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One of the many complaints that automotive enthusiasts have about electric vehicles is that they can’t work on them themselves because they are dangerous and require special tools. And while this is a worry most shouldn’t have, it’s still something car guys and gals talk about. So what if there was a cheap, run around town, commuter, that was affordable AND repairable at home? That’s the idea behind the Slate, or so say the manufacturers. Now I’ve never seen one in person, but I have to say that I think there is something cool about these minimalist little trucks. If you are too young to have been around when 1980’s mini trucks were new, you might not realize just how simple these little machines were. Nothing on them was fancy. Everything was utilitarian. There was A LOT of exposed sheet metal inside them, and they were easy to modify and fix which is why all of us had one. So does this Slate fit that same mold? If it does, it should find its way behind motorhomes zig zagging the country, in the driveways of average folks with average truck hauling needs, and also in the hands of enthusiasts who want to make them their own. Let’s watch the video below with Jay Leno as he talks Slates and takes one for a ride so we can see what Jay thinks. Video Description: Jay Leno gets an exclusive first look at the Slate, a revolutionary new electric truck prototype built in Warsaw, Indiana. Designed by industry veterans from the early days of Tesla, Slate is on a mission to rebuild American manufacturing by offering a truly affordable, customizable EV for under $30,000. With the average cost of a new car hitting $50,000, the Slate cuts that price in half through “Design for Manufacturing”—using a modular, single-vehicle assembly line where every truck comes off identical before being personalized by the owner. I n this episode, Jay, Tisha Johnson, and Jeremy Snyder discuss modular DIY Engineering, how the truck can transform from a standard pickup into an SUV or an open-air vehicle with flat-pack kits you can install yourself. Right to Repair: Why Slate is “open source,” allowing customers to perform their own warranty repairs and use a network of 4,000 independent shops instead of high-priced dealers. Innovative Manufacturing: The elimination of the paint factory by using tool-impregnated colors and a design intended to be wrapped. Performance & Range: Specs on the 150-mile and 230-mile battery packs, liquid cooling, and access to the North American Supercharger network. Safety First: Despite the minimalist design, the Slate is engineered for a 5-star crash rating with beta prototypes already undergoing rigorous testing. With over 150,000 reservations already on the books, could this be the vehicle that finally brings electric mobility to the American heartland? The post What If You Could Buy A $25K EV Truck or SUV That You Can Repair Yourself? Does That Change The Game? Meet The Slate Truck appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

From RS4 to RS5Audi's whole odd-even naming convention has drawn some ire over the years to a point that the company (finally) admitted it was a bit of a misstep. The A4 is now the A5, and the A5 Coupe and Convertible we all know and love is no more. That also meant the performance derivatives follow the same naming, so S4 is now S5, and soon, RS4 will be RS5. Clear as mud? Good. That aside, an RS Audi model is always something worth looking forward to, and it a new RS5 was always going to be an inevitability. The only question now is when it'll arrive. Blink or You'll Miss ItThe answer to that question is very soon. In fact, Audi 'accidentally' published some details about the car on LinkedIn already. The post has since been taken down, but as they say, the internet never forgets. But more recently, Audi has finally given us a first glimpse of the car, but only to a few who saw a certain Instagram post. That's right, Audi teased the RS5 Avant via Instagram Stories instead of reels. The story has since expired, but not before a few folks were able to get a screencap. It's a blink or you'll miss it moment, and a pretty interesting way of giving a car a sneak peek and rake in more followers to its social network channels. Audi/Instagram What's Been ConfirmedGiven the body style offerings of the current A5, don't bank on a coupe or convertible version. The Avant is pretty much confirmed at this point, and the sedan/Sportback version has been spied a couple of times already. No surprises there. However, the one of the details mentioned in the since-deleted LinkedIn post was regarding its powertrain. The post said "The new Audi RS 5 is also nearing its debut and will be our first performance plug-in hybrid," and it's expected to use an electrified version of the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 used in the outgoing RS4. We still miss the V8 from the original RS4 and RS5, but there's no chance of that coming back in this day and age. At least it's not likely to use a four-cylinder PHEV setup, right? What we want to know is what kind of Quattro system the future RS5 will use. Fingers crossed it will be the traditional Torsen arrangement instead of the Haldex-like 'Quattro with Ultra Technology' system that standard A5s use these days. A New Dawn of Compact Luxury Performance SedansAbout 20 years ago, the Audi RS4, BMW M3, and Mercedes-Benz C63 packed V8s under the hood. Today, with ever tightening emissions control in big markets, the V8 has been swapped for less cylinders and more electrification. Mercedes-AMG tried it first, and let's just say that the customers responded by going elsewhere. Now, it's Audi and BMW's turn to find out if plug-in hybrid performance compact luxury sedans will (or will not) resonate with buyers. It'll be a tough balancing act, for sure, but at least we can largely confirm that those cars will pack turbo-sixes instead of boosted-fours. In Audi's case, it would be nice to get the RS5 Avant stateside, too. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the full article

I tested Triumph's Trident 800, the successor to the Street Triple 765 R, in Cypress. I did my best to find faults with this bike, but Triumph made it extraordinarily difficult.View the full article

It’s been a wild Sick Week 2026 so far, with lots of carnage, freezing cold, heat and humidity, and everything in between. There is no way there aren’t going to be even more upsets after the dramatic start to this event, and we know everyone out there wants to know the details since the only way to watch what is going on otherwise is to pay for the payperview stream. Lucky for us, our pals at 1320Video are on hand and here is their Day 2 video. Video Description: Day 2 sent the field from Gainesville Raceway to South Georgia Motorsports Park, taking a 130 mile backroad route that kept cars off the interstate and tested everything from cooling systems to patience. We’ve lost a few cars along the way, but the majority of the field is still pushing forward. At SGMP, it was a full day of racing with a couple cars still chasing the overall drag-and-drive record, currently sitting at a 6.17 average over five days. After racing wraps up, everyone stays put for the night before a full drive day to Bradenton, Florida tomorrow. The post Sick Week Day 2 Video: Backroads, Cooling Systems, Suspension, And Soooo Much More. Testing Real Drg and Drive Streetability appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Just over a year ago, Brandon Wilkinson was still spotting Super Late Models full-time across the Southeast. Now, and while it doesn’t officially count, he is a first-time Cup Series spotter alongside his driver Ryan Preece and crew chief Derrick Finley after dominating the second half of the Cookout Clash on Wednesday night. It doesn’t count because the Cookout Clash is a preseason ...Keep readingView the full article

For the first time ever, the NASCAR Cup Series got to experience a full episode of The Ryan Preece Show because Wednesday night in the Cookout Clash was exactly that. It was also the unedited, unfiltered ‘fuck yeah’ version of the show, too. This was Preece Lightning, the 2013 Whelen Modified Tour champion, and a racer who was the man to beat every time he unloaded across the eastern ...Keep readingView the full article

Ed Iskenderian, at 104 years old, was the oldest living hot rodder on earth! And as my friend David Freiburger wrote on Facebook, “If you define ‘hot rodding pioneer’ as ‘doing it in the ’30s and helped establish the hobby and industry,’ then he’s the last of his kind that I am aware of.” Which is to say, that as far as we know there is nobody else alive that has been a hot rodder longer. And when you look at what he’s done for hot rodding, racing, and the aftermarket industry in general, his life’s work and the impact it has had may be immeasurable. I’ve told this story on several occasions, most recently to Isky Racing’s COO Nolan Jamora last week, of the first time I met Isky. I was announcing Engine Masters, the original engine competition, and while I had been doing the event for a couple of years, it was the first year at its new home at the University of Northwestern Ohio. Their facility was amazing, with multiple dyno cells, and a beautiful well layed out building for the competition. And when Isky showed up, and I was told I got to hang out with him and get his take on the engines, I was thrilled. I mean thrilled thrilled. I had grown up in a racing family, and we ran an Isky camshaft in our Z28 Camaro from before I was even born. He and I had a great time talking engines, he had great color to add to the coverage, and I was having a great time. Until we walked out of one of the dyno cells. You see, Isky’s famed cigar wasn’t always something he just chewed on. Nope, back then he smoked them sometimes and this was one of those times. In the building, 5 feet from a dyno cell, Ed Iskenderian lit up a cigar and I went into crisis control mode. As I hurredly ushered him down the hall and out the door, old man complaints a flying, I could hear someone behind me very “sternly” explaining that smoking was striclty forbidden in the building. For a minute, I wondered if I was going to need bail money for us both. Rest assured, if I had to bail Isky out of jail I was going to tell everyone that would listen. Luckily we were spared, but not without him arguing a few more times about how he should be able to smoke his cigars. There are more stories, but today I think I’ll hold onto them. I am truly blessed to have met some of the most important hot rodders and racers in the world, and Ed Iskenderian was one of them. Thanks for everything you did for all of Isky. I know you were just doing what you do, but your life as the CamFather changed the lives of so many. God Speed Below is a link to some of our photos from Isky’s 102nd birthday. This old dude could hang. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED OUR PHOTOS FROM HIS 102nd BIRTHDAY Our hearfelt thanks goes out to all Ed’s family, for sharing him with all of us for all these years. We are so terribly sorry for your loss but hope that the impact his life made on others brings you some pride and joy. Our deepest sympathies to you all. The post Ed Iskenderian, The CamFather And Hot Rodding’s Oldest Living Legend, Has Died At The Age Of 104. Thanks For All The Speed Ed! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Shawn Reed and Ida Zetterström share the cockpit for 2026. This partnership keeps the car on track while Reed focuses on business.View the full article

It was just a non-points exhibition race but the Cup Series garage did not feel like the Cookout Clash was the finest hour from race control to those on the ground directly communicating with teams. Walking through the garage, there were several crew chiefs and veteran crew members who felt like the Sanctioning Body needed to do some work over the next week to mend some fences between ...Keep readingView the full article

Shane van Gisbergen spent the first half of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray in the back half of the field. During that first time, he got into it with Austin Cindric and former Trackhouse teammate Daniel Suarez. At one point, he spun Cindric out in frustration and radioed, "People just kept running into me and I got sick of it." In regards to Suarez, he added: "It's the third time the ...Keep readingView the full article

An emotional Ryan Preece couldn't stop himself from tearing up and dropping a celebratory F-Bomb as he claimed victory in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. The Madhouse lived up to its name, as the race -- which was already postponed several days due to snow -- featured a record 17 cautions, and ended on wet-weather tires after sleet hit the track mid-race at around lap 100. Preece ...Keep readingView the full article

MotoGP Sepang Test Images Image Gallery B Sepang Test Times Day Two Sepang MotoGP Test Times Day Two Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap Speed 1 J. Mir Hon 1m56.874 341.7 2 F. Morbidelli Duc 1m56.983 +0.109 339.6 3 F. Di Giannantonio Duc 1m57.049 +0.175 339.6 4 P. Acosta KTM 1m57.116 +0.242 338.5 5 M. Viñales KTM […] The post Sepang MotoGP Test Day Two Images appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

A new CNBC report drawing on Cox Automotive data argues the US new car market is increasingly behaving like a luxury category, with higher income households continuing to buy new vehicles while lower income shoppers are pushed toward used cars or forced to delay purchases. CNBC frames the trend as a K shaped economy dynamic, where one group keeps moving up and another falls behind, and the car market is now reflecting that divide more clearly than it did before the pandemic. BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Who Is Still Buying New Cars?Cox data cited in the CNBC report shows the buyer mix shifting upmarket in a way that changes what automakers can profitably sell. Households earning $150,000 or more now account for about 43 percent of new car purchases, up from roughly one third in 2019, while households earning under $75,000 have dropped to about a quarter of new car purchases, down from more than a third in 2019. That is a major swing in just a few years, and it helps explain why automakers keep leaning into higher trim levels and pricier models, because that is where the remaining new car demand is concentrated. Why Payments Still Feel Like A WallThe CNBC piece ties that change to affordability metrics that have stayed elevated even as inventories have improved. Cox Automotive has tracked average monthly payments around the high seven hundred dollar range, and it continues to cite average new vehicle prices hovering around the $50,000 level, which makes the entry point for many mainstream buyers feel out of reach. That pressure feeds a cycle where shoppers either stretch payments longer or exit the new market entirely. It also reinforces confusion about the real causes of price inflation. What It Means For Shoppers And The IndustryFor us, the K shaped market means a larger share of new car options are being tailored to buyers who can absorb higher payments, while everyone else has to shop used, hold on to older cars longer, or compromise on size and features. For automakers, it means profit can stay strong even if unit volume softens, but it also raises the risk that the bottom of the market never really comes back, which could shrink the future pool of brand loyal buyers. In that environment, shoppers who do stay in the new car lane often become more selective and more value focused, because the cost of getting the decision wrong is higher than it used to be. View the full article

Toyota is expanding its smallest commercial vehicle range in Japan with a new battery electric version of the Pixis Van, adding a dedicated BEV option to a kei class work van that is built for urban delivery duty. Toyota says the model goes on sale February 2, and it is aimed at last mile operators who want a compact footprint, predictable running costs, and the ability to power small equipment on site. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Core Specs And Charging NumbersToyota lists a 36.6 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor, paired with a rear wheel drive e-axle producing 47 kW and 126 Nm. The headline range is 257 km on Japan’s WLTC cycle, and Toyota says that figure is best in class for kei cargo BEV vans as of February 2026. For charging, Toyota quotes roughly 50 minutes to about 80 percent on a 50 kW or higher DC fast charger starting from the low battery warning, and about six hours on 6 kW AC charging. Toyota also includes a 1,500 watt AC outlet and says the van is V2H capable with a separate device, which positions it as both a delivery vehicle and a small mobile power source. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Cargo And Practical Work UseToyota is pitching this Pixis Van BEV as a real tool rather than a city car conversion, and it publishes payload and cargo bay measurements. Maximum payload is listed at 350 kg, with a cargo space measuring 1,920 mm long, 1,270 mm wide, and 1,250 mm tall, plus a 630 mm load floor height to keep loading easy in tight urban settings. Toyota also calls out chassis updates tied to the BEV packaging, including a trailing link rear suspension design and added structural reinforcement to support the underfloor battery layout while maintaining durability. In Japan, Toyota lists one BEV grade, the Pixis Van Deluxe BEV, priced at 3,146,000 yen ($20,000) before recycling fees, and it offers option packs aimed at fleet usability, including a labor saving pack and a visibility assist pack that bundle convenience and camera features. Toyota describes the BEV system as jointly developed with Suzuki and Daihatsu, and says Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies participated. How It Fits Toyota’s Broader Market RealityThe Pixis Van BEV is a Japan specific commercial product, but it reflects the same theme Toyota faces elsewhere, demand remains strong enough that pricing and availability define the customer experience. In the US market, Toyota shoppers are seeing price pressure in mainstream vehicles, while Toyota keeps filling out its lineup with new nameplates and trims. At the core of Toyota’s strategy is still offering products that hit clear use cases, whether that is a work van built for city delivery or the traditional sedan choice. View the full article

Elevating an Already Iconic FormulaSinger Vehicle Design has an undeniable talent for restomodding classic Porsche 911s. But like any outfit, a strategic collaboration can further push the envelope, and since the Porsche specialist opted to work with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, it is without a doubt a partnership that promises something special. Red Bull Advanced Technologies is the high-performance engineering consultancy shaped by the Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team, the multi-championship squad that regularly fights for race wins. The company applied its motorsport expertise to its collaboration with Singer, aiming to improve torsional rigidity in the Porsche 911 (964) Cabriolet and Targa – the open-roof versions of the German sports car. Red Bull Advanced Technologies A Structural Shortcoming by DesignUnlike coupes, 911 Cabriolets and Targas generally suffer from reduced torsional rigidity due to the absence of a fixed roof, which normally adds stiffness by tying the front and rear together. As a result, open-roof versions often deliver lower dynamic performance than their coupe counterparts in favor of an open-air driving experience. That’s where the Singer–Red Bull collaboration comes in. The Porsche specialist leveraged Red Bull’s motorsport-derived technologies – including advanced simulation and structural analysis – to develop a 13-piece carbon-fiber reinforcement structure that strengthens the 964 while preserving its original chassis architecture. Red Bull says the torsional rigidity is increased by 175 percent without a significant weight penalty. The increase in torsional rigidity improves handling by reducing chassis twist, particularly during hard cornering. Instead of the chassis absorbing the load, more of the stress is transferred to the suspension and wheels, which also enhances braking performance and overall refinement. Red Bull claims that, with its 13-piece carbon-fiber reinforcement structure, the open-roof models now match the driving experience of the coupe. Red Bull Advanced Technologies This Level of Engineering Comes at a CostRob Gray, Technical Director of Red Bull Advanced Technologies, said, “The challenge from Singer was to increase the stiffness of the open-roof Type 964, giving it the same dynamic performance as the coupe, while minimizing additional weight. The careful balancing of performance against weight is extremely familiar to us, and we’re delighted to have been able to support Singer and their clients with this solution.” For performance enthusiasts who still want an open-air driving experience, the gains in torsional stiffness should be a major draw. However, such upgrades don’t come cheap. Singer is known for its eye-watering prices, with recent builds like the 911 DLS Turbo – dubbed “Sorcerer” – commanding figures as high as $3 million. Red Bull, meanwhile, is also developing high-performance cars, including its latest project, the RB17, which features a 4.5-liter Cosworth hybrid V10 capable of revving to 15,000 rpm. Another notable project is the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which has since completed at the highest level of endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Red Bull Advanced Technologies View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Two Day 2 of the Sepang MotoGP Official Test delivered a clear performance statement from Honda, steady progress from Ducati and VR46, and a disrupted running order as rain and Yamaha’s continued absence shaped a quieter but no less significant Wednesday in Malaysia. With temperatures already soaring as the pit lane […] The post Mir breaks into the 1:56s as Yamaha absence shapes day two at Sepang appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

In a field of 18 desperate drivers, only the top two finishers + the points provisional (Alex Bowman) were going to transfer from the last-chance-qualifier (LCQ) into the main event. Bowman was happy to take the points provisional on offer to him (as the highest driver from the 2025 championship not yet locked in) instead of racing for it and risking his car, so the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports ...Keep readingView the full article

Rivian has taken an unusual route to showcase its commercial EV platform, building a custom electric ambulance for ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. The company says the “vanbulance” is based on its Rivian Commercial Van architecture and was created specifically for the show, giving the production an on-screen emergency vehicle that also reflects a growing real-world interest in electrifying service fleets. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A Purpose-Built Film Set Vehicle Based On Rivian’s Van PlatformRivian’s story is clear that this is a TV-focused build, not a production ambulance, and the design brief was shaped by filming needs as much as by vehicle engineering. The van was built to work as both an exterior hero vehicle and an interior set, which is a practical requirement for long-running TV production because it reduces the need for multiple vehicles and allows cameras to capture patient care scenes without rebuilding sets between takes. Rivian also frames the project as a chance to explore what an EV-based emergency vehicle could look like, even if the Grey’s Anatomy version is ultimately a fictional prop. Why Rivian Is Doing Brand Work Through FleetsThe partnership highlights how Rivian continues to push its brand beyond consumer trucks and SUVs, using fleet-style applications to keep the platform relevant while it moves toward its next growth phase. Rivian’s commercial van roots make it a natural candidate for specialty conversions, and the company’s willingness to support a one-off build signals it is still looking for high-visibility ways to keep attention on its engineering, even as it faces pressure to scale profitably. How This Fits Rivian’s Near Term RoadmapThe Grey’s Anatomy ambulance story lands while Rivian is working to expand its production and lineup strategy beyond the R1T and R1S, with the next platform expected to carry the business. Rivian has already started taking steps toward that transition, which is central to how the brand plans to widen its market and improve scale economics. Meanwhile, Rivian is also still iterating on its current products, and details like usability changes and physical controls matter to owners in a way that shapes long-term loyalty. View the full article

V6 Power Now the Main EventMaserati has quietly reworked the Grecale lineup for North America, dropping the four-cylinder mild-hybrid models and focusing on six-cylinder power. For 2026, buyers can pick between two V6 gas models or the all-electric Folgore. The new Grecale Modena V6 is the entry point if you want a gas-powered Grecale, and it’s now arriving at showrooms in the US. Under the hood, the Modena V6 uses Maserati’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno engine from the MCPura supercar, but detuned to 385 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque, with most of that power available in the mid-range. The Formula 1-inspired pre-chamber combustion tech is still there, along with cylinder deactivation to help with efficiency without losing the engine’s character. Despite being the base model for 2026, the Modena V6 does 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 mph, using a ZF eight-speed automatic and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. Unlike the more aggressive Trofeo, this version is tuned for smoother response and better comfort at lower speeds. Maserati Well-Equipped for a Base ModelThe Grecale Modena V6 keeps the familiar shape but looks a bit sharper. It comes standard with staggered 21-inch wheels, quad exhausts with active sport valves, and a V6 badging. The look is all about understated performance, not showing off, which seems to be Maserati’s goal here. Inside, the Grecale Modena V6 features eather seats, 14-way power adjustment up front, open-pore Radica wood trim, and multicolor ambient lighting. Tech is covered by a 12.3-inch digital cluster and Maserati’s dual-screen setup, with a 12-inch infotainment display up top and an 8.8-inch control screen below. You also get a 14-speaker Sonus faber sound system and a full set of driver-assist features like adaptive cruise with Stop & Go, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Maserati Grecale Pricing UpdatesPricing for the Grecale Modena V6 starts at $84,500 in the US, which actually undercuts where the old hybrid four-cylinder models usually ended up once you added options. Of note, dealers are still taking orders for leftover 2025 four-cylinder stock units, but those are on their way out. Things get more interesting with the electric Grecale Folgore. Maserati is said to be offering significantly deep discounts on its EVs, bringing the Grecale Folgore prices close to those of the base gas models. You won’t see these numbers online yet, but they point to a bigger change for buyers comparing gas and electric versions side by side. Maserati View the full article

The EV Holy Grail Is Getting CloserSolid-state batteries have long been positioned as the holy grail of electric vehicle technology. They promise dramatically higher energy density, faster charging, longer lifespan, and improved safety compared to today’s lithium-ion packs. For perspective, the original 2011 Nissan Leaf managed just 116 miles of real-world range. That was groundbreaking at the time. Today, the industry is chasing EVs capable of charging in minutes and lasting decades. Toyota has repeatedly promised to bring solid-state battery EVs to market later this decade. Now, according to a Reuters report out of Tokyo, a key supplier has taken a major step forward. Idemitsu Kosan, Japan’s second-largest oil refiner, has made a final investment decision and begun construction of a large pilot plant to produce solid electrolyte materials for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries. Donut Lab Idemitsu and Toyota Move Into the Next PhaseIdemitsu is collaborating directly with Toyota to commercialize next-generation batteries, supporting the automaker’s goal of launching EVs equipped with all-solid-state batteries between 2027 and 2028. The new facility will focus on developing mass-production technology for solid electrolytes, a core component that replaces the flammable liquid electrolyte found in conventional lithium-ion batteries. The company is already producing samples at two smaller demonstration facilities, including one primarily dedicated to materials development for Toyota. Based on results from the new pilot plant, Idemitsu plans to construct a larger-scale facility capable of producing several hundred metric tons of solid electrolyte annually. Construction is underway at Idemitsu’s Chiba plant near Tokyo and is expected to be completed in 2027, with Chiyoda Corp contracted to build it. The output will be used in Toyota’s future solid-state EV batteries. Toyota The Global Race, The Hype, and The RealityToyota is not alone. BMW has stepped up its own solid-state development efforts, and Rimac is reportedly working on a solid-state battery for a future Bugatti project. Meanwhile, China may already be shaping the narrative by formally defining what constitutes a solid-state battery before global standards fully settle. The competitive pressure is intensifying, and whoever commercializes the technology at scale first could reset the EV landscape. The promises are massive. Some reports suggest five-minute charging is possible. Toyota has even indicated its next-generation batteries could last up to 40 years. Yet not every automaker is fully convinced the timeline is that simple. Even Toyota and Honda executives have acknowledged that technical and manufacturing hurdles remain, particularly around durability, scalability, and cost. Solid-state batteries may be the holy grail, but they have also become the industry’s most delayed breakthrough. Still, Idemitsu’s decision to break ground on a dedicated pilot plant signals this is no longer theoretical lab work. It is industrial-scale preparation. If Toyota hits its 2027–2028 target, the EV conversation could shift overnight from incremental range gains to generational transformation. And compared to the 116-mile Leaf that started it all, that future would look almost unrecognizable. Toyota View the full article

Californians are used to high gas prices. The state has a high cost of living, and its driving culture almost demands that you have your own vehicle to get by. Most fill their tank without thinking twice about what they’re spending; it’s just a way of life out west. Many do consider how much they’re spending, though. Even if you’re not deeply concerned about how much it costs to fill up, knowing where to get the best gas prices is handy anyway. You never know, maybe one of these stations is one you pass when you’re about to pick up lunch at El Pollo Loco. Getty Images The 4 cheapest gas stations in CaliforniaARCO (Linda, California)If there’s one thing California drivers know, it’s that ARCO is hard to beat for gas prices. The ARCO at 1129 N Beale Road in Linda, CA, has gas priced at around $3.44 per gallon. It’s right next to a Walmart Supercenter (if you have other shopping to do) and down the street from a Costco. The nearby Costco also has gas, but ARCO seems to be a bit cheaper, so it may be worth the detour. Keep in mind the listed price might be the cash price, so if you want to use a credit card, it could be a touch more expensive at this ARCO. Quick Stop II Food Mart (Chico, California)Tucked behind Chico High School, at the corner of Nord and Sacramento (952 Nord Avenue, Chico, CA, if you’re using Maps) is a Quick Stop with great gas prices. Users report you can fill up for $3.39 per gallon at this location, which is next to a strip mall with several restaurants and a block away from a Safeway if you need groceries. It’s also cattycorner from a Chevron, but we all know Chevron isn’t going to show up on any lowest-gas-prices lists, Californians. Yokut Gas Station (Lemoore, California)The Yokut Gas Station, located at 17051 Jersey Avenue in Lemoore, California, is likely off your beaten path. South of Lemoore proper and well southeast of Hanford, this Yokut gas station offers gas at $3.35 per gallon. Depending on your route and what you typically pay for gas, it might be worth a detour. Near a large housing development, Yokut shares a parking lot with the Tachi Palace Casino Resort. Getty Images Pit River Gas & Mini Mart (Burney, California)Look: Burney, California, isn’t near anything, and there’s no apparent reason it should be on your bucket list of places to visit. It’s well east of Redding, an enclave unto itself. Still, if you’re headed east from Redding (maybe you’re going to Modoc National Forest?), drop by 20258 Tamarack Avenue in Burney, California, for gas that’s $3.29 per gallon, per user reporting. It’ll be right as you enter town limits, but don’t blink - Burney is a small town, and you’ll pass Pit River by if you’re not paying attention. 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: 5 Surprising US Cities (and towns) With Shockingly High Gas Prices View the full article

After shaking down their cars in practice and cleaning up some ‘weepers’ of water caused by melting snow, qualifying got underway for the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray. In this format, the 20 fastest drivers advance directly into the main event, while positions 21-38 will transfer to the last-chance qualifier. Only the top two finishers from the LCQ will get to take part in the pre-season ...Keep readingView the full article

The National Weather Service has issued a new winter storm warning, which is expected to bring several inches of snowfall and heavy winds to several states. This time, we’re expecting a combination of factors to wreak havoc across the Midwest and into the southern U.S., with low-pressure systems and frontal systems meeting Arctic airflow to disrupt our week. Specifically, the Appalachians are experiencing a low-pressure wave that is combining with Gulfstreams to introduce showers across the southern states. A cold front is approaching that weather pattern, pushing it toward the Gulf Coast and adding some thunderstorms to the mix. Finally, snowfall is expected in the Midwest. At the same time, much of the western United States continues to experience an odd winter drought. What the NHS says"A low pressure wave tracking east toward the southern Appalachians early this morning has drawn moisture and instability from the warm waters of the Gulf to support widespread showers across the South and some organized thunderstorms near the Gulf coast. The cold front trailing southwest from the low pressure center will steadily advance these showers and embedded thunderstorms from west to east across the Gulf Coast this morning, and then across much of the Southeast today into tonight. "Meanwhile, a replenishment of arctic air spreading into the Great Lakes and the Northeast is supporting a period of light snow across the Mid-Atlantic early this morning. The snow should taper off by daybreak but another patch of light snow and wintry mix is expected to move across North Carolina from west to east later today through tonight as the low pressure wave will take some time to move through the region.By Thursday, the low pressure wave is forecast to move off the southeastern U.S. and intensify rapidly. Showers and embedded thunderstorms ahead of the trailing cold front will be moving through Florida Peninsula on Thursday. "By Friday morning, the cold air will make it all the way down the Sunshine State where 30s to 40s will be common, with below freezing temperatures returning to the Florida Panhandle. Meanwhile, much of the western U.S. will remain dry with milder than normal conditions under the influence of a persistent upper-level ridge. Ahead of a warm front, light snow will be moving into the Great Lakes on Thursday, with the arrival of snow showers and possibly snow squalls over the upper Great Lakes by early on Friday, signaling the arrival of the next intense surge from arctic air from Canada." Related: 2026 Toyota Crown vs. 2026 Toyota Camry: Which is the Better Buy? Which states are affectedMichigan: Expect intense lake-effect snow in western and northern snowbelts, including Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Muskegon. Dangerous snow squalls can cause immediate whiteout conditions and have already contributed to large multi-vehicle pileups on major interstates. Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin: Expect significant wintry weather, with intense bursts of snow and gusty winds up to 40 mph. Post-frontal winds will likely cause blowing and drifting snow. Indiana and Illinois: Lake-effect snow and sharp temperature declines should be expected. Northern Indiana may see significant accumulation from cold winds drifting across Lake Michigan. Florida: A monumental cold event is expected, with temperatures dropping into the 20s in the Panhandle and 30s in South Florida. Record-low temperatures are forecast for Miami, Daytona Beach, and Vero Beach, with rare snow flurries expected as far south as Tampa. North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia: These states are in the path of a coastal storm that may bring 8 to 12 inches of snow along the coastline and up to 8 inches inland. In North Carolina, residents should expect coastal flooding of 2 to 4 feet, wind gusts up to 60 mph on the coast, and "dicey" road conditions that may remain treacherous for several days. Georgia: The Atlanta metro area is under a Winter Storm Watch, with up to 2 inches of snow expected and hazardous driving conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses. How this weather alert may affect travel conditionsGenerally speaking, drivers if affected states should brace for snowfall and icy road conditions. Carry appropriate tire coverings (chains or snow socks) and be prepared to put them on as needed. Inclimatic weather could escalate quickly; if you're out and about when things go south, you'll be happier to have that clunky box of chains rattling around in the trunk than you will be leaving them in your garage at home. Heavy winds may bring down power lines and trees, so be prepared for sudden road closures and increased traffic. Further, winds in some states, combined with snowy conditions, may limit your visibility. If that happens, drive slowly and pull over if necessary. In low-visibility driving, turn hazard lights on whether you are driving or parked on the side of the road to alert those behind you to your location. View the full article

You can ignore Chinese automakers at your own peril, and European carmakers are learning that the hard way as their once-exclusive home markets are flooded by brands from the Middle Kingdom. While the US market is currently safe from a Chinese auto invasion thanks to prohibitive tariffs, Chinese EVs are already at America’s borders with Mexico and Canada, and the situation doesn’t look sustainable for the US market in the long run. When it comes to US automakers, they have been working closely with their Chinese counterparts for many years in China, where foreign investors had to form 50:50 joint ventures with local companies. But it looks like a shift is about to take place, as some Western automakers are considering working together with Chinese carmakers on other markets as well. Ford Ford and Geely, for example, are apparently in discussions about a potential partnership covering the European market, Reuters reports. According to eight people with knowledge of the ongoing talks, the two carmakers are looking to share technology and manufacturing costs. More specifically, Geely is said to be interested in using Ford’s factory space in Europe, most likely the plant in Valencia, Spain, to build vehicles tailored for the region, three sources said. That would allow Geely to sidestep the European Union’s minimum price agreements, which recently replaced the previous tariffs of up to 37.5% introduced in 2024 on China-made EVs. Ford And Geely Also Exploring Shared Vehicle Tech, Including Autonomy Geely While the talks centered on European collaboration are more advanced, with Ford reportedly sending a delegation to China this week to step up discussions, the two companies are also said to be exploring pooling vehicle technologies, including for automated driving. Five of the sources said talks between Geely and Ford have been ongoing for months. While the Chinese automaker declined to comment on the report, Ford issued a neutral statement. "We have discussions with lots of companies all the time on a variety of topics. Sometimes they materialize, sometimes they don't." While it’s unclear if the talks regarding shared vehicle tech involve the US market in any way, any deal to bring advanced Chinese vehicle technology to the United States would likely receive close examination by the Trump administration and US lawmakers. Shared Tech Deal's US Implications A Key Issue Bill Pugliano/Getty Images Not only have Chinese automakers been effectively shut out of the U.S. market by the Biden and Trump administrations on grounds of national security risks from data collection and vehicle software, but U.S. lawmakers have even criticized any plans for collaboration between American and Chinese carmakers, such as Ford’s deal to license EV battery tech from China’s CATL for at a Michigan plant. Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley has been quite outspoken in his admiration for China’s global lead in EVs and connected vehicle technology, calling the progress in these fields “the most humbling thing I have ever seen” in an interview at the Aspen Ideals Festival last year. He has also been adamant about the need for Ford to recover lost ground to Chinese automakers when it comes to vehicle tech. A deal with Geely would come in handy, as it would allow Ford to up its game in areas like connected-vehicle technology and autonomy. Interestingly, only a few days ago, the automaker denied holding talks with China's Xiaomi on a possible joint venture to build EVs in the US. Geely Auto, which includes the Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands and controls Volvo Cars, Lotus and Polestar, is China’s second-largest automaker after BYD. View the full article

Foley Lewis Racing adds veteran Ron Douglas as a consultant. He brings championship experience to the rebuilding Top Fuel team.View the full article