Street News Anchor

Pivoting to Energy StorageHere's some good news. In a Reutersreport, General Motors and LG Energy Solution announced that their Tennessee Ultium Cells plant will be repurposed for lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery production for energy storage products. This represents a significant shift from their previous strategy of focusing solely on electric vehicle battery production. This comes at a time when both companies face slowing demand for their products, resulting in excess battery production capacity. General Motors Instead of leaving these facilities idle, the partnership has decided to shift its production capacity to energy storage products. This sector is experiencing tremendous growth. This is largely driven by the rapid increase in AI data centers. In addition, General Motors has stated that energy storage demand is far exceeding supply. This trend is expected to continue for several years. General Motors Laid-Off Workers Get New Chance as Battery Demand IncreasesThis shift in strategy has an immediate impact on workers. Ultium Cells has announced that it will be recalling 700 workers who were previously laid off. This comes after forecasts for their battery demand for electric-vehicle production slowed in 2026. The workers will be utilized for LFP battery production and will begin during the second quarter. This represents an interesting trend as these workers will be repurposed based on energy storage demand. It’s an interesting shift, however, as the battery jobs market is now not an indicator of EV market growth, but of the growth of electrification as a whole. With other manufacturers now looking at the EV battery space as well, the trend is clear: the industry is hedging its bets with the flexibility of LFP batteries, using them as needed in EVs or stationary applications, whichever market is most in demand. Battery Development No Longer EV ExclusiveWhen we get past the news of EV market slowdowns, factory retooling, and the like, we see that the trend lines were actually pointing towards batteries not just being about EVs, as the bigger picture of GM’s overall strategy, including previous investments in internal combustion engines as well as EVs, as well as the company’s decision to go with the flexibility of the LFP chemistry, points towards a company that is hedging its bets on the future of propulsion. The truth of the matter is this, batteries are the foundation of the future of energy, whether that future is inside the floor of a Chevy Bolt EV, or inside a facility powering an AI server farm, batteries are the future, and the future is now. EVs may go in and out of demand, but energy demand is not going anywhere; however, as evidenced by this Tennessee facility, the future of batteries is not just about EVs, it’s about everything. GM View the full article

The Price Of OmissionThe automotive industry is littered with cautionary tales about corporate mistakes. The most common issues usually pertain to safety concerns, recalls, or, worse, to concerted efforts to keep certain things from the public. All corporate entities that sell products are held to a high standard for transparency, especially those that make and sell cars. Vehicle purchases rank among the biggest investments an individual will make in their lifetime, so when certain details about parts and warranties aren't clear, buyers pay the price. Mercedes-Benz is one of those companies that went under the microscope due to alleged dishonesty – and it has recently decided to settle the case. Mercedes-Benz High-Cost Emissions PartsAccording to Classaction.org, a settlement has just been reached by luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz USA. The suit alleges that the German carmaker intentionally omitted all parts that should be classified as “high-cost emissions warranty parts” from the warranty booklet. It was found that the brand did this to limit its own expenses and exposure to owners who would make warranty claims on the said parts. Simply put, under California law, all high-priced parts should come with a seven-year 70,000-mile emissions warranty. As a result of the brand's actions, owners were forced to pay higher repair, diagnostic, and replacement costs. There is also a court-approved website regarding this specific class action suit: HazdovacEmissionsWarrantySettlement.com. In it, those who file a valid and timely claim form have multiple options for receiving their reimbursement settlements. The suit is a little confusing at first, but here are the salient details: Mercedes-Benz has agreed to compensate up to 50% of the out-of-pocket costs for claims pertaining to qualified repairs and replacements.Mercedes-Benz has agreed to also reimburse 100% of the cost for claims pertaining to a qualified diagnosis of parts affected by the warranty.100% Coverage will also be provided for claims filed for qualified repair, replacement, and diagnosis of a qualified part under the warranty. Mercedes-Benz More DetailsAll of these claims are available to class action members with vehicles between the four-year/50,000-mile and seven-year/70,000-mile warranty period. These services can also only be availed at authorized service centers. As mentioned, this suit is very detailed and quite confusing, but to be more specific, the cars eligible for the claim are 2015 models through the present year. Also, these cars should be registered in states that follow California's emission and pollutant regulations. Mercedes-Benz View the full article

A Legacy Wagon, But TallerThe idea of a wagon on stilts isn't exactly new. One just has to look at the AMG Eagle 4x4 Wagon to see where it all began. Still, Subaru was inspired by that, hence why it built the Outback. It made its home market debut in 1994, around the same time as the RAV4. The rest of the world followed in 1996. The formula was simple: take a Legacy Wagon, add a couple more inches of ground clearance, and give it more rugged styling. For the next six generations, Subaru didn't change the recipe, and that's all thanks to the Legacy Wagon. For as long as it was around, the Outback's lineage could continue. Subaru New DirectionThe seventh-generation Outback still rides on the Subaru Global Platform, but it's no longer directly related to the Legacy because, well, it's been axed. For this redesigned model, it's more like a shortened Ascent. The body is much bigger than before, and the roof is higher up. Overall, it looks more like a crossover now than a tall wagon. It's as if the Outback had well and truly embraced its SUV genes. The loss of the Legacy had forced Subaru's hand to do that, but the company has something to say about comments saying that the Outback is no longer a wagon. Subaru Swears it's a WagonMore specifically, it's Subaru Australia that insists on calling the current Outback a wagon. That's according to a report from Drive during a recent get-together with Australian motoring media. "Australians still want more out of their vehicle. They want substance. They don't just want to look the part, [they want] vehicles that deliver confidence when the road turns rough. Outback has been and will remain our greatest all-terrain wagon," said Scott Lawrence, general manager of Subaru Australia. Admittedly, calling it an 'all-terrain wagon' is another way to avoid calling it a crossover. Then again, SUVs were classified as wagons before the term was coined, so perhaps Subaru Australia is clinging on to that. It's a stretch, but it's something. Meanwhile, in America...It seems as though the communications for the new Outback aren't aligned worldwide. While the Australian office still calls it a wagon, Subaru North America has dubbed it an SUV. According to CarBuzz, customer clinics wanted more SUV elements in the redesigned model, which is why it looks the way it does now. Either way, the seventh-gen Outback's new direction will spark more debate down the line. If different Subaru offices can't decide on what it really is, the lack of a 'one voice' makes this new model a bit of a category-buster. Subaru View the full article

Kaulig Racing will put A.J. Allmendinger behind the wheel of the #10 Kaulig Racing Ram 1500 at Darlington Raceway this weekend, replacing Daniel Dye. Dye was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR and Kaulig for mocking IndyCar driver David Malukas with a homophobic voice on a recent livestream, making inappropriate inferences about the Penske driver's sexuality. He has since apologized and will ...Keep readingView the full article

If you didn’t sit through the entire live reveal of the new BMW i3, you might have missed the fact that BMW teased something pretty special. The company will be making a new-generation 3 Series Touring—unlike the M3 Touring racing wagon revealed earlier this week, this will be a BMW wagon that's actually for sale. When even Volvo has abandoned the wagon segment, this is great news for longroof fans. BMW Keeps The Wagon Alive https://www.youtube.com/live/98qr4Z26mbA?si=mR5kpGra9DwYGQnl&t=1540 Towards the end of the i3’s reveal, current BMW CEO Oliver Zipse—who will exit his position imminently—confirmed that a new 3 Series Touring is coming. On the screen behind him and visible in the video above, we got to see two very shadowy teasers of this new model: One from the side and one from the back. Most of the design was concealed, but the front and rear lighting signatures are very much reminiscent of the i3’s. “Business customers and [families] will be particularly delighted,” said Zipse. “The Touring has always been a favorite with them.” BMW Group/YouTube Although no details were confirmed, we expect the new 3 Series Touring to follow the sedan with both electric and gas powertrains. The i3’s 463-horsepower dual-motor powertrain would be one possibility, which should make this a wagon with near-M3 levels of performance. It would slot in below the latest 5 Series Touring, which is also available in fully electric i5 form. Whether the new 3 Series Touring comes to the U.S. remains to be seen, as the only wagon BMW offers here currently is the high-performance M5 Touring. What It Means BMW In late February, BMW accidentally leaked several new models arriving for the 2027 model year. The lineup included the M2 xDrive, an M350 xDrive, and a lower-powered version of the i3, a 40 xDrive. There was no mention of a new Touring model, so even if the new 3 Series Touring does make it here, it’s unlikely to be before the 2028 model year. Only a few larger wagons have survived in the U.S., including the Audi RS6 Avant and the M5 Touring. These are powerful, expensive, niche products that sell in relatively low volumes. This leads us to believe the 3 Series Touring has a slim chance of coming here at best, as more Americans are likely to buy an X3. Still, it’s promising to see BMW continue to offer a variety of body styles across its lineup, despite the popularity of its SUVs. View the full article

A New Charge for Going ElectricLast year, the current administration ended the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which had been an important incentive for EV adoption in the U.S. Now, according to Reuters, the chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is pushing to impose a $250 annual fee on EVs to help fund repairs to U.S. highways – a move that could further discourage EV ownership, especially as critics call the fee “unfair.” This proposal comes as the current U.S. surface transportation law is set to expire on September 30, 2026. Speaking at a U.S. Chamber of Commerce infrastructure event, Representative Sam Graves said, “We would like to get money from EVs,” adding that he expects the next five-year bill to include $500 billion to $550 billion in funding for highways and bridges. Kristen Brown The Gas Tax GapOne reason for the criticism is that gas-powered vehicles pay about $88 per year in federal fuel taxes. EVs, however, don’t use gasoline, meaning they aren’t subject to the taxes that help fund road repairs. Essentially, these zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, still use public roads without contributing to that specific funding source. The system is designed so that, as drivers buy more fuel and use the roads more often, they indirectly contribute more toward road maintenance costs. The report noted that some states already charge fees for EVs to help cover road repair costs, though these vary widely—often ranging from $50 to over $200 annually in states like Texas. These, however, are used to fund state-level infrastructure, and the proposed $250 federal fee could stack on top of existing costs. Tesla The Numbers Tell the StoryMore than $275 billion, including $118 billion from the 2021 infrastructure law, has been moved from the general fund to help pay for road repairs since 2008. As more drivers began switching to electric vehicles in recent years, fewer people were paying federal gas taxes, adding to the pressure on the system. However, some lawmakers say reaching a funding deal by September 30 could be difficult, especially with the November congressional elections approaching. Hybrids, which use less fuel than traditional internal-combustion vehicles, are also being considered for a $100 annual fee. That could be significant, given that many buyers have shifted toward hybrids amid slower EV sales in the U.S. in 2025, with automakers like Hyundai and Toyota doubling down on their electrified lineups. Hyundai View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Long OverdueAfter a decade of looking pretty much the same, the Chrysler Pacifica finally gets a massive facelift. It's for the 2027 model year, so it'll be a while before anyone can actually drive it off dealer lots. Okay, the rest of the body still looks identical to the decade-old version, but the face is totally new. On top of that, the lineup has received a bit of a shakeup. The Pacifica LX effectively replaces the Voyager, leaving Chrysler with just one model yet again. It also gets enhancements to the advanced driver assists that the company calls Safety Sphere, plus new paint and wheel options. From the front at least, it looks like a totally new vehicle. Chrysler Skin DeepThat said, the same couldn't be said about the interior. Fellow auto website Carscoops obtained photos of the 2027 Pacifica's cabin, and it's a sense of deja vu, especially for current owners. You can check out more photos by following the hyperlink above, but you can also check out the image below from the current model. Admittedly, it's not a direct copy-paste from the current model, but it's a very familiar look nonetheless. The dash layout is virtually unchanged, and the same holds for the partially-analog instrument cluster. We'll go out on a limb here and say even the button placements are the same as before. The 2027 Pacifica also retains the rotary dial gear and selector. If it's any consolation, at least there are still buttons in there that make it easier to interact with the dashboard. But there's no denying the fact that the design itself looks, well, pretty last decade. Still, there are some changes here and there, namely the badge on the steering wheel, a couple of interior accents, and, er, that's pretty much it. The top-spec Pinnacle trim does copper-look bezels and a Blue Agave Nappa Leather interior, though. Are There Other Changes?As far as we can see (or not), updates to the Pacifica are mostly cosmetic. There was no mention of any tweaks to the chassis or any changes to the infotainment system. Chrysler did repeatedly bring up a couple of class-exclusive features, such as the clever Stow-n-Go seats, but that's pretty much it, save for the aforementioned safety feature enhancements. Prices have moved a little, but there is some good news here. Yes, there is a price increase for the two lower trims, LX and Select, but prices for the Limited and Pinnacle are lower than for the 2026-model-year Pacificas. While Chrysler's sole model still hasn't benefitted from a total redesign, its age hasn't stopped it from being the best-selling model among its peers. Still, if it wants to stay on top, an all-new model is a must. Chrysler View the full article

Forbidden Fruit I find it ironic that the Japanese market is now lusting after products from Toyota's North American lineup. How the tables have turned, am I right? The first-generation Toyota Highlander was also called the Toyota Kluger. It was a five-door SUV that shared bones with the Lexus RX and debuted in 2001 as a five-seater and then reconfigured as a seven-seater by 2004. It was offered in Japan, Australia, and North America, where it was sold with either a gasoline or a hybrid powertrain by 2005. Toyota Leaving Japan After the first generation, Toyota Japan dropped the Kluger model in its local lineup altogether. The second generation of this family of models was never sold in Japan, but it was still being offered in Australia as the Kluger. This was also the generation that had three assembly plants: one still in Japan, another in China, and finally, the Toyota factory in Princeton, Indiana, in the U.S. By the third generation, there was no trace of the Highlander in Japan. The model was now being mass-produced in China and the U.S. The same goes for the fourth- and incoming fifth-generation Highlanders, until recently. Toyota Reverse Import The current fourth generation of the Toyota Highlander is being assembled in the United States, at Princeton, Indiana. The battery-powered fifth-generation model will be produced in Toyota's Georgetown, Kentucky factory. Two generations later, it returns to Japan, no longer a locally produced model, but as a "reverse import." A Japanese-branded car, made in the United States and then imported to Japan. Ironic, isn't it? Why is it back? Well, because the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has established a certification system for U.S.-made vehicles, the Highlander can be imported into Japan again without additional testing. This system is called the "Joint Statement on Framework Agreement between Japan and the United States," which was issued on July 22, 2025. To promote awareness of the system, Ryosei Akazawa, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan, introduced the Toyota Highlander as an official vehicle in February 2026, stating that it was "spacious" and "comfortable" to ride in. Japan News Not For Sale... Yet According to Japanese automotive media, Kuruma News, the model has been getting inquiries left and right, enough for journalists to take notice. However, there is a catch: the model is not yet for sale. Following Ryosei Akazawa's promotion, which was broadcast throughout Japanese media, it prompted eager car buyers to inquire about the Highlander at Toyota dealerships. As a model that hasn't been in Japan for about two decades at this point, it's almost entirely unfamiliar to the local Japanese market. The eagerness stems from the fact that it looks new, but more savvy Toyota fans will know that the Highlander's availability in Japan marks the return of the Kluger nameplate in the country. It has a totally new design and a Toyota badge, so it must be on sale in Japan, right? Unfortunately, all of those inquiries were met with an unfortunate "no" from dealerships. It's currently serving as a poster car for the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Toyota is not currently selling the model to the public, but it has announced that it is considering American-produced models such as the Camry, Tundra, and Highlander for entry into the Japanese lineup as early as 2026. It may be only a matter of time before these inquiries turn into sales. The estimated price, variants, and availability of the Highlander are unknown for now, and Toyota dealers are explaining the situation to each and every customer one by one. For now, the Highlander is "forbidden fruit" for Japanese clientele; meanwhile, Americans can purchase the Highlander starting at MSRP $45,570 for the base trim. The new fifth-generation model, which is fully electric and capable of 320 miles of range (500 kilometers), is set to launch late this year. Japanese media outlets have also picked up on the electric Highlander and are eagerly anticipating its arrival. Toyota Toyota View the 23 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Alpine, the sports car brand owned by France’s Renault Group, first announced plans to enter the US market in June 2023 with a duo of performance luxury EVs. As the EV market has changed dramatically since then in the United States, which canceled the EV federal tax credit last year and rolled back stricter fuel economy standards that favored EVs, Alpine was forced to rethink its strategy. While the initial plan was to start selling vehicles in the US from 2027, tariffs and regulatory hurdles have reportedly delayed Alpine’s US debut closer to 2030 and have changed its potential model lineup as well. The Next-Gen A110 May Also Get a Gas-Powered Variant Alpine The A110 core sports car, which is going all-electric for its next generation but may also feature a gas-powered variant, and a larger crossover designed to compete with the Porsche Cayenne are now rumored to be Alpine’s US bets. While reports are nothing more than reports, there is now a serious reason to believe Alpine is dead serious about coming to US, and that is the fact that it’s subjecting the next-gen A110 to crash testing in the USA. Alpine CEO Philippe Krief confirmed the news to Automotive News last week, a strong suggestion that the brand is serious about entering the lucrative US car market. While the executive noted that a final decision hasn’t been made yet as to whether the A110 will launch stateside, undergoing US crash tests is an essential step in the process of certifying a car for sale in the US, not to mention it’s also really expensive. Besides revealing that the upcoming Alpine A110 electric sports car is undergoing US crash testing, Krief also said the Alpine Performance Platform (APP) that underpins it—shared with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E super hot hatch—can also accommodate internal combustion engines. He would not elaborate on whether the A110 would launch as an EV or gas-powered model in the US, but given the current EV environment, an internal combustion version should be in the cards. What We Know So Far About the Next Alpine A110 Alpine The next-generation Alpine A110 is scheduled to launch overseas by the end of 2027, but the US version will follow later on, likely before 2030. Besides crash testing and homologation, launching a new car stateside involves a lot of steps, including building out a sales and service network. Renault reportedly held talks with AutoNation regarding this in 2023, but the result of those discussions—if any—remains unknown. The upcoming Alpine A110 will sit as low as the current ICE car and will be a bit longer, with the styling to stay close to the current model, Krief recently told Autocar. The targeted weight is around 3,300 lbs, which is not bad at all for an EV but still a lot more than the current A110’s 2,500 lbs. The electric sports car will be offered as coupe, convertible, and four-seat GT, and will retain its mid-engine dynamics thanks to the 70-kWh battery pack being placed behind the seats. As a result, the driving position with be even sportier than the current Alpine A110, with the driver’s feet raised, Formula 1-style, and the seat very reclined. The driving range is estimated at over 300 miles—or three full-speed laps of the Nürburgring. Power is expected to come from two rear-mounted electric motors delivering more than 345 hp—which is what the most powerful gas A110 currently makes—but Alpine is also leaving the door open to in-wheel motors like those that power the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. Alpine View the full article

Seven Years Profitable, Still Under PressureBentley’s streak continues, with seven years of profits even as the luxury market cools off. For 2025, revenue landed at €2.6 billion (around $3 billion) – just a one percent dip – while operating profit came in at €216 million ($249 million). Profits are down compared to last year, but most of that comes from outside pressures. Tariffs, currency swings, and write-offs from cancelled EV projects all took a bite. Strip those away, and Bentley’s main business is still holding steady. Deliveries dropped almost 5% to just over 10,000 units, mostly due to softer demand in China. Instead, Bentley is doubling down on higher-margin models and custom Mulliner builds. The strategy is to move fewer cars, but make each one count more. The Bentayga is still Bentley’s top seller, with the Speed version picking up steam late in the year. Meanwhile, hybrids like the Continental GT and Flying Spur are moving closer to the center of the lineup. Bentley Cost Cuts Without the PanicBentley is trimming its structure and planning to cut up to 275 jobs – about 6% of its workforce. Around 150 roles will be cut outright, while the rest will be handled through retirements and internal reassignments, Automotive News reports. Management says this isn’t a panic move, just a long-term adjustment. The entire auto industry is feeling the squeeze, and Bentley is making sure its costs align with the new reality. There are good reasons for the change. China used to drive more growth, but now it’s a smaller piece of the pie. The U.S. is still important, but it’s not without its own challenges. Just like other automakers, tariffs alone cost Bentley €42 million ($48 million) last year, further adding to the pressure. Even so, Bentley is still pouring money into its Crewe plant to get ready for an electric future. The challenge is keeping profits up while covering the cost of that shift. Bentley EV Plans Reworked, Hybrids Take OverBentley’s EV plans are changing, too. The original goal was five electric models by 2035, but now only one is confirmed for the near future, with a second one by the end of the decade. That first EV, an SUV, is expected soon and will use the same electric platform as Porsche and Audi. After that, the roadmap gets a lot less clear. This change comes after Volkswagen Group cancelled the SSP61 platform, which was supposed to support several new EVs. Instead of pushing ahead anyway, Bentley is choosing to play it safe. Right now, hybrids are carrying most of the load. Bentley’s V8 plug-in systems have been well received, striking a practical balance between performance and emissions. The next wave of models, including the upcoming Bentayga, will likely stick with that recipe. Bentley isn’t stepping away from EVs entirely, but it is slowing down its development. The focus has shifted from expansion to timing, as demand in the ultra-luxury space catches up. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Nissan has announced that its Murano SUV, built right here in the United States, will be sold in Japan early in 2027. Nissan is one of a growing group of Japanese automakers taking advantage of new certification rules for U.S.-built vehicles, making it possible to sell left-hand-drive vehicles in Japan (a right-hand-drive market) without any changes. A boost in Japan sales will help to balance the strain of U.S. tariffs, but some industry analysts question how popular U.S.-spec models like the Murano will be in Japan. Related: I Drove the 2026 Nissan Murano Platinum. Here's My Review Nissan Follows Honda and Toyota’s Lead Nissan Late last year, Toyota said it would be shipping locally built Camry, Highlander, and Tundra models to Japan. The Highlander and Tundra were particularly surprising options, given the demand for tiny kei cars in that region. Then, just a few weeks ago, Honda confirmed it would export the Acura Integra Type S and Honda Passport TrailSport Elite to Japan. Like Nissan, Toyota and Honda hope that the novelty of these U.S. models will appeal to a small but passionate niche market in Japan. The new Murano is manufactured at the Nissan North America Smyrna plant in Tennessee. This will be the first time an American-made Nissan model is sold in Japan since the 1990s. Nissan “I'm excited to share with you that Murano is coming back to Japan,” said Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s president and CEO. “The Murano has earned high praise from customers in the U.S. market for its elegant design and exceptional comfort. With the introduction of this model, Nissan aims to further strengthen its product lineup in Japan and meet the diverse needs of Japanese customers.” Redesigned for the 2025 model year, the Murano introduced a fresh look and a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic, in place of the older V6 and CVT. It rides well and has a comfortable, premium interior. Related: After 40 Years, U.S.-Built Acuras Are Going To Japan Low Sales Expected Nissan The left-hand-drive layout is a major limiting factor in how well these U.S.-built models can be expected to perform in Japan, as they simply won’t be as practical to drive on a daily basis. “Who the heck will buy these? The wheel is on the right side. I don’t think they are trying very hard,” said Christopher Richter, head Asia auto analyst at CLSA in Tokyo, to Automotive News. “They will likely make a point that American spec’d cars will not sell in Japan, regardless of who makes them.” For Japanese customers, the Murano will be the most premium Nissan SUV they can buy, as the X-Trail (essentially America’s Rogue) has been the biggest Nissan SUV available there until now. Diehard fans of these Japanese brands may buy a Murano or Tundra as a second vehicle for occasional use, while keeping a Japanese-spec model for everyday driving. But this group is unlikely to make up a large number of buyers. What It Means Nissan Reverse-importing models with steering wheels on the wrong side wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card even a year or two ago, but it highlights the difficult decisions automakers have had to make after U.S. tariffs were introduced. The move allows brands like Honda and Nissan to address trade imbalances, but the gamble will only work if enough Japanese customers express interest in these vehicles. If these U.S.-built models sell strongly in Japan, it could lead to more manufacturing jobs at local auto plants. The challenge for all three automakers will be to ensure that production capacity for U.S. customers isn’t impacted. View the full article

The Jetta Soldiering OnWhile most of the market has moved on from sedans, the Volkswagen Jetta is still hanging on. It’s not breaking sales records these days, but it’s one of the last few options for buyers who want a traditional compact sedan instead of a crossover or SUV. Even so, the Jetta sticks around. It fills a gap as a practical, budget-friendly sedan – something that’s getting harder to find in Volkswagen’s lineup as the brand shifts toward bigger vehicles and electric models. That’s what makes this latest recall a bit of a letdown. The Jetta has been quietly doing its job, but now it’s in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. The defect isn’t common, but the risk is serious enough that owners should take notice. Volkswagen What Went WrongVolkswagen has issued a recall affecting 48,165 units of the 2025–2026 Jetta due to a potential fire risk tied to an electrical issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s recall report, the issue comes down to a transmission ground wire that might not have been connected properly at the factory. If that wire isn’t hooked up, it leaves an open circuit. Under the right conditions, it can draw too much current and increase the risk of a fire under the hood. It’s a straightforward case of human error on the assembly line, made worse by a particular oil pressure unit that completes the circuit and lets the problem show up. So far, Volkswagen knows of six cases in which wiring melted, or an engine bay fire broke out. All of them only damaged the car itself – no injuries or crashes have been reported. Volkswagen The Fix – and a Pattern EmergingThe fix is simple enough: dealers will check the ground wire and repair it for free if needed. Until then, owners are being told to park outside as a precaution. Volkswagen has already updated its assembly process as of February 2026, so new cars coming off the line shouldn’t have this problem. This recall by itself might not seem like a big deal, but it’s part of a pattern. Volkswagen has had to recall several models lately, from loose wheel bolts to battery fire risks in the ID.4 and airbag problems in some Tiguan models. Put together, it shows a brand that’s been busy dealing with a steady stream of quality and safety issues. None of them are catastrophic on their own, but it’s clear Volkswagen has had its hands full lately – sometimes with actual fires. Volkswagen View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A lawsuit for an alleged Honda Collision Mitigation Braking system failure is heading to trial after originally being filed eight years ago. In its current form, the lawsuit claims that the Collision Mitigation Braking System equipped to certain CR-V and Accord models detects hazards when there are none, leading to hard and unexpected braking. Some owners say the defect has left them afraid of driving their Hondas. Here’s everything we know about a case that has dragged on for many years. Honda Lawsuit Explained Honda The initial lawsuit filed eight years ago involved the Honda Sensing system as a whole, which consists of multiple driver-assistance features. These include the following: Collision Mitigation BrakingRoad Departure MitigationAdaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed FollowLane Keeping AssistThe lawsuit now only includes the Collision Mitigation System, which uses a combination of camera and radar sensors to identify obstacles and apply the brakes automatically. But, if the car brakes when it shouldn’t, this can increase the chances of a crash. The class action lawsuit has been modified and refiled three trims, but it’s now heading to trial after the judge allowed it to drag on for eight years. The vehicles must have been purchased new from Honda dealerships in the following states: California, Florida, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, New Jersey, Arizona, or Iowa. Leading up to the trial, both parties are still debating the case, with the automaker saying the jury instruction doesn’t match the alleged offense. Affected Honda Models Honda Models implicated in the lawsuit include the 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2020 Honda Accord sedan. These are the previous generations of both models, so the CR-V and Accord on sale now are not implicated. We did a search on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website and quickly found complaints related to the braking issue. On March 15, 2026, one owner of a 2019 CR-V said their vehicle suddenly braked hard at an intersection when the light was green and the road was clear, with the speed being roughly 40 mph. “I felt I was close to being rear ended because I didn’t engage any braking at all,” said the driver. Another 2019 CR-V driver said their vehicle initiated “hard, emergency-level braking without any actual obstacle in the path of travel.” The NHTSA opened an investigation into the issue a few years ago, and this remains ongoing, with a total of 1,294 complaints noted at that time. 50 complaints alleged that an injury had occurred, with 31 crashes reported. Related: Drivers Reveal the Car Tech They Can’t Live Without — and What Drives Them Crazy What It Means Honda The CR-V and Accord are two of Honda’s most popular models in the U.S., so any safety issue affecting them will potentially impact thousands of owners. Honda has equipped its Sensing suite with collision mitigation braking for years, too, further driving up the number of affected models. The lawsuit exposes the double-edged sword of modern vehicle safety technologies. On the one hand, they make driving safer and more convenient when they work as they should. But they’ve also made cars more complicated, and the very features designed to save lives can be dangerous when they malfunction. After eight long and frustrating years, Honda and the plaintiffs will both be anticipating a favorable outcome once the case goes to trial. Related: AAA study shows automatic emergency braking has its limits View the full article

Every time there's a new BMW 3 Series, the world sits up and takes notice, and this time is no different. Munich's benchmark sports sedan has gone electric, adopting the i3 moniker previously used on the automaker's first mass-produced EV, the i3 supermini, but fear not, a combustion-powered 3er will come along soon enough. If you're not here because you're interested in EVs, it's because you want to critique the new Bimmer's styling, and that's okay, because every 3 Series' appearance is loved and hated in equal measure. This one takes clear inspiration from the Vision Neue Klasse concept, just as the first Neue Klasse product, the iX3, took its design cues from the Vision Neue Klasse X concept. But style matters less than substance, so let's see what the Bavarians have brewed. 2027 BMW i3 Arrives as AWD Electric 3 Series BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Like the iX3, the new (NA0) i3 launches in 50 xDrive form first, which means an electrically excited synchronous motor on the rear, primary drive axle, with an asynchronous motor on the front axle. Using sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, the 800-volt setup delivers a combined total of 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. That's just 10 horsepower less than the manual, non-Competition G80 M3 offered when it arrived, and it should translate to scintillating performance, though BMW hasn't revealed any acceleration times or top speed figures just yet. BMW estimates that the new i3 will manage 440 miles on the EPA's test cycles and says the EV will be capable of DC charging at up to 400kW, which is up to 30 percent faster than Gen5 tech managed. If the iX3 is anything to go by, real-world figures may be even higher. The battery pack's cells are directly integrated into the pack, and the pack itself is directly integrated into the chassis, which translates to improved torsional rigidity and less overall weight. It also allows for a flat floor, improving aerodynamics, and the car can do bidirectional charging, feeding your home or devices when there's no other source of electricity. BMW i3 Neue Klasse Styling: Hit or Miss? BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The big news is the new front end, where the 'kidney' rilles ave become a part of the headlights, surrounding each as a sort of mask, with a recess between them. This recess leads into a valley that creates two bulges for the hood, making it appear longer and more muscular. Optionally, Iconic Glow lighting can be had, and this offers three lighting animations: Relaxed, Excited, and Balanced. Depending on the spec of the vehicle, the welcome and goodbye animations will vary. Lower down, the separated intake leans deeper into the dual-grille look, while the lower side air intakes help bridge the gap between the NA0 and the G20. Muscular wheel arches are clean and simple, and that's the theme of this design, which incorporates hidden window seals. That leads us to the windows themselves. For the first time this writer can remember, the BMW press release makes no mention of a Hofmeister kink. The i3's predecessor, the G20 3 Series, was already fiddling with the iconic design cue, and now it's almost completely unrecognizable, with the bottom of the C-pillar flicking up to accentuate the rear haunches. It's not a bad look, but the unusually large third side window looks awkward the longer you stare at it. Still, this should make for a comfortable rear-seat journey with the windows down, as will the standard panormaic roof with climate comfort glass (which means the eventual M model will not continue the recent tradition of a carbon fiber roof). BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The wing mirrors are not overstyled, and the rocker panels are classy, while flush door handles add to the sleek look. These automatically extend when the Digital Key Plus (using any major smartphone or smartwatch) is detected, and this key can be shared via messaging apps, meaning others can use the car even if you're not around. This uses Bluetooth and Ultra Wide Band technology to accurately determine exactly where the signal is coming from and can also remotely operate the trunk. Around the back, the taillights match the headlights in that there's a recess for the BMW roundel between them. These taper near the middle and flick up at each extremity as a reinterpretation of the traditional L-shaped taillight motif of every 3er since the E46. Below them, the number plate recess has been made to look like a design choice rather than a necessity, and the false diffuser panel adds sportiness. This blends into a pair of upright reflectors to match the front lower side intakes. As usual, an M Sport pack is available, adding the M Aerodynamic package, an M logo to the wing mirrors, and the option of blue calipers for the M Sport brakes. The busy wheels on this model have little covers between the spokes for better aero efficiency, but more designs will be seen soon enough. This launch model of the i3 is the first to offer M Le Castellet Blue metallic paint, which is exclusive to the i3, but if you don't like it, a total of 11 solid, frozen (matte), and metallic options will be offered. 2027 BMW i3 Interior and Technology BMW View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Somehwat controversially, the steering wheel has four spokes, with the upper section gaining a spoke for the first time on a 3 Series. An optional M Sport wheel with a "flattened" design will also be offered with 4 and 8 o'clock spokes. It's a strange look, but it certainly makes the i3's cabin feel more futuristic. As with the iX3, the new i3 gets the Panoramic Vision infotainment setup with a 17.9-inch display in the center of the dashboard angled toward the driver, with up to six movable and customizable widgets. This is complemented by a narrow continuous display stretching across the base of the windshield, with a 3D head-up display optional. The system includes a self-learning voice assistant with Amazon Alexa+ AI, and the interface offers customizable colors, display schemes and background images. Speaking of choices, the cabin offers multifunction and M Sport seats as options and can be trimmed in various themes. Contemporary gives you Veganza imitation leather in Agave Green, Digital White, Castanea, or Black coloring, and the M Design World theme pairs Black Veganza with M Performtex material. Alternatively, BMW Individual provides you with real Merino leather in black. BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Whatever you choose, a wireless device charging pad is included, as are physical buttons for the hazard warning lights and the parking brake. This brings us back to the wheel, which integrates what BMW calls "Shy Tech," with buttons that only activate when their functions are required. Some may prefer a more analog feel, and we're not sure about having electric door latches front and rear, but we'll have to wait to drive the car to give our verdict on how all this feels on the road. A flat trunk floor with collapsing rear seats should mean decent practicality, but we can't help but be disappointed at the size of the frunk—it's tiny. Still, at least it's an out-of-the-way place to put the charging cable, which you connect to a standard NACS port on the right rear of the car. Production will begin in August of this year, with deliveries in the fall, but pricing and options will only be unpacked closer to pumpkin spice season. With all of that, from incredibly efficient motors, a wholly reimagined user interface, and a massive increase in the use of recycled materials, the main talking point will still be the looks. So, what do you think? Did BMW cook, or is its styling department cooked? Let us know in the comments below. BMW View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Extreme Heat Warning: An Unprecedented March Event on Desert HighwaysThe National Weather Service has issued Extreme Heat Warnings across wide portions of Arizona, California, and Nevada as a historic late-winter heat dome parks itself over the Desert Southwest and produces temperatures no one driving these roads has ever encountered this early in the year. This is not a typical hot spell. It is the first Extreme Heat Warning ever issued in March in Arizona's recorded history, beating the previous earliest instance issued between April 26 and 30, 2020, by nearly six weeks. For drivers, the warning period runs from Wednesday morning through Sunday evening and covers some of the nation's busiest desert travel corridors. If you are planning to drive I-10, I-8, US-93, US-60, or any other highway through the Sonoran Desert or the Mojave this week, read this before you go. The Primary Threat: A Historic Heat Dome and What It Does to Desert RoadsA powerful ridge of high pressure has locked into place over the western United States, acting as a heat dome that is compressing and heating the air across the entire Desert Southwest region. The NWS Phoenix forecast office, the primary authoritative source for this event, forecasts lower desert highs climbing above 100°F by Wednesday before surging to around 105 to 107°F Thursday through Saturday. Daily records are expected to fall by nearly 10 degrees each day. Phoenix is set to record its earliest triple-digit temperature ever, breaking a mark set on March 26, 1988. NWS Phoenix meteorologist Sean Benedict was unambiguous in assessing the scale: the city is not just touching 100 degrees, it is pushing well past it, to a range that ordinarily does not arrive until May at the earliest. All-time April records may fall before the week is out. The Coachella Valley in California, the corridor of I-10 through Palm Springs, Indio, and Coachella, is under an NWS San Diego Extreme Heat Warning with highs of 105 to 110°F forecast from Wednesday through Saturday. Overnight low temperatures will drop only to the low-to-mid 70s, providing no meaningful heat relief between driving sessions. The Imperial Valley along I-8 near El Centro and Calexico, the Las Vegas Valley along I-15, and a wide swath of southwest California, including the San Fernando Valley and the San Gabriel Valley, are all under active warnings. The NWS Weather Prediction Center describes temperatures running 20 to 30 degrees above seasonal norms across the affected region, a deviation that puts this event in the category of genuinely anomalous early-season heat. This matters for drivers not just because of comfort, but because the road surface itself becomes a threat. The Secondary System: California Corridors and the Las Vegas ApproachThe heat dome is not confined to Arizona. The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office has issued Extreme Heat Warnings covering the Santa Clarita Valley, the San Fernando Valley, the Eastern San Fernando Valley, the Western San Gabriel Mountains and the Highway 14 Corridor, and portions of the Los Angeles basin's inland zones. The I-5 corridor north of Los Angeles through the Newhall Pass and into the high desert is in the warning zone. So is the SR-14 approach into Palmdale and Lancaster. The NWS Las Vegas office has flagged temperatures nearly 30 degrees above seasonal normals for the Las Vegas Valley, placing the I-15 approach into Las Vegas from both the California and Arizona sides under significant heat stress for drivers arriving from cooler home climates. The agency specifically cited high tourism levels as an aggravating factor, warning that travelers unaccustomed to desert heat face an elevated risk. For drivers making the I-15 run from Southern California into Nevada, the Barstow-to-Las Vegas stretch will see peak afternoon temperatures in the 105°F range. That is the same corridor where roadside breakdowns in extreme heat have historically turned fatal. Regional Specifics: Named Highways, Passes, and High-Risk ZonesThe NWS Phoenix office has identified the I-10 corridor through Tempe and Avondale as a zone where pavement temperatures will spike sharply during the afternoon commute window, with the highest-risk period running noon to 7 PM daily through Sunday. Research from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has found that Phoenix pavement temperatures routinely exceed 120°F on hot days and frequently reach 140 to 160°F during peak heat events. At air temperatures of 105 to 107°F, those surface readings will run even higher. Specific corridors and zones to treat as high-alert driving environments through Sunday: I-10 (Phoenix to Los Angeles): The entire run from the Phoenix metro through the Blythe crossing, across the Coachella Valley, and through the Inland Empire. The Chiriaco Summit rest area and the Banning Pass will both see extreme heat. This is the single highest-traffic desert highway in the country. I-8 (San Diego to Tucson): The Yuma-to-Tucson stretch and the El Centro basin run through some of the most unforgiving terrain in the Southwest, with minimal shade and long gaps between services. Breakdowns here in 108°F heat are genuinely life-threatening. US-93 (Phoenix to Las Vegas): A two-lane highway through western Arizona with long stretches of no services. This road offers essentially no margin for a breakdown in these conditions. SR-74 and SR-111 (Coachella Valley): Both routes serve high weekend traffic from the Los Angeles basin into the desert, and both will see 105 to 110°F highs from Wednesday through Saturday. I-15 (Barstow to Las Vegas): The Baker-to-Jean corridor is an infamously exposed desert route where overheating vehicles are a regular occurrence in summer. This week, summer has arrived six weeks early. What Drivers Should KnowThe Arizona Department of Transportation has issued official guidance for desert highway travel under these conditions, and it covers things most drivers have never thought about in March. Do not drive these routes between approximately 11 AM and 7 PM unless absolutely necessary. Peak pavement temperatures will occur in the 2 PM to 5 PM window, when tire stress is greatest and engine cooling systems are most likely to be overtaxed. Keep your fuel tank at no less than three-quarters full at all times on desert routes this week. Running out of gas on a remote stretch of I-8 or US-93 in 107°F heat is a medical emergency, not an inconvenience. The distances between services on some of these roads make a half-tank of gas a survivability calculation, not just a fuel economy decision. Do not rely on your air conditioning to protect you from the heat indefinitely if you break down. If your vehicle stops and AC fails, the cabin temperature can become lethally hot within minutes in full sun at these temperatures. Arizona DOT recommends calling for roadside assistance immediately, running the AC as long as the vehicle allows, then exiting and finding shaded ground as far from the travel lanes as possible. Be aware that the pavement itself can cause burns on contact. Keep shoes on and keep pets off the road surface. The NWS also warns that travelers arriving from cooler climates, including the many spring training visitors and spring break road-trippers currently in the region, face heightened risk because they have not acclimatized to extreme desert heat. Bodies that have been in 60°F weather for months do not regulate heat the way long-term desert residents do. Keep An Emergency Kit In Your VehicleOn desert highways during an Extreme Heat Warning, an emergency kit is not optional. If your vehicle breaks down on I-8 east of Yuma or on US-93 north of Wickenburg, you may wait an hour or more for roadside assistance in temperatures that can produce heat stroke in an unprotected adult within 30 to 60 minutes. Your desert emergency kit for this week should include: at minimum one gallon of water per person (more for longer trips and more in temperatures above 105°F), a cooler with frozen water bottles that can be thawed and drunk or used for cooling, a wide-brimmed hat and loose-fitting light-colored clothing, sunscreen, a fully charged phone (a car charger or battery pack is essential), an umbrella for shade outside the vehicle, basic first aid supplies, and a reflective emergency blanket. If you are traveling with pets, they need their own water supply; do not assume they can share yours. Tires Are Your First Line of DefenseIn an Extreme Heat Warning, tires become the first mechanical system likely to fail and they can fail violently. Understanding why matters for every driver on these routes this week. Tire pressure increases by roughly 1 to 2 PSI for every 10-degree rise in ambient temperature. On a vehicle that rolled out of a Los Angeles garage with tires at the manufacturer's recommended 35 PSI in 65°F weather, those same tires may be running at 42 to 46 PSI by the time the car reaches the Coachella Valley at 105°F ambient temperatures, before the additional heat of friction from highway driving is factored in. Overinflation reduces the tire's contact patch, causing it to ride on a smaller central strip of tread and creating a hot spot at the center of the tread face. Underinflation in heat is equally dangerous: a soft tire increases surface contact with superheated pavement, drives heat into the sidewall, and can cause the sidewall to deform and fail. Either condition can produce a blowout. Check your tire pressure before you leave, when tires are cool, not at a rest stop after 100 miles of desert driving, when pressure readings are artificially elevated by heat and friction. Look for any sidewall cracking, bulging, or tread wear that would not survive the stress of hot-road driving. If your tires are all-season with a 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating, be aware that they use softer rubber compounds designed for cold-weather grip; they are more susceptible to heat-induced stress than standard all-season or summer tires. If you are on winter tires that were not swapped out, do not make this trip. The compound used in winter tires begins to break down at the temperatures these roads will reach this week. View the full article

Mark Martin is rooting for Denny Hamlin right now because he knows how hard it is to defy the odds and overcome Father Time when he starts working against a high level athlete. The 2017 Hall of Fame inductee says he was first drawn to Hamlin because he’s started to see something of a baby face turn from a driver that was long established as something of a heel, and he lived that when he ...Keep readingView the full article

A TeslaCybertruck owner from Houston, Texas is suing the automaker for $1 million after a terrifying incident that she claims put her and her infant’s lives in danger. The all-electric truck, which was allegedly operating on Full Self Driving (FSD) mode when the incident happened in August 2025, was caught on camera nearly going off an overpass barrier on Houston's 69 Eastex Freeway. As the footage shows, had the Cybertruck not hit a lighting pole that sent it ricocheting it back, it would have probably flown off the overpass, plunging more than 30 feet and likely crashing into other vehicles. Nevertheless, the impact was violent and the woman claims she suffered multiple injuries, which is why she’s sued Tesla last month in a liability and negligence case. Tesla Telemetry Data Holds the Key to This Case"On August 18, 2025, our client Justine Saint Amour was driving her Tesla Cybertruck on Houston's 69 Eastex Freeway with Autopilot engaged," attorney Bob Hilliard told FOX Business. "Something terrifying happened, without warning, the vehicle attempted to drive straight off an overpass.” Dashcam footage of the incident shows the vehicle driving normally before it was supposed to follow a right-hand curve at a Y-shaped overpass. Instead of doing so, the Tesla veered slightly right and continued straight ahead, crashing violently into a concrete barrier on the overpass. Parts of the vehicle can be seen flying off in the video as it ricocheted from the impact. Tesla Now here comes the tricky part. The woman’s lawyer claims she had tried to disengage the driver assistance feature to take control of the wheel just before the crash. However, her Tesla Cybertruck was already too far in motion for any intervention to be effective, the law firm said. Basically, the argument is that the driver wanted to take over the vehicle when she saw it heading in the wrong direction, but the system didn’t allow her to. It remains to be seen if this argument holds up in court, as Tesla may counter-argue that the accident happened on the driver’s watch after FSD had disengaged. It all depends on whether FSD was active at the time of the crash, and Tesla telemetry data should show that. "She tried to take control, but crashed into the barrier and was seriously injured (mostly her shoulder, neck, and back)," lawyer Bob Hilliard said. Saint Amour also suffered two herniated discs in her lower back and one in the neck, as well as sprained tendons in her wrist and nerve damage to her right hand. Fortunately, the 1-year-old child, who was in the backseat during the incident, was unharmed, according to local TV station Khou 11. Yet Another Case Alleging Tesla Is Misrepresenting Its ADAS Capabilities The lawsuit, filed in Harris County District Court, accused Tesla of misrepresenting the capabilities of its driver-assistance system and being negligent in the design of its Autopilot feature. It also alleged that the EV maker failed to incorporate safety mechanisms such as more effective emergency braking systems or LiDAR. The lawyer said Tesla’s self-driving “relies on cheap video cameras alone” and the vehicle “lacks a proper driver alert system to ensure drivers are ready to take over driving.” Tesla hasn’t commented on this particular case yet. The EV maker was recently forced to comply with California regulations over false advertising claims related to its Autopilot and Full Self Driving features. The California DMV said the use of these terms is misleading and a violation of state law. As a result, Tesla is now referring to Full Self-Driving as ‘Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” and Autopilot as ‘Traffic Aware Cruise Control” in California marketing. That said, Tesla filed a lawsuit last month to reverse the "false advertiser" ruling, arguing the DMV did not prove consumers were actually confused. View the full article

In dismissing the media who wanted to ask about his post-race conflict with Daniel Suarez, Ross Chastain said ‘not today, boys’ but conceded he should said, ‘see you on Tuesday’ in advance of a pre-scheduled media availability. Chastain said, after walking away from Suarez, that he just didn’t understand everything that happened between them and didn’t want to say the wrong thing ...Keep readingView the full article

EV Drivers Finally Get a Proper Nürburgring SetupHyundai has installed 400 kW N Hyper Chargers at the entrance of the Nürburgring Tourist Drive. After its inauguration last year, Hyundai intends to remove the biggest barrier to EV track driving. Drivers can now charge right before entering the circuit, making the experience far more seamless. This is a major shift for electric performance cars. EVs have already proven their pace, with several models ranking among the fastest to lap the Nürburgring. The problem has always been what happens after a lap. Limited charging options forced drivers to cut sessions short or leave the track entirely. Hyundai Fast Charging That Matches Track PaceThe N Hyper Chargers deliver up to 400 kW DC fast charging and can support multiple vehicles at once. Under ideal conditions, Hyundai’s E-GMP-based cars can go from 10 to 80 percent in around 18 minutes. That aligns closely with a typical cooldown window between laps. This allows EV drivers to run multiple sessions without major interruptions. Charge, drive, repeat. It is a workflow that brings EV track use closer to what combustion drivers have long enjoyed. The difference now is that the infrastructure supports the performance. Even so, the conversation around EV performance remains active. While electric hypercars continue to chase Nürburgring records, some still fall short of top combustion benchmarks. The focus is shifting. It is no longer just about outright speed, but how consistently that speed can be delivered over multiple laps. James Riswick Open Access With Added Perks for Hyundai N OwnersThe chargers are not exclusive to Hyundai. Any EV can use them, which improves accessibility for all drivers visiting the Nürburgring. The process is straightforward. Pull in, plug in, and charge using standard payment or supported charging apps. Hyundai owners get a more integrated experience. Drivers of models like the IONIQ 5 N can use the Charge myHyundai app for easier access. Hyundai has also introduced incentives such as complimentary charging during promotional periods, reducing the cost of repeated track sessions. This move highlights a broader shift in vv11performance EV ownership. The car is only part of the equation. Infrastructure now plays a critical role in the overall experience. With fast, accessible charging at the Nürburgring entrance, EV drivers finally have something to look forward to when planning a day at the track. Hyundai View the full article

Daniel Dye, 22, has been indefinitely suspended by NASCAR and will be required to undergo sensitivity training if he hopes to get back behind the wheel. Kaulig Racing has also indefinitely suspended Dye from the organization, "effective immediately after becoming aware today of comments he made on social media." Dye was competing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as part of Kaulig ...Keep readingView the full article

The CX-5 Story So FarSince its debut in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 has been the brand’s cornerstone in the compact SUV segment. It was the first model to fully adopt Mazda’s SkyActiv technology. This approach focused on lightweight engineering, efficient powertrains, and driver-focused dynamics. It helped redefine expectations for mainstream crossovers. Over time, the CX-5 moved upmarket. It gained sharper styling, improved materials, and a more refined cabin. It also maintained strong driving dynamics. This balance has made it one of Mazda’s best-selling models globally. It appeals to both enthusiasts and everyday buyers. That balance is why electrification is such a critical next step. Mazda Mazda’s Hybrid Delay ExplainedMazda confirmed that its first in-house full-hybrid system will debut in the 2027 CX-5. According to a Driveinterview with Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi, the system was delayed to meet internal standards. The company wanted to launch sooner to stay competitive. However, it chose to prioritize development. Bhindi explained that the hybrid must still deliver Mazda’s “Jinba-Ittai” philosophy. This concept emphasizes a strong connection between the driver and the car. Engineers were given more time and resources to achieve this goal. Mazda leadership also agreed that rushing the technology would compromise the brand’s identity. The decision across regions was clear. Do not sacrifice core values for speed to market. This comes at a time when Toyota is doubling down on hybrids globally, with plans to increase production by around 30 percent and make electrified models a larger share of its output. At the same time, Toyota continues to reinforce its long-standing reputation for reliability and efficiency, which has become a major selling point for hybrid buyers in the segment. TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/Getty Images Why the 2027 Hybrid Could Be a Turning PointThe upcoming CX-5 Hybrid will be Mazda’s first fully in-house system without plug-in capability. It represents a major step in the brand’s electrification strategy. The system is expected to use the new SkyActiv-Z engine. This engine is designed to improve efficiency while maintaining strong performance. Performance is expected to match the current 2.5-litre turbo CX-5. This is important in a segment where rivals already offer hybrid options. Models like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Honda CR-V deliver strong fuel economy. Mazda’s approach focuses on balance. It aims to combine efficiency with engaging driving dynamics. If successful, the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid could stand out in a crowded field. Mazda View the full article

Aiming HighVinFast remains somewhat of an enigma despite being in the industry for quite some time now. The Vietnamese EV carmaker started off with intent by entering the U.S. market as early as 2017-2018, when EVs were just about to take off. It was a huge gamble for an unknown brand to enter a huge market. Now, in 2026, we can say that the gamble did and didn't work; it worked in the sense that VinFast remains a major EV player the world over, but it hasn't carved out a decent enough following in the U.S. Despite slow growth stateside, and a tough 2025, they are committed as ever to continue playing for top spot in the EV space. A Tough End To 2025VinFast's gung-ho attitude toward being in the U.S. is now biting back, according to Reuters. The company reported that its fourth-quarter net loss increased from the previous year. This is mainly due to the chargers' impairment caused by the delay at the U.S. production plant. They aim to restart construction sometime this year. They registered a net loss of 35.2 trillion dong ($1.34 billion) in the final quarter of 2025, which is 46% more than the same period in 2024, and 15% higher than the third quarter of 2025. Around $235 Million of the loss came from the proposed North Carolina EV plant. During an investor meeting, Chairperson Thuy Le said they are still very committed to the U.S. market and have been working hard behind the scenes. She also said they are targeting 2028 for the soft launch. VinFast's America production plant was first announced in 2022 and broke ground in 2023. However, due to a sudden slowdown in EV demand in 2024, they delayed construction to raise more capital. Approximate total investment will be in the neighborhood of $4 Billion, and the plant will also provide around 7,500 direct jobs for the state. When fully operational, the North Carolina plant will be capable of producing 150,000 EVs annually across the VF7 and VF8 SUVs. Ronan Glon REEVs On the HorizonOne thing VinFast plans to do to possibly return interest to EVs is to launch Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs). This emerging powertrain option pairs a full EV with a small gasoline engine that is solely used to charge the batteries. The automaker sees this as a valid option for smaller countries that don't yet have sufficient advanced charging infrastructure. They plan to roll out these REEVs in Vietnam by 2027. View the full article

Alex Bowman, 32, was forced to get out of ht #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the middle of the March 1 NASCAR Cup race at COTA, with Myatt Snider finishing the race for him. He was later diagnosed with vertigo. Since then, he has missed both Phoenix and Las Vegas with HMS sim driver Anthony Alfredo and 2024 NASCAR O'Reilly Series champion Justin Allgaier filling in for him. Hendrick ...Keep readingView the full article

Too Hard to IgnoreSo, this is the so-called 'timeline-wrecking' car that BMW teased a few days ago. While we were partially correct in calling it an M3 or M4, we didn't expect it to be a Touring, and it's a wild one, indeed. It's going to be BMW's entry in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this year, and it'll fend off the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Mercedes-AMG GT. The car started out as an April Fool's joke last year, but it's safe to say the public wanted it to be real. According to BMW, engagement on the M3 Touring 24H is much higher than the usual figures for BMW M Motorsport’s social media channels. If anyone needs proof that the world still loves wagons, this is it. BMW Talk About Fan ServiceWith reception like that, it's like BMW had no choice but to build the thing for real. Besides, you wouldn't want to upset legions of Touring fans worldwide, either. This could be said is one heck of a service to BMW fans everywhere, and admittedly, it can put a smile on anyone's face. The car shares some bones with the M4 GT3. But before you think this is a NASCAR-style rebody, the M3 Touring 24H's chassis is, indeed, based on the road-going hot wagon. Otherwise, the car wouldn't be eligible for GT3 racing if it were merely a silhouette racer. BMW Ready to RockWhile its chassis is still based on a standard M3 Touring, everything else attached to it isn't something one will find in BMW's accessories department. For starters, its fenders have been flared out to a point that it makes an Audi RS 6 look narrow, and that's mainly to fit in a wide set of slicks. There's no shortage of aero enhancements here, too. Diffusers are scattered all over the body, and you can bet that the underfloor is flatter than Florida. And yes, Florida is, indeed, flatter than Kansas, but we digress. If that's not enough, there's a giant wing over at the back for greater stability at the back, although the wagon's long roof already gives it a bit of an advantage in the downforce game. BMW didn't mention what's under the hood of the M3 Touring 24H, but it's likely that it'll be the same turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six from the M4 GT3. Mind you, this isn't a garden-variety S58 engine. It has its own engine code dubbed P58, and it has 'up to' 590 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. While derived from the road car, this one gets a dry-sump system, an engine-mounted oil tank, a charge cycle split intake/exhaust system with two throttle valves, and is mounted 45 degrees. BMW More Racing Outings Soon?As mentioned, it will compete in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, hopefully gunning for the overall win or, at the very least, finishing the race. So far, BMW hasn't mentioned if it will enter the car in other series or endurance races. Of course, we'd love to see more of it and not just a one-off appearance. For us, though, the only thing missing here is another wagon running the race. It would be great if Volvo returned to motorsports with something like a modern interpretation of its 850 wagon that competed in touring cars back in 1994. A V60 with an obscenely wide body and a coffee-table rear wing, with heaps of power, would be nice. Still, at least it's sharing the same space as the HWA Evo R, albeit in a different category. The Evo R is a modern interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II, and it will be nice seeing this and the M3 Touring 24H being driven in anger later this year. BMW BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Twisted Automotive, the UK-based Land Rover Defender restoration and customization specialist, has unveiled its first-ever Range Rover project, a restomod build based on the first-generation of the iconic luxury SUV. Called TRRC and recreated from memory by company founder Charles Fawcett using his father’s 1980s Range Rover as inspiration, the vehicle has undergone a high-performance luxury makeover courtesy of a GM-sourced LT1 V8 engine, full body restoration and upgraded interior. For their first Range Rover build after 25 years of crafting Defender projects, the Twisted team applied their ‘anti-ordinary’ philosophy to the two-door Range Rover Classic. The vehicle is a “greatest hits” compilation of the RR Classic, if you like, as it borrows the best features from the SUV’s 26-year production run and tops it off with a 480-horsepower LT1 V8. Distilling 26 Years of the RR Classic in One Vehicle Twisted Automotive Fawcett says the RR Classic was the “king of the road” as he was growing up, leaving a lasting impression on him. "When I think back to the 1980’s, my father always seemed to have a two-door Range Rover, and there was one particular one that stood out," says Fawcett. "It was terracotta brown with fiberglass extended wheel arches and white Weller eight-spoke wheels shod with General Grabber road-oriented tyres. On the front, he’d fabricated a valance out of an MGB GT front spoiler. To me, it was just iconic. Today, the TRRC exists out of unapologetic nostalgia, recreating something I remember from when I was a tiny boy. I think many customers will relate to that feeling,” he added. Twisted Automotive At the heart of the build sits a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine rated at 480 hp and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. The handling was specifically tuned to suit the Range Rover’s unique character, with the result being a “sharp and super drivable but not too harsh” ride, according to Fawcett. “A Range Rover needs to be supple,” he says, and we couldn’t agree more. Besides the progressive suspension and bushing upgrade, the vehicle also features upgraded differentials and an enhanced braking system with 6-pot calipers up front and 4-pot out back. Twisted Automotive Visually, the TRRC is said to blend the best eras of the RR Classic, with features including a 1970s front bumper, a 1990s-style grille and headlight surrounds, a front splitter with high-output LED driving lights, body-colored C-pillar that accentuates the two-door silhouette, and a slightly lower ride height at the front to suit the Classic’s profile. The final production design will also include vents formed in the C-pillar panel. Customers can opt for the traditional floating roof too, in which case the C-pillar is painted black. The bodywork has been re-created using new hammer-formed bespoke aluminum panels for every external surface, with the panel gap tolerance described as “obsessive.” Twisted will take a 1990-1992 Range Rover donor vehicle and do a full body-off, panel-by-panel restoration to body shell, while also stripping, blasting and e-coating the chassis and axle casings in a protective satin black finish. A Plush Cabin Fitting of a Range Rover Twisted Automotive A lot of attention is dedicated to the interior as well. The seats, for example, are positioned lower than the originals, so that the driver’s eyeline is directed at the upper half of the windscreen to make the most of the original Range Rover’s generous glasshouse. Twisted Automotive also applied leather-trimming to all interior surfaces, including the seats (which are also heated at the front), knobs, door panels, dashboard, center console, center tunnel, front armrest, steering wheel rim, and more. The cabin also gains premium-grade extended carpeting, as well as a discreet Twisted 8-channel sound system and single-DIN infotainment system. Twisted Automotive And since 1980s Range Rovers were much noisier inside than the current ones, Twisted also applies full cabin sealing and soundproofing, with the latter done in a unusual way. The soundproofing material is attached to the underside of the carpet rather than the interior shell, allowing customers to peel back the carpet to see the pristine paintwork of the TRRC—a move that pays tribute to the bare metalwork of early Range Rovers. By request, the company can even leave the rear inner arches uncarpeted. As you can imagine given this level of detail, the Twister TRRC costs a lot: it starts at £350,000 (roughly $466,000), including the donor vehicle (sourced by Twisted in either left-hand drive or right-hand drive). The company is taking orders from all over the world, including the US, but it will only hand-build a maximum of 12 units per year. All build slots for this year are taken and “2027 is looking over-subscribed,” the company’s founder says. View the full article