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E-Commerce AccessoriesOne huge segment of the aftermarket scene that exploded during the pandemic is accessorizing through e-commerce platforms. Brought about by the restriction of being at home, petrol heads the world over began to take to the internet to indulge in their passions. Over the years, we've seen aftermarket parts for all types of cars become more accessible through online selling platforms. Temu has grown as an alternative to more expensive online brands. Usually, Temu products are the butt of jokes about quality and dubious authenticity, but some people are willing to take the risk. Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo... Temu?YouTuber Saving Salvage is embarking on an ambitious project. He purchased a 2010 R35 Nissan GT-R two years ago, particularly a heavily rear-damaged example, and has been keen to revive it ever since. He just posted a video on his page that the revival project is underway, albeit with some "choice" body parts. He revealed that he originally wanted to convert his 2010 GT-R into the recent Nismo model. He claims that the 2024 GT-R Nismo is one of his favorite-looking cars of all time. Research was conducted, and unfortunately, he found the original Nismo parts to be very expensive. The front bumper costs around $26,000 (converted); the rear bumper kit comes in at $8,000 (converted); $6,000 (converted) for carbon under trays; and rims at around $13,000 (converted). With genuine parts prices this high, he then decided to turn to Temu, and lo and behold, he saved a lot of money for a full GT-R Nismo kit conversion. For just $6,000 all-in, he got his kit, though the price excludes rims. He had to wait a full eight weeks for the kit to be on hand, but eventually work began. At first glance, the parts looked okay, but as he continued working on it, he found some issues. Firstly, the holes for bolting the panel down aren't there, so self-drilled holes are required. For the video, he decided to install the rear bumper first, mounting it to the chassis with bolt grips. YouTube/Saving Salvage View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article A True Alternative?While genuine parts are, of course, the true way to go, based on the Saving Salvages video, it seems that Temu does get the job done to some extent with alternative parts. Although he hasn't fully put all the panels on yet, he seemed pleased that he's been able to somewhat repair the GT-R that's been sitting in his collection for over two years. Rest assured, we're all curious to see what the complete build will look like. YouTube/Saving Salvage View the full article

Off to a Hot StartBMW has entered a new era with the debut of its Neue Klasse platform, starting with the iX3. So far, the Bavarian automaker appears pleased with the early results, as a report from BMW Blog states that the iX3 has secured 50,000 orders in its first six months. Having the iX3 lead the charge for BMW’s new electric vehicle-dedicated platform appears to be a smart move, given that its combustion-powered sibling, the X3, is a volume seller. The new electric compact sedan counterpart, the i3, is also set to be unveiled on March 18. For now, however, order books for the iX3 — which opened in September 2025 — are said to have “reached well into this year,” according to outgoing BMW CEO Oliver Zipse. BMW Where the iX3 Comes to LifeDeliveries in Europe are underway, with iX3 units produced in Hungary at BMW’s new Debrecen plant, which can build up to 150,000 vehicles annually. The all-electric model is also heading to the U.S., with availability expected to begin in summer 2026. With an 800-volt EV architecture, BMW says the iX3 xDrive50 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes. Based on its own testing, the EV offers a maximum range of up to 400 miles, though that figure could be lower under EPA standards. For reference, the Tesla Model Y has an EPA-rated range of up to 357 miles in Premium RWD form. The iX3 is expected to start at around $60,000, with more affordable 40 variants arriving in early 2027. Reports say that the U.S.-bound units will initially be produced at the Hungarian plant, but the production could later shift to BMW’s San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico as early as next year. Stretching the iX3Over in China, BMW is also looking to introduce a long-wheelbase version of the iX3, which would help address demand for vehicles with larger interior space in the region. Tesla has taken a similar approach with a long-wheelbase version of the Model Y for the Chinese market. Other markets expected to receive the longer iX3 version include India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Ultimately, the German marque will spread Neue Klasse technologies across more models, while some are expected to adopt elements of its design language as well. That includes the 7 Series, which was recently teased with a large illuminated grille and slim headlights. Time will tell how many orders some of these upcoming models attract without the X3’s advantage in the compact crossover segment. BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In 1990, 'Days of Thunder' was released -- a movie starring Tom Cruise as hotshot NASCAR driver Cole Trickle. The film is basically 'Top Gun' but with race cars, earning over twice its budget in the box office, and remains very popular within the NASCAR fanbase. Legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who was also deeply involved in the development for the recent hit 'F1' movie, has indicated in ...Keep readingView the full article

Manuals Are Slowly DisappearingManual gearboxes aren’t extinct just yet, but the outlook isn’t great. Across the industry, the good ol’ stick shift is quietly vanishing. Even BMW’s M division has said outright that manuals probably won’t survive much longer. However, a few automakers, like Ford, remain determined to keep the manual driving experience alive in some form. Porsche, on the other hand, has other ideas – a newly published patent in Germany suggests the Stuttgart-based automaker is exploring a system that lets a single car behave like both an automatic and a manual. If this sounds familiar, it’s because Koenigsegg already tried something similar with the CC850. That car’s transmission can run as a multi-speed automatic or a gated manual. Porsche’s idea is in the same spirit, but the way they’re engineering it is completely different. German Patent and Trademark Office How Porsche’s Patent WorksThe patent, spotted by CarBuzz, describes a gear selector for shift-by-wire transmissions. In setups like this, the gear lever isn’t physically linked to the transmission. Instead, it just sends electronic signals to the drivetrain’s control system. Porsche’s design uses a gear lever that moves in two directions. Moving the lever forward and backward rotates a shaft to select gears, while moving it left and right slides a mechanism sideways, much like an H-pattern manual gearbox. Sensors track both types of movement. One sensor measures the rotational angle of the shaft, and another detects the sideways position of the mechanism. These signals tell the vehicle’s control system which gear or mode the driver wants to select. The smart bit is a locking system for the sideways movement. Lock it, and the lever acts like a normal automatic. Unlock it, and you can move the lever across different gates, just like a manual H-pattern shifter. Springs and electric motors add resistance and feedback, so the system can actually feel like you’re shifting real gears. In practice, this setup could let future Porsches deliver a manual-style driving experience, even if the transmission underneath is fully electronic or automated. Of course, patents are just ideas on paper. Automakers file plenty of them that never make it to production, so there’s no promise this system will show up in a future Porsche. German Patent and Trademark Office How It Differs From KoenigseggPorsche’s concept might aim for the same goal as the Koenigsegg CC850, but the way each works is different. Koenigsegg’s Engage Shift System is built right into the transmission. The CC850 uses a complex multi-clutch gearbox that can physically switch between a nine-speed automatic and a six-speed gated manual. Porsche’s patent, on the other hand, focuses on the driver interface rather than the gearbox. The lever simulates manual shifting through electronic signals, meaning the transmission behind it could still be an automatic, dual-clutch unit, or even part of an electrified drivetrain. So while Koenigsegg built a gearbox that really does both jobs, Porsche seems to be working on a shifter that can make almost any drivetrain feel like a manual. If Porsche brings this to production, it could be a smart way to keep driver engagement alive at a time when real manuals are getting harder to justify. At the very least, it shows that some automakers still care about drivers who want to shift for themselves. German Patent and Trademark Office View the full article

The biggest myth about the Corvette has always been that you shouldn't drive it in bad weather because it can be a handful. Harlan Charles kills that notion head-on. A GM veteran of 37 years, with the last 24 spent as Corvette Product Manager, Harlan has racked up 27,000 miles in the first year of ownership of his own personal Stingray, come rain, shine or Michigan winters. In a recent video from YouTuber CGarnerSpeed252, he stands in front of all four C8 variants and does something rare for a former insider: he just tells the truth. The mid-engine layout genuinely helps in bad weather because the weight distribution is more balanced than a front-engine setup, which means the car handles wet roads better than most people assume. His advice is simple. Drive it, don’t baby it. CGarnerSpeed252/YouTube The Car That Almost Never ExistedWhat makes Harlan's perspective worth listening to goes beyond the mileage he puts on his own car. He was there for the moments most fans never hear about. Like how the C5 nearly never happened. Or that the C7 nearly got cancelled before it launched, even though the team had already done substantial mid-engine work for it. That groundwork ended up becoming the foundation for the C8. The car you see today exists partly because of work that was quietly carried over from a generation that almost didn't survive. Knowing that history makes the C8 feel less like a product and more like something that had to fight to exist. What Each Model Is Actually ForFor anyone who wants the most all-weather capable C8, Harlan points straight to the E-Ray, a car that has been in development since 2014 and which he’s nicknamed the Swiss Army Knife for good reason. It does everything. AWD, long-distance comfort, track capability, and if you somehow ran out of gas, the electric motor could carry you another four to five miles to a pump. A 100,000-mile battery warranty answers most of the hybrid anxiety upfront, though depreciation is another matter entirely. CGarnerSpeed252/YouTube Beyond the E-Ray, Harlan has a favourite detail from each car. The ZR1 brings back the split window look and carries a wing he clearly loves. The Z06 is about that 8,500 rpm redline, a car that wants to be driven hard so you can actually hear it. And the Stingray, starting at $59,995, is his proof of concept: a mid-engine exotic that works as a daily driver, the same way the 1963 Corvette gave an earlier generation its defining sports car moment. View the full article

Repo Practices Face Federal ActionCar repossession rates have approached Great Recession levels in recent years, driven in part by post-pandemic economic factors. Military servicemembers, however, receive certain protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act – protections that CarMax Inc. allegedly violated and will now pay at least $420,000 in compensation to 28 affected servicemembers. According to Automotive News, the U.S. Department of Justice alleged that CarMax failed to verify whether borrowers were active-duty servicemembers before repossessing their vehicles. The aforementioned act prohibits lenders from repossessing vehicles from active-duty military personnel and activated reservists without a court order if the vehicles were leased or financed before the borrower entered military service. The used-car retailer cooperated with the DOJ but maintained that the settlement does not necessarily reflect “an admission of wrongdoing by CarMax Auto Finance.” Getty A Retail Giant in the SpotlightThe report did not mention which models were owned by the 28 servicemembers whose vehicles were repossessed. However, CarMax offers a wide range of used vehicles, including luxury EVs such as the Porsche Taycan. The company operates more than 250 stores nationwide, competing with rivals such as Carvana. What the report did state is that CarMax must pay each servicemember $15,000 in compensation, along with any lost equity and interest. The used-car retailer must also pay $79,380 to the U.S. government as a civil penalty for violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, violations that allegedly occurred between March 1, 2018, and October 24, 2023. New Safeguards for ServicemembersThe settlement also requires CarMax to check borrowers’ military status within two days before initiating a repossession, within two days before selling any repossessed vehicle, and no more than two days after a vehicle is seized. In response, CarMax vowed to improve its practices and said it has initiated additional training for its employees. In a statement, the used-car retailer said, “Consistent with CarMax Auto Finance’s commitment to continuous improvement and supporting those who serve, we have enhanced our SCRA processes, expanded proactive screening and outreach, and reinforced employee training to help ensure all eligible servicemembers and their dependents receive the protections they deserve.” The case also raises questions about whether similar improper repossession practices may have affected regular car owners who are not protected by laws such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The issue becomes even more relevant as auto loan delinquencies continue to rise in the U.S., putting pressure on lenders and retailers. Average new-car prices in the U.S. have also climbed to around $50,000, making vehicle financing increasingly common. Kevin Carter/Getty Images View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Bomb Cyclone Targeting the Upper MidwestThe National Weather Service has issued Blizzard Warnings across seven states as one of the most significant late-season winter storms in years deepens rapidly and churns toward the Great Lakes. This system has the characteristics of a bomb cyclone, a storm that drops at least 0.71 inches of mercury in barometric pressure within 24 hours, generating an expansive, powerful wind field that can make road travel not just difficult, but life-threatening. NWS Weather Prediction Center forecasters tracked the storm developing over Wyoming on Saturday, then intensifying across the northern Plains on Sunday and pushing into the Great Lakes region by Monday morning. The core of the snow band can produce 1 to 3 inches of snow per hour. Widespread totals of 1 to 2 feet are expected across the warning zone, with localized amounts exceeding 24 inches in northern Michigan and portions of Wisconsin. Wind gusts reaching 60 to 70 mph are forecast for major metro areas, including Minneapolis and Chicago, where whiteout conditions, sustained winds, and heavy snowfall that reduces visibility to a quarter-mile or less have already been reported. The NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen office called this a historic March winter storm, with one of the broadest Blizzard Warning footprints seen in the Upper Midwest in years. The warning language used by NWS forecasters is unambiguous: travel may become impossible. That is not hyperbole. It is the official NWS threshold language for conditions under which no vehicle should be on the road. The Secondary System: Lake Effect and a Cold Air Hammer Behind the StormThis storm is not a single event. It is the second of two powerful back-to-back systems to strike the region within 72 hours. The first system pushed through the northern tier on Saturday, generating wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph across the Upper Midwest and knocking out power to thousands of homes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan. Behind the storm, Arctic air will surge south starting Monday, driving afternoon highs into the teens and single digits across the Midwest and sending wind chills to near or below zero in cities like Minneapolis and Green Bay by early Tuesday. That post-storm cold punch will be its own hazard for drivers: any snow on road surfaces will harden rapidly, and roadway clearing that begins Monday afternoon could re-freeze overnight as temperatures crater. Lake-effect snow bands are also expected to develop behind the storm as cold Arctic air crosses the still-open waters of Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Erie. Those bands can produce localized snowfall rates that rival the storm itself, and they often intensify after the main system has moved on, catching off-guard drivers who assume conditions have improved. Regional Specifics: The Highways In the BullseyeThe NWS Minneapolis forecast office has issued Blizzard Warnings for central and southern Minnesota through Monday morning. The I-94 corridor from Minneapolis westward toward Fargo and eastward toward the Wisconsin border faces especially dangerous conditions Sunday night. The I-35 corridor through southern Minnesota is at risk of a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow transitioning to full-blizzard conditions as the storm system tracks through. In Wisconsin, the NWS has flagged Highway 2 along the Lake Superior South Shore as particularly dangerous, with whiteout conditions described as "treacherous and potentially life-threatening." US-2 runs along the southern edge of Lake Superior through Iron, Ashland, and Bayfield counties, some of the highest snowfall counties in the region, and should be considered impassable for non-emergency travel through Monday. In northern Michigan, the NWS Gaylord office is forecasting 15 to 24 inches of snow across the Upper Peninsula, including Alger, Marquette, and Luce counties, with wind gusts up to 60 mph near Lake Superior. Highway M-28, the primary east-west spine of the Upper Peninsula, will face whiteout conditions and potential closure. The Keweenaw Peninsula, north of Houghton, faces the state's most extreme wind threat, with gusts forecast up to 65 mph. In South Dakota and southwest Minnesota, Blizzard Warnings cover a broad zone stretching from Watertown and Brookings, South Dakota, through Marshall and Worthington, Minnesota, with the I-90 corridor at risk for dangerous driving conditions through Sunday evening. Across Illinois and Iowa, the NWS Storm Prediction Center and NWS Des Moines office have warned of blizzard conditions Sunday into Monday morning, with the I-90/I-94 corridor and I-80 through Iowa in the warning zone. Chicago and the northern Illinois I-90/I-94 corridor have already experienced 60 to 70 mph wind gusts from the preceding system and face additional accumulating snow as the bomb cyclone deepens Sunday night. Photo by Julia Dorian on Getty Images What Drivers Should KnowThe NWS has issued explicit guidance that travel should be restricted to emergencies only across the Blizzard Warning zones. If you are in Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Michigan, South Dakota, Iowa, northern Illinois, or Montana, do not drive unless your situation constitutes a genuine emergency. If you are planning to drive ahead of or around the storm's edges, reduce your speed by at least 30 percent below the posted limit on any snow-covered roadway. On interstates in active blizzard conditions, many state transportation departments recommend maximum speeds of 30 to 35 mph. Do not use cruise control on any road surface that may be slick. Cruise control cannot react to the sudden loss of traction that occurs on ice or packed snow, and it can cause wheel spin that leads to an uncontrollable skid. Whiteout conditions are particularly dangerous on long, straight sections of interstate highways because they can cause spatial disorientation, and drivers lose the ability to judge their lane position or the presence of vehicles ahead. The standard guidance is to pull off the road, activate your hazard lights, and wait. If you cannot safely reach an exit or rest area, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible. Do not stop in a travel lane. High-profile vehicles, such as SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and RVs, face an additional hazard from extreme crosswind gusts in the 60-70 mph range. At those wind speeds on exposed interstate stretches, lateral force on a high-profile vehicle is enough to cause a lane departure or rollover without warning. Keep An Emergency Kit In Your VehicleAnyone traveling in the Blizzard Warning zone should carry a dedicated winter emergency kit. That means a wool or mylar blanket (or both), a flashlight with fresh batteries, a portable phone charger, at least one liter of water per occupant, non-perishable snacks, a basic first aid kit, a folding shovel, and a bag of sand or kitty litter for traction if you get stuck. If you are traveling on any mountain or elevated route, including passes in Montana or elevated terrain in northern Michigan, tire chains are required equipment, not optional. If you get stranded, the NWS and state transportation departments are uniform in their guidance: stay with your vehicle. A car is easier for search and rescue to locate than a person on foot. Running the engine for heat is acceptable, but crack a window slightly and periodically clear snow from around the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Tires Are Your First Line of DefenseIn blizzard conditions, no vehicle system matters more than the four contact patches between your tires and the road. All-season tires are legal in all 50 states and adequate for mild winter driving, but they are not designed for sustained blizzard conditions. A tire rated with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol has been tested to perform in severe snow and meets a minimum traction threshold that standard all-season tires do not. Tread depth is the other critical variable. The legal minimum tread depth in most states is 2/32 of an inch, but tire engineers and safety organizations recommend replacing winter tires at 4/32 of an inch, because stopping distance increases dramatically below that threshold on snow and ice. The quick test: place a quarter upside down in your tread groove. If you can see the top of Washington's head, your tires are approaching the danger zone. Cold temperatures also reduce tire pressure. For every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in ambient temperature, tire pressure drops approximately 1 to 2 PSI. With temperatures falling 15 to 25 degrees below normal behind this storm, a tire that was properly inflated last week may now be running significantly underinflated -- reducing contact area, handling precision, and braking performance at exactly the moment you need them most. Check your tire pressure before any trip into winter storm conditions. View the full article

Shane van Gisbergen took JR Motorsports to Victory Lane at COTA, driving the #9. One week later, Justin Allgaier in the #7 earned JRM a win at Phoenix, and a week after that, two-time NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson drove the #88 to Victory Lane for the Earnhardt-owned team. This is Larson's 18th career victory in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS), coming in his first start of the ...Keep readingView the full article

A Trend That BackfiredWhile steering-wheel capacitive touch buttons with haptic feedback offer a minimalist aesthetic and allow more functions, it didn’t take long for the technology to draw criticism. Some argue that it creates usability issues, with Volkswagen even facing a lawsuit alleging that the ID.4’s steering wheel controls led to unintended acceleration. Ferrari also jumped on the trend with some of its more recent releases, including the Purosangue, before returning to physical controls with the Amalfi last year. One of the biggest complaints was the absence of the red, round engine start-stop button seen in older models like the 812 Superfast and 488 GTB. However, a recent post tied to a Ferrari dealer suggests the Italian marque is not ignoring owner feedback, as it introduced a new steering-wheel center retrofit featuring physical buttons. Ferrari’s Button SolutionThose hoping to see the iconic red engine start-stop button return may be out of luck, as the new steering-wheel center doesn’t include it like the one found in the Amalfi — the brand’s latest entry-level model that replaced the Roma. As previously reported, the product is only a wheel center, not an entirely new steering wheel. But at least it features physical buttons for functions such as the phone, cruise control, and directional arrows for navigating menus. According to Ferrari of Atlanta, the new steering-wheel center is available only for the Purosangue and 12Cilindri. Both models are powered by the 6.5-liter F140 V12, with the Purosangue serving as the brand’s first-ever SUV. Replacing the entire steering wheel could require additional calibration and integration to ensure it doesn’t affect vehicle performance, making the physical button system the closest factory-backed solution for now. Ferrari Back to BasicsThe dealership also claimed in the comment section that Ferrari is still finalizing a physical-button system for the 296, SF90, and Roma Spider. Pricing hasn’t been disclosed, but for most owners, cost is unlikely to be a major concern – especially considering this is only a center module and not a full steering wheel swap. With owner feedback and the Amalfi bringing back physical buttons, Ferrari may limit the use of capacitive touch controls in its future models. One upcoming model, the all-electric Luce, is inspired by classic three-spoke steering wheels and features several retro-style physical buttons designed by former Apple head of design, Sir Jony Ive. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Alfa Romeo's OddballWe all know that Alfa Romeo cars have a sporty zing to them. Whether it's with a small hatchback or a 505 hp hot sedan, you can always count on the Italian automaker to spice up your daily drive. Alfa's long history is awash in fun and zesty daily runabouts like the Alfasud, Spider, and Giulia, and occasionally dip into exotica with models such as the 8C Competizione and 33 Stradale. But Alfa also made a few utility vehicles back in the day, believe it or not. You'll have to look pretty far down in its history to find them, but it one built vans and military vehicles. Yes, you read that right. Alfa Romeo Meet the MattaA military vehicle is probably one of the last thing you'll think of when it comes to Alfa Romeo, and unless you're an Italian baby boomer, you might not have heard of the 1900 M. It was better known as its nickname, the Matta, and it was produced from 1951 to 1954 mainly for the Italian Ministry of Defense. The Matta was built at the request of the military, and Alfa Romeo had been tasked to do so. Like most off-road vehicles at the time, it was inspired by the Willys Jeep as there was pretty much nothing else to draw inspiration from in the '50s. But while it looks like a Willys with an Alfa shield, this was a home-grown product by the company. Remember, Alfa Romeo had yet to be absorbed by Fiat when it built the Matta. Alfa Romeo The SpecsThe numbers that the Matta pulls are grossly conservative by today's standards, but it did the job. Its engine was a 1.9-liter unit that mustered 64 hp and 90 lb-ft of torque, so it actually had more powered than the Willys MB despite the smaller displacement. The four-wheel drive system was of the part-time variety, and its rock crawling abilities were helped by a dual-range gearbox. Interestingly, the car had some characteristics one would find in more sporting Alfas. For starters, it had double wishbones for its front suspension, which is something you'd expect in a roadster and not a military vehicle. It even had a dry sump engine straight from motorsports. Alfa Romeo ProductionLess than 2,200 Mattas were built over three years, most of which went to the government of which 2,007 were made. There was a civilian version too, but those are rare as hen's teeth with just 154 built. The military versions were internally known as AR 51, while the civilian was called the AR 52. After 1954, the Italian Government went over to Fiat for its new fleet of off-road vehicles. Why, you ask? It's all about simplicity. The Alfa had pretty neat mechanicals built into it, but that worked against it in military applications. The Fiat Campagnola had a front live axle, a simpler engine, and even a diesel option. Alfa Romeo had no answer for it. Alfa Romeo wouldn't put four-wheel drive in a car again until the '80s with the 33 4x4. That's not a misnomer, mind you, as it had a selectable four-wheel drive system. After that, the company shifted simpler all-wheel drive systems. The 155 and 164 was that start of that, and continued by the 156, 159, and Brera. That brings us to the Q4 models of the Guilia, Stelvio, Tonale, and Junior of today. While those cars are far related to the Matta, Alfa Romeo's four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive journey is an interesting story nonetheless. Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Honda’s EV Reset Could Spell the End for the PrologueHonda just made a big change to its EV plans. With EV demand cooling and costs rising, the company confirmed it is canceling three all-electric models that were already far along in development: the Honda 0 Sedan, Honda 0 SUV, and Acura RSX. This move comes after the auto division posted an operating loss of over $1 billion from April to December 2025. Honda expects these cancellations to cost about $15.7 billion in its fiscal year ending March 2026. The company says launching those EVs now, with demand slowing, would have led to even bigger losses down the line. The impact could go further than just those three models. According to Automotive News and AutoForecast Solutions, the Honda Prologue may also be on its way out. Honda hasn’t mentioned the Prologue in its announcements about the EV pullback, and the company has maintained that it’s still in its lineup. Still, the forecast says the midsize electric crossover is not expected to receive a second generation. If that projection holds true, the current production run – scheduled to end later this year – could mark the nameplate's final chapter. Honda A Popular Start That Lost MomentumThe Prologue started strong in the US, with buyers jumping in early to take advantage of federal EV incentives. That gave the crossover a quick sales boost in 2025. But the momentum didn’t last long. Honda moved 39,194 Prologue units in the US in 2025, which looked strong for a new EV in a crowded segment. However, sales dropped off quickly once federal incentives were dropped in October and the early rush was over. The trend continued into 2026. In the first two months, Honda sold just 1,731 Prologues, down from 6,677 in the same period last year – a 74% drop. How the Prologue was built also matters. It uses GM’s Ultium EV platform and is assembled with GM vehicles, making it more of a joint project than a true Honda-only EV. Now that Honda is shifting its focus to hybrids and rethinking its EV spending, models built on outside platforms are likely to be the first on the chopping block. Honda Another EV Question Mark: Sony’s AfeelaThe Prologue is not the only Honda-related EV with an uncertain future; the Sony-Honda Afeela project is also in question. Developed by Sony Honda Mobility, the Afeela is a high-tech electric sedan with advanced software, entertainment features, and driver-assistance systems. It was expected to launch later this decade as a premium model for tech-focused buyers. So far, neither company has said how Honda’s EV changes might affect the Afeela. Sony says it has no updates on the program after Honda’s latest move. For now, the Afeela’s future is up in the air. Honda has not said if the sedan will move forward or be reviewed with its other EV projects. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

It's a Toyota lockout of the first two rows with Joe Gibbs Racing 1-2-3 in Las Vegas NASCAR Cup qualifying. Christopher Bell rocketed to the top of the charts and was the only driver to break into the 28-second bracket. Four of Bell's 15 career poles have happened in Vegas, with the other three taking place in 2022 (first career pole in the Cup Series), 2023, and 2024. "Our Interstate ...Keep readingView the full article

During pre-race inspection for the NASCAR Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, four different race teams failed twice ahead of practice and qualifying -- three Chevrolets and one Ford. As a result, they have all been issued the standard penalties for such failures, which includes the ejection of the car chief for the remainder of the race weekend. They are the #24 Hendrick Motorsports ...Keep readingView the full article

The Bigger Picture The Chief Design Officer for Stellantis, Ralph Gilles, shared a moment with Car Design News, sharing how automobiles are getting commoditized – think about how there is a section of the automotive industry that’s getting turned into appliances, or as he put it, “point A to point B.” As the head design honcho at Stellantis, he and his team deliver compelling work to brands like Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Jeep, and Dodge, among many others. Fourteen brands are under him, and I can only imagine how huge a task that is. Gilles is also responsible for the next-generation Ram 1500, which, unlike the Alfa Romeo and Maserati, is a mass-market nameplate. Maserati It’s Not Easy Designing an Affordable Product How do you make a product that is desirable and compelling while remaining within reach for most consumers? According to Gilles, it’s about “what is actually necessary.” While technology and safety features often come at a premium, ingrained design can still give a car mass appeal even if it isn’t rocking the latest or greatest. “An interpersonal relationship,” if you will, between the vehicle and its owner. Design plays a big part in establishing the human-machine connection. RAM About that Next-Generation Ram 1500… Americans love their full-sized trucks. The Ram 1500 is just one player in an arena filled with stiff competition. Now, about the current design trend of trucks. Big proportions, big grilles, all big everything. There’s something about these imposing fascias that just reels customers into dealerships. The Ram 1500 is yet another big-proportioned, big-grilled, and big-everything type of pickup truck in a sea of all-too-similar American counterparts, such as the F-150 and Silverado. Gilles said he felt the new GM trucks and even the Tesla Cybertrucks are “super exaggerated,” and he wondered, “Does everybody really like that?” It’s a good industry call-out. The status quo has been established, but is it really what people want, or is it because there is no choice in the realm of big American pickup trucks? Gilles stated that because of this, he implied that the next Ram 1500 will have “a different appeal. When you see it on the road, it’ll look much more futuristic.” Stellantis What Will the Next Ram 1500 Look Like? Not once did Gilles touch upon the Ram Revolution concept, but one can speculate that it could serve as the design launchpad for the next generation’s look. In fact, Gilles was also in charge during the concept’s design process and revealed it in 2024. Though any hope of that concept becoming a production-model Ram 1500 BEV has already worn thin. While we may never see a fully electric Ram 1500, the concept seems to fit the bill from a design standpoint. You can infer that Gilles wouldn’t want all his team’s hard work to go to waste, and I can say with certainty that the Ram Revolution Concept does indeed look “futuristic.” Because this will be a new design, the next-generation Ram 1500 team could move around a few design hardpoints to stay more true to the concept. Powertrain-wise, there is a low chance it could be a full EV because the Ram 1500 REV seems to be the play for the brand moving forward. Ram View the full article

On Saturday morning, the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series cars were set to go out on track for practice at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. However, it was a safety truck driver that ended up stealing the show with quite the save. Exiting the infield access road to the frontstretch, the safety truck started to spin sideways, with the driver quickly trying to recover it. However, it overcorrected ...Keep readingView the full article

Corvette’s Hybrid Identity CrisisThe Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray sounds like a clever evolution of the long-running Stingray nameplate, marking the model’s first-ever hybrid powertrain. However, according to sources cited by GM Authority, Chevrolet may be considering a name change to Grand Sport X, as the current name may be hurting sales. The report stated that the letter ‘E’ in E-Ray may confuse buyers, as it suggests the model is fully electric. That misconception is considered a factor in the hybrid sports car's reportedly falling short of sales expectations, with the Grand Sport X name seen as a way to address it. The rumored new name isn’t just a random change; it also carries historical significance within the model’s lineage. Chevrolet A Familiar Name ReturnsIn previous generations, the Grand Sport moniker sat between the base Stingray and the track-focused Z06 trim. For the uninitiated, Chevrolet has not yet introduced a Grand Sport for the current C8 generation, which debuted in 2019, though reports suggest it could finally arrive sometime later this year. The “X” in Grand Sport X would also follow the naming pattern of its more extreme hybrid sibling, the ZR1X, although the brand has maintained that the letter does not stand for anything in particular. The regular C8 Corvette Grand Sport is expected to use a new 6.7-liter naturally aspirated small-block V8, likely designated LS6. Historically, Grand Sport trims feature a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, which should help distinguish it from the E-Ray – or potentially the Grand Sport X – since the hybridized model uses an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, a first for the Corvette nameplate. Chevrolet Will It Move the Needle?While it remains to be seen whether changing the name would make a difference sales-wise, Chevrolet offers the Corvette E-Ray with a starting price of $108,600, excluding destination fees. That pricing gives it the “value supercar” appeal, considering its European rivals – such as the Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren Artura – come with far steeper price tags. Given that market demand hasn’t strongly favored expensive performance EVs — with Porsche even reportedly considering merging the Taycan and Panamera amid cooling interest in EVs — an all-electric Corvette isn’t expected anytime soon. For buyers who still want an electric vehicle under the Bowtie brand, however, Chevy offers options like the Equinox EV, which ranked as one of the best-selling EVs in the U.S. last year behind Tesla’s models. A more affordable option priced under $30,000 is also back on sale with the 2027 Bolt EV. Chevrolet View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Not All Launches Go SmoothlyFerrari’s all-new electric vehicle, the Luce, appears to be on track for launch, with the company teasing interior details and even releasing a YouTube series ahead of its debut. However, a potential hurdle has emerged after Mazda filed a trademark for “Luce” in Japan, which could force Ferrari to fight for the nameplate. The Prancing Horse chose the name Luce because it is the Italian word for “light,” a fitting choice for a fully electric model that won’t feature the loud V8 or V12 exhaust notes enthusiasts are accustomed to. Coincidentally, Mazda has long used the Luce nameplate, dating back to the 1960s when it served as the brand’s flagship luxury sedan. The model competed with rivals such as the Honda Legend and was sold in the U.S. as the 929. In addition, Mazda referenced the Luce when it unveiled the Vision Coupe concept in 2017. Bring a Trailer Mazda Steps InAccording to Australia’s CarExpert, Mazda filed the trademark weeks after Ferrari announced the Luce. Given Mazda’s naming conventions with models like the CX-5, the filing is unlikely to signal a new model, but rather an effort to protect the rights to the name. While how this trademark dispute will unfold remains to be seen, it is expected to affect only the Japanese market, meaning Ferrari could still use the Luce name elsewhere. If so, it wouldn’t be the first time a car has carried a different name in Japan. Even Mazda’s own two-seater sports car is called the Roadster in its home market, while it has long been known in the U.S. as the MX-5 Miata. A similar naming issue once affected Volvo, which had planned to use S4 before switching to S40 because Audi had already reserved the designation. SH Proshots/Autoblog If Luce Doesn’t See The LightSomething to watch, though, if Ferrari is forced to change the name, is what the replacement would be. Luce feels perfectly tailored to the model’s concept, much like the 12Cilindri, which literally takes its name from the F140 V12’s 12 cylinders. A literal alternative could be Elettrica, derived from electricity, a name the automaker previously used during the development phase. What we know for now is that Ferrari is set to unveil the Luce in May 2026, with an expected output of more than 1,000 horsepower from a quad-motor powertrain. That would place it in the same performance territory as EVs like the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Ferrari/YouTube View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Two Faces of the A110A report from Autocar states that Alpine will introduce an internal combustion variant of the A110 alongside its all-electric successor, mirroring Porsche’s playbook — the German brand being Alpine’s key rival. What’s interesting is that Alpine CEO Philippe Krief is already making bold claims about the upcoming model, saying it will be “the first true EV sports car” and will outperform the best combustion rivals today. Aside from rivalry in the sports car segment, this development may also be relevant to the U.S., as Alpine plans to debut stateside by 2027. However, while the A110 may be its most popular model, it likely won’t make its way to the U.S., with the French automaker instead focusing on crossovers and SUVs to target demand for larger vehicles. Alpine Alpine’s New Technical BackboneThe next-generation A110 will be underpinned by the new Alpine Performance Platform (APP), the same architecture used in the rally-inspired Renault 5 Turbo 3E. The platform is also designed to accommodate a gasoline variant, giving Alpine a strategy similar to Porsche’s with the 718 Cayman and Boxster — especially after recent reports suggested that the all-electric version of Porsche’s sports car has not been scrapped after all. However, it remains unclear whether Porsche’s EV platform could eventually be reworked to accommodate a combustion powertrain. Horsepower figures have yet to be disclosed, though the report states that the A110 EV will use a dual-motor powertrain driving the rear wheels, a formula typical of traditional sports cars. It will also feature a 40:60 front-to-rear weight distribution, giving it tail-happy dynamics. Alpine Engineering the Next A110Other features include an aluminium structure, an 800-volt architecture, a full aluminium suspension, torque vectoring, a “Formula 1-inspired driving position,” and a new Alpine Dynamic Model ECU that integrates systems ranging from battery management to active aerodynamics. Alpine is expected to debut the new third-generation model later this year. It will be interesting to see how these come together, especially as electric sports cars such as the MG Cyberster have yet to make a meaningful impact on the market. That could partly be explained by the fact that the segment still has a limited pool of models, with the A110 and — if the reports prove accurate — the 718 Cayman EV likely to spark greater interest. Another question is whether Alpine can sustain its sales momentum after surpassing 10,000 annual sales for the first time in its history in 2025. Alpine View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Subaru fans have spent years waiting for the legendary STI badge to make a proper comeback. While concepts like the STI S210 Prototype and wannabe trims such as the WRX STI Sport♯ have appeared in recent years, the current VB-generation WRX still hasn’t received a true STI variant. Adding to the growing list of “almost” performance specials is a new limited edition from Australia called the Subaru WRX Club Spec Evo. A Cult WRX Nameplate Returns Collecting Cars The Club Spec name has been part of WRX history in Australia since the early 2000s. These models typically arrive toward the end of a WRX's lifespan and focus mostly on aesthetic upgrades. Subaru Australia revived the badge to celebrate a milestone of 60,000 WRX sales in the country. The new Club Spec Evo is based on the tS Spec B – similar to the US-spec WRX tS – and will be limited to just 75 units nationwide. The most obvious highlight is the color. Finished in Sunrise Yellow, the car stands out even among the bold styling of the current WRX. And because it's based on the tS Spec B, it benefits from 19-inch wheels (finished in matte black), gold Brembo brake calipers, drilled rotors, and a large rear wing. On the inside, things are much more subtle. Perforated Ultrasuede seats have a yellow undertone, while matching stitching appears across the dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels. Each example also receives an individually numbered interior badge, emphasizing its limited production run. big-winged Manual-Only and Familiar Hardware Subaru As previously mentioned, the Club Spec Evo models have mostly cosmetic changes. Therefore, under the hood, it keeps the same mechanical setup found in the tS Spec B. That means a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine producing 202 kW (271 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Power is still sent to all four wheels through Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, and fortunately, Subaru only offers its limited-edition yellow WRDX with a six-speed manual transmission – no CVTs in sight. And since it's based on the tS Spec B, it already comes with adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, and a limited-slip differential. Like previous Club Spec models, the upgrades are mostly cosmetic. Under the hood sits the same 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine found in the tS Spec B, producing 202 kW (271 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission – no CVT in sight. The tS Spec B foundation also means the Club Spec Evo already benefits from performance-focused hardware like adaptive dampers, six-piston Brembo front brakes, and Recaro seats. Interestingly, Subaru Australia recently said the STI brand is not dead and that several performance-focused projects are underway. Until we have tangible proof that the STI division isn't extinct, we only have these knock-off STIs. A Special WRX Most Fans Won’t Even See With just 75 examples planned, the WRX Club Spec Evo will be more than five times rarer than an Impreza 22B, and most of them are probably already spoken for. That is, if they can stomach its price tag. Pricing starts at 63,190 AUD ($44,405), a noticeable jump over the standard WRX, which begins at 48,890 AUD ($34,353). And if rumors about the next-generation WRX going fully electric turn out to be true, this bright yellow special may end up being one of the last old-school turbo boxer specials of its kind. View the full article

For years, Lamborghini owners have been walking straight out of dealerships and into aftermarket shops, spending serious money to make their cars louder, crackle and pop (and bang) on the overrun. And while Lamborghini has offered Race and Akrapovič exhaust systems for previous models, the brand has now developed its own range of titanium exhaust systems for the now-discontinued Huracán and Urus. Sold through official dealers, it's designed to Lamborghini's exacting specifications, both technical and aural. With this, the factory has essentially admitted what the modification scene already knew — the stock exhaust was leaving quite a bit on the table. Lamborghini View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Finally, Titanium Exhausts With a WarrantyWorking with Slovenian exhaust specialists Akrapovič, and sold under its Lamborghini Accessori Originali label, it's a wonder that exhausts for the hybridized Temerario and Revuelto aren't part of the offerings yet. The two brands have worked on exhaust systems before, but this is the first factory-titanium exhaust option available for the Huracán and Urus. Good news for owners, since they’re the only titanium systems that keep the warranty intact. Akrapovič has decades of experience building in lightweight exotic materials and understands how to extract character from an engine without turning it into a liability. Lamborghini gets to put its name on the result and sell it through its official dealer network, keeping the whole thing within a controlled environment. What It Might Actually Sound Like — and Why That MattersNo sound clip has surfaced yet, and that absence is interesting in itself. The safe assumption is that this will not be a replication of what aftermarket shops are doing. Most of those systems are genuinely antisocial at street speeds, the kind of loud that draws noise complaints. A factory system almost certainly threads a different needle, probably offering a meaningful step up over the stock note without crossing into territory that would embarrass the brand or its owners on public roads. Think less ear-splitting shriek, more full-throated wail. If Lamborghini has done this right, its star motors should finally sound the way they always looked like they should. Lamborghini View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Strong Start, Then a HiccupThe all-new 2027 Kia Telluride has already made meaningful contributions to the brand, with the model setting a new all-time monthly U.S. sales record of 13,198 units last month, just a few hundred units behind the top-selling Sportage. Yet some examples may already be facing issues after Kia recalled 13,499 Telluride units — along with 1,371 2026MY K4 Hatchback units — over a seatbelt anchor buckle problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that, under recall number 26V135, the affected vehicles may be equipped with a center seatbelt anchor buckle that may not latch properly due to a supplier manufacturing error. The defect could increase the risk of injury in a crash because the seatbelt may not properly restrain the occupant. K Buckle TroubleThe defective component may be found in the third row of the 2027 Telluride — now in its second generation and assembled at Kia’s West Point, Georgia plant for the U.S. market. While the second row can be configured with captain’s chairs, the Telluride remains a three-row crossover SUV, competing with models like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Explorer. Meanwhile, the K4 has the affected seatbelt anchor in the rear seats. Passengers may notice the defect if they experience difficulty buckling the seatbelt. According to the safety campaign, affected owners will be instructed to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealership for inspection. If necessary, the anchor buckle assembly will be replaced as part of the remedy. The Korean marque will also reimburse owners who may have paid out of pocket to address the problem. Gabriel Ionica What Owners Need to KnowKia will begin notifying owners about the recall on May 5, 2026. That comes a few weeks after owners of the previous-gen Telluride are set to be notified of a separate recall affecting more than 85,000 2025MY units over loose front seatbacks. Despite the early issue affecting some 2027 model-year Tellurides, a recall does not automatically signal widespread reliability problems. In many cases, safety campaigns are issued as a precaution or are tied to components supplied by third-party vendors rather than a fundamental vehicle design flaw. For reference, the all-new Telluride starts at $39,190, excluding destination fees, while the hybrid variant – equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain producing 329 horsepower – begins at $46,490. Kia View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

After growing nearly eightfold between 2019 and 2023, demand for battery-electric vehicles flattened out last year, then took a dive off a cliff after federal tax credits phased out at the end of September. That’s sent an array of automakers scrambling to rethink their EV programs and, by Autoblog’s count, at least 18 brands have now decided to drop existing models, scrap upcoming plans or, at the least, stretch their launches out, hoping to see demand rebound. Honda became the latest to join the exodus on Thursday, CEO Toshihiro Mibe telling reporters in Tokyo that the automaker needed to ‘stop the bleeding,” as it prepared to report losses that could reach more than $15 billion for the fiscal year. While it will move ahead with the launch of the new 0 Series Saloon and SUV models in some parts of the world, they now won’t come to the U.S., nor will the Acura RSX. Who else is on the list? Here’s the latest list we could pull together…but don’t be surprised if some other brands join the club in the near future. Acura Acura Honda Motor Co.’s upscale marque didn’t have much luck with its first all-electric model, the ZDX, announcing an end to production even before federal tax credits expired last September. Now, the brand is walking away entirely from the EV segment, scrapping plans to add the new Acura RSX which was to be built at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. Chevrolet General Motors Of all manufacturers, General Motors has actually done better than most in the U.S. with an assortment of mainstream and upscale EVs. Still, it abandoned the once-promising BrightDrop commercial vehicle division, rolling it into Chevy. Now, however, the BrightDrop electric vans are being dropped. As for the reborn Chevrolet Bolt, the bowtie brand says it will only be kept in production for 18 months. Related: How Chevrolet Built America’s Cheapest EV Without Cutting Corners Dodge Dodge The Stellantis muscle car division shocked the market when it said it would replace its Charger and Challenger nameplates with a single, all-electric package, the Charger Daytona. Dodge quietly revised plans, developing new gas packages, Charger sans “Daytona.” With sales lagging, the base all-electric R/T package is delayed and the ultra-high-performance Daytona Banshee has apparently been abandoned. Related: I Drove the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T: An Honest First-Drive Review of Dodge’s Twin-Turbo Muscle Sedan Ford David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images Few automakers have done a more costly about-face, Ford writing off nearly $20 billion as converted what was to be a massive EV manufacturing complex near Memphis into a conventional truck plant. It’s scrapped plans for a 3-row SUV, ended production of the F-150 Lightning in December and instead of another EV, it’ll be replaced by a range-extender package. Still, Ford is moving ahead with its Universal EV program set to debut with an “affordable,” Maverick-sized pickup in 2027. Genesis Genesis Hyundai’s luxury brand is a mixed bag and appears to be taking the pulse of the market before making hard decisions. It’s discontinued the Electrified GV80 – but says it could come back. The smaller GV60 remains in the line-up and actually will offer a new variant later this year when Genesis puts it first high-performance package into production, the all-electric GV60 Magma. Honda Honda One of the pioneers of electrification, Honda is a true believer when it comes to hybrids, but it’s rapidly backing away from what seemed a promising commitment to EVs. Beyond culling the Acura ZDX and RSX the mainstream Honda brand scrapped plans to introduce the new 0 Series Saloon and SUV models in the U.S. market. Whether it will retain the Prologue is uncertain considering year-over-year demand fell 86% during the final quarter of 2025. Hyundai Hyundai The Korean carmaker has promised to invest billions into its own electrification program. But it’s now in retreat, at least when it comes to the U.S. market. It’s dropping the Kona Electric, its first long-range EV, and the Ioniq 6 sedan – except for a limited number of high-performance 6 N variants. Hyundai also won’t be bringing over some other EVs, like the little Inster. But it’s keeping Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9 in the line-up. Infiniti Nissan Parent Nissan Motor Corp. may have been an early proponent of EVs, but it has repeatedly delayed plans to add an all-electric model to the upscale Infiniti brand. Yet, again. An all-electric sedan codenamed LZ1F and a crossover codenamed PZ1J have been cancelled. Both were set for production at the Nissan plant in Canton, Mississippi Kia Kia Hyundai sibling Kia has been another big proponent for electrification and is rolling out a number of new models in Kia, China, Europe and other parts of the world. The line-up is slimmer in the U.S., with the original EV6 and newer EV9. The high-performance EV6 GT has been indefinitely delayed. But Kia apparently still sees new opportunities in the affordable EV segment and will debut the production EV3 at this month’s New York Auto Show. Lamborghini Lamborghini There’s a big debate among exotic brands, Ferrari still convinced there’s a market for high-performance EVs. Lamborghini is far more pessimistic, CEO Stephan Winkelmann telling the London Times they don’t deliver the necessary “emotional connection.” As a result, the Italian automaker has scrapped all-electric versions of the Lanzador and Urus. Land Rover SH Proshots/Autoblog Britain’s Jaguar will be out of production for nearly a year, preparing to relaunch as an all-electric brand. It’s sibling marque, Land Rover, isn’t going quite so far but still is betting on battery power. It’s developing an assortment of EVs, based on its familiar Defender and Range Rover lines. That said, it delayed last year’s planned debut of the Range Rover EV, the exclusive SUV still on the boards for a launch in 2026. Maserati The top-line Stellantis brand will continue offering three EVs: the GranCabrio, GranTurismo and Grecale. But some question whether it might pair back that line-up if sales don’t improve. Weak demand is blamed for the decision to scrap a fourth all-electric model, the MC20 Folgore. Nissan Nissan Japan’s second-largest automaker stole a march on competitors like Toyota by launching the world’s first mainstream EV, the Leaf, in 2011. But it was slow to catch up as competitors like GM, Tesla and VW brought out more modern alternatives. It finally introduced a third-generation Leaf last year but has put on indefinite hold the base S package. Meanwhile, Nissan pulled the bigger Ariya out of production for 2026 – though it could return next year. Also dead: a sedan and a CUV planned for production in the U.S. Related: 2026 Nissan LEAF First Drive Review: A Major Leap Forward For The Iconic EV Polestar Polestar Sweden’s Polestar brand continues to invest in the EV market announcing last month plans to add four more models. But its first first all-electric package, the Polestar 2, currently is unavailable in U.S. because of the hefty tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. There’s been speculation about what might happen with some of the new lines Polestar is developing if those tariffs aren’t lifted or production moved to the States.. Porsche Among German brands, Porsche has been determined to roll out EV alternatives to its traditional line-up – even replacing some models, like Boxster and Cayman, with EVs. But an all-electric flagship SUV has officially been delayed -- and is widely believed to be cancelled – or converted to some type of hybrid package. Despite some reports, Boxster and Cayman EVs appear to have survived, however. Ram Ram Just a few years ago, seemingly everyone wanted to get into the full-size EV pickup market. Now, however, the revolving door has been spinning at a blinding rate. Several new players, like Lordstown and Canoo are out of business. Ford, meanwhile, ended Lightning production in December. Ram killed the all-electric Ram 1500 REV before production began – but that name now will be used for the range-extended pickup previously referred to as Ramcharger. Tesla Its stock price does not reflect the reality that Tesla sales fell in 2025 for the second consecutive year. With demand all but dried up, it’s now dropped its first two volume nameplates, the Model S and X, ostensibly to make room to build Optimus Prime robots at its Fremont, California, plant. The future of the Cybertruck is uncertain, and Tesla is sending mixed signals about an “affordable” EV and retail CyberCab models. Volkswagen Volkswagen Only a few years ago, the Volkswagen Group was making the biggest commitment to EVs in the industry. It’s still got aggressive growth plans but is sharply paring expectations – and models – in the U.S. The ID.7 sedan has been cancelled for the U.S. The ID.Buzz microbus is out of production for at least the 2026 model year, VW promising to bring it back with more affordable trim options. As for the original ID.4, the name is being dropped but the crossover will be rebadged ID.Tiguan. View the full article

Purchasing a satisfying car is one thing, but a bad dealer experience can quickly turn owners off a specific brand. To see which automakers deliver the best dealer service, the results of the JD Power 2026 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study have just been released. Overall dealer satisfaction increased in this year’s study, which is based on responses from 51,228 verified registered owners and lessees of vehicles between 1 to 3 years of age. Porsche and Mini topped the premium and mass-market segments, respectively, while all three brands with the lowest scores (Chrysler, Ram, and Maserati) were from the Stellantis stable. In the popular truck segment, Ram finished far behind all rivals. 2026 CSI Study: Main Insights Getty Images Overall customer satisfaction with auto dealer service increased by three points on a 1,000-point scale. The premium segment was up by eight points to 886, while the mass market segment increased by three points to 868. A high CSI score increases the chances of customers remaining loyal to the same brand; when the satisfaction score is 950 points or higher, 88% of premium customers say they’ll return to the same dealer. Here are a few other insights from this year’s study: Mass-market customers wait an average of 1.61 hours for maintenance work at dealers; premium customers wait 2.46 hours64% of customers want photo/video evidence of work being done, but only 26% of mass-market customers are getting itOnly 26% of customers experience 9 or 10 of the top CSI Key Performance IndicatorsAlthough overall satisfaction increased, dealers face intense competition from aftermarket providers that can often get the same job done in less time. For instance, 62% of aftermarket service visits take under an hour, versus 1.61/2.46 hours for mass-market/premium customers visiting dealers. Getty Images Customers coming from direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands like Tesla and Rivian are typically less satisfied with conventional dealers, as they are accustomed to DTC conveniences like mobile services and valets. “Dealers can more readily add value, for example, by returning the vehicle cleaner than when it arrived and completing a thorough multi-point inspection with digital documentation. CSI results show those efforts yield higher satisfaction and, in turn, boost retention,” said Stewart Stropp, vice president of customer success at JD Power. “Another opportunity is to more consistently deliver on top key performance indicators (KPIs) like keeping customers informed of service status and explaining the work performed. These elements, among others, meaningfully lift satisfaction.” Related: Dealers Take Another Hit in the Direct-to-Consumer Sales Fight CSI Study Brand Rankings Porsche For the second consecutive year, Porsche ranked number 1 among premium brands, this time with a score of 915. Porsche was closely followed by Infiniti (912) and Lexus (900). For mass-market brands, Mini topped the rankings with 887 points, barely ahead of Subaru (886) and Buick (882). Ford, which has worked hard to improve vehicle quality in recent months, will also be happy with its dealer satisfaction score of 875. Premium brand ratings: JD Power 2026 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study JD Power View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article On the other end of the spectrum, Stellantis has significant work to do. It’s responsible for the three brands with the lowest scores in the study, including Maserati (790), Chrysler (841), and Ram (824). Stellantis recently appointed 2,000 engineers in a major effort to improve vehicle quality, and the next step for the company should be to improve the dealership experience. JD Power In the truck segment, Ram is way behind all other brands on 824, with Ford and Toyota leading the pack. This is significant considering the high number of trucks sold in the U.S., with Ford selling almost 830,000 F-Series models alone last year. Related: 3 Surprises From J.D. Power’s New Initial Quality Survey What It Means RAM Car brand loyalty dropped below 50% last year as customers chased better deals, amid rapidly rising vehicle prices. This emphasizes the need for a positive dealership experience to keep customers happy and retain their business. A poor service visit can quickly send customers to alternative repair shops or, even worse, another car brand. One fascinating insight is the challenge traditional dealers face in keeping customers satisfied when they come from direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. If dealers can modernize and incorporate aspects of the DTC model in their operations—such as app-based bookings or digital progress updates—they could dramatically increase customer satisfaction. This could become especially important as cars become more software-focused and customers grow increasingly accustomed to digital services. View the full article

Buying Recalled Cars Was the Business ModelA Pittsburgh used-car dealer just landed a huge win against Hyundai Motor America. After years of fighting over recalled vehicles, a Pennsylvania judge has ordered Hyundai to pay almost $10 million. Knight Motors and its sister company, Doman Auto & Marine Sales, both run by the same owner in Pittsburgh, spent most of 2018 and early 2019 snapping up used Hyundai Sonata sedans at auction. In total, they bought 628 cars from the 2011 to 2014 model years, Automotive News reports. These weren’t just random Hyundai Sonatas – every car they bought was linked to Hyundai’s massive Theta II engine recall, which covered over 1.6 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles from several years. Rather than fixing the cars themselves, the dealerships followed the recall program to the letter. They brought the Sonatas to Hyundai dealers for engine replacements or buybacks, just like any regular owner would if their engine failed – except that this would be done in bulk. Hyundai Hyundai Decided Something Was OffAt first, everything went smoothly. Hyundai bought back the cars and paid out claims, eventually spending over $5 million on Sonatas from Knight Motors alone. But as the claims piled up, Hyundai started to get suspicious. Inside Hyundai, emails started calling out a group of dealers as the 'Frequent Buyback Club.' Knight Motors was one of about two dozen stores flagged for making repeat claims. In May 2019, Hyundai made a move that would backfire. The company denied every open claim from Knight Motors in one shot. Not long after, Hyundai sued the dealerships for fraud, claiming they had tampered with the cars to trigger engine replacements or buybacks. Hyundai The Inspections Told a Different StoryBut Hyundai’s fraud claims hit a wall almost immediately. Over the next year, Hyundai dealers inspected hundreds of Knight Motors’ cars, taking photos and checking for any signs of tampering. According to court records, 16 different dealers looked them over. None found any evidence of foul play. Hyundai even brought in an outside appraisal firm for another round of inspections. The result was the same: no proof that the dealerships had messed with the cars to get recall repairs or buybacks. Judge Philip Ignelzi later noted that other used-car dealers were doing essentially the same thing: buying recalled Sonatas at auction and bringing them in through official recall channels. The judge described the practice as neither illegal nor fraudulent, calling it simply “American capitalism.” Hyundai The Case Fell Apart Over EvidenceThe real trouble for Hyundai came with how it handled the evidence. Judge Ignelzi ruled that Hyundai crushed hundreds of the recalled cars at the heart of the case. Those vehicles could have shown whether tampering occurred. On top of that, emails from a Hyundai case manager involved in the dispute were deleted. The judge called it “rampant spoliation” – the legal speak for destroying evidence. In his opinion, Ignelzi said this was one of the worst cases of discovery abuse he’d seen in 16 years on the bench. As a penalty, the judge ordered Hyundai to pay Knight Motors $9,784,075. That number covers almost seven years of storage fees for 163 recalled cars still sitting at the dealership – $25 per day for each vehicle. Hyundai says it disagrees with the ruling and has already appealed. For now, the court has put the payment on hold while the appeal plays out. This legal battle might not be over anytime soon. View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Volkswagen has started production of the new ID.Unyx 08 electric SUV in Hefei, eastern China, and while we lost count of how many China-only models VW is selling these days, this one is really important. That’s because the ID.Unyx 08 is Volkswagen’s first fully-connected, full-size battery electric SUV that features an 800-volt electrical architecture, as well as the first VW EV based on a third-party platform. Volkswagen China In this case, the ID.Unyx is based on Xpeng’s 800-volt, fast-charging EV platform as it was developed together with the Chinese EV maker as part of VW Group’s “In China, for China” strategy. Remarkably, the joint development of the new model took less than 24 months. That is a record for VW considering that the development of a new model used to take around 4 years and the new target set in effect since 2024 is 3 years. Besides the 800-volt ultra-fast charging tech, VW ID.Unyx 08 also features locally developed technologies, including L2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) capabilities, continuous over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and connectivity features, including an AI assistant. The Screen-Heavy Interior Barely Has Any Buttons Volkswagen China Speaking of connectivity, VW also released the first photos of the ID.Unyx 08’s interior, and it’s a real tech fest. Two 14.96-inch screens with 2.4K resolution affixed to the dashboard—one in the center and one for the front passenger—dominate the cabin, while the driver gets a separate 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. Physical buttons are in short supply, with the only visibile ones being on the steering wheel and door panels. The cabin also features two wireless charging pads above a lower storage area, an 18.73-sq ft dimming panoramic glass roof with 10 levels of opacity adjustment, and a 20-speaker sound system. Volkswagen China There's a 14-way power-adjustable front passenger seat—with a built-in electrical footrest that extends forward for a recliner-like position—while the driver’s seat is 10-way adjustable; the rear seats can also recline 10 degrees. Seeing as the ID.Unyx 08 measures almost 197 inches in length and has an ample wheelbase of over 119 inches, passenger room appears to be generous; despite that, the vehicle is a strict five-seater as VW does not offer a third-row option. One of 20 New NEVs VW China Will Launch in 2026 Volkwagen China Built by the Volkswagen Anhui joint venture between VW Group (75%) and China's JAC (25%), the ID.Unyx 08 offers both single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD configurations, with a maximum power of 308 hp in the former and 496 hp in the latter. Power comes from CATL-supplied lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries with capacities of 82 kWh and 95 kWh, respectively. The longest-range version is rated at 454 miles in China’s CLTC test cycle. The VW ID.Unyx 08 will launch in the first half of this year as one of 20 new, locally developed New Energy Vehicle (NEV) models (that is all-electric and plug-in hybrid) debuting in China in 2026 alone. “On average, the Volkswagen Group is launching one new electric car every two weeks this year. That's ´China Speed,´” said Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Group China. A second model born from the cooperation between Volkswagen and Xpeng, an electric sedan, will also launch later this year. Volkswagen View the full article