-season storms catch most drivers in summer tires.Check your tire pressure before any mountain crossing. Pressure drops about 1 PSI for every 10°F of temperature drop, and a tire that left Denver at 70°F can sit 4 to 6 PSI low at 11,000 feet.Never use cruise control on snow, slush, or ice. Triple your normal following distance.Check live pass conditions before you leave. Caltrans QuickMap covers California; Colorado, Wyoming, and Washington each have their own state DOT live map at their respective .gov sites.The Silver LiningThe storm clears the West by Wednesday May 20, leaving the long Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25) mostly clear for high-country travel. Late-season ski areas (Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, Snowbird) get a major fresh powder dump just in time. This article will be updated as conditions evolve and as local NWS offices issue formal Winter Storm Warnings. View the full article

The animated conversation between Bubba Wallace and Christopher Bell after the NASCAR Cup Series race last weekend at Watkins Glen generated a lot of headlines but apparently none of them had it right. "You all had it figured out, but every single one of y'all motherfuckers were wrong," Wallace said with a laugh on Friday during a media availability at Dover International Speedway before ...Keep readingView the full article

In what felt like a throwback to a bygone era, the NASCAR Cup Series conducted a 90-minute practice session on Friday in advance of Sunday’s All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway. For drivers who were part of the sport prior to COVID-19, when the Sanctioning Body first started consolidating race weekends, Friday was a time capsule of sports. Chase Elliott was around back then and turned the ...Keep readingView the full article

Chase Elliott said it succinctly. “This feels like a normal weekend,” said the 2020 Cup Series champion during media availabilities for the All-Star Race at Dover on Friday afternoon. “It feels like a normal weekend. I would say this feels the least like an All-Star weekend that we’ve ever had in my career. “I don’t know if it’s just because I’m not used to having an ...Keep readingView the full article

A linear complex of strong-to-severe thunderstorms is set to roll across Iowa tonight, with the Storm Prediction Center placing much of the state under an Enhanced (Level 3 of 5) risk for damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. The threat begins late this afternoon, Friday May 15, 2026, and continues through the overnight hours. The Weather Prediction Center is separately flagging a 50 percent chance of rainfall exceeding 2 inches across much of Iowa. Peak Driving Danger WindowLate evening into the predawn hours, roughly 9 PM to 3 AM CDT, looks like the worst window for I-80 east-west traffic, with the linear complex aligning along a nearly stationary front and the rear-inflow jet driving the highest damaging-wind potential. What to ExpectActive window: Late this afternoon through early Saturday morning across IowaCategorical risk: SPC Enhanced (Level 3 of 5) across much of Iowa, with Slight risk extending south to the Oklahoma and Texas PanhandlesHeadline threats: Damaging straight-line winds, large hail, and a tornado threat along the warm side of the frontRainfall: 50 percent chance of more than 2 inches across much of Iowa, with isolated flash flood risk in northern Iowa per HRRR neighborhood probabilities Getty Images The setup is a nearly stationary front draped across the midsection of the country, with the warm sector ahead of it loaded with Gulf moisture. As the line organizes after sunset, expect a fast-moving QLCS (quasi-linear convective system) sweeping west to east across I-80. Road ConditionsI-80 traverses the entire state, so the exposure list is wide. Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Davenport will all see the line cross overnight, with I-35 through the Des Moines metro and I-380 between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City also in the path. Hydroplaning is the primary risk during the heaviest bands, and isolated urban flash flooding is possible in northern Iowa. Check 511ia.org for live conditions. Severe Storm Driving TipsA QLCS with embedded supercells is a tire-and-visibility problem. Confirm tread depth at or above 4/32 inch and inflate to door-jamb spec; underinflated tires hydroplane at lower speeds. Slow well below the posted limit during the heaviest cells, double your following distance, and turn on headlights any time wipers are running (Iowa law). If a tornado warning fires while you are driving, leave the vehicle for a sturdy structure or low ground, not an overpass. For more, see Autoblog's hail damage and severe storm vehicle prep and hydroplaning prevention guides, plus the NWS severe weather safety page. TimingThe Iowa Enhanced risk runs through tonight into Saturday morning. SPC has the next round flagged for Saturday night into Sunday morning across the northern Plains, and WPC's medium-range outlook calls for "multiple rounds of heavy rain and severe storms" across the Plains through next week, anchored by the same stationary front pattern. NWS Des Moines and NWS Quad Cities both have severe weather banners up through early next week. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

A late-season trough is set to dig into the Western U.S. next week, delivering heavy snow to the higher elevations of Colorado and Wyoming. The Weather Prediction Center's extended forecast discussion issued today, Friday May 15, 2026, flags Mon May 18 through Fri May 22 as the active window, citing "a strong trough over the Rockies" as the driver. NWS Boulder and Cheyenne have not yet issued operational Winter Storm products. Peak Driving Danger WindowTuesday night into Wednesday morning, May 19 and 20, looks like the worst window for I-70 mountain corridor traffic, with snow levels crashing below 9,000 feet as the trough's coldest air interacts with Pacific moisture over the Continental Divide. What to ExpectActive window: Mon May 18 through Fri May 22, 2026Geographic scope: Northern and southern Colorado mountains above roughly 9,000 feet, Wyoming's Snowy Range and Medicine Bow, and the Rocky Mountain National Park higher terrainHeadline threat: Heavy snow per WPC, with specific accumulation ranges pending from NWS Boulder and CheyenneSecondary threat: Strong cross-trough flow typically supports 35 to 55 mph gusts at exposed passesThis is the second major spring trough to target the Rockies this month, following the May 4-7 storm that produced isolated 30-inch totals near Estes Park and the Medicine Bow Range. The current setup is driven by an amplified upper-level pattern, with an anomalous ridge over the East Coast and the Rockies trough sharpening underneath it. Road ConditionsThe exposure list is familiar from earlier this month: I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass, US-40 over Berthoud Pass and Rabbit Ears, US-285 across Kenosha Pass, US-34 across Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park (which reopens in late May and is highly weather-dependent), and I-80 over the Summit between Cheyenne and Laramie. Wet pavement above 8,000 feet refreezes hard overnight in mid-May, and any traction law activation by CDOT will hit on short notice. Check COtrip.org before crossing the Divide. Winter Driving TipsLate-season Rocky Mountain snow is a tire problem first and a driver-discipline problem second. Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) tires are the minimum for elevation gain above 8,000 feet, with tread depth at or above 4/32 inch. Cold-soak pressure loss runs roughly 1 to 2 PSI per 10 degree drop, so a vehicle that left Denver at 70F may sit 4 to 6 PSI light at the summit. Triple your stopping distance on snowpack and never use cruise control on ice. For more, see Autoblog's best vehicles for snow and ice and snow and ice driving practices guides, plus CDOT's chain law page. TimingThe WPC active window opens 12Z Mon May 18 and runs through 12Z Fri May 22, 2026. NWS Boulder and Cheyenne are the offices to watch for Winter Storm Watch or Warning issuance over the weekend. Behind the trough, WPC's broader pattern shows a strong cold front pushing severe storms across the Plains and Midwest while an early-season East Coast heat wave builds simultaneously. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Kyle Busch found himself in a familiar spot in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on Friday, taking the checkered flag for the 69th time in his career. He now has five Truck Series wins at Dover, beating Ty Majeski and Layne Riggs in the end. Kaden Honeycutt finished fourth, Christopher Bell fifth, Brandon Jones sixth, Christian Eckes seventh, Corey LaJoie eighth, Jake Garcia, and Justin Haley ...Keep readingView the full article

A Modern Evo II with Proper Motorsport RootsWhen HWA pulled the covers off the EVO, it was hard not to take notice – especially if you grew up with posters of the 190E 2.5-16 Evo II on your wall. But this wasn’t just another retro restomod. HWA started with the familiar shape, then reworked almost everything beneath the surface using modern materials and lessons learned from decades in motorsport. With roots deep in Mercedes-AMG’s racing history in DTM and GT programs, HWA definitely knows how to build a track car. Now, the company is pushing things even further with the EVO R – a track-only special, and only 15 will exist. This isn’t just a road car with a roll cage. The EVO R is built for endurance racing and serious circuit work, landing just as HWA’s own EVO.R race cars get ready for the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours. HWA AG/Instagram Built for Track Days, Not Garage DisplaysUnder the skin, the EVO R is closely related to the Nürburgring race car, but HWA has tuned it so drivers of all skill levels can get comfortable behind the wheel. The front-mid-engine and transaxle layout gives it a balanced feel, and the six-way adjustable suspension – developed with KW and H&R – means you can dial it in for any track or driving style. Stopping power comes from AP Racing competition brakes, and the body gets even more upgrades over the already carbon-packed road car. Widened arches, a new hood with NACA ducts, polycarbonate windows, removable rear doors, and lightweight RONAL wheels all make the EVO R look even more like it belongs on a DTM grid. It’s still instantly recognizable as an Evo II, just turned up a notch. Inside, the cockpit features a movable pedal box and a custom full-carbon racing seat that accommodates a range of body types. Safety is covered too, with a reinforced monocoque, FIA-approved roll cage, and a racing fuel cell. HWA didn’t forget the details that matter during long stints. Buyers can add things like a built-in four-airjack system, a drinks setup, air conditioning, a passenger seat, and a full lighting package for 24-hour events or night sessions. HWA Nürburgring Racing Doubles as Development WorkPower comes from HWA’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, now tuned for about 552 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque. The engine is managed by a Bosch Motorsport ECU, and shifting is handled by a six-speed sequential gearbox. Each EVO R is built to order, with buyers able to choose from several option packs – including endurance-racing kits. Owners also get access to HWA’s support program, which covers technical help, spare parts, and even trackside assistance. HWA’s Nürburgring effort isn’t just about chasing trophies. The three EVO.R race cars running in the SP-X class at the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours will use the race as a real-world test for durability and development. And since the Nordschleife is famous for punishing weak points, if anything’s going to break, it’ll happen here. HWA AG/Instagram View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Chevy Tahoe Rampage Caught On VideoA chaotic scene unfolded at the intersection of Harwin Drive and Hillcroft Avenue in Houston after a driver in a Chevrolet Tahoe allegedly rammed multiple vehicles in broad daylight. Viral footage captured the damaged SUV accelerating forward and backward through traffic while steam poured from its crushed front end. Several bystanders were forced to jump out of the way as the Tahoe barreled through immobilized cars at the busy intersection. According to ABC13 Houston, one of the vehicles struck during the incident was a Houston Police Department patrol vehicle. Police radio traffic reportedly captured an officer calling for additional units after being hit by the suspect vehicle. Witnesses initially thought the incident could have been a police chase or a driver running a red light. Video later showed officers taking 33-year-old Robert Lee Scott into custody. Authorities charged him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault of a public servant. Safety Tech Keeps Advancing Despite Violent CrashThe Houston incident has also reignited discussions surrounding modern vehicle safety technology and driver behavior. Automakers continue to invest heavily in crash-prevention systems that are becoming increasingly sophisticated. General Motors recently stated that some of its advanced safety technologies can reduce certain types of crashes by as much as 86 percent. Meanwhile, Ford is developing crash avoidance technology capable of intervening even while a vehicle is parked. At the same time, safety performance standards continue to rise across the industry. Hyundai and Kia recently outperformed several major rivals in some of the toughest crash safety evaluations conducted to date. The growing capabilities of these systems show how far modern vehicles have evolved in protecting occupants and preventing accidents before they happen. ABC13 HOUSTON View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Safety Tech Can’t Stop Bad IntentModern vehicles are safer than ever for occupants. There is little debate about that. Advanced driver assistance systems, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and crash mitigation technology have saved lives and reduced collision severity across the industry. The problem is that technology can only do so much when a driver behaves unpredictably or intentionally weaponizes a vehicle. That concern becomes more relevant as vehicles grow increasingly automated and dependent on electronic driver aids. Advanced safety systems can help prevent collisions and reduce crash severity, but they can also create a false sense of security for some motorists. Videos like the Houston Tahoe rampage show how quickly chaos unfolds once human judgment breaks down completely. Technology can minimize accidents in normal driving conditions, but it cannot fully compensate for reckless intent, panic, or criminal behavior behind the wheel. ABC13 HOUSTON View the full article

Capricorn and Zagato’s Analog Hypercar Takes a Different TurnMost new hypercars are packed with hybrid tech, screens everywhere, and more computers than you’ll ever need. The Capricorn 01 Zagato does the opposite. Built by Capricorn Group with Zagato, it’s all about old-school driving feel instead of digital overload. Capricorn isn’t new to motorsport. They’ve worked on everything from Porsche’s LMP1 cars to Volkswagen’s WRC program, Peugeot’s Dakar trucks, and even F1 teams like Lotus and Caterham. The 01 Zagato is the company’s first road-going hypercar, and it’s built to be light and intentionally analog. Now there’s a new version called the Tutto Rosso, set to debut at the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. This isn’t just a special paint job on a prototype. It’s a customer-commissioned one-off where nearly every part of the car is red. Capricorn says the idea comes from classic 1930s Zagato-bodied Italian endurance racers, especially those all-red Alfa Romeos that helped define the brand’s racing history. Capricorn Nearly Everything on the Car Is RedThe Tutto Rosso isn’t just about red paint. Capricorn says about 95% of what you see is finished in the same deep red, from the body panels to the cockpit and interior trim. Only a few parts, like the pedals and the exposed shift gate, are left in a different finish. That choice made things tricky for the engineers. Capricorn builds about 85% of the car in-house, so they had to rethink materials and how they put the car together. The hardest part was making a red-tinted exposed carbon fiber monocoque that still looked right and stayed as strong as a proper hypercar chassis should. Inside, it’s the same story. Red Connolly leather and Alcantara cover almost everything, so the cabin feels more like a concept than a regular hypercar. Still, Capricorn says this Tutto Rosso is a working development car, with extra technical tweaks compared to the earlier green and yellow prototypes. Capricorn Manual Gearbox, Supercharged V8, and Only 19 CarsUnder all that red, the hardware is the same as before. There’s a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 based on Ford’s design, tuned to make over 888 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, spinning up to 9,000 rpm. Instead of a dual-clutch or hybrid setup, Capricorn went with a five-speed dogleg manual that drives only the rear wheels. The car uses a full carbon structure, pushrod suspension with Bilstein dampers, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and weighs in at under 2,700 pounds dry. It’ll do 0-62 mph in under three seconds and tops out around 224 mph. Production remains capped at just 19 coupes globally, a nod to Zagato’s 1919 founding year. Only 19 coupes will be built worldwide, a nod to Zagato’s 1919 founding. Prices start at about €2.95 million ($3.4 million before taxes), and deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2026. Capricorn says there are just a few build slots left. Capricorn View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article