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Peaks and ValleysNissan is fresh off its financial report for FY2025, and there's reason to be a little bit more optimistic for the Japanese automaker. Of course, it's not all good news, as the company still copped losses worth 533.1 billion yen ($3.376 billion), but on the other hand, there are positive signs towards recovery. With that, Nissan actually has a positive forecast for FY2026, and the company has even stated that its recovery is "ahead of schedule." It's not out of the woods yet, of course, and the slew of new models must perform exceptionally well to bring the brand back into the green. Nissan The LossesBefore we get to the good news, we'll take a look at the reasons for the losses. The biggest factor that slowed down Nissan's progress was, unsurprisingly, tariffs. On that alone, it cost Nissan a whopping 286 billion yen, or just over $1.8 billion, an amount that could've easily halved the company's losses. Sales were also down by 5.8%, from 3.346 million units to 3.151 million units. The biggest sales losses came from Japan, with home market sales dropping by 13.5%. Europe was the second-largest loss, with sales down 9.7%. The market with the smallest decline was North America at 0.9%. Lower sales during FY2025 cost the company another 35 billion yen ($221.7 million). Foreign exchange added to further losses, as did rising raw material costs and inflation. Nissan The Good NewsDespite those factors, Nissan reported positive cash flow during the second half of the financial year. It rose by 112 billion yen ($709.5 million), indicating promising signs of early recovery. As a whole, the company reported 58 billion yen ($367.4 million) in operating profit with consolidated revenue at 12 trillion yen ($76 billion). Nissan also managed to save 200 billion yen ($1.2 billion) in fixed costs and 55 billion yen ($348.4 million) in variable costs. Engineering costs per hour have also been reduced by 18%, and the consolidation of several production sites has saved the company more money. Nissan The Bright SideSo the momentum is there, which is why Nissan's outlook is positive. For FY2026, the company is aiming for net revenue of 13 trillion yen ($82.3 billion), operating profit of 200 billion yen ($1.2 billion), and net income of 20 billion yen ($126.7 million). Those numbers look far better than previous forecasts. Of course, there are still headwinds. The war in the Middle East isn't helping matters, as well as the oil situation. Tariffs also remain a massive hurdle for Nissan, as they do for everyone else in the car business. With that in mind, Nissan will continue implementing its cost-saving measures by streamlining additional operations to improve efficiency. The good news is that Nissan won't be facing the challenges of a dated model lineup. There's a lot to look forward to from the brand. The redesigned Juke aims to bring back European customers into its showrooms, while the new-generation Rogue (X-Trail in most markets) will be a key model for the company's sales rally. Redesigned and updated region-specific models are also underway, and more cars from China will be exported to maximize production capacity. Of course, we're looking forward to the Xterra revival, as well as the rebooted Skyline that will make its way to the U.S. as an Infiniti. Nissan/Youtube View the full article

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is undoubtedly one of the most capable track-focused cars on the planet, capable of beating cars with more than twice the horsepower around tracks like the Nürburgring, but one owner in Switzerland has turned the most extreme 911 into something else entirely with the help of Porsche's Sonderwunsch department. The new creation is arguably closer to Pagani than Porsche, turning the GT3 RS into a statement of style rather than speed. A new kind of carbon fiber was created to make this GT3 RS truly unique, and the entire car is lathered in brown, from its leather-rich interior to its stunning bodywork. It looks incredible, but ultimately, specifying a GT3 RS this way makes it arguably too pretty to do anything with it but preserve it. Porsche Turns the GT3 RS Into a Chocolate-Colored Masterpiece Porsche The color of the body is called Macadmiametallic (one word, for some reason), and as you might have guessed, it comes from Porsche's Paint to Sample range. Black carbon fiber would have looked out of place, so Porsche has infused the clear coat of the carbon with brown pigments, developing the finish specifically for this car. The stunning effect appears on the hood and the rear wing, which gets Pastelorange Weissach logos on the end plates and an orange PORSCHE script under the uppermost element. The same color reappears on the brake calipers and in the accent rings of the LED headlights, and it's used to add a splash of color to the cabin, too. Related: WATCH: Porsche Just Took Back the Nürburgring EV Record With a 6:55 Lap Inside, the cabin is dressed in sumptuous Truffle Brown leather and Race-Tex suede, with orange decorative stitching. Orange also appears on the contrast piping of the seats and floor mats, as well as in the air vents and the Sport Chrono clock atop the dash. Orange is also used on the sill plates and headrests, but unlike the body, Porsche has not tinted the interior carbon fiber brown, instead keeping it its original black color. Perhaps brown carbon fiber would have been too excessive, given how much of the shade appears elsewhere in the car. Brown seems to be regaining popularity of late, as shown in a matching BMW M3 Touring and 911 Carrera pair seen earlier this year. Porsche Sonderwunsch Makes Dreams Come True Porsche View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Porsche has not revealed how long it took to complete this unique GT3 RS, nor what it cost, but if price is no object, Sonderwunsch will do just about anything you like. That includes completely rebuilding something like a Carrera GT and resetting the odometer to zero, or crafting a one-off 911 S/T inspired by the automaker's racing history. These projects require immense attention to detail and take months to complete, but while we can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into custom projects like these, it feels a little out of place on the GT3 RS. Sure, it's a car that can cost well over $300,000 with options, but it was designed to be driven in anger, and giving it a bespoke look inside and out like this means it'll never risk rock chips on the track or even the road, and that seems a little wasteful. Porsche Porsche Porsche Porsche View the full article

The all-new 2027 Infiniti QX65 midsize luxury SUV has begun arriving at dealers across the U.S. on May 12. The coupe-styled two-row SUV, which shares the platform, four-cylinder gas engine, and assembly plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, with the three-row QX60 SUV, is available in three grades—Luxe, Sport and Autograph—with prices starting at $53,990 (excluding a $1,545 destination and handling charge). It Costs Less Than the QX60 in Equivalent Trim Levels Adam Lynton/Autoblog That makes the QX65 $2,100 more expensive than the base QX60 Pure, which starts at $51,890. However, if we compare the equivalent trim levels, the QX65 is significantly more affordable, which is rather odd as coupe-styled SUVs are generally more expensive than the regular SUVs on which they are based. For example, the QX65 Luxe starts at $53,990, making it $3,300 less expensive than the QX60 Luxe, which starts at $57,290. The price difference grows to $6,700 when comparing the Sport trims—$55,690 for the QX65 vs. $62,390 for the QX60—and $4,300 when looking at the range-topping Autograph models—$62,590 for the QX65 vs. $66,890 for the QX60. All Infiniti QX65 models are powered by a 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) gas engine good for 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. The engine is linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. What You Get for the Money Adam Lynton/Autoblog Standard features for the base Luxe trim include 20-inch alloys with all-season tires, dual 12.3-inch displays with Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, TailorFit-appointed seats with heating at the front, tri-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, an 11-speaker audio system, and a power liftgate, among other things. The Sport trim adds goodies such as a sportier front grille design, unique 20-inch wheels, a graphite headliner, gloss black carbonite interior trim pieces, and a 16-speaker Klipsch Premium sound system with 600 watts of power, an 8-inch TriPower subwoofer and 1-inch titanium dome tweeters. Adam Lynton/Autoblog As for the top-of-the-range Autograph grade, it gets satin chrome window surround trim, 21-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, and a black-painted roof on the outside, while interior details include open-pore wood-toned accents, a quilted dashboard and semi-aniline leather seats with asymmetrical diagonal quilting pattern. Customers who opt for the Autograph trim also gets a 20-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere system with 1,200 watts of power, as well as the Individual Audio feature that uses headrest speakers for the driver and front passenger to deliver individual content to different occupants. Competing at the Heart of the Premium Segment Adam Lynton/Autoblog Envisioned as a spiritual successor to the Infiniti FX, the QX65 competes at the heart of the premium segment and has the difficult task of going against the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, GenesisGV80 Coupe, Audi Q8, and Lexus RX, to name the most important models in the segment. The 2027 Infiniti QX65 is among several new or refreshed vehicles the Japanese brand plans to launch in the U.S. through 2030 in key premium segments. "The launch of QX65 reflects the momentum behind our product strategy," said Eric Ledieu, vice president, Infiniti Americas. "Our retail network is ready and excited to bring this world class vehicle to their clients.” The Infiniti QX65 configurator is now online, allowing customers to build their own QX65. View the full article

Oliver Zipse is being replaced as CEO of BMW by Milan Nedeljković, and he's been at the helm of the automaker through some of its greatest hits, but before he leaves, he's telling the world about one more important car, teasing new images of the next 3 Series Touring, or station wagon. The shadowy imagery shown could be of either the gas car or the i3 Touring, the all-electric wagon that will precede the combustion model, though he says both are important. Zipse was speaking during the company's 106th Annual General Meeting, giving his final speech as CEO, and the images were displayed behind him as he explained the importance of this body style. Oliver Zipse Says BMW Wagons Are Still In Demand BMW BMW is one of the few automakers still to offer a longroof variant of a sedan, another body style that has been on life support since the explosion in popularity of the SUV, but Zipse explained that BMW has no plans to stop selling it. "The 3 Series is more than just a sedan, and it will remain that way in the future," he said. "The 3 Series Touring is very popular with families and business customers, which is why we have already confirmed this model." The electric wagon, internally codenamed NA1, will be produced in Munich alongside the i3 sedan (NA0), likely in 2027. Production of the sedan will start in August, so the wagon will have to wait a while. Insiders say a combustion-powered G51 wagon will happen, and since an electric M3 is happening, it seems entirely feasible that an electric M3 Touring may also appear sometime around the end of the decade. But what will we get in America? U.S. Likely to Get More High-Performance Wagons, Not Slow Ones BMW BMW Senior VP of Brand and Product Management, Bernd Koerber, indicated that BMW wants to sell more wagons in North America, with the company being delighted by the response to the M5 Touring. However, it seems unlikely that run-of-the-mill non-M Tourings will be sold here, as American buyers in need of practical cars choose crossovers and SUVs instead. Those who buy the wagons available to them are the sorts of people who would have purchased a high-performance car anyway but chose things like the M5 Touring or Audi's RS 6 Avant because they liked the blend of speed and a station wagon's style; it was an emotional purchase. With high performance comes high cost, and those who can afford an M5 ($123,300) don't mind paying a little more for an M5 wagon ($125,300). Perhaps the same would be true of M3 buyers, but we'll have to wait and see if BMW plans to give them the option. View the full article

Katherine Legge knows nearly every move she makes is another milestone in motorsports, but her focus is on results and not the history books. In the late hours of Tuesday night, it was revealed Legge is set to attempt the rare ‘Double’ by running the Coca-Cola 600 and Indianapolis 500 on the same day - Sunday, May 24. She was already set - and wrapped up the opening day of practice - for ...Keep readingView the full article

A museum in Illinois opened its mail recently to find a $50 speeding ticket from the New York City Department of Finance. The vehicle in question was allegedly caught doing 11 miles per hour over the limit in a school zone. That vehicle was KITT, the legendary talking car from Knight Rider, one of the most iconic automobiles in television history. The only problem, as the Volo Museum in Illinois was quick to point out, is that the car hasn't moved in years. Volo Museum/Facebook The Car Behind the LegendIn the summer of 1982, a sleek black car with a glowing red scanner bar rolled onto American television screens. KITT — short for Knight Industries Two Thousand — was built on a 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, using the car's low, wedge-shaped nose and hatchback coupe body as its base. The interior and distinctive nose design were the work of designer Michael Scheffe, with the iconic red scanner strip inspired by HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Each car cost approximately $100,000 to build. Of the roughly 19 cars used across the show's four seasons, 14 were destroyed during or after production. Just five survived, with at least one of the most-used movie-car examples reportedly valued at $5 million. The Volo Museum's car is not one of those five. It was built in 1991 by Mark Scricani of Marks Custom Kits using original production designs, and later became part of the George Barris Star Car Collection, autographed by Barris himself. Volo Musuem View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article When the Algorithm Gets It WrongAccording to a CBS News report, museum officials believe the camera system matched a novelty plate from a passing vehicle to their famous Firebird — an easy mistake for a machine scanning thousands of plates a day, but a pretty embarrassing one. AI-powered traffic cameras have been expanding rapidly across American cities, promising speed and scale. The NYC Department of Finance says it is looking into the matter. The museum has since requested a hearing, and joked that David Hasselhoff owes them fifty bucks. View the full article

Attempting to complete 1,100 miles in a single day of racing is quite the challenge (unless you're an endurance racing driver), but it's even more daunting when you're doing it in two wildly different race cars and at two race tracks that are multiple states and over 500 miles apart. That is what it means when a driver says they are attempting 'The Double.' Their day will begin at Indianapolis ...Keep readingView the full article

Sixty Years Of CorollaThe Toyota Corolla is a big name not only in the brand's lineup, but also in the entire car industry, having become the best-selling car of all time, ahead of the Ford Model T and Volkswagen Beetle. That gives Toyota major bragging rights, along with the kind of sales success that helped shape the company into what it is today. So it is only fitting that the Japanese marque is celebrating the Corolla’s 60th anniversary, with its latest tribute coming in the form of updated Active Sport editions. If those trims don’t ring a bell, that’s because they are offered on the Japan-spec Corolla, meaning the U.S. is unlikely to get them. The U.S.-spec Corolla is available in LE, SE, and XSE trims. Still, the celebration feels well-deserved, considering what the Corolla has achieved over the past six decades, making it almost as old as the Ford Mustang yet as relevant as ever. Toyota An Anniversary Glow-UpThe 60th-anniversary editions are available on the Toyota Corolla Active Sport and its wagon counterpart, the Corolla Touring Active Sport. Both feature 60th-anniversary logos on the front fenders and a laser-engraved version on the instrument panel. Toyota also added tuned suspension for 2WD versions and 17-inch black aluminum wheels, giving them a slightly different driving experience from the standard models. However, the two special-edition models also differ. The sedan version gets more premium-looking styling, including an exclusive front bumper, body-colored rocker moldings, and mid-gray and black front seats. On the other hand, the wagon version gets a more outdoor-oriented treatment inside and out. In addition, Toyota has updated the standard Corolla lineup with new colors, including Neutral Black and Emotional Red II, while the base X trim now comes standard with Smart Entry and the Navigation-Ready Package. Toyota The Corolla’s Birthday BillBoth Active Sport special-edition models sit at the top of their respective ranges, with the sedan starting at 3,231,800 yen, or around $20,400 at current exchange rates, for the 2WD version. The Corolla Touring Active Sport starts at 3,282,400 yen, or approximately $20,800, in front-wheel-drive form as well. Toyota has yet to announce a dedicated 60th-anniversary Corolla for the U.S. market. For now, the celebration appears focused on Asian markets, including Taiwan, where the automaker has also released anniversary models with bronze-gold accents. Toyota View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

While the industry softens the SUV into an oversized station wagon, a select few heavy-duty workhorses engineered with proper frames and potent powertrains refuse to compromise. If you need to pull absolute maximum tonnage without stepping up to a pickup, these ten SUVs are your only legitimate options. Dodge Dodge DurangoThe Dodge Durango is a traditional SUV in the field of electrified crossovers, aggressively tuned to pull an imposing 8,700 pounds. Starting at $38,495 in the US, this platform relies on brute force rather than sophisticated software. Marketed as a family hauler, the Durango provides a high-capacity towing experience that the modern market struggles to compete with. Traditional SUVs with torquey powertrains still earn their place in the market. NIssan Nissan ArmadaNissan overhauled the Armada, transforming a forgotten fleet vehicle into a premium tow rig. Starting at $57,520 in the US, the new Armada pulls a highly competitive 8,500 pounds. It ditches its ancient V8 for a modern twin-turbo V6 pushing 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. With a reinforced frame and revised trailer sway control system, towing heavy campers at highway speeds is no longer an exhausting battle. The NISMO Armada has the same towing capacity and even more sporty credentials. Toyota Toyota SequoiaToyota's Sequoia has long been suburbia's favorite; it presents itself as an impressive towing machine pulling an impressive 9,520 pounds. Starting at $62,175 in the US, its mandatory i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain makes 437 horsepower and a significant 583 pound-feet of torque. Using a fully boxed frame, it trades some cargo capacity for undeniable strength, making it perfect for hauling. Factor in the undeniable Toyota reliability, and the Sequoia is hard to argue with as a package. Ford Ford ExpeditionEquipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Ford Expedition functions as a legitimate F-150 substitute, maxing out at a massive 9,600 pounds of towing capacity. Starting at roughly $62,000 in the US, it utilizes a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 generating 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Its proprietary Pro Trailer Backup Assist removes the anxiety of maneuvering a boat ramp by letting drivers steer via a dashboard dial. Chevrolet Chevrolet TahoeWhen optioned with the Max Trailering Package, the rear-wheel-drive Chevrolet Tahoe effortlessly pulls 8,400 pounds. With US prices starting around $63,495, Chevrolet offers the highly durable 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines. The Tahoe leverages an independent rear suspension, ensuring ride quality remains remarkably composed even with a heavy weight dragging down the rear axle, serving as an uncompromised choice for American buyers. Chevrolet Chevrolet SuburbanStretching the Tahoe’s wheelbase yields the Chevrolet Suburban, a cavernous utility vehicle remaining a staple of high-capacity transport. With US pricing starting at $61,500, the increased mass drops the maximum towing capacity to a still-formidable 8,000 pounds. However, it compensates with unrivaled interior volume. With the proven V8 powertrains, the Suburban handles severe cross-country towing assignments with a predictable, iron-clad stability that shorter-wheelbase SUVs physically cannot replicate. GMC GMC YukonThe GMC Yukon shares its underlying structural architecture with the Tahoe, targeting buyers demanding massive capability wrapped in premium materials. Hitting an 8,400-pound maximum towing threshold, US models start around $69,229. Opting for top trims secures a potent 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. GMC heavily prioritizes visibility, outfitting the Yukon with up to thirteen distinct camera views calibrated for hitching, providing heavy-hauling competence while isolating the cabin in leather-bound comfort. Audi Audi Q7European luxury vehicles are rarely associated with heavy-duty labor on American soil, but the Audi Q7 aggressively challenges that perception. Starting at $60,500 in the US, the Q7 offers an exceptional 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity. Audi utilizes a highly advanced, turbocharged V6 paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for immediate torque delivery. The famous Quattro all-wheel drive system helps minimize dangerous trailer sway that often plagues lighter crossovers. Land Rover Land Rover DefenderThe Land Rover Defender perfectly merges legendary, absolute off-road capability with serious payload management. It matches the German standard with a 7,700-pound towing capacity. Starting at $56,900 in the US, the Defender leverages robust turbocharged inline-six engines and an immensely stiff aluminum monocoque architecture. It is a brutally capable machine built for the buyer who needs to pull heavy equipment miles beyond where the pavement ends. Jeep Jeep Grand WagoneerThe Jeep Grand Wagoneer remains the undisputed king of the consumer tow, capable of dragging a staggering 10,000 pounds. Dropping the aging V8 for a twin-turbocharged inline-six, it churns out 420 horsepower and a brutal 460 pound-feet of torque. Starting around $86,945 in the US, this luxurious workhorse boasts a body-on-frame architecture, effortlessly pulling a loaded dual-axle trailer on a steep grade. While the automotive industry is reconsidering its transition toward soft, battery-powered crossovers, the uncompromising towing segment remains anchored in the brutal physics of weight and combustion. These ten platforms prove that heavy-duty capability is still available on the market. If you routinely move massive, multi-ton loads across state lines, you simply cannot rely on aggressively marketed alternatives. You must demand the iron-clad mechanical hardware and relentless torque that only these dedicated haulers can provide. View the full article

The New Pajero News of the new Mitsubishi Pajero is running rampant. It is one of the names that put Mitsubishi on the map, and it's been nearly a decade since we last saw a new Pajero. We're happy to report that we're surely getting a new model soon. Coverage isn't sparse either. Other reports state that Mitsubishi is benchmarking against rivals in the segment, while others still say the Pajero will come in three variants, and what's more, we know it's coming in late 2026. Mitsubishi What We Didn't Know While we do know quite a few things by this point, there are many more details we're not yet sure about. A Japanese source, Best Car, has news that could prove true, so we're treating it as plausible for now. Still, plausible is the operative term. Historically, the Pajero has had at least three wheelbase options for buyers to choose from: long, standard, and short (otherwise known as the "Pajero Junior"). According to the source, Mitsubishi has one wheelbase option for the model, and it will also have three different grades. Also, Best Car already reiterated what we already knew: it will be based on the Triton pickup truck's platform. In addition to sharing the same or a similar platform to the truck, the source also mentions that the new Pajero will initially be powered by a diesel engine. As for which engine that may be, an educated guess would be the 2.4-liter bi-turbo diesel, also found in the Triton, mated to a six-speed transmission. Finally, the publication mentions that the new model will be the first Pajero to adopt a smart key system, which also means it will be the first Pajero to come with a push-start system, rather than a flip key like the late models of the discontinued SUV. MitsubishiMotorsTV/YouTube View the full article

Some Car Loans Now Last Longer Than Presidential TermsAmericans are stretching car loans longer than ever just to keep monthly payments manageable. According to recent reports, some auto loans now extend beyond seven years, with certain financing terms even outlasting a U.S. presidential term. At the same time, average monthly payments for new vehicles have climbed to $722, while roughly 20% of buyers are now signing up for 84-month financing deals. What used to be considered extreme financing is quickly becoming normal in today’s car market. That trend is exactly why Capital One Auto President Sanjiv Yajnik says he is not overly worried about so-called “forever loans.” Speaking to CNBC, Yajnik argued that while vehicle prices, insurance costs, and interest rates have all increased sharply since 2019, the percentage of income consumers spend on car ownership has remained relatively stable at around 10%. Capital One’s data also found that 80% of financed buyers remain below the widely accepted 15% payment-to-income threshold. In short, lenders believe consumers are adapting responsibly by taking out longer loans rather than overextending themselves with higher monthly payments. Getty Images Auto Debt Has Reached $1.68 Trillion NationwideStill, not everyone in the automotive and financial sectors shares that optimism. U.S. auto debt has now ballooned to $1.68 trillion, overtaking credit card debt and raising fears that the industry could be heading toward a dangerous bubble. Financial analysts have increasingly warned that long-term financing combined with inflated vehicle prices may create a situation similar to the housing crisis of the mid-2000s. The concern is simple. Consumers are borrowing more money for longer periods on assets that depreciate rapidly. The CNBC report also highlighted growing concerns from Edmunds, which found that 26% of used car buyers trading in their vehicles this year still owed more on their existing loans than their cars were actually worth. Average negative equity has jumped to $5,105 for used vehicles and $7,183 for new vehicles. Edmunds analyst Jessica Caldwell warned, “As loan term lengths increase on average, the pace at which consumers make progress paying down their balance slows.” Yajnik acknowledged that buyers take longer to build equity but defended the practice by saying consumers still gain transportation and earning potential from vehicle ownership. For lenders, affordability matters more than loan length if borrowers continue making payments. The Lowdown - Chilling Effect of PricesThe bigger issue here is what these longer loans are doing to the entire car market. Automakers have become increasingly comfortable raising prices because they know buyers are willing to stretch financing terms further than ever before. A higher sticker price suddenly looks manageable when spread across 72 or 84 months. The problem is that consumers often focus only on the monthly payment instead of the total amount paid over the life of the loan. Longer loans may lower the monthly burden, but they can quietly become financial traps. Higher interest charges over seven years can add thousands of dollars to a vehicle's final cost. In some cases, the extra interest alone could buy an entire used car by the time the loan ends. Buyers also face years of depreciation while remaining underwater on their loan balance. As vehicles age, rising maintenance costs lock many consumers into expensive transportation debt long after the excitement of buying a new car fades. Getty Images View the full article

BYD's new subcompact brings cutting-edge tech and affordability together. The 2026 Seagull—marketed internationally as the Dolphin Mini was launched on May 11, 2026, following its reveal at the Beijing Motor Show. With prices between $10,300 and $12,600, the updated subcompact brings advanced driver-assistance hardware to the budget segment via a new "Surf" trim. This configuration offers an optional LiDAR system and a manufacturer-claimed 251-mile driving range. BYD Democratizing Advanced SensorsHistorically, LiDAR arrays have been reserved for premium EVs to support complex technologies - especially relating to ADAS. By offering this technology on an entry-level platform, BYD is bringing a high-tech experience to the masses. This aligns with the automaker's strategy, a tactic also observed in BYD's 1,000-horsepower Formula SL sedan. Efficiency vs. MassPowering the Seagull Surf is BYD's proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery. While the 251-mile rating is based on the more optimistic China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) rather than North American EPA standards, the range remains highly practical for urban commuting. BYD This focus on lightweight efficiency contrasts sharply with the hurdles facing domestic U.S. automakers. Grappling with the weight and cost penalties of massive battery packs recently forced Ford to pivot its electric F-150 strategy toward gas-generator EREV platforms. Global Market DisruptionAs BYD pushes into international markets, it faces a complex competitive landscape. While dominating overall volume in China, the brand is encountering calculated pushback abroad. Recent first-quarter sales data demonstrated how highly targeted government subsidies artificially allowed legacy brands like Toyota to vastly outsell imported BYD models in Japan. BYD Despite these geopolitical hurdles, the updated Seagull remains a disruptive force. By packaging a practical range and LiDAR into a budget-friendly footprint, BYD is forcing competitors to re-evaluate their baseline specifications. As traditional European legacy brands actively terminate affordable models to fund their EV programs, the Seagull Surf is positioned to capture consumers currently being priced out of the market. View the full article

What Is a Hongqi?Unless you're following the Chinese auto industry or deep into the rabbit hole of its history, Hongqi (pronounced hong-chi) is a brand that isn't really heard of outside of China. It's long been the country's premier luxury automaker and also its oldest automaker. Think of it as China's Cadillac or Lincoln, and its classic models certainly reflected that. Hongqi used to be reserved for China's elite, whether in government or in any positions of power. It's a little different now, as it's more accessible to the masses, but it's sticking to its luxury roots. But before it reached its current state, Hongqi underwent a rather interesting phase of building licensed cars from abroad. Hongqi The People's Republic Town CarOne of the cars that Hongqi built was a licensed version of the Lincoln Town Car. Dubbed the CA7460, the Chinese automaker started building these in 1998, and did so until 2005. Ford supplied Hongqi with semi-knockdown kits of the car, and final assembly was done in China. It's not a straight-up rebadge of the much-loved livery car, as Hongqi added some of its own touches. The most obvious difference is the different set of headlights and grille, making it look rather generic. Some sections of the front end are also noticeably different from the Town Car, and a 'red flag' ornament adorns the hood. At the rear, there are quite a number of changes made as well. The taillights are a different shape from the Town Car, and bits of extra trim were added to the trunklid. As for the interior, it's largely the same as the car it's based upon, save for a Hongqi badge on the steering wheel. Also unchanged is what's under the hood, as it uses the 4.6-liter V8 found in Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and yes, the Town Car too. This One's For SalePanther Magazine recently came across a CA7460 for sale, not in China but in the U.S. It's currently in Los Angeles and is being offered for $10,000. It's a 2001 model, although the car itself has a pretty interesting history. The car was previously covered by The Autopian back in 2023, and spoke to the owner about it. Yang, who was at Art Center College of Design and a Hongqi intern at the time the article was published, got himself a Lincoln Town Car. He then stripped down a CA7460 in China and fitted the parts that made it unique to the donor Lincoln. Yang doesn't parade his car as a true CA7460, but rather, as a replica and a tribute to the Chinese-American collaboration. Low-mileage Town Cars go for a surprising amount of money these days, and this one has about 70,000 miles on the clock at the time of posting. By Town Car standards, that's barely broken in. For $10,000, you can drive around in something that will surely leave the Cars and Coffee and Radwood crowd scratching their heads. Hongqi View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Late last year, we heard that Chrysler was planning a radical revival that would include a new sedan, new crossovers, and something that would cost less than $30,000. Now, Pennsylvania dealer Dave Kelleher has told the Detroit News that, last fall, Stellantis showed its dealers an affordable Chrysler concept that would be priced in the $20,000s. The concept reportedly had the name Pronto, which was used on several concepts in the late 1990s, including one that would ultimately become the PT Cruiser. What's more, Kelleher says that similar small, affordable future products were shown for Dodge and Jeep. However, don't get too excited just yet. Stellantis Is Gauging Brand Interest Chrysler None of the products mentioned by Kelleher has been confirmed for production, and images or other information about these vehicles were not shared, but it sounds like Stellantis is testing the waters after a tough 2025, looking for ways to right the ship and regain ground where it's lost market share. Kelleher told the Detroit News that Chrysler has lost its way, and dealers have noticed. "Most dealers made their money selling Neons and Sundances, and Acclaims and Spirits, cars that were affordable [...]," he said. "We've gotten away from that heritage." With the news of this cheap concept being shown to dealers, as well as recent comments indicating that Chrysler is exploring new ideas for future sedans, it seems that Stellantis is as committed to the brand as its executives have been saying, despite the marque only having one product, the Pacifica, currently on sale. Chrysler CEO Knows Affordability Is Key Chrysler Recently appointed Chrysler CEO Matt McAlear acknowledged the need to offer affordable products, saying that this is "part of all our brands' futures," and adding, "It's something that we know we need to work on as a company, and we need to take a good look at where the industry is going and make sure we're competitive." He also told the publication that leadership at Chrysler is seeing "a lot of positivity around the brand" before teasing more details to come before the end of the month: "It's some stuff that we've already talked with our national dealer council about, and we're excited to kind of lay that out [on May 21]." That's a reference to the Stellantis investor gathering in Auburn Hills, where it's believed that CEO Antonio Filosa will outline the company's future strategy and also detail what the future looks like for each of the conglomerate's 14 brands. Autoblog's TakeRelated: Chrysler Pacifica Could Become an Off-Roader You Can Actually Buy Until we hear what Filosa says next week, all we can do is guess, but it certainly sounds like Chrysler has a future. Ram and Jeep may be the priorities for Stellantis, but we expect Chrysler to play its own role. As long as Stellantis doesn't overinvest in unpopular technologies and is able to keep costs down, Chrysler has a shot at becoming one of America's biggest brands again. To that end, a midsize hybrid crossover must surely be near the top of the agenda. We'll know more on May 21. View the full article

General Motors is reportedly laying off up to 600 information technology (IT) salaried employees globally as the company focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and other similar skillsets to cut costs. According to unnamed sources familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg, about 500 to 600 IT jobs will be cut, including some at the carmaker’s Warren Technical Center in Michigan. GM's Austin and Warren Tech Hubs Among Affected Sites The affected jobs are no longer needed, one of the sources said, adding that GM plans to hire workers adept in AI and future technologies that are expected to be relevant for next-generation product development. According to the report, managers started notifying affected workers on Monday morning. "GM is transforming its Information Technology organization to better position the company for the future," reads a statement from the automaker. "As part of that work, we have made the difficult decision to eliminate certain roles globally." GM did not disclose the locations of the job cuts outside of the Warren hub; it did not say how many people in Michigan are affected either. But CNBC learned from an unnamed source that many of the job cuts are in Austin, Texas, where GM operates a major IT and Innovation Center. The Austin site is one of GM’s largest IT innovation hubs and focuses on IT, software development, web technologies, and vehicle technology. Despite the cuts, GM is still hiring IT workers in areas including AI, autonomous vehicles and motorsports, its careers website shows. GM Also Laid Off Over 500 IT Workers Last October General Motors The IT layoffs are the latest round of job cuts for GM since it cut several hundred jobs last October. The automaker laid off approximately 200 Computer-Aided Design (CAD) engineers who worked at its global tech campus in Warren at that time. The move was part of GM’s ongoing efforts to reevaluate its businesses and boost profits, the company said. Also in October 2025, GM laid off about 325 workers at its Georgia IT Innovation Center, as it began shuttering the site. At the time, GM said the remaining 575 Georgia employees would continue working at the site through mid-2026. In March 2026, GM temporarily laid off 1,300 workers at its Factory Zero EV assembly plant on the Detroit-Hamtramck border amid slow sales of electric vehicles. However, those employees were expected to return to work on April 13. As AI becomes more advanced, more companies bet on the technology and eliminate human jobs that they consider to be made redundant by artificial intelligence. Some companies, particularly in the tech sector, are laying off IT workers to fund massive AI infrastructure investments—or so they claim. While some roles are replaced by automation in areas such as entry-level coding, debugging, and IT support, companies may claim layoffs are due to AI even though the primary purpose is cost-cutting—a phenomenon known as as AI washing. General Motors View the full article

Flood-Prone Waymo is recalling 3,791 of its RoboTaxis due to the risk of entering flooded roads at higher speeds. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Waymo have issued a recall due to a safety risk. An incident on April 20, 2026, involved a Waymo taxi that drove into a flooded road in San Antonio during some extreme weather. Fortunately, nobody was injured in this incident, but that was enough for the transport provider to investigate and review it. and review similar situations involving a vehicle on impassable flooded roads at high speeds. Waymo Slow Downs According to the recall, on April 20, 2026, "an unoccupied Waymo AV encountered an untraversable flooded section of a roadway that has a 40 mph speed limit. The Waymo AV detected potentially untraversable flood water and proceeded at reduced speed." Following that, the document stated that Waymo immediately implemented additional operating restrictions in locations with a flooded lane on a higher-speed highway. Four days later, on April 24, 2026, Waymo's Safety Board decided to conduct a safety recall. This isn't the first time that the NHTSA has investigated a safety concern surrounding an automated transport provider. Avride, another U.S.-based company, was investigated after 16 accidents were logged. According to the source, the Automated Driving System (ADS) failed, leading to the accidents. Waymo has also come under fire for other incidents, including an 8-lane crossing that left its passengers screaming. Another involved the transport service's vehicles getting caught breaking road laws. Riley Walz The ResponseThe NHTSA issued its safety recall on May 6, 2026, and highlighted April 20, 2026, as the date of the incident. As stated on the recall: "On higher speed roadways, the Waymo AV may slow but not stop in response to detecting a potentially untraversable flood lane," the recall reads. The safety risk, according to the agency's recall, stated that "entering an untraversable flooded roadway can result in loss of vehicle control." Waymo's 5th and 6th-generation ADS-equipped taxis are affected by this flood crossing case. According to the company: "[Waymo is] working to implement additional software safeguards and has put mitigations in place, including refining our extreme weather operations during periods of intense rain, limiting access to areas where flash flooding might occur." Waymo View the full article

Just when you think it's all over, it starts up again. Fast and Furious actor and producer Vin Diesel has announced that, in addition to an eleventh(!) film on the way, there's now also a TV series in the making. NBCUniversal and Diesel have announced that the star will be the executive producer behind a new series coming to streaming, with Diesel himself saying, "Peacock is launching four shows in the Fast and the Furious universe." However, the Hollywood Reporter says that a source at Peacock has confirmed only one series in development. Either way, the F&F saga is clearly far from over, so what can we expect? Conflicting Opinions About Quantity Raise Questions Over Substance Photo by Buda Mendes/LatinContent/Getty Images According to Deadline, there could be up to four different episodic series, each with its own unique stories, with the publication claiming its insiders have confirmed that one of the series is already set up at Peacock, with more to follow. But that's the thing about anonymous sources - they can say just about anything. Diesel seems confident that there's an appetite for so much content, but he's always been tied to the franchise and hasn't found much success beyond it, XXX and Riddick notwithstanding. "As you all know, we are very precious about these movies, but over the last decade, we've realized that the fans have wanted more, they wanted us to expand the legacy characters, their stories," said Diesel. "And for the last decade, the desire has been for us to enter the TV space." Of course, there is already an affiliated TV Series, Netflix's Fast and Furious: Spy Racers, and it got six seasons, but that's animated, and this will be live action. Fast & Furious Still Has Wild Stories to Tell, Apparently Mecum Auctions For what is believed to be the final film in the franchise, Fast Forever, a release date is scheduled for March 17, 2028, and to help up the ante set by its prequels, it may be the wildest one yet, with soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo supposedly playing a part, according to Diesel and co-star Tyrese Gibson. The late Paul Walker's character, Brian O'Conner, is also set to return. Whether the series (plural or singular) will focus on the events between Fast X and the finale, prior to them, or another period altogether remains to be seen, but it seems the producers won't stop coming up with ways to combine cars, crime, and carnage to fill their coffers. Related: Lego Is Releasing a Fast and Furious Supra and Ferrari Hypercar for $30 While we don't doubt that the F&F franchise will lend its name to whatever project it thinks would turn a profit, it's worth keeping in mind that Diesel doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to playing well with others, including Dwayne Johnson. The pair have made up to capitalize on the final film, but Diesel has butted heads with studios in the past, too, be it over budget constraints or creative differences. What do you think? Are there still stories in this universe worth telling, or has the franchise already run itself into the ground? Let us know your thoughts below. View the full article

New AI Assistant in TownIt comes as no surprise that Google Maps remains the go-to navigation app for many users, including those on Apple devices. The app is widely viewed as the more capable option thanks to its data-rich navigation experience, though Apple Maps has made significant improvements in recent years. That said, Apple users may welcome a code leak from MacRumors suggesting that Google Gemini could soon be integrated into Google Maps for Apple CarPlay. Gemini is an AI-powered conversational assistant designed to deliver a smarter and more advanced navigation experience. While Gemini is already available in Google Maps on iPhones, Google’s support page still says it is not available through CarPlay. Your GPS Is About to Get ChattySo, what could CarPlay users expect from Gemini? Instead of handling only basic routing commands like “take me to the nearest coffee shop,” Gemini could support more conversational requests, such as summarizing restaurant reviews or finding destinations near electric vehicle charging stations. It could also help drivers save money by identifying nearby gas stations with lower fuel prices, a useful feature amid elevated fuel costs. On the other hand, one potential downside – as counterintuitive as it may sound – is distracted driving. A more conversational AI experience could lead to longer interactions, potentially increasing cognitive distraction while driving. Another concern is data privacy, especially as lawsuits continue to emerge alleging that some automakers shared customer and vehicle data with third parties without drivers fully realizing the extent of the data collection. Nevertheless, AI increasingly looks like an inevitable force in the auto industry, especially as vehicles such as the Rivian R1T push the idea of cars becoming “software on four wheels.” Brands such as General Motors, Volvo, and Polestar have also begun integrating Gemini into vehicles with Google built-in, underscoring how automakers are trying to turn cars into more than machines that simply take drivers from point A to point B. Apple/YouTube Cars Are Becoming Rolling ComputersThe rollout of Gemini into Google Maps on Apple CarPlay has yet to be officially confirmed. However, the reported integration aligns with recent developments surrounding CarPlay, where third-party AI-powered platforms, including ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Grok, have gained compatibility following Apple’s broader AI integration push in iOS 26.4. As for Android Auto users, Gemini is becoming more deeply integrated into the platform, while Google Maps is gaining new features, including Immersive Navigation with 3D views. Together, these upgrades could make Android Auto more competitive with Apple CarPlay Ultra, which debuted in Aston Martin models such as the DBX707. James Riswick View the full article

The Audi Allroad ModelsOne can say that Audi is one of the pioneers of the lifted luxury station wagon. It started with the A6 Allroad in 1999, and since then, every succeeding generation of the A6 Avant (outside the U.S.) has received the Allroad treatment. Even the A4 Avant got its stilts in 2009 and continued selling until the new-generation A5 came in. Audi still has the A6 Allroad, although it seems to be the forgotten car in the range. If anything, you have to dig deep within the Audi website to even find the model's landing page. If it weren't for Google, the raised wagon might as well be invisible to consumers unless you're actively searching for one. Audi A New Generation is ComingIt may not be a huge seller in the U.S, but the A6 Allroad still has its fans all over the world. For those hoping the redesigned A6 gets an Allroad version, there's good news. Australian publication Drive uncovered files that confirm its existence. Per the article, the government files that approve the sale of the high-riding wagon in Australia. That pretty much makes it clear that we can all expect a redesigned Allroad based on the current A6 Avant. Test mules of the car had already been spotted around Europe as well, so there's little doubt left. Oddly enough, Audi itself hasn't confirmed if it will build a new Allroad. At least we can thank Australia for saying what the folks from Ingolstadt wouldn't say. Drive reckons that its world premiere is imminent. After all, a year has passed since the all-new A6 made its world premiere, and Allroad models typically come after that. There is, however, another question that needs to be answered. Audi Will It Come to America?Truth be told, we're not holding our breath for that. It's difficult to say exactly how many A6 Allroads were sold last year, but it's safe to say it's not many out of the 6,897 units. If anything, there's a chance that Audi might have sold about the same number of Allroads and RS6s during the same period. That said, the Allroad has always been a staple in Audi's range, whether in compact or midsize guises. While the new model is certain, its chances of coming to America are looking rather slim. Still, never say never, and not everyone who'd like an Audi Avant has the RS6 in mind. Audi View the full article

The addition of the Carhartt Special Edition as well as bigger tires, new Tremor options and more luxury are not the only update Ford is making to the 2027 Super Duty lineup, which consists of the F-250, F-350 and F-450. A more significant change is coming under the hood as the Blue Oval is reportedly removing the base engines from its heavy-duty truck line, based on order books that were posted on the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum (hat tip to Car and Driver). The "Mini Godzilla" Replaced by the 7.3L Godzilla V8 as the Standard Engine Ford What this means is 2027 Ford Super Duty customers won’t be able to select the previously standard 6.8-liter gas engine or the base 6.7-liter diesel. This leaves the 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 as the standard choice, while the high-output Power Stroke V8 remains the sole diesel option. The forum post includes Ford’s own order books that reveal the 6.8-liter V8 gas engine has been dropped for the new model year along with the standard-output version of the Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel. Nicknamed “Mini Godzilla,” the 6.8-liter pushrod V8 gas unit debuted for the 2023MY with 405 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 445 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, while the 6.7-liter SO Power Stroke V8 diesel makes 475 hp at 2,600 rpm and 1,050 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. This promotes the real Godzilla V8 to standard engine status across the lineup. The 7.3-liter gas engine puts out 430 hp at 5,500 rpm and 485 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, which is not that big a difference compared to the outgoing 6.8-liter unit. However, the Godzilla V8 brings superior towing and hauling capacity to the Ford Super Duty compared to the 6.8-liter. Unfortunately, it’s also priced $1,500 higher for the 2026MY. While Ford hasn’t announced pricing for the 2027 Super Duty lineup yet, we should expect a similar premium for the now standard Godzilla engine. High-Output 6.7-Liter Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Becomes the Only Optional Engine As for the high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel, which from now on will be the only optional powertrain for the Super Duty, it delivers a best-in-class 500 horsepower at 2,600 rpm and a monumental 1,200 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. It’s also the undisputed king of towing and hauling in the heavy-duty pickup segment. The F-450 6.7L HO Power Stroke offers maximum towing of up to 40,000 pounds (gooseneck), while the F-250 6.7L HO Power Stroke is rated at 23,000 lbs (conventional towing). The maximum payload is 8,000 lbs on properly equipped F-350 Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) models. The high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke is priced $3,500 higher than the standard-output Power Stroke version, so we should expect Ford to charge more for the 2027 Super Duty since it will come exclusively with the top engines. The order books don’t include pricing, so we’ll have to wait and see the effect these changes will have on customers' bank accounts. Ford View the full article

The advisory was issued at 12:27 PM MDT Tuesday by NWS Missoula and is one of several National Weather Service Winter Weather Advisories currently active across the country. The same Pacific trough that brought wintry mix to the Cascades earlier in the week is delivering one last late-season hit to the Northern Rockies before the pattern turns warmer for the weekend. Affected ZoneWest Glacier Region above 5,000 feet is forecast to receive wet snow accumulating 2 to 5 inches with gusts to 50 mph. This zone covers the alpine and subalpine terrain of the park's western side, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor from roughly the Loop upward, Logan Pass itself, and the high country accessed from the Highline Trail and Hidden Lake. NWS wording: hazardous conditions in the backcountry, gusty winds may bring down tree branches, snowfall could impact roads. Lower elevations on the west side of the park (Apgar, Lake McDonald, the West Glacier area) sit below the advisory threshold and will see rain and gusty wind rather than accumulating snow. Road ConditionsThe advisory does not directly impact major interstates. Interstate 90 runs roughly 80 miles south of the park through Missoula and stays well clear of the storm zone. US Highway 2, which wraps the southern boundary of the park and crosses Marias Pass at 5,213 feet, sits right at the elevation threshold of the advisory and is the corridor most likely to see slick spots and reduced visibility Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Inside the park, only the lower west-side section of Going-to-the-Sun Road from Apgar to Avalanche Creek is currently open. The alpine section above Avalanche Creek through Logan Pass to the east side remains closed for the season while crews continue snow clearing. The storm will not affect drivers in the open lower section beyond rain and gusty wind at low elevation. What drivers should know:US-2 over Marias Pass: snow and wind possible Wednesday night into Thursday, slick spots likely, allow extra timeGoing-to-the-Sun Road (Apgar to Avalanche Creek): open, rain and gusts at low elevation, no closures expectedGoing-to-the-Sun Road above Avalanche Creek: closed for the season, no public access regardless of weatherI-90 in western Montana: not affected, normal travel conditionsMany Glacier and Two Medicine roads: seasonal openings vary, check status before drivingMontana road conditions are at mdt.mt.gov/travinfo or by calling 511. What to Watch ForThe advisory ends 3 PM MDT Thursday. Crews will assess Friday morning. The medium-range forecast from the Weather Prediction Center points to another upper trough moving into the Northwest over the weekend, which could bring additional high-elevation precipitation chances to the Northern Rockies between May 15 and May 19. Probabilities are not yet at advisory level, but the pattern is not finished. For anyone planning a Glacier trip in late May or early June: do not change plans on a single advisory. The park is open. Lower elevations are accessible. Opening date for the full road will be announced by NPS when crews complete the upper sections, and that announcement is the moment to lock in alpine plans. This article will be updated as conditions evolve. Sources: NWS Missoula Winter Weather Advisory (issued 12:27 PM MDT Tuesday May 12, 2026, product code O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0022), Weather Prediction Center Day 1 to 7 outlook (May 12, 2026), National Park Service Glacier National Park road status and 2026 visitor information. View the full article

Late Tuesday, USA Today Sports reported that Katherine Legge will attempt the rare Indy 500/Coke 600 Double -- this year. Motorsport.com has since independently confirmed the news as well. The 45-year-old is already confirmed to be taking part in the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, driving the No. 11 HMD Motorsports/AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet for her fifth appearance in the historic ...Keep readingView the full article

Jaguar's Road to RevivalJaguar has been known for its grace, space, and pace, while also constantly at risk of going out of existence. As good as most of its cars are, the British automaker just never made enough profit for true long-term survival. So, in an unprecedented move, it decided to axe all of its current cars and completely reboot its image. The 'Copy Nothing' reboot has received a mixed reception, to put it lightly. But the truth is, the previous formula just wasn't working anymore. But whatever your opinion on it is, the campaign definitely grabbed attention. Fast forward to 2026, and Jaguar is just about ready to unveil its first car for its new era. Jaguar Finally, a NameFor the longest time, the new Jaguar car has been going by unofficial names. It's been called either the GT or the Type 00, just like the concept shown previously. Now we finally know its real name: it'll be called the Type 01. We don't blame you if it sounds a bit predictable, anticlimactic, or both, but there is meaning to it. Jaguar explains that the use of the word Type refers to classic models, 0 stands for zero emissions, and 1 stands for the first model under the new philosophy. "We have reimagined Jaguar for a new era, with inspiration from what has gone before. Our engineers have achieved this with a vehicle that looks and drives like no other electric car, yet reflects a unique provenance. The Type 01 name is part of that story – for me, the zero also signifies a complete brand reset, and the '1', our first car for a new chapter, a 'one of a kind,'" said Rawdon Glover, the managing director for Jaguar. Jaguar What to ExpectWe already know some preliminary specifications. The Type 01 will have a tri-motor powertrain that will pack over 1,000 hp and 950 lb-ft of torque. The large four-door will also come with all-wheel drive and a bevy of suspension technologies to make it drive and ride like a Jaguar. As for design, Jaguar calls it 'modernist', and judging by the camouflaged cars, it'll be a boxy look with some curves thrown in for contrast. We expect the same for the interior, although not as radical as the one seen in the concept. So far, initial impressions of the car seem favorable. But good impressions don't necessarily translate into sales right off the bat. That said, the Type 01 needs to succeed if Jaguar wants to hang around for longer. Of course, Jaguar isn't pinning its hopes to just one model, as there will be a full range of vehicles based on this flagship model down the line. We wouldn't be too surprised if a crossover joins the mix. Jaguar View the full article

Even Kurt Busch is surprised that NASCAR didn’t penalize his brother, two-time Cup Series champion, Kyle Busch. The 2004 Cup Series champion, who won his title with Roush Racing, appeared on the Door, Bumper, Clear podcast this week and was asked about the penalty to Ryan Preece due to the incident with Ty Gibbs two weeks ago at Texas but also the non-penalty for his brother’s contact with ...Keep readingView the full article

Mazda has been slow to adopt all-electric vehicles, and it's about to slow progress even further. After it was announced at the beginning of 2026 that Mazda would delay its first in-house-developed EV from 2027 to 2028, the automaker has now decided to push that timeline back another year, with its first EVs only arriving in 2029 at the earliest. Concurrently, Mazda has announced that it is slashing EV investments by nearly half, focusing instead on profitable hybrids. While this may seem like a tumultuous time for the Japanese company, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro said that it will be able to shift with almost no impairments or write-downs, unlike Stellantis, GM, and Ford, for example. Mazda Is Careful With EV Expenditure, and It Could Pay Off Big Time Mazda Mazda has described itself for years as an "intentional follower" when it comes to EV development, partly because of research and development budget limitations, and partly because it wanted to be sure that the world would gravitate toward all-electric mobility before betting it all on red. According to Automotive News, Mazda had not fully locked in funds intended for EV development before deciding to reverse course. "We made the decision before we started," said Moro today while announcing Mazda's financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31. "For battery EVs, we were always careful." Toyota has also been pragmatic and careful in its approach to EVs, but it still took a $1.2 billion hit last year, thanks to the war in Iran, tariffs, and yes, EV costs. Toyota is pivoting to hybrids to improve profitability, and that's what Mazda has planned too, which could be huge in the current climate, where hybrids are soaring in popularity. Related: Mazda Is Asking Enthusiasts How to Build the Next Miata "Regarding internal man-hours, we are shifting resources back from electric vehicle-related work to internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles," said Moro. Along with the hybrid version of the revised CX-5 crossover scheduled for 2027, which may also spawn a rugged variant, Mazda now intends to launch no less than three new hybrids between 2028 and 2030, each with the Mazda-created Skyactiv-Z four-cylinder engine rather than the Toyota-developed hybrid powertrain in the CX-50. While it works on these products, European EV demand will be satisfied by the likes of the Chinese-made EZ-60 crossover and EZ-6 sedan, allowing Mazda to cut electrification investment from roughly $12.53 billion to approximately $7.52 billion through 2030. Its new target is to produce 200,000 to 250,000 EVs by 2030, roughly 15 percent of global volume and down from previous targets of between 25 and 40 percent. Autoblog's Take Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog Six years ago, the likes of Mazda and Toyota were criticized for taking the long route to EV production, being discounted as latecomers that were slow to meet global trends, but since then, Europe has relaxed emission requirements slightly, and America has heavily loosened Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards. At the same time, the wave of early EV adopters has crested, and while EVs remain an important part of any automaker's strategy, these latecomers to the electric mobility niche are poised to reap the rewards as most buyers gravitate towards hybrids, which provide the security of combustion with the efficiency of electrification. View the full article