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The Return of a Gearhead Favorite“Leno’s Law” is being revived in California as a proposal to preserve car culture by allowing certain classic cars to skip smog checks. Previously filed as California Senate Bill 712, the proposal was shelved in September 2025, but supporters believe it now has a better chance of passing. Now dubbed California Senate Bill 1392, the proposal – sponsored by Senator Dave Cortese, Senator Shannon Grove, and car enthusiast Jay Leno – seeks to redefine a “collector motor vehicle” to include classic and historic cars intended for limited use, typically for shows and exhibitions, and not as the owner’s primary mode of transportation. Exempting these vehicles that are at least 35 years old from smog checks would make it easier to keep them on the road, as passing emissions tests can be difficult and testing centers are limited. The Administrative HurdleA report from Road & Track states that the earlier proposal was dropped last year due to cost concerns about updates to the DMV. Classic cars generally produce more emissions because they lack the advanced emissions-control technology found in modern vehicles, particularly older V8-powered American models with large-displacement engines, such as the Ford Mustang. That is one reason environmental groups may oppose the bill. Still, these vehicles have a loyal following and helped shape a distinct automotive culture – including hot rods and muscle cars – which supporters argue is worth preserving, in part because it supports car shows and other events that generate local spending. With the Trump administration moving to roll back federal vehicle-emissions rules in the name of regulatory uniformity, this could improve the bill’s prospects. Chevrolet How the Exemption Would Roll OutIf California Senate Bill 1392 passes, it would exempt qualifying collector vehicles built before the 1981 model year from California’s smog-check requirement starting January 1, 2027. The bill would then expand that exemption by one model year each year, beginning January 1, 2028, and continuing until January 1, 2032, when it would cover qualifying collector vehicles built before the 1986 model year. The bill also would not require specialty license plates. Jay Leno, who owns more than 180 cars, including a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, said in a press release, “I am very excited about it. We came very close last time. A lot of bills don’t pass on the first go-around. I am hopeful it will pass this time.” Car clubs, enthusiasts, and other supporters are encouraged to reach out to their legislators to back the bill. YouTube @ Jay Leno's Garage View the full article

Mercedes Looks InwardThe facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class, unveiled earlier this year, is currently on a world tour as the automaker celebrates its 140th anniversary. During its stop in New York, Business Insider caught up with Mercedes-Benz North America CEO Jason Hoff, who revealed a major challenge he has identified since taking on the role last year. Hoff did not attribute the issue to import tariffs or the all-electric EQS lineup amid a cooling EV market in the U.S. Instead, he pointed to a more internal issue: “corporate inefficiencies.” According to the executive, Mercedes teams – including engineering and customer service – tend to operate separately, which can weaken feedback loops. As he told the publication, “We see a lot of opportunity to bring those groups closer together.” Mercedes-Benz Closing the GapsThat emphasis is consistent with Hoff’s background, as he previously served as Head of Quality for Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans. Bringing teams closer together is just one of his priorities as company chief, alongside boosting sales, expanding local production of high-demand vehicles, and improving the customer experience and in-car technology. The report states that Mercedes-Benz plans to expand its SAE Level 3 driver-assistance system in parts of the U.S., allowing drivers to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel under certain conditions. That would mark an interesting development, as the technology is expensive and demand appears limited – a trend also seen at rival BMW, which dropped its Personal Pilot L3 system for the 7 Series. Mercedes-Benz A Shift in StrategyWhat may prove more effective is a multi-powertrain approach, rather than Mercedes’ now-abandoned plan to go all-electric by 2030. Hoff cited the C-Class, and said, “You can have a C-Class with electric, plug-in, or gas. Take your pick.” In the U.S., that approach could be especially relevant, as demand has shifted toward hybrids amid factors such as import tariffs and the end of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, both of which have weighed on EV adoption. As Mercedes works through product and internal challenges, it will remain in a tough U.S. battle with BMW, which beat the brand by more than 85,000 passenger-vehicle sales last year. Their other rival, Audi, meanwhile, appears to be on the sidelines for now, as tariffs continue to weigh on the automaker without a U.S. manufacturing base. Mercedes-Benz View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Over the past few months, Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing have taken NASCAR leadership to trial, secured a settlement that changed the way the pay structure for race teams (through the Charter system), and that's before we even get to what's been happening on the track. Tyler Reddick has won four of the first races races of the 2026 season for the team co-owned by Jordan and Denny Hamlin, and ...Keep readingView the full article

Not Just an Ioniq 5 N in a SuitThe Genesis GV60 Magma is set to arrive in the US by summer 2026. This is the first time we’re seeing the Magma badge on a production model, and it’s Genesis’ way of building its own performance line, much like BMW M or AMG. Compared to the garden-variety GV60, the Magma is bolder, quicker, and impossible to miss in its bright orange paint. It’s tempting to call the GV60 Magma just a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in a fancier suit. After all, both use the same platform, dual-motor layout, and battery pack. Genesis wants to show that the Magma is more than just a rebadge. Where Hyundai goes all-in on track-ready aggression, the luxury marque aims for a mix of speed and composure. The wider stance, sharper aero, and rear wing all point to performance, but inside, the cabin feels more refined and less busy. Genesis is out to prove that a performance EV doesn’t have to feel edgy or frantic every second you drive it. Genesis The Real Work Happens in SilenceOne thing that stands out is how the GV60 Magma handles noise and vibration. EVs are quiet by default, which means any unwanted sounds are easier to notice. Once you get past 124 mph, wind and tire noise become much more obvious. Genesis addressed this directly by testing the Magma in tough conditions, including high-speed runs on the Nürburgring and the Autobahn, reaching 164 mph. The main goal was to keep the cabin quiet and composed, even when the car is moving fast. To cut down on wind noise, engineers reinforced the seals and improved how air moves around the doors. They used laminated glass, thicker insulation on the driver’s side, and extra soundproofing in the rear doors. Even the door panels have more sound-absorbing material than before. Road noise gets the same treatment. There are sound-absorbing pads inside the tires, and the floor is reinforced to keep vibrations out of the cabin. Active Noise Control-Road uses microphones and sensors to cancel out low-frequency sounds through the speakers as you drive. The electric motors also got attention, with engineers reducing high-pitched motor noise by smoothing voltage delivery, tweaking motor controls, and improving the gears. The end result is a performance EV that doesn’t sound strained at all. Genesis Performance Still Comes FirstBut don’t mistake all this refinement for softness. The GV60 Magma still puts up big numbers: 601 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque from its dual-motor AWD setup, with Boost mode pushing it past 640 hp. It does 0-62 mph in about 3.4 seconds and tops out at 164 mph. Under the skin, you get upgraded dampers, more structural bracing, torque vectoring, and an electronic limited-slip diff. Big brakes and strong regen handle stopping, and features like Drift Mode and simulated gear shifts bring some of the fun from the Hyundai version. Inside, you get Magma-specific bucket seats and sporty trim, but Genesis hasn’t forgotten about comfort. There’s a Magma mode selector that lets you pick drive settings like GT and Sprint for more focused performance. Pricing in Korea starts at about $72,000. Expect US pricing to be different when the GV60 Magma lands here in summer 2026. Genesis View the full article

Mazda Links Safety to SavingsAfter recently earning the most 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards with eight, Mazda shared a new study suggesting that investing in more advanced driver assistance system features can reduce insurance losses in the long term. The IIHS’ Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) found that Mazda’s ADAS systems can reduce property damage liability (PDL) claims by as much as 39 percent. The study suggested that although repair costs can rise due to sensor complexity, overall insurance losses still decline because of fewer crashes. The findings were based on Mazda vehicles from model years 2015 to 2023, which were equipped with two different ADAS feature bundles: a standard package and a more comprehensive one. Breaking Down the NumbersWith the basic bundle, which included front automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, property damage liability (PDL) claims were reduced by 13 percent and bodily injury liability (BIL) claims by nine percent. On the other hand, the more comprehensive bundle added features such as adaptive cruise control, a driver attention alert system, and high-beam assist. It reduced PDL and BIL claims by 39 percent and 21 percent (not statistically significant), respectively. The study noted that front AEB with pedestrian detection and rear AEB delivered the greatest reduction, with the latter helping prevent low-speed parking lot collisions, which are said to account for a large share of insurance claims. In addition, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as a standalone system reduced PDL claim frequency by nearly 10 percent and BIL claim frequency by 13 percent. Kyle Edward Where ADAS Stands TodayOne thing to note, though, is that despite these benefits, Mazda’s ADAS is still classified as an SAE Level 2 system, similar to Toyota Safety Sense and Ford BlueCruise. That means drivers must keep their full attention on the road at all times, unlike the way some drivers have treated the ADAS functions, in some cases even to the point of falling asleep. Looking ahead, IIHS seeks to strengthen crash-avoidance systems as part of its 30x30 vision, which aims to reduce U.S. road deaths by 30 percent by 2030. That could push more automakers to improve their ADAS offerings, which, ideally, would not only help reduce crashes but also lower insurance claims over time, as this HLDI study suggests. For reference, Mazda’s 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners include the Mazda3, Mazda3 Hatchback, CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, CX-70 PHEV, CX-90, and CX-90 PHEV. Chase Bierenkoven View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

BMW Reinventing the DashboardFor a good chunk of its history, BMW's dashboard layout was as straightforward as it got. Large and clear instrumentation, an orange glow, and a driver-oriented center stack. However, all of that changed at the turn of the millennium. It all started with the E65 7 Series that integrated an infotainment system into the cabin's design. Not long after that, several competitors followed, and it's almost impossible to find a car without some form of infotainment inside these days. Today, we have the whole 'screens stuck to the dash' look that nearly everyone does these days. Given how the industry is moving now, we're moving further and further away from traditional layouts, for better or worse. Meanwhile, BMW wants to change all that with its Panoramic Vision. BMW What is Panoramic Vision?Instead of a traditional cluster display or having all the driving-related information on a screen, BMW moved it to the windshield cowl. It eliminates the need for having extra wide screens by bundling it all in one package. That's the theory, at least. BMW claims that this layout has an advantage over current setups. The company says all relevant information is right at the driver's line of sight, reducing eye movement and, ultimately, driver distraction. Panoramic Vision is not a screen, despite appearances. Instead, it's a projection coming from the base of the windshield. It spans the entire width of the dashboard and will be applied to more models down the line. Speaking to BMW Blog, Adrian Van Hooydonk, BMW Group Head of Design, said this about the concept. "I think future customers will want to be able to bring their digital life into the car. People spend a lot of time online, no matter where they are. The challenge, of course, is how you can make that happen in a driving environment. Looking at BMW, it becomes even harder because the whole brand is built around a driving sensation. So once we found the Panoramic Vision, we felt we had something that could solve this conundrum." BMW Any Neat Features?Turns out, the displays are customizable. Drivers can choose to place the widgets on the right or left for right-hand drive markets to allow for more personalization. These can be changed via the vehicle's infotainment system. Up to six different widgets can be swiped from the iDrive touchscreen onto the windshield. The entire thing runs on BMW's Operating System X. Like iDrive 9, it's still Android-based but has far greater processing power. As it is, Panoramic Vision is a head-up display, but there's an option for a second one for those who'd like even more information projected on the windshield. As for those concerned about the display washing out in the sunlight, BMW says it has it covered. Fans of polarized sunglasses also need not worry. Admittedly, the look takes some getting used to. We've become accustomed to past and present dashboard layouts, and this is a huge step in interior design. Whether it's a step in the right direction remains to be seen, and the only way we can judge it is by getting behind the wheel of an iX3 or i3. BMW View the full article

Hyundai’s Image Takes A Hit As Discounts Roll InHyundai is in a tough spot right now. The Palisade, a popular choice in the automaker’s US lineup, is under scrutiny after a fatal rear-seat incident prompted a recall. The same problem is tied to the 2027 Kia Telluride, so the concern is spreading. This is a blow for Hyundai, especially since the Palisade has been a reliable seller and a big part of their move upmarket. It’s aimed at families looking to upgrade from mainstream crossovers to something with a bit more polish. Part of that push has always included aggressive incentives. But this time, the timing feels off. While headlines focus on safety concerns and a stop-sale order affecting Limited and Calligraphy trims, those same variants are quietly being offered with stronger discounts than before. Hyundai Discounts Grow, Even On High-End TrimsAccording to dealer bulletins reported by CarsDirect, Hyundai increased incentives on the Palisade Calligraphy earlier this month. As of March 3, buyers could receive $2,000 in Sales Event Cash, up from $1,000 previously. That’s a solid jump for the top trim. Add in a $1,000 Dealer Choice incentive if you finance, and the total discount hits $3,000. For a model that’s just been refreshed, that’s more than we usually see. The Palisade XRT Pro, not hit by the recall, also comes with a $2,000 bonus as of March 14. Lease deals are still available across the board, with some versions like the SEL and Limited offering up to $1,500 in lease cash on 39-month terms. These deals are supposed to last until March 31 and seem to be available in most areas. On paper, it’s a great time to shop for a Palisade, especially if you’re eyeing the higher trims that rarely get this much off. The Catch: You Can’t Actually Buy One Right NowBut here’s the catch: the Limited and Calligraphy trims, which are probably the ones most buyers want, are under a stop-sale. Dealers can’t move them until Hyundai fixes the rear-seat issue. So while the discounts look tempting, actually getting your hands on one is another matter. Buyers might end up waiting, not knowing if these deals will still be around when sales finally restart. There’s also no word yet on whether Hyundai will let buyers lock in these incentives if they order now and wait. Some brands offer price protection, but it’s not clear if that’s happening here. It’s a bit ironic: the Palisade is finally a strong deal, but the trims with the biggest savings are the ones you can’t actually buy right now. Hyundai View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The current Aston Martin Vanquish is one of a tiny handful of cars left on sale with a V12 under the hood, but it’s far from the first car bearing that name to feature such an engine. In fact, the Vanquish name dates back three distinct generations to 2001 – specifically, March 2001, or 25 years ago this month. To celebrate that major milestone, Aston has gathered together all three generations of its flagship grand tourer and taken them off to some gorgeous British countryside for a photoshoot, which seems as good a reason as any to take a look back at its story so far. The First Generation Aston Martin The original Vanquish, officially called the V12 Vanquish, arrived at a pivotal moment for Aston. In some ways, it was the last of the company’s old-school cars, as the final model to be produced at its long-time home in the town of Newport Pagnell, ahead of it moving over to its current premises in Gaydon. In other ways, though, it marked a new era for the company. The chassis was a brand new bonded aluminum unit that laid the groundwork for the VH platform cars that would follow, and the styling, led by Ian Callum, was something of a prototype of the look that would carry Aston through much of the 2000s and 2010s. Aston Martin Its engine, a 5.9-liter V12, had been introduced to the DB7 Vantage a few years earlier. In the base car, it was making 420 hp, upped to 460 hp in the uprated Vanquish S in 2004. Perhaps a less welcome part of this strive for modernity was the transmission, a clunky six-speed automated manual paddleshift. Responding to criticism around this gearbox, Aston would later develop a factory manual conversion through its in-house Works division. The original Vanquish stayed in production until 2007, when its spot at the top of Aston’s range would be taken by the DBS. The Second Generation Aston Martin The Vanquish name wasn’t away for too long, reappearing in 2012 as Aston’s new range-topping GT. This was one of numerous vehicles sitting on the VH platform that had replaced the original Vanquish’s underpinnings, and its relationship to cars like the DB9 and DBS was clear to see, although styling inspiration was drawn from the rare One-77 hypercar too. The engine was the same 5.9-liter V12 that had powered the original Vanquish, with power now sitting at 565 hp and boosted to 595 hp with the arrival of the S version in 2016. Once again, no manual was offered, but this time the two-pedal versions at least had proper automatics, first a six-speed, then an eight. Unlike the original car, it came in drop-top Volante guise too, and served as the basis for several limited-run Zagato-bodied spinoffs. Aston Martin Production wound up in 2018, with the Vanquish name falling silent again and the car replaced by the DBS Superleggera, sitting on Aston’s then-new VH-II platform and featuring a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12. The Third Generation Aston Martin Having spent over 20 years flip-flopping between the Vanquish and DBS names for its range-toppers, the Vanquish once again returned in 2024 to replace the DBS Superleggera. With 824 hp on tap from a heavily reworked version of the 5.2-liter V12 that powered its predecessor, it’s by some margin the most powerful front-engined car ever made by Aston, reflected in a 3.3-second 0-60 mph time and a 214 mph top speed. Once again available as a coupe or a Volante, on last year’s drive of the latter, we described the new Vanquish as ‘violently, explosively powerful’ but still more than capable of relaxing and playing the laid-back grand-tourer. Aston Martin Happily, we likely still have a good few years of the current car left, but with a base price of around $430,000 and production limited to under 1,000 units a year, seeing one will be a rare experience (although not as rare as the original Vanquish, of which just over 2,500 were made over seven years). What’ll come after it? It’s hard to say when it’s only been around for a little over a year, so for now, we should just savor the fact that a big, brutish V12 GT like this still exists, and tip our hats to the cars that came before it. View the full article

The GTI Still Makes Sense, If You Can Swallow the PriceThe Volkswagen Golf GTI remains one of the few practical, front-wheel-drive hot hatches left. If you want something that doesn’t go all-in on all-wheel drive or big horsepower like the Golf R, the GTI still stands out as a straightforward choice. Pricing has been a sticking point for a while. The 2026 GTI starts at about $34,590 for the base S and goes over $42,000 for the Autobahn. That means it costs more than a Civic Si and isn’t far off from more powerful options like the Elantra N. But the GTI has always been about balance: quick enough, composed, and easy to live with every day. The 2025 update brought better lighting, a bigger infotainment screen, improved steering wheel controls, and a more useful voice assistant. For 2026, there aren’t any major changes, but it didn’t really need them. What it did need was a break on price, and that’s finally starting to happen. Volkswagen A Rare Discount SituationBased on dealer bulletins reported by CarsDirect, Volkswagen is rolling out something you don’t usually see on the GTI – actual incentives. The main offer is 3.9% APR financing for 60 months, plus a $1,500 APR bonus. The catch is that the bonus is only available in certain West Coast states: California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. If you’re outside those states or not using Volkswagen’s financing, there’s a separate $1,000 retail bonus. That applies whether you pay cash, use your own financing, or skip the special APR. It’s not a huge discount, but for a car that almost never gets incentives, it stands out. It helps bring the GTI’s real-world price down, even if the MSRP stays the same. Volkswagen Buying Beats Leasing Right NowIf you’re weighing your options, buying makes more sense right now. There’s no lease cash on the table, so financing with these incentives is the better deal. With the 3.9% APR and bonus cash, you’re getting a clearer value. The cost of entry drops, and the interest rate is reasonable for a car in this segment. These offers run through April 30, so there’s a limited window to take advantage of them. Notably, none of these deals extend to the Golf R, which remains outside the incentive structure. The GTI quietly turned 50 last year, which speaks volumes about how this formula has endured. Fewer rivals and higher costs haven’t pushed it out yet. If anything, these deals show Volkswagen knows the GTI still matters, just maybe not at its usual price. Volkswagen View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Full-Price Buy BackPopular Indian passenger car and SUV manufacturer Mahindra is offering to buy back the limited Batman Edition BE 6 EV sold last year at full price. This move is Mahindra’s response to buyers of the first batch of 999 units being unhappy with the perceived loss of exclusivity, now that a follow-up batch of a further 999 units has been announced for 2026. Mahindra The Batman EditionBuilt by Mahindra under licence from Warner Bros and DC Comics, the BE 6 Batman Edition was announced in mid 2025, exclusively for the Indian Market, and was supposed to be limited to just 300 units. Inspired by Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, the SUV contrasts matt black bodywork and gloss black bumpers and cladding, with gold-finished Batman logos peppered across the exterior and bespoke badging at the rear. The interior is finished in shades of black punctuated by gold accents, with Dark Knight logos on the seats, door handles, and dashboard, while the instrument display also flashes a Batman welcome animation accompanied by a Batman-themed sound on start up. Mahindra The Batman Edition is based on the top-spec variant of the BE 6, and is equipped with a 79 kWh battery with a claimed range of 420 miles. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an axle-mounted electric motor that produces 286 hp and 280 ft/lb of torque. It is priced at approximately $30,000. Not So Limited Any MoreThe initial batch of Batman Edition BE 6s sold out within minutes of being announced, with 300 lucky owners satisfied that they had something special and relatively unique. That first run of cars was later increased to a total of 999 units. However, the recent announcement that Mahindra is opening a second run of the BE 6 Batman Edition this year has not gone down well with owners of the first lot, whom Mahindra calls the founding owners of the Batman Edition. Mahindra has acknowledged this and, in an unprecedented move, announced that they would be willing to buy these first-lot Batman Edition cars back, at the original selling price. Mahindra Whether or not many owners will actually part with their coveted caped crusaders remains to be seen, but Mahindra’s bold buyback offer demonstrates how seriously Mahindra responds to customer sentiment. View the full article

More Power for the Plug-in WagonFrom 727 horsepower to almost a thousand, the Manhart MH5 900E takes a BMW M5 Touring and transforms it into the ultimate family car with supercar power under the hood. Grocery and school runs will never be the same with this much grunt. Clocking in at 898 hp and 885 lb ft of torque, that number is up from the already ludicrous 727 hp and 737 lb ft that the stock car delivers. The BMW M5 has a turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain that already delivers face-ripping straight-line speed, but, being the tuning house that it is, Manhart has designed an export package that's not even legal to sell in Germany. Manhart Under the Hood Engine, suspension, aero, and visual upgrades are all included in the Manhart MH5 900E Touring. It still looks like a BMW wagon, but the upgrades aren't just a downpipe and a tune for this Bimmer. Manhart has given the 4.4-liter S68 V8 engine an MHTronik Powerbox, a turbocharger upgrade, and a full stainless steel exhaust system, including a Manhart Race Downpipe with valve control and 115mm Manhart tailpipes. The whole setup results in a gain of 171 horsepower and 147 lb-ft more than stock. With all these upgrades, however, the car is now exclusively for export outside Germany due to TÜV requirements. Manhart Footwork While not a full re-vamp, Manhart does offer MH5 900E buyers a choice between Manhart Lowering Springs by H&R or a Manhart-spec Variant 4 coil-over kit by KW Suspensions. The client will have the choice between these two upgrades, but the braking system will remain stock as standard unless the client wishes for a particular set. If the client chooses to upgrade, Manhart can accommodate that request. When you're pushing nearly 900 horses, wheels and tires are a definite must-upgrade for any tuner, and customers also have a choice in that regard. The first option is double-staggered, meaning the front and rear wheels have different widths and diameters. The standard choice is the Manhart Concave One in Silk Matte Black, which measures 10.5x21 inches in the front and 11.55x22 inches in the rear. The tires come in at 285/35s in the front and 305/30 in the rear. The higher-end wheel and tire combo is a set of Manhart Concave One Forged that comes in 10.5x22 inches in the front and 11.5x22 inches in the rear, and the tires are sized 295/30/R22 in the front and 315/30/R22 in the rear. In addition to being a forged option, the wheel color can also be changed at the buyer's request. Manhart Wrapping it Up Manhart chose to "limit" itself to its in-house decals and special touches. The exterior receives trim strips plus brand and model lettering to give it a slightly more bespoke appearance. The interior, meanwhile, features some Manhart touches, including embroidered floor mats and an Alcantara headliner. No prices have been posted by Manhart. If you would like a Manhart-tuned BMW M5 Touring, then you can inquire at their website. Manhart View the 22 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Bentley is taking its already lavish cabins into even more exclusive territory, this time with help from one of Britain’s most prestigious jewelers, Boodles. While they made a one-off to showcase the collaboration's potential back in 2024, this time around, you can spec your own Bentley with the help of Mulliner to add some fine jewelry to your interior. Bentley is pushing its already opulent cabins even further upmarket, this time with help from one of Britain’s most prestigious jewelers, Boodles. With the help of the Mulliner division, we've seen Bentleys feature unique color palettes and over-the-top audio systems, and now you can get a bedazzled interior with real diamonds, too. The partnership first appeared as a one-off showpiece in 2024, but now Bentley is letting customers spec their own cars with these details. A Jewelry-Inspired Upgrade For Every Bentley Bentley Bentley Bentley Following in the footsteps of the one-off Bentley Continental GTC revealed two years ago, Bentley has expanded the concept into a full Mulliner specification available across the Continental GT, Flying Spur, Bentayga, and eventually their electric SUV, as well. Buyers can now choose between two distinct design themes, Standard and Dark, each with their own take on Boodles’ jewelry language. Both specifications incorporate diamond-inspired motifs, including the signature “Be Boodles” pattern stitched into the cabin. Subtle Powder Pink detailing also plays a key role in the collaboration, mirroring the jewelr’s branding. Diamond Details in Standard and Dark Trim Bentley Bentley Bentley The Standard specification leans into a lighter, contemporary luxury aesthetic. It combines Gravity Grey and Linen leather hides with Autumn Stone and Piano Linen veneers, following a neutral palette. The star of the show is the centre console feature, with more diamond details showcased on the seats and door cards. Of course, subtle Powder Pink stitching, piping, and even hand-painted pinstripes on the veneer surfaces are the finishing touch. The Dark specification flips that formula entirely. A Satin Anthracite exterior is paired with a Beluga and Baroda interior, anchored by Piano Black veneers. Instead of Powder Pink, Bentley introduces silver and chrome accents. The result is a more monochromatic cabin that feels sharper and more contemporary, while still retaining the same diamond-inspired detailing. Shared Heritage, Ultra-Luxury Strategy Bentley Bentley Bentley At first glance, this might look like another expensive option box to tick, but the collaboration runs deeper than that. Both Bentley and Boodle are British luxury brands with more than 300 years of combined experience in creating lavish works of art. Bentley itself highlights this shared heritage as a key reason behind the partnership, emphasising that both brands share a similar passion for detail. All of this opulence comes at a price, however. While no official pricing has been made public yet, you can use Boodles' catalogue as a reference: Entry-level pieces start around £2,000, while their High Jewellery Rings cost more than £2 million a piece. Both brands know their clientele value personalisation above all else, making this collaboration an especially fitting one. View the full article

It's becoming a frequent occurrence that the Tesla Cybertruck and other vehicles equipped with the automaker's so-called "Full Self-Driving" system are alleged to have done something dangerous, sometimes even fatal. The latest incident, shared on the Tesla Cybertruck Owners group on Facebook, involves a man who was driving at 72 mph with the FSD system engaged when he says his EV suddenly swerved to the right, despite there being no apparent obstacle. A glitch in the FSD matrix? Perhaps, but it happened more than once, and on the second occasion, owner Tom Liu says he realized his Cybertruck was swerving to avoid, not an impending collision, but a white arrow painted on the road. Tesla FSD Cameras Show Their Flaws Again Exotic Car Trader Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been saying for years that his company's camera-based "Vision" system is as good or better than other semi-autonomous driving tools, like radar and lidar systems, but this instance, in which Liu had to jerk the wheel straight to avoid a crash, highlights that camera-based systems are far from perfectly safe. If the Cybertruck he was driving had been equipped with radar and or lidar, it would have realized that the supposed obstacle was no more than an optical aid. "Thankfully, I was paying attention to the road and immediately took over," wrote Liu. "Otherwise, my wife and I would have made the headlines." Related: Tesla's Most Devoted Fans Are Quietly Walking Away We can't embed posts from a private Facebook group, so you may want to check it out for yourself, but Liu included a video showing his Cybertruck driving on the freeway normally before abruptly veering off to the right when it approached a painted arrow on the asphalt. Worse still, other members of the group chimed in to share that this incident is not an isolated one. One owner said their Cybertruck "swerved twice in the span of 200 feet to dodge a cyclist symbol painted on the pavement," while another said their Cybertruck was flummoxed by road repairs, where cracks filled in with back tar of a different shade and sheen to the surrounding asphalt were "making [the Cybertruck] hopscotch around on the freeway." Incapable Systems Create More Danger for FSD Users and Other Drivers Getty Other members of the group noted that their vehicle would slam on the brakes when encountering a stretch of road with burnout marks, or even when leaves blew into the path of their vehicle. While these are, at most, minor inconveniences, they could be highly hazardous in other scenarios, particularly if there's other traffic nearby. Tesla has been facing several lawsuits over the years over its Autopilot and FSD systems' unsafe behavior, and numerous field reports have triggered federal investigations. On the other hand, some Tesla users say their vehicle has saved them from serious crashes, and Tesla's lawyers almost always argue that those who crash while using its semi-autonomous driver aids are at fault. Wherever the responsibility ultimately lies, there's clear evidence that we're still miles away from true self-driving cars that are safe in every scenario. View the full article

When a “Set-and-Forget” Feature Isn’t Quite ThatTire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are one of those background features you only notice when something goes wrong. They quietly keep tabs on your tires, ready to warn you before things get dicey. For anyone who racks up miles or just wants one less thing to worry about, they’re a real treat. Of course, not every system gets it right. Some throw up warnings that never seem to clear, others get jumpy over small changes. Still, TPMS usually does its job and earns its spot on the dashboard. That said, the Aston Martin DBX is the latest vehicle to have glitchy TPMS, and it's now been included in a recall. According to the recall report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), owners should not trust the system for now due to a problem with how it handles certain pressure drops. So, What Went Wrong?The problem comes down to a software coding error in the TPMS. In some Aston Martin DBX models, the system might not catch or warn you when tire pressure quietly dips below the safe limit. It started when Aston Martin updated the DBX’s electronics during production. The new setup needed fresh coding and a reset, but not every vehicle got the update. That means some TPMS modules aren’t calibrated properly. In practice, the system will still catch a sudden flat, but it might miss a slow leak that creeps up over days or weeks. That’s where things get risky. If a tire quietly loses air, you might not spot it until it starts to affect how the DBX handles or brakes. No crashes have been linked to this yet, but missing that warning could set you up for trouble. The fix is simple: Aston Martin will update the TPMS software so it catches underinflation like it should. The update takes about 12 minutes and won’t cost owners anything. What Owners Should DoThe recall affects a wide range of DBX models, including 2025 and 2026 vehicles built from May 2024 to February 2026, plus 2026 DBX S units made between September 2025 and February 2026. More than 1,000 DBXs in the US need the update, and more in other countries will receive the same fix. You don’t have to park your DBX, but it’s smart to check your tire pressures by hand until the update is done. Dealers started getting the word out in March 2026, and owners will get official notices between April and June. The next move is easy. Just book a visit to your Aston Martin dealer and get the software update. It’s a quick job that brings your TPMS back up to spec. Until then, it’s worth going old-school and checking your tires yourself. Aston Martin View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

JaguarLand Rover (JLR) is dealing with yet another disruption, this time at the heart of its UK production network. A supply chain issue has forced the automaker to pause output at one of its most important production hubs, temporarily pressing pause on some of its most important. While the stoppage is expected to be short-lived, it once again highlights how even premium manufacturers remain vulnerable to the smallest hiccup in the chain. Solihull Shutdown Hits Key Models Land Rover Land Rover Production at JLR’s Solihull facility has been brought to a temporary halt due to a shortage of critical components. The pause is expected to last around two weeks and conveniently overlaps with the brand’s planned Easter shutdown. The disruption affects high-demand models like the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The company has not disclosed exactly which part is causing the issue, but they are working closely with the supplier to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Third Setback In Less Than 12 Months Land Rover Modern vehicle production depends on highly synchronized global supply networks, where the absence of a single component can bring everything to a standstill. We've seen it in 2020, with the chip shortage, especially. In Augst 2025, a cyberattack forced the company to halt operations for just over a month. Then, two months later, a semiconductor shortage hit the market and brought production to yet another standstill. Setbacks like these shine a light on many luxury carmakers' Achilles' heel: a fragile production process. JLR Momentum Continues Despite Setbacks Freelander Despite the disruption, it is not all quiet at JLR. While Jaguar remains in a transitional phase following its move away from ICE cars, the broader business is pushing ahead with new products. A brand new Freelander, developed in partnership with Chery, is expected to debut at the end of the month, and an updated 2027 Range Rover Sport has already been spotted testing. But there's bad news, too. Longtime design chief Gerry McGovern is retiring, after more than two decades shaping the brand’s identity. But it does highlight how volatile the production process is, being the third setback the brand has seen in just 8 months. View the full article

Ford is reportedly experiencing significant supply issues with its F-150 pickup truck, America’s best-selling vehicle for over four decades. The full-size pickup remains in short supply even though the automaker has added a third shift at the Dearborn Truck Plant earlier in the year to make up for lost production caused by fires at key aluminum supplier Novalis’ factory last fall. F-150 supply at dealerships was down 34% in February compared with the same period last year, Cars.com data cited by the Detroit Free Press shows. That’s a serious problem for Ford, which uses roughly 700 pounds of aluminum on every F-150. Ford Focusing on Building More Profitable High-End F-150 Trims Ford According to David Greene, principal of Marketplace and Industry Analytics at Cars.com, Ford is using the available aluminum to build more of the high-end trims of the F-150, which are more profitable thanks to an average price of around $87,000. Obviously, that has led to Ford building fewer entry-level F-150 trims, which have an average price of approximately $52,000. Cars.com data for January and February 2026 shows Ford has added 25% more of highest trim F-150s to inventory and decreased production of the base models by 19% compared to the same period last year. According to Greene’s estimates, Ford has manufactured around 40,000 F-150s in the first two months. The analyst added that this appears to mirror the strategy automakers used in 2021, when the supply chain was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a shortage of semiconductor chips. At the time, carmakers focused on making more of the pricier models rather than base trims. Greene also noted that the strategy may also help offset tariff costs on the aluminum Ford sources from other suppliers to produce the F-150’s body. In addition to building expensive trims, Ford is increasing the delivery fees on 2026MY vehicles by $200 to $2,795 on all F-150s and by $700 to $2,795 on the heavy-duty F-250 and F-350 trucks. Ford Can't Say For Sure When F-150 Inventory Will Fully Recover Ford To make matters worse, the war in Iran is affecting global aluminum production, leading to price volatility and scarcity. That said, Ford claims it’s working with supplier Novelis to get its plant back online, although that may not happen until later this year. A spokesperson for Novelis told Detroit Free Press that the company expects the factory to become operational again by the end of June. Despite that, F-150 inventory will likely remain unstable for the time being; Ford COO Kumar Galhotra said full inventory recovery might occur further into the second half of 2026. Last fall, repeated fires at the Novelis aluminum factory in Oswego, New York, pretty much idled production, forcing Ford to halt manufacturing of its F-150 Lightning all-electric truck, which was subsequently axed. The automaker also had to pause production of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size SUVs. In the wake of the Novelis plant fires, Ford started working with other aluminum suppliers, but that comes with added costs. The persisting aluminum shortage later disrupted production of F-150 gas pickups, which are the company’s bread and butter. Ford’s top brass said at the time that adding a third shift at the Dearborn Truck Plant will help it build an extra 50,000 trucks in 2026 to make up for the lost F-150 production. View the full article

It’s a strange time to be a Volvo fan. The Swedish automaker still produces refined, safe, and quietly handsome vehicles, but its reputation for reliability has come undone in recent years. Much of this has to do with Volvo’s switch to software-defined vehicles, many of which have been riddled with glitches and usability issues. It’s now led to a new class action lawsuit against the automaker, alleging that the infotainment system in multiple models is faulty to the point of many key functions being inaccessible—not to mention a distraction to the driver. Here’s everything we know. Related: How Volvo Went From the Most Reliable Cars to Near the Bottom Volvo Infotainment Lawsuit Detailed Zac Palmer The lawsuit was filed by Pennsylvania plaintiff Lydia Leonberg, who purchased a new 2023 Volvo XC60. It wasn’t long before she experienced multiple infotainment faults, including the following: Frozen infotainment displayNo backup camera imageBluetooth and audio connectivity issuesTurn signal problemsFlashing headlightsLoss of window defrosting functionalityInadvertent automatic folding of side mirrorsMany of these are safety issues, not merely annoyances. Backup cameras are federally mandated, which is why the plaintiff’s vehicle was involved in a recall for this fault. However, multiple workshop visits and software updates failed to resolve the issues. “The infotainment system continued to malfunction despite the software update,” states the lawsuit. “After the update, the rear-view camera still fails to consistently activate when reversing, turn signal indicator sound and audible alerts intermittently stop working, and on some occasions, the key fob failed to unlock the vehicle.” The plaintiff claims her vehicle is still malfunctioning despite being repaired, with workshop visits persisting beyond the 20,000-mile mark. She first experienced issues with her XC60 before it reached 1,000 miles. Related: Volvo Sued Over Rearview Camera Defect Affecting Over 400,000 Cars Affected Volvo Models Volvo The class action lawsuit encompasses all persons or entities in Pennsylvania that purchased or leased one of the below Volvo models: 2021-2025 Volvo XC402022-2025 Volvo C402022-2025 Volvo XC602022-2025 Volvo XC902022-2025 Volvo S602022-2025 Volvo S902022-2025 Volvo V602022-2025 Volvo V902025 Volvo EX302025 Volvo EX402025 Volvo EX90In the smaller EX30, many testers have experienced problems with the user interface. Even when everything is working well, Volvo’s decision to embed key controls like mirror adjustments in the touchscreen left us frustrated. It was easily the least impressive aspect of the otherwise competent EX30. What It Means Volvo The new lawsuit is another blow for Volvo’s traditionally dependable image. The automaker’s software troubles are overshadowing all that’s good about the brand’s latest range of vehicles, simply because the cars rely so heavily on their infotainment systems to access key functions. It also underlines the risks of software-defined vehicles for consumers, who can find themselves visiting the workshop far more often—even with a brand-new vehicle. Related: 2026 Volvo EX90 Gets Faster Charging, Smarter Tech After Rocky First Year View the full article

Multi-Day Severe Weather Threat Is Building for the Plains and Mississippi ValleyThe spring severe weather season is ramping up fast, and the NWS Storm Prediction Center is tracking a significant multi-day threat that will put major highway corridors across the central United States at risk beginning Monday, March 30, and continuing into midweek. The SPC's Day 4-8 Convective Outlook issued Friday morning identifies a strong signal for returning severe thunderstorm potential as a long-wave ridge de-amplifies and shifts east across the country. That shift will trigger steady lee troughing and cyclogenesis along the High Plains. Combined with a surface high off the East Coast pumping moisture northward from the Gulf, the setup creates the fuel for multiple rounds of severe storms across the Plains and Mississippi Valley through the week. The Weather Prediction Center notes that strong to severe thunderstorms appear possible on multiple days as upper-level disturbances sweep across the growing moisture plume. Tornadoes, damaging winds up to 60 MPH, large hail, and heavy rain capable of triggering flash flooding are all threats on the table. Areas from Texas and Oklahoma through Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kansas, and Missouri carry the highest risk through this period. The I-35 and I-40 Corridors Are in the BullseyeThe geography of this setup places two of the country's busiest highway corridors directly in the path of the developing threat. I-35 runs from Laredo, Texas north through San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Wichita, and Kansas City — the spine of Tornado Alley. I-40 cuts through Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville — the heart of Dixie Alley. Both corridors sit within the zone the SPC is watching most closely as moisture return northward from the Gulf collides with strong upper-level flow this week. Drivers making long-haul runs or interstate trips through any of these metros should monitor conditions actively before departure. Severe weather across these corridors can develop rapidly, and conditions on the road can go from clear to dangerous in minutes as storm cells move at 40 to 60 MPH. A Tornado Watch — issued by the Storm Prediction Center when conditions are favorable for tornado development across a large area — is a distinct possibility for portions of this zone beginning Monday. A watch is not a warning, but it means drivers should have a clear plan if conditions deteriorate. When the SPC issues a Tornado Watch, it is time to identify nearby shelter points along your route, not wait to see what develops. Getty / Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo What Drivers Should KnowDo not underestimate the speed at which severe weather can make a highway impassable. In March's outbreaks, multiple interstates in Indiana, Illinois, and Oklahoma saw rapid closures as tornado-warned storms crossed the road. In some cases, the warning window was less than five minutes from radar indication to confirmed touchdown. If you are driving in the I-35 or I-40 corridor this week, these are your immediate action points. Check the NWS Storm Prediction Center for the latest watch status before departure. If a Tornado Watch is in effect for your route, reconsider whether travel is necessary. If you are already on the road and a Tornado Warning is issued for your location, do not attempt to outrun the storm. Exit the highway, enter a sturdy building, and move to an interior room away from windows. Never shelter under an overpass. This is one of the most dangerous places to be during a tornado. The overpass structure can funnel and intensify wind, and it offers zero protection from flying debris. Severe thunderstorms outside of tornado-warned cells also pose serious risks on the highway. Rain rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour will reduce visibility to near zero in seconds. Wind gusts up to 60 MPH can push vehicles out of lanes and knock over high-profile trucks and trailers. Hail up to golf ball size and larger can shatter windshields without warning. Speed reductions of 20 to 30 MPH below posted limits are appropriate when severe conditions are present. Turn on the headlights. Maintain extra following distance. If visibility drops to near zero, pull completely off the roadway, keep your seatbelt on, and activate your hazard lights until conditions improve. Need New Tires? Save Up To 30% at Tire RackFind the perfect tires for your exact vehicle and driving style. Click here to shop all top-tier brands, including Michelin, Bridgestone, and more, directly at Tire Rack. Keep An Emergency Kit In Your VehicleSevere weather season is the reminder to check and refresh your vehicle emergency kit. A basic kit should include a blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, phone charger or power bank, at least one bottle of water per occupant, non-perishable snacks, a basic first aid kit, rain poncho, and a paper map of your driving region in case cell service is lost. Tires Are Your First Line of DefenseSevere weather season also means wet, slick roads — often with little warning. Your tires determine whether you can stop, steer, and maintain control when a storm hits. If you are still running all-season tires from last winter or the season before, check tread depth now. The legal minimum is 2/32 of an inch, but 4/32 gives you meaningful wet-road capability. Use the quarter test: insert a quarter into your tread groove with Washington's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tires are approaching replacement range. View the full article

Crash on a Familiar RoadOn Friday afternoon, Tiger Woods rolled his Range Rover on a two-lane road he knows well, just outside his Jupiter Island home. Local police say he tried to pass a slow-moving pickup hauling a pressure-cleaning trailer. The pass didn’t go as planned. Investigators say Woods clipped the trailer’s rear, sending his SUV onto its side. He ended up crawling out through the passenger door. Despite how it sounds, no one was injured. The truck driver was unharmed, and Woods himself suffered no physical injury. Still, officials noted the crash could have played out very differently given the narrow road and limited visibility. It happened just after 2 p.m., in an area Woods is known to frequent. Impairment Questions Without Clear AnswersAt the scene, officers said Woods seemed impaired. He blew a zero on the breathalyzer, but things got murkier after that. Police asked for a urine test to check for drugs or medication, but Woods refused. In Florida, that alone brings extra charges and leaves open the question of what, if anything, was in his system. Woods now faces misdemeanor charges for DUI with property damage and for refusing the test. Sheriff John Budensiek said drug experts at the scene suspected medication or another substance, but without more tests, no one can say for sure. Woods was booked and held for the minimum time required. A Familiar Pattern, and an Uncertain Road BackThis isn’t the first time Woods has run into trouble off the course. Back in 2017, he was arrested in Florida under similar circumstances and later blamed a bad reaction to prescription meds. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving. Lately, Woods has been working through a tough comeback. A major crash in 2021 with a Genesis GV80 left him with serious leg injuries, and he’s had multiple surgeries since, including back surgery and a ruptured Achilles in 2025. Further back, Woods also had an accident in Orlando, Florida, when his SUV crashed into a fire hydrant in 2009. Off the course, Woods still has a big say in where pro golf is headed. He’s involved in PGA Tour changes and could be named captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Genesis has been making waves with its Magma program, which aims to offer the same sort of performance as AMG and BMW M, and a new video captured near Hyundai Motor Group's R&D center in Namyang, South Korea, may give an indication of just how serious Genesis is about taking on the Germans. The video embedded at the bottom of this article shows a GV70 with bright orange paint (one of the Magma division's calling cards) and temporary but quad-exit exhaust tips that produce a rorty V8 rumble. Genesis has already confirmed that a 3.2-liter twin-turbo V8 is being developed for its Le Mans hypercar, and that road-going iterations will be aided by a hybrid setup, so this GV70 mule may be the first application of that new engine for the street. Genesis Is Keeping Its Cards Close to Its Chest shorts_car/Instagram View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Of course, the new GV70 Magma seen in the video (the rumble of which we hear at the 1:15 mark of the embedded video) may only be a test bed for the engine and not necessarily an indication that a GV70 is getting the eight-cylinder setup. The wheels and brakes appear to be standard items from the existing crossover, and besides the protruding exhaust tips and the eye-searing paint, nothing sets the design apart from the 2026 GV70. Related: Just Like BMW M: Every Genesis Model Will Get a Magma Version It's also worth noting that the GV70 doesn't yet appear on the Magma section of Genesis's site, but on the other hand, expanding high-performance offerings to multiple segments would make sense. And given America's love for the V8, using the engine wherever possible could lead to rapid adoption. With all of that being said, we may see a new V8-powered Genesis product in another form first: a station wagon. Genesis Is Developing Seriously Cool Cars with Numerous Powertrains Late last year, Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke indicated that the automaker's recent concepts, including the G90 Wingback wagon and Magma GT supercar, could come to production soon, albeit potentially in low volumes, saying the concepts "are very executable very fast with a minimum level of advance investment." A V8-powered wagon that's smaller than a BMW M5 Touring would be an enticing proposition, and a V8-powered GV70 crossover that competes in the same segment as the straight-six-powered BMW X3 M and AMG GLC 53 would be special and, in terms of its engine, unique. 2026 will be the year America gets its first Magma product, and more will follow, with Genesis working on high-performance and limited-edition versions of the G80, G70, and others, with both all-electric and combustion powertrains. Considering prototypes are being tested on the road, we should get more official news before long. View the full article

It's Been 15 YearsThe last Ford Crown Victoria rolled off on September 15, 2011. It marked the end of an era and was the last traditional full-sized sedan with a body-on-frame construction. While it was an effective successor to the Taurus, the Crown Vic had well and truly established itself as an automotive icon. The end of the Crown Victoria also marked the demise of the Panther platform. First introduced in 1979, it lasted for 32 years and underwent three body changes. The first was the box-body era, with the LTD Crown Victoria and Country Squire, which lasted from 1979 to 1991. It was succeeded by the 'Aero Vics', running from 1991 to 1997 with three distinct facelifts. Of course, the most popular was the final iteration built from 1998 to 2011, with its, er, distinct headlight pattern etched in everyone's memories. There's Still Clamor for itWhether it's fans of traditional large sedans or service vehicles, the Crown Vic still has a very strong presence on social media. Simple, rugged, and reliable, the car has won many fans over the decades, whether you're a civilian or a law enforcement officer. That also means fans have been practically begging Ford to build it again, leading to a hilarious post on Ford Pro's Facebook page. It simply read, in all caps for maximum effect, "I CAN’T BRING BACK THE CROWN VIC I ONLY DO THE SOCIAL MEDIA." Looking at previous posts, there have been several comments saying "Bring back the Crown Vic," and we wouldn't be surprised if Ford Pro's inbox has been spammed with messages containing those same words. Inevitably, the comments section was flooded. "Bring it back anyway!" it said, and one commenter even pulled up a post from 2011 asking which product Ford should revive. The company replied in the comments, "Some popular answers so far are: The Crown Vic, Excursion, Falcon, and the Pinto. It's nice to know that many of you have great taste." Ford Why Was it Discontinued?Simply put, it was using ancient technology. The Crown Victoria's last true rival was the Chevrolet Caprice, which used the B-Body platform. That one was axed in 1996 to make way for full-size SUV production, although it briefly returned in the 2010s, rebadged from a Holden model, but for police use only. At the same time, the civilian market wasn't exactly buying it in droves. If anything, you're more likely to see a Police Interceptor or an ex-taxi over an actual, regular Crown Victoria. But the final nail in its coffin was the government mandate that required stability control. Ford said it would simply be too costly to fit Crown Victorias with that system, and with private sales being virtually non-existent, it had to go. It didn't help that the tooling in the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, was getting worn out, and retooling it would be, you guessed it, too expensive to make financial sense. Ford Ford Promised a Sedan RevivalStill, that's not stopping people from asking for it back. Admittedly, the chances of the Crown Victoria returning in the way it's most fondly remembered is pretty slim. It's not the like company is willing to develop a new body-on-frame platform for a sedan application given the current state of the market. That said, Ford did say that's planning to bring back sedans to its range, targeting a price of under $40,000. With that in mind, it could be revived as a large, unibody sedan, although we're not too sure if the car's devoted fans will like that idea. Still, should there be more than enough people who promise that they will buy one if Ford builds it, maybe we might be on to something here. Surely, though, the social media manager knows someone who can point us in the right direction. We do have one request for Ford, though. If it's planning a Crown Vic comeback, please don't slap that name on a crossover. That's all we ask. Ford Ford View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Lotus has announced a new limited edition version of its Emira mid-engine sports car, the last vehicle with an internal combustion engine it still makes. It’s called the Emira Scura, with the name being a throwback to the Lotus Exige Scura from 2009. That car was a lightweight track-focused sports car limited to just 35 units worldwide. Is This the Meanest-Looking Lotus Emira Yet? Lotus Cars The Emira Scura, however, is a little less exclusive, as Lotus will make 60 units for the United States; the global production run wasn’t announced yet. The word ‘Scura’ means ‘dark’ in Italian, and it certainly fits the special edition Emira, which features a dark matte grey paint called Satin Nebulous Grey, accented with gloss black bits on the roof, mirror caps, and the 20-inch wheels. The only element that breaks up the sinister appearance are the bright gloss red brake calipers. Lotus only provided renderings of the Emira Scura’s exterior, but noted that the cabin features dark grey Alcantara throughout spiced up with red accent stitching, a 12 o’clock red mark on the steering wheel, and red seat belts. The Emira Scura also gets a KEF 10-speaker sound system, privacy glass, and Scura badges inside and out. For the US market, the Lotus Emira Scura comes equipped with the Lotus Drivers Pack as standard, which means it gets a stiffer, sport-tuned suspension, cross-drilled, two-piece brake discs that can take more punishment during track driving, and high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. It Only Comes With the 3.5L Supercharged V6 and 6-Speed Manual Lotus Cars The US-spec Lotus Emira Scura is powered exclusively by the Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. With 406 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on tap, the mid-engine sports car does 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and hits a top speed of 180 mph. Lotus has not released pricing information yet, but the Scura will be positioned at the premium end of the Emira lineup. It is expected to slot above the Emira V6 SE Racing Line range-topper, which starts at just under $116,000. Seeing as the other limited-run Emira, the Clark Edition, starts at around $140,000, the Scura shouldn’t be too far off that mark. The company is currently accepting orders through authorized retailers, with production scheduled to start at the end of this month. While Lotus originally planned to end production of the sports car by 2027 and said the Emira was its final purely ICE-powered car, the nameplate is expected to get a facelift next year, reportedly getting a new plug-in hybrid powertrain and an upgraded 3.5-liter V6 in the process. The new engines are expected to extend its lifecycle beyond the end of the decade. View the full article

The Nürburgring testing season is beggining, and the facelifted BMW 7 Series is one of the first cars to take advantage. BMW may have just revealed two new cars on its Neue Klasse platform in the iX3 crossover and i3 sedan, but the CLAR architecture isn't going anywhere yet, and the facelifted BMW 7 Series is one of the cars that will aim to bridge the stylistic gap. 2027 G70 7 Series LCI (Life Cylce Impulse) development mules are still completely covered in camouflage, but this one spotted outside the Green Hell has been captured at close range, revealing some of the cosmetic changes coming to BMW's answer to the S-Class. With an Alpina variant expected soon, this will be a particularly important update, so let's dig in. More Aggressive Looks for New BMW 7 Series SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Today's 7 Series has enormous dual kidney grilles that appear to protrude slightly from the front bumper, and its face is framed by narrow LED running lights above an arguably bland pair of horizontal headlight clusters. For the upcoming LCI, the basic recipe hasn't changed, but it's bee refined. The new luxury sedan still has huge vertical grilles dominating its face, but the're less bulbous, and on this test vehicle at least, the vanes running through the grille are horizontally aligned. They also appear to have thicker borders, and to match the aforementioned i3 and iX3, there will be a valley running through the middle of the hood, which BMW has unsuccessfully attempted to hide with fake cladding. At the same time, the headlight clusters under the DRLs are now vertical, which makes the car look less awkward. This also allows the lower intake grille to be more dominant. We still expect the final product to use a lot of gloss black accenting, but with these small changes, the overall effect should be more attractive. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article In the profile of the 2027 7 Series, we see no obvious changes beyond a refinement of the wing mirrors, which have a similar shape to Neue Klasse vehicles, but at the back, the revised front end will be complemented by new looks. The rear bumper on this model is still a placeholder item, so we can't get an idea of how exactly BMW will make changes here, but we do see new graphics for the taillights. Considering that the new i3 has reinterpreted the L-shaped taillight, we suspect similar changes here, likely with another recess between the taillights. While we wait for more camouflage to be removed and a production-ready rear bumper to appear, some unofficial renders help paint a picture. 2027 BMW 7 Series Will Change Inside and Under the Skin SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article We expect the new 7 Series to gain BMW's new Panoramic Vision iDrive system, with a short but full-width display spanning the area below the base of the windshield. Expect a new steering wheel and some new upholstery options to appear in the cabin, too. Under the hood, an updated version of the S68 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 will reportedly appear, with assistance from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. American buyers love V8 engines, so BMW will keep this around as long as possible. Expect well over 500 horsepower in base variants and potentially over 600 hp in the range-topping M760, since the old V12-powered M760i offered 601 ponies. Expect a reveal in the next couple of months, and an Alpina version soon after. View the full article

Brand PrideIf you work for a major brand, you're expected to take it seriously in terms of brand loyalty. This loyalty entails using the brand's products as much as possible. There are even some companies that offer preferential perks to those who remain loyal, while those who don't are often overlooked. It's now coming to light that a major automotive manufacturer is implementing strict rules for using its own brand products rather than competitors' cars. This issue is going viral and sparking debate. Stellantis Stellantis Cars OnlyStellantis is one of the world's largest automotive groups, with a diverse portfolio of car brands under its umbrella. Recently, it mandated that all employees return to on-site work five times a week. With all employees now returning to work on-site, parking spaces have become an issue. Some employees are complaining that they are being issued tickets by security for parking in slots designated for Stellantis group cars only. These employees are also saying that lots where competitor cars are allowed to park are being downsized and fill up quickly with more employees now vying for the spots. Part of the reason this is now going viral is that the automaker's hybrid work setup previously ensured sufficient slots were available in most lots assigned to non-Stellantis cars. According to some employees, while the ticket is more of a warning and doesn't come with a fine, if they add up, there's a possibility your car could be booted by security. Meaning the owner would have to call the manager to have the boot removed, which would be embarrassing. Ryan Felton/Wall Street Journal Common PracticeIn a report by the Wall Street Journal, a Stellantis spokesperson said that employees must adhere to posted signage and communications about proper parking spots. One employee even posted that security officers enforcing the rules need a history lesson. This comes after he was issued a ticket for parking his Eagle Talon sports car, which, coincidentally, was a Chrysler-owned brand back in the '90s. This parking rule isn't isolated to just Stellantis, though; it seems to be common practice for the big American carmakers. Originally, this rule was to help boost internal sales and pride within the company, encouraging employees to buy the products they help build and sell. View the full article

A Familiar Formula, Now with an Artistic TwistFord has never shied away from special-edition Mustangs. There’s always something in the lineup – heritage models, track specials, or just appearance tweaks – that gives buyers a little more character than the standard car. This time, Ford teamed up with Troy Lee Designs (TLD) to introduce the Mustang TLD Signature Edition. If you follow motorsports, you’ve seen TLD's work – custom-painted helmets and gear that stand out in motocross, IndyCar, NASCAR, and even Formula 1. The company even collaborated with Land Rover over two decades ago and with Mazda a few years later. Now that's range. The goal: bring that same “Art and Speed” vibe to a Ford Mustang you can actually buy. Ford GT Attitude, EcoBoost FoundationThe 2026 Mustang EcoBoost Premium TLD Signature Edition starts with the four-cylinder coupe but borrows some of the V8's attitude. Up front, it gets the hood, fascia, and grille from the Mustang GT, so it looks sharper and more serious than your average EcoBoost. It only comes in Shadow Black, which sets the stage for the bold graphics running down the sides. Red, orange, purple, and yellow accents twist the usual pony badge and stretch across the bodywork. It looks more like something you’d see on a race car than a showroom floor. Sinister Bronze details pull the look together. They show up on the 19-inch wheels, the grille nostrils, and the pony badge. The theme is consistent, so the package feels more complete than just a set of decals. Inside, it’s just as bold. The cabin is all Carmine Red, which pops against the black exterior. Each car gets a numbered badge on the dash, so there’s no mistaking this for a regular Mustang. Mechanically, the TLD Signature Edition sticks with the usual EcoBoost setup. The turbocharged 2.3-liter engine is unchanged, so you get the same accessible performance and lighter front end as other four-cylinder Mustangs. Ford Ordering Opens TodayFord isn’t building many of these – just 550 units. That makes it one of the rarest appearance packages you can get on a new Mustang right now. The TLD Signature Edition package costs $3,000, so it’s an easy way to stand out without jumping to a higher trim or chasing more power. Orders for the 2026 Mustang lineup – including this and the Mustang RTR – open March 27. Deliveries start later this year. Meanwhile, the new Mustang Dark Horse SC, which starts at $103,490, will be available to order in April. Ford View the 12 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article