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The Chase for the Championship is back and that means having a good points day is back in vogue but also questions about the standings for drivers who are not off to the start they intended. That includes Kyle Larson, who leaves the back-to-back drafting track races 21st in the standings. “And …,” Larson said tersely when told that fact outside the infield care center on Sunday at ...Keep readingView the full article

Let's start off this week's edition of 'Winners and Losers' by just applauding the minds behind the Atlanta reconfiguration. The new version of this historic track has quickly asserted itself as one of the best on the schedule, and consistently puts on the most exciting races. On Sunday, 14 different drivers took a turn out front with a record 57 lead changes. And despite all of the chaos and ...Keep readingView the full article

At just 13 years old, Keelan Harvick will now follow the highly successful Toyota pipeline as one of the manufacturer's development drivers. “I’m really grateful to have this kind of opportunity with Toyota Racing Development,” said Harvick. “To have their support and be able to represent ExxonMobil, it doesn’t get much better. I’m still getting experience, but it’s going to be a ...Keep readingView the full article

For several years now, the BMW X4 has been on life support. Since 2022, we've seen reports that the coupe-styled crossover will be killed off, but it's not going to disappear altogether. According to a reputable insider who shares their findings on the BimmerPost forum, the X4 will return, and an M variant is coming next year with more power than the 717-horsepower M5, but both it and the base crossover will be all-electric SUVs. As first reported by BMW Blog, the electric iX4 will enter production in November of this year, and the M variant will follow a year later, joining the iX3 M. However, neither electric vehicle is expected to be denoted by the "i" prefix. How BMW intends to set these apart from combustion-powered vehicles remains to be seen, but what we do know is that they'll be very powerful. Quad-Motor X4 M Electric Crossover to Make Over 800 HP BMW Both the electric X3 and the electric X4's M variants are expected to share the electric M3's powertrain, which means four electric motors with over 800 hp. For the record, the S58-engined X4 M of the current generation makes up to 503 hp in Competition guise. BMW is also likely to offer M Performance EVs with dual-motor setups producing more than 600 hp, the first of which will be the iX3 M60 with up to 630 hp, scheduled to arrive before 2026 comes to a close. This will share the 108.7-kWh battery of the iX3 50 xDrive, though its higher output will mean less range. The X3 M is said to be internally known by the designation ZA5, and the X4 M EV is called ZA7 (ZA6 is reportedly being reserved for an M version of China's long-wheelbase iX3). Production of the electric M3 is expected to begin in Munich in March 2027, and the electric X3 M and X4 M will follow shortly after. Why the Gas BMW X4 Is Departing SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article In 2024, Motor1 Italy reported that BMW representatives had revealed the X4's discontinuation is being attributed to the success and growth of the X2, which has become bigger and more packed with features in its latest generation. The X2 is still considerably smaller than the X4, measuring 8.3 inches shorter in length and 2.9 inches narrower. Its roof is also 1.2 inches lower and its wheelbase 6.8 inches smaller. Those are significant differences, but BMW expects those wanting more room to go for the X3 instead. It seems that BMW wants to streamline its offering, removing vehicles that overlap unnecessarily. Of course, none of this is official yet, and with less legislative support for EVs, it's unclear how long these rumored plans will stay in place. View the full article

Speed limits will always be a contentious topic, but there’s no denying that one of the places they’re most needed is on city streets. Despite that, most speed limits in the US are set according to state laws, and established based on prevailing traffic speed. This method, known as the 85th percentile rule, is implemented in the same way on urban roads as on free-flowing rural highways. A few years ago, though, California passed Assembly Bill 43 (AB 43), a law that granted cities in the state the freedom to set certain speed limits themselves based on other, safety-based criteria instead, and San Diego could be about to reduce the speed limit on hundreds of miles of its roads as a result. The 85th Percentile Rule Photo by Kevin Carter on Getty Images With some exceptions where blanket speed limits are applied, like residential areas, the US and many other countries set their limits based around the 85th percentile rule. This takes into account the speed that 85% of drivers on a stretch of road are travelling at or below, and uses it to determine the speed limit, usually to the nearest 5mph. While essentially setting limits through the popular opinion of drivers, the system also has some obvious drawbacks. Namely, even if a piece of road has been identified as a danger spot, it can be difficult for local governments to get the speed limit lowered if the vast majority of drivers are still travelling within the posted limit. That’s what AB 43 aimed to change. What AB 43 Changed Getty When it passed in 2021, AB 43 and its associated laws allowed Californian cities to set speed limits based on criteria outside the 85th percentile rule. On roads with a higher number of serious accidents and streets that are more likely to have a high concentration of pedestrians and cyclists, cities can now reduce speed limits by up to 5 MPH regardless of the 85th percentile. Meanwhile, in ‘business activity districts’ – streets with high densities of business and therefore frequent parking and pedestrian movements – cities can now impose 25 or 20 MPH limits, and in school zones, limits can be set at as low as 15 MPH. What It Means For San Diego Public domain / Wikimedia Commons The city of San Diego plans to take advantage of these laws with its newly-released Comprehensive Speed Management Plan, which outlines that a total of 679.1 miles of roads have been identified as eligible for speed limit reductions under these new laws – over 20% of all the roads in the city. The document, though, makes it clear that this is all still in the planning stages, and that not every piece of road identified will necessarily get its limit reduced. It estimates that implementing the plan will take around a year and “will require significant coordination, signage updates, and staff resources.” It also accepts that lowering posted limits alone won’t help the city achieve its ‘Vision Zero’ goal of no deaths or serious injuries on its roads, and that public education and physical changes to street design and infrastructure will also need to play a role. In the shorter term, though, if you regularly drive in San Diego, you might soon have to start setting off for work that little bit earlier. View the full article

Alfa Romeo still builds cool cars like the Giulia Quadrifoglio, but the 33 Stradale might be its finest work yet. Unfortunately, one just seemingly vanished into thin air from its home in Italy. The modern revival of the legendary supercar, limited to just 33 units worldwide and reportedly valued at €30 million ($35.4 million), is now part of a criminal investigation. What should have been a straightforward ownership transfer has turned into a complicated legal dispute involving investigators, lawyers, and a public appeal from the late owner’s family. A Controversial Sale Raises Red Flags Stellantis Media According to the Chronicles of Campania, the car’s previous owner, described as a well-known French collector, allegedly signed a sales agreement while under pressure and in a vulnerable emotional state. The family now disputes the legitimacy of those documents. One of the most puzzling elements is the reported transaction price of just €10 for a car estimated to be worth tens of millions. Soon after the transfer, a newly formed company reportedly took ownership, deregistered the car, declared the license plates lost, and moved it out of the country. Is it illegal to sell a €30 million Italian supercar for €10? No. Is it suspicious? Most certainly. Tracking An International Paper Trail Alfa Romeo The investigation is now being handled by prosecutors in Milan, where authorities are examining allegations that include extortion and forged documentation. Lawyers representing the heirs – Angelo and Sergio Pisani, and Francesco Sacchetti – say the vehicle’s quick transfer, deregistration, and exportation can make tracking far more difficult once a car leaves its home country, making this missing halo car's search and rescue mission much more difficult than expected. A €100,000 Reward Alfa Romeo In an effort to recover the missing car, the family has announced a €100,000 reward for information that leads to its discovery. With only 33 examples built, spotting one would be difficult to miss, whether it appears in public or nests inside a private collection. As legal teams continue working between Naples and Milan, the mystery of the missing Italian supercar is far from over. View the full article

Engineering Without LimitsOut of the seven Mercedes-Benz S-Class generations, the third-gen W140 is widely regarded as one of the most coveted. It’s often praised for its uncompromising, “over-engineered” approach – developed during a period before stricter cost-cutting measures were implemented. The W140 stood out in its segment – competing against rivals like the BMW 7 Series (E38) – with its imposing proportions and available V12 engine, marking Mercedes-Benz’s return to a production V12 in the postwar era. Producing around 389 horsepower, it delivered performance figures that were impressive for a flagship luxury sedan of its time. Now, thanks to Vintage Car Revival, we get to see this classic brought back to life through a comprehensive restoration. Starting from ZeroThis particular 1991 Mercedes-Benz S600 was reportedly in “damaged condition” and appeared to have been pulled from a junkyard. The restoration team stripped the car down completely – removing the exterior panels and seats – before rebuilding it from the ground up, including a full engine overhaul. The project also addressed the wiring harness, a well-known weak point on early W140 models due to its biodegradable wire insulation, which can deteriorate over time and make refurbishment labor-intensive. The chassis even underwent e-coating – an electro-dip process in which the body is submerged in a protective primer bath to help prevent corrosion and rust – effectively returning it to like-new condition. The exterior was refinished in its original black, with other components, including the springs, also painted black, while elements such as the engine cover were finished in a silver-gray tone. Vintage Car Revival/YouTube The Cost of AmbitionVintage Car Revival did not provide further details about its plans for the restored Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In the U.S., however, used examples typically trade in the $20,000 to $30,000 range, with values fluctuating depending on condition, mileage, and service history. That represents a significant decline from its original flagship positioning. For reference, the car carried an original sticker price of around $140,000, which equates to roughly $320,000 in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation. In hindsight, Mercedes-Benz’s “overengineering” approach may have contributed to the model’s steep depreciation. The V12 is complex and expensive to maintain, and fuel efficiency is modest at best — particularly given the car’s substantial size and weight. That context makes this restoration feel more compelling, especially as it preserves an era of engineering ambition that would later give way to stricter cost discipline. Vintage Car Revival/YouTube View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The current WL-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee has been around for half a decade, but there's still no Hellcat-powered Trackhawk variant. That may soon change, though, thanks to the return of V8-loving Tim Kuniskis as the boss of SRT (and Ram), reports The Drive. With Stellantis bringing HEMI V8s back and the Hellcat engine looking more and more likely to return to the Dodge Charger, the publication spoke to Jeep's vice president of sales, Mauricio Lopez, about the possibility of a high-performance Grand Cherokee being offered again. His responses were as guarded as they always are when discussing future product, but they were promising. Hellcat-Powered Jeep Grand Cherokee Certainly Possible Jeep "I mean, absolutely everything is on the table," said Lopez. "There are a lot of things being developed, but Stellantis announced a $13 billion investment in the future of the company. With that, I can tell you there's a lot of product actions coming that, of course, we cannot announce at this point." He added that "having Tim Kuniskis as the head of this [SRT brand], you can imagine what is coming also from a powertrain perspective." This comes after Grand Cherokee lead engineer Joe Aljajawi recently said that the automaker is listening to customers who want a V8, telling them to "stay tuned for more." With legislation around emissions loosening both here and abroad and that massive investment in domestic production, American brands under the Stellantis umbrella are set to enjoy more freedom to explore powertrains that U.S. buyers want. The only question is when to expect new variants, but the fact that V8 and high-performance trims are not being ruled out implies that the WL Grand Cherokee's platform won't prove too challenging to adapt to an eight-cylinder setup. What to Expect from a New Grand Cherokee SRT Cars and Bids The original Grand Cherokee SRT8 produced over 470 horsepower from its 6.4-liter HEMI V8, and the Trackhawk, offered from 2018-2021, developed up to 707 hp from its supercharged motor. A revival of either variant (non-supercharged or Hellcat-powered) would likely improve on those figures. The Trackhawk could get from 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, and with all-wheel drive, just about anyone could replicate those figures without needing a prepped surface and optimal conditions, unlike the Challenger Hellcat variants, whose tires turned power into smoke more easily than into speed. The tricky thing for an automaker is to keep pricing in the right window. The 2021 Trackhawk started at over $90,000, and offering similar or better performance in the modern WL package for less than six figures may be challenging. View the full article

Engineering ExcerciseEvery so often, we still get the odd hypercar that nobody was expecting. Despite our world being driven by sustainability, some brands are still willing to bankroll passion projects that produce stunning cars that everyone lusts for. One of the most recent examples is the 2024 Aston Martin Valkyrie, a project so ambitious and hyper-focused on absolute performance. Very few of these examples were made, and when one goes up for sale, it's a big deal. Pinnacle of Automotive Technology and DesignThere's one Valkyrie that's just been listed on the DuPont Registry. This particular car is model number 130 of just 150 total and comes with an extremely low 156 miles. The color is also the iconic Satin Lime Essence we associate with the Valkyrie, alongside the British Racing Green color. Multiple variants and body types were offered: the spider, the AMR Pro, the Valkyrie LM, and the Coupe. The LM and the Pro were both track-only versions; this for-sale model is a coupe, making it street-legal. This car is a collaboration project with Red Bull Racing, and the legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey was very hands-on with it. Honing in on the F1 aspect, the Valkyrie has a lot of unique features that other hypercars don't necessarily have. For example, the drivers sit in a reclined feet-up position just like in F1. The interior is very minimalist; all of the buttons and displays are mounted on the removable steering wheel. Aerodynamics is a huge part of this car, and the underbody venturi tunnels generate up to 4,000 lbs of downforce. The body itself is also very lightweight, made from 100% carbon fibre, and it achieves the highly sought-after Power to Weight ratio of 1:1. Weight is such a big deal that the front emblem is etched on the body, and is just 40 microns thick, making it 99.4% lighter than a normal emblem. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Hyper Performance and PriceIts engine, of course, is a derivative of current F1 technology. A 6.5-liter naturally aspirated Aston Martin V12, which comes with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) developed by Rimac. The total power output is a mind-bending 1,160 hp and 664 ft-lb of torque; it is actually considered one of the loudest engines ever made. Decibel ratings are at 137db, and owners are supplied with helicopter-grade noise-cancelling headphones. Being such a rare car, there is no listed price. It's a price-type deal, but historically, Aston Valkyries have sold for around $2,500,000 to $3,000,000. This one, being a coupe, is actually considered one of the variants that holds its value due to exclusivity. View the full article

Playing by Maranello’s RulesBy now, Ferrari’s strict ownership policies are widely known; violating them can reportedly land owners on the brand’s so-called “blacklist.” Still, for various reasons, some choose to go against the guidelines and do things their own way. One of them is Mat Armstrong, who claimed he was blocked from ordering parts directly from Ferrari and that his chances of getting his 296 GTB repaired through official channels were significantly reduced. Armstrong runs a YouTube channel with over 6.2 million subscribers, so it’s perhaps no surprise that he tends to do things his own way in the name of content. It may be entertaining for enthusiasts, but the financial implications could be another matter. He previously documented a DIY rebuild of a Ferrari 812 Superfast and even claimed that Bugatti owners could simply 3D-print replacement parts for their hypercars – a statement that Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac later challenged. Dead in the GarageNot to digress, Armstrong’s issue with the Ferrari 296 GTB – which he purchased in wrecked condition – was that it wouldn’t start, displaying the message: “Hybrid system failure. Go to dealer.” He made several attempts to resolve it, including installing curtain airbags, but without success. As such, he committed to fully rebuilding the car in hopes of eventually securing Ferrari’s assistance. Midway through the rebuild, however, Armstrong decided to order genuine 296 Challenge parts with the goal of transforming his plug-in hybrid Ferrari into a race car. While some of the components initially arrived, Ferrari later blocked further orders. According to Armstrong, a representative told him the company wanted to ensure that every part it produces goes to the correct vehicle. Nevertheless, Armstrong pressed on with the build. He modified some of the genuine 296 Challenge components to retain basic road-use functionality, including adjusting the license plate mounting and reinstalling necessary sensors. Ferrari later instructed him to have the 296 GTB inspected at a certified body shop before it would work on the car. However, by that point, the YouTuber knew the car had already been fitted with several parts intended for the track-only version – leaving him less optimistic about receiving official assistance. Mat Armstrong/YouTube Waiting for the Green LightIn the end, Armstrong said he sent an email to Ferrari, hoping the company would reconsider and help resolve the issue. The situation highlights how Ferrari ownership may not be as glamorous as it appears from the outside, a sentiment echoed in the past by collectors such as Jay Leno, who has spoken critically about the brand's dealer experience. It also underscores a wider takeaway: while modern technology has enhanced performance and safety, it has also made today’s vehicles far more complex. He claimed to have bought the wrecked 296 GTB for £100,000 (about $135,000 at current exchange rates), and if he’s unable to get it back on the road, the project could quickly become a six-figure gamble that doesn’t pay off. Mat Armstrong/YouTube View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Complicated Record with High-Speed MachinesRichard Hammond made a name for himself by taking fast cars to their limits and making the experience accessible to viewers. Some of his most memorable moments, though, have come from things not going to plan. A jet-powered dragster crash in 2006 put him in the hospital and showed just how little room there is for error at high speed. Later, he crashed a 1,200-horsepower Rimac during a hillclimb, but walked away. These moments have become part of his story, a reminder that speed and risk are never far apart for Hammond. And yet, here he is again, getting inside the Yangwang U9 Xtreme – the world’s fastest car with almost triple the power of the Rimac. Uh oh. Fear and RespectHammond didn’t hide his nerves as he approached the U9 Xtreme. He made it clear that his past run-ins with high-powered machines were front of mind, and he knows better than most that cars like this don’t forgive mistakes. That sense of caution stuck with him once he hit the track. What surprised him most was how effortless the performance felt. Acceleration wasn’t dramatic – it was just immediate, with no buildup at all. It wasn’t so much about the sensation of speed as the simple fact of it. One moment you’re here, the next you’re somewhere else, and the car barely seems to notice. He went in expecting a straight-line brute, but what he found was something far more composed – and maybe a little unsettling. For a car this heavy, Hammond said the U9 Xtreme turned in sharply, kept its body in check, and handled the tricky stuff behind the scenes while he just steered and worked the throttle. There were moments when he wondered if he was really in charge or just along for the ride. By the end, Hammond’s reaction was a mix of awe and nerves. He called the experience addictive and even joyful, but not exactly comforting. The car still scared him, and in his view, that’s exactly what a hypercar is supposed to do. Yangwang Faster than a BugattiThe Yangwang U9 Xtreme is BYD’s boldest performance car so far. It runs a 1,200-volt electrical system and packs four electric motors for a combined output just shy of 3,000 horsepower. Torque vectoring and the DiSus-X active suspension handle grip, weight shifts, and body control as you drive. Power comes from a track-ready lithium-iron-phosphate Blade Battery built for consistent output. The design is all about aerodynamics, from the sharp front splitter to the swan-neck rear wing and multi-layered diffuser. Recent verified runs have seen it top 308 mph in a single direction and lap the Nürburgring in under seven minutes. The numbers are wild, but the way U9 Xtreme delivers them, as we’ve seen in the video, is incredibly casual. View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

As with many other EV-only automakers, Lucid Motors is forced to face the new realities of the U.S. electric car market in the wake of last year's termination of the $7,500 EV federal tax credit and the rollback of stricter fuel efficiency targets by the Trump administration. For the California-based EV startup, the drop in electric car demand has led to a 12% reduction of its global salaried workforce, according to TechCrunch, which got hold of an internal company memo sent to employees. Hourly Workers at Arizona Plant Keep Their Jobs Lucid In the February 20 email, Lucid interim CEO Marc Winterhoff said the "difficult but necessary decision was made to improve operational effectiveness and optimize our resources as we continue on our path toward profitability." Lucid has yet to turn a profit as it continues to burn cash at an alarming rate. The company has been burning roughly $310 million per month, with quarterly losses reaching around $1 billion in some quarters; for example, Lucid posted a $1.03 billion net loss in Q3 2025. The memo did not specify how many employees were being let go but noted that hourly workers across the manufacturing, logistics and quality teams at its Casa Grande, Arizona assembly plant were not affected by the cuts. Lucid Motors reported having 6,800 full-time employees worldwide at the end of 2024, which suggests that the layoffs are in the hundreds, if not closer to 1,000 assuming staff had grown since late 2024. The magnitude of the layoffs will become clear when Lucid files its annual 10-K filing with the SEC. Former Nikola Employees Reportedly Affected Nikola Winterhoff said the employees impacted by the layoffs would be provided "severance, bonus, continued health benefits, and transition support to help them through this period." According to EV, the job cuts affected professionals in battery testing and R&D, EV test and validation, continuous improvement and reliability engineering, simulation and thermal engineering, vehicle logistics, and corporate innovation. In addition, departments like manufacturing engineering, functional safety and autonomous driving, quality engineering, and talent acquisition were reportedly affected. The same source claims that some of the affected workers are former Nikola engineers who joined Lucid less than a year ago after the EV maker acquired select Nikola facilities and assets in Arizona; the electric truck manufacturer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2025. Lucid Maintains Its Strategy Despite Job Cuts Lucid Motors News of the job cuts comes as Lucid is in the middle of ramping up production and deliveries of the Gravity large SUV and is also gearing up to launch a more affordable mid-size EV later this year. The vehicle will start around $50,000 and will likely be a crossover, judging by the teaser image Lucid released last year (see above photo). The Saudi-backed EV maker struggled with Gravity production and quality issues during the first few months after the electric SUV entered production in late 2024 but managed to ramp production last year, ending it with 15,841 units delivered, a double output compared to 2024. Lucid's interim CEO pledged that the layoffs will not affect the company's strategy, which includes the start of production of the new midsize model this year, increasing sales for the Air sedan and Gravity SUV across the world, continued ADAS and software development, and an expansion into the robotaxi market. The company is working with Uber and autonomous vehicle company Nuro to launch a robotaxi service in the San Francisco Bay Area late this year. View the full article

Italian DominanceIt’s 1999, and Ducati has won eight out of the last 12 Superbike World Championship (WSBK) riders’ titles. Over the preceding decade, their unique V-twin-powered machines proved to be a dominant force in a field otherwise populated by V-fours and inline fours. Honda, on the other hand, with their reputation for engineering excellence and legendary motorsport heritage, struggled to match the Italians. The Honda RC45 race bike, powered by a 750-cc V-four motor, was an excellent machine in its own right, but struggled to compete with the larger-capacity Ducati V-twins. Larger capacity because the WSBK regulations of the era capped displacement at 750cc for four-cylinder motors, while twins were allowed up to 1,000cc. Twins vs FoursAt the time, Ducati was known for its lightweight, short-stroke V-twin engines while Japanese motorcycle brands had spent years perfecting their high-revving four-cylinder motors. The smaller and lighter pistons in these four-pot motors, combined with the more frequent power pulses, allowed for higher rpm and consequently higher peak power than a twin-cylinder engine of similar capacity. The regulations were designed to even out this peak power deficit and level the playing field, but didn’t take into account the V-twin’s inherent character — strong, instantly-accessible torque through the midrange. The kind of torque that aggressively accelerates you out of a corner and towards the next one, without having to wait for the motor to spin up into the stratosphere. On most racetracks, peak power doesn’t mean much without the ability to efficiently put that power down, and Ducati’s dominance demonstrated just that. If You Can’t Beat Em…While Ducati celebrated its 1999 championship victory, Honda was already preparing for some big changes. Acknowledging that it would be impossible for their 750s to match the Italian machines, which had grown in size from 851cc in 1990 to 996cc in 1999, Honda Racing Corporation’s (HRC) top bosses made the decision sometime in the mid ‘90s to take a page out of Ducati’s book and develop a big-bore V-twin of their own. While this would give Honda engineers the freedom to go beyond the 750cc cap, successfully building a competitive engine with a whole new philosophy on the first attempt would be a formidable task. They would also be going toe-to-toe with a manufacturer with a lot more experience, as Ducati had been refining the art of building high-performance V-twins since the ‘70s. Uncharted TerritoryHonda had spent the last two decades perfecting its V-four engines; the decision to abandon this configuration and start a whole new development journey from scratch could not have been an easy one. The goal? Direct the might of Honda’s R&D, vast technical knowledge, and engineering expertise towards creating a competent superbike with a V-twin heart to take on the Ducati 996 in the 2000 WSBK season. Essentially, the team behind the project was tasked with building a better Ducati than Ducati themselves! What they finally came up with was a 999cc V-twin with a 90-degree angle between cylinder banks, four valves per cylinder, a 100mm bore, and a 63.6mm stroke. The dual overhead camshafts were driven by a series of gears for Swiss-clockwork-like precision, the perfectly-balanced forged steel crankshaft was designed to handle sustained high-rpm operation, short-skirted cast-aluminium pistons and aluminum composite cylinder sleeves were given friction-reducing coatings, and forged steel connecting rods featured a unique ‘nutless’ bolt-through-rod design to reduce weight and improve durability. The Honda RC51In early 1999, Honda’s American factory rider Colin Edwards was spotted testing a pre-production, V-twin-powered superbike at Australia’s historic Philip Island circuit. This was the motorcycle would be revealed to the public a year later, officially designated the RC51 and marketed in the U.S. as the RVT1000R. In other markets, including Europe, Japan, and Australia, it was sold as the VTR1000SP1. It was also what Edwards would ride in the 2000 WSBK season. Honda Going RacingThe RC51 proved to be a resounding success in its inaugural year, outperforming the Ducatis and bringing Honda and Colin Edwards the 2000 WSBK constructors’ and riders' championship titles. Ducati hit back the following year and snatched the title back, but Honda’s engineers were already busy refining the RC51 with various minor alterations, including larger throttle bodies, smoother fuelling for more predictable throttle response, better injectors, a different swingarm, and changes to chassis geometry to fine-tune the bike’s handling. Back to the races with this new SP2 version of the RC51 in 2002, Honda proved once and for all that they had built the superior V-twin superbike by reclaiming the rider’s championship, with the RC51 earning the ‘Ducati Killer’ nickname in the process. Unfortunately, the RC51’s reign did not last very long; 2003 saw a reworking of the WSBK rules that finally allowed 1,000-cc four-cylinder motorcycles to compete. Honda had by then done what they had set out to do — prove that they have the engineering chops to adapt, innovate, and outdo the competition at their own game. Prioritising the development of Valentino Rossi’s RC211V MotoGP prototype race bike, the company opted out of the championship that year. They did, however, return in 2004 with the all-new CBR1000RR Fireblade, but that is a story for another day. Aside from these two WSBK titles, the RC51 had many more racing successes. These included a victory at the 2000 Isle of Man TT, the top spot at the 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, top spot in the 2002 AMA championship, victories at the Daytona 200 in 2002 and 2003, and four consecutive victories at the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race from 2000 onwards, culminating in a podium lockout in 2003. During its short time in the sun, the RC51 was raced by legends including Joey Dunlop, Valentino Rossi, Colin Edwards, Nicky Hayden, Daijiro Kato, and many more. Honda RC51 LegacyAlthough Honda officially stepped away from racing the RC51 after 2003, the road-going version of the bike remained on sale till 2006, when it was finally replaced by the CBR1000RR as the brand’s litre-class flagship and halo product. Today, the RC51 has achieved legendary status, is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, and has left an indelible mark on motorcycle racing history. View the full article

An Open-Top SurpriseFerrari is reportedly set to unveil five new models this year, and one of them could be a convertible version of the Amalfi. According to The Supercar Blog, the Italian marque is expected to introduce the Amalfi Spider in the first half of March 2026. If accurate, it would effectively serve as the successor to the Roma Spider. The Amalfi Spider is expected to closely mirror the coupe, which debuted last year as Ferrari’s newest entry-level offering. As with most convertibles, however, the absence of a fixed roof can result in reduced torsional rigidity — something that may be noticeable during aggressive, high-speed cornering. The model is said to feature a folding fabric roof and revisions to the rear decklid to accommodate the convertible setup. Ferrari The Heart of the SpiderUnder the hood, the 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is expected to be retained, producing 631 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. That power unit is based on Ferrari’s F154 V8 architecture, which underpins several models in the lineup, though applications such as the SF90 Stradale feature hybrid assistance. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The coupe does 0-62 mph in 3.3 seconds, and the convertible should be about the same. The report also stated that the Amalfi Spider could feature an active rear spoiler, Side Slip Control 6.1, and the automaker's new brake-by-wire system. This setup is designed to deliver faster and more precise braking by using electronic pedal sensing and control to modulate brake pressure, rather than relying solely on a traditional mechanical linkage. Ferrari A Price for Open AirWith the additional hardware required for the retractable roof and structural reinforcements, the Amalfi Spider is expected to carry a higher price tag than the coupe. For reference, the Amalfi coupe starts at around $283,000, with U.S. sales expected to begin later this year. If the Amalfi Spider materializes, it would be one of five new Ferrari models expected this year, including the Luce, the brand’s first all-electric vehicle. Rumors also point to more track-focused variants of existing models, such as the 12Cilindri, though nothing has been officially confirmed as of this writing. Ultimately, the company is reportedly planning to roll out around 20 new models by 2030, with the lineup consisting of roughly 40 percent combustion cars, 40 percent hybrids, and 20 percent EVs. Ferrari View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Skyactiv-Z: Mazda’s Combustion ResetMazda has made it clear that combustion engines are still part of its plans, and Skyactiv-Z is the strongest proof yet. This new 2.5-liter four-cylinder follows Skyactiv-G and the less successful Skyactiv-X, but the focus this time is on getting more real-world efficiency out of every drop of fuel. For the uninitiated, Mazda’s Skyactiv-Z takes a different approach, using ultra-lean combustion and lambda-one control to get closer to what Mazda calls “ultimate combustion.” In a nutshell, the focus is on thermal efficiency across the rev range. On paper, that means lower fuel use, less CO2, and more consistent performance as emissions rules get stricter. This engine will also be the core of Mazda’s next in-house hybrid system, which uses a parallel setup instead of the Toyota-based systems found in bigger Mazdas. A recent report from Japan says Mazda’s best-selling nameplate, the next CX-5, will be the first to get this pairing, starting with a mild hybrid before a full hybrid version follows. Mazda What the Report Says So FarThe timeline update comes from Japanese outlet Best Car, which has a track record for insider info, though as always, it should be taken with a dash of salt. According to its report, the new CX-5 launches this year with a 2.5-liter mild-hybrid engine, followed by Mazda’s full-hybrid system in 2027, once development is finalized. Mazda hasn’t shared full specs yet, but it has confirmed Skyactiv-Z will meet Euro 7 and U.S. LEV4/Tier 4 emissions standards. That points to a global focus. Power numbers are still under wraps, but Mazda says the priority is usable performance – meaning efficiency, not just headline figures. Even without full specs, Skyactiv-Z is shaping up to be Mazda’s most ambitious combustion project in a long time. With the Skyactiv-X flopping, we are a bit cautious about expectations, though we must admit Mazda’s new approach feels more realistic. Mazda Powering the next MX-5 and Inline-Six PlansThe CX-5 isn’t the only model in line for Skyactiv-Z. Mazda has already said the next MX-5 will use this tech too, which should reassure fans worried about the roadster going fully electric. Mazda also plans to bring these combustion ideas to its inline-six engines for bigger models. That means fewer engine families to manage, and better emissions numbers across the board. Mazda View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Smashing ExpectationsBig horsepower numbers typically come from equally big engines, but this latest dyno project flips that expectation on its head. The in-house experiment evolved from a modest development mule into a full-blown engineering statement capable of producing supercar-level output, and then some. What began as testing camshaft development and OEM-based modifications quickly escalated into a pursuit of absolute limits. The philosophy behind the build was simple: push conventional hardware far beyond expectations. Rather than relying on exotic race-only components, the team intentionally retained a stock block and crankshaft, demonstrating that significant performance still exists within GM’s LV engine architecture when paired with modern turbocharging, refined airflow strategies, and careful calibration. From Workhorse Truck Engine to Boost MonsterProducing this level of power from a stock-based V6 isn’t entirely surprising given GM’s engineering. The build starts with the Gen V 4.3-liter LV3 V6, closely related to the LT-series V8 family. Featuring an aluminum 90-degree architecture, the truck-born engine originally produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque with Direct Injection, Active Fuel Management, and Variable Valve Timing. Introduced in 2014 Silverado and Sierra models, its durable design and forged steel crankshaft have long made it a strong candidate for high-performance forced-induction builds. That shared DNA enables extreme performance builds. For this setup, AFM and VVT were deleted, while direct injection was converted to port injection managed by a Holley Dominator ECU running VP Racing MS109 fuel. Twin mirror-image turbos feed a reinforced Holley Hi-Ram intake and water-to-air intercooler, with output climbing from about 660 horsepower at 8 PSI to over 1,000 horsepower at 23 PSI during dyno testing. YouTube - @Sdpartscenter Record Numbers – And Power Left on the TableThe final dyno pull arrived at 33 PSI of boost, where the compact V6 produced a staggering 1,403 horsepower and 1,124 lb-ft of torque. Remarkably, the roughly 400-pound complete engine package delivers an extraordinary 3.12 horsepower-per-pound ratio, territory normally reserved for professional motorsport powerplants and maybe even GM's venerable LS engine. Even more impressive, the engine showed no signs of mechanical distress at shutdown. With stable oil pressure, controlled temperatures, and continued power gains visible, the team ended testing purely to preserve the engine. If anything, this twin-turbo V6 proves that modern engine architecture, clever fabrication, and relentless experimentation can redefine what “small displacement” performance truly means. View the full article

A Supposedly Repair Turns Into a $6,600 ShockA recent case involving an older-generation Toyota RAV4 owner has sparked debate online after a dealership quoted roughly $6,600 to repair what was described simply as an “airbox.” The story surfaced on Reddit, where the owner asked fellow users whether the estimate sounded reasonable. Notably, no specific symptoms or failure details were mentioned, leaving commenters to interpret the quote based solely on pricing and terminology. The confusion largely stemmed from the word itself. To most drivers, an airbox sounds like a straightforward plastic intake housing sitting under the hood. Instead, technicians were referring to something far more complex, buried deep within the dashboard. What initially appeared to be a routine repair quickly revealed itself as one of the most labor-intensive jobs possible on a modern crossover. Rising Repair Costs And What This “Airbox” Actually IncludesVehicle repair expenses have steadily increased due to tighter packaging, integrated components, and rising labor rates. In this case, the so-called airbox likely refers to the HVAC or A/C radiator assembly, specifically Toyota part number 87050-42720, listed through parts channels such as the Toyota Radiator Assy Air Conditioner 87050-42720. The component alone can cost between $2,200 and $2,500 before markup or installation. This assembly isn’t a simple housing. It may include the heater core, evaporator core, blend doors, air distribution ducts, electronic actuators, and multiple internal airflow mechanisms packaged into a single unit. Labor is where costs escalate dramatically. Replacement requires removing the entire dashboard, often involving steering column repositioning, center console removal, wiring harness disconnection, and strict airbag safety procedures. HVAC servicing adds further steps such as refrigerant evacuation, resealing, vacuum testing, and system recharge. One Reddit commenter estimated up to 18 labor hours, and at dealership rates ranging from $150 to $200 per hour, labor alone can exceed $3,000–$4,000, placing the total quote surprisingly right on the money. Used assemblies occasionally appear on marketplaces like eBay for under $1,000, offering potential savings. However, risks include hidden wear, evaporator leaks, or limited warranty protection. Even with a cheaper part, labor requirements remain unchanged, meaning total savings may be smaller than expected. Toyota The Bigger Picture: Repairability Versus Modern ComplexityInterestingly, some automakers are beginning to rethink vehicle serviceability altogether. Newer vehicle programs are experimenting with modular construction intended to simplify ownership and reduce long-term repair costs. The idea is straightforward: easier access and replaceable subcomponents can prevent minor failures from turning into multi-thousand-dollar service visits. Yet modern cars, particularly electrified models, still come with trade-offs. While electric vehicles may reduce routine maintenance expenses, complex electronics and integrated systems can still generate expensive repair scenarios when failures occur. The RAV4 Hybrid case ultimately illustrates a broader industry reality: reliability doesn’t always equal affordability when major components fail. As vehicles become quieter, safer, and more technologically advanced, owners may increasingly discover that the most expensive problems are often hidden behind the dashboard rather than under the hood. View the full article

A Familiar Problem, a Different ListGM has seen its share of recalls and lawsuits, but this latest case is tied directly to a defect dating back around 7 years. The new class action, filed just last week, argues that while GM fixed a known brake defect in 2019, it left out a different set of vehicles that may have the same issue under the hood. Filed in Michigan, the lawsuit names three owners – Kaylee Thieme, Rebecca Gill, and Meghan Morley – who are pushing for a nationwide class action. The vehicles in question: 2016-2020 Buick Envision, 2018-2022 Chevrolet Equinox, and 2018-2022 GMC Terrain, all allegedly dealing with the same brake defect. Drew Phillips What Allegedly Went WrongThe complaint points out that these SUVs weren’t part of GM’s big 2019 recall, which covered around 3.4 million vehicles with brake assist problems. That recall was all about a vacuum pump that could fail and lose power over time, making the brake pedal harder to press and increasing stopping distances. Now, the plaintiffs say their SUVs use a similar setup and are running into the same trouble. According to the lawsuit, this can happen out of nowhere – even during normal driving – and gets especially risky if you need to brake hard in an emergency. Owners have reported warning lights, hard pedals, or brakes that just don’t feel right – sometimes before the failure, sometimes as it happens. The lawsuit points to years of GM technical bulletins about vacuum lines, booster swaps, and fault codes going back to 2017. The plaintiffs say this shows GM knew about the problem early on but never rolled out a complete fix for everyone affected. Pushing for Class Action LawsuitThe complaint also brings up owner stories and forum posts about repeat failures, plus claims that debris from the pump can end up in the engine and cause even more problems. The bottom line: the plaintiffs say GM didn’t do enough to warn owners or launch a recall as it did in 2019. The Thieme et al. v. General Motors LLC case is still in its early stages and is assigned to Judge Robert J. White. GM has not yet filed a public response. If the suit moves forward, plaintiffs will push for class certification, monetary damages, and remedies that could include repairs or vehicle buybacks. Chris McGraw View the full article

19-year-old NASCAR Cup driver Connor Zilisch said he could always tell that Kimi Antonelli would get into Formula 1 after karting together. The two grew up karting together when the American driver would spend his summers in Europe to gain experience other forms of racing. During an appearance on the Gypsy Tales podcast, the Trackhouse Racing driver explained that Antonelli was "one of the best ...Keep readingView the full article

Electronic door handles on modern vehicles have come under fire in recent months. These flush-fitting door handles may have aerodynamic and style advantages, but they’re potentially fatal in an emergency situation if the doors can’t easily be opened. The issue is so concerning that China has moved to ban flush-style door handles, set to take effect in 2027. But Toyota has just shown us that buyers don’t need to choose between style and safety. The all-new, 2027 Highlander has flush door handles—but it also has straightforward mechanical backups if needed. Related: China Moves to Ban Yoke Steering Wheels After Cracking Down on Flush Door Handles 2027 Highlander Handles Combine Form and Function T At a glance, the 2027 Highlander’s door handles look as sleek and smart as any other modern handle with an electronic mechanism. But look more closely, and you’ll notice a physical tab inside the handle with an icon of a car with an open door on it. The tab is small but easily decipherable, and there’s also a removable section where you can insert the key should the vehicle lose power. P Toyota told Carscoops that one pull of the manual tab will unlock the door and a second pull will open it. It’s a logical solution, and, in a worst-case scenario, emergency crews would likely get the door open quickly. Fortunately, the manual override handles are found inside, too. If the door button doesn’t open the door electronically, the manual handles are clearly located on the front/rear door panels, exactly where you’d expect a normal door handle to be. Toyota Toyota’s solution is much simpler than what certain other automakers have offered until now, based on a Consumer Reports analysis of electronic door handles. In the Tesla Model X, you must first remove a speaker grille to manually open the rear doors, while Rivian’s R1T and R1S require you to first remove a door panel and pull down on a release chord. These are needlessly complex methods that won’t be obvious to anyone struggling to get out of a car in an emergency, let alone small kids who often sit in the back seat. Multiple Deaths Linked to Electronic Door Handles T Toyota’s door handle solution isn’t just convenient—it could quite literally save your life if you’re trapped in your car. Earlier this month, Tesla was hit with a lawsuit alleging that a Model Y driver died in his burning car because he was unable to open the door after a crash. A Bloomberg News investigation revealed that at least 15 lives have been lost in this way due to Tesla’s door handle designs. This isn’t an issue exclusive to Tesla, though. In another incident, the driver of a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra also died after crashing, as rescuers were unable to open the doors after their electronic mechanisms failed. Related: Volvo Spent Decades Perfecting Safety—Then Added These Door Handles Why It Matters Cole Attisha Over the last few years, car design has focused too often on aesthetics at the expense of safety and usability. The electronic door handle saga is a clear example of this, as multiple lives have been lost, which is why we expect other regions to follow China’s ban. But it’s not only electronic door handles that are safety hazards. An over-reliance on touchscreen-based controls, distracting driver-assistance features, and even quirky gear shifters all represent a step back in intuitiveness. Fortunately, modern safety tests like the new Consumer Reports Safety Verdict are evolving beyond only crash safety and avoidance. These tests will now penalize automakers for distracting or dangerous controls, and it’s surely only a matter of time before door handles without a straightforward manual override can knock a few points off a car’s safety score, too. The 2027 Toyota Highlander shows that advanced tech, minimalist design, and uncomplicated mechanical safety backups can coexist—other manufacturers may soon be forced to adopt the same approach. View the full article

Lamborghini may now have an entirely plug-in hybrid lineup, but it’s been more hesitant than most to dip its toes into the world of fully electric cars. That currently looks like a smart move given buyer unwillingness to accept high-end performance electric cars, and that weak market has now led Lamborghini to officially pull the plug on its first planned electric car, the Lanzador. Previewed by 2023’s concept, the Lanzador was to be a curious high-riding 2+2 coupe/SUV mashup, and was initially slated to go into production in 2028. That date was later pushed back a year, before the decision to launch it as a full EV was put under review in 2025. Now, speaking to the Sunday Times, Lambo’s CEO Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed that the production Lanzador won’t see the light of day, at least as a full EV. Demand ‘Close to Zero’ Lamborghini The past couple of years have not been kind to manufacturers of high-end, performance-biased electric cars, a segment the Lanzador would unquestionably have fallen into. In the Sunday Times interview, Winkelmann said that developing the car risked becoming “an expensive hobby” for the company given that demand for full EVs in its target market is currently “close to zero. “EVs… struggle to deliver this specific emotional connection,” he went on to say, citing that the noise of a big combustion engine is still core to the appeal of a Lamborghini. More PHEVs on The Way Lamborghini A fourth model in the Lamborghini range is still on the way – possibly still a version of the Lanzador – but like the Revuelto, Temerario and Urus SE, it’ll now be a plug-in hybrid, a setup that’ll continue to underpin the Lamborghini range “for the foreseeable future.” Winkelmann also ruled out an electric version of the Urus. He did go on to say “never say never” as to whether there would ever be a fully electric Lamborghini, but for as long as regulations allow, the company will continue to produce gas-powered cars. The Latest Victim of Low Demand Lamborghini The Lanzador EV is far from the first electric performance car to be DOA as a result of weak demand. Last year, Maserati cancelled the planned Folgore EV version of the MC20 (now MCPura) supercar, and there are said to be serious discussions inside Porsche as to whether the electric 718 Cayman and Boxster will see the light of day. The range-topping electric Banshee version of the new Dodge Charger is reportedly dead too. Not every company is being so cautious, though. Ferrari is nearly ready to reveal its first electric car, the Luce, and despite the rumors around the Porsche 718 EV’s cancellation, Audi maintains that a production version of the Concept C, due to share the same platform, is still in the works. An electric successor to the Lexus LFA is currently in the works, too. It remains to be seen whether these companies’ boldness or the caution exercised by the likes of Lambo will be the better move in the long run. View the full article

On one hand, it was the full Carson Hocevar experience at Atlanta, where he was going to take any gap that presented itself but he also acknowledged after the race that he likely has some apologies to make too. It was an adventure out there: His race began with a flat tire running inside the top-five and lost a lap on pit road. He started racing the leaders to stay just one lap down but had ...Keep readingView the full article

After winning the first two races of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, Tyler Reddick has an impressive 40-point lead in the championship standings. 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace sits second after back-to-back top tens to open the year, with Chase Elliott third. 2026 NASCAR Cup points after Atlanta I (Race 2 of 36) Pos. Driver Points 1 Tyler ...Keep readingView the full article

Through two races, the NASCAR Cup Series is 23XI Racing’s world and everyone else is just living in it. Tyler Reddick has won back-to-back races to open season and leads the championship standings over his teammate, Bubba Wallace. NASCAR has made headlines all month now with team co-owner Michael Jordan celebrating on pit road following a year that challenged 23XI on the track and in the ...Keep readingView the full article

Shane van Gisbergen had an eventful race at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) on Sunday. The site of his best oval showing in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (third) is now the site of his best oval finish in Cup, finishing an impressive sixth. SVG did that despite two mid-race trips through the infield grass on the way to improving on his previous best oval finish of tenth at Kansas last ...Keep readingView the full article