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Driverless cab operator Waymo already has fully-fledged services in several cities across the US, and has plans to drastically increase that service in multiple new locations throughout 2026. In a U-turn on legislation proposed last month, though, one of those places won’t be New York State, as Governor Kathy Hochul has hit the brakes on an initiative that would have allowed Waymo and other companies like it to operate autonomous ride-hailing services outside of New York City. Related: Waymo's Zeekr Robotaxi Crashes into Parked Cars Near Dodger Stadium ‘The Support Was Not There’ Source: Waymo Plans to allow for a ‘limited deployment’ of autonomous taxi services were first proposed by Hochul in her ‘State of The State’ budget proposal in January. The suggested legislation would have allowed for approved companies to operate across the state, with the exception of New York City itself. Autonomous vehicle demonstrations have already taken place in New York State, and this legislation, said the proposal, would build on the ‘growing evidence that autonomous vehicles can improve road safety and transportation options when introduced thoughtfully’. However, just a month later, Bloomberg has had confirmation that the proposal has been dropped. Sean Butler, a spokesperson for the Governor, said in a statement that “it was clear that the support was not there to advance this proposal” following conversations with those involved. Waymo ‘Disappointed’ but Taxi Drivers Celebrate Source: Waymo Waymo was actively eyeing launching its ride-hailing service in the state in 2026, with the company telling Bloomberg it was “disappointed,” and that it’ll “work with the state legislature” in order to try and bring its fleet of driverless cabs to New York in the future. Conversely, the news was met with a positive reaction from the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, the 21,000-strong union that represents NYC’s yellow cab and ride-hailing drivers. While the original legislation specifically excluded New York City, the union was still concerned that driverless cab operation elsewhere in the state would impact jobs in the city. The union’s executive director, Bhairavi Desai, told Bloomberg that “If drivers lose jobs [to autonomous taxis] upstate, we would expect them to come to the city for work. There may be regulatory boundaries, but there is no practical boundary in this industry. It would be naive for Waymo to be satisfied with a couple of cars in Rochester when a majority of jobs come from the city.” Expansion Plans Still On Source: Waymo Waymo may have hit a hurdle with bringing its operations to New York State, but there are numerous other cities it plans to launch in during 2026. They include multiple cities across the US including Washington, DC, Dallas, Nashville, Las Vegas and San Diego, as well as its first non-US operations in London and Tokyo. All that’s with a view to the company operating a million driverless taxi trips a week by the end of the year, but it remains to be seen if other places will follow New York’s lead in being a little more cautious about those plans, especially after several recent incidents involving the company’s driverless cars. View the full article

The Land of Enchantment isn’t exactly enchanting drivers lately. While New Mexico often enjoys some of the lower fuel costs in the western mountains region, a mix of refinery maintenance and legislative drama surrounding the Clear Horizons Act has prevented prices from dipping as much as many expected. Despite a slight week-over-week drop, the looming shift to more expensive summer-blend gasoline is already casting a shadow over New Mexico. Geopolitical tensions and price peaks in some areas of the state are wreaking havoc at the pump. If you’re planning a trek across I-25 or just passing through the state, here’s what you need to know about the current state of New Mexico’s gas prices. Seasonal switches and maintenance monotonyEvery year, like clockwork, the fuel industry undergoes a transition that most of us only notice when we pull into a gas station. Refineries are entering their maintenance phase, a period during which they shut down specific units to prepare for a summer-blend gasoline required by federal law. This blend is a more complex, expensive formula designed to be less volatile in high heat, and the reduced production capacity during the changeover tightens the supply across the state. This seasonal pressure is one of the primary reasons we haven't seen a more dramatic price decline. While demand usually takes a back seat during the winter months, the anticipation of tight spring gas supplies keeps retailers from discounting fuel too aggressively. In short, it’s pretty straightforward supply-and-demand economics. Related: Gas prices in California are flirting with $5/gallon today - here’s why Politics and the Permian PipelineWhile New Mexico is only behind Texas in terms of gas production, being a producer doesn't insulate it from global oil supply volatility. Recent tensions between the U.S. and Iran have affected crude oil futures, keeping the per-barrel price hovering around $65. Even with local production in the Permian Basin reaching impressive scales, those global benchmarks ultimately dictate what you pay when you swipe your card at the local station. A $58 billion merger between energy giants Devon Energy and Coterra Energy is also reflected at the pump. While these deals purport to cut costs and boost efficiency, the transition period often results in temporary supply chain hiccups that ripple through regional distribution centers. Add the recent legislative battle over the Clear Horizons Act, and you have an industry currently navigating significant uncertainty, which rarely leads to lower prices for the end consumer. Getty The best (and worst) places to get gas in New MexicoNew Mexico’s geography plays a massive role in how much drivers pay at the pump. Currently, Las Cruces is the most expensive metro area in the state. With a regional average of approximately $2.74 per gallon, drivers in the southern part of the state are feeling significantly more pump-side pain than their northern neighbors. Logistical costs of transporting fuel to the southern corridor, coupled with higher local demand from cross-border traffic from nearby El Paso, are a recipe for high gas prices. Santa Fe has emerged as the value leader this month, with averages dipping closer to $2.49. The city’s proximity to major distribution hubs and a highly competitive local market keeps retailers under pressure to hold pricing lean. If you’re driving between the two cities, you’re looking at a 25-cent difference per gallon, which is enough to make anyone consider a pit stop in Santa Fe if they can swing it. Disclaimer: All prices cited in this article are based on publicly available user-generated feedback. Gas stations do not provide daily reports on gas prices, and prices can change at any time. Autoblog is not responsible for the accuracy of pricing listed with user-generated reporting. Related: Gas prices in Pennsylvania are spiking hard today - here’s why View the full article

Chevrolet has ruffled a few feathers with its latest halo car, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. While traditional supercars are often scarce and wildly expensive, the ZR1 flips that script. With 1,064 hp from its twin-turbo V8 and a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.2 seconds, plus a starting price around $185,000 in the US, it delivers performance that rivals far pricier machines. Then there's the even quicker all-wheel-drive ZR1X variant, which zooms from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.68 seconds, making it America's quickest production car. Early production data suggests buyers have quickly recognized the value proposition, and the numbers now emerging reveal how people are configuring their ultimate C8. 2026 Production Already Passed Four Digits Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Many figured GM would keep ZR1 output relatively low to maintain exclusivity. But it seems that's not the case. According to Corvette production tracking figures shared by Roger Kiel, more than 1,000 ZR1 models have already been built for the 2026 model year, along with 156 examples of the ZR1X. The broader C8 family also continues to grow. Total C8 Corvette production for the 2026 model year currently sits at around 16,793 units. For reference, that's 6,000 more cars than Lamborghini sold during 2025. And the lineup may expand further soon, as rumors suggest a 2027 Corvette Grand Sport is in development. Buyers Favor Boring Specs Cars and Bids Chevrolet Chevrolet Usually Corvette owners are finicky about the spec of their car, with nearly every one claiming they have a "1 of 1" car. However, data from C8Tracker shows that ZR1 owners tend to gravitate toward a fairly consistent spec sheet. Despite cool colors like Hysteria Purple Metallic and Roswell Green Metallic existing, Black is the most popular exterior color, chosen by 27.4% of buyers, followed by white and yellow. More distinctive shades appear less frequently, with Riptide Blue Metallic sitting at the bottom, chosen by just 4.8% of buyers. Aero and trim choices show even stronger trends. Around 4 out of 5 ZR1 buyers opt for the carbon fiber aero package instead of the base setup, reinforcing the idea that many owners want the best of the best. When it comes to trim, the upscale 3LZ package dominates the order books, while only 1.8% of buyers stick with the basic 1LZ configuration. A Mass-Produced Supercar Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Mass-produced sports cars will always outnumber exotic hypercars, but the ZR1 still sits in a niche due to its unbeatable value proposition. When we say the ZR1 punches above its weight class, we mean it. Take the new Lamborghini Temerario, for example: it's slower, makes 100 hp less, and twice as expensiveas a ZR1, too – unless you're buying one in Europe, that is. The ZR1 occupies a unique space that offers buyers extreme levels of performance at half the price of its competitors. Better yet, it seems there won't be a lack of supply to meet buyers' demand. View the full article

PHEVs: The Best Compromise?It's easy to understand the appeal of a plug-in hybrid vehicle. You get a decent amount of battery-only range, and you don't get the typical range anxiety one might get from a pure-electric vehicle. If it's out of juice, it acts like a normal hybrid, so it's still relatively efficient — at least that's the promise these PHEVs deliver. On paper, it sounds like the best of both worlds. However, a recent study in Germany has revealed that some PHEVs consume up to three times as much fuel as manufacturers claim. So, what's the real score, then? The StudyIf you check out the manufacturer's claims in Europe, you'll typically see consumption figures of about 2 to 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Convert that to U.S. miles per gallon, which hovers between 118 and 94 mpg. Those numbers look great on brochures. But the reality is far from that. According to the Fraunhofer Institute, its research revealed that PHEVs were consuming three times as much fuel as advertised. The study tested a wide variety of models produced between 2021 and 2023, ranging from humdrum compact crossovers to high-end sports cars. Even a Ferrari was thrown in the mix, likely a 296 GTB. Researchers observed that the engines were turning on more frequently than anticipated. Of course, the reason is to top up the battery's charge, even if there's still energy left in it. Once the engine kicks in, it revs relatively high to recharge the battery as quickly as possible, and depending on the engine's capacity, it burns a lot of fuel. So, from 2 to 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers, the study saw about 6 liters per 100 kilometers. That's still a commendable 40 mpg, but far from over 100 mpg. BMW How Manufacturers Get The FiguresSo, where do the manufacturer's claims come from? To understand how those low numbers came about, one has to take a look at the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). WLTP generally aims to provide more accurate, real-world figures, replacing the old NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), which has been criticized for being too optimistic and even dubbed 'Not Even Damn Close' by some folks. For plug-in hybrids, measures electric range and emissions through a two-part, lab-based test. There's the Charge-Depleting cycle that starts with a full battery and runs until the battery is empty. After that, there's the Charge-Sustaining cycle the starts with a depleted battery, leaving the car to run as a traditional hybrid. The tests are run for 30 minutes over 23.25 kilometers (about 14.5 miles) under various driving conditions. As some plug-in hybrids can run for a long time on a single charge, this further boosts their respective fuel economy figures and allows the engine to intervene less when needed. PHEVs with smaller engines fare better in terms of economy, though admittedly, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Toyota Best and Worst PerformersSurprise, surprise: official figures differ from the real world. The thing is, some automakers actually did well in the study. Toyota was the closest to the claimed numbers, along with Kia, Ford, and Renault. Some of its PHEVs consumed less than a liter of fuel in 100 kilometers (62 miles), making them genuine fuel misers. Unsurprisingly, the ultra-luxury marques didn't have a great time. Bentley and Ferrari were near the bottom because using high-powered twin-turbo V6 engines to charge up batteries consumes a lot of fuel. But the worst offender, per the study, was Porsche, with models typically doing 7 liters per 100 km (33.6 mpg). Still, a plug-in hybrid has its benefits. It's all about making the most of its plug-in bit. Charge it up as often as you can and keep the car running in battery mode for as long as possible. Of course, you can leave the system to its own devices, but you won't be maximizing its efficiency. Volvo View the full article

Genesis’ Flagship of FlagshipsGenesis is about to do something that would have seemed unlikely just a few years back: build a mid-engine supercar to top its luxury range. The Magma GT, as it’s called, isn’t just another concept or a one-off showpiece. It’s set to go into production before the decade is out, and Genesis is treating it as a real cornerstone for the brand, not just a headline grabber. The real twist is how long Genesis plans to keep the Magma GT around. Rather than a one-generation halo car, Genesis is aiming for a run of up to 14 years. That’s straight out of the Lamborghini playbook, where a single platform gets refined and updated over a decade or more. For Genesis, the Magma GT is supposed to anchor the new Magma performance sub-brand and show it’s serious about joining the top tier. Cole Attisha Borrowing from Lamborghini’s PlaybookThis long-term approach comes straight from Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis’ chief creative officer, in an interview with CAR Magazine. He’s been at Lamborghini before, so he knows how supercars work as a business. He says it’s not about reinventing the car every few years. The key is rhythm: start with a base model, introduce derivatives, then give it a big update halfway through, and keep the cycle going. “You launch the base car, then do an S, and a GT3, and do a roadster. Then you give the car a big midlife facelift and do it again. It’s not rocket science,” Donckerwolke said. He points out that the Lexus LFA, while impressive, arrived after years of development and stood alone without a supporting lineup. Genesis wants the Magma GT to be different: part of a broader performance family, with road cars, racing efforts, and regular updates, not just a one-off. Cole Attisha The Magma GT—So FarGenesis hasn’t shared much about the specs yet, but the concept car gives away a few things. The Magma GT has the classic mid-engine shape, sharp aero, and an exhaust note that sounds like a V8. The look ties in with Genesis Magma Racing’s IMSA and endurance cars, making the connection between the road car and the race car clear. Motorsport is a big part of the plan. Genesis wants to get the Magma GT into GT3 racing and sell cars to private teams, just like Ferrari and Porsche do. Cyril Abiteboul will run the program, and Hyundai Motorsport sees GT3 and WEC as more than just marketing – they’re ways to bring in and keep top engineers across the group. Right now, the Magma GT is still a promise, not a finished car. But the way Genesis is approaching it shows it’s focused on long-term impact, not just making headlines. Cole Attisha View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Posh Looks, Bargain PriceAfter more than a decade in production, Mitsuoka is closing the order books on one of its most eccentric creations. The Ryugi Final Edition marks the end of new sedan sales, with the company beginning to accept orders on February 20 for a strictly limited run of just 20 units in Japan. Pricing starts at ¥3,305,500 (approximately $21,247 USD) for the gasoline model and rises to ¥3,855,500 (about $24,785 USD) for the hybrid, positioning it as a hand-finished niche offering rather than a value-oriented compact. In Japan, luxury aesthetics carry particular cultural weight. The country’s VIP (bippu) style scene, which reimagines premium sedans as rolling statements of presence and refinement, reflects a deep appreciation for design and stance. Yet Japanese buyers are also famously pragmatic, expecting reliability and everyday usability. The Ryugi sits at that intersection: a retro, British-inspired silhouette wrapped around the dependable underpinnings of the Toyota Corolla Axio, blending aristocratic theater with compact-sedan sensibility. Mitsuoka View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Corolla With a Fancy CrownFor the American context, imagine taking a mainstream sedan like a Toyota Camry and rebodying it to resemble a 1950s British luxury icon. That’s effectively what Mitsuoka has done here. Beneath the ornate sheet metal lies humble Corolla architecture, but the exterior attempts to channel the stately presence of classics such as the Jaguar Mark 2, Bentley S-Type, and Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. This budget-VIP ethos sits alongside a much more extreme end of Japanese luxury culture, where tuners and bespoke outfitters turn flagship cars, such as the Toyota Century, into $200,000+ statements of exclusivity and performance. Those projects represent a no-compromise expression of luxury, contrasting with the Ryugi’s nostalgic reinterpretation of everyday engineering. Mitsuoka’s approach may be more whimsical, but it still taps into the same desire to make a statement through automotive presence. Mitsuoka View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article In Rare AirMechanically, nothing changes from the Toyota donor. A naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder produces 102 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission and available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Buyers can also opt for the self-charging hybrid, which combines a 1.5-liter engine with a single electric motor for improved efficiency. The pricing structure underscores the cost of nostalgia. The Corolla Axio once started at ¥1,639,600 (around $10,536), roughly half the Ryugi’s entry price. While sedan production ends with this Final Edition, the Ryugi name continues through the company’s conversion program and in wagon form via the Ryugi Adventure. Mitsuoka View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

We’re only a couple of months in 2026, but Toyota vehicles have already been in the news a couple of times for recalls. First there were the starter motor issues thought to affect around 800 GR Supras that could cause the motor to fail and, in rare cases, start a fire; and then there was the Prius being hit with a second recall for rear doors that could unexpectedly open when the car was in motion. Now, there’s another Toyota model being called back for a preventative fix, although this time it comes from the Lexus brand – the gigantic LX 600 SUV. Transmission Can ‘Damage Itself’ Lexus Toyota has identified around 4,400 US-market LX 600 from the 2025 and 2026 model years that have a potential software issue in the 10-speed automatic that can cause the transmission to ‘damage itself’. Exactly how it damages itself isn’t clear, and there doesn’t seem to be a record of the recall yet on the NHTSA’s website to provide more detail, but Toyota says that the glitch can lead to ‘loss of motive power’ while travelling at higher speeds, as well as potentially cause a transmission fluid leak that can subsequently lead to a fire risk. Not the LX’s First Recall Lexus As much as Lexus has a deserved reputation for reliability, things can always slip through the cracks, and indeed, this is the fourth separate issue that the fourth-gen LX 600 has been recalled for since it launched for the 2022 model year. Notably, it's been part of a series of major recalls involving machining debris getting into its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, causing major damage and potentially total failure. Earlier examples of the car were also caught up in an issue involving the stability control not defaulting to 'on' when the car was started. As for this latest recall, Lexus dealers will issue a free-of-charge fix involving an update to the software in the transmission control unit, with the roughly 4,400 owners of affected vehicles to be notified by late April at the latest. View the full article

Not Just Another Fast CivicGerman tuning company Dragy demonstrates just how much headroom exists in the Civic Type R FL5's factory platform. The so-called “Stage 3” build that retains a completely stock engine internally, yet delivers supercar-level acceleration figures. Rather than opening the motor, the build focuses on airflow, turbocharging, and fueling upgrades to extract maximum output from the factory K20C1 architecture. The hardware list is serious: Hondata cams, an Eventuri carbon intake and carbon charge pipe, BEDR components, and a larger MHI Stage 2 turbocharger. Boost is set at 2.2 bar (32 psi) and runs on E85 ethanol to support higher cylinder pressures and improved knock resistance. Output is claimed at 620 horsepower and 535 lb-ft of torque at the crank. Despite retaining the stock clutch and transmission, the car weighs a full 1,451 kg (3,200 lbs) and rips from 60–130 mph in just 7.18 seconds, an eye-opening figure for a front-wheel-drive hatchback. No Stranger to PerformanceThe Type R badge is no stranger to performance credibility. The FL5 generation builds on decades of development, refining the formula of a high-output turbocharged four-cylinder, front-wheel drive, and a precise six-speed manual transmission. It remains one of the last analog performance cars in a segment increasingly dominated by dual-clutch gearboxes and electrification. Even in stock form, the FL5 delivers benchmark chassis rigidity, advanced dual-axis front suspension geometry, and serious track capability. At its core lies a derivative of Honda’s venerable K20 lineage, an engine family that has earned a reputation for strength, high-RPM durability, and tuning tolerance. While the Type R has been discontinued in several global markets due to tightening emissions regulations, it continues in the United States through at least the 2026 model year with updates. That continued production makes builds like this Stage 3 example especially relevant for enthusiasts looking to push the platform while it remains accessible. HRC View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Last Civic Type R?The FL5 may wear a Civic badge, but its engineering margin is anything but ordinary. Extracting 620 crank horsepower from a stock long block while retaining factory clutch and gearbox components speaks volumes about the K20 platform's inherent robustness. Achieving a blistering sprint at full street weight places it in territory typically reserved for high-end sports cars. However, builds at this level are rarely inexpensive. Between upgraded turbo hardware, ethanol fueling, airflow components, and calibration, the cost escalates quickly, sometimes rivaling the price delta between a Civic and a purpose-built performance car. Still, when tuned correctly, the FL5 transforms from a capable hot hatch into a legitimate high-horsepower weapon. Honda View the full article

A Quiet Goodbye for the Executive SedanThe Lexus ES was never the flashiest sedan in the luxury segment, but it’s been a substantial seller for the luxury marque in America. Since 2015, it’s been a mainstay for Lexus in North America, consistently delivering what buyers wanted. With the last US-built ES, that chapter comes to a close. Toyota North America confirmed on LinkedIn that the last US-built Lexus ES has left the Georgetown, Kentucky plant. In total, 438,133 units were produced there, backed by a $350 million investment, a dedicated assembly line, 3,750 new jobs, and 1.5 million hours of training. Evidently, it was a good run for the nameplate by numbers alone. With production transitioning back to Japan, the ES leaves behind a strong manufacturing legacy in Kentucky. Toyota North America/LinkedIn What to Expect from the Next Lexus ESRevealed at the Shanghai Auto Show last year, the eighth-generation Lexus ES gets a ground-up redesign, drawing inspiration from the LF-ZC concept. For the first time, it will offer both hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, plus a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The new ES rides on a reengineered TNGA GA-K platform and grows noticeably in size, with a longer wheelbase and a roomier cabin focused on comfort and refinement. The lineup now includes the ES 350h hybrid, as well as two battery-electric versions: the ES 350e, estimated at 300 miles of range, and the dual-motor ES 500e, targeting about 250 miles. Lexus sees the 2026 ES as a bridge into electrification, playing a central role in the brand’s wider EV rollout. US sales are set to start later this year, with pricing and final specs coming closer to launch. Toyota What’s Next for Toyota KentuckyWith ES production wrapped up, the Georgetown plant will now focus on Toyota models. Toyota has been ramping up investment in US-built hybrids, and Kentucky is now at the heart of that plan. The facility is turning its attention to all-hybrid Toyota Camry and RAV4 production, both models seeing strong demand and, for the RAV4, continued supply challenges. Toyota has already put hundreds of millions into expanding hybrid capacity in the US, with Kentucky as a key site. Looking ahead, the company has confirmed that future all-electric vehicles are also in the long-term plans for the plant. Toyota View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In recent times, North Carolina-based Signature Autosports has been rebuilding modern sports cars with bodies that look vintage, like a Porsche Boxster that mimics a Porsche 356 and a Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing replica built on Mercedes SLK bones, but now it's gone in a different direction by shoving a supercharged Hellcat engine under the hood of a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The company's one-off combines the off-road capability of the iconic SUV with hardcore supercharged power, and it's for sale, but while the price tag isn't six figures long, it gets extremely close. One Change Transforms the Wrangler Signature Autosports View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The build is based on a 2018 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with leather upholstery, a body-color three-piece hardtop, and a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6. This made a total of 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI from a Challenger Hellcat now makes 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. To avoid confusing the automatic transmission, it's been recalibrated, but the original 4:10 low-range gearing remains for the selectable four-wheel drive system, and the electronic sway bar disconnect still works. As is evident when peeking through the seven-slot grille, Signature Autosports needed to upgrade the cooling system of the Wrangler, adding a new engine oil cooler and better radiators with dual electric fans, and it's got heavy-duty driveshafts to ensure the power goes to the ground and not into leaving you stranded. Related: Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 Comeback? Lead Engineer Hints at Hemi Return To let the V8 clear its throat, a stainless-steel exhaust breathes through dual exits. 20-inch FUEL wheels in Mineral Gray, shod in Nitto Ridge Grappler tires, complete the mechanical upgrades, while AMP Research folding electric side steps make it easier to climb in and out. Leather-Filled Interior and a Price Flirting with Six Figures Signature Autosports View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Now, Jeep fans know that the 2018 Wrangler is particularly susceptible to the infamous "death wobble," and since Signature Autosports intends for this to continue being an off-road vehicle, the only change to the setup is the addition of Falcon Piggyback Shocks, so we'd avoid drag racing the build too often. Chewing up the off-road tires on a trail seems like more fun, especially with the whine of the supercharger accessible with a blip of your right foot. With heated front seats, an Alpine nine-speaker sound setup connected to the Uconnect 6.5-inch touchscreen, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel in the tan cabin, it's a comfortable place from which to venture off the beaten path, though the experience isn't particularly cheap — this Hellcat-powered Jeep costs $99,950. Signature Autosports View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Tyler Reddick leads the championship standings after winning the 68th running of the Daytona 500 for 23XI Racing, avoiding two last-lap crashes and surging from third to first in the final seconds of the race. NASCAR now heads to EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) for a triple-header weekend. Christopher Bell is the defending winner of this event, while Chase Elliott is the most recent winner at ...Keep readingView the full article

Apple Car Key, Now With a Toyota BadgeApple’s digital car key first appeared in 2020, and, really, it just made sense. If your car already unlocked itself when you got close, swapping the fob for your phone was the next logical step. Since then, Apple Car Key has quietly spread to more brands – Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo are all on board. Toyota is finally joining the party, but there’s a catch: right now, only the 2026 RAV4 (and only certain trims) in the US get Apple Car Key. This wasn’t even announced officially – it slipped out through a Reddit post. As of now, there’s no word on whether other 2026 Toyotas will follow. So yes, Toyota is in, but only just. For Convenience, Not a Fob ReplacementApple Car Key lets you lock, unlock, and start your car with your iPhone or Apple Watch, as long as it’s in your Apple Wallet. Toyota uses Ultra Wideband tech for passive entry, so you just walk up, open the door, and drive – no need to dig out your phone. You’ll need at least an iPhone 11 or Apple Watch Series 6, though a few SE models are exceptions. Starting with the RAV4 is a no-brainer. It’s Toyota’s top seller in the US, so if you’re going to roll out a new tech feature, this is where you do it. And it probably won’t stop here. Toyota has been adding more connected features throughout the lineup, so it’s really just a matter of when – not if – other models get Apple Car Key too. There’s another catch, however. Apple Car Key is said to be tied to Toyota Remote Connect, which costs $15 a month after the first year. New buyers get a one-year trial, but after that, you’ll need to pay to keep using the feature. Common Issues You Should Know AboutBeyond Toyota, Apple Car Key keeps popping up on more vehicles, even if Apple’s official compatibility page is reportedly incomplete at this point. Publications like MacRumors have tracked steady additions through mid-2025, so coverage is wider than the official lists suggest. But as slick as it sounds, Apple Car Key isn’t perfect. Owners of different cars from various brands have run into common headaches, like hit-or-miss pairing. Some phones reportedly just won’t register, and subscription limits make the simple feature a hassle. For now, it’s a handy extra, but not a full replacement for old-school fob as more brands, Toyota included, jump in. Cole Attisha View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Our spy photographers have finally brought us some winter testing pics of an upcoming car without snow covering everything, and what they've spotted is the refreshed Mercedes-AMG CLE Convertible, a direct rival to the BMW M4 Convertible, and it may have V8 power. This is a fight that Audi won't be joining, as the new RS 5 is only available as a sedan or wagon, with no coupes or cabriolets on the way. For the record, the current CLE top dog is the straight-six-powered AMG 53, and it has four rounded exhaust tips. But this prototype has squared exhaust outlets, and that usually means only one thing: an AMG 63 model. With the 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain having proved unpopular, Mercedes is bringing V8s back, and this could be one of the beneficiaries. Updated Styling Front and Rear for 2027 AMG CLE SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The front of this prototype CLE drop-top is typical AMG, with the vertically-vaned central intake grille joined by shapely lower side intakes and a notable chin spoiler. AMG wheels add to the aggressive look, and to help the mid-cycle CLE facelift blend in with the latest Mercedes products, the headlights are being revised to include three-pointed stars in the daytime running light signature. While this development mule has exposed taillights and a rear fender design that seems unchanged from the current models, our spies report that the back of the car will be revised eventually, likely with new taillights that slot into the same spaces as the current ones. SH Proshots/Autoblog As for the engine, we can't see any proof that it has a V8, but a CLE Coupe with one was reportedly spotted late last year, and with the hardtop CLE range to be crowned by a Mythos model with the same 4.0-liter eight-cylinder as the new S-Class, it only makes sense to get the most out of the architecture and offer V8-loving customers the choice of wind in their hair. Significant changes will come to the cabin, too. New AI-Powered Infotainment Coming to 2027 CLE Convertible SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Like every other contemporary Mercedes-Benz, the refreshed AMG CLE Convertible will get the MB.OS infotainment setup with AI features from both Google and Microsoft. Advanced driver assistance systems will help leap the CLE forward, while a new steering wheel is coming to pep the cabin up a little more. Unfortunately, it'll be a while before we get a clearer picture because the regular, non-AMG CLE Convertible is only expected to debut at the end of 2026 or early next year, but we're sure most customers will forgive Affalterbach this minor inconvenience if the V8 is an option. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the full article

Things are going from bad to worse for Nissan's innovative VC-Turbo engine. Last year, a recall over manufacturing defects in the engine bearings affected almost 444,000 Nissan and Infiniti products, and now the automaker has issued two recalls for 2023-2025 Nissan Rogue vehicles with three-cylinder 1.5-liter variable compression engines. The first recall on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's portal states that gears in the electronic throttle body assembly may break, potentially leading to a loss of power and/or preventing engagement of gears when the engine restarts. The second recall warns of the same issue Nissan tried to fix last year: faulty bearings, potentially decimating the engine and possibly leading to a fire. At least this time around, 2.0-liter (KR20DDET) engines aren't mentioned, only 1.5-liter KR15DDT motors. Over 300,000 Vehicles Named in Each Recall Nissan The first recall, dealing with the electronic throttle body, impacts 318,781 vehicles from the 2024 and 2025 model years, while the second names 323,917 vehicles from the same manufacturing period, plus vehicles made for the 2023 model year. The former issue is apparently caused by something Nissan programs into the vehicle, according to the NHTSA report. When the engine is started, the electronic throttle chamber (ETC) performs a routine diagnostic test that rotates the internal gears to the fully closed position, in which they make contact with a fixed stopper. However, bad engine control module (ECM) software "may cause the internal gear within the ETC assembly to weaken and fracture." Thus, it sounds as if the software pushes these gears too far, eventually leading to failure. The solution for the problem, first discovered in February last year, is for dealers to reprogram the engine control module (ECM) and inspect the engine. If the ETC, or electronic throttle chamber, is damaged, dealers will replace it. The inspection won't cost owners anything but time, taking up to an hour to perform, and the ETC replacement can add another 30 minutes to the wait. Second Nissan Rogue Recall Is More Serious Nissan Despite last year's recall fix, Nissan found additional cases of bearing seizure, unusual engine noise, difficulty starting, and engine stalling, says the NHTSA. The automaker's investigation involved VC-Turbo engine teardowns and led to the conclusion that high engine oil temperatures may be an "additional contributing factor" in these bearing failures. No kidding. Lofty engine oil temperatures thin the oil, preventing lubrication and leading to friction on the bearings, further increasing temperatures before total engine failure occurs. A fire may even break out in the worst-case scenarios. Again, Nissan's solution is to reprogram the engine control module, followed by a diagnostic scan and a test drive. If any problems become apparent, the dealer may inspect the oil pan for metal debris, and if that's the case, a one-hour inspection turns into a 15-hour engine replacement. The Nissan Rogue, also known as the X-Trail in other markets, has also faced issues with its transmission. Perhaps the incoming e-Power Hybrid system will help rebuild trust, but with the VC-Turbo being marketed as the world's first production variable-compression engine, customers may be wary of being guinea pigs for novel tech. View the full article

Tesla has introduced a new Dual-Motor All-Wheel-Drive trim for the Cybertruck. Slotting in below the Premium AWD model, the new trim has a much lower starting price of $59,990. After cheaper versions of the Model 3 and Model Y were introduced last year, the Cybertruck is now following suit with a more affordable trim of its own. But, as with those smaller Teslas, a few key features have been removed from the new Dual-Motor AWD trim to make the price cut possible. Let’s take a deeper dive into what has changed. Most Affordable Cybertruck To Date Tesla Cybertruck Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive Tesla View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The new trim is $20,000 cheaper than the Premium model, which starts at $79,990. After that, it’s another $20k jump to the $99,990 Cyberbeast. In terms of price, the base model fills the gap left by the Cybertruck RWD, which was discontinued in September 2025. However, the new AWD trim doesn’t suffer from the same big drop in performance as the RWD. It has exactly the same 4.1-second 0-60 sprint time as the Premium model and the same 325-mile range. Here are all the differences between the $59,990 Cybertruck AWD and the $79,990 Premium derivative. The Premium’s higher-end features or better capabilities are indicated in brackets. Towing capacity of 7,500 lbs (down from 11,000 lbs in the Premium)Payload capacity of 2,006 lbs (2,500 lbs)Coil spring suspension with adaptive damping (air suspension)Standard 18-inch wheels (20-inch wheels)Textile seats with front seat heating (premium upholstery with front-seat ventilation)Seven-speaker sound system (15 speakers)Motorized tonneau cover in bed (Vault bed with gear locker and L-track)Standard bed and taillights (premium lighting)To clear up any confusion, the new $60k dual-motor AWD Cybertruck comes with the same motorized hard tonneau cover as the higher-priced trims (shown on left). The difference is that this $60k trim does not include the vault bed storage area (shown on right), and comes with… https://t.co/NSUzXmd9yO pic.twitter.com/tMgIqBxsro — Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) February 20, 2026 Tesla has also removed the two 120V cabin power outlets and the second-row 9.4-inch display, but it has the same 18.5-inch front display as the more expensive trim. The white interior of the Premium isn’t an option here, either. While the list of changes may seem long, a $20k price reduction is not minor. Crucially, Tesla has retained the same level of performance and range, along with Full Self-Driving capabilities and a charging speed of 325 kW. Related: Is the Inside of the Tesla Cybertruck as Outrageous as the Outside? What It Means Y On a volume basis, no EV in the United States saw a more significant sales drop than the Cybertruck last year. The pickup’s sales declined by 48.1%, with 18,728 fewer units sold. Considering all the hype around it, that was a major disappointment. This new trim at under $60k becomes the most affordable Cybertruck yet and one of the more affordable electric pickups on the market. It has a real chance to boost Cybertruck sales, especially now that Ford has discontinued the F-150 Lightning. The more basic interior and wheels of this model also don’t feel as jarring as the stripped-down Model 3 and Model Y base trims introduced last year—after all, trucks are supposed to be utilitarian, hard-working vehicles, not stuffed with complicated tech and plush finishes. We expect the base Cybertruck to perform well in the months ahead, but whether it can do well enough to reverse Tesla’s declining market share may be a step too far. Related: This $4,995 Upgrade Turns the Tesla Cybertruck Into a Rolling Tool Chest View the full article

California's February 2026 Atmospheric River Paralyzes the Golden StateThe Golden State is known for its legendary driving roads, from the sun-drenched curves of the Pacific Coast Highway to the sweeping mountain passes of the Sierra Nevada. But this week, California's automotive playground has been shut down completely. A historic atmospheric river is currently battering the West Coast, delivering a one-two punch of catastrophic rain at sea level and up to 16 feet of snow in the high country. The situation across California is severe, dynamic, and incredibly dangerous for anyone behind the wheel. Here is a breakdown of how this massive weather event is impacting the state's roadways and what drivers need to know. Whiteouts and Pileups: The Sierra Nevada ShutdownIf you thought your lifted truck or winter-tire-clad SUV was ready for anything, the Sierra Nevada mountains are currently proving otherwise. The high country is experiencing snowfall rates of up to 4 inches per hour, with wind gusts reaching 90 miles per hour. This has created zero-visibility whiteout conditions, bringing major transportation arteries to a grinding halt. Interstate 80, the vital corridor connecting Northern California to Nevada, saw a massive 60-mile closure earlier this week. Multiple spinouts and pileups involving more than a dozen cars forced the California Highway Patrol to shut down the highway entirely. While I-80 has since reopened, it is operating under maximum chain controls. Caltrans is actively turning commercial trucks around at the Nevada state line, and regular motorists are restricted to 30 mph. Highway 50 is facing similar restrictions, with speeds capped at 25 miles per hour and chains strictly required. Photo by picture alliance on Getty Images Historic Avalanche EmergencyThe sheer volume of snow, falling on an unstable icy base layer, has also triggered a historic avalanche emergency. Tragically, a massive avalanche near Castle Peak on Tuesday claimed the lives of eight backcountry skiers, marking the deadliest avalanche in California history. The instability is so severe that even managed ski resorts like Mammoth Mountain and Palisades Tahoe were forced to temporarily close their base areas to assess the risk of snowslides burying parking lots and access roads. Caltrans has even closed State Route 88 specifically to conduct emergency avalanche control measures, firing explosives into the mountainsides to prevent catastrophic natural slides onto the highway. Mudslides on the Pacific Coast HighwayDown at sea level, the freezing whiteout conditions of the mountains have been replaced by a relentless deluge of rain. Southern California is bearing the brunt of the moisture, with some coastal and valley areas expected to see up to eight inches of rainfall before the storm finally tapers off. For drivers, this means navigating a maze of urban flooding, washed-out intersections, and the terrifying threat of debris flows. Highway 1 through Big Sur is arguably one of the most iconic driving routes on the planet. Today, it is impassable. Caltrans has closed a massive 45-mile stretch of the highway from Ragged Point to Big Sur due to severe rockslides and debris completely washing over the asphalt. The coastal cliffs simply cannot absorb the volume of water being dumped upon them. The canyon roads that carve through the Santa Monica Mountains are facing a similar fate. State Route 27, better known to local drivers as Topanga Canyon Boulevard, is shut down in both directions from the Pacific Coast Highway up to Grand View Drive. Emergency crews have responded to nearly a dozen separate mud and debris slides that have inundated the road. The danger is magnified in areas scarred by recent wildfires, such as the zones affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Without vegetation to hold the soil together, the heavy rain turns the earth into a fast-moving slurry of mud, rocks, and uprooted trees that flows with the consistency of wet concrete. This debris can easily sweep a vehicle off the road or bury it completely in a matter of seconds. Emergency Preparedness: If You Must DriveWhile staying home is the only guaranteed way to stay safe, some drivers may find themselves caught in the storm or forced to evacuate. If you absolutely must navigate these conditions, preparation is non-negotiable. First, ignore the estimated arrival times on your navigation apps. Travel that usually takes one hour could easily take four, assuming the route remains open at all. Your vehicle needs to be equipped for a prolonged stranding. This means carrying a full set of properly fitted tire chains, even if your vehicle has all-wheel drive. Highway Patrol officers will not hesitate to turn you around if you arrive at a checkpoint without them. Inside the cabin, pack a comprehensive winter survival kit. This should include heavy blankets, extra warm clothing, a high-capacity power bank for your phone, and a dedicated flashlight with spare batteries. Bring enough food and water to last at least 24 hours. If you get stuck on a mountain pass behind a multi-car accident or a sudden avalanche, you could be waiting overnight for emergency crews to clear the way. Additionally, ensure your windshield wipers are fresh and your washer fluid reservoir is topped off with a freeze-resistant formula. Visibility is your first line of defense, and the constant spray of mud, road salt, and sleet will obscure your windshield in seconds. Respecting the ConditionsAs automotive journalists and enthusiasts, we often celebrate the capabilities of modern vehicles. We test wading depths, approach angles, and snow modes. But a storm of this magnitude requires a different kind of respect. It demands that we stay off the roads. View the full article

A critical wildfire emergency is unfolding across the Southern Plains this week, as a dangerous combination of hurricane-force wind gusts, bone-dry air, and drought-stricken vegetation has ignited massive blazes across Texas and Oklahoma. Tens of thousands of acres have been scorched in a matter of days, forcing residents to flee their homes and leaving firefighters in a desperate race to contain flames spreading at explosive speed. Here is the latest on the rapidly developing situation on the ground. Texas Panhandle on Edge: The Lavender FireIn the Texas Panhandle, the Lavender Fire has become a primary focus for emergency crews. Burning in Oldham County, south of Tascosa near Amarillo, the fire has exploded to an estimated 12,000 acres. As of late Wednesday, containment was dangerously low at just 10%. The blaze prompted mandatory evacuations for the Valley De Oro community as flames pushed rapidly through tall, dormant grasses that acted like gasoline. Local officials described the fuel as "waist-high" and terribly dry, noting that a single spark on a high-wind day was all it took for the landscape to erupt. Oklahoma's Crisis: Winds Drive "Explosive" Fire GrowthThe situation is even more dire across the border in Oklahoma, where multiple large fires have merged into mega-fires that have crossed state lines into Kansas. The Ranger Road Fire: This massive blaze in the Oklahoma Panhandle has burned an astounding 145,000 to over 283,000 acres, according to various reports. It has destroyed structures and forced evacuations in communities like Gate.The Stevens Fire: Starting near Hooker, Oklahoma, this fire quickly grew to over 5,500 acres and crossed into Seward County, Kansas. It threatened the town of Tyrone, triggering evacuations and road closures on major highways like U.S. 54.The "Weather Fuel" Behind the FlamesThis is not a typical winter fire season. The current crisis is being driven by a "Red Flag" weather event of historic intensity. Meteorologists point to a perfect storm of atmospheric conditions that created an environment ripe for disaster: Extreme Winds: Wind gusts of 60 to 65 mph have been recorded, driving flames faster than crews can move and grounding firefighting aircraft.Bone-Dry Air: Relative humidity levels plummeted to as low as 10-15%, sucking the moisture out of virtually everything.Dormant Fuel: A landscape covered in freeze-cured grasses, combined with underlying drought conditions, provided an endless supply of ready-to-burn fuel.With critical fire weather conditions expected to persist, officials are urging all residents in affected areas to remain on high alert, have an evacuation plan ready, and strictly adhere to all burn bans. View the full article

Until November 10, 2025, Defendant served as one of JGR’s most senior leaders with respect to all competitive aspects of the business. After his demands for additional authority were rebuffed by JGR’s owner, Defendant immediately embarked on a brazen scheme to steal JGR’s most sensitive information and use it for the benefit of a direct competitor in NASCAR—Spire Motorsports. In this ...Keep readingView the full article

30 New ModelsIt's amazing to think that BMW M started with, quite literally, just a handful of models. Back then, it was as simple as M1, M3, M5, and M6. Today, nearly every model has been given the M treatment, from styling packages, junior M Performance models, and the full-on M versions. But if that's still not enough, the company is set to roll out a whole barrage of new and redesigned models by 2029. According to BMW M boss Frank van Meel, they're planning to offer "up to 30" models by the end of the decade. It'll be a mix of both M and M Performance vehicles. BMW The Good NewsBMW is about to roll out its first-ever full electric M3 model, and it could be the start of something new depending on how it succeeds. Of course, BMW isn't abandoning its core audience, and van Meel reiterated that the M division will continue building fuel-fed models for as long as it can. "[BMW has] a long tradition in six-cylinder inline engines, which makes them more or less iconic for us, and also with the V8 engines. We are planning to continue this because we have a big community worldwide, and also a lot of people that are maybe not ready yet or live in environments where it’s really difficult to charge the electric cars. As long there is demand from the markets, which currently there is a lot, we will keep it up," said the executive to Australian motoring press. BMW The ChallengeOf course, it will be more challenging to do that, as more stringent regulations threaten to kill off large-capacity engines. But van Meel says BMW M remains committed to building ICE-powered models, although pairing them with hybrid systems appears to be the way forward. At least we'll still get straight-sixes and V8s for years to come. At the same time, manuals will hang around for as long as there's demand for them. The brand's fans are doing their part: half of M2 customers in America are ordering it with a traditional six-speed. However, if BMW continues to offer plug-in hybrid M models, the manual transmission may be discontinued. "It’s going to be quite difficult in the future to develop completely new gearboxes because the segment in the market is quite small, and the suppliers are not so keen on doing something like that. So we’re still happy with the manuals we have, and we plan to keep them for the next couple of years, but in the future, probably it’s going to be more difficult to keep the manuals alive, especially in the next decade," said van Meel. The solution? Buy more manuals. BMW Models to ExpectAs mentioned, the all-electric M3 is coming soon, and the plug-in hybrid version is on the way, too. It's unknown if the next-gen M3 will retain a Touring (wagon) body style, but given its success, we're optimistic about its chances. Also, BMW confirmed that the 4 Series will continue, so you can count on that getting an M version as well. M Performance models are pretty much a given at this point. The M5 and M5 Touring will soon adopt the Neue Klasse look, so we're including it in the new-model onslaught. The same goes for M Performance versions of the 7 Series and i7. For EVs, we expect a new generation of the i4 M60, given its popularity. It was actually BMW M's best-selling model from 2022 to 2024 until the X3 M50 overtook it last year. BMW also mentioned that it would like to do special limited-run models such as the Skytop. An M1 homage, perhaps? On the crossover front, the next-generation X5 is also well underway, so an M and M Performance model is an inevitability. The same applies to the future X6, given actual demand for a hotter version. As for the X3, we're still waiting for official word on a full-on M model. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the full article

While the national average for a gallon of gasoline has remained relatively steady in recent days, drivers across the West Coast and Alaska are experiencing a very different reality at the pump. According to recent data released by AAA, pump prices are initiating their seasonal climb, and a cluster of five western states is leading the charge with significant week-over-week price hikes. If you live in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, or Alaska, your wallet is already feeling the pinch. Oregon is currently taking the hardest hit with a substantial 11-cent increase in just one week. Washington is right behind with a 10-cent jump, followed closely by California at 9 cents. Nevada drivers are seeing a 7-cent bump, while those in Alaska are paying 6 cents more per gallon. Photo by Brandon Bell on Getty Images For automotive enthusiasts and daily commuters alike, a sudden jump of a dime per gallon is a noticeable disruption. The culprit behind this localized surge is the annual transition to summer blend gasoline. Federal and state environmental regulations require the use of specific fuel blends during the warmer months to help reduce smog and emissions. The West Coast, particularly states with strict environmental standards like California, traditionally makes this switch earlier in the year than the rest of the country. Producing summer-grade fuel is a more complex and expensive refining process. Refineries must shut down certain parts of their operations to retool and clean their systems before they can begin churning out the new blend. This planned maintenance temporarily restricts the region's overall fuel supply. When you combine a constrained supply with the higher production costs of the summer blend, the inevitable result is a sharp price increase for consumers. The geographic isolation of the West Coast fuel market also plays a major role in these sudden price spikes. The region relies heavily on its own refineries and has limited pipeline connectivity to the massive oil infrastructure on the Gulf Coast or in the Midwest. When Western refineries undergo maintenance or experience unexpected outages during the blend transition, there is very little outside supply available to stabilize prices. While these five states are currently bearing the brunt of the increase, AAA notes that this is likely just the beginning of a broader national trend. As spring approaches and the weather improves, driving demand naturally increases. More Americans hitting the road for weekend getaways and vacations will put additional upward pressure on prices. Furthermore, the rest of the country will soon undergo its own transition to summer blend fuels, meaning the pain at the pump will eventually spread eastward. For now, drivers in these affected western states should anticipate elevated prices to linger as the refinery changeovers are completed. If you have a fuel-thirsty performance car or a heavy-duty truck, it might be wise to start budgeting a little extra for your weekly fill-ups. View the full article

At the beginning of December, it was reported that Chris Gabehart had left Joe Gibbs Racing in a surprising exit. He worked at JGR for 13 years, and won 22 Cup races as a crew chief for Denny Hamlin between 2019 and 2024. Most recently, he worked as the Director of Competition for the elite organization. Since his departure, there has been no word regarding why Gabehart left, or where he ...Keep readingView the full article

The lightest, most focused versions of BMW's current M car range wear the CS badge, and although its application may be somewhat disingenuous with the 4,000-lb M3 CS Touring, or station wagon, common sense has prevailed in that BMW M *won't be adding those two letters to its crossovers and SUVs.* [@adamlynton please add link] But that doesn't mean that the M division won't venture further into the SUV realm. Speaking with Australia's CarExpert, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel revealed that an M-branded flagship off-roader could make a certain amount of sense because the Dakar Rally is a racing event, and BMW M was born in the world of motorsport. This isn't the first time that such a potential product has made headlines, either, but first, let's see how van Meel would justify its existence. BMW M Boss: Motorsport Isn't Always On Asphalt BMW "I could imagine M on off-road products," said van Meel, "because if you come from racing, there's not only the WEC and IMSA [categories], but the Paris-Dakar [off-road rally]." The BMW M boss's comments came in response to being questioned about whether an off-road-specific M car would make sense, and although he went on to note that the X5 is already fairly capable off the beaten path, highlighting BMW's X5 driving experiences in the deserts of Namibia, he added that he is not averse to an alternative approach. "We do have an X5 M as well, but I don't think that is where your question was heading," said van Meel. "I don't think it's [an off-road M model] a contradiction because, in Paris-Dakar, if you look at the race cars, they're quite performance-driven cars as well. So, if there would be a segment like that, I wouldn't say no." In other words, if it is a high-performance product, BMW M would not be selling out by creating a vehicle more suited to tackling rugged terrain than toppling lap time leaderboards. In fact, it may already be in development. BMW M's Next SUV May Be a G-Wagen RivalRelated: BMW Dealers Want a Monster SUV to Take on the Cadillac Escalade Last year, Automotive News reported that BMW was working on a rugged off-road SUV to rival the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and that this would replace the unpopular XM SUV. Instead of trying to rival the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and Aston Martin DBX, BMW seems to be preparing to take a piece of the G-Wagen and Defender Octa pie with something reportedly internally codenamed G74. This is said to be underpinned by the next-generation G65 X5's bones and is expected to arrive in 2029, shortly after the underwhelming XM ends production in November 2028. An electrified V8 powertrain and all-wheel drive are all but inevitable when the new SUV arrives, with production expected to take place at the automaker's Plant Spartanburg facility in South Carolina. Interestingly, Bentley recently unveiled an off-road-focused Bentayga X Concept of its own, indicating that there must be signs of significant demand for a six-figure luxury SUV that can decimate dunes and bash boulders. View the full article

California's February 2026 Atmospheric River Paralyzes the Golden StateThe Golden State is known for its legendary driving roads, from the sun-drenched curves of the Pacific Coast Highway to the sweeping mountain passes of the Sierra Nevada. But this week, California's automotive playground has been shut down completely. A historic atmospheric river is currently battering the West Coast, delivering a one-two punch of catastrophic rain at sea level and up to 16 feet of snow in the high country. The situation across California is severe, dynamic, and incredibly dangerous for anyone behind the wheel. Here is a breakdown of how this massive weather event is impacting the state's roadways and what drivers need to know. Whiteouts and Pileups: The Sierra Nevada ShutdownIf you thought your lifted truck or winter-tire-clad SUV was ready for anything, the Sierra Nevada mountains are currently proving otherwise. The high country is experiencing snowfall rates of up to 4 inches per hour, with wind gusts reaching 90 miles per hour. This has created zero-visibility whiteout conditions, bringing major transportation arteries to a grinding halt. Interstate 80, the vital corridor connecting Northern California to Nevada, saw a massive 60-mile closure earlier this week. Multiple spinouts and pileups involving more than a dozen cars forced the California Highway Patrol to shut down the highway entirely. While I-80 has since reopened, it is operating under maximum chain controls. Caltrans is actively turning commercial trucks around at the Nevada state line, and regular motorists are restricted to 30 mph. Highway 50 is facing similar restrictions, with speeds capped at 25 miles per hour and chains strictly required. Photo by picture alliance on Getty Images Historic Avalanche EmergencyThe sheer volume of snow, falling on an unstable icy base layer, has also triggered a historic avalanche emergency. Tragically, a massive avalanche near Castle Peak on Tuesday claimed the lives of eight backcountry skiers, marking the deadliest avalanche in California history. The instability is so severe that even managed ski resorts like Mammoth Mountain and Palisades Tahoe were forced to temporarily close their base areas to assess the risk of snowslides burying parking lots and access roads. Caltrans has even closed State Route 88 specifically to conduct emergency avalanche control measures, firing explosives into the mountainsides to prevent catastrophic natural slides onto the highway. Mudslides on the Pacific Coast HighwayDown at sea level, the freezing whiteout conditions of the mountains have been replaced by a relentless deluge of rain. Southern California is bearing the brunt of the moisture, with some coastal and valley areas expected to see up to eight inches of rainfall before the storm finally tapers off. For drivers, this means navigating a maze of urban flooding, washed-out intersections, and the terrifying threat of debris flows. Highway 1 through Big Sur is arguably one of the most iconic driving routes on the planet. Today, it is impassable. Caltrans has closed a massive 45-mile stretch of the highway from Ragged Point to Big Sur due to severe rockslides and debris completely washing over the asphalt. The coastal cliffs simply cannot absorb the volume of water being dumped upon them. The canyon roads that carve through the Santa Monica Mountains are facing a similar fate. State Route 27, better known to local drivers as Topanga Canyon Boulevard, is shut down in both directions from the Pacific Coast Highway up to Grand View Drive. Emergency crews have responded to nearly a dozen separate mud and debris slides that have inundated the road. The danger is magnified in areas scarred by recent wildfires, such as the zones affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Without vegetation to hold the soil together, the heavy rain turns the earth into a fast-moving slurry of mud, rocks, and uprooted trees that flows with the consistency of wet concrete. This debris can easily sweep a vehicle off the road or bury it completely in a matter of seconds. Emergency Preparedness: If You Must DriveWhile staying home is the only guaranteed way to stay safe, some drivers may find themselves caught in the storm or forced to evacuate. If you absolutely must navigate these conditions, preparation is non-negotiable. First, ignore the estimated arrival times on your navigation apps. Travel that usually takes one hour could easily take four, assuming the route remains open at all. Your vehicle needs to be equipped for a prolonged stranding. This means carrying a full set of properly fitted tire chains, even if your vehicle has all-wheel drive. Highway Patrol officers will not hesitate to turn you around if you arrive at a checkpoint without them. Inside the cabin, pack a comprehensive winter survival kit. This should include heavy blankets, extra warm clothing, a high-capacity power bank for your phone, and a dedicated flashlight with spare batteries. Bring enough food and water to last at least 24 hours. If you get stuck on a mountain pass behind a multi-car accident or a sudden avalanche, you could be waiting overnight for emergency crews to clear the way. Additionally, ensure your windshield wipers are fresh and your washer fluid reservoir is topped off with a freeze-resistant formula. Visibility is your first line of defense, and the constant spray of mud, road salt, and sleet will obscure your windshield in seconds. Respecting the ConditionsAs automotive journalists and enthusiasts, we often celebrate the capabilities of modern vehicles. We test wading depths, approach angles, and snow modes. But a storm of this magnitude requires a different kind of respect. It demands that we stay off the roads. View the full article

The 68th Daytona 500 received 7.489 million viewers airing on FOX on Sunday afternoon according to data from the Nielsen Panel + Big Data, which has been used since September to measure ratings. A reminder about Big Panel + Data: Before September, Nielsen used ‘people meters’ in household panels. The new model combines that with data from cable boxes and smart TVs approximately representing ...Keep readingView the full article

California Pressure Explains the MoveCalifornia is the biggest market for electrified vehicles in the US, which naturally makes it Tesla’s biggest battleground. That’s why dropping Autopilot from new cars last month wasn’t just a technical update – it was a move to stay in the game. For years, Autopilot included both Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer as standard. Suddenly, new Teslas shipped with just TACC, and if you wanted Autosteer, you had to pay for Full Self-Driving. The move was a bit odd then, but now the reason is clear. California regulators were putting real pressure on Tesla, and the company risked losing its ability to sell cars in its most important market. Tesla Avoiding a 30-Day Sales BanThe issue dates back five years, when the California Department of Motor Vehicles opened an investigation into Tesla’s marketing of “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving.” The semantics had been argued to be misleading and could give consumers the impression that the vehicles were capable of fully autonomous operation. In November 2023, the DMV filed formal accusations. An administrative judge ultimately ruled in favor of the state late last year, stating that Tesla’s branding followed what was described as a long but unlawful tradition of ambiguity that could mislead buyers. The agency gave Tesla 60 days to stop using the term “Autopilot.” If Tesla hadn’t acted, it would have faced a 30-day freeze on selling and building cars in California. Instead of just changing the name, Tesla dropped Autopilot from the lineup altogether. Full Self-Driving also got a new label – now called FSD (Supervised) – to keep regulators satisfied. The DMV confirmed Tesla made the changes. Cars in inventory were updated, and all marketing dropped the Autopilot name. By cutting the feature, Tesla avoided a sales ban in the state it can’t afford to lose. What Tesla Offers NowWith Autopilot out, new Teslas in the US now come standard with just Traffic-Aware Cruise Control. Safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Departure Avoidance are still included across the board. If you want lane centering or more advanced driver assistance, you now have to subscribe to Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for $99 a month. The $8,000 one-time buyout is gone, so Tesla is clearly steering buyers toward subscriptions. Even with the new name, FSD remains a Level 2 system under SAE standards. Drivers have to stay alert and keep their hands on the wheel. Elon Musk has indicated that the subscription price could increase as the system improves, as more users generate more real-world data for Tesla to leverage. Tesla View the full article