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The 2026 IndyCar season is about to get underway with the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Alex Palou enters as the defending champion, and the dominant Chip Ganassi Racing driver eyes a fifth crown. There are several faces in new places, including veteran Will Power, who leaves Penske for a new home at Andretti. David Malukas will take Power's place as the driver of the #12, and ...Keep readingView the full article

Copart is a magical place where you can potentially pick up a seriously good value salvage title car, providing you’re a handy wrencher and have a bit of time to spare to get it back to the way it should look. You can find pretty much anything on there, from ultra-basic subcompacts to genuine exotics, but even then, it was a little surprising to see one of just 149 McLaren Elvas (the initial 399-unit run was slashed to 249 and ultimately to 149) ever built up for auction in lightly crash-damaged form on the website. The auction has now ended, with Copart Van Nuys in California confirming to Autoblog that the limited-edition exotic sold for $813,000. An Ultra-Rare Roadster Copart Should you need a quick refresher on the Elva, it debuted in 2019 as the fourth model in McLaren Automotive’s ‘Ultimate Series’ of limited-run supercars. It was based around the chassis and powertrain of the 720S, and used that car’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 turned up to 804 hp, and had a bespoke carbon fiber body. What it did not have was a windshield or a roof (not initially, anyway – the former later became available as an option). Part of a fleeting trend for topless ‘speedster’ style limited-run supercars that also spawned the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 and Aston Martin V12 Speedster, its looks and its name were a tribute to McLaren’s M1 series of racecars from the 1960s, production of which was handled by a small British firm called Elva. When new, it started at a shade under $1.7 million, but now retails for over $2 million. Runs and Drives Copart Exactly what happened to this particular Elva, auctioned by Copart in Van Nuys, CA, isn’t clear. The Drive has had a tipoff claiming that it used to belong to Austin Russell, the former CEO of bankrupt lidar developer Luminar, but that’s about it. Whoever was driving at the time luckily managed to escape their crash being captured on video, unlike so many other unfortunate supercar drivers in this day and age. It doesn’t take a detective to note that the car’s had some kind of front end impact, though. The crash itself doesn’t look to have been too severe. Indeed, as if this is some Craigslist ad for a ratty Fox Body Mustang, Copart confirms that the Elva runs and drives, having been tested above 30 MPH. Not Your Average Project Car Copart Nevertheless, getting this Elva back to looking and driving the way it should will be no small task. Firstly, carbon fiber is notoriously expensive to repair, and since the front end consists of a single-piece carbon clamshell, we dread to think about the cost of sourcing a new one. Moreover, the accident looks to have taken out the Elva’s Active Air Management System, a flap that pops out of the nose of the car to direct air over the cockpit and prevent driving at highway speeds from feeling like standing in a category five hurricane. That, again, is likely an enormously specialized and expensive repair job. Finally, just to add to the bill, Copart's damage report notes that the radiator's damaged and the brakes are inoperable. View the full article

The Polaris Slingshot is unlike anything else on the planet, offering an extreme motoring experience on just three wheels. But if the 'regular' vehicle (a relative term in a three-wheeler, particularly one this brutally sharp and aggressively accelerating) is somehow not special enough for you, you now have more options than ever. Late last year, Polaris revived the Grand Touring model, and now it's introducing the limited-production Slingshot Signature Edition. With a powerful audio system and unique aesthetic enhancements, the new variant aims to ensure you can still hear your tunes while drawing more attention than any hypercar. What's New in the 2026 Polaris Slingshot Signature Edition Polaris View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The most obvious change for the Signature Edition is that Polaris has finished it in a striking Golden Steel iridescent and Black Crystal sparkling two-tone paint scheme that changes its hue depending on the light hitting it and your vantage point, with a hint of gold coming through from certain angles. Look closer, and you'll also see some fine gold pinstriping, while blacked-out metal badging (machined badges are also available) and black graphics further accentuate the limited edition's uniqueness. Inside, prominent Rockford Fosgate logos identify a 700-watt Stage 3 Max audio package. This includes a pair of eight-inch side panel speakers and two 6.5-inch headrest speakers, creating an immersive audio experience, and the infotainment experience is taken a step further through the Slingshot LED mobile app, from which the XKGlow interior lighting system can be synchronized to your music. Related: I Toured The Polaris Facility To See How The Slingshot is Made Optionally, a seven-inch display with Ride Command+ provides turn-by-turn navigation, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and a rearview camera. This also includes real-time weather and traffic updates, a vehicle locator, and a vehicle health monitor. 2026 Polaris Slingshot Offers Visceral Performance for Golf GTI Money Polaris View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article A 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI starts at $34,590, but if you're willing to spend a little more to stand out from the crowd and experience something truly intoxicating, the 2026 Polaris Slingshot Signature Edition starts at $36,999. Unlike the GTI, you can have a manual gearbox, though an AutoDrive transmission is also available. Either option is fed by a ProStar 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 204 horsepower, with stopping power courtesy of Brembo brakes behind five-spoke Honeycomb gloss black wheels. Other noteworthy features include a vented Sport hood, a tinted windshield, a painted front splitter, and R-branded seating. Sure, the GTI is more practical and more comfortable, but the Slingshot Signature Edition wouldn't look out of place parked alongside a Pagani, and you'll probably have more fun. Polaris View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

There is no questioning the unreal levels of talent Shane van Gisbergen possesses on road and street courses. And the NASCAR world has now learned what happens when you take a three-time Supercars champion at the top of his game, and place him in a stock car. SVG won on debut in 2023 at the Chicago Street Course in a feat not seen in over 60 years. After going full-time with Trackhouse in 2025 ...Keep readingView the full article

There are many bad things that can trigger anxiety behind the wheel, such as bad traffic, dangerous weather, the fear of other cars crashing into you, the fear of losing control, and much more. However, to many drivers, these things are nothing compared to falling into a sinkhole. Getting swallowed up by a sinkhole is the stuff of nightmares and among the scariest things that can happen while you're driving, and two drivers from Omaha, Nebraska experienced that first-hand on Tuesday afternoon. One Minute You're Waiting at a Stoplight, Next Minute the Pavement DisappearsWhile waiting side by side at the stoplights at a busy intersection in the south-central part of the city, the driver of an SUV and the driver of a Ram pickup truck felt the pavement suddenly giving way and sucking their vehicles into the ground. A surveillance camera captured the dramatic moment when the SUV and pickup got swallowed up into a hole several feet deep. Thankfully, neither driver was injured, local police said. The video shows how the driver of the truck was able to get out of the sinkhole on his own through the front passenger door, before joining bystanders in helping the SUV driver out of the hole. “We are grateful to them for jumping into action and quickly providing help,” said Omaha police spokeswoman Officer Sarah Martier in a statement obtained by AP News. According to Omaha Public Works’ website, the sinkhole was formed after a water main broke. The footage also shows how the cars that were waiting behind the sinkhole started backing up after a few seconds, possibly fearing that the sinkhole might expand and swallow up their vehicles too. Fortunately, that didn’t happen. It’s worth noting that things could have been much worse had the sinkhole opened up as vehicles were driving in the area, which is a very busy one; the fact that the truck and the SUV got swallowed up by the sinkhole while stationary was actually a blessing in disguise. The drivers escaped unharmed and their vehicles likely got some minor dents and scratches. It Could Have Been Worse—Remember the National Corvette Museum Sinkhole? National Corvette Museum As scary as this incident looks, we’ve seen far worse sinkhole incidents over the years. Probably the first that springs to mind is the one that devastated the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 2014. That was a natural disaster caused by the sudden collapse of an underground limestone cave roof, which formed a hole roughly 40 feet wide and 30 feet deep—much bigger than the one in Omaha. Thankfully, the museum sinkhole formed early in the morning before opening hours and no one was in the building at the time. However, eight Corvettes were damaged, including rare models like the 1 millionth Corvette and a 2009 ZR1 ‘Blue Devil.’ Fortunately, both were restored along with other Corvettes, while some were kept in their damaged state for display purposes. View the full article

The Santa Cruz is pretty much the only Hyundai that is unpopular, selling just over 32,000 units last year versus the Ford Maverick's 155,000, but the Korean automaker's next attempt at luring Ford and Toyota pickup buyers to its dealerships will have several differences. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a couple of years to see exactly how the new midsize pickup will differ, reports Australia's CarExpert, but the good news is that we already have several clues. We'll discuss those momentarily, but first, let's see what the latest is. Speaking with local media Down Under, Hyundai Australia chief operating officer Gavin Donaldson said the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger rival is scheduled to launch around 2028, but there's still a lot to do between now and then. "Strategically, it's still a work in progress," Donaldson said. "It's leaning towards a couple of years from now... and it's still [being developed] in collaboration with the U.S." Hyundai Pickup Won't Be a Rebadged Tasman, May Share GM Bones Hyundai The same publication previously reported that Hyundai is considering both ladder-frame and unibody concepts, but Donaldson added that "body-on-frame is what [Hyundai has] got to look for to be competitive." An SUV on the same platform is also planned for before the decade's end. While Hyundai plans four pickups by 2030, local CEO Don Romano previously said the dual-cab pickup won't be a rebadged Kia Tasman, and he's said that the new pickup will be a "different type of hybrid" to a plug-in, hinting at an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) setup. He's also confirmed that Hyundai's relationship with General Motors may bear fruit in the new pickup, though it would naturally need to be different from whatever GM offers. A recent patent previewing Jeep-style removal roof panels for future pickups could be just one way the next Hyundai pickup will set itself apart. Hyundai Has a Mountain to Climb Hyundai In a nutshell, Hyundai is exploring every possible option to make its next pickup(s) successful, and whatever it comes up with will be more rugged and more capable off-road than the Santa Cruz. But as Kia has learned with the Tasman, body-on-frame construction and aggressive styling may not necessarily be enough to convince buyers that they should abandon tried and trusted pickup brands like Toyota and Ford. Although Hyundai's early 2000s reputation for cheap and nasty cars is long gone, the brand isn't exactly a byword for rugged, off-road-capable workhorses. Convincing loyal buyers to move to a Hyundai truck may be the biggest challenge the brand faces, and it will take a long time to earn credibility in the market. As noted by Automotive News, "pickup truck buyers tend to be more loyal and demanding," and with overall volume growth unlikely to be huge over the coming years, Hyundai's challenge is especially large. Would you buy a midsize Hyundai pickup? What would it take? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Despite a dizzying number of recalls over the last few years, Ford is confident that its quality-improvement strategy will reap positive results for buyers. In 2025, Ford CEO Jim Farley said its powertrain durability is now on par with Toyota’s. But the Blue Oval is also working hard to improve all areas of the customer experience, and that now includes the time it takes to have your Ford repaired. Given that Ford dealers complete 35 million repair orders annually, getting them done faster will be highly impactful. The company has now shared its bold ambition to help franchised dealership service departments achieve same-day vehicle repairs. Related: 5 Changes Ford’s Making to Correct Recalls Costing It Billions Ford Launches ‘Uptime Assist’ Initiative Ford In 2025, Ford launched an initiative known as Uptime Assist. Dealerships can enroll in it for free, with the goal being to achieve same-day customer repairs. While that hasn’t been achieved yet, Ford says it has already managed to cut hours off repair times. The service revolves around a team of 25 employees based in Michigan. This team, together with hundreds more based at global call centers, monitors each new repair order opened by dealerships. Should an order take longer than two days, Ford is alerted. The dealer is then contacted to find out if they require additional technical support or assistance in ordering parts. The dealer can also proactively contact Ford if a specific repair proves especially complex. “Ensuring our dealers understand the importance of uptime is the biggest thing,” Daniel Justo, vice president of the Ford Customer Service Division, told Automotive News. “We want customers to be back on the road the same day.” Although 70% of repairs are done in under two days, the average time is five days, indicating that a small number of repairs are taking especially long. However, Ford has already seen improvements in average waiting times for customers. Reduced Repair Times Save Customers Money Ford Uptime Assist launched exactly a year ago, in February 2025. Since then, repair times have improved by 10 to 15%, equivalent to roughly half a day being saved. This is of particular value to fleet vehicles, as executives estimate a business can lose between $500 and $1,000 for each day a fleet vehicle is off the road. Most of us have had to endure a frustrating wait for a specific car part at some point, and it’s this area that has seen the biggest improvement thanks to Uptime Assist. That’s according to Morris Smith III, owner of two Ford stores in Kansas, who enrolled one of his stores in Uptime Assist last year. “One of the biggest complaints we’ve had as it relates to recalls is parts availability,” said Smith to Automotive News. “With Uptime Assist, a customer makes an appointment and parts get shipped, you do an inspection and already have the part on hand. It definitely helps from a customer satisfaction standpoint, as well as from a dealer standpoint with throughput.” One example given by Smith was the replacement of an A-pillar in several Ford Explorer SUVs that were recalled. This was a 20-minute job, but the wait times extended to days because parts weren’t available. Related: Ford Recalls 412,774 Explorer SUVs Again Over Rear Suspension Fracture Risk Why It Matters Ford The aftersales experience can significantly impact brand loyalty in the automotive industry. A year or two of good service from a new car can be completely undone by one bad experience at a dealership. Last year, Ford ranked below-average in the U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study by J.D. Power, far below brands like Subaru, Honda, and Chevrolet. This study came out weeks after Uptime Assist launched, so it will be interesting to see the results from this year’s study. It’s encouraging to see a prominent mass-market brand like Ford taking nothing for granted. This is an automaker that sold over two million cars in the U.S. alone in 2025, so it’s easy for complacency to set in. If Uptime Assist continues to succeed at the current rate, it could be a crucial part of Ford rebuilding trust after years of recalls and quality concerns. View the full article

The Autoblog spy photographers have again caught Bentley's upcoming Luxury Urban SUV in the wild. That's a placeholder name, with more emotive nomenclature coming to the production vehicle when it debuts, likely early next year. Bentley has confirmed that the vehicle will measure less than 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length so that it can legally be parked on European city streets overnight, but it will still be very similar in size to the existing (combustion-powered) Bentayga SUV. With 800-volt Premium Platform Electric underpinnings shared with the recently introduced Porsche Cayenne EV, which measures 196.3 inches (4,985 mm), Bentley's first EV will be within five inches of the 201.8-inch Bentayga. This will make it an imposing EV, and if its output is anything like that of its Porsche cousin, there will be loads of power on tap. Bentley Luxury Urban SUV Has Plenty in Common with Cayenne EV SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article At the front of the vehicle, the lower intakes feature a mesh grille in the pre-production bumpers, but a closer look indicates that this is just garnishing, with active aero flaps hiding behind the honeycomb. Like in a Porsche, this will help reduce aerodynamic drag, with the flaps opening when extra cooling is necessary. We've already seen inside the new Bentley cabin, where two-tone leather ensconces the occupants in luxury, and we know that the EV will have a dual-pane glass roof, which we expect to share Variable Light Control technology with the Cayenne. Also like the Porsche, we can expect a plethora of screens, including a curved central display and a passenger screen. Unlike the Porsche, however, which has traditional stalks behind the steering wheel, the Bentley EV will borrow a multi-function stalk from Audi, as seen in the 2026 Q3. This integrates column shifter, headlight controls, and windshield wipers into a one-piece, two-part element behind the left spoke of the steering wheel. Related: Bentley’s New Continental GT S Is Quicker, Sharper, and Built for Drivers As for performance, the Cayenne Turbo EV makes up to 1,139 horsepower, which should be more than enough for the city-dwelling Bentley SUV. If not, Porsche is already working on an even more hardcore Cayenne EV, and learnings from this may well appear in a future 'Speed' version of the Bentley. Bentley's New Styling Direction Remains Puzzling SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The prototype in these spy photos continues to wear cladding and temporary bodywork to confuse us, though the quad elements in the headlights seem production-worthy. All we know for sure is that the traditional rounded headlights worn by recent Bentleys won't carry over. This development mule also looks unlike the futuristic EXP 15 concept revealed last year, though we expect the partially illuminated grille of that design study to influence the EV, as may the illuminated 'Flying B' hood ornament. As we approach the final third of 2026 Q1, we expect more camouflage to be gradually dropped, and teaser images of the production design should follow near the end of the year. That is, assuming Bentley doesn't delay or cancel its EV, as corporate stablemate Lamborghini recently did. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the full article

Ford Motor Company has issued a massive recall in the U.S. for over 4.3 million pickup trucks and SUVs over a software error that may cause trailer brakes and exterior lights not to function. The recall covers a variety of models, including 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, 2024-2026 Ranger and 2022-2026 Maverick pickups, as well as 2022-2026 Expedition and 2022-2026 Lincoln Navigator SUVs. 2026 E-Transit all-electric vans are also part of the recall. Trailer Brakes and Lights May Stop Working So what do all these vehicles have in common? According to the recall report Ford submitted to the NHTSA on February 20, this is about the integrated trailer module (ITRM) that may lose communication with the vehicle. In case that happens, it can have serious consequences, possibly causing the trailer to lose brake and turn signal lights, or lose only the brake function. "Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver's ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash," the recall report states. As a result, the affected vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Ford says the potential number of potentially affected vehicles is 4,380,609, with the bulk of them being F-150 (2.3 million), F-250 Super Duty (1.13 million), and Maverick (over 412,100) pickups; the number of Ranger vehicles affected is almost 130,000. As for the SUVs, there are over 317,000 Expedition and 75,000 Navigator potentially affected units. The E-Transit van has the lowest number of potentially affected vehicles—over 13,100. The Fix Is a Software Update, Either at Dealers or Over-The-Air Getty Images Ford says the issue is a software vulnerability within the ITRM that allows for a potential "race condition" to occur between the ITRM and the CAN Standby Control bit (STBCC) during initial power-up. If this condition occurs, the module will be powered on but unable to communicate with the vehicle. In case that happens, customers will see a "Trailer brake module fault" pop-up message on the instrument panel cluster (IPC), and the turn signal telltale will fast flash. A "Blind Spot Assist System fault" message may also appear on the IPC. The trailer module manufacturer is Horizon Global Inc., based in Mexico. The fix will consist of updating the integrated trailer module software either at Ford dealers or through over-the-air (OTA) updates, depending on vehicle compatibility. Both types of updates will be free of charge for owners, who will be notified by mail if their vehicle is affected starting March 17, 2026. Beginning on the same date, owners will also be able to search their VINs on the NHTSA.gov website. Ford’s number for the recall is 26C10; the NHTSA ID number is 26V104000. View the full article

Clearance Sale for the 500-HP MustangThe 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse has officially entered clearance territory. The move aligns with Ford’s expanding performance lineup with the announcement of the supercharged 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC. With the higher-output SC variant now positioned at the top of the range, incentives on the naturally aspirated Dark Horse were expected as dealers work through the remaining 2025 inventory. The Dark Horse represents the track-focused evolution of the standard S650 Mustang. It uses a 500-horsepower version of Ford’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8 paired with upgraded cooling systems, chassis reinforcements, and revised suspension tuning. The model was engineered for serious circuit capability, serving as a bridge between mainstream Mustang trims and limited-production halo-performance models like the GTD. First-Ever Dark Horse DiscountAccording toCarsDirect, Ford has introduced a $3,500 retail customer cash incentive for the 2025 Mustang Dark Horse. This marks the first recorded discount ever offered on the model. The incentive is part of a broader model-year-end clearance campaign affecting the remaining 2025 Mustang inventory following recent rebate increases for EcoBoost and GT variants. The rebate reduces the Dark Horse’s $65,075 MSRP by approximately 5.4 percent and is scheduled to run through March 31. Availability remains regional, with confirmed markets including Atlanta, California, Florida, Texas, and Washington. The incentive applies only to purchases, not leases. Buyers financing or paying cash benefit directly, while lessees receive no pricing advantage. CarsDirect also reports that financing promotions continue to exclude the Dark Horse. Standard Mustang APR offers begin at 3.9 percent for 36 months. Rates increase by up to 6.9 percent for longer loan terms. EcoBoost and GT models currently offer slightly larger $4,000 rebates, showing Ford’s focus on moving higher-volume trims alongside performance variants. Get It While Supplies LastFew nameplates carry the historical significance of the Ford Mustang. The car has evolved across generations while remaining central to American performance culture. Its influence now extends beyond the road through brand experiences and dedicated Mustang-themed attractions that celebrate the model’s legacy. With the supercharged Mustang Dark Horse SC now leading the lineup, the outgoing 2025 Dark Horse presents a compelling alternative. Buyers can still obtain a 500-horsepower V8 coupe with genuine track capability at a reduced price. The newly introduced incentive adds meaningful value late in the model year. For enthusiasts seeking performance and savings, the clearance-status 2025 Mustang Dark Horse is a strong opportunity. Ford View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Baby Volvo Grows UpWhen Volvo introduced the EX30 a few years ago, it was uncharted waters for the Swedish automaker. It was its first-ever EV built on a dedicated platform with a little help from its parent company, Geely. It took a while before it arrived stateside, but prior to that, it had already been a commercial and critical success. Riding high on that, the company has decided that now is a good time to roll out the updated version. On the surface, it's a subtle facelift, but the changes go beyond skin deep. Volvo It..Doesn't Look Any DifferentTrue, although it does get new wheels and color options, so there's that. What Volvo did was change bits of the part you interact with the most, namely, the interior. The EX30's minimalist cabin still appears identical, but it does get a redesigned interface for its infotainment system. This writer had previously tried out an EX30, and interacting with that touchscreen was, admittedly, not the easiest thing to do. While Volvo didn't say how exactly it redesigned the display, we're hoping that it's easier to navigate compared to the current model. New this year is the Harvest interior theme that gives the cabin warm and earthy tones to give off a more relaxing vibe. Volvo says it's inspired by 'late Scandinavian summer evenings' thanks to its light and neutral design. Like before, the interior materials are made from recycled PET bottles because sustainability has become a buzzword in recent years. There's also a Black theme that's, er, exactly that. It's pretty much the same as the Black Edition that was shown recently. Volvo Powerbank on WheelsBut the big news here is the addition of Vehicle to Load (V2L) capabilities. It's a significant software upgrade that allows the EX30 to power household appliances, as well as recharge battery-powered mobility devices such as electric scooters and the like. Do note that the V2L adapter doesn't come with the car upon purchase. Instead, it's sold as a separate accessory you can purchase from your dealer. The best part is that older EX30 models can benefit from the new feature. Volvo will roll it out as an over-the-air update, so those who currently own one won't be missing out. The same goes for the aforementioned infotainment software update. Those new features are standard on the 2027 models and will be available to current owners by summer this year. Volvo A New Base ModelThe Volvo EX30 starts at just over $40,000 in the U.S, making it one of the least expensive premium EV crossovers in the land. But over in Europe, buying (or rather, leasing) one is about to be more affordable as the company has added a new entry-level trim. That said, it's unlikely to land in America. U.S. models start getting 69 kWh batteries as standard, but the new base Euro model gets a smaller 51 kWh pack instead. While the latter is an actual option in other markets, the least expensive version also gets a detuned motor to eke out more miles per charge. So, instead of 268 hp from the RWD Extended Range model, it's down to just 148 hp. It then has a claimed maximum range of 210 miles. There's also an option to pair the low-output motor with the 69 kWh batteries, boosting range to 295 miles. Volvo Volvo View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In the ultra-rarefied world of Bugatti automobiles, it doesn't get more exclusive than this new W16 Mistral 'La Perle Rare,' a one-of-a-kind creation crafted by Bugatti's Sur Mesure official customization program. It is a well-known fact that no two Bugattis are the same, as most owners order their cars with many personalizations to reflect their personalities and taste. So how do you make a W16 Mistral open-top hypercar, which is already rare as it's limited to 99 units worldwide, even more unique? You hand it over to Bugatti's Sur Mesure program with a long list of personalization requests. The result is truly an automotive work of art, as you can see in these photos. No expense was spared to make this the ultimate W16 Mistral yet through bespoke craftsmanship. Bugatti says the customer of the unique W16 Mistral 'La Perle Rare' first met with the manager of its Sur Mesure and Individualization division, Jascha Straub, in August 2023 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. That was the moment the seeds for this exquisite W16 Mistral creation were planted. The owner's goal was to enrich the roadster's character "with a sculptural, flowing aesthetic" through a fusion of refined lines and colors. Two Bespoke Pearlescent Paint Hues Were Invented for This W16 Mistral B View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article To accomplish this, two completely new, bespoke paint hues were developed: a gold-infused color with warm highlights for the upper body and a refined warm white for the lower one. Drawing inspiration from Bugatti's iconic hand-painted paintwork “Vague de Lumière” featured on a one-off Chiron, Straub came up with a central theme for the vehicle, a pearlescent tribute to the power and beauty of the Mistral. The open-top hypercar's two-tone composition visually separates the upper and lower sections, echoing the interplay between ground and sky thanks to the dividing lines. The latter were hand-applied meticulously with the help of taping and masking, taking hundreds of hours to complete. Echoing the dual-tone paintwork are the stunning diamond-cut alloy wheels finished with a gold and white mixture. Details like the white 'La Perle Rare' inscription painted on the lower side of the retractable rear wing and Rembrandt Bugatti's iconic Dancing Elephant sculpture featured on the body panels behind the front wheels indicate the exclusive nature of this W16 Mistral. "This W16 Mistral 'La Perle Rare' is an extraordinary example of what becomes possible when a client's imagination meets the full creative and technical capabilities of our Sur Mesure offering," said Jascha Straub, the manager of Sur Mesure and Individualization at Bugatti. A Spectacular, Jewel-Like Cockpit Bugatti View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article As you would expect, the interior carries over the theme of the bodywork, leading to a jewel-like cockpit where machined and polished aluminum trim elements contrast with the white-painted carbon components and the door panels' alternating white and warm gold drawings that underline their concave sculpted surfaces. Another special feature is the warm ambient lighting that subtly illuminates the panels, reinforcing the pearl-inspired theme, as do the 'La Perle Rare' stitched inscription along the central tunnel, rendered in Straub's own handwriting, and the Dancing Elephant sculpture within the gear selector casing. "It is both an honor and a privilege to contribute my own design signature to a creation that celebrates Bugatti's inimitable design style and rich heritage, while embodying the individuality that makes this Sur Mesure commission so special," Straub added. If you needed a reminder, the W16 Mistral is Bugatti's last road-going model to feature the monumental 8.0-liter W16 quad-turbocharged engine, which in this iteration delivers 1,578 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque—without any electrical assistance whatsoever. Hooked to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels, the monster engine enables the Mistral to rocket from 0 to 62 mph in 2.4 seconds and top 260 mph—though it was clocked at over 282 mph during a 2024 record attempt, making it the world''s fastest open-top roadster. Talk about a proper send-off for the mightiest production engine ever made. View the full article

A Pathfinder That’s Never Quite Picked a SideThe Nissan Pathfinder has changed its stripes more than most SUVs. When it launched in the mid-1980s, it was a true truck, built tough on a body-on-frame chassis. Over the years, though, it shifted toward a softer, more car-like unibody setup, switching the two body types in between generations. The current Pathfinder sticks with the unibody formula, focusing on comfort, space, and easy driving, but Nissan isn’t done with the story. The company has been working behind the scenes to bring back a body-on-frame Pathfinder. Here’s the twist: Nissan isn’t planning to swap out the current Pathfinder for the new one. Instead, both versions will be sold side by side. When the next-gen, body-on-frame Pathfinder lands later this decade, buyers will get to choose between two Pathfinders – one built for comfort, the other for real off-road work. Two Pathfinders, One NameplateThis new information came from Automotive News, citing an unnamed source. According to the report, Nissan plans to keep the unibody Pathfinder in showrooms even after the new body-on-frame model arrives, possibly as early as 2029. The two will be completely different in looks, capability, how they drive, and how much they cost. The unibody Pathfinder will stick to what it does best: offering families a comfortable, affordable SUV that drives like a car. It’s set for a refresh around 2028 or 2029 and will keep its gasoline engine, so no big surprises there. The new body-on-frame Pathfinder will go in the opposite direction. It’ll look boxier, tow more, and come with real off-road gear. It starts with a gasoline engine, with a hybrid version coming later. Nissan might even give it the Pro-4X badge to make its adventure focus clear. Nissan will reportedly build the truck-based Pathfinder in Canton, Mississippi, using a lot of the same parts as future Nissan and Infiniti trucks and SUVs. It’ll cost more than the unibody version, thanks to its tougher build. Nissan also expects that over half of buyers will check out both Pathfinders before picking one. Nissan The Bigger Comeback Behind the PlanThis two-Pathfinder approach is just one piece of Nissan’s bigger plan to get back into the truck and rugged SUV game – a segment where other brands have pulled ahead lately. A big part of that push is the return of the Xterra, set to come back around 2028 as a budget-friendly, body-on-frame SUV built for real off-roading. Bringing back the Xterra shows Nissan is betting on old-school toughness, especially now that more buyers want adventure-ready vehicles. Nissan is also working on new versions of the Frontier pickup and some Infiniti SUVs, all using the same truck platform. The body-on-frame Pathfinder will slot right between the Xterra and the bigger Armada. Nissan View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

BMW of North America has recalled almost 59,000 of its largest, most technologically advanced models for a fire risk issue. The fault relates to an air-conditioning wiring harness that could short-circuit in these models, increasing the risk of a fire. This is the second recall for a fire risk issued by BMW this month. Previously, 87,000 BMWs were recalled because of engine starters that could catch fire. The wiring harness recall is unrelated to that one and affects a different variety of models, so here’s a closer look. BMW Recall at a GlanceNo. of vehicles affected: 58,713Risk: Fire hazardCause: A/C wiring harness could become damaged and short-circuitFix: Replacement of wiring harness, if necessaryCost: Free of chargeWhat Models Are Affected? BMW i5 eDrive40 BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fault has been traced to an electrical wiring harness for the air conditioning that can become damaged when the cabin air filter is replaced. Specifically, the recall notice mentions that a housing cover screw could damage the wiring harness. Replacement of this filter is routine and typically completed when a vehicle goes in for its annual service. According to BMW, the following models and model years are affected by this recall: 2024-2025 BMW 750e2025-2026 BMW 550e2023-2025 BMW 7 Series2024-2026 BMW 5 Series2024-2026 BMW i5 eDrive402024-2025 BMW i5 M602025-2026 BMW i5 xDrive402024-2025 BMW i7 eDrive502023-2025 BMW i7 xDrive602025-2026 BMW M52025 BMW M5 TouringThe exact number of vehicles affected totals 58,713 units, and they’re some of BMW’s most expensive sedans and wagons; both M5 variants cost over $120,000, for example. Of all the models listed, the most number of vehicles potentially impacted are 5 Series models, with a population of 20,438 mentioned. All the BMW models mentioned here share the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, along with advanced electrical components. This is why one safety flaw often affects several related models within a manufacturer’s lineup. What Owners Should Do Now BMW BMW says dealers will inspect and replace the electrical wiring harness and add a retaining strap/bracket to it, if required. This remedy won’t cost owners anything, but you should take your car in as soon as it’s requested. Owner letters will be sent out on April 13, 2026, and anyone seeking further information before that can call BMW’s customer service on 1-800-525-7417. Alternatively, you can check if your vehicle is affected by entering the VIN on the NHTSA’s website. While BMW has not issued a Do Not Drive notice for these vehicles and no injuries or accidents have been reported, it’s always advisable to park vehicles at risk of a fire away from houses or other structures, where possible. It may be possible to have your electrical wiring harness replaced before owner letters are sent out in April by contacting your local dealership. This recall highlights how seemingly simple routine maintenance on modern vehicles can result in a safety hazard. Fortunately, only a small percentage of models are affected, and the actual risk of your vehicle catching fire appears to be low. View the full article

A Good-Looking Z, With a CatchWhen the latest Nissan Z first arrived, its design carried much of the weight. The facelift sharpens things even more, cleaning up the front end and replacing the busier rectangular elements with a softer, more cohesive look. The real issue for US buyers, however, isn’t the styling – it’s supply. Nissan is moving toward a build-to-order model for the 2027 Z, with some reports suggesting fewer than three cars per dealer for the whole year. That’s not per quarter or per month, but per year. For a modern sports car, that’s a razor-thin allocation, especially if you’re hoping to get yourself the long-awaited manual Z Nismo. Nissan Rare Manual Z NismoApparently, the regular Z may look relatively easy to get compared to the manual-equipped Nissan Z Nismo, which arrives alongside the facelift. A recent report suggests that only a small fraction of the total 2027 Z production will be dedicated to the Nismo with a manual gearbox. The information comes via Carscoops, citing an unnamed Nissan insider familiar with allocation planning. The source claims that fewer than 10 percent of all Zs built for 2027 will be manual Nismos. Worse, all of which has reportedly been spoken for. Given how tight supply is for the regular Z, it’s no surprise that a low-volume, high-demand model like the manual Nismo would be snapped up instantly. Nissan What This Means for BuyersIf you were hoping to secure a manual 2027 Z Nismo and don’t already have a reservation, the reality is very simple: waiting is likely your only option. That could mean hoping Nissan opens up more slots later on, or taking your chances with the 2028 model year. The other route is the one we’ve seen all too often in today’s market: flippers. With allocations locked down, any manual Nismo that does make it to the open market will almost certainly carry a premium, especially in the early days. Buyers will have to weigh whether the experience is worth paying over sticker, or if patience is the smarter move. Either way, the facelifted Z is shaping up to be less about picking your perfect spec and more about timing and luck. Nissan View the full article

Pretty much every car enthusiast on earth has at one point or another fantasized about owning their own racetrack, a place to go hell-for-leather without the restrictions of speed limits, traffic and all the other things that restrict our fun on the road. There’s currently an opportunity for that fantasy to come true for one particularly wealthy car fan, as Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, a club-level road course in the Californian desert a few hours east of Los Angeles, is up for sale at $26 million. Oh yeah, and you’ll get an airport thrown in if you buy it, too. What's Included?Opened in 2010, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway sits in the sparsely-populated area of Desert Center, California, around 70 miles east of Palm Springs. At its core is a 2.68-mile, 17 turn road course. The circuit’s never been used to host top-flight racing, and lacks the facilities to do so, so the track’s mainly used for track days, club level racing and driver training. That, together with its remote location that means noise complaints aren’t a worry, means Chuckwalla has been a firm favorite of the California enthusiast scene since its inception, and despite the sale, the calendar on the circuit’s website is firmly booked up with events right into the spring. As well as the main circuit, the facility also features a circuit laid out in the paddock and suitable for karts and minibikes, a small dirt track, plenty of garage space and an on-site fuel station. Our Kind of Package Deal chuckwallaracewayforsale.com Also included in the asking price is the small matter of Desert Center Airport, complete with a 5,300-foot runway capable of accommodating the sort of private jets that someone with $26 million to splash on a racetrack uses for daily transport. The airport’s been there for a lot longer than the track, having been built as an Army Air Field in the early 1940s, but it sits on the same parcel of land – in fact, the eastern end of the runway comes within just a few feet of the circuit. And yes, we know what most car enthusiasts will immediately think when faced with the prospect of a 5,300-foot stretch of perfectly smooth, flat asphalt. Chuckwalla is way ahead of you – the runway is already used for drag racing, with a dedicated staging and starting area at the western end. What Could You Do With It? chuckwallaracewayforsale.com As much as it’s fun to dream about having a racetrack all to yourself, it’s more likely – and better for SoCal’s enthusiast community – that the new owners will keep operating Chuckwalla as a for-hire venue. The dedicated website handling the sale does make a few suggestions for upgrades to turn into something more akin to a high-end club facility, similar to the under-renovation Willow Springs Raceway and the nearby Thermal Club venue. Interestingly, that includes the possible development of a second road course to complement the original. Whoever ends up buying it, hopefully they’ll keep this brilliant little track as accessible for enthusiasts as it is at the moment – but we can’t say we’d blame them for sneaking onto the runway for a private top speed run every now and then. View the full article

Crunch Time at Aston MartinAston Martin doesn't exactly have the most stable of financial histories. It's been on the brink countless times, but investors swoop in just at the right time to keep the lights on over at Gaydon. At the moment, it's partly owned by Canadian billionaire and Formula One team owner Lawrence Stroll. But even with a massive infusion of cash, Aston Martin is looking to curb costs. That's after the British automaker incurred hefty net losses of 52 percent. It's crunch time over there now, and it needs to stop bleeding money ASAP. Aston Martin People are the First to GoPerhaps then it comes as no surprise that it's going to let go of people in a bid to stop or slow down the losses. According to Reuters, Aston Martin is shedding 20 percent of its workforce to stay afloat. The company currently has about 3,000 employees, and 20 percent of that is around 600 people. It might not sound like much, but a small and independent automaker needs every person on deck to keep things running. That's a huge chunk of people being made redundant, and Aston Martin has to streamline its processes as quickly as possible to minimize production and development disruption. The expected loss of that many employees is expected to save the company close to $55 million. It should help delay the mounting losses, but Aston Martin has to do a lot more cost-cutting after posting losses of $666 million. Aston Martin What About the F1 Team?Formula One is expensive, and there's no beating around the bush when it comes to that. The automaker can recover some of the money it needs if it sells the team, but given Lawrence Stroll's hopes for F1 glory, it seems unlikely. So, what to do? One thing you should know is that the carmaking business is a separate entity from the Formula One team. The plan now is for the F1 team to sell its naming rights to the road car division for a $67 million cash injection. In some ways, the racing division could help pull the auto business out of a rut. It's not final yet, though, as the move is still pending shareholder approval. Mercedes-Benz, Geely, and other investors have to say yes before it pushes through. Shareholders are reportedly swinging towards a positive answer. Aston Martin Demand, Tariffs, and Turning the TideIn its financial report, Aston Martin cited tariffs and slowing demand in China as the two key reasons for massive losses in 2025. In the words of company CEO Adrian Hallmark, "In 2025, we navigated a highly challenging trading environment whilst delivering on critical operational milestones. An unprecedented backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties and macroeconomic pressures, including heightened tariffs in the U.S. and China, weighed on our performance and ability to execute our plans effectively." To save more money, Aston Martin will put further electrification plans on hold. Per its financial report, the company will realign its product cycle plan to reduce five-year CapEx from roughly $2.7 billion to $2.3 billion, saving about $400 million. Ultimately, that meant the development of electrified models would have to be delayed. For 2026, the company is pinning its hopes on expanding its personalization program and developing highly bespoke models. Those two have been profitable moves as each sale can easily inject about a million dollars into its balance sheet. The low-volume Valhalla could help the company get out of the red. Expect special limited-run models with hefty price tags to be introduced along the way. Adam Lynton/Autoblog View the full article

Chrysler has shared the first images of its restyled Pacifica minivan. Aside from the Voyager—essentially a cheaper version of the Pacifica—this is Chrysler’s only model in the United States, which is remarkable in this era of crossovers and SUVs. The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica is more relevant than you think; minivans have experienced a resurgence over the last year, with sales increasing by 20% in 2025. Of the remaining minivans in the country, the Pacifica was the top-selling model, and this bold refresh should keep it there in 2026. 2027 Chrysler Pacifica Resembles Key Rival C Expected to be a substantial facelift rather than an all-new model, the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica features a totally revised front fascia. The 2026 model was one of the more attractive minivans—at least, as attractive as one can make a box on wheels look. The new one’s split grille design and vertical lighting are quite a departure. The way the L-shaped lights frame the grille resembles the look of the latest Kia Carnival. Whether you like it or not, it does give the latest Pacifica quite a futuristic air. Not much else can be gleaned from the images, although the model seen testing in snowy conditions is the Pinnacle trim, with the name appearing on the front doors. The Pinnacle is currently the top Pacifica trim and comes with features like quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and heated seats in the first two rows. Chrysler hasn’t confirmed any technical specifications, but the 287-horsepower V6 will likely continue as the standard powertrain. In a surprising move, the Pacifica plug-in hybrid was recently discontinued in the middle of the 2026 model year. This derivative has a 32-mile all-electric range but it’s unclear if it will make a comeback. Why the Pacifica Matters More Than Ever C Chrysler sold 110,006 Pacificas over the course of 2025, easily ahead of its closest rival, the Toyota Sienna (84,346 sales). It’s safe to say the Pacifica has singlehandedly kept Chrysler alive in a period where Stellantis seems to have forgotten about this once legendary brand. In production since 2016, the Pacifica continues to thrive despite its age, but the latest facelift should bring it into line with more modern rivals. The continued success of the Pacifica is crucial for Chrysler as it works its way back into relevancy. A revival plan has been in the works for a while now, with the futuristic Halcyon concept likely previewing the next generation of Chrysler design. Three new models are expected from the brand, and at least one will be a desperately needed crossover. Until that happens, the refreshed Pacifica carries the weight of Chrysler’s future on its shoulders. Related: Chrysler's Big Comeback Is Quietly Taking Shape Behind The Scenes View the full article

Porsche is preparing to launch its third SUV nameplate, expanding into a new market segment in the process as it attempts to capture some of the lucrative three-row luxury SUV market with the car codenamed ‘K1’. Spy shots have been trickling out for a couple of years now, and while it was initially planned for the K1 to be electric-only, the weak EV market led to Porsche flip-flopping on that decision last year and pushing ahead with gas and hybrid versions as a priority. Now, a new report says the model will be twinned with the upcoming Audi Q9, set to be the brand's largest ever car and quietly confirmed for a 2026 debut last year. Proven Underpinnings SH Proshots/Autoblog According to the report from Autocar, which cites sources close to Porsche, the gas versions of the K1 will sit on the VW Group’s scalable Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), the same underpinnings already found under the latest batch of combustion-powered Audis like the new A5 and RS5, A6 and Q5. The K1 and the Q9 will be the largest applications of the modular platform yet, which is also set to underpin the next-generation Audi Q7 – also coming this year – and a smaller gas-powered Porsche SUV to sit alongside the all-electric second-gen Macan. Per the report, the K1 will get a range of 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 and 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 powertrains, likely using the well-proven engines already found throughout much of the VW Group empire, and come with a ‘next-generation’ plug-in hybrid version too. EV Still On The Way Porsche Porsche may have delayed the fully electric version of the K1, testing of which has been underway for some time now, but Autocar’s source says it’s still on the way. By choosing to push ahead with both gas and electric versions, Porsche is compensating for the drop-off in demand it’s seen for its EVs, which is also leading it to assess the future of the planned electric 718 sports car. It means that with the gas-powered Cayenne staying on sale for the foreseeable alongside the new electric version, and a new midsize combustion SUV in the works to complement the Macan EV, Porsche will eventually have both electric and gas SUVs on offer in three separate segments. It’s the gas-powered K1 we’re likely to see first, though, with murmurs suggesting a full reveal either in 2027 or 2028. View the full article

Stellantis has posted a €22.3 billion ($26.3 billion) net loss for 2025, the first since the automotive holding company was formed in January 2021 from the 50/50 merger of FiatChrysler Automobiles (FCA) and France's PSA Group. The automaker had recorded a full-year profit of 5.5 billion euros for 2024. The company said that the massive net loss is due to €25.4 billion in charges for H2 2025 that include resetting the product plan and EV supply chain to reflect customer demand and shifting regulations, a change in the estimation process for contractual warranty provisions, and other charges, mainly related to workforce reductions in Europe. The scaling back of EV investment took the lion's share of the write-downs. "Over-Estimating the Pace of the Energy Transition" Is the Main Culprit Stellantis "Our 2025 full year results reflect the cost of over-estimating the pace of the energy transition and of the need to reset our business around our customers' freedom to choose from the full range of electric, hybrid and internal combustion technologies," Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said. The company also noted that 2025 net revenues were down 2% to €153.5 billion ($181.3 billion), mainly due to "FX headwinds and also from H1 2025 net pricing declines." As a result of the massive net loss, Stellantis announced the suspension of its dividend for 2026. It's not all bad, though. Stellantis said the second half of 2025, in which the new leadership team was in power, saw improvements in revenue growth and industrial free cash flows (IFCF) of 10% and 50%, respectively. "In the second half of the year we began to see initial, positive signs of progress with the early results of our drive to improve quality, strong execution of the launches of our new product wave and a return to top line growth," CEO Antonio Filosa said. The company reported consolidated shipments of 2.8 million units in the second half of 2025, driven by North America growth. A Positive Outlook for 2026 Fueled by New Products So what's next? Stellantis reiterated its 2026 forecasts, including a mid-single-digit percent increase in net revenues and a low-single-digit adjusting operating margin. The carmaker also expects positive industrial free cash flow in 2027. "In 2026 our focus will be on continuing to close the execution gaps of the past, adding further momentum to our return to profitable growth," CEO Filosa said. That growth is expected to be driven by the expanding line of products, aimed at broadening the company's market coverage. In North America, Stellantis noted that the new Jeep Cherokee and Dodge Charger Sixpack mark its re-entry into the mid-SUV and ICE muscle-car segments. Furthermore, the late-2025 launch of the Ram 1500 Hemi V8 and Express models is expected to bring additional momentum. In South America, Stellantis has high expectations from the Ram Dakota midsize pickup, while in Europe, the all-electric Jeep Compass and Citroën C5 Aircross, plus the recently launched Fiat 500 Hybrid, should strengthen the company’s lineup, giving customers more choices that fit their needs. View the full article

Chris Gabehart said in a Wednesday legal filing that the lawsuit against him by former employer Joe Gibbs Racing isn’t about protecting trade secrets but instead ‘punishing a former employee for daring to leave.’ And while less seemingly less consequential on the merits of the lawsuit itself, Gabehart also revealed his reasons for leaving Joe Gibbs Racing in the first place by citing a ...Keep readingView the full article

The Cadillac Celestiq ultra-luxury electric sedan is not a car you can casually buy after spotting it in a showroom; it is far from your average Cadillac model. This is a hand-made, built-to-order flagship that comes with a comprehensive personalization experience for the buyer. That includes design sessions with an in-house concierge via video calls, followed by a visit to Cadillac House at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan to finalize the configuration. On average, it takes three to four months from the start of the commissioning process to its completion, as there are more than 350,000 combinations possible and buyers can decide how every stitch, panel, surface and piece of piping will be customized. The Second Used Celestiq Put Up for Sale in Two Months View the 12 images of this gallery on the original article This rather long introduction should help you understand why it's quite a big deal when a used Cadillac Celestiq appears on the used market; the latest one to do so is a 2025 model listed on duPont Registry with a $499,950 asking price. The 668-mile vehicle is available to see at dealer Galpin Aston Martin in Van Nuys, California, and rather intriguingly, is the second used Celestiq put up for sale in California since December 2025. The previous one was listed for sale by Cadillac of Beverly Hills with a $418,575 asking price with only 3 miles on the clock. So what's up with these barely used Celestiq EVs being already offered up for sale? We can only speculate, but flipping them for profit is the most plausible explanation that springs to mind. When Cadillac launched the Celestiq, the starting MSRP was $340,000, but for the 2026 model year, the price jumped to somewhere in the low-$400,000 range. Someone who bought a Celestiq for $400,000 ($340,000 plus $60,000 in options) could score a 25% profit by selling it for $500,000. The very first Cadillac Celestiq production-spec car was only delivered in June 2025, and the automaker plans to make only 100-150 units per year, so someone who wants to buy a Celestiq quickly without going through the long customization and build process might be tempted to spend more on a pre-owned vehicle. Now, whoever buys a used Celestiq should make sure that the sale does not violate GM's anti-flipping policy, which prohibits owners from selling select rare, high-value cars within 6 or 12 months of the original purchase; if the transaction violates GM's policy, the buyer risks having the warranty voided. Bringing "Standard of the World" Back The example that's currently on sale in Van Nuys is as exquisite as it gets, sporting a stunning Dolce Metallic paint, the same hue found on the VIN 001 car delivered in June 2025. The interior is equally spectacular, combining burgundy in the lower half of the cabin, including the seats, with a cream upper half, including the steering wheel. The materials used inside are some of the finest you can have in an automobile, and the attention to detail is incredible. Equally impressive is the combination of luxury and state-of-the-art tech, as the Celestiq boasts a massive 55-inch HD LED dashboard display, a four-quadrant Smart Glass Panoramic sunroof, 41-speaker AKG Studio Reference sound system, Super Cruise, active rear steering, magnetic ride control, and much more. As a reminder, this modern land yacht—the Celestiq is 217 inches long—is built on GM’s BEV3 platform and features a dual-motor AWD all-electric powertrain delivering 655 hp and 646 lb-ft of instantly available torque, enabling a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds. The 111-kWh lithium-ion Ultium battery pack enables an EPA-estimated driving range of 303 miles and can take up to 200 kW DC fast charging. View the full article

Did you know that BMW once built a convertible version of the E34 M5? Perhaps you did, and if so, you likely assumed that it was never meant to be anything more than the secret one-off prototype it became, but according to a new report by BMW Blog, it was just days from being introduced to the world at the Geneva Motor Show when executives decided to pull the plug. This was reportedly just one week before the event, and BMW had already booked a space at the show for the grand touring convertible's debut. The one-off looked production-ready in Daytona Violet paint, and longer doors for the two-door were created to make the four-seater's proportions work and improve access to the rear. A price was even reportedly decided on: roughly $90,000 in the early 1990s, or over $200,000 in today's money. So why did BMW back away? BMW M5 Convertible Cancelled Because of 3 Series BMW According to the publication, BMW worried that an M5 cabriolet would eat into sales of the profitable E30 3 Series convertible. Remember, the E34 M5 was hand-built (the last to boast the characteristic) and therefore expensive to make, but as Road & Track points out, the M5 was a very low-volume product anyway, with 11,989 examples sold between 1989 and 1995. The M5 Touring (station wagon) was also a low-production vehicle, with just 891 sold, so it stands to reason that an expensive M5 convertible would be similarly slow to sell, and the 3 Series convertible would have remained popular. It's a pity, because this would have been a relatively practical drop-top. According to BMW, the road-ready 315-horsepower prototype has a longer trunk than the sedan to accommodate the hydraulically-powered convertible soft-top roof, indicating that there would still be significant space for the four occupants' luggage. Interestingly, the 3 Series nearly killed the following M5 altogether. E36 M3 Almost Ended the M5 Line BMW The E34 M5 was only the second Bimmer to carry the name after the inaugural E28, and its low volume meant it almost didn't get a follow-up. As I wrote for CarBuzz many moons ago, thanks to information on the MyE28 forum, BMW had just launched the E36 M3 in the early 1990s and simultaneously offered a V8-powered 540i, and the company thought these were enough. Executives believed that those wanting a sports sedan would buy an M3, and anyone who wanted something larger would be satisfied by the E39 540i. Fortunately, customers pushed back, feeling that neither the M3 nor the 540i was exclusive enough after stepping out of the old M5, and BMW caved. The E39 M5 was not hand-built, sharing a production line with the regular 5er, but for many, it remains the peak of the nameplate. Thanks to an excellent chassis and a 400-hp S62 V8, it outsold the E34 in half the time. Perhaps BMW's fears over cannibalizing 3 Series convertible sales would have made more sense with the E39, but BMW ultimately produced an M5 convertible of sorts many years later anyway. They just called it the M6. View the full article

The Math Most Drivers MissPull up to a gas station in Iowa, and you might see E85 priced a dollar or more below regular unleaded. At first glance, this appears to be an easy decision; however, there is a factor that many of us ignore when we make this decision at the pump, and it quietly destroys the perceived savings. E85 contains roughly 27% less energy per gallon than gasoline. This energy deficit will require your engine to use more fuel to travel the same distance, which translates to a 15–27% drop in miles per gallon depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. A truck getting 22 MPG on regular gasoline might manage only 16–17 MPG on E85, with the difference being slimmer on E10 or E15 blends. Put these values into a cost-per-mile equation, and the lower-priced alternative may have the same cost as or even a higher cost than the original option. In general, the break-even point (where E85 costs less than gasoline in running costs) will occur when E85 is priced at least 20-25% below regular gasoline prices. That spread exists reliably in the Midwest corn belt. Coastal drivers rarely see it. Who Actually Benefits From Running ItFlex fuel vehicle owners in the middle of the country are the clearest winners when pricing is on their side. If you're driving a flex fuel vehicle and E85 is $1.20 cheaper per gallon, the math can genuinely work in your favor, especially at higher annual mileage. Other people who see legitimate value in E85 are performance enthusiasts. E85 has an octane rating of 100+; therefore, engines tuned for this level of performance can utilize higher compression ratios and more aggressive ignition timing than can ever be achieved with 93 octane gasoline. Per research by Iowa State University, other drivers are motivated by both domestic sourcing and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. As E85 is typically made from American-grown corn and has significantly lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline, many people choose to support E85 for these reasons. Despite the name, E85 can contain as little as 51% ethanol in the winter months. Ethanol vaporizes less readily in cold air, which is why winter-blend E85 reduces ethanol content to improve ignition. Why Adoption Has Stayed LowDespite over 14 billion gallons of ethanol produced in the US in 2024 (majorly going towards E10 blends), E85 as a consumer fuel has never gone mainstream. Part of the reason is structural. There are roughly 4,000 E85 stations across the country, heavily concentrated in the Midwest, compared to around 150,000 gas stations total. E85 isn’t universally cheaper or universally worse — it’s a spread-dependent fuel. Driving out of your way to save money on fuel defeats the purpose entirely. There are also cold-weather drawbacks. Ethanol's properties make cold starts genuinely difficult in sub-zero temperatures, a real practical concern in northern states. And most drivers simply don't own a flex fuel vehicle, since FFVs require ethanol-compatible fuel lines, seals, and engine management software that standard vehicles lack. The biggest barrier might be psychological. Seeing a lower price per gallon feels like a win, and doing the cost-per-mile math feels like homework. E85 is a pricing game, not a discount fuel. When the spread is wide enough, it wins. When it isn’t, drivers pay for lower energy density in ways the pump doesn’t show. View the full article

A New Purpose in LifeEver wondered what happens to test units once their job is done? Well, it depends on the manufacturer. Some are kept, while others are sold off. There are also those who meet an undignified date with the crusher. However, Toyota took a different route with one of its Sequoia testers. From being driven by people like us, this particular one was turned into a first-responder vehicle. It currently does rounds in Toyota's Arizona proving grounds, and it's there in case of emergencies around the facility. The folks from Car and Driver took a closer look at it, and it's a pretty well-equipped rig for the job. Toyota The RigThe first-responder Sequoia is based on the Platinum trim, so it's a pretty well-equipped mobile office. But while most of the features are still there, the SUV is stripped of all its badging for a more utilitarian look. But this isn't just a Sequoia with lights and sirens on it; it's much more than that. The suspension lift is care of Westcott Designs and is actually compatible with the SUV's built-in air suspension. It then rides on 34-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T4W tires in case it has to drive to tricky spots, and there are other accessories fitted such as towing side mirrors, and LED spotlights. Also, the third-row seats have been chucked out. It's been replaced by a slide-out cargo tray to maximize the SUV's load-carrying abilities and to make room for even more equipment. As for the front half of the cabin, it's been outfitted with lights and siren controls, as well as a radio and PA system. Toyota Should Toyota Enter the Special Service Vehicle Market?It's a pretty good-looking rig, but it doesn't look like Toyota plans to make more first-responder vehicles from the Sequoia. Still, it's an interesting market it can tap into, given that all its competitors are in on it. It's a small slice of the market, but sales are sales nonetheless. Chevrolet has two versions of the Tahoe for such duties. There's the SSV or Special Service Vehicle and the PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle), the latter catering more to law enforcement. Meanwhile, Ford has the Expedition and Expedition Max SSV, and there's no police version of it. Of course, duty-specific cars require a couple of modifications, and Toyota probably couldn't spare the time to develop one for a relatively small market. Still, the Sequioa does hold potential to be the Fire Chief's next ride. Hopefully, the company sorts out those 3.4 turbo issues, too. Chevrolet View the full article