Street News Anchor

The Need for Speed Takes a New TurnNeed for Speed should sound pretty familiar to readers of this website; some might remember the BMW M3 GTR from the video gameNeed for Speed: Most Wanted, while others may think of the 2014 film Need for Speed, which featured the S197 Ford Mustang with twin blue stripes. Now, the NFS name is making a return, though this time, it has nothing to do with street racing. U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Need for Speed Act, a new bill aimed at improving traffic management, particularly during emergencies. The proposal would develop a national infrastructure intelligence tool to enhance interstate coordination and keep traffic moving by identifying bottlenecks and other roadway obstacles. Photo by Kevin Carter on Getty Images A Disaster That Slowed the SystemSenator Cornyn highlighted the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, in March 2024, when a container ship struck the bridge, forcing vehicles to reroute and causing heavy congestion on nearby roads. The collapse also affected trucking and freight movement and strained supply chains, with the senator saying it “disrupted millions of dollars in trade and travel.” He added, “This legislation would empower the Department of Transportation to develop a national intelligence tool that will boost interstate coordination, ease congestion, and improve roadway safety.” The national infrastructure intelligence tool would integrate data into a single platform, enabling the USDOT, states, and local agencies to coordinate more effectively during emergencies. The bill also aims to strengthen national security and improve U.S. competitiveness. Getty Images Turning Data Into Traffic SolutionsSome of the datasets the tool would use include highway performance monitoring systems, commodity data, truck parking demand, and urban congestion reporting. While the use of “Need for Speed” in this case may not be as high-octane as heavily modified street cars, it could help reduce losses caused by traffic congestion. However, the proposal may also have downsides, including the cost and government spending required to build new software platforms. It could also limit states’ flexibility in managing infrastructure decisions and raise privacy and cybersecurity concerns, especially since the platform would centralize large amounts of data. Nevertheless, the bill also reflects a broader push toward modern, data-driven transportation technologies. Separate proposals have even explored a “kill switch” that could detect driver intoxication and prevent a vehicle from moving. Getty Images View the full article

While most of us were taking the day off to recharge for the new week, Porsche engineers spent Sunday working, and the Autoblog spy photographers were too, catching two pre-production versions of the facelifted Cayenne SUV on camera. Both are E-Hybrid plug-in models, which we know because black tape on the front fenders draws attention to the spot where Porsche places the badge, with one being the regular Cayenne E-Hybrid and the other the stonkingly fast Turbo E-Hybrid. Although the German automaker has already revealed a Cayenne Turbo EV with up to 1,139 horsepower, not everyone is ready to go all-electric just yet, and these models will aim to satisfy them. If previous facelifts of the nameplates are anything to go by, they'll be even more powerful than before, too. Let's take a closer look. 2027 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Spied with Subtle Changes SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article Instantly recognizable as a Cayenne yet subtly refined to reflect updates underneath the skin, the Turbo E-Hybrid prototype is wearing camouflage on its headlights, but it appears that the shape of the housings won't be changing. Instead, the spy shots suggest that the clusters may get slightly updated housings, with the four-point DRL signature remaining mostly unchanged. Lower down, the turn signal indicators now appear to be straight bars (the current model has a small recess in the middle of each horizontal bar), and these may perform only that function, no longer doubling as additional daytime running light elements. Below these, the horizontal bar dividing the lower side intakes in half is now a two-piece bar, the central intake grille has also been mildly tweaked with gaps between the horizontal bars. Interestingly, we don't see the variable flaps for improving aerydonamic efficiency on this prototype. Altogether, these changes will make the side intakes appear taller and the central intake grille wider. SH Proshots/Autoblog At the back, the taillight graphics may be updated, with dual horizontal DRL elements no longer connected to each other. We also see a small fake mesh insert below the main diffsuer panel, though it's difficult to see clearly what's going on here, thanks to the muck and grime on this development mule. Of course, as a pre-production vehicle, the taillight graphics and other small differences may still change as we get closer to the end of validation testing. Spy shots of the non-Turbo Cayenne E-Hybrid (that's the test vehicle without a quad-exit exhaust, pictured below) reveal similar changes for the entry-level hybrid Porsche. More Power Could Be on the Table for Gas-Powered 2027 Porsche Cayenne SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The last time the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid was facelifted, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid setup was boosted by 59 horsepower to result in a combined total of 729 hp, and it's possible a similar bump will occur for this update. That said, the powetrain's tweaks could also remain focused on efficiency as Porsche aims to meet Euro 7 regulations. Then again, a bump in performance could easily be achieved through the electric components, and given that the current U.S. administration is relaxing emissions regulations, Porsche may offer more performance to the American market. Meanwhile, the current Cayenne E-Hybrid and S E-Hybrid offer a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, with the former offering 463 hp and the latter 512 ponies. We expect this version of the Cayenne plug-in hybrid midsize SUV to get a healthy boost, too, but more details will be confirmed in the coming months, with a reveal expected around spring. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The ‘Montana loophole’ is one of the most well-known tactics in the US for avoiding hefty tax payments when registering high-value cars, and is the reason it’s not unusual to see ultra-rare exotica cruising around places like Beverly Hills while wearing plates from the third-least densely populated state in the US. However, California isn’t happy about the loophole, which takes advantage of Montana’s unusually relaxed approach to sales and registration tax, and has just announced charges against 14 individuals alleged to be part of a scheme using the tactic to avoid over $1.8 million worth of taxes on rare exotic cars. What is the Montana Loophole? Getty Every state has its own tax laws, and that includes vehicle sales and registration tax. Montana has some of the most attractive rules in this regard: the state charges no sales tax and no vehicle excise taxes either. To take advantage of this as a private buyer, you have to be a Montana resident, but there’s long been a workaround for people from other parts of the country: establishing a limited liability company (LLC) that’s based in the state, and registering the car to that LLC. This method itself is perfectly within the bounds of the law. Legal issues arise because many states require that cars kept and used there for more than a certain period of time are registered in that state, although enforcement of this has been sporadic. Common in Cali Getty Images California is one of the most common places to see Montana-registered exotics, thanks to its higher proportion of wealthy residents as well as its high taxes – the base rate of registration tax in the state is 7.75% of a car’s value, but further district taxes can push it above 10% in some areas. As a result, following initial action taken by the state last year, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), as well as the state’s DMV, announced a further crackdown on Friday. It's identified over 2,500 sales from around 500 dealers since 2023 alone that took advantage of the Montana loophole. Unsurprisingly, ultra-wealthy Beverly Hills is at the epicentre, with 416 sales allegedly involved in the investigation. 14 Already Charged McLaren On the same day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the state is bringing charges against 14 people in relation to avoiding taxes on high-end cars. The defendants allegedly “prepared and submitted false CDTFA forms [and] DMV forms… indicating that vehicles were purchased for use outside California,” but which were “delivered, driven and stored within the state.” The vehicles involved are said to total upwards of $20 million in value, with over $1.8 million in taxes avoided through the scheme. Unsurprisingly, there’s some serious metal involved: the Attorney General’s press release makes mention of a McLaren Elva worth $1.8 million, a Porsche 918 Spyder worth $1.5 million and a $1.26 million Ferrari F12tdf. It remains to be seen whether the crackdown will have any noticeable effect on the proliferation of Montana-plated exotics, but in the short term at least, it looks as if wealthy Californians might need to use a little more caution in registering their cars. View the full article

Trails Meet A Legal RoadblockOff-roading, despite being harsh and rough, can be fun and exciting, especially when driving vehicles built for it, like a Jeep Wrangler. However, in California’s Mojave Desert, the Los Angeles Times reports that a federal judge has ordered the closure of roughly 2,000 miles of off-road routes in critical habitat in the western Mojave, citing harm caused by off-road vehicles — technically called off-highway vehicles, or OHVs — to wildlife. To be more specific, OHVs are reportedly threatening the desert tortoise population in the area, with biologist Kristin Berry of the U.S. Geological Survey saying the species’ numbers have dropped by 96 percent in some monitored areas since the 1970s. Among the impacts of this recreational activity are the destruction of burrows where tortoises live and the dumping of trash, which attracts ravens that feed on baby tortoises. MORE Racing/Facebook The Desert Debate Heats UpIt’s still unclear how the Bureau of Land Management plans to enforce the route closures, given how large the area is that federal judge Susan Illston ordered to be closed. The move has drawn criticism from off-road enthusiasts. Some members say they are being unfairly blamed for the tortoise’s decline, with one arguing that the judge “went a little too far.” On the other hand, the closure is a win for environmental groups that have long been in a legal battle to protect wildlife in the area. Lisa Belenky, an attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, said the recreational activity “is dominating these lands and literally ruining them.” Organized racing events are also held in the region, including those run by M.O.R.E. (Mojave Off-Road Racing Enthusiasts), where vehicles such as modified Volkswagen Beetles known as Baja Bugs compete across the desert terrain. MORE Racing/Facebook A Desert Economy At RiskHowever, not all visitors take part in off-road racing, with some simply camping or hiking in the area. Illston has given the Bureau of Land Management a 2029 deadline to develop new off-road vehicle routes. In the meantime, the closures could also affect businesses in the area that depend on tourism. Business owners from places such as Lucerne Valley, Calico, and Randsburg have expressed concerns over the decision. Aside from off-road enthusiasts, the dispute also reflects a broader, long-running conflict over how the desert should be used, including for recreation, grazing, mining, and military activity. MORE Racing/Facebook View the full article

The Transmission That Many Drivers Love to HateFew parts in a modern car spark as much debate as the continuously variable transmission (CVT). For some, it’s a smart way to squeeze out more efficiency. For others, it’s the most annoying transmission you can get. Most of the complaints come down to how it feels to drive. Instead of fixed gears, a CVT uses a belt or chain between variable pulleys, which can make acceleration feel stretchy and disconnected. But it’s not just about how it drives. The bigger worry is what happens when something goes wrong. Repairs aren’t cheap, and most of the time, a major failure means you’re looking at a full replacement instead of a simple fix. So what actually happens when a CVT gives up? The YouTube channel I Do Cars, usually known for engine autopsies, tried to answer that question by tearing down a TR580 transmission from a 2013 Subaru Outback. Inside the Failed Subaru TransmissionThe teardown started out looking routine, but once the transmission pan dropped, the story changed. The magnet inside the pan was loaded with metal shavings and a few big chunks – clear evidence that something inside had gone very wrong. As the teardown went deeper, the culprit showed itself: the CVT’s chain, the part that actually transfers power between the pulleys, had snapped. In any CVT, that chain or belt is always under heavy stress, constantly shifting to change the gear ratio. When it fails, things go downhill fast. Here, the broken chain sent metal fragments everywhere – scoring the pulleys, contaminating the oil pump, and spreading debris through the rest of the transmission. What’s surprising is that most of the other internals looked fine. The planetary gears, differential, and clutch packs all showed normal wear. It was the chain failure that set off the rest of the damage. Exactly why the chain broke remains uncertain, according to I Do Cars. It could have been fatigue, debris contamination, or an unusual load spike. I Do Cars/YouTube Are CVTs Actually Unreliable?The idea of the CVT itself is not new. Variations of the concept date back centuries, with early designs appearing in sketches attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Modern automotive CVTs began appearing in production cars in the late 20th century, eventually spreading widely as manufacturers pursued better fuel efficiency and smoother operation. How long a CVT lasts really depends on who built it and how it’s cared for. Some can easily go past 150,000 miles with the right maintenance. But many problems stem from skipped service, especially when manufacturers call the fluid 'lifetime' and owners take it literally. In practice, regular fluid changes are a must. They help cut down on wear and flush out debris before it can do real damage. As with most car tech, it all comes down to design, how you use it, and how you maintain it. When a CVT is healthy, it can be smooth and efficient. But when a key part like the chain lets go, the fallout is anything but subtle. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Scope WidensGeneral Motors has updated service bulletin PIP6101, which addresses an engine ticking noise caused by a manufacturing defect. The revised version, PIP6101A, now includes more 2025–2026 models equipped with the 2.0-liter inline-four LSY turbocharged engine, in addition to the previously listed 2.5-liter LK0 and 2.7-liter L3B power units. This means owners of the Buick Envision, Chevrolet Blazer, and Cadillac CT4, CT5, XT4, XT5, and XT6 may now be affected by the issue. The LSY debuted for the 2019 model year and typically serves as the base engine in these models. However, as noted, the ticking noise is not necessarily an engine design issue, but rather the result of a manufacturing defect. This is also a service bulletin, meaning it is sent by GM to dealers rather than directly to owners, as would typically be the case with a recall. Cadillac What’s Happening Under the Valve CoverThe issue stems from manufacturing debris entering the hydraulic valve lash adjuster, preventing the component from pumping oil properly and resulting in a “soft” adjuster. Without proper hydraulic pressure, the affected engines may produce a ticking noise. Dealers are instructed to use a stethoscope or other methods to inspect the valvetrain first. If technicians find any soft adjusters, all 16 hydraulic valve lash adjusters and 16 valve rocker arms must be replaced. GM said the repair falls under the vehicles’ powertrain warranty coverage. For reference, other models that use either the 2.5-liter LK0 or 2.7-liter L3B include the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Colorado, Traverse, and Silverado 1500, as well as the GMC Acadia, Canyon, and Sierra 1500. The updated service bulletin does not identify a safety risk related to the ticking noise. However, if left unaddressed, it could lead to long-term valvetrain wear while leaving some owners dealing with persistent noise. Chevrolet A Problem on the Production LineThe newly added 2.0-liter LSY is assembled at GM’s Spring Hill plant in Tennessee, though the affected Envision itself is produced in China. In the Cadillac CT5, the LSY can deliver up to 237 horsepower. The two larger engines are also reportedly assembled at the same facility, which could help explain why all three are linked to the same issue. Because GM did not identify a specific VIN range, owners of affected models may want to have their vehicles checked if they notice the ticking noise. Cadillac View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Boxer. Turbo. All-Wheel DriveIf you combine those three words together, it can only be one car. For those who still need a hint, that's none other than the Subaru WRX. Okay, the Forester was available with a turbo, but the WRX is the definitive car that has those key ingredients. The WRX, then known as the Impreza WRX, was born out of necessity. Subaru wanted to mount an even more serious challenge in the World Rally Championship, and the larger Legacy wasn't cutting it anymore. So, the company took its Impreza, itself a chopped Legacy, and gave it the same turbocharged boxer engine from its big brother to create the WRX. It then needed to homologate it, hence why we ended up with these cars in the first place. America was denied the first-gen WRXs, but Subaru of America made amends by finally launching the second-gen model stateside in 2001 for the 2002 model year. Not long after that, America finally got the WRX STI models. The cars gained more tech and power through the years, but the formula remained the same: Turbo, boxer, all-wheel drive. Cars & Bids Hybrid Power Ahead?The current WRX was launched in 2021 for the 2022 model year. Starting at under $35,000, it's a performance bargain and stays true to its attainable sports-compact roots. That said, it's sad that hopes for a full-on STI model are quickly diminishing, and our longing for it isn't helped by Subaru's knack of giving the world 'STI-lite' models instead of the real deal. But it appears that the sporty compact is at a crossroads at the moment. There's no doubt that mobility is getting more and more electrified these days, be it as hybrid or EV, but the next-gen model might be getting some battery-powered assistance. The worrying part? It might lose the turbo in the process. Subaru The Spy Shots Aren't PromisingA few examples of the redesigned WRX have been spotted in Japan, with a couple of them snapped by eagle-eyed spies. One photo of it was recently shared by Australian publication Drive, and there's something missing in the picture. If you clicked the link and saw the photo, you might have noticed the lack of a hood scoop on the car shown. Granted, it's the Levorg or WRX Sportswagon, as it's called in most places, but those cars also have that distinct feature in their current guises. Even the higher-riding Levorg Layback with fewer performance ambitions has the hood scoop. Drive says the new WRX will instead utilize a more powerful version of Subaru's 'Strong Hybrid' system that's currently used in the Forester. While we're all for more power, we fear that going in that direction will result in less character. Cautiously OptimisticOf course, it's hard to say for certain what Subaru really has in store for the future WRX. It's possible that the intercooler will simply be moved to the bottom by the front bumper, which is highly uncharacteristic of the brand. There's also the possibility of it having an integrated air scoop in its grille, just like the Japan-only Forester Turbo. Let's also not discount the likelihood of Subaru adapting a turbo-hybrid powertrain for the WRX. The idea isn't new, and many automakers have adapted to that kind of configuration. However, going for that means we might not see a manual transmission option. That said, Subaru has filed a patent for a simulated manual transmission, and it might be applied to hybrids, too. Subaru View the full article

A Small Engine With Some Big QuestionsThe redesigned Chevrolet Trax has earned its share of praise for being affordable, practical, and well-equipped for its size. But the spotlight is now shifting to what’s under the hood. The Trax runs on a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, shared with the Buick Envista, Encore, and Chevrolet Trailblazer. On paper, the compact power plant promises a blend of efficiency and everyday performance, all while keeping costs down. For most owners, it seems to deliver as promised. But some drivers have started noticing odd knocking or thudding sounds from the engine – enough for GM to issue new service guidance for technicians. According to the bulletin, however, those sounds can be considered normal operating characteristics and may not require repairs. Some owners remain unconvinced by GM’s explanation. Two Trax owners whose vehicles stalled believe the noises indicated a more serious problem and have chosen to pursue legal action. Chase Bierenkoven The Lawsuit and the Alleged FailureJust last week, California plaintiffs Samantha Cook and Donna Cook filed a class action lawsuit against General Motors after purchasing a new 2024 Chevrolet Trax. According to the complaint, Samantha Cook was driving the vehicle on January 25 when a reduced engine power warning appeared on the dashboard. The SUV stalled soon after she was on the road. The lawsuit claims the engine began knocking loudly as she pulled the vehicle to the side of the road. At that point, the Trax had roughly 11,581 miles on the odometer. Once the Trax made it to the dealership, technicians found a broken connecting rod had damaged the engine block. The fix? A full engine replacement. But with replacement engines on backorder, the SUV was left sitting at the dealership while the owners waited for parts. According to the lawsuit, the 1.2-liter turbo engine is prone to internal failures involving connecting rods, bearings, oil flow, and more. The plaintiffs also claim GM knew about these issues from dealership reports and technical bulletins. The case, Cook et al. v. General Motors LLC, was filed in the US District Court for the District of Delaware and seeks class action status for owners of affected vehicles. Chase Bierenkoven What Happens NextRight now, these are just allegations – the court hasn’t weighed in yet. The case still has to clear the usual early legal hurdles before anything moves forward. If the court gives the green light for a class action, the next step is discovery. That’s when attorneys dig into internal documents, engineering reports, and dealership communications to see what GM knew and when. The plaintiffs hope discovery will show exactly when GM first learned about the alleged defect – and how the company responded to early complaints. For now, vehicles named in the lawsuit remain covered by GM’s five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with the standard three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage. Whether this lawsuit leads to repairs, compensation, or nothing at all will come down to how the court weighs the claims and evidence in the months ahead. Chevrolet View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

As we head into the second week of March, several significant weather systems are creating hazardous driving conditions across the United States. Travelers planning a road trip or a daily commute through the Pacific Northwest, the Colorado Rockies, or near the Great Lakes should prepare for severe winter weather and potential road closures. The National Weather Service is strongly advising all drivers to carry a winter emergency driving kit, including tire chains, a flashlight, blankets, and extra water. Washington Cascades Face Heavy Snow and Low VisibilityA major winter storm is hitting the Washington Cascades, bringing dangerous driving conditions to critical mountain passes. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories for the area lasting through Tuesday, with a Winter Storm Watch extending into Friday. Accumulations of 8 to 14 inches are expected at elevations between 3500 and 4500 feet. This severe weather will particularly affect Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, and White Pass. Drivers on Interstate 90 and Highway 2 should expect significant delays, slick roads, and near whiteout conditions due to wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph. If you must travel, authorities advise you to reduce your speed significantly and prepare for sudden temporary road closures. Getty Images Colorado Rockies and Interstate 70 Corridor See Significant SnowfallTravelers heading through Colorado should prepare for challenging conditions along the heavily trafficked Interstate 70 corridor. A winter storm has already dropped measurable snow in the Denver metro area, but the most severe impacts are concentrated in the foothills and mountains. Forecasters predict 6 to 15 inches of snow, with the heaviest amounts falling along and south of Interstate 70. The Eisenhower Tunnel area is expected to see about a foot of snow, making traction laws and slower speeds a certainty. Commuters and ski traffic alike will need to exercise extreme caution. Slushy and snow-packed roads will persist through the early part of the week. View the full article

Owners Take Honda to CourtTwo Honda Prologue customers filed a class action lawsuit against Honda after their respective all-electric crossovers allegedly made mechanical noise when turning. According to Car Complaints, the filing alleges that the front drive axles are defective and that Honda knew about the issue but still has not provided a remedy. Pennsylvania plaintiff Ashley Custer leased a new 2024 Honda Prologue in May 2025 but began experiencing the problem with just 4,039 miles on the odometer. The dealer replaced the CV axles, but the noise — described as clicking, ratcheting, and creaking — did not go away. She was later told that no repairs were available. Meanwhile, New York plaintiff Jorge Santiago purchased a 2024 Prologue and took the vehicle — which had 12,373 miles on the odometer — to a dealership in March 2025 for the same problem. He was told that the replacement part would not eliminate the noise while turning. Honda A Quiet EV With a Loud ProblemHonda has acknowledged that the Prologue may develop clicking noises, but maintains that they do not affect normal driving. The Japanese marque issued a Tech Line notice to dealerships on December 19, 2025, instructing technicians to inspect the drive axles for damage and repair them as necessary, but not to attempt repairs if no damage was found. Dealerships were also advised to tell customers that the “symptom is currently being investigated.” The lawsuit also asserts that Honda was aware of the issue when the model was first sold. The North America-exclusive Prologue was Honda's first mass-market EV model in the region, with sales starting in March 2024 — a time when automakers were racing to capitalize on growing demand for electric cars. It is based on General Motors' BEV3 platform, the same architecture used by electric models such as the Chevrolet Blazer EV. Honda Trouble Between the WheelsEVs can develop axle-related issues because these components may experience significant stress. These vehicles tend to be heavier than their combustion-powered counterparts due to the weight of components such as the battery. The Prologue is also a relatively large vehicle, slightly bigger than the Tesla Model Y. Moreover, electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly, which can place sudden stress on drivetrain components, especially when turning. While the Honda Prologue class action lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, is ongoing, the EV was also recently recalled for software defects that can cause the instrument cluster and center infotainment display to go blank, potentially disabling the rearview camera image and critical vehicle information such as speed and warning indicators. Honda View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A New Flagship for Ford’s High-Powered MustangFord pulled the covers off the Mustang Dark Horse SC as the wildest version of the S650 Mustang yet. It steps into the shoes of the old Shelby GT500, now sitting at the top of Ford’s pony car lineup. But when it first showed up, there was one big question mark: how much would it actually cost? So far, the only real number attached to the car was the VIN 001 unit that hammered for a jaw-dropping $1.25 million at Barrett-Jackson’s charity auction. That was a one-off, auction-only situation, though, so regular buyers were left in the dark about what the showroom price would look like. Now, a leaked pricing sheet finally gives us a ballpark. If the info making the rounds online is legit, the base Mustang Dark Horse SC Coupe starts at $103,490. Tick the box for the Track Pack, and you’re looking at $139,990. Go all-in for the Track Pack Special Edition, and the number climbs to $170,970. And that’s before you add the $1,995 destination charge, so the final sticker could climb even higher. Ford A Bit Hard to Swallow for a Pony CarThe numbers apparently came from a dealer memo that leaked online, then got picked up and posted by Kelly Aiken of KellTrac on social media. Like any leak, take the figures mentioned with a grain of salt. Ford hasn’t confirmed anything yet, and carmakers sometimes tweak prices before production kicks off. Still, once the numbers hit the internet, they spread fast across forums and social media. And as expected, reactions were all over the map. Some folks say a six-figure Mustang is a far cry from the car’s roots as an affordable performance icon. Others argue that, with limited numbers and serious horsepower, the price makes sense for buyers who already shop in the luxury sports car aisle, but not so much for a Mustang GTD. For potential buyers, though, the takeaway is fairly straightforward. If the leaked pricing proves accurate, the Dark Horse SC will likely require a noticeably larger budget than any recent factory Mustang. Ford A Big Jump From the Shelby GT500 EraThe rumored price gets even more interesting when you stack it up against the last flagship Mustang. The 2022 Shelby GT500, which this new Dark Horse SC basically replaces, started at around $80,000 before you added any extras. Even after adjusting for inflation, that’s about $88,000 in today’s money. That still leaves a big gap compared to the Dark Horse SC’s rumored $103,000 starting point. That jump hints that Ford is moving its top-tier Mustangs further upmarket. With more power, fewer units, and likely some serious hardware upgrades, the Dark Horse SC looks like it’s targeting buyers who see the Mustang as a near-exotic, not just an accessible muscle car. Whether longtime Mustang fans will get on board with that shift is still up in the air. For now, if these leaked numbers are real, the next supercharged Mustang is set to hit showrooms with a price that matches its new flagship status. Ford View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Orders For The Durango R/T 392 Are Opening SoonDodge’s 2026 Durango lineup already stretches from the practical V6-powered GT all the way up to the wild, supercharged V8 SRT Hellcat Jailbreak. But there’s been a gap between the everyday and the extreme, especially when it comes to pricing, and that’s exactly where the new Durango R/T 392 lands. According to Kevin Hillman, Senior Vice President of Dodge Product, order banks for the R/T 392 are expected to open later this month. Hillman confirmed the timing during a recent update shared with Mopar Insiders, which means dealers and customers won’t have to wait long before they can place their orders. Dodge What The Durango R/T 392 Brings To The TableThe big story here is what’s under the hood. Dodge has swapped out the old 5.7-liter HEMI for a 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) V8, bumping output to 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It’s a serious step up for the R/T badge. Compared to the outgoing 5.7-liter, the difference isn’t just on paper. Dodge claims a 32% jump in horsepower and 21% more torque, which should translate to punchier acceleration, a stronger mid-range, and a throttle that feels more alive. Even with all that extra muscle, the Durango R/T 392 is still a family hauler. You still get three rows of seats for up to seven, plus the kind of towing numbers – up to 8,700 pounds – that have made the Durango a go-to for buyers who need real utility. Dodge Most Powerful Durango Under $50,000Pricing is where things get interesting. Early dealer info points to a starting price of $49,995 before destination, putting a 475-horsepower V8 within reach for many more buyers. Once it hits showrooms (yes, in all showrooms), the Durango R/T 392 will be the most powerful Durango you can get for under $50,000. It carves out a sweet spot between the standard HEMI models and the all-out Hellcat, giving buyers a real taste of muscle without the six-figure price tag. For a model that some thought was winding down, the Durango keeps finding new ways to stay in the game. The R/T 392 is proof Dodge isn’t done with its muscle SUV just yet. Dodge View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Ryan Blaney won the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway but it was also a victory for the NASCAR industry at large. That was inarguably the best race in the five-year, nine-event history of the seventh-generation car at the one-mile track in Avondale, Arizona. Goodyear’s continued efforts combined with NASCAR’s first race using the 750-horsepower package with this car on an oval ...Keep readingView the full article

The fourth round of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season is complete in what many drivers are calling the start of the 'regular' season after two drafting tracks and a road course to open the year. Tyler Reddick, who entered this race with a 70-point lead in the championship standings, was attempting to become the first driver since Jimmie Johnson in 2007 to win four consecutive races at the Cup level ...Keep readingView the full article

On a restart with just under 100 laps to go, there were three strategies at the front of the field. The front row stayed out on old tires, the next two rows all took two fresh tires, while pole-sitter Joey Logano was the first driver with four fresh tires in seventh. Right in front of him was the #1 of Ross Chastain. As the race went back green and the field cut down into the dogleg, Logano ...Keep readingView the full article

Ryan Blaney had to fight through a lot of adversity to win Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix Raceway, charging through the field after two loose wheels. He held off a charging Christopher Bell with four fresh tires, who finished second after leading 176 of 312 laps. Kyle Larson finished third, Ty Gibbs fourth, and Denny Hamlin fifth. Bubba Wallace, William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Michael ...Keep readingView the full article

After 12 cautions in a wreck-filled race, Ryan Blaney emerged victorious in the #12 Team Penske Ford. He had to overcome two loose wheels, and passed Ty Gibbs late in the race to secure his 18th career win and second consecutive at Phoenix. Christopher Bell led 176 of 312 laps, and finished second while Kyle Larson placed third. Tyler Reddick's quest for the four-peat ended with a solid ...Keep readingView the full article

In Japan, it’s common for cars to be driven to well over 300,000 miles. It isn’t uncommon for some to reach even higher mileage, either. These aren’t anomalies; they’re just ordinary vehicles used by ordinary drivers who have treated them with the right attitude. On the other hand, the average American motorist will trade his vehicle long before reaching such mileage totals. There’s a YouTube video going around that's an unpleasant reality check on something that many American motorists never give much thought to. It's Less About the Car and More About the DriverThe first thing Japanese high-mileage drivers do differently isn't complicated. They let the engine warm up. Between 30 and 60 seconds is often enough for the oil to circulate properly before putting the engine under load. Cold oil is viscous and slow and doesn't protect the way warm oil does, and starting hard from cold is one of those habits that costs nothing in the moment and adds up badly over time. The actual driving also fits this same pattern. Smooth, gradual inputs are applied while accelerating; the driver brakes early enough so it doesn’t feel like braking. The driver keeps the engine in its comfortable RPM range rather than constantly lugging the engine or pushing it. It’s not overly cautious driving; it’s just deliberate. Fuel system cleaners go in every 6,200 miles or so, keeping the injectors clean and combustion where it should be. It’s a small thing that’s easy to skip, and most people do end up skipping it. The Maintenance Stuff Most Americans Get BackwardsThe oil change interval for cars in Japan is based on how the vehicle has been driven as opposed to a manufacturer recommended interval. Short urban trips and stop-and-go traffic chew through oil faster than highway miles do; pretending otherwise is just wishful thinking. Coolant is flushed regularly and at the correct time. Cooling systems are one of the main causes of engine failure (approximately 25%), and most of that is due to corrosion caused by neglecting the coolant. Transmission fluid is changed before there are any signs of trouble, and not after. Timing belts and associated components are replaced at the recommended time and are never negotiated. If a timing belt were to break on an interference engine, you’re looking at bent valves, where the only fix is a top-end rebuild — a lot more expensive than a timing kit replacement. Getty Images The Logbook Is the Whole PointWhat really separates the Japanese approach from the American one isn't any single habit. It's the fact that Japanese drivers who run high mileage tend to write everything down. Every service, every fluid change, every noise that showed up and went away. Over the years, that becomes a genuinely useful document. Things get caught early. Nothing slips through. But more than the practical value, keeping a log represents a way of thinking about the car — as something ongoing, something worth paying attention to, rather than something to ignore until a warning light forces the issue. That mindset is what the Japanese philosophy of longevity is really about. The habits are almost secondary to the attitude behind them. View the full article

Key takeawaysA powerful storm system is bringing severe 80 mph crosswinds and heavy mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies today.Drivers of high-profile vehicles face extreme blowover risks on exposed highways and mountain passes.The system will transition into a fast-moving clipper by Monday, bringing a slick wintry mix and hazardous driving conditions to the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.Severe winds and blow over risks in the Northern RockiesThe most immediate hazard for motorists this Sunday is the threat of extreme wind. According to the National Weather Service, an energetic system is pulling deep Pacific moisture inland, but the atmospheric pressure gradient poses the greatest danger. Wind gusts across the Northern Rockies are forecast to reach up to 80 mph today. For anyone driving on exposed interstates, these are localized hurricane-force gusts. Drivers of high-profile vehicles, including commercial semi-trucks, lifted SUVs, and vehicles towing trailers, face a significant increase in the risk of blowover. When navigating these routes, it is vital to keep both hands on the steering wheel, reduce speed to maintain aerodynamic stability, and anticipate sudden lateral shoves when passing other large vehicles or emerging from mountain tunnels. Photo by © Marco Bottigelli on Getty Images Heavy mountain snow impacts Pacific Northwest passesWhile the lower elevations and coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest are dealing with heavy, pooling rain and hydroplaning risks, the higher elevations are seeing a completely different threat. Significant snow accumulation is actively burying major mountain passes. Motorists attempting to cross the Cascades or navigate the higher terrain of Idaho and Montana must be prepared for winter driving conditions to return in full force. Road crews will be working to keep the major arteries clear, but drivers should expect sudden chain controls to be implemented. If your vehicle is not equipped with severe snow service-rated tires, you will likely lose traction on the steepest grades. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at noaa.gov continuously updates road weather conditions, and checking these alerts before heading into the mountains is essential for your safety today. A messy Monday commute for the Upper MidwestThis massive weather system is not staying stationary. By Monday, the energy from this storm will push eastward, transitioning into a fast-moving clipper system. This low-pressure front will drop into the Northern Plains and the Upper Midwest just in time for the start of the work week. While it will not bring the extreme 80 mph winds seen in the Rockies, it will introduce a highly deceptive wintry mix to the region. The transition from rain to snow, combined with a sharp drop in temperatures, means drivers in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin need to be on high alert for black ice. Bridges and overpasses will be the first surfaces to freeze, creating slick spots that can easily catch Monday morning commuters off guard and lead to dangerous chain reaction collisions. Photo by Julia Dorian on Getty Images Pre-trip vehicle inspections for changing climatesTransitioning from heavy coastal rain to freezing mountain passes puts your vehicle under unique strain. Before starting your engine, ensure your windshield wipers are not degraded, as heavy snow and rain will instantly blind you if your wiper blades cannot clear the glass. You must also check your tire pressure. As temperatures plummet in the higher elevations, your tire pressure will drop significantly, reducing your contact patch and increasing your risk of losing control on icy asphalt. Always keep a dedicated winter emergency kit in your trunk, especially when traveling through remote stretches of the Northern Rockies where cell service is limited and tow truck response times can stretch into hours. View the full article

Japan's Flagship SedansBefore Japanese automaker decided to make luxury divisions, they already had a slew of flagship luxury sedans in their lineup. There's the Toyota Crown, the Nissan Cedric/Gloria, and the Honda Legend. Smaller players had them too, such as the Mitsubishi Sigma and, later, the Diamante, and Mazda also had skin in the game with its Luce. The Luce is a particularly interesting car, even if it was never a particularly huge seller in its home market. Its name might not be familiar to the American market, but it was better known as the 929 outside of Japan. Sold in North America from 1987 to 1995, it was vastly overshadowed by the Acura Legend and Lexus ES. There's also a good chance that more people remember the Mitsubishi Diamante over the 929. Still, we think it's a car worth mentioning from time to time. It had several forward-thinking features and followed the classic executive sedan formula with its generous proportions, six-cylinder power, and rear-wheel drive. Mazda Before the 929In some ways, the U.S. and Canada got the 929 before it was called the 929. Export-market Luce models were already called 929 unless they were rotary-powered, which is what North America got. Sold as the RX-4, it was offered from 1974 to 1978 in sedan, wagon, or coupe body styles. You could have any engine in it, as long as it was the 13B Wankel rotary and considered a bit of a sporty car in its time. It was rolled out smack dab in the middle of the Malaise Era, after all. North America didn't get the two successive generations of the 929 after the RX-4, although rotary power was still offered in select markets. The model America didn't get from 1978 to 1981 looked a bit like a dehydrated Plymouth Fury from the same era with its stacked headlights and all. The one that came after that was radically redesigned for the early-'80s. It would take a while before the U.S got another flagship sedan from Mazda. Mazda New Name, New DirectionThe large (for Japan) rear-wheel-drive executive sedan returned stateside in 1987, now officially bearing the 929 badge on its trunk lid, just like the rest of the world. Internally known as the HC, it was still called the Luce in Japan, and yes, it still had a rotary engine option — turbocharged this time around. However, the American 929s were far more conventional. There was a 3.0-liter, 18-valve V6 at the front, good for 158 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, a manual was offered, but most came with an automatic transmission. It's not particularly groundbreaking, but it did have power and economy modes, which were a novelty back in the day. There was even an option of an electronically-controlled suspension system. Dubbed Auto-Adjusting Suspension, it came with three modes: Soft, Sport, and Auto. This was in the late-'80s, folks. Unlike the RX-4 that came before it, the 929 was more of a cruiser than a sports sedan. The interior wouldn't look out of place in a contemporary Oldsmobile, and even with the clever suspension system, it was a soft-riding mile-muncher. It was clever and comfortable, but unfortunately wrapped in an incredibly generic-looking wrapper. With a base price of $19,850 in 1988, it was pricey, as that's about $56,000 in today's money. In the end, Acura and Lexus weren't losing any sleep over the 929's sales. Bring a Trailer A Radical RethinkBeing advanced for its time wasn't enough for Mazda to make the 929 a success, so for the second generation, it had to get a healthy dose of style and even more innovations. The new model had to be a huge leap forward at the start of the '90s, and it had to represent Mazda's luxury ambitions. It was such a huge change that the company even abandoned the Luce name in Japan and called the new-generation 929 the Sentia in its home market. The result? As far as early-'90s sedans went, the 'HD' 929 was svelte and elegant. Gone was its boxy and bland exterior, replaced by a sleeker, pillarless four-door body. It was still rear-wheel drive, and its proportions emphasized that with its long hood and short deck outline, and the wheelbase was stretched to exaggerate its length even further. As for the interior, it looked more sculpted than designed, with not an acute angle in sight. Mazda went so far as to employ a front-midship chassis design to keep weight distribution as close to 50:50 as possible, and used multi-link suspension on all four corners. Japanese models even had optional all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and electronically-controlled suspension, plus a solar-powered sunroof (available in the U.S. and Canada) that powered the climate control system, cooling the cabin when parked in the sun. In other words, Hiroshima banished all memories of its already forgettable predecessor. Bring a Trailer The Press Loved it, But No One Bought itThe '92 929 drew praises for its design, but its 3.0-liter V6 was another high point. It produced 195 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, but it was the smooth and refined delivery that wowed critics. The same went for its four-speed automatic transmission and its smooth ride. Aside from its rather wobbly driving dynamics, the 929 was generally well-liked. Despite that, the 929 still didn't attract that many buyers. It was the badge that hindered it, and had Mazda pushed through with the Amati luxury division, the car's fortunes might have turned out differently. It's either that or Amati could've tanked Mazda so hard that we might not have them around anymore. The Japanese Economic Bubble had burst by then, and building up a new luxury brand was a massively expensive endeavour. A Motorweek review from 1992 noted that the 929 was supposedly the basis for a V8-powered rival to the Lexus LS, but it wasn't meant to be. The car was eventually axed in 1995 in North America, but lived to see a second generation in Japan and a few markets until 1999. In the end, the 929 became an overlooked gem, but what a gem it was. Despite its failure, Mazda never let go of its upmarket and luxury ambitions. We see it today with models such as the CX-60 and CX-90, and even the Mazda 3 and CX-30 have interiors that feel far too nice for their price tags. Mazda's dream of creating a luxury marque might have failed, but it's now effectively what Amati could have been. Aurick Go Bring a Trailer View the 11 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Severe Weather Threat Expands Across the SouthThe severe weather threat is far from over for the southern United States. According to the latest outlooks from the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the second half of an upper-level low is expected to arrive on Monday. This is the same system that triggered destructive tornadoes across the Midwest last week. Severe weather outlooks are already active for the Deep South, with the threat expanding northward as the system advances east. For those hitting the road on Monday, expect a renewed risk of intense thunderstorms and damaging winds. The heaviest weather for the Deep South is expected to ramp up late Monday morning and persist through the evening commute. According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, a slow-moving cold front will stall as it interacts with rich Gulf moisture, creating a training effect in which multiple storm cells track along the same path. This setup is particularly dangerous for the Lower Mississippi Valley and eastern Texas, where high dewpoints in the 60s will provide the fuel for robust convection. While the general forecast calls for 1 to 3 inches of rain, the Storm Prediction Center notes that isolated areas could see totals exceeding 4 inches. This concentrated rainfall, combined with damaging wind gusts and the threat of large hail, means that driving conditions on major southern arteries will remain volatile well into Monday night. Flash Flooding and Highway Closures The most pressing hazard for motorists will be the sheer volume of water hitting the asphalt. Grounds across the region are already heavily saturated from last week's storms. The National Weather Service warns that an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain will significantly increase the risk of flash flooding. Localized highway closures are highly probable as drainage systems become overwhelmed, turning regular commute routes into impassable hazards. Photo by Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon on Getty Images Hydroplaning and Saturated Roads Navigating these saturated conditions requires a complete shift in driving habits. High-speed hydroplaning is a virtual certainty if drivers do not drastically reduce their speeds during these torrential downpours. Motorists must ensure their tire tread depth is adequate to channel water away from the contact patch. Furthermore, never attempt to bypass road closure barricades or drive through standing water, as the depth and current are often impossible to judge from behind the wheel. Beyond simply slowing down, drivers should prioritize lane positioning and manual control to survive a heavy deluge. The outermost lanes of a highway are the most prone to water accumulation due to the road's natural crown, so staying toward the center lanes can help you avoid the deepest puddles. If you find yourself hydroplaning, the most critical move is to remain calm and resist the urge to slam on the brakes. Instead, smoothly ease off the accelerator and keep your steering wheel pointed straight until you feel the tires reconnect with the pavement. Modern safety systems like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are designed to help in these moments, but they cannot overcome the laws of physics if your speed is too high. Finally, always disengage cruise control when it begins to rain; the system may inadvertently try to maintain speed during a hydroplaning event, making it much harder for you to regain traction. View the full article

Building a ReputationHonda in the 1960s were an engineering pioneer in the internal combustion space, driven by founder Soichiro Honda’s ‘engineering first’ philosophy. The proving ground for the company’s creations during this time was the Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing World Championship, where the realisation that several smaller, lighter pistons can be made to accelerate and change direction much faster than fewer larger and heavier ones led to the development of landmark engines like the 250cc inline four motor in the 1961 RC162 race bike, and the 250cc inline six in the 1966 RC166. These engines could spin way faster than the singles and twins of the time and dominated their classes — the RC166 made about 60 horsepower at 18,000 rpm, and won all 10 races it was entered in through 1966. It was with these high-revving, small-displacement, multi-cylinder motorcycle engines that Honda cemented their reputation for technical innovation and engineering excellence. Honda From Racetrack to RoadHonda used racing as a rolling laboratory of sorts, applying innovations developed in the heat of battle towards inspiring and refining their product line. The 1969 Honda CB750 Four, often considered the first ‘true superbike’, was a product of this philosophy. It was powered by an across-the-frame, four-cylinder, overhead-cam motor — a formula perfected on the racetrack with the RC162 earlier in the decade. The CB750 was highly sophisticated for its time and an instant success, once again reinforcing Honda’s reputation as an innovator and master of high-performance engines. Honda While the company continued to refine the CB750 through the 1970s, it didn’t introduce another exciting, high-displacement motorcycle through the decade. Instead, it relied mostly on the booming sales of its smaller commuter motorcycles and focused more on developing the automobile side of the business. Motorcycle enthusiasts, however, expected more high-performance innovation from Honda and wanted to see something special from the brand known for its engineering excellence. Honda took note and, in 1976, started working on a special project just to silence the critics. youtube.com/@BrickHouseBuilds Creating the CBXHonda’s goal with the CBX project was simple — create a large-displacement sporty street bike to showcase Honda’s technological superiority and engineering prowess, just as the CB750 Four had done a decade ago. Helming this project was lead engineer Shoichiro Irimajiri, the genius behind several of Honda’s multi-cylinder race engines of the ‘60s, including the dominant six-cylinder RC166. And just as the CB750 brought Honda’s four-cylinder tech from the racetrack to the road, Irimajiri decided that it was now time to really flex Honda’s engineering capabilities and create a six-cylinder road bike, using expertise gained from racing the RC166 all those years ago. When the Honda CBX1000 was finally revealed to the world in late 1978, all eyes were on that wide,1,047-cc six-cylinder engine mounted transversely across the simple steel frame. youtube.com/@FortNine Reputation RebuiltThe CBX1000 marked Honda’s return to cutting-edge innovation in the motorcycle space, renewing its reputation as a builder of performance machines. At its heart was a 24-valve, DOHC, inline six-cylinder engine that put out 105 horsepower at a lofty 8,000 rpm. The motor was fed through six 28mm Keihin CV carburettors and featured an innovative jackshaft design to position the alternator and clutch basket behind the block, rather than at the ends of the crankshaft. This kept overall width in check, and the finished engine was just about two inches wider than the CB750 motor, even though it sported two more cylinders and 250cc more displacement. Honda The engine, with its GP racing lineage, was powerful for the time, but also let riders experience the smoothness and refinement that only a perfectly balanced inline six can provide, and howled like a 1970s Formula 1 car when on the boil. Its oversquare design let it rev freely all the way to a 9,500 rpm redline, propelling the hefty 600 lb motorcycle to a 140 mph top speed in the process. CBX EvolutionAt its launch, the CBX1000 was positioned as Honda’s halo sport bike, but over the years, it evolved into more of a tourer. It received a fairing, saddlebags, and a more relaxed riding position. The engine was also detuned to 100 horsepower, in favour of stronger midrange torque, and the twin-shock layout was scrapped in favor of a more modern monoshock layout. youtube.com/@dbbpowersports512 CBX LegacyHonda sold its six-cylinder CBX1000 from 1979 to 1982 and while it may not have set sales charts on fire, it accomplished what it set out to do — restore Honda’s image as an innovator and creator of unique, high-performance engines. The CBX was a big, heavy motorcycle and not always practical, but it wasn’t meant to be. It was created to prove a point, without regard to practicality, and to give riders a taste of what Honda was capable of. Today, examples of the CBX1000 are highly sought after collector’s items, especially since well-maintained bikes in original condition are becoming extremely rare. Ultimately, the CBX1000 serves as a rolling reminder of what happens when Honda’s engineering first philosophy is given free rein. Few bikes before or since have made such a bold mechanical statement. View the full article

Head-Turning DealsA plethora of GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks is being sold with a hefty discount of over $10,000, bringing the price down to around $30,000, putting them on par with smaller trucks like the Ford Maverick. These heavily discounted vehicles can be found in online inventories from various dealerships. One instance is the Alabama-based Howard BentleyBuick GMC, which shows that several base Sierra 1500 Pro units — listed with an MSRP of $40,190 — are available with a dealer discount of $13,455, cutting the price to $26,735. However, it is worth noting that the discount includes $3,500 in trade assistance, which is only available to buyers who trade in a vehicle. The Autopian asked Howard Bentley Buick GMC about the discounts and learned that GMC dealers are clearing their inventory ahead of the all-new 2027 model-year redesign. GMC What the New Sierra May OfferDetails regarding the next-generation model remain scarce. However, the new truck is expected to feature a familiar design, including a squared-off front fascia that gives it an assertive stance. The headlights may sit lower, with the taillights mirroring a C-shaped layout. The interior is also expected to see updates, including a revised dashboard design with a more integrated screen. The biggest update could be under the hood, with reports suggesting the GMC truck could adopt a hybridized powertrain. That, if true, would make the Sierra — along with its platform sibling, the Silverado — electrified like its full-size rivals, the Toyota Tundra and Ford F-150. There could also be a new sixth-generation small-block V8, likely to replace the current L87 V8, which has been the subject of lawsuits over an oiling-related remedy that some owners believe is insufficient. GMC The Discount WindowWhile more details are expected in the coming months, buyers can take advantage of the massive dealer discounts on various current-generation Sierras. Note that the aforementioned Sierras in the $30,000 range are bare-bones models, meaning they come in a regular-cab configuration and are powered by a 2.7-liter TurboMax inline-4 producing around 310 horsepower. For a fully loaded truck, the top-of-the-line Sierra Denali Ultimate is also being offered with similar discounts, lowering its price to around the $75,000 range. Howard Bentley Buick GMC noted that the dealer discount is available only until March 15, though interested customers are encouraged to check with their local GMC dealers for comparable deals. However, given that the next-generation model is just around the corner, this likely won’t be the last wave of discounts. GMC View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

New-Age EV Batteries Near ProductionVolkswagen’s Chinese battery partner Gotion High Tech has taken another step towards mass production of its Gemstone solid-state batteries with the commencement of real-world vehicle testing. These batteries are designed to deliver an energy density of approximately 350 Wh/kg with a single-cell capacity of 70 Ah, which could translate to a range of about 620 miles when integrated into a production EV. Once they reach commercial production, these batteries will power the VW Group’s electric vehicles. Volkswagen acquired an approximately 26 percent stake in Gotion with an investment of $1.2 billion back in 2020, making the German automotive group the company’s largest shareholder. This collaboration offers Volkswagen a way to secure cutting-edge EV technology and a future battery supply. From Pilot to Mass ProductionAccording to China’s IT Home, Gotion claims that it has finalized the design of a new 2 GWh solid-state battery production line following the success of its 0.2 GWh pilot production facility. This pilot facility reportedly achieved a production yield rate of around 90 percent, and the Chinese battery giant is all set to scale up to meet mass production demands. Gotion’s manufacturing process was developed entirely in-house, with domestically-sourced equipment, and is protected by over 30 patents. Aside from its ultra-high energy density, Gotion claims that its solid-state batteries will also be capable of maintaining stable performance in the harshest conditions, having been tested for durability in temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Volkswagen The Next Big LeapIf Gotion’s solid-state batteries deliver on its promise, it could mark a major leap in EV capability with longer range, improved durability, and faster charging. Although large-scale mass production may still be a few years away, Gotion’s real-world testing suggests that the solid-state era may be closer than we think. View the full article

Impressive Tech with a CatchBMW has always treated lighting as more than just a safety feature. Their laser headlights prove the point. First seen on the BMW i8 and now available on top-tier models, these units use laser diodes aimed at a phosphor lens to create an incredibly bright white beam. The big advantage? Laser headlights can light up the road for about 600 meters ahead – roughly double what you get from regular LEDs. They’re also smaller and more efficient, which lets designers shape the front end however they want. For drivers, the payoff is clear: better visibility at night, especially on pitch-black highways where every extra meter counts. But as with most high-tech features, there’s a catch. Laser headlight assemblies pack lasers, LEDs, sensors, control modules, cooling parts, and precision optics into one sealed unit. That complexity only really shows itself when something fails. One BMW M4 Competition owner found this out firsthand. A broken seal let moisture seep into a headlight, and suddenly the whole assembly needed replacing. A $9,000 Headlight RepairThe owner posted the repair bill on Reddit, and it quickly made waves. The total? $9,021, including parts, labor, and tax. Most of that eye-watering sum came from the parts alone. The headlight assembly and its components cost $6,721.98, with labor adding $1,788.40. Sales tax tipped the total over the $9,000 mark. The parts list? A laser headlight unit, control module, locking mechanism, and an LED turn signal module. Since these headlights are sealed and tightly integrated, you usually can’t fix just one part. Most of the time, the entire unit needs to be replaced. It’s worth noting that modern headlights – especially matrix LED and laser types – are now among the priciest exterior parts to replace after even a minor bump. Commenters on the Reddit thread pointed out that a small front-end accident with headlights, sensors, and airbags could easily turn a repair into a write-off. The owner was lucky insurance covered the bill, but the sticker shock was real. BMW Why Car Repairs Keep Getting More ExpensiveStories like this are popping up more often as cars pack more tech into even the simplest parts. Headlights now hide adaptive motors, cameras, radar sensors, and advanced electronics, so what used to be a quick bulb swap is now a complicated, expensive fix. Industry reports show that repair costs have climbed steadily over the past decade. Advanced driver aids, complex bodywork, and integrated electronics all push up parts prices and stretch out labor times. Some automakers, like Mercedes-Benz, are starting to take notice. The German marque is working on redesigning certain parts to make repairs simpler and cheaper. The goal is to make it easier to access components and avoid swapping out entire assemblies when only one component fails. For now, high-tech lighting is a double-edged sword. Laser headlights can transform nighttime driving and give any car a unique look, but they also highlight just how complex and expensive modern car parts have become. BMW View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article