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NHRA announced today that Amalie Motor Oil will continue as the title sponsor of this year’s 57th annual NHRA Gatornationals to open NHRA’s historic 75th anniversary season. The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will take place March 5-8 at legendary Gainesville Raceway, opening the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season for the fourth consecutive year. It remains one of the biggest events in motorsports, as all the top stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will look to win the famed race during NHRA’s landmark 75th season. Amalie Motor Oil has been a longtime title sponsor of the iconic event, continuing a standout partnership with NHRA during the highly-anticipated 2026 event and kickoff to the NHRA’s 75th campaign. “AMALIE Motor Oil is honored to be a part of NHRA’s diamond anniversary,” said President and CEO, Harry Barkett. “AMALIE was at the first Gatornationals, and proud to continue as the title sponsor of this marquee event at this incredible raceway.” Last year, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Chad Green (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won on the hallowed grounds of Gainesville Raceway to open the year. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8. This year promises to be one of the biggest races in Gatornationals history. Along with a full slate of racing – including the Top Fuel All-Star Callout specialty race on Saturday and action in the Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series – fans can expect a multitude of events to celebrate the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and NHRA’s 75th anniversary, including: Appearances from a host of NHRA legends during the event, including Kenny Bernstein, Don Garlits, Joe Amato, Don Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, Darrell Gwynn and Bob Frey. A celebration of Bernstein’s historic 300-mph run from 1992. A free, limited-edition NHRA 2026 season poster to the first 6,500 fans in attendance on Sunday. A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and a 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley. Race winners will get the special NHRA 75th anniversary Diamond Wally, along with the Gatornationals traditional Golden Gator trophy. “Amalie Motor Oil continues to be a fantastic NHRA partner and we’re so thrilled to have them continue as the title sponsor of the Gatornationals, especially as we open our 75th anniversary season in Gainesville this year,” NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said. “It’s the start of an exciting year and it doesn’t get much bigger than the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. It’s a perfect way to kick off a landmark year and it’s great to have the continued support from Amalie Motor Oil for this massive event.” The Gatornationals – long one of the biggest races on the NHRA tour – have drawn massive crowds for more than five decades and helped make legends in the sport. Top Fuel’s Tony Schumacher and Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson both have five Gatornationals wins, while veteran Ron Capps has four in the Funny Car ranks. This year, fans will see a host of major stars, including Top Fuel reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, motorsports legend Tony Stewart, local standout Josh Hart, who joined John Force Racing, and the return of star driver Leah Pruett. In Funny Car, the stars include back-to-back world champ Austin Prock, Capps, Matt Hagan, Jack Beckman and new John Force Racing driver Jordan Vandergriff, while Pro Stock features champ Glenn, Anderson, Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Aaron Stanfield. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gaige Herrera is after a fourth straight Gatornationals win, while Richard Gadson begins his title defense against the likes of Matt Smith, Angie Smith and Chase Van Sant. To purchase tickets to the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals, Including upgraded experiences in the Gainesville Top Eliminator Club, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. This story was originally published on January 20, 2026. The post Amalie Motor Oil Returns as Title Sponsor For NHRA Gatornationals to Open 75th NHRA Season first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The countdown to 2026 is officially on. From coast to coast, the NHRA Canada National Open Series returns with another thrilling season of side-by-side drag racing, championship battles, and unforgettable weekends at Canada’s premier drag strips. Powered by the John Scotti Canadian Championship Series, this year’s schedule brings together the best racers in the country across East and West divisions, all chasing Cash, Wallys, Points, Pride, and National recognition. The John Scotti Canadian Championship Series East will take competitors through some of the most iconic tracks in Eastern Canada, with all NHRA Canada National Open Series are two separate events of championship drag racing, raising the stakes at every stop. From Toronto to Napierville, Luskville, Miramichi to Cape Breton, the East series promises intense competition and a packed summer calendar. Meanwhile, the John Scotti Canadian Championship Series West delivers high-octane action across British Columbia and Alberta. With stops in Mission, Medicine Hat, and Edmonton, the West series showcases top-tier talent and the same championship-level atmosphere fans expect from the NHRA Canada, National Open Series events. Two Series. Two Coasts. Endless Competition. John Scotti Canadian Championship Series – EAST NHRA Canada National Open (All events are two separate races) ● May 15–17 — Toronto, ON ● June 19–21 — Luskville, QC ● July 16–18 — Napierville, QC ● July 23–25 — Miramichi, NB ● August 13–15 — Cape Breton, NS ● September 4–6 — Toronto, ON ● September 10–12 — Napierville, QC (Finals) John Scotti Canadian Championship Series – WEST NHRA Canada National Open (All events are two separate races) ● May 30–31 — Mission Raceway, Mission, BC ● July 4–5 — M.H.D.R.A., Medicine Hat, AB ● July 11–12 — RAD Torque Raceway, Edmonton, AB This story was originally published on January 20, 2026. The post NHRA Canada National Open Series Announces 2026 Schedule first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

After creating a class to call home, Small Tire Pro Stock racers captured attention at tracks across the country in 2025 in cars with high-revving and high-horsepower naturally aspirated engines. One pass at a time, they proved what they are made of, and now, they are preparing for a showstopping second season of racing in 2026. Here is this year’s six-race Small Tire Pro Stock schedule: March 19-21 at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Adel, Georgia, as part of Muscle Car Mayhem May 22-23 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, as part of Nostalgia Drag Racing League Route 66 Rockabilly Reunion July 10-11 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Indiana, as part of Nostalgia Drag Racing League Hot Rod Nationals presented by Ray Skillman Automotive Group August 8-9 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Indiana, as part of Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series NHRA North Central Division 3 Divisional Race September 11-12 at Darana Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, as part of Nostalgia Drag Racing League World Nostalgia Drags October 23-25 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Indiana, as part of NHRA North Central Divisional Division 3 Fall Classic “Small Tire Pro Stock is proud to partner with Nostalgia Drag Racing League for three events, and to be part of the programs at South Georgia Motorsports Park, World Wide Technology Raceway, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and Darana Raceway for 2026,” said Dwight Ausmus, Small Tire Pro Stock steering committee member and 2025 class champion. “The teams at these renowned racing venues are known for their hospitality and for hosting some of the most popular and well-run events in the country, and we are thrilled to be part of their shows.” Small Tire Pro Stock has support from 10K Technology, Pen and Paper Strength App, Dolce and Clemente’s Market, V & J Inc., BES Racing Engines, CFM Carburetors, Extreme Fab and Beadlocks and Weldon Racing, and additional sponsors will soon be welcomed to the crowd-pleasing category with charismatic competitors. “Having people believe in us and back us inspires us as we grow,” said David Theisen, Small Tire Pro Stock steering committee member and racer who finished third in points in 2025. “We look forward to putting the spotlight on our sponsors at the track and away from the track in 2026 and beyond. Together, we have a lot to look forward to.” For media inquiries and information about Small Tire Pro Stock, please email Mary Lendzion at smalltireprostock@gmail.com or visit the Small Tire Pro Stock Facebook page. This story was originally published on January 20, 2026. The post Small Tire Tire Pro Stock Secures Six Races For Highly Anticipated Second Season first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

SCAG Racing announced Monday that FastTz has teamed up with Justin Ashley and his SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel Dragster as an associate partner for the 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series. FastTz, a professional printing and embroidery company specializing in custom apparel and signage, will play a key role in supporting the SCAG Racing program by supplying official team merchandise throughout the 2026 season. The partnership will enhance SCAG Racing’s fan engagement efforts while ensuring the team, SCAG Power Equipment dealers, and supporters have access to high-quality, professionally produced apparel. “Ordering is made EZ @ FastTz,” simply said David Rogers, owner of FastTz. Ashley, who enters the 2026 season as one of the premier drivers in the NHRA Top Fuel category, emphasized his gratitude for the partnership and the benefits it will bring to both SCAG Racing and FastTz. “We are very excited about our newest partnership with FastTz & Signs,” said Ashley. “I’ve had the privilege of getting to know David over the last few years and consider myself lucky to call him a friend. FastTz is a principle-based company that is dedicated to putting the needs of their customers first. This aligns perfectly with our vision at SCAG Racing. I am grateful for the opportunity to further introduce FastTz to the NHRA community.” FastTz will make its on-track debut with SCAG Racing at the season-opening NHRA Gatornationals, March 6–8, at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida, with branding featured on the blower of Ashley’s Top Fuel dragster. This story was originally published on January 20, 2026. The post FastTz Joins SCAG Racing as Associate Partner on Justin Ashley’s SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel Dragster first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ross Chastain is going to be very busy in the upcoming season. In addition to his duties as the full-time driver of the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series, he already announced plans to run the maximum allowed number of Truck races (eight) for Niece Motorsports. And while we don't know the specific races, it was previously confirmed that he will return to JR Motorsports ...Keep readingView the full article

Built to Take a BeatingShopping for aftermarket wheels can be tricky – especially when dealing with a premium SUV like the Toyota Land Cruiser. In situations like this, sticking with a proven brand is often the safest approach, and Japan’s RAYS now has a new option available. The renowned wheel manufacturer has unveiled a new 18-inch model for the ZE40X, purpose-built to endure the brutal demands of off-road driving. Offered under the company’s flagship Volk Racing lineup, the new 18-inch ZE40X builds upon the ZE40, a wheel that has been part of RAYS’ portfolio since the mid-2010s. Previously available only in 17-inch sizes, the ZE40X is a forged, high-performance wheel optimized for 4×4 applications. RAYS specifically cites vehicles such as the Land Cruiser 250 and Land Cruiser 300 as target models, which should also make the Lexus GX a natural fit. RAYS The Vehicles in FocusIn the U.S., Toyota sells only the boxy-styled Land Cruiser 250 alongside the Lexus GX, with both vehicles effectively sharing the same body-on-frame TNGA-F platform. The primary difference comes down to market positioning, as the Lexus places a greater emphasis on luxury and refinement. Meanwhile, the larger Land Cruiser 300 was never offered in the U.S. following its global debut in 2021. RAYS notes that the ZE40X has been certified to the JWL-T standard, confirming that it meets strict safety requirements designed to handle higher loads and increased stress. In addition, the wheel also complies with the company’s own JWL+R standards, which indicate that it has undergone extended testing. RAYS The Cost of StrengthThe ZE40X is offered in multiple configurations, though versions specifically designed for the Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX are priced at around ¥116,000 (approximately $734 at current exchange rates) per wheel in the Blast Black finish. The Bronze option carries a slightly higher price at ¥121,000 (roughly $765) per wheel. RAYS also offers several optional finishes for up to ¥7,000 (about $44) extra, depending on the color. For reference, Toyota currently prices the Land Cruiser 250 in the U.S. starting at $57,600, positioning it below the full-size Sequoia. Its luxury counterpart, the Lexus GX, carries a higher entry point, with a starting price of around $66,935. Aside from these models, RAYS also promotes the ZE40X as a suitable option for other off-road-capable vehicles, including the Ford F-150 Raptor, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Triton – a midsize body-on-frame pickup that is not sold in the U.S. RAYS View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Many manufacturers have discontinued hatchback models in the United States in recent years, but Kia’s new K4 is a welcome addition to the segment. It’s stylish, excellent value for money, and more practical than the K4 sedan introduced first. What the K4 doesn’t have is a manual gearbox, which would be especially welcome on the model with the turbocharged engine. However, Kia won’t rule out a stick shift for its new hatchback—all it needs is sufficient demand for the option. Related: Manual Transmissions Aren’t Dead. Some U.S. Buyers Are Choosing Them More K4 Hatchback Manual Not Impossible A At a recent press event in Los Angeles, a Kia spokesperson spoke about the possibility of introducing a manual option for the K4 Hatchback. The K4 is offered with a manual in other markets, as pictured above. “We don’t have any plans for a manual transmission right now, but the platform is perfectly capable of accepting one,” said the spokesperson when speaking to Carscoops. “We do offer a manual in other markets. If we find that there’s demand in our market for a manual transmission and it makes business sense, it’s technically possible.” Kia The K4 Hatchback is only available with a CVT or a conventional eight-speed automatic for now. The CVT is paired with the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, whereas the eight-speeder is exclusive to the GT-Line Turbo, which gets a 1.6-liter turbo-four with 190 horsepower. While it’s encouraging to see that Kia is open to a manual gearbox for its compact hatch, the take rate for manuals makes for grim reading. One of Kia’s most recently available manual models, the Forte GT (the Forte preceded the K4), had a take rate for manual derivatives of just 2%, according to Motor 1. That’s hardly promising and explains why the new K4 Sportswagon (also available with a manual) won’t be sold in the United States. Related: Kia’s Manual K4 Sportswagon Brings Fun Back to Compact Wagons Manual Hatchbacks Mostly Limited To Hot Hatches Toyota If you want a manual hatchback in 2026, you typically have to spend far more on a proper hot hatch like the Toyota GR Corolla (starts at $39,920) or Honda Civic Type R (starts at $45,895). These prices are in a completely different realm to the K4 Hatchback, which has a base MSRP of $24,890. The only regular hatchback that still has a manual gearbox is the Mazda 3, and only on the Premium trim that starts at $31,450. As of the 2025 model year, Honda discontinued the manual for its otherwise sporty Civic Hatchback. Even the Volkswagen Golf GTI, one of the best hatches for enthusiasts, no longer comes with anything but a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Like other automakers, Kia needs a strong enough business case to produce a manual gearbox, and that simply doesn’t exist in this market—at least, not outside the sports car segment. View the full article

The U.S. Street Nationals is shaping up to be a massive event. Here are five big story lines to follow this weekend. View the full article

In 2025, we got accustomed to seeing the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in Victory Lane, courtesy of Connor Zilisch and his ten wins. For this year, it was already announced that Rajah Caruth will pilot the car in 23 of 33 NOAPS races during the 2026 season. However, we now know who will drive the car in the other ten events. With Hendrick Motorsports taking its No. 17 full-time with ...Keep readingView the full article

While many Americans struggle to wrap their heads around the average new car price recently exceeding $50,000 for the first time ever, ultra-luxury buyers seem unfazed by rising costs. In 2024, Lamborghini made more profit than ever before, and although its profits declined last year, it still set a new sales record. The Sant'Agata Bolognese-based automaker revealed that it delivered 10,747 vehicles worldwide in 2025, even with "challenging market conditions" and a lineup populated exclusively by hybrid vehicles. Despite improving on 2024's figures and exceeding 10,000 deliveries for the third consecutive year, Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, says that the company's strategy "does not aim for peaks in volumes." Two Cars Led Lamborghini's Charge in 2025 Lamborghini View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Europe, Middle East, and Africa region was Lamborghini's strongest, contributing 4,650 deliveries to the total (followed by the Americas with 3,347 units, and Asia Pacific with 2,750), and the electrified, V12-powered Revuelto supercar and the Urus SE plug-in hybrid SUV were responsible for the company's global success. But Lamborghini's smallest offering will soon contribute; deliveries of the 2026 Temerario sports car will begin this month, and Lamborghini's order books for it are already full for the next year or so. Related: Mysterious Manifesto Concept Shows Lamborghini Wants To Be More Elegant Unfortunately, Lamborghini doesn't break down its sales by model, but we can safely surmise that the Urus SE, which starts around $262,000, easily outsold the $608,000 Revuelto, and it'll continue to be the foundation of Lambo sales once the $390,000 Temerario starts reaching customers. And that's not all fans of the Raging Bull can look forward to. More New Lambos Coming Lamborghini While the Italian automaker didn't say so in its sales report, we know that more new Lambos are in development. Like the Aventador and the Murciélago before it, the Revuelto will surely become available as a roadster before long. With the Temerario's 10,000-rpm V8 set to stick around for at least two life cycles, we can also bank on special editions of the smallest offering in Lamborghini's stable (like the Superlegerra, Tecnica, and STO variants of past baby Lambos), and these may even include a rear-wheel-drive model and a Temerario without the hybrid gubbins. Before those, however, a more hardcore version of the Urus is also expected before the SUV gets remastered for its second generation. That leads us to the Lanzador EV, which has been delayed to the end of the decade and may gain combustion to draw wider appeal. Autoblog's Take Lamborghini Lamborghini's record-breaking sales in 2025 show that going hybrid hasn't hurt the famed brand, with assertive styling and the continued existence of exciting engines keeping the automaker in vogue with the wealthy. A small but diverse lineup of choices with varying price points has also helped Sant'Agata maintain its grip on the consciousness of monied buyers, while ultra low-volume editions like the Fenomeno continue to drive profits. That said, Lamborghini hasn't talked about profit in its latest sales report, which may hint at a slight decline. This brings us to Federico Foschini's comments. As the Chief Marketing and Sales Officer of Lamborghini, he noted that "significant geopolitical and macroeconomic turbulence" in 2025 caused challenges in the various markets Lamborghini sells to. Although those are just as pertinent in 2026, it seems that Sant'Agata will continue to be highly successful once again. View the full article

If you feel like every new car on the road looks like it was ordered in the same three shades, you're not imagining things. Fresh data from Axalta shows that global buyers continue to play it safe when choosing colors, with North America being no exception. Despite years of talk about bolder palettes and expressive design, with brands like Bentley now offering 111 exterior paint colors, neutral tones remain firmly in control, just as they were the year before. Neutral Colors Still Rule The Road Volvo On a global scale, white once again tops the chart with a 29% market share, repeating its position from last year. Black follows at 23%, with gray close behind at 22%. Silver has slipped further to 7%, while blue holds steady at 6% as the most popular non-neutral color. Everything else, including red, green, brown or beige, and yellow or gold, makes up only small single-digit slices of the market. North America tells a similar story, though with a few interesting wrinkles. White leads at 31%, down slightly year over year, while blue has climbed to 10% and red to 7%. It is not quite a revolution, but it does suggest some buyers are slowly getting bored with the grayscale look. And mainstream brands are starting to join in, just take a look at Mazda's new Polymetal Gray Metallic (that's actually blue), which made a debut on the 2026 Mazda CX-5. Why Boring Colors Keep Winning Tesla Putting on our tin foil hat, the data suddenly starts to make sense. Neutral colors usually hide dirt and scratches better, are easier for automakers to produce at scale, and tend to be safer bets at resale. Ironically, new resale data shows yellow and orange vehicles retain the most value after three years, while common shades like black and white take the biggest depreciation hit. Design trends also play a role. Today’s minimalist surfaces and sharp creases tend to look cleaner in subdued tones. Automakers try to fool us with increasingly creative color names that differ ever so slightly from a standard color, but cost quite a chunk of change extra. With all that in mind, it becomes clear to see why buyers default to safe options. Small Signs of Color Making a Comeback Renault While neutrals still dominate, the future isn't entirely bleak. BMW has revived iconic M3 shades like Dakar Yellow and Laguna Seca Blue. Porsche is taking its Paint to Sample process to the next level, where you can replicate virtually any color you see in the real world. Across the pond, European carmakers are especially trying to revive cool colors, just take the Renault Twingo-E as an example: It comes in red, yellow, green and black – white isn't even an option. Color is not dead. But it's just fighting an uphill battle, and color often comes at a premium, unfortunately. View the full article

Travis Pastrana has a resume that is frankly too long to list here, with achievements spanning from 11 gold medals in the X-Games to jumping out of a plane without a parachute. He has proven to be a versatile competitor who is up for just about any challenge, and has enjoyed immense success in everything from supercross bikes to rally cars. His thrilling career also took him to the world of ...Keep readingView the full article

The Cost of Going BigOne of the key concerns heading into 2026 is the rising cost of new vehicles in the U.S., with average transaction prices surpassing $50,000 last December. That said, Ford appears to be exploring ways to address affordability, including reviving its sedan lineup. In a report by Automotive News, Ford CEO Jim Farley mentioned he is not ruling out sedans. “Never say never,” Farley said. “The sedan market is very vibrant. It’s not that there isn’t a market there. It’s just, we couldn’t find a way to compete and be profitable. Well, we may find a way to do that.” Ford Betting on What Buyers WantedThe Blue Oval exited the U.S. sedan market after discontinuing the Fusion following the 2020 model year, a move driven by a strategic shift toward crossovers and SUVs. At the time, this pivot mirrored broader market dynamics, as consumer preferences increasingly favored higher-riding vehicles with greater utility. The trend was so pronounced that even legacy performance brands such as Ferrari entered the SUV space with previously unprecedented models. With that context in mind, it will be interesting to see whether the increasing vehicle prices can begin to shift consumer preferences back toward sedans, despite the original move toward crossovers and SUVs being largely demand-driven. There are additional industry factors worth noting. One is that Nissan recently discontinued its most affordable sedan, the Versa, citing declining demand for small cars. That decision effectively closed out the sub-$20,000 new-car segment in the U.S. Another factor is that the primary contributors to the $50,000-plus average transaction price continue to be full-size pickup trucks and SUVs, suggesting that many American buyers still prioritize size and capability despite models like the 2026 Ford F-150 now starting at around $39,000. Ford A Segment Kept AliveFord, however, has not abandoned sedans globally. The automaker continues to offer four-door models in international markets, including China, where it operates a joint venture with Changan Automobile and sells the Mondeo. For now, the American sedan market is largely being carried by Asian automakers, particularly as domestic brands such as Chevrolet and Buick have already pulled out of the segment. Some of the remaining mainstream sedan nameplates still on sale with relatively affordable price tags include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra. In addition to this possible sedan strategy, Ford also seeks to address affordability with an all-new, all-electric pickup targeted at around $30,000. Kristen Brown View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Beard Motorsports will be among the open cars attempting to qualify for the 68th running of the Daytona 500 next month with its No. 62 Chevrolet. Anthony Alfredo will be the driver with DUDE Wipes as the primary sponsor. Alfredo failed to make the 500 last year, but the same duo made the cut in 2024. Alfredo started 39th and finished 27th. “There is nothing like being in Daytona Beach in ...Keep readingView the full article

For years, new riders taking the MSF Basic RiderCourse have learned on the tiniest Honda Rebels, including me. But it's grown up!View the full article

Genesis’ Abandoned Pickup Was Real, and the Evidence Is Now PublicGenesis previously acknowledged it had explored a pickup truck for the U.S. market, but details were limited. Newly published images from Auto&Design magazine confirm the project advanced far beyond internal discussion. The luxury brand produced sketches and a full-scale design model, proving the pickup was a legitimate development program before it was shelved. This follows earlier reporting that Genesis considered a truck before choosing to prioritize other vehicles. Design chief Luc Donckerwolke later confirmed the project, known internally as “The Pickup,” and said it was evaluated as an electric vehicle. The idea was dropped due to resource constraints, not because it failed to meet technical or design goals. Donckerwolke also suggested the concept could be revisited at some point. A Pickup Concept That Broke from Segment NormsThe design itself shows how differently Genesis approached the segment. Just because Genesis has familial ties to Hyundai and Kia, it doesn't mean they're repurposing the Tasman or the Santa Cruz. Instead of a unibody platform, the concept used a ladder-style chassis with twin side members. The goal was to deliver greater off-road capability, a notable departure for a brand focused primarily on luxury sedans and crossovers. Visually, the truck stands apart from anything currently on sale. It uses a clear two-body layout that separates the cab from the bed while maintaining a cohesive design. The proportions are bold and architectural rather than utilitarian. Styling cues closely resemble those seen later on the X Gran Equator concept, suggesting this pickup helped shape Genesis’ broader design direction even after cancellation. Anh Đình Hoàng/Instagram Electric Ambitions and a Striking Flip-Out FrunkOne of the most distinctive features is the flip-out front trunk. The design leverages electric vehicle packaging to add usable storage while making a strong visual statement. It reinforces that Genesis was not aiming for a conventional luxury truck but was testing how far the concept could be pushed. The timing now appears significant. Luxury electric pickups are gaining traction, and the segment is no longer as unproven as it once was. While the Genesis pickup never reached production, these images confirm it was far more than a hypothetical exercise. It was a serious design study that shows Genesis once stood closer to entering the pickup market than many realized. Anh Đình Hoàng/Instagram View the full article

The absence of a Hemi V8 in the new Dodge Charger is a bitter pill to swallow, no matter how good the 550-horsepower six-cylinder version is. One of the last true muscle cars has shed a big part of its character in its transition to a six-cylinder model—and let’s not even mention the electric version. But rumors of a V8 comeback for the new Charger have circulated for a good few months now, and while nothing has been confirmed by Dodge, we now know what form the V8 will take if it ever returns. Essentially, the naturally aspirated Hemi V8 has no chance, but the supercharged version from the older Hellcat may live again. Here’s why. Related: Can the New Gas-Powered Dodge Charger Still Hang With America’s Best Muscle Cars? Standard Hemi Now Outclassed S Tim Kuniskis, the head of American brands and North America marketing and retail strategy for Stellantis, has explained why the standard 5.7-liter Hemi V8 won’t make it back into the Charger. “The only way it makes sense to charge for [an optional Hemi] now is I have to go all the way up to a Hellcat,” said Kuniskis at the Detroit Auto Show when speaking to MotorTrend. Ultimately, the 5.7L V8’s outputs simply aren’t competitive with the new Hurricane, the turbocharged six-cylinder mill found in several Stellantis products. As a reminder, this V8 made up to 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque in the Challenger. By comparison, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane six-cylinder in the new Charger already makes 420 hp in standard form, and up to 550 hp/531 lb-ft in the SixPack models. “The reality is when you get into that rare air, the take rate is pretty small,” continued Kuniskis, saying that most buyers will prefer the better mix of power and efficiency in the Hurricane-equipped models. The 6.2L supercharged Hemi Hellcat mill is another story, though. With up to 807 hp and 707 lb-ft in the older Challenger, this incredible engine could still theoretically work as a halo Charger. But Kuniskis refused to say there were any concrete plans in place to make this happen. Related: The HEMI-Powered Dodge Charger Lives—But There's a Catch Mustang V8 Has No Direct Rival… For Now Ford In the American muscle car segment, the Ford Mustang stands alone as the only V8 option. And there are many of them now, from the 480-hp GT to the new Dark Horse SC, which is expected to make well over 700 hp when it arrives. Last year, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear said we shouldn’t be surprised if a V8 Charger returns. This aligns with Dodge—and by extension, Stellantis—once again embracing larger-capacity powertrains. “It’s no secret that we’re absolutely flexing into ICE production right now,” said McAlear last year. Let’s hope that flex extends to a return of the epic Hellcat V8 at some point in the near future. If that happens, even the hottest Mustang will have to watch its back. Related: 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Sedan Has No Equal Under $60K View the full article

Small bike, big adventure potential once you accessorize right. Right?View the full article

A Global Bronco, Just Not the Same EverywhereAt this point, we know that the Ford Bronco is becoming a global nameplate, but what that means depends on your location. In the US, you get the classic body-on-frame Bronco built to take on the Jeep Wrangler, plus the smaller Bronco Sport that’s more about daily driving than rock crawling. Outside America, Ford isn’t afraid to mix things up with the Bronco badge. China gets its own Bronco, including a plug-in hybrid “New Energy” version that looks the part and keeps the tough styling buyers expect. It’s still a Bronco, albeit with a high-tech twist and tweaked for regional demands and rules. Europe is next, with a Kuga-based plug-in hybrid that borrows Bronco styling but focuses on electrification and everyday use. But that doesn’t mean the American Bronco is stuck with gas engines for good. Ford Farley Establishing Expectations, CarefullyIn a recent interview with Autocar, Ford CEO Jim Farley hints at how the Bronco could develop in the US, without committing to any single configuration. Buyers “should expect a lot of exciting powertrains,” Farley told the publication. That’s confirmation that electrification is coming for the Bronco, in some form. Farley also made it clear that the Chinese Bronco New Energy isn’t part of the plan. Any electrified Bronco for the US will be its own thing, not just a rebadged import. The real story is what Ford hasn’t ruled out. Hybrid, range-extended, or something else entirely are all still on the table. The final setup hasn’t been locked in yet. What Would America Get Then?This lines up with Ford’s bigger push into hybrids, both traditional and range-extended setups, where a gas engine acts as a generator. The question now is where Ford will use that tech across its lineup. Bronco Sport is the easy target, since it’s related to the Escape, which already has a plug-in hybrid. That makes it a straightforward move, but don’t count out the full-size Bronco. The Ranger, which shares its platform, already runs as a plug-in hybrid in other markets, so the hardware is ready. Ford could also go for a clean-sheet design, but that would take more time and money. For now, the company is keeping its options open, and all we can do now is wait for clues. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Last month, Chevrolet announced a new Stars & Steel collection, with some limited-edition Corvette ZR1s (just 250 examples will be made) joining the party to celebrate America's 250th birthday in 2026. At the time, the automaker also announced a one-off ZR1X that would be auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson Winter Auction (January 24) in aid of the Tunnel to Towers non-profit. Now, Chevy has shown us what that looks like via a post on Instagram (embedded at the bottom of this article), and in an interview with Road & Track, the Bowtie brand's global design executive director, Phil Zak, has revealed that this one-off could open the floodgates of customization. In fact, Chevy has already had customers make special requests, but more on that later. Satin ZR1X Was Tough to Produce Chevrolet View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Stars & Steel Corvettes shown last month sported a base of either Arctic White or Black paint, with interiors in Santorini Blue or Adrenaline Red, respectively, and stripes in either Satin Silver or Satin Black. The one-off in these images is the very first of this series and the first production ZR1X, and it wears a unique finish called Dark Satin Steel, though it has more than a hint of blue in it (not unlike the Lucid Air's Fathom Blue). This special paint has never been on a production Chevy before, and was reportedly difficult to apply, so GM's Design Fabrication Shop in Warren, Michigan, where the CX and CX.R concepts were finished, had to take over the hand-applied painting process. "It's the same design team that kind of pulled those [concepts] together; they are the ones that worked on this bespoke car," said Zak. The one-off follows last year's Quail Silver Edition variants as only the second Corvette with satin paint since the C2 generation, but it's unlikely to be the last as Chevy begins opening up customization options to wealthy customers. Chevy Is Ready to Experiment with Custom Options Chevrolet View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article According to Zak, those Quail Silver Editions were the catalyst for new avenues of customization. "If you look at The Quail edition vehicle [...], we're starting to appeal to a broad range of customers, and some would like more vehicles that are bespoke," said Zak. "So we're able to kind of walk into that arena right now, and that's one thing that we're just kind of experimenting with. What can we do?" He added that as Chevy and the Corvette brand get into higher-level trims, they're "getting a customer that has a literal thicker wallet," customers for whom "bespoke is different." Thus, this one-off Dark Satin Steel ZR1X is how the Corvette brand is "starting to kind of test the waters" for specialized customization, not unlike Ferrari's Tailor Made division or Lamborghini's Ad Personam program. Related: Insider Reveals 2027 Corvette Grand Sport V8 Engine Will Be Even Bigger Than 6.6 Liters Zak added that buyers present at The Quail did not ask how much a special request might cost, just saying what they wanted and asking for it to be done. Zak says, "We're kind of not there yet," but GM recognizes that the richest buyers value rare experiences as much as things, opening its Design Dome to the buyer of this one-off. That lucky individual will also get a special welcome surprise and have their name applied to the engine plaque after they help build the LT7. Setting up a department to cater to the wealthiest of buyers will take time, but it's clear that the relatively mass-produced Corvette is quickly attracting a higher tier of clientele with its mid-engine layout, world-beating performance, and soon, increased customization options. View the full article

The Road Glide Limited and Street Glide Limited aren't new from top to bottom, but they have enough updates to entice more than a few prospective buyers.View the full article

There's a Real Market For ItWe're still chuckling at The Drive's sitdown with Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis about a single-cab, 6.4 V8-powered model. It's not the answer people were hoping for, but he did hit the nail on the head when he said niche products like that are "for you and six other friends of yours." That said, he's aware that there are niches that make more business sense than that. The publication had another talk with the executive, and the answer does give us hope that Ram will make a sport truck down the line. If you remember the Ram 1500 DC650 package from a few months back, the reception around it has been positive, and it's gotten the Ram boss thinking about rolling out a potential rival for the F-150 Lobo. Fox Factory Vehicles Testing the WatersDuring the interview, Kuniskis revealed to The Drive that the DC650 was a way to see if consumers would react positively to a lowered, high-performance Ram model. Built in cooperation with Fox Factory, the DC650 packs a supercharged 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 650 hp, Ridetech coilovers, 22-inch wheels, and a body kit that would look right at home at Daytona. Buying the car as a complete package will set interested punters back at least $89,995. Turns out, there's a good number of people out there more than willing to shell out that amount of cash for it. The CEO admitted that the reception towards it has exceeded expectations. Fox Factory Vehicles The Muscle Car and Pickup ConnectionIt may not seem like it, but muscle car buyers and pickup buyers can be put in the same basket. Kuniskis explained that building a factory sport truck casts a wider net in the customer pool. "If you look at the muscle car buyer, the muscle car buyer’s, number one, not even close, 
number one, most likely garage mate to their muscle car, is a light-duty pickup truck. So, the muscle car buyer is also a light-duty pickup truck buyer. So there is automatically a really solid connection in there, but it’s not super obvious, because the size of the truck business is so big, it’s a fraction," said Kuniskis. Various So, Ram Sport Truck Confirmed?Well, not quite. The CEO didn't outright confirm that they will build an F-150 Lobo rival just yet. His exact words were "Am I telling you, we’re gonna build a sport truck? No, I’m not telling you we’re going to build a sport truck. I’m telling you, there’s clearly a market for them." It's a bit of a tease, but there is circumstantial evidence that Ram is putting serious thought into it. Remember, Kuniskis himself is resurrecting the SRT division, and a hot Ram would be a good fit for that. Ram itself is no stranger to the niche, with models like the SRT-10 from 20 years ago and the limited-run Rumble Bee from around the same time. Should Ram build it? Well, the F-150 Lobo is doing pretty well for itself, and we doubt the company wants Ford having all the fun. It won't be a single-cab, but we're all for a speedy, lowered Ram. If it were up to us, we'd take out the off-road bits of the TRX, slam it to the ground, and call it the 1500 SRT. Fox Factory Vehicles View the full article

This American-built electric adventure motorcycle packs instant torque, low weight, and legit trail-ready hardware. View the full article

A closer look at Reigning Champ’s GORE-TEX outerwear and what its cold-weather design suggests about real-world performance.View the full article

The L87 Recall Drama So FarGM's current 6.2-liter V8 made headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2025. Internally known as the L87, it's been slapped with recalls and lawsuits since April of last year. The reason? It's mainly due to manufacturing defects in connecting rods and crankshafts. It would fail without warning, and there are some cases wherein it would blow up with very low miles. With over 1,000 complaints, GM is now facing multiple class-action lawsuits over the L87 engine. The company has suggested changing the oil viscosity, but it was still failing, nonetheless. The Feds have gotten involved in the matter, and the investigation has kicked into high gear, according to the ODI documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). James Ochoa NHTSA Steps InNHTSA has now opened a probe into the whole matter. At the time of writing, GM has recalled 721,000 vehicles worldwide, with 597,571 in the U.S alone. But what the agency will also investigate are the post-recall engines and those that followed the advice of using thicker oil. The agency also notes "failures of both remedies" in its latest filing. Why is a safety agency involved in this? For starters, it's NHTSA that keeps track of all recalls in the U.S. Secondly, the sudden loss of power at highway speeds is a major cause for concern. With that, NHTSA is raising questions about GM's solutions regarding the engine and truly pinpointing the main reason behind the failures. Chevrolet The Band-Aid SolutionThe recall was first issued in April 2025, and GM recommended the use of 0W-40 oil instead of 0W-20. In theory, the thicker oil should provide more wear protection by coating the cylinders with a more protective layer. However, the adverse effect of that higher fuel consumption was the least of the problems. Even with the proposed solution, cases continued to rise. Even replacement engines were failing at some point, so there's more to it than just changing the oil. Since then, NHTSA has received 36 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) stating that the oil change still resulted in engines giving up. One of the suits alleges, "owners are presented with two bad options: do nothing and risk catastrophic engine failure or get the recall and pay hundreds of dollars more for gasoline." I Do Cars/YouTube The Affected VehiclesIf you're reading this and own a full-sized GM pickup or SUV, you can relax if yours is equipped with the 5.3-liter V8. But say you have the 6.2-liter and you're worrying if it'll be a ticking time bomb, check if your vehicle was built after June 1, 2024. GM says engines built after that are not affected by the defect. The L87 engine is optional on several trims of the Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe, as well as some GMC Sierras, Yukons, and Yukon XLs. It is, however, standard on High Country versions of the Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe, Denali (and up) versions of GMC's full-size range (except HD trucks), and the Cadillac Escalade. View the full article