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Tailored for the SpotlightFollowing the unveiling of the new and facelifted Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the German marque announced that the ultra-luxury sedan will serve as a hero vehicle as part of a global campaign tied to the upcoming sequel to 2006's The Devil Wears Prada. A one-off, film-inspired example has been created and customized through the brand’s Manufaktur program. For the uninitiated, The Devil Wears Prada is set in the world of fashion, with Meryl Streep playing Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, a character widely seen as inspired by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Given her status, it makes sense for Priestly to be chauffeured in high-end vehicles. Models like the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Bentley Flying Spur would also be strong candidates, but the S-Class appeared in the first film, so using the latest iteration here creates a full-circle moment. Mercedes-Benz The Art of PersonalizationWhile the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class gets exterior updates such as a larger grille with an illuminated surround, the interior will likely be the highlight, as it reflects, to some extent, the kind of customization also seen in fashion. The updated cabin also features more screens, in line with a broader trend in modern cars, while its software runs on MB.OS, enabling next-generation technologies such as a smart Virtual Assistant powered by generative AI. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo M177 Evo V8 has also been revised and now produces 530 horsepower, an increase of more than 30 hp. That cuts the 0–60 mph sprint from 4.7 seconds to 4.3 seconds. Unlike car-centric films such as The Fast and the Furious, however, the movie is unlikely to showcase that performance on the big screen. From a brand-image standpoint, the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 feels more in line with the kind of traditional luxury and refinement typically associated with Maybach. Mercedes-Benz From Runway to U.S. RoadwaysThe Devil Wears Prada 2 will arrive in theaters on May 1. Also returning for the sequel are Anne Hathaway as Andrea Sachs, Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton, and Stanley Tucci as Nigel. Meanwhile, the facelifted model is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2026. Pricing has not yet been disclosed, but for reference, the current 2026 model starts at $207,150. With Mercedes calling the facelift the most extensive update in the model's history, it will likely carry a higher price tag, as is often the case with mid-cycle updates. Mercedes-Benz View the full article

An American Past TimeThe U.S. is a place where sports are a big deal, a country where most of the world's sports are supported and even played. You could say that even motorsports has a big home in America, and NASCAR is part of the very fabric of the nation, as one of the biggest spectator sports locally and internationally. Motorsports takes many forms in the U.S. Apart from NASCAR, we have IndyCar, dirt-track racing, and drag racing. However, some people find that racing is a disruption and too noisy, leading to multiple complaints and even lawsuits from time to time. Visit Kansas City Protecting The TracksIn the state of Kansas, the House of Representatives just unanimously voted 122-0 on House Bill 2416. What makes this bill monumental for the racing world is that it protects official racing venues from lawsuits and noise complaints. This immunity is only provided, of course, if the venue or track was already in place before other neighboring developments popped up. One of the qualifiers for protection under the new law is that the track must have been in continuous operation without a lapse of more than four years. The Kansas Motorsports Venue Protection Act now awaits Governor Laura Kelly's signature to be fully enacted by the state. There are over 20 listed racetracks in Kansas, all catering to different types of racing, but the crown jewel is the Kansas Motor Speedway, which hosts a yearly stint of the NASCAR series calendar. Other states that have already done the same as Kansas include North Carolina (the home of NASCAR), Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Iowa. Another key reason the tracks were protected is their economic impact on the local economy. Hosting a major event like a NASCAR Cup race generates significant revenue and creates many employment opportunities. Honda Global EffortsThe rest of the world is not as accommodating as the U.S., usually enforcing more strict noise regulations. In the U.K., a racetrack can only establish a legal right to make noise if it has done so for 20 years without interruption or objection. Current noise level limits in the U.K. are at 105 decibels. In Western Australia, some tracks are granted a negotiated exemption by the local government rather than blanket immunity. Should the track violate any of the rules, the exemption may be revoked. Even the infamous Nürburgring has a noise mandate during what is considered "tourist drives," vehicles must not exceed 130 decibels. View the full article

For Denny Hamlin, winning another pole on Saturday at Martinsville Speedway, is just another sign that he still as it. It, of course, is the much-discussed pure speed that often fades away in the mid-40s but the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 driver now has two poles in addition to a win while sitting fourth in the championship standings. “Really, with age, the hardest part is actually still ...Keep readingView the full article

James Bond has always had impeccable taste in cars. In Ian Fleming’s novels, he drove a Bentley. The films made Aston Martin iconic. The 1970s flirted with Lotus, and the 1990s handed him the keys to BMW. What remained consistent wasn’t the badge; it was the idea that Bond always drove something aspirational, cutting-edge, and slightly ahead of its time. What it has never been, until now, is Chinese. BYD is changing that with the Denza Z9 GT, a high-performance luxury EV launching in Europe in April, and the company is betting that Daniel Craig's face will do the heavy lifting in making Europeans take it seriously. Denza View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Bond Cars Are Always ExceptionalWhen BMW put Pierce Brosnan’s Bond in a Z3 and later a Z8, it was seen as a commercial pivot rather than a purist choice. In hindsight, it was an early example of the franchise aligning itself with whoever best represented the future of the car industry at that moment. Daniel Craig played Bond across five films, from Casino Royale in 2006 right through to No Time to Die in 2021. During that run, he was closely associated with Aston Martin, driving the timeless DB5, the DBS, the Vantage, and the DB10, a car built almost exclusively for the film. That relationship between Bond and Aston Martin ran so deep that it became shorthand for a certain kind of aspirational British luxury. By recruiting Craig for its newest and most advanced electric vehicle, BYD is sending a very deliberate signal. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The Denza Z9 GT itself is legitimately impressive on paper. Three electric motors producing a combined 960 horsepower, a 0-62 mph time of under 3 seconds, and a claimed range of 497 miles from a 122 kWh Blade Battery 2.0. BYD's new Flash Charging technology can take the battery from 10 per cent to 70 per cent in five minutes flat, and on to a full charge in a total of nine minutes. On paper, the Denza Z9 GT has the kind of numbers and the trick crab walk feature that would have once been reserved for Q Branch fiction. Denza View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Irony Worth Sitting WithCraig’s Bond was always less about fantasy gadgets and more about realism and brute effectiveness. That makes him an unusually fitting ambassador for an EV that is selling itself not on romance, but on sheer technical dominance. Not long ago, a "Bond car from a Chinese EV maker" would have sounded like a punchline. But Bond has always been about power, innovation, and whoever defines the cutting edge at a given moment. Right now, BYD is making a case that it deserves that role. View the full article

The No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota of Denny Hamlin will lead the field to the green flag in Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Martinsville Speedway. The Virginia native now has five poles at the half-mile short track, and 49 total in his career. "The car is good today," said Hamlin. "We did a lot of really good things in practice. I was hoping to get somewhere in that top eight for qualifying, but ...Keep readingView the full article

BMW was among the European carmakers hit hardest by tariffs in 2025, and its latest financial results make that impact clear. In its annual report, the company revealed a 6.7% drop in group earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), alongside a 15.9% decline in its automotive EBIT margin, a key measure of operating profitability. While BMW avoided putting a precise figure on the damage, analysis from Automotive News helped fill in the gaps. €1.4 Billion Lost to Tariffs BMW Working from BMW’s reported margin decline, Jefferies analyst Philippe Houchois estimated that tariffs cost the company around €1.4 billion in 2025. With BMW posting roughly €10.2 billion in profit for the year, that means more than 10% of its earnings were effectively wiped out by tariff-related costs. The two main pressure sources were US import tariffs and European Union anti-subsidy tariffs. And while there is hope that some trade barriers may ease, US tariffs aren't going away any time soon. Since 2025, US auto tariffs alone have already cost the global industry at least $35.4 billion, underlining just how expensive the current trade environment has become. Adapting Without Slowing Down BMW Despite the financial hit, BMW is not backing off on its long-term strategy. Its massive Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, which produces most of its SUVs, helps shield the company from US-specific tariff risks, to an extent. To meet CO2 emission targets, BMW will continue to produce EVs, such as the recently unveiled BMW i3, while its M division is set to introduce 30 new models by 2029 – many of which are expected to incorporate hybrid technology to comply with emissions rules. BMW is also paying closer attention to shifting consumer trends. BMW has identified renewed demand for station wagons in the US, making this a viable model to add to the Spartanburg plant's offering. Tariffs Remain A Heavy Hitter BMW Looking ahead, tariffs remain a major concern not just for BMW, but for the entire industry. The company expects tariff-related pressure to continue into 2026, warning of a further impact of around 1.25 percentage points on its automotive EBIT margin. Unfortunately, if current policies remain in place, automakers may soon have little choice but to pass these costs on to consumers. As a result, that would push the average new car price beyond the current $50,300. View the full article

You know you’re in for something really crazy when internet legends ‘Florida Man’ and ‘Mustang Driver’ collide, all the more so if they are one and the same person. That was the case on Wednesday in Daytona Beach, Florida, when 58-year-old Brian J. Parker crashed his seventh-gen Ford Mustang GT at high speed through a locked and secured gate of the local airport. Suspect Admitted to Alcohol and Drug Use Before Chaotic IncidentHe then drove his blue Mustang across an active runway, nearly hitting a student-training plane on the taxiway. As if this wasn’t reckless or stupid enough, the man then ditched his car and “attempted but was unsuccessful in gaining control of two aircraft,” according to a Daytona Beach International Airport press statement. Fortunately, airport security agents chased the man on foot and managed to immobilize him less than 4 minutes after he crashed broke into the airport's premises, with police detaining him shortly after. It wasn’t a walk in the park, though, as the following excerpt from a Volusia Sheriff’s Office statement reveals. “Witnesses reported Parker's Mustang entered the taxiway and nearly struck an Embry-Riddle plane that was taxiing. Parker then got out of Mustang and tried to enter the occupied plane, but was unsuccessful. As Parker ran to other aircraft in the area, an airport operations technician chased him down, pulled him out of a plane and sat him on his truck's tailgate. However, Parker jumped off the tailgate and ran toward another plane before he was once again apprehended and placed in handcuffs.” The body cam footage shared by Volusia Sheriff’s Office on its Facebook page showed the man was “highly intoxicated,” as he himself admitted at the scene. “I don’t remember. I was at my house, I went to an AA meeting and next thing you know I’m doing cocaine, drinking and smoking pot,” the man said when a police officer asked him what had happened. The man was in such an inebriated state that he uttered “What’s my car doing over there?” just as police hauled him into the back of a patrol car with his hands in cuffs. Arrested on a List of Charges Longer than a Resume Volusia Sheriff's Office / Facebook Byran J. Parker, a resident of Holly Hill, was arrested and booked on several charges, including attempted aircraft piracy, burglary of a conveyance, trespass upon operation area of an airport, exposure of a sexual organ, criminal mischief, DUI property damage, and refusing to submit to testing, according to Volusia Sheriff’s Office. A judge called his actions extreme and denied him bond based on worries about the suspect's mental health, WKMG News6 ClickOrlando reported. Thankfully, no one was hurt during the chaotic incident, authorities said. Needless to say, things could have been way worse had he crashed into the taxiing student-training plane or if a bigger plane had happened to take off or land at that time. “We would like to commend the eyewitnesses who immediately called 911 to report the incident, and the Air Traffic Controller who quickly reported the suspicious vehicle and took action to ensure the safety of airfield operations,” Daytona Beach International Airport wrote in its statement. View the full article

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