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Stellantis took a €22.2 billion ($26.25 billion) write-down last year, tied largely to scaling back electric vehicle programs. But buried inside the numbers is a much bigger message: the company openly acknowledged it moved faster than customers were ready to follow. According to Stellantis and Reuters, the automaker is now rebuilding its strategy around real-world demand rather than aggressive electrification targets. Demand, or Lack Thereof, Is Driving The Company's Reset Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa was unusually direct in Stellantis’s announcement, saying the company “over-estimated the pace of the energy transition” and allowed their pre-planned strategy to overpower what buyers actually want. The result was billions written off in canceled EV products, impaired electric platforms, and downsized battery operations. Keep in mind, Stellantis had once aimed for electric vehicles to make up 50% of U.S. sales and all European sales by 2030, despite EV adoption in America sitting at 7%. That disconnect is now being corrected, with Stellantis shifting capital back toward hybrids and internal combustion models that align more closely with consumer wants. And it seems other automakers have the same idea in mind, with even Porsche rumored to abandon the all-electric 718. To add fuel to the fire, there are countless players in the EV segment nowadays, with Chinese automakers seeming to lead the pack. Pursuing a profitable full-electric approach has become more difficult than ever before. Trucks, V8s, and Hybrids Are Back at the Center Ram The pivot is the most prevalent in North America. Stellantis is canceling its planned electric Ram 1500 pickup while bringing back the HEMI V8 to the Ram lineup and expanding hybrid options across multiple brands. The company has also rolled out five new vehicles alongside 19 additional product actions aimed squarely at markets where traditional drivetrains still dominate. That doesn’t mean EVs are disappearing. Stellantis says it will continue investing in electrification, just at a pace shaped by what customers are actually buying. Ford is taking a similar demand-first approach, pressing ahead with what they think customers want: an affordable electric truck. The Auto Industry Is Finally Recalibrating Jeep Stellantis isn't the only automaker to face EV-related write-downs like this. Ford experienced a $19.5 billion write-down, and GM incurred a $6 billion hit in 2025, too. What makes Stellantis different is its bluntness. The company is effectively admitting that the transition was pushed ahead of real consumer readiness, especially in a region like North America, where the ICE-powered F-Series pickup reigns as the best-selling vehicle. If Stellantis's predictions become true, profitability in the next decade won’t come from forcing buyers into electric vehicles, but from giving them what they want. View the full article

First things first: Honda's E-Clutch isn't an automatic. What is it? Watch our first ride review video and find out more, including maybe if it's for you.View the full article

A federal judge in Los Angeles has showed that Tesla and CEO Elon Musk are unlikely to get an early dismissal of a copyright lawsuit tied to the film Blade Runner 2049, keeping the case alive as it moves forward in court. The dispute centers on allegations that Tesla’s marketing for its robotaxi ambitions leaned too heavily on the movie’s distinctive visual language, with the studio behind the film claiming its intellectual property was copied without permission. Related: Production-Ready Tesla Cybercab Hits Showroom Floor In San Jose Tesla View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What The Lawsuit AllegesThe plaintiff, Alcon Entertainment, alleges that Tesla and Musk used imagery that echoed Blade Runner 2049 during a 2024 event used to promote Tesla’s Cybercab concept, and that the material was generated in a way that still replicated the film’s protectable look and feel. The core of the claim is not that Tesla showed film clips, but that the presentation allegedly recreated recognizable visual elements associated with the movie’s scenes and style, after a licensing request was declined. The defendants have argued the case should be dismissed, including on fair use grounds, but the judge’s tentative view is that the complaint plausibly states a claim at this stage and that fair use is typically too fact dependent to resolve before evidence is developed. Related: Production Tesla Cybercab Hits Public Roads Again, But It Still Has A Driver What The Judge Said And What Happens NextAccording to the ruling described in coverage, the judge said Alcon’s theory of infringement is valid and plausible enough to proceed, which means Tesla and Musk may have to defend their creative choices through litigation rather than ending the case quickly. A tentative ruling is not a final judgment on liability, but it is an important procedural step because it suggests the court sees enough substance in the allegations to justify discovery and further motion practice. Why It Matters For Tesla Right NowThis lawsuit lands during a period when Tesla is juggling product strategy questions and reputational pressure on multiple fronts, from design and regulation issues, to the ongoing debate about where the legacy lineup. Legal outcomes do not directly change vehicle engineering, but they can shape how aggressively a company markets future products, especially when those campaigns borrow from well known cultural reference points. At the same time, Tesla continues to face and sometimes defeat other legal claims tied to vehicle use. View the full article

Autonomous Tech is Being Grilled — AgainRecently, the Senate held a hearing regarding the future of autonomous vehicles with Waymo and Tesla. It started out with the two companies urging the Government to pass regulations to boost autonomous mobility in the country. However, it ended up becoming a bit of a grilling session. Instead of coming up with some kind of resolve, Waymo and Tesla were questioned over safety, liability, and China. Of course, the two companies defended their decisions and actions, emphasizing that the U.S will be left behind by China in autonomous driving tech if there is no regulatory framework behind it. Steven Paul Waymo's 'reliance' on Overseas Products and PeopleThe Waymo Ojai is a purpose-built autonomous taxi made in cooperation with Geely subsidiary, Zeekr. It's already drawing flack from the Government, as Zeekr is a Chinese automaker. The law states that no vehicle with autonomous or self-driving tech from China cannot be imported to America. Waymo says the Ojai, while built by a Chinese company, uses tech developed stateside. But there were bigger questions about the use of remote workers abroad. When asked about human intervention in cases where the vehicle is stuck in a tricky situation, the company admitted that it uses operators based in the Philippines to resolve it. The answer was said to raise alarm bells during the hearing. https://youtube.com/shorts/GH0X88-MVw4?si=Og9nuZuvJpxpXnBY Waymo Alleged Safety CompromisesThe Senate didn't like the idea of vehicles being 'controlled remotely' from thousands of miles away. However, Waymo pointed out that the its cars are not under direct control of the operators, and it's the on-board software that sorts everything out. Mauricio Peña, the Waymo’s chief safety officer, told the panel that the Filipino operators merely 'provide guidance' and 'they do not remotely drive the vehicles.' One can think of it as remote troubleshooting. So, if you were expecting someone in Manila with a sim rig driving an unmanned taxi in San Francisco, we're sorry to disappoint. It's safe to assume that all of its robotaxis use actual software and not a dystopian version of a Mechanical Turk. Still, the overseas assistance raised several concerns to the panel. The Senate pointed out potential cybersecurity and latency issues, as well as the qualifications of said remote operators. On that note, Waymo did say that there are remote operators based in the U.S, but failed to provide an exact ratio of foreign to domestic workers. And no, they're not disguised as the front seats, either. Getty Recent IncidentsWaymo has had its fair share of untoward incidents in the couple of months. There were several reported instances of the robotaxi driving around school buses while unloading, and a three of them were involved in an odd standoff in a San Francisco cul-de-sac. The autonomous taxis also froze during a blackout in the city last December. Then, just a few weeks ago, one of the cars struck a child in a school zone. Thankfully, the child survived with minor injuries, and NHTSA is currently investigating the matter. Most recently, a Waymo Ojai slammed into a row of parked cars near the Dodger Stadium. There were no reported passengers in the vehicle at the time. Waymo View the full article

General Motors is putting $30 million into workforce training at its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City as it prepares for three major vehicle launches that will span both electric and gas powertrains. GM says the goal is to keep the plant competitive through a fast transition period, with training aimed at protecting quality and flexibility as the lineup changes. Workforce Training Tied Directly To Three ModelsGM says Fairfax is currently producing the Chevrolet Bolt, and that the plant will soon add the gas powered Chevrolet Equinox, followed by a next generation Buick compact SUV. The company is positioning the launch cadence as a stress test for modern manufacturing, because switching between EV and internal combustion production requires new processes, new safety routines, and tighter cross training to avoid slowdowns during changeovers. GM is also framing this investment as additive to a broader manufacturing push, noting it comes on top of nearly $5.5 billion in recent manufacturing investments. General Motors What The $30 Million Is Meant To DoGM says the Fairfax funding targets three categories, upskilling employees for more advanced roles as technology changes, cross training that supports flexibility between EV and ICE production, and expanded safety, quality, and launch readiness training. The emphasis is less about buying new machines and more about ensuring teams can run new processes from day one, since early production is where delays and quality issues can become expensive and hard to reverse. GM also highlighted the plant’s generational workforce, noting that many employees and families have built long careers there, with plant director Michael Youngs described as a third generation GM employee who began at Fairfax and now leads the upcoming launches. Why GM Is Leaning Into The Ownership Experience NarrativeAlthough the announcement is about training, it also sits inside a broader GM strategy where software features and customer experience increasingly shape how new models are marketed and supported after launch. At the same time, GM continues to face the reality that launch execution still matters most when problems appear in the field, which is why quality control remains central to plant investments. View the full article

Before Crossovers Took OverWhile Mitsubishi today focuses on vehicles suited for daily driving, the Japanese marque was once a championship-winning force in the world of rally racing. Perhaps the model that best represents that era is the Lancer Evolution VI, and one is currently up for grabs on Cars & Bids. The Lancer Evo VI is the final generation of the Evolution lineup to be homologated under Group A regulations, before the more flexible WRC rules took over in 2001. That shift gave rise to the Evo VII, which remained race-ready but grew heavier and more livable as a daily driver. This particular 1999 model-year example is the GSR variant, the more performance-oriented trim compared to the RS, with the Tommi Mäkinen Edition – a tribute to Finnish rally driver Tommi Mäkinen, who won four consecutive World Rally Championship titles with Mitsubishi from 1996 to 1999 – sitting at the top of the range. Cars & Bids The Last Evo of Its KindThe equipment list for this vehicle includes Brembo brakes, an adjustable rear spoiler, Recaro front bucket seats, and a Momo steering wheel. It also features Active Yaw Control (AYC), Mitsubishi’s early torque-vectoring system that later evolved into Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) – the integrated AWD technology used today in models such as the Eclipse Cross. Powering the vehicle is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4G63 inline-four, rated at 276 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Mitsubishi’s iconic 4G63 – often pitted against Subaru’s EJ20 – is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. Modifications are part of the equipment list, including an HKS exhaust system, HKS air intake, an A’PEXi high-flow catalytic converter, and aftermarket pedal covers, among other upgrades. The car also rides on a set of 17-inch BBS wheels sourced from the Lancer Evo IX MR, arguably one of the most sought-after models in the Evolution lineup. Notably, a 2006 Lancer Evo IX MR has even previously sold for over $160,000 on Bring a Trailer. C&B Founder Doug DeMuro recently reviewed this example on his YouTube channel, which can be viewed in the embedded video below. A Rally Legend Finds a New HomeOther non-mechanical highlights of this Lancer Evo VI include relatively low mileage of 23,100 miles and a U.S. title, which the next owner should appreciate, as it allows them to skip additional import paperwork. The vehicle was purchased by the seller in February 2025 and imported from Japan three months later. The listing is set to end on February 12, with the current bid at $48,500 as of this writing. Cars & Bids View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Subaru’s first in-house built EV has arrived, and it happens to be the brand’s quickest production car ever – yes, faster than any WRX STI that came before it. The new all-electric Trailseeker SUV marks a major turning point for Subaru, showing us how the Japanese brand will build its own electric vehicles. First unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show last year, the Trailseeker is now confirmed for Australia, placing it squarely in one of the fastest-growing EV segments. The Fastest Subaru Ever, Disguised As A Rugged Electric SUV Subaru Subaru Subaru With 375 hp sent to all four wheels through Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, the Trailseeker is officially the quickest production Subaru ever made. Instant electric torque launches it from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, making it a few tenths of a second slower than a Mustang GT. Yet, speed isn't its primary goal; it just happens to be fast. The Trailseeker is a mid-size electric SUV built for real-world adventure, offering 8.3 inches of ground clearance, dual-function X-MODE for low-traction conditions, and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. It is larger and more practical than the Solterra, almost like an electrified Subaru Outback. Subaru’s First In-House EV, With Some Toyota DNA Subaru Subaru Subaru While Subaru now builds the Trailseeker itself at its Gunma plant in Japan, Toyota still has a hand in its development. The SUV rides on a modified version of Toyota’s e-TNGA electric platform, similar to what underpins the bZ4X and Lexus RZ. Unlike the Solterra, however, this marks Subaru’s first fully in-house produced EV, following other global manufacturing moves such as the US-built Forester Hybrid. Power comes from a 74.7 kWh battery that delivers around 280 miles of range, and takes less than 30 minutes to charge from zero to 80%. Inside, the Trailseeker features Subaru’s largest 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a flat-floor cabin. Pricing, Rivals, and Australian Buyers Subaru Subaru Subaru In the United States, the Trailseeker starts at just $39,995 before rising into the mid-$40,000 range for higher trims, putting the Trailseeker up against rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Subaru Trailseeker will arrive in the US this spring and in Australia a few months after. It seems as if Subaru finally found the sweet spot between innovation and sticking to what you know. Models like the 2026 Forester Wilderness still feel like an old Subie, and we only hope that the new all-electric, surprisingly quick, off-road-capable Trailseeker resonates with fans the same way older Subies once did. View the full article

We’ve got some of your favorite content creators featured in this Day 3 video blog post from Sick Week 2026 and that means Kevin and the KSR crew, Alex Taylor, and the Drag Drive Repeat boys are sharing some of their great content below. Watch all three videos and let us know what you think the biggest highlights are and we’ll let you know if we agree. Heck, we could be wrong, but we won’t know until we start arguing about it, will we? Day 3 did not go to plan for a lot of people on Sick Week 2026, so you are going to want to watch! CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE OTHER SICK WEEK VIDEO COVERAGE SO FAR Sick Week Day 3!! But I BROKE SoccerMom!! New for 2026, Sick Week has a drive day! Those are supposed to be easy right?? We snatch the cylinder head off again and with some help from ‪@ACERacingEngines‬ we get that head fixed right. Hopefully the other side is 100% Check out our killer 2013 Tahoe build that we are GIVING AWAY to one of YOU!!! From today, January 28th, 2026 through February 28, 2026 at 11:59pm EST, you can get your entries to win this Tahoe at WinWithKSRMerch.com !!! THANK YOU ALL for following along with our adventures!! 300 Miles and A LOT of Rain and Wind Sick Week 2026 Day 3 and 4 Sick Week Drive Day and Race Day 3 Day 3 was the first ever drive day on Sick Week from SGMP down to Bradenton. It was a pretty smooth trip for us and not too late of night. We knew there was a chance of weather for Day 4 at Bradenton and woke up to rain. It had been a downpour that night as well so the pits resembled more of a river than a road. It wasn’t looking good but around 2 PM they were able to get it dried up and started running C & D groups. Following the rain was some serious cross winds. They deemed it unsafe to have the quicker classes go with the risk of it catching their chutes and called the day. So for some classes including Alex’s, their averages will now be calculated on a 4 day average rather than 5. We are heading into day 5 of the event, day 4 of racing, but day 3 of getting to make passes. I’m confused too #doitforgroot The post Sick Week 2026 Video With KSR and Alex Taylor Racing: 370 Miles And Then Rain Was Not How This Stop Was Supposed To Go! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A Growing Electric Range Rover LineupRange Rover’s electric plans are coming into focus, and the lineup is getting busier. The compact electric Evoque replacement is set for 2027, built on JLR’s new EMA platform. The full-size Range Rover Electric is also launching this year after a long wait. Now, there’s confirmation of another EV that fits between those two, and it’s arriving sooner than expected. JLR Finance Chief Richard Molyneux confirmed the news during a recent earnings call. He called the new model a “unique” addition to the Range Rover lineup, but didn’t share many details. Based on the timing and where it fits, this is clearly the long-awaited electric replacement for the Velar. The report says this new EV will be revealed this year. That puts it ahead of the smaller Evoque replacement and just after the flagship Range Rover Electric. Land Rover The Electric Velar ReplacementLand Rover isn’t just turning the Velar into an EV. According to the Automotive News, the Velar replacement has a longer, lower body, with a shape that leans more toward a wagon than an SUV. The lower ride height should improve aerodynamics, which is key to electric range. This will be the first model built on JLR’s Electric Modular Architecture, or EMA. The same platform will also be used for the electric Evoque replacement and other future compact and midsize EVs. Production is set for JLR’s Halewood plant in the UK, which has been updated for this new architecture. Land Rover hasn’t shared specs or powertrain details yet, but it’s clear that this isn’t a budget Range Rover or a smaller version of the flagship. Instead, it’s aimed at buyers who want efficiency and road presence, not just off-road capability. Land Rover A Unique Range RoverThe timing of this launch shows where Land Rover sees demand. By bringing out a Velar-sized EV before the smaller Evoque replacement, the brand is betting on the premium midsize segment. It also means Range Rover will soon have a full-size, midsize, and compact electric lineup. Describing the model as “unique” is vague, but it points to a change in design direction. A lower, more car-like Range Rover is a big shift from what the badge usually means, especially as electric priorities take over. If the Velar replacement arrives as planned, it could end up being one of the most significant Range Rovers yet. Land Rover View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

With both gas and all-electric versions now sharing the Charger name, the 2026 lineup is more complicated than Dodge buyers are used to. Besides the choice of 2-Door and 4-Door body styles, buyers now also have the options of gas or all-electric powertrains, some of which carry the same trim level names and have identical designs. For example, there’s the gas-powered Scat Pack and the all-electric Daytona Scat Pack. While the Daytona name is only used by all-electric variants, not all buyers are aware of that. Thankfully, prospective Dodge Charger buyers can now get a clearer picture of the 2026 Charger lineup as the configurator finally went online on Dodge’s customer website. Interestingly, the Sixpack name does not appear in the model names of the gas-powered variants; it’s just a nickname for the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gas engine, which, confusingly enough, is also known as the Hurricane. That means that the easiest way to realize if you’re looking at a gas-powered or battery-electric Charger is to see if it has ‘Daytona’ in the name; if it does, it’s all-electric, if it doesn’t, it’s gas-powered. Gas-Powered Charger: From $51,990 To $64,680 With that out of the way, you should know that a base 2026 Charger R/T 2-Door powered by the 420-hp Hurricane engine starts at $51,990 (including $1,995 destination charge), but you can add around $8,000 to the tally by ticking all the available packages ($1,295 BlackTop Package, $1,495 Driver Convenience Group and $2,995 Performance Handling Group), as well as going for the bigger wheels and tires, flashier body colors and interior upgrades. The same goes for the 2026 Charger R/T 4-Door, which starts at $53,990 but can be maxed out at around $62,000 when all the packages and options are added. Dodge also lists a one full-day session of high-performance driving with professional instruction and time on the track at the Radford Racing School in Chandler, Arizona (a $1,500 option on all model variants). Scat Pack Plus Adds More Equipment Inside And Out For those who want a higher spec, the next step in the lineup is the R/T Plus, which retains the same Standard Output Hurricane engine hooked to an 8-speed automatic and standard AWD, but unlocks a series of upgrades. Those include a 16-inch digital cluster (over the R/T’s 10.25-inch), a head-up display, 64-color ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats, memory front seats, wireless charging pad, an available 18-speaker Alpine audio system, and an optional glass roof. The R/T Plus starts at $56,985 in 2-Door configuration and $58,985 as a 4-Door. The most powerful version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane engine (High Output), which makes 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque, can be had in the Scat Pack and Scat Pack Plus trims that do 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The Scat Pack starts at $56,990 as a 2-Door and $58,990 as a 4-Door, while the Scat Pack Plus kicks off at $61,985 as a 2-Door and $63,985 as a 4-Door. All-Electric Charger Daytona: From $61,990 To $68,985 After the discontinuation of the Charger Daytona R/T base electric version for the 2026MY, the all-electric Charger Daytona offers only two trim levels: the base Scat Pack and Scat Pack Plus, each available with a 2-Door or 4-Door body. Both feature the dual-motor AWD powertrain that makes 670 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and 270 miles of range. The Daytona Scat Pack 2-Door starts at $61,990, while the Daytona Scat Pack Plus 2-Door is priced from $66,985. The more practical Daytona Scat Pack 4-Door starts at $63,990, while the Daytona Scat Pack Plus 4-Door has the highest starting MRSP of the 2026 Charger at $68,985. Tick all the boxes and you'll go above $80,000 in no time. View the full article

A Modular EV Built Around Real WorkThe Kia PV5 is the first real-world test of its PBV, or Platform Beyond Vehicle, approach. Instead of a standard van, the PV5 is built as a modular tool. The E-GMP.S skateboard platform and Flexible Body System let Kia swap out different upper bodies on the same electric base. In practice, that means one vehicle can handle a range of jobs, depending on what you need. Even with all that flexibility, the PV5 keeps a compact footprint. It is actually smaller than the long-wheelbase US-spec ID. Buzz, but the flat floor and short overhangs mean you still get plenty of usable space inside. Power comes from a front-mounted motor with 163 horsepower, and you can choose between a 51.5-kWh or 71.2-kWh battery. The bigger pack is rated for 249 miles. Fast charging, V2L, and over-the-air updates are all included, so it matches what you get from Kia’s other EVs. Kia has confirmed the PV5 for Korea and Europe, but not for the US. Still, a manufacturer unit was recently spotted in Michigan, which opens the possibility of it appearing in American showrooms down the line. Kia Motors Why This Particular Sighting MattersThe PV5 spotted in Ann Arbor by Car and Driverwas a passenger version with manufacturer plates. Automakers often test overseas models in the US, but this one had front and rear side-marker lights. That is a detail required by US regulations, not by most other markets, and it is not something you see on every test vehicle. That small detail suggests Kia is doing more than just cold-weather or durability testing. It looks like they are checking for compliance, which usually happens when a brand wants to keep its options open. It is not a guarantee that the PV5 will launch here, but it does mean the door is still open. Kia has talked up its commercial EV plans since CES 2024, showing off everything from the small PV1 to the bigger PV7. The PV5 is the first to actually hit production. It also set a Guinness World Record for range efficiency in its class, which gives Kia another reason to consider bringing it to more markets. Kia Motors No Guarantees For NowKia is not making any promises. A spokesperson told C&D that testing in the US does not mean there are sales plans, since American roads are often used for development, even for models that never go on sale here. That is important, especially with the extra costs and uncertainty around electric vans in the US market. If the PV5 does get the green light for the US, it would land in a segment with no direct competitor. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the closest, but its production pause makes things less clear. GM’s Chevrolet BrightDrop is aimed at fleets, but Chevrolet also ended its production late last year. The PV5 would fit between those options, offering both lifestyle appeal and real modular utility. For now, seeing it on US roads is more a sign of what could happen than a firm plan. Kia Motors View the full article

A Familiar Name, Becoming a Very Different CarWhen Hondadropped the Insight in 2022, it didn’t come as a surprise. The Civic Hybrid was already lined up to take over, and having two compact hybrid sedans in the same showroom never made much sense. The Insight faded out, the Civic Hybrid stepped in, and that seemed to be the end of it. What’s unexpected is how quickly Honda is bringing the Insight name back, and how different the new model will be. Reports from Japan say the Insight will return this year, not as a sedan or a hybrid – it will be a fully electric coupe-crossover. It looks like Honda is using a familiar badge to help push its EV lineup forward, even if that means longtime fans might not be thrilled with the direction. Honda What Is Known So FarDetails come from Creative Trend, a Japanese source with a track record of dealer-level information. The report says the new Insight will be based on the Honda e:NS2, an electric coupe-crossover that launched in China through Dongfeng Honda. That model will be brought to Japan and sold as the Insight. Size-wise, the new Insight is going to be quite larger than the compact sedan that used to wear the badge. The numbers put it at about 188.6 inches long, 72.4 inches wide, and 61.8 inches tall. For comparison, a U.S. Honda CR-V is 184.8 inches long, 73.5 inches wide, and 66.2 inches tall. So the Insight is longer than a CR-V, almost as wide, and sits much lower. Pricing in Japan is expected to land between 5.5 and 6.0 million yen, or about $36,000 to $40,000. With local EV incentives, the real-world price could drop to around 4.0 million yen, or $27,000. That puts the Insight right in the mix with models like the Toyota bZ4X, Nissan Ariya, and Tesla Model Y. Honda A Pattern We’ve Seen BeforeWe’ve seen this playbook before. Mitsubishidid something similar with the Eclipse Cross, turning a coupe name into a crossover and getting mixed violent feedback. Honda seems ready to take the same gamble, hoping the Insight name still has enough pull to make the switch easier. As for timing, advance orders in Japan are expected to open in mid-March, with a full reveal and sales launch by mid-April. Early production numbers will be limited, which suggests Honda is feeling out the market for now. There’s not much reason to expect this new Insight to show up in the U.S. Its Chinese roots, Japan-focused rollout, and pricing make it a tough fit for American buyers and regulations. For now, the Insight’s comeback looks like a regional move, trading the old formula for something that fits today’s market. Honda View the full article

After a long drive that really put everyone’s street manners to the test, Day 3 at Bradenton Motorsports Park was a wet and windy one. I know that lots of folks were excited about Sick Week when it started because they all talked about the “good weather” in Florida, but it sure seems like there have been a lot of rainy days on this event over the years. But that can happen at any drag and drive, and that’s why these cars have to be ready for any weather. Unfortunately, driving in the rain sucks but, not as badly as it sucks to show up to the race track and have rain. Will Day 3 be the game changer? CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY SICK WEEK VIDEOS SO FAR Video Description: Day 3 started at Bradenton, but the weather quickly took control. Rain delayed racing, and once it cleared, strong winds kept a lot of the fast cars from getting the runs they needed. The overall leader, Devin Vanderhoof — the last remaining car with a real shot at a 5-second pass and breaking the overall drag-and-drive record — was spotted at a gas station resealing his heads after finding oil in the intake. Whether he ultimately made it to Orlando remained an open question by the end of the night. The post Sick Week Day 3 Video: The Fast Cars Got a Surprise on Day 3 of Sick Week – Rain Delays And 40 MPH Winds! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

After eight episodes of the Ram: Race for The Seat, reality show competition, Kaulig Racing has finalized the driver of its fifth truck for the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series season. Mini Tyrrell, 21, bested 14 other drivers to win the competition and secure a full-time deal in the Truck Series. The competition featured various races at road courses and ovals, featuring late model stock cars ...Keep readingView the full article

The most important model in Hyundai's lineup is preparing for a major design overhaul. The 2027 Hyundai Tucson has been spied, and as the automaker's best-selling model, competing in the largest segment in America, it needs to appeal to the masses. But will it? These spy shots, despite showing a prototype that is almost completely covered in annoyingly effective camouflage, show that the compact crossover will adopt a much boxier look for the new model year, with more angular, sharper features than before. Taking its lead from the Nexo and Santa Fe, the next Tucson is intended to appeal to those who want a vehicle that looks off-road-ready, even if it isn't, and despite most buyers rarely venturing off the beaten path. New Tucson Will Look Radically Different SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The current NX4 (fourth-generation) Tucson looked very bold when it debuted, with bulging fenders, angular wheel arches, a parametric grille with hidden lighting, and taillights that appeared to be slashed into the bodywork. But that was September 2020, and its design was based on the Vision T Concept showcased a year earlier at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In the six odd years since, the design still feels modern, but it's not as rugged-looking as some rivals. Therefore, Hyundai will once again catapult the Tucson's look into the future with minimalistic lighting and an overall more chiseled look. SH Proshots/Autoblog At the front, we can make out the edges of the daytime running light signature, with holes in the camouflage lower down indicating separate headlight clusters. At the back, the taillights will be slimmer. The shape of each wing mirror will also be revised, and it appears that the roofline will be less slanted, potentially increasing headroom and cargo space. Renders based on similar spy shots have already been created, but we'll have to wait for the crossover's launch to see more, as Hyundai rarely lessens camouflage on its development mules. Multiple Tucson Variants Coming This Year SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The NX5 Tucson is expected to debut in the second half of this year with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. A hot Tucson N with over 300 horsepower is also expected, which aligns with Hyundai's recent announcement that more N performance models are coming. Whatever powers each Tucson, all of them will get the latest Hyundai PLEOS infotainment system, with large, Tesla-like screens. While customer feedback has revealed an aversion to such a move, previews of Hyundai's system show at least a few physical buttons and knobs. As mentioned above, the new Tucson is expected to be revealed later this year, so we expect teasers to start being shared in the next couple of months. View the full article

California drivers are used to filling up often and paying for it. Most drivers don’t give gas pricing a second thought unless the big board outside the station flashes prices that seem erroneously high. Luckily, a cheaper alternative is usually nearby, often across the street. But what do you do when all the gas in your area is costly? Where is the cheap gas, anyway? Drivers in Los Angeles and San Francisco know this pain all too well. California’s largest metro areas are known for insanely high gas prices, largely due to incredible demand. As gas station owners try to squeeze a few more pennies per gallon from drivers, those same drivers are looking for deals. Here’s where the cheapest gas in Los Angeles and San Francisco is today. Getty Los Angeles — La Brea Gas ($3.93 per gallon) Address: 4701 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90056 Nearby gas stations: United — 4700 W Slauson Ave ($4.29) Sinclair — 4661 W Slauson Ave ($4.29) Near the Slauson Ave corridor (West LA/Inglewood-adjacent), La Brea Gas has plenty of retail strip malls if you want to do some shopping in the area, and quick access to major arterials for when you’re ready to leave. The Slauson Super Mall is also nearby, in the broader Slauson-area shopping corridor. Gas prices at La Brea Gas are typically Low versus LA’s average regular gas pricing (typically about $4.70–$4.71 per gallon), so today’s pricing looks abnormally low relative to the city average. Los Angeles — ARCO ($4.00 per gallon) Address: 3834 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90063 Nearby gas stations: ARCO — 4625 E Olympic Blvd ($4.20) (Next-cheapest cluster in the same list is mostly mid-$4.20s+) This ARCO (there are so many in Southern California, iykyk) is in the Eastside/Boyle Heights area. It has dense commercial corridors, lots of great locally owned restaurants, and quick avenues to get to Downtown LA. Pricing at this specific ARCO is low versus the city average regular (again, about $4.70 per gallon for regular gas), so it’s a strong price. Related: These 4 California gas stations are the cheapest in the state Los Angeles — ARCO ($4.20 per gallon) Address: 4625 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022 Nearby gas stations: ARCO — 3834 E 3rd St ($4.00) Shell — 7360 La Tijera Ave ($4.27) California drivers love their ARCOs. This location is in East LA, and is Commerce-adjacent which has an industrial, retail mix. Thanks to the population density and heavy industrial footprint, it’s typically a very price-competitive zone, also due to station density and high driver throughput. Still, pricing today is low versus the city average regular (~$4.70+). San Francisco — Exxon ($4.09 per gallon) Address: 2901 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94110 Nearby gas stations: 76 — 3400 Mission St ($4.29) Gas & Shop — 599 S Van Ness Ave ($4.33) This Mission District Exxon is in vicinity of plenty of great food, murals, and a vibrant Dolores Park energy with lots of destinations within walking distance. This specific Exxon boasts low per-gallon pricing today versus San Francisco’s posted average regular ( typically around $4.66 per gallon for regular fuel), so today’s pricing is notably low. Getty Images San Francisco: 76 ($4.29 per gallon) Address: 3400 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110 Nearby gas stations: Shell — 4298 Mission St ($4.45) 76 — 4199 Mission St ($4.39) Also along the Mission Street corridor, the 76 station on Mission Street has easy access to Mission District restaurants/cafes and neighborhood landmarks. Pricing here is notably higher than the Exxon on Bryant Street, but is still much lower than the average per-gallon price for San Francisco gas stations. Getty Images San Francisco: Speedway Express ($4.29 per gallon) Address: 3300 Cesar Chavez St, San Francisco, CA 94110 Nearby gas stations: Exxon — 2901 Bryant St ($4.09) Gas & Shop — 599 S Van Ness Ave ($4.33) Like the 76 Station on Mission Street, gas here is $4.29 per gallon. While not the best pricing in the city, it’s still quite low, and far lower than the city’s average of $4.66 per gallon. It’s near the Cesar Chavez and Mission-area crossroads with busy commuter routes and plenty of retail shopping. 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: These are the 5 US cities with the cheapest gas today View the full article

The NASCAR Cup Series Rule Book received a slew of preseason updates in advance of the final weekend before regular season racing begins next week at Daytona International Speedway. One marginally altered the qualifying procedures for the Daytona 500 and the other banned the practice of drivers placing their hands against their window nets during qualifying in the pursuit of less drag. The ...Keep readingView the full article

Earlier this week, we’ve learned that the upcoming Ram Dakota midsize pickup for North America will offer real truck capability at a target price of around $40,000. Turns out it’s also a good-looking truck, at least according to several Ram dealers who were given a sneak peek at the forthcoming Dakota during the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas this week. "Rough, Aggressive" Dakota Is "The Right Size" Ram Most dealer opinions quoted in an Automotive News report were really positive, which is an encouraging sign for Ram. One Houston multi-brand dealer manager said the truck looks “aggressive” and “the right size.” In his opinion, if the pricing is right, “it’s going to be a huge hit” and a “fierce competitor” in the U.S. midsize pickup truck market. A Stellantis dealer owner with stores in Florida, Michigan and Ohio, said the Dakota will be a “game changer” after seeing it in Las Vegas. Another dealer manager from south Texas said the Dakota has a rough, aggressive look. “It really did look nice,” he said, adding that the new midsize truck will put Ram “in the ballgame” with the Toyota Tacoma. That is a big statement considering that the Tacoma is the undisputed leader of the U.S. midsize truck segment with a record 274,638 sales in 2025, far ahead rivals like the Chevy Colorado (77,390 units) and Ford Ranger (70,960 units). A Long-Awaited Return For The Dakota Nameplate Stellantis Ram has been without a contender in the midsize segment since 2011, when the third-generation Dakota (originally badged as a Dodge) went out of production after a 25-year run for the nameplate. The Dakota will return to North America soon, as Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis confirmed it late last year. Production is expected to begin around 2028 at Stellantis’ plant in Toledo, Ohio, the home of the Jeep Wrangler SUV and Gladiator pickup. In October 2025, Stellantis said it would start production of an all-new midsize pickup for Ram in Toledo in 2028 as part of a pledge to invest $13 billion in the United States through 2029. The new model is expected to bring an investment of nearly $400 million and create 900 jobs at the site, the automaker said at the time. No Relation To The Ram Dakota Sold In South America Ram It’s worth noting that in October 2025 Ram launched another midsize pickup in South America that carries the same Dakota name. However, that vehicle is based on the Changan F70, a Chinese body-on-frame pickup that also provides the basis for the Ram 1200, Peugeot Landtrek and Fiat Titano, which are all sold in emerging markets. Basically, the North American Ram Dakota will be a completely different model to the South American one; at best, the two models will share some design cues. The U.S.-spec model will be built on a different body-on-frame platform, likely adapted from the Jeep Gladiator, and it will use powertrains from Stellantis’ North American inventory, likely with some form of electrification involved. Stellantis did not share any powertrain details with its dealers at the preview event, focusing only on the Dakota’s design. Note: South American-spec Dodge Dakota pictured View the full article

The average new vehicle MSRP in America exceeded the $50,000 mark last year, but Ford wants to help bring that curve down with five new vehicles priced below $40,000. And better still, not all of them will be SUVs, trucks, or vans — one will be a traditional four-door car, reports Automotive News, after an announcement was made by Andrew Fick, president of Ford Blue and Model e, at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show this week. Whether that means a hatchback or a sedan was not explicitly stated, but the latter has been hinted at several times in the past and has been missing from Ford's menu since the Fusion was discontinued in 2020, making it the obvious choice. So what exactly can we expect? Ford's Affordable New Vehicles Will Be Made in America Ford The Blue Oval's updated Ford+ business plan says that it will "fill U.S. plants with affordable new models," thus avoiding tariffs on imports. Ford CEO Jim Farley said last year that he sees a "huge market" for sedans, and the Fusion was pulled six years ago because Ford lost money selling the European-born sedan in U.S. spec at a relatively palatable price. He then put forward the idea of a rear-wheel-drive, high-performance, affordable electric sedan, potentially with a liftback like the Audi A5 sedan. However, this new plan isn't all about EVs. Related: Ford Dealers Want Cheaper Cars to Take On Honda and Toyota Fick's announcement at the NADA Show revealed that the range of affordable vehicles would include "cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and multi-energy [powertrains]," which means hybrids are in the works, and possibly even pure gas engines. This follows from Ford's announcement last year, where it said that the Universal EV Platform is "flexible enough to underpin trucks, cars, and everything in between." It won't be long before we see the firstfruits of this new architecture, either. Ford Just Teased an Affordable Pickup Jim Farley/X On Thursday, Farley shared a preview of Ford's affordable electric pickup, slated to enter the market at roughly $30,000 with the world's cheapest electric motor and eyes-off self-driving. Besides an attractive entry price, Ford's new pickup promises more space than a Toyota RAV4 and to be cheaper to own than a Tesla Model Y. This is scheduled to reach dealers next year, and we don't have much longer to wait for the other affordable vehicles, as they're all expected to arrive before the end of the decade. With cheaper options in its lineup that will include a sedan and a variety of powertrains, AI tech that actually makes a difference, and a GT3 RS rival in the Dark Horse SC, Ford is working hard to be an automaker that appeals to everyone, regardless of budget or body style preference. Just don't expect the new sedan to look like the Interceptor concept at the top of this article — that's a 2007 design. View the full article

An Unpopular MoveWe still remember the uproar and outrage when Mercedes-Benz ditched V8 and six-cylinder engines for its compact range a few years ago. That left the popular GLC and C-Class with just four-cylinder engines, including the AMG models. Sure, it's acceptable to have a turbo-four in something like a CLA, but a GLC and C-Class with an AMG badge should have at least six cylinder, right? Turns out, the market agreed with that sentiment. The C63 and GLC63 have stayed glued to showroom floors. On the other hand, the 43 models are doing okay but not spectacularly. In a bid to turn the tide, Mercedes-AMG made a surprise announcement recently, one that should please the fans of the brand. Mercedes-Benz Seeing the LightInitially reported back in September 2025, the GLC and C-Class will finally be getting turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-sixes under their respective hoods. This was confirmed by German publication Auto Motor und Sport in an interview with Michael Schiebe, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-AMG. Schiebe mentioned that the change will take effect on the facelifted versions of the GLC and C-Class, and the 'AMG-Lite' versions will be badged as 53 moving forward. The cars might use the same powertrain that's currently used in the CLE53, which makes 443 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The updated C-Class and GLC will be revealed by winter 2026, claims the report. Why the move? Aside from the obvious, this is what Schiebe told Auto Motor und Sport. Translated from German, "We’ve seen that this engine in the CLE and the E-Class really excites our fans. For the new models, we’ve made the engine even more responsive and also increased the range between the individual driving modes – in other words, more comfort on the one hand, more emotional appeal on the other." Mercedes-Benz So Long, Four-Cylinder C63 and GLC63The interview also confirmed that the controversial electrified four-cylinder in the C63 will be gone as well. It's part of the 2027 update and applies to both GLC63 and C63. It's worth pointing out that Schiebe acknowledged the misstep AMG made with the 63 models, saying, "Previous decisions were made under different circumstances, and we also assumed greater acceptance. This has changed significantly in important markets, including the USA." Does this mean the C63 and GLC63 will be gone for good? Probably not, although the company hasn't mentioned specific plans for those models just yet. However, it's likely that it will also get a six-cylinder mated to a plug-in hybrid syste,m much like the upcoming Audi RS5 and BMW M3. The new performance PHEVs from Audi and BMW are slated for the 2027 model year, and the updated C63 could appear by then. View the full article

Ownership and Where the Spectre FitsCar ownership is different for everyone. Some people lease and hand the keys back when the contract’s up. Others buy, then swap for something newer every few years to keep up with tech or skip big repair bills. There are those who hang on to a car until it’s no longer practical to do so. And then there’s a rare group that sees cars as family treasures – restoring, preserving, and passing them down through generations. Rolls-Royce is targeting that last group with the Spectre. The company positions the Spectre as more than just another high-end electric car, but as a future classic. That is a bold move, especially at a time when battery technology is changing quickly, and most EVs have short product cycles. That leads to the big question: if the Spectre is supposed to last for generations, what about the battery? Rolls-Royce says it has already planned for that. It's ready to support and replace Spectre’s battery packs for decades – well into the middle of the century. So the battery isn’t just a throwaway part tied to the first owner. Rolls-Royce Why Rolls-Royce Thinks Spectre will Age WellEarly sales suggest Rolls-Royce’s confidence is not misplaced. In its first full year, the Spectre outsold the Wraith and Dawn during their own launches and became the second most popular Rolls-Royce worldwide in 2025. Many buyers chose highly customized builds, which usually points to long-term interest rather than just chasing the latest thing. Rolls-Royce said that design plays a huge role, too, and we agree. The Spectre’s clean lines, fastback shape, and classic Rolls-Royce details make it look more timeless than trendy. Inside, features like the Starlight Doors and illuminated fascia let owners personalize the car without tying it to a specific moment in time. Rolls-Royce says a Spectre prototype kept 99 percent of its battery capacity after more than 62,000 miles of testing in different climates. That result supports a 15-year, unlimited-mileage battery warranty and a plan to keep replacement battery cells available for decades. Rolls-Royce An Electric Future ClassicIn real-world use, how long an EV battery lasts depends on climate, driving habits, and charging routines. For most people, a modern battery can last more than 10 years. That may not matter to drivers who change cars every 3 to 5 years, but it is important to second owners and collectors. That said, classic cars follow a different timeline. If the Spectre is going to join older Goodwood-era Rolls-Royces as a long-term collectible, battery replacement needs to be part of the plan. Rolls-Royce’s commitment to maintaining battery availability demonstrates the company understands this. By planning to offer replacement battery packs for at least the next 25 years, Rolls-Royce is treating the Spectre more like a traditional Rolls-Royce than a typical tech product. For a brand that values longevity, that could be the most important message the Spectre sends. Rolls-Royce View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

BAKERSFIELD, CA – When Famoso Dragstrip opened in 1954 the converted POSO airstrip was a place for hot rodders to flex their tuning skills and for racers to establish bragging rights. No one knew five years later that the track nicknamed “The Patch” would start one of the of most storied races in drag racing and motorsports history. In 1959 the first Smokers March Meet was contested and over the next nearly 70 years every significant racer or crew chief in drag racing history etched their name into the history books at Famoso Dragstrip. The track has held true to 1/4 mile drag racing and burning nitro. When the use of nitro was banned in 1957 due to safety concerns regarding extreme engine explosions and high speeds, Famoso Dragstrip continued to push the envelope of speed and performance ignoring the ban which ended in 1964. In 1962 at 20 years old Don “The Snake” Prudhomme won the March Meet launching his career as one of the most significant drag racers of all-time. The multi-time Funny Car world champion built a Hall of Fame career over the next four decades but the early days at Famoso Dragstrip were pivotal to the success of his career. “The first time I was there, it was in 1959 and then in 1962 I was driving a fuel car for Zeuschel and Fuller and won the race,” said Prudhomme. “That was a big deal and people got to know me. You have to remember NHRA was not running nitro back then, so everybody wanted to run Nitro and you had to go to Bakersfield.” “It was at a different time, and the sport was a whole different deal than what it is today, you know. Bakersfield really put us on the map. That was great race to win,” added Prudhomme. “It’s great for people that have an interest in drag racing to go there and see what really happened in the early days. Cars are so much different now. Front engine dragsters and stuff that’s really the backbone of drag racing and you can see that at the March Meet.” NHRA Funny Car world champion and drag racing historian Jack Beckman has a lifetime of memories at Famoso Dragstrip. As a lifelong Californian Beckman’s roots at the March Meet include his uncle working on teams and spectating once he became a professional driver. The impact of the March Meet on spectators and racers cannot truly be quantified. “For as long as I have known, the March Meet was a big deal. It was a big deal in 1959, when one of my idols (and friend), Art Chrisman, outran another legend and friend, Tony Waters, to win the inaugural race,” said Beckman. “It was a big deal when Bob Muravez came out of a 20-year driving retirement to win Nostalgia Top Fuel, and it was a big deal the first time I participated. A lot has changed in the past 67 years, but a victory at Bakersfield today, holding that March Meet trophy in the Winner’s Circle is still a big deal!” Ron Capps, Funny Car world champion and March Meet champion, has a lifetime of experiences at Famoso Dragstrip. His family raced and watched the famed event his whole life. His passion for drag racing began before he was born. “I was in my mom’s belly at the March Meet,” said Capps. “It means everything. And as a fan, it’s so many great memories, from my brother and I and our family. Going up to that track later, and competing there, and not only competing there, competing in a Fuel Altered. Which was another legendary moment in drag racing, and so to go back there and compete and then win the event and have one of the March Meet trophies. It is right in the middle of all my trophies. It went right in the middle of all 77 of them. It means the world to me.” “I still tell people, if you’re going to pick one race to go to, one race period, you’ve got to attend the March Meet,” said Capps. “It is as close as you can get to old school racing. Also, Famoso Dragstrip is as good as any racetrack that we go down in our cars today, and you can see the vast history of the sport all in one shot. It’s got gassers, front engine dragsters, and nostalgia funny cars. It’s got it all. It’s everything to me.” The four-day event will highlight qualifying and then the qualified field will race for one of the most historic trophies in drag racing on Sunday, March 8. On Thursday, gates will open at 8 a.m. with a full morning of qualifying runs starting at 9 a.m. capped by Nitro competitors making their first test runs at 2 p.m. Friday will be another day of high-speed excitement with Nitro qualifying at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The final day of qualifying on Saturday will see gates opening at 8 a.m. with one more Nitro Funny Car qualifier and the continuation of qualifying for Top Fuel and Fuel Altered at 12:30 p.m. The first round of Funny Car eliminations commences at 3:30 p.m. with the final round of qualifying for Top Fuel and Fuel Altered. The day will be capped by jet dragster exhibition passes. The final day of the Good Vibrations March Meet is jam-packed with elimination rounds in Funny Car, Top Fuel, Fuel Altered, and all the Nostalgia classes. Gates will open at 8 a.m. and the cars will start flying down the track at 9 a.m. A special opening ceremony will set the tone for the day at 11 a.m. with the car show, swap meet and vendor row running all day for fans from across the country. Fans can buy single and multi-day tickets here. For additional information on racing or participating in the car show visit www.marchmeet.com or call 800-759-8679. Fans can also email marchmeet@famosodragstrip.com for all event information. The post March Meet and Famoso Dragstrip Etched in American Hot Rod History first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

A camouflaged Hyundai electric SUV prototype has been spotted testing in India, and the images, via The Korean Car Blog, are fueling speculation that Hyundai is developing a new entry level EV for fast growing price sensitive markets. Some reports suggest the internal project code is HE1 or HE1i, with a few outlets floating the idea that it could eventually wear an Ioniq style name, possibly even Ioniq 1, although Hyundai has not confirmed the code name, the badge, or any launch timeline. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What The Spy Photos SuggestThe prototype appears to be a small upright SUV with a short overall footprint and a tall roofline, which fits the profile of a practical urban vehicle designed to maximize cabin space and efficiency. Heavy camouflage makes detailed design reads difficult, but the stance and proportions match what buyers in India and other emerging markets tend to favor, and the overall intent looks like affordability first rather than premium performance. The key takeaway is that Hyundai is actively testing something new on public roads, which is usually a sign the program is beyond the earliest concept stage. Why People Think It Could Be An Ioniq 1The HE1 label is not an official Hyundai nameplate, it is being treated as an internal code based on reporting around the test vehicle. The Ioniq 1 angle comes from pattern matching, with observers noting that Hyundai’s EV programs have used internal identifiers that appear to align with Ioniq models, and the theory is that this smaller SUV could become a new rung below today’s global Ioniq lineup. Even if the eventual name is different, the positioning is clear, Hyundai seems to be aiming for a lower price point than its current international EV offerings, which would be a direct response to demand for smaller, cheaper electric crossovers. How It Fits Hyundai’s Current EV And Product StrategyHyundai’s global lineup is being shaped by uneven demand, with some EV programs slowing while high margin SUVs keep moving, which makes a low cost EV aimed at markets like India a logical parallel track rather than a contradiction. At the same time Hyundai is still investing in higher performance variants. If HE1 is real, it is likely part of that wider balancing act, growth at the low end in markets that reward value, while the brand protects margins elsewhere. View the full article

Toyota is reshaping its leadership at a pivotal time for the global auto industry, placing a seasoned financial executive at the helm as competition from Chinese automakers intensifies, EV strategies remain in flux, and tariffs continue to cloud long-term planning. According to Reuters, Toyota has named current CFO Kenta Kon as its next CEO, while current CEO Koji Sato will step down on April 1 after just three years in the role to become vice chairman and take on a "newly created role of chief industry officer," which will focus on broader industry oversight. A Financial Strategist Takes the Wheel Toyota Kon is no stranger to Toyota’s inner circle. He served as Chairman Akio Toyoda’s secretary since 2009 before moving into senior accounting and finance leadership in 2017, building a reputation for strict cost control and strategic restructuring. Reuters reports that Kon is known as the mastermind behind the planned buyout of Toyota Industries, a forklift subsidiary – a move aimed at tightening the Toyoda family’s control of the group. This instance drew criticism from minority investors over transparency and valuation concerns. As CEO, Kon will focus on internal management and financial execution, while the former CEO, Sato, shifts toward navigating industry-wide shifts from electrification to software development. Toyota’s Momentum Remains Strong Toyota Despite the sudden leadership shake-up, Toyota’s core business remains in a position of strength. The automaker closed 2025 as the world’s best-selling automaker, continuing its long-running global dominance. In the U.S., the Toyota RAV4 remained the country’s top-selling Toyota model, with 479,288 units sold in 2025 alone. Toyota has also benefited from its heavy focus on hybrids, and will continue to boost hybrid production by 30% in 2028. This strategy has helped it avoid many of the massive EV-related losses seen elsewhere in the industry. And in case tariffs and global trade agreements were to worsen, Toyota has contingency plans set up, and plans to start production of its hybrid models in the US. Toyota Gears Up to Face China Xiaomi According to Reuters, this leadership shift is largely due to how quickly Chinese brands are taking over the auto industry – Xiaomi is testing cars in the US currently. While Kon brings a finance-first mindset to the CEO role, Toyota’s technology and performance ambitions remain front and center. The company has confirmed its solid-state battery push is closer than ever, a groundbreaking piece of tech that could reshape EVs as we know them. Beyond electrification, Toyota isn't giving up on making fun cars either, with a mid-engine sports car coming in the next few years to prove Toyota still caters to enthusiasts, too. Taken together, the leadership reshuffle appears less like an impulsive decision and more like a strategic pivot, with Toyota aiming to emphasise financial discipline and rapid innovation to stay ahead in an increasingly aggressive global auto landscape. View the full article

A low-slung and compact 1978 Harley-Davidson FLH with hot rod underpinnings, masterfully built by Fatech.Countless parallels can be drawn between hot rods and custom motorcycles, but no one celebrates them quite like Minoru Watanabe. Watanabe-san runs Fatech in Tokyo, Japan, where he builds nostalgi... View the full article