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MotoGP 2026 KTM Red Bull KTM has unveiled its 2026 MotoGP line-up and updated RC16 livery, confirming continuity across both its factory and Tech3 squads as the Austrian manufacturer enters its tenth season in the premier class. As MotoGP enters the final season of the current technical regulations, the competitive landscape at the front has […] The post The 2026 KTM RC16 MotoGP machine in high-res detail – Team Launch appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

2026 Vespa 946 Horse Limited Edition As part of the Lunar Collection, Year of the Horse, Vespa is releasing a limited edition 946 Horse for a staggering $24,840 ride-away, but you won’t be able to buy one, as they are already apparently sold out to collectors. Distinguished by its rich bay colour, a deep brown […] The post You can’t buy the Vespa 946 Horse at $24,840 ride-away appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

We shared major progress and changes to this car a few weeks ago and are so thrilled that the work is continuing! One might hing it has taken a step back since the body isn’t on it in this pic, but rest assured this is good stuff. If you missed the update a couple of weeks ago, we’ve got a link to that one down below as well! Finnegan’s Caddy is one of the more talked about projects from the Finnegan’s Garage channel, and is also one of the projects he’s most looking forward to. The plan is for this thing to run 8’s and be able to haul him and three buddies in it for a drag and drive event. I think it’s a great project, and it’s going to be a real head turner. I can’t wait to go for a ride. But as you know, this project has run into all kinds of delays and snags over the years so sometimes it is little things that make a huge impact. To be getting some big stuff done in this one has got to have Mikey feeling like a million bucks. With more cage, custom seats, and more, this project is moving along! CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED THE MOST RECENT UPDATE ON THE CADILLAC BUILD The post The Caddy Is Back! Finnegan Continues To Make Big Progress On This Epic Drag And Drive Machine! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

You aren’t going to see this kind of collection of old cars just anywhere, because if they aren’t hidden in the trees somewhere then they would find their way into someone else’s hands over the years. But this collection is one of those hidden in the woods deals that people talk about, and spread rumors of, and wonder what the history is all about. Luckily, our friend Tommy Lee Byrd is on the hunt in this video and has brought his young son along to check out the collection of goodies in the woods. Check it out and let us know what you think. Rolling through a collection like this and being able to check it all out is pretty neat and we’re jealous. How about you? Video Description: This forgotten car collection has been sitting in the woods for decades and I was excited to take Isaac on a little adventure to check out the rusted relics. Jim Smith stored these cars many years ago, and they’re now victims of time and nature, as most of them have rusted beyond repair or have major tree damage. There are multiple Dodge Chargers, an old Dirt Track car, 2 Gran Torino Sports, a ’69 Plymouth Satellite and others scattered around the property. There’s even a special surprise in the barn amongst a bunch of parts and pieces. #abandoned #classiccars #mopar The post Classic Cars in the Woods – Exploring an Abandoned Car Collection With The Hot Rod Hoarder appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Trust me when I tell you that finishing up a brand new build, and then going straight to a major drag and drive event with it, can be really stressful. By most logic it isn’t smart either. But and after having less than 30 miles on brand new combos, I’ve driven cross country in my drag and drive cars on multiple occasions and had to drive thousands of miles just to get to and from the event, let alone the 1300 plus during the event itself. It is not for faint of heart, but usually you at least know that the car is good because it is tested, even if the new combo isn’t. Or you can be someone like Devin who’s got everything new and is hoping it all works and there will be time for a test hit or two before heading to the races. Watch. Video Description: Lots of updates on the new car and the mini trailer. Will we make it in time for sick week? Will we do big wheelies ? Will survive the event? Or will we just suck ? Check it out and let me know if you learned anything or see what I should fix. The post Sick Week 2026 Preview: Sick Week 2026 Prep and Testing Is In Full Swing For Devin Vanderhoof’s New Ride! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Michael Judd's Ultra Street “Déjà Vu” supercharged 1973 Plymouth Duster kept finding its way back into his possession.View the full article

Corey LaJoie will be a busy man in the coming weeks. He has already announced plans to fill-in for an injured Brad Keselowski in the pre-season Clash at Bowman Gray, and he will also be driving the No. 99 RFK Racing open entry as he attempts to qualify for the 68th running of Daytona 500. On Monday, it was announced LaJoie will be driving the No. 75 Henderson Motorsports entry in the NASCAR ...Keep readingView the full article

A Bugatti Chiron with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer is making the rounds online, a number that feels almost impossible in a world where most hypercars live quiet lives between climate controlled garages and concours lawns. The photos, courtesy of supercar photographer Alex Penfold, show an odometer reading of 175,797 kilometers, about 109,235 miles, which would put it among the highest mileage Chirons ever seen publicly and likely the highest that has surfaced with clear documentation. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Why The Mileage Is Probably RealReports say the car is not a typical customer owned Chiron, but a Bugatti used development and test vehicle, the kind of car that racks up huge distance while validating software, drivability, durability, and long term reliability across different climates. Bugatti has a history of running prototype and development cars hard, and while the company has not publicly confirmed this specific chassis, the idea fits how automakers accumulate real mileage outside the public eye. The photos also show a car that still looks presentable, which is consistent with a well maintained factory vehicle. The Chiron’s cabin and exterior appear intact despite the distance, suggesting it has received regular care rather than simply being driven until it wore out. Bugatti Chiron 8.0L Quad-Turbo W16 with 175,797 km (109,235 miles) on the clock. pic.twitter.com/rb0piWSm5D — Mileage impossible (@Mileage_impo) January 4, 2026 What It Means For The Chiron And The W16 EraThe Chiron is often treated as a symbol of excess, with its quad turbo W16 power, extreme speed potential, and equally extreme maintenance expectations. A six figure mileage example complicates that image. It suggests the underlying engineering can handle far more real use than most owners will ever attempt, even if the cost of keeping it in shape is still massive. That is especially relevant as Bugatti moves away from the W16 era, because the most convincing legacy for a powertrain is what it survives in the real world, not what it achieves once on a test track. GFWilliams The Money Side Of Driving A Hypercar Like A CarEven if this high mileage Chiron was factory maintained, the story still underlines what makes heavy use so rare, costs can climb into another dimension. Hypercar repairs and service are already notorious, and Bugatti in particular has produced reminders that small incidents can become enormous bills. That reality is why most Chirons stay low mileage, because every mile adds wear to parts that are expensive, specialized, and often tied to factory support. At the same time, collectors continue to treat the Chiron as a canvas for rarity and storytelling. One-off commissions still draw major attention and serious money. This high mileage car sits at the opposite end, valuable not because it is one of one, but because it proves someone actually used it. View the full article

The 2026 U.S. Street Nationals was one heck of an event. Here's a recap of all the winners and action from Bradenton. View the full article

Having multiple apps on your smartphone just to be able to access whatever charging station you come across can be more than a little frustrating, and General Motors knows this. To make living with an EV easier, GM today announced that users can now find, charge, and pay at over 5,000 Electrify America fast-charging stations from within the myChevrolet, myGMC, or myCadillac app, simplifying charging for Equinox EV, Optiq, and Hummer EV owners. This "unified charging experience" means users no longer need to have an Electrify America app on their phones to charge at the company's numerous stations, which include 350kW fast-chargers. GM Still Has Work to Do in Making EVs Easy to Live With Cadillac The GM apps will allow users to find nearby charging stations with real-time availability, plan routes and decide on charging stops along the way, monitor the status of their ongoing charging sessions, and pay for those sessions from the app, but arguably the most significant change to GM EV use is access to Tesla's network of chargers. In September 2024, GM began offering NACS adapters to allow its EVs to refill their batteries at Tesla Supercharge stations, but this is just a temporary solution. After Ford announced it would begin producing EVs with NACS ports, General Motors followed suit. That change starts with the 2026 Cadillac Optiq and its high-performance Optiq-V sibling, opening access to over 36,000 chargers across the country. EVs Still Face Struggles General Motors Last year, General Motors saw a massive decline in EV sales, resulting in a multi-billion-dollar write-down. The attractive and affordable Bolt, America's cheapest new EV, will help to a certain degree, but GM says it will only be produced for roughly 18 months. GM expects this to "account for the majority of EV volume for Chevrolet in 2026, alongside the Chevrolet Equinox EV," and then the factory responsible for the Bolt will be repurposed for Buick Envision production. That SUV is currently produced in China, but tariffs have made importing it too expensive an exercise, so GM is moving its home to Kansas. Related: Should Chevrolet Revive the Geo Tracker as an Affordable Compact Electric Off-Roader? GM has built several EVs on the Ultium platform, allowing it to bring a variety of new electric cars to market more quickly than rivals, and this Electrify America deal makes living with them easier, but it's unclear what will happen toward the end of the decade. Despite EV ownership becoming more convenient, demand is not as high as was once predicted, and shifting legislation makes their future murky. View the full article

For a long time, Audi stood head and shoulders above the rest in terms of interior quality, and that quality could be felt in every operation in the cabin, from the smoothness of the A/C vent adjustment to the click of a button for the infotainment system. But that quality feel has since been replaced by a certain cheapness, and that physical feel by excessive screen integration. Fortunately, Audi is on a path of self-correction, and the man helming its design direction plans a return to simplicity and understated luxury. Speaking with Top Gear, Audi chief creative officer Massimo Frascella said that the German automaker now views tactility as "very important," indicating that the ethos of last year's Concept C will find its way to future production cars. Audi Will Do Things Its Own Way Audi Frascella, whose CV includes the Velar, Defender, and most recent Range Rover, knows a thing or two about understated style, which is exactly what Audi should be all about, and he says that Audi needs to find its "own way" to deliver the brand experience and not be "like everyone else." He added, "It's not about taking things out, it's just offering the technology and the functionality in a way that's beneficial for the customer." In other words, automakers can't remove screens from cars, but they can make them better to interact with. "Tactility is very important," said Frascella. "Big screens are not the best experience. It's technology for the sake of technology. For us, technology is there when you need it, not there when not needed." This contrasts with automakers like Mercedes, whose Hyperscreen dominates the cabin, whether a user is operating the infotainment screen or just driving. Frascella adds that a "mix of digital and analog," as well as tactility and a perception of quality, is very important for Audi. In other words, don't expect to see the 14.5-inch touchscreen and 11.9-inch driver display of the latest Audi Q5 living much longer. What to Expect from Future Audis Audi Audi's Concept C provides clues as to how its future cabins may look. The car has a simple steering wheel with physical switches and buttons, behind which physical stalks reside. Plenty of anodized aluminum helps create that premium feel Audi has been missing, and further back, an ample but not oversized display provides necessary information to the driver in a recessed slot in the dash, making the screen itself seem smaller and less "in your face." Alongside it on the dash is the central infotainment display, which measures only 10.4 inches. In a world where most premium cars have inches measuring 12.3 inches or more, including many contemporary Audi products, this kind of restraint calls to mind the products Ingolstadt was producing 10 or 15 years ago. Better yet, the Concept C's screen folds away when not in use. Hopefully, with Frascella in charge, these sorts of elements will find their way to production soon. View the full article

WorldSBK 2026 Yamaha Yamaha has confirmed its full rider line-up for the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship, heading into the new season with a mix of continuity alongside a measured refresh with two new riders joining the Yamaha World Superbike effort. Ahead of the long journey south to Australia, the WorldSBK field will test this […] The post Yamaha presents 2026 YZF-R1M World Superbike and rider line-up appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

$40,000 motorcycle to be won in Burt Munro Challenge raffle A $40,000 motorcycle is up for grabs as the Burt Munro Challenge aims to support a new generation of racers. This year’s event features a raffle for a new 2025 Yamaha R6 race bike to help fund the road racing endeavours of young Southlanders. Boasting a […] The post $40,000 motorcycle to be won in Burt Munro Challenge raffle appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Rivian is recalling a small batch of R1T and R1S vehicles after determining that bolts securing the second-row outboard seat belt retractor assemblies may not have been properly tightened during production. If the retractor is not adequately secured, the seat belt may not restrain an occupant as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Kristen Brown View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What Vehicles Are IncludedThe recall covers certain 2022 through 2025 Rivian R1T pickups and 2022 through 2026 Rivian R1S SUVs. According to the NHTSA filing, the total population is 869 vehicles. Rivian says the issue stems from a manufacturing process window that ran from September 15, 2021 through May 15, 2025, with potentially affected vehicles produced within that span. Kristen Brown What The Problem Is And What Owners Might NoticeRivian says one or both of the second-row outboard seat belt retractors could have a bolt that was not installed to specification. If that bolt is loose, the retractor assembly may not stay properly attached when the belt is loaded. Owners might notice a rattling noise near the retractor area around the left or right C-pillar, which can be an early warning sign that something is not secured as it should be. Rivian will inspect the retractor assemblies and, if needed, properly secure them at no cost to the owner. The company estimates the service should take less than an hour. Owner notification letters are expected to go out by March 9, 2026, and Rivian says customers can schedule service through its support channels. How It Fits Rivian’s Bigger MomentEven though this recall is relatively small, it lands at a sensitive time for Rivian as it works to steady momentum and prove it can scale cleanly. The company is moving its next product closer to reality, while also managing a growing recall, earlier this year. Rivian also needs smooth execution because its near-term story depends on turning the next vehicle into real volume. View the full article

China may be the BMW Group's largest market, but the United States is in second place, and it's Americans' appetite for large engines that is helping keep the V8 alive. Speaking with Automotive News Europe, a BMW spokesperson said that demand for V8 models in the U.S. is still "above average," adding that the configuration is likely to remain popular with Americans for the foreseeable future. As a result, production of certain engine components will continue beyond BMW's previously announced cut-off date of 2027, with the automaker's Munich plant to continue producing cylinder heads, crankshafts, and crankcases for V8 and V12 engines even as Neue Klasse EVs enter production there. V8 and V12 Combustion Power to Coexist with EVs BMW BMW's Munich plant was set to produce only EVs from next year, but while the electric i3 sedan will enter production there in the second half of 2026, production of V8 and V12 engine components will continue (after that is anyone's guess), and there are several products in which they will find homes. Among them are the facelifted X5, X6, and X7. The X5 is expected to get its LCI update before the end of the year, as is the 7 Series, with both to retain eight-cylinder engines. The refreshed X6 and X7 are expected to debut in 2027 and arrive the following year, also with V8s in their range-topping trims. Naturally, that means the X5 M and X6 M will retain their 4.4-liter S68 twin-turbo V8s, as will the eventual update of the M5. Related: BMW Wants to Make Bentley Jealous With Its Next SUV Elsewhere in the BMW Group, Rolls-Royce's V12 will also benefit from America's appetite for capacity, something illustrated by poor sales of the all-electric Spectre, while the newly formed BMW Alpina is likely to use V8s in its next B7 and XB7, based on the 7 Series and X7, respectively. Cars with smaller engines will also retain combustion, though they will adopt a form of electrification. Six-Cylinder Engines Aren't Going Anywhere Either SH Proshots/Autoblog As we've reported previously, the B58 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six will stick around, too, with the next M340i expected to make M3 owners nervous at the lights by adopting a mild-hybrid setup capable of 400 horsepower or more. The next G84-generation M3 will also be electrified, with its S58 to be bolstered by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Total output will be somewhere beyond 500 hp, eclipsing the G80 M3's 473-hp starting point with ease and helping mask any weight gain. But since this won't be a PHEV like the M5, the weight gain won't be extreme. Unlike Mercedes, which opted to downsize and electrify only to revert to six- and eight-cylinder engines, BMW has recognized that Americans (and other global customers) want more than four cylinders, and it will give them what they ask for until it's no longer feasible to do so. View the full article

The EV Packaging Problem Nobody Loves Talking AboutElectric vehicles (EVs) address plenty of challenges, but maximizing interior space isn’t always one of them. Today’s EV batteries are large, heavy units mounted under the floor, and that extra thickness comes with tradeoffs. Higher floors mean seating positions shift, and designers often have to make tough choices about rooflines, legroom, or the car’s overall shape. Some EVs end up looking taller than necessary, while others sacrifice cabin comfort just to keep the exterior profile in line. This problem stands out most in smaller EVs and family cars, where any bit of interior space counts. Even with smart packaging, there’s only so much room to work with when the battery sets the floor height. That’s the challenge Toyota seems to be tackling in a new patent, which focuses less on battery chemistry and more on how the components are arranged under the car. As always, it’s worth noting that patents and trademarks are not guarantees of production. Automakers file these documents to protect ideas, explore concepts, or future-proof engineering directions that may never reach the showroom. USPTO A Different Way to Arrange the EV “Skateboard”Filed to the US Patent and Trademark Office in June 2025 (look it up using patent no. 20260021715) and published just last week, Toyota’s filing outlines an alternative way to package an EV’s battery and major electrical components. Rather than stacking everything in one thick layer, Toyota’s idea is to spread out key components in a more layered setup. The battery still sits under the floor, but electronics like power control units and junction boxes are moved so they aren’t all piled up in the same spot. The goal is to cut down on bulk by changing how things are arranged, not by making the battery itself thinner. The patent diagrams show the battery doing double duty, working as both an energy source and a structural part that shields sensitive electronics. By keeping cable runs short and grouping components closer together, Toyota could save space and boost efficiency, all without changing the battery’s chemistry. USPTO Why This Matters If It Ever Reaches ProductionIf this kind of layout reaches production, the benefits for buyers would be clear. A thinner floor could allow for lower seats, more headroom, or extra legroom without making the car any bigger. Designers would also have more flexibility to shape EVs that look sleeker, instead of relying on tall, upright bodies to hide thick underfloors. For family EVs, this could mean more usable space in the second row or more flexible cargo layouts. For smaller models, it could bring back proportions that look more like classic hatchbacks and sedans, instead of defaulting to tall crossovers. Moreover, a more flexible underfloor setup could be used through different body styles, drivetrains, and markets without having to start over each time. It’s not clear whether this exact idea will make it to production, but it shows Toyota is focused on practical ways to improve the use of space. USPTO View the full article

Pulling Back the CurtainRimac has been gaining momentum – not only with the record-setting Nevera, but also with its advanced battery technology, which has attracted interest from other automakers. Despite the complexity of its engineering, Rimac remains unusually transparent about how it operates. That openness was on full display thanks to automotive YouTuber Misha Charoudin, who was granted behind-the-scenes access to the company’s facilities. Charoudin is best known for his content featuring a wide variety of cars driven at the Nürburgring, and his YouTube channel currently boasts around 2.03 million subscribers. He also previously worked at Rimac, giving him unique insight into the company. During the visit, he met with CEO Mate Rimac, who provided detailed explanations of the firm’s operations and development philosophy. The Birthplace of TourbillonThe tour began at the Jankomir Battery and Powertrain production line in Croatia, where Rimac – a majority owner of Bugatti-Rimac –is developing the successor to the Chiron, the Tourbillon. The hypercar abandons turbocharging in favor of a hybridized setup, a move Rimac said was key to enabling the Tourbillon’s naturally aspirated V16 engine. Rimac also acknowledged growing pressure from Chinese automakers that are rapidly advancing battery technology, remarking, “They are really, really good at doing this stuff.” That progress was highlighted when Xiaomi, best known for smartphones, beat the Nevera’s Nürburgring lap time with its SU7 Ultra EV, which is claimed to produce 1,527 horsepower. One of the biggest challenges in developing the Tourbillon, according to Rimac, has been heat management. Integrating the hybrid system required careful thermal control to ensure the components were protected from extreme heat, with the inverter mounted above the exhaust, which can reach temperatures of up to 900° Celsius (1,652° Fahrenheit). To validate its thermal solutions, the team is said to have conducted real-world testing in Dubai, where ambient temperatures are extreme, alongside extensive simulations and wind-tunnel testing. Mate Rimac also showcased his personal car collection, which includes the Pininfarina Battista, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, and Porsche Carrera GT. Despite the cult following surrounding the BMW E30 M3, he described it as “boring” to drive. His personal favorite is the BMW 5 Series (E39), which he regularly uses as a daily driver alongside Bugatti and Rimac vehicles. Misha Charoudin on YouTube No Need for MysteryOther Rimac facilities shown were the carbon-fiber production area, the paint shop – where up to 800 hours of work is said to go into each car on average – and a battery production line supplying BMW, though the specific models were not disclosed. While many automakers remain reserved about their manufacturing processes, Rimac has taken a different approach. That transparency is somewhat ironic given Bugatti’s famous tagline, “If it’s comparable, it is no longer a Bugatti,” yet it also reflects confidence in the company’s engineering and development phasing. The clearest expression of that confidence is the Tourbillon itself, with first deliveries expected later this year. Each example starts at around €3.8 million (approximately $4.6 million). Misha Charoudin on YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

John Force Racing is rolling into 2026 with a lot of fresh faces. Here's who will be tuning the Force fleet this season. View the full article

Yamaha’s history is a relentless pursuit of the "Kando"—the Japanese philosophy of simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement. From the screaming two-strokes that dominated Grand Prix racing to the bulletproof reliability of their "Master of Torque" hyper-nakeds, the Iwata mar... View the full article

Canada is moving ahead with plans to allow Chinese-made electric vehicles into the country, and US President Donald Trump isn't happy about it. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump slammed the decision as disastrous, warning it could have serious economic consequences for Canada and ripple effects across North America. His comments were later echoed by US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy on X, escalating an already sensitive debate around EV trade, tariffs, and geopolitical influence. Trump Labels Canada’s China EV Deal a “Disaster”.@POTUS is right. Canada will live to regret the day they let the Chinese Communist Party flood North America with their EVs. pic.twitter.com/ve2fAL2FSL — Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) January 25, 2026 Trump’s criticism centers on Canada’s agreement to sharply roll back its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, reducing it to 6.1% on 49,000 EVs. He accused Canada of undermining itself by opening the door to Chinese automakers while the US continues to block them through strict trade barriers. In one post, Trump said the deal would “go down as one of the worst deals, of any kind, in history,” while claiming all Canadian businesses are relocating to the US. He framed his comments as concern for Canada’s future, saying he wanted the country to “survive and thrive,” before making another post and suggesting China is “successfully and completely taking over” the Great White North. It sounds like Trump is scared of the competition, and Ford CEO Jim Farley seems to agree. China currently reigns as the world’s top auto seller, and consideration among US consumers is growing, despite being shut out of the market. 100% Tariff Threats and Economic Fallout Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua via Getty Images Trump also warned that Canada could face 100% tariffs on all goods entering the US if the deal proceeds. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy reinforced the message, reposting Trump’s comments and adding that Canada would “live to regret the day they let the Chinese Communist Party flood North America with their EVs.” And if history has taught us anything, it's that Trump doesn't joke about tariffs. Last year, Trump's tariffs on cars, parts, and metals topped $10 billion, and if he were to impose these proposed tariffs on Canada, there would be a ripple effect that could drive up vehicle prices in the US. Some of America's best-selling vehicles, like the Toyota RAV4, Honda Civic, and Chevrolet Silverado, are all manufactured in Canada, meaning they'd become double as expensive overnight. Canada's Response to Trump Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images Despite overall consumer interest in EVs dropping, and Mexico putting a 50% tariff on all Chinese cars, Canada will stick with their 6.1% tariff. Canadian officials have defended the agreement, arguing it complies with the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement trade framework. For now, it seems Canadians will soon get their hands on truly affordable EVs that offer tremendous value for money. Will they steal a big chunk of Canada's EV market? Definitely. Will this be the end of Canada as we know it? Donald Trump certainly thinks so, but only time will tell. View the full article

One of the greatest race car drivers in Ford Performance history, three-time champion Joey Logano has a deep appreciation for the history of the Blue Oval marque and it shows in the form of his 1924 Model T. Logano has called it ‘my favorite car in my collection’ and ‘the most challenging car to drive,’ but loves it because ‘it is what made Ford, Ford,’ and thus a prize in his ...Keep readingView the full article

The affordable EV segment has gotten quite a lot of attention in recent months. Nissan introduced an all-new Leaf and Chevrolet launched the new Bolt, both of which start at under $30,000. But another $10,000 or so can get you something larger and more refined, such as the Kia Niro EV. Kia has finally released pricing for the 2026 model, following the launch of the Niro Hybrid last year. The good news is that the price hike is modest, but the Niro EV now finds itself facing some tough competition. Small Price Bump But No Major Changes 2026 Niro EV Nissan View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The base Kia Niro EV starts at $39,700 for the Wind trim. The only other trim is the Wave, which has a starting price of $44,700. Both trims are only $100 more than before, but the destination charge has also increased by $100 to $1,495—the prices mentioned here exclude this fee. The Niro EV is still Kia’s cheapest EV, as the next model up is the EV6 at $42,900. No major changes have been announced for the Niro EV, which means both trims stick with a 201-horsepower electric motor sending power to the front wheels exclusively. Kia quotes a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 7.8 seconds, so performance is adequate rather than exciting. Both trims have a range of 253 miles on a full charge. Standard equipment is generous and includes 17-inch alloys, a power tailgate, a power driver’s seat, combination imitation leather/cloth seats, heated front seats, and dual 10.25-inch displays. The pricier Wave adds a Harman Kardon sound system, a vehicle-to-load inverter, and a power sunroof, among other items. However, at $44,700, the Niro EV Wave’s range and performance figures are only average, so we’d recommend sticking with the base Wind. Related: 2025 Kia Niro EV vs. 2026 Nissan Leaf: Which Compact Economy EV is Best? The Competition Has Moved On Tesla Model Y Standard Tesla View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article At around $40,000, the 2026 Kia Niro EV now faces some rivals it didn’t have a year ago. The Tesla Model Y Standard stands out here, as it starts at $39,990. That’s just $290 more than the base Niro EV, yet the Tesla has a range of 321 miles and a quicker 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds. It’s hard to argue with those numbers. The new Nissan Leaf costs $38,990 in its top Platinum+ trim level. A vastly improved EV over the old Leaf, the new one produces 214 hp and the Platinum+ has a 259-mile range. The Platinum+ comes with 19-inch alloys, a 14.3-inch touchscreen, a Bose sound system, a head-up display, and a heated steering wheel. That’s a solid package that beats the Niro EV in range and tech, although the Kia is more spacious if you have kids. If you’re after more luxury, the base Volvo EX30 starts at $38,950, undercutting the Kia, yet it has more power (268 hp) and a better range (261 miles). With these competitors around, it’s hard to see the Niro EV impacting the sales charts in any big way for the rest of 2026. Its price may have stayed steady, but Kia hasn’t improved the EV in any meaningful way, while rival options have only become more appealing. What Kia really needs is a fresh entry-level EV like the EV2, but that model is sadly forbidden fruit in the USA. Related: America’s Cheapest New EV Is Already on Borrowed Time View the full article

No matter how you like your Mustang, there's something for everyone, and Shelby American just added to the available offerings with the 2026 Shelby GT350/TA, a street-legal supercharged 'Stang with more power than a GTD and several upgrades intended to make it the ideal track day toy. As the name implies, the car is inspired by the Trans Am road racing series and various Fords that competed therein, and just 70 will be made for the 2026 model year, making it rarer than the Mustang GTD or any current Corvette. Limited editions are rarely cheap, and this one is no different, as we'll discuss shortly, but the GT350/TA comes exclusively with something that almost no rival does: a manual transmission. Supercharged GT350/TA Makes Big Power Shelby American Like the other Shelby Mustangs revealed recently (Super Snake and GT350), the GT350/TA is based on the Mustang GT, which means a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 under the hood that is just begging to be supercharged. Shelby has duly obliged with the help of Whipple, boosting output to over 830 hp. But making power means nothing if you can't use it, so Shelby has also fitted an intercooler along with its extreme engine cooling package. A high-flow exhaust with four black tips has been installed to let the engine breathe better, and the half shafts have been upgraded to ensure the extra power doesn't result in implosion. Thinking along the same lines, hardened extended wheel studs have been fitted to Forgeline VX1S racing wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires. Behind the gloss black wheels, Pro-System Alcom Trans Am Cup brakes have been fitted. Shelby American View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Shelby also took the time to fit fully adjustable coilovers with remote reservoirs, upgraded rear shock absorbers, new adjustable sway bars front and rear, and an upgraded limited-slip differential with a remote pump and heat exchanger - all of which are designed to sustain lengthy periods of abuse on track. The manual transmission gets a short-throw shifter, and the hood is an aluminum piece with carbon fiber vents. Shelby also replaced the front bumper with its new fascia and grille, while the back is made more aggressive with a new rear deck. Opt for the aero package, and you get carbon fiber splitters, dive planes, grille inserts, side skirt extensions, and a massive adjustable rear wing atop a ducktail carbon fiber trunk lid. A carbon fiber rear diffuser with an integrated cooler for the diff also appears, and various graphics finish off the tuned look. More Carbon Fiber Inside Shelby American View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The instrument panel trims have been skinned in carbon fiber, too, as have the door panel trims and the console surround, while the console itself is wrapped in leather. Speaking of, the seats feature Shelby embroidery, and the cabin is further uplifted with a carbon fiber shifter handle, GT350/TA badges, a serialized dash panel, and Shelby-branded floor mats and sill plates. The most noteworthy interior upgrade is a 4130 Chrome Moly Tig-welded four-point cage. The 2026 Shelby GT350/TA comes in Race Red, Grabber Blue, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Carbonized Gray metallic, and Orange Fury, and pricing starts at $219,995 (based on a 2026 Mustang GT 401A at $55,975 and Shelby's package at $164,020). For not very much more, you could have a 911 GT3 RS ($250,000), or for a little less, you could have a Corvette ZR1X ($209,700), but neither of those cars comes with a manual transmission, nor the whine of a supercharger. Sheby American View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Turning the ‘60s Concept Into RealityThe Runabout might not be the first Bertone name that comes to mind, but it played a bigger role than most people think. When it debuted in 1969, the original concept showed just how far Bertone was willing to push boundaries. This was the same era that produced the Countach and Stratos, the wedge-shaped legends that put Bertone on the map. Previewed in December, Bertone is bringing back the Runabout – not as a concept car but as a limited-run production supercar. The new Runabout leads off Bertone’s Classic Line, setting the direction for what comes next. With its debut set for Retromobile 2026 in Paris, Bertone is making it clear they’re back in the game as a true low-volume manufacturer. Bertone Nautical InspirationThe Runabout’s shape is all about two things: a forward-leaning wedge and a chopped-off tail. No matter where you look, it sits low and compact, with proportions that feel more like a classic concept than a modern supercar trying too hard to stand out. Pop-up headlights are reimagined here, sitting flush in the clean bodywork. The forged aluminum wheels nod to the original Runabout, but avoid going full retro. Out back, the short tail tucks the exhausts into a neat, geometric setup that keeps everything purposeful. Step inside, and the cabin wraps you in a hull-like tub, putting you low and close to the car’s structure, which took inspiration from nautical design. There’s just a single digital tachometer instead of a full cluster, and the gated manual shifter plus exposed mechanicals keep things refreshingly analog. Materials like carbon fiber, machined aluminum, and hand-finished leather are used where they matter, focusing on feel and texture. Bertone Only 25 Units to be MadeUnderneath, the Runabout packs a mid-mounted, supercharged 3.5-liter V6 with 475 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque, all going through a six-speed manual. According to Bertone, the focus is on smooth, progressive torque and real driver involvement, not just big numbers. Then again, it’s actually supercar quick: 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. Moreover, sits on a lightweight bonded aluminum chassis with plenty of carbon fiber, keeping the weight down to about 2,330 pounds. Double wishbone suspension and adjustable dampers all around show this car is built to be driven hard if the wealthy owner chooses to. That said, only 25 Runabout supercars will ever be built, each on a fresh chassis and finished to order. Prices start at €390,000 before taxes, or about $463,000 at today’s exchange rates. The car will debut next to the original 1969 concept this week, bringing Bertone’s story full circle and showing where the brand wants to go next. Bertone View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. JaguarLand Rover may be reconsidering how hard it can stick to an all electric roadmap, according to a report from The Times that says the company is exploring a new model concept that still uses gasoline. The report does not describe a traditional gas powered vehicle, instead it points to a range extended electric approach that keeps an engine on board to generate electricity when the battery is low. Jaguar View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What The Times Says JLR Is ConsideringThe Times reports JLR is looking at a range extended EV, which is an electric vehicle that drives on its motor while a small internal combustion engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery. The report frames it as a response to customer concerns about range and charging convenience, and says the concept could lift total range from roughly 700 kilometers, about 435 miles, to around 1,100 kilometers, about 684 miles. The Times also notes that a setup like this would not qualify as a zero emission vehicle under UK rules, which matters for a brand that has marketed a clean break from combustion. Why The Timing Is Sensitive For JaguarJaguar is in the middle of a high risk reset where the product gap and the rebrand have to align with real market demand. It has already leaned into the idea of closing the chapter on gasoline, and that kind of messaging creates expectations that are hard to revise without looking uncertain. And this lands at a moment when Jaguar is asking its network and its customers to believe in a future lineup that is radically different from the past. Jaguar via Top Gear What This Could Mean For The Dealer And Buyer RealityA range extended EV could be read as a practical bridge rather than a retreat, especially if the goal is to serve buyers who like electric driving but still want a long distance safety net. At the same time, any perceived backtracking risks adding friction with retailers who are already weighing the business case of the transition. JLR also has to keep attention on its new design direction and the first fresh products tied to the reboot, because the brand story depends on making the next car feel inevitable rather than improvised. View the full article