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What's in a Name?The fact of the matter is, no matter how we look at vehicles, they are first and foremost products. Products, as we know, are made for the specific reason of fulfilling a need, which entails development and production costs, not to mention marketing. Believe it or not, a brand like Tesla, with a very simple product nomenclature, probably spent countless hours of billable manpower to come up with the names its cars have. Yet, it seems that they felt the need to (possibly) rethink some of the naming already in place for a specific variant. Tesla Model Y Standard to Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive?A CarsDirect report claims it has it on good authority that Tesla is considering a name change for the base Model Y variant. Currently, the base Model Y is aptly called the Standard—very simple, and very basic. It's being reported that the name change will go from Standard to just Rear-Wheel Drive. While that sounds fine, it might actually be confusing. Let's first take a look at the base Model Y, which is currently listed at $39,990 with a $5,000 difference compared to the mid-variant Premium. Most of the savings come from the lack of a panoramic sunroof, cloth interior, fewer speakers, and less overall range. Here's where things get confusing: both the (current) Standard and mid-variant Premium are rear-wheel drive, with the differentiators coming purely from the range and features that come with the car. Looking at the current lineup name on the Tesla website, there are three variants: Standard, Premium, and Performance. This is a very straightforward and easy-to-remember model name structure. It also helps with marketing and sales: name recall is everything, and customers are more likely to remember a non-technical term like Standard than a technical one like Rear-Wheel Drive. While the sales team won't have to spend more time explaining to confused customers why the Premium and Standard are both rear-wheel drive but the Premium isn't called it... (I'm already confused just typing this article) Tesla ReasonsAs of writing this article, Tesla hasn't confirmed the name change yet, and a visit to the dealership or website will confirm the status quo. Again, companies spend millions on products, and it's a given that this rumored name change was given much thought and that the brand must have come up with very valid reasons for it. While some of you may scoff and say that it's a minor change, name is everything for products, and something this simple could impact the identity for good or for bad. It's not as if people have stopped buying the Model Y. Could it be a case of why fix what ain't broke? Tesla View the full article

Antigravity’s A1 takes a different approach to drone-based filming, just as US rules put the future of foreign-made drones in question.View the full article

IIHS Raises the Bar With a New Whiplash Prevention TestThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has introduced a new whiplash prevention evaluation aimed at reducing neck injuries from rear-end crashes. These injuries remain the most frequently reported in U.S. auto insurance claims. Early results show room for improvement. Only four of the 18 small SUVs tested earned a Good rating under the new criteria. IIHS President David Harkey said the updated test is intended to drive further progress. He noted that while previous safety improvements reduced injury rates, whiplash claims continue to occur. The new evaluation is designed to identify seat and head restraint designs that provide better real-world protection. The change also aligns with IIHS’s broader safety framework. Our earlier list of safest cars in America for 2025 shows how difficult it has become to earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ rating, which already requires strong performance across crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and pedestrian protection. Why IIHS Replaced the Previous Head Restraint TestThe original IIHS head restraint test was discontinued in 2022 after nearly all vehicles achieved top scores. Automakers had effectively optimized designs to meet the existing criteria. While those improvements helped lower injury rates, insurance data continued to show meaningful differences in whiplash claims between models that the test could no longer distinguish. To address that gap, IIHS developed a more detailed evaluation. The new test removes the driver seat and mounts it on a sled with a rear-impact dummy featuring an articulated spine. Two acceleration pulses simulate rear-end crashes at 20 mph and 30 mph. Engineers measure factors such as head contact time, upper spine acceleration, pelvis movement, and bending forces between the head and neck. These metrics better correlate with real-world injury data. IIHS Which Vehicles Performed Best and WorstFour vehicles earned Good ratings. They are the Audi Q3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. Nine models received Acceptable ratings, including the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Volvo XC40. The BMW X1 and Nissan Rogue were rated Marginal. The Ford Bronco Sport, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-50 received Poor ratings after showing major deficiencies. The test video highlights the differences. In poorly rated vehicles, the dummy’s head moved excessively relative to the spine. This caused the cervical vertebrae to straighten instead of maintaining their natural curve. In good-rated vehicles, the seat and head restraint kept the head and spine aligned while managing crash energy more effectively. Even small design shortcomings can now prevent vehicles from earning top safety honors. Whiplash protection is the latest area under scrutiny. YouTube: @iihs-hldi View the full article

This is, in my opinion, exactly what the Internet is for: Bringing like-minded nerds together to help each other gain skills and knowledge.View the full article

A new military-grade bleeding stopper may soon change how riders survive serious injuries. View the full article

Six out of the 11 2026 MotoGP liveries have been revealed. To no one's surprise, some are almost identical to last year's paint schemes, but a couple have taken risks.View the full article

The best-selling three-row crossover in the U.S. last year was the Ford Explorer, with 222,706 units sold. The Explorer’s impressive power and comfortable ride have served it well, but the 2026 model is off to a bit of a rough start, having accumulated four separate recalls already. The latest one is potentially serious and involves the possibility of a windshield detachment in a crash. Fortunately, it seems Ford identified the issue before it spread to a large number of vehicles. Here’s what you need to know. Inadequate Windshield Bonding To Blame Ford According to the recall notice published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some 2026 Explorer models have windshields with improperly applied urethane between the windshield glass and frame. The issue was discovered on an Explorer undergoing end-of-line testing at the company’s Chicago Assembly Plant in October 2025, with the problem eventually tracked to an equipment failure. Detachment of a windshield in a crash can increase the risk of serious injury or death. This could severely impact the structural integrity of the vehicle, disrupt correct airbag deployment, or increase the chances of an unbelted occupant being thrown from the vehicle. Ford But Ford’s quick action isolated the windshield bonding issue to just eight Explorer models, and all affected windshields will be replaced at no cost to the customers. Owner letters were expected to have been mailed this week, on January 26, 2026. This latest recall is the fourth for the 2026 Explorer. It was already recalled for a trail hitch assembly that could detach, windshield air bubbles that can obscure visibility, and an engine oil leak that could lead to a fire risk. Related: Ford’s First Fire Risk Recall of 2026 Leaves Owners Waiting Months for a Fix Ford’s Promised Quality Checks Limit Recall Size Ford Although Ford has issued a higher-than-average number of recalls over the last few years, the company has been transparent about its more rigorous quality control processes and efforts to simplify its manufacturing processes. The high number of recalls also forms part of the Blue Oval’s efforts to address any and all quality issues promptly. Last year, Ford said it was following Toyota’s lead in terms of improving vehicle quality, with one goal being to stop production immediately if any defects are detected. It appears that precisely this action was followed with the Explorer, which is why the windshield issue was prevented from spilling over to potentially thousands of vehicles. “We are seeing clear results on our initial quality, all the internal data, as well as from third-party data,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford’s chief operating officer, in an interview last year. “The early indicators [of Ford’s changes to fix quality] are very good.” Last year, Ford CEO Jim Farley said its models’ powertrain durability was now competitive with Toyota’s, a particularly bold claim, given the Japanese brand’s reputation. We hope Ford’s efforts with quality control will soon be seen in fewer non-mechanical issues, too. Related: Ford CEO Claims Powertrain Durability Now ‘Competitive With Toyota’ Despite Record Recalls View the full article

Actor Ewan McGregor is parting ways with two of his motorcycles, a Harley-Davidson and a BMW, and the pair can find a new home in your garage for the right price. View the full article

Ram is once again at the center of a class action lawsuit, but this time the outcome may benefit owners. A newly approved settlement could see certain RAM 1500 EcoDiesel owners receive cash payouts and reimbursements tied to an alleged fire risk linked to a faulty engine component. While these trucks are often still referred to as Dodge Rams, Ram and Dodge have been separate brands for years now, at least for the time being. This case specifically involves Ram-branded pickups sold after that split, all under the massive Stellantis umbrella. Which RAM Trucks Are Covered Ram The settlement applies to model year 2014 to 2019 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel trucks built between June 12, 2013, and October 23, 2019. According to the lawsuit, the trucks were equipped with exhaust gas recirculation coolers that could crack and leak coolant into the intake system. That failure is alleged to create conditions that may lead to combustion inside the engine, with some cases escalating into engine fires. FCA US, now part of Stellantis, has not explicitly admitted wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the claims, regardless. The EcoDiesel was positioned as a fuel-efficient, torque-happy alternative to a V8-powered Ram truck, but it's clear they weren't as bulletproof as expected. And it's not the only diesel issue making the rounds: Mercedes-Benz had to pay $120 million to settle its own diesel scandal. How Much Owners Can Receive Ram Compensation depends on what an owner experienced. Drivers whose trucks suffered an engine fire tied to an EGR cooler failure may qualify for a $3,000 cash payment, provided they submit supporting documentation. Rental car reimbursements are capped at $500 per truck, while coolant reimbursements are capped at $75 – that's a total of $3,575. Owners who paid out of pocket to replace a failed EGR cooler within five years of the recall may also be eligible for reimbursement, along with a warranty extension covering parts and labor. Owners Should Move Fast Ram There are a few key dates to keep in mind. Claims must be filed by May 16, 2026, with opt-outs due by February 8 and objections by January 9. But this isn't knocking the stride in Ram's steps. The brand still plans to use the smaller Rampage truck to take on the Ford Maverick, and will pivot towards Hemi V8-powered trucks, considering no one is interested in the electric Ram 1500 anymore. Anyone who owned or leased a covered RAM 1500 EcoDiesel during the affected production period can submit a claim by clicking here. View the full article

Going Off the MapGenesis is keen on introducing thought-provoking concept cars – such as the Porsche 911-rivaling Magma GT Concept – and its latest release is no exception. The luxury Korean marque has unveiled an extreme off-road concept called the X Skorpio, which, from the outset, is reminiscent of Dakar Rally contenders like the Audi RS Q e-tron. The X Skorpio name draws inspiration from the black scorpion, an animal known for its “resilience and ability to thrive in harsh environments,” according to Genesis. Fittingly, the concept was unveiled in the Rub’ al Khali—also known as the “Empty Quarter”—desert in the United Arab Emirates, where it was showcased alongside other outdoor-focused concepts, including the GV60 Outdoors Concept, GV70 Outdoors Concept, and GV80 Desert Edition. Genesis Signals of ChangeLike most concepts, the X Skorpio isn’t guaranteed to reach production. However, it may signal what Genesis’ design team is planning behind closed doors – particularly noteworthy given the brand’s long-standing association with luxury vehicles rather than rugged off-roaders. This evolution aligns with earlier rumors of an electric pickup truck for the U.S. market, though those plans were later shelved. The scorpion motif isn’t just conceptual; it’s reflected in the design as well. The concept’s curves are said to be inspired by a scorpion’s arched tail, while the armor-like panels draw from the animal’s exoskeleton. Inside, despite its heavy off-road focus, the cabin still exudes luxury, with driver comfort remaining a key design consideration. Genesis Built Like a Wasteland WeaponPowering the X Skorpio is a V8 engine producing 1,115 PS (1,100 horsepower) and 117.6 kilogram-force meters (850 pound-feet) of torque. While the press release does not provide further details about the engine, it may share conceptual or developmental ties with the 3.2-liter twin-turbo V8Hyundai Motorsport is engineering for Genesis’ upcoming hypercar, the GMR-001. The concept also rides on 18-inch beadlock wheels wrapped in custom 40-inch off-road tires, with stopping power provided by Brembo Motorsport brakes. While large off-road vehicles such as the Chevrolet Silverado remain popular in the United States, Genesis has said its latest concept is aimed at tapping into the UAE’s rapidly growing market for luxury vehicles. Nevertheless, concepts like this help generate discussion around the brand—an important factor as the company works to expand its global presence while benefiting from the broader recognition of its parent group, Hyundai Motor Group, whose Hyundai and Kia brands both posted strong U.S. sales performances last year. Genesis View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Check out this great shop and collection tour from Arne Toman’s Cannonball Garage. Arne is the current Cannonball Run record holder and in this video you’ll get to check out his car collection with Fred and Witty. It’s a pretty interesting mix of cars, and we want to see which ones are your favorites so don’t forget to let us know in the comments below. Video Description: For this episode of 1320Garages, we’re stepping inside the garage of Arne Toman — current Cannonball Run record holder and someone whose name is permanently tied to Cannonball history. Arne walks us through his personal collection of cars, which includes Cannonball record-holders, as well as some unexpected makes/models even we didn’t know he had. The post Arne Toman’s Cannonball Garage Shop Tour: Touring an Expert POLICE EVADER’S Car Collection appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Engine Pro has created a VVT Elimination Kit for GEN 3 Hemi engines. This kit is packed with great performance-enhancing features. View the full article

2026 Kawasaki KX85, KX85 L and KX112 Kawasaki are updating their small capacity range, with young talent to benefit from updated KX112, KX85, and KX85 L models, focusing on chassis upgrades and the Kawasaki ‘Built to Win’ philosophy. For the KX85 L and KX112, we’ll be seeing the new models arrive from late February of […] The post Kawasaki reveal big updates for KX85 and KX112 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Moto News Weekly Wrap January 27, 2026 What’s New: New Zealand’s Woodville Grand Prix cancelled Saudi Baja kickstarts 2026 FIM Bajas World Cup Gautier Paulin confirmed with Tenere Yamaha Rally Team for Africa Eco Race Aprilia Tuareg Racing Rally line-up for 2026 revealed Toni Bou increases X-Trial lead at Leeds Trystan Heart tops 2026 King […] The post Moto News | Baja | Rally | X-Trial | SX | King of the Motos appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

A Small Price Bump for a Familiar FormulaThe Mazda MX-5 Miata has always been about two things: pure driving fun and a price that keeps it within reach. That formula is still here for 2026, but Mazda is quietly inching prices up across the board. The base Miata now starts above $30,000, and if you want an RF or a higher trim, you’re looking at numbers that used to belong to hot hatches or entry-level coupes. Model 2025 MSRP 2026 MSRP Miata Sport 6MT $29,830 $30,430 Miata Club 6MT $33,330 $33,930 Miata Grand Touring 6MT $35,130 $35,730 Miata Club RF 6MT $41,150 $41,900 Miata Grand Touring RF 6MT $37,850 $38,450 Of note, the values mentioned here don't include $1,235 for destination and handling. The price bumps aren’t huge on their own, but they add up. Even before you tick boxes for premium paint or the Brembo/BBS/Recaro pack, the MX-5 is ever-so-slowly drifting away from its old “cheap fun” image. Mazda What’s Actually New for 2026All MX-5 Miata models carry over the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-pot mill, making 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed manual transmission standard (one of the last few). Sport and Club trims are still manual-only, while Grand Touring buyers can opt for an automatic with paddle shifters. For 2026, Mazda has improved interior quality and usability, most notably with an 8.8-inch infotainment display that offers better touch controls for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Alexa Built-In is now available, but the Miata’s core appeal remains its driving experience rather than its technology features. The trim structure is still uncomplicated. Club models continue to emphasize performance equipment, including Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential, and DSC-Track mode. Grand Touring adds features focused on comfort and safety, including adaptive front lights, navigation, and additional driver-assist systems. RF versions retain the power-folding fastback roof, which operates in roughly 13 seconds. Mazda New Prices vs. Leftover 2025 CarsWith 2026 prices on the rise, leftover 2025 models in the inventory do look tempting. You can still find new 2025 soft-tops and RFs listed for less on Cars.com than the new models – mostly a few thousand, depending on trim and deals. If you’re not fussed about the latest screen or small interior updates, a 2025 gives you the same driving experience for less cash. The 2026 MX-5 Miata is still one of the most engaging sports cars you can buy new, but it now asks shoppers to think harder about value, especially in this niche segment. For a car built around simplicity and feel, that decision may matter more than Mazda would like to admit. Mazda View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Buying a brand-new Corvette is already something to be proud of, and owning a mid-engine sports car or supercar is certainly exciting, but Chevrolet is about to make the experience even better, reopening its Corvette Engine Build Experience this spring. The program was previously available for the LT6 of the Corvette Z06, and now it's being reopened to the Z06, as well as being made possible with the ZR1 and ZR1X pair. The news was announced on LinkedIn, via Ray Theriault, Corvette Plant director at General Motors, inviting buyers to the Bowling Green Assembly plant's Performance Build Center. After the experience is over, GM will also give participants some mementos to commemorate the experience. Corvette Engine Build Program Comes with Goodies Clive Sutton After getting your (gloved) hands dirty putting together the LT6 (Z06) or LT7 (ZR1 and ZR1X) engine for your Corvette alongise a master technician, Chevy will ensure your mark is left on your power plant with a custom engine plaque. Participants will also be given an exclusive gift and a professional photo keepsake, so they can prove to their unconvinced friends that they really did build their own high-performance engine. So how does one take advantage of the offer? When ordering a new Z06, ZR1, or ZR1X, select RPO Code: PBC (Performance Build Center). How much this will add to the cost of your Corvette is unclear. Theriault's LinkedIn post did not disclose pricing for the limited-availability experience, and although the news has been published on Corvette Experience page of Chevy's website, encouraging interested buyers to contact their dealer, Chevy's build & price configurator is yet to list the option. That said, the program was previously available for the C8 Z06 at a cost of $5,000. Offering Something Unique Chevrolet As pointed out by Road & Track, this offer makes the Corvette stand out in the world of high-performance cars. Ferrari, Pagani, Lamborghini, and Bugatti don't offer this sort of experience, and particularly in the case of the ZR1X, the Corvette Engine Build Experience allows customers to have a hand in producing something that can outperform those hallowed brands. Its world-beating performance was proven not long ago, when the ZR1X set numerous records on the quarter-mile. Despite a starting price of $209,700, the ZR1X is nearly as quick as cars that cost 10 or 20 times as much, getting from 0-60 mph in 1.68 seconds and crossing the 1,320-foot mark in 8.675 seconds with a trap speed of 159 mph. Being a part of assembling an engine capable of such performance would be very special indeed. View the full article

John Hunter Nemechek is joining a stacked field for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway. Nemechek, who competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series with Legacy Motor Club, will pilot the No. 62 Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota as he takes on double duty for the first official race weekend of the new season. Halmar-Friesen is swapping the owner points ...Keep readingView the full article

NASCAR has released a full list of owner points transfers ahead of the 2026 season for the three national divisions. Below you can find a complete list of of every 2025 team, where they were ranked, and which team will have those points for the start of the new year. New car numbers starting with zero points are also listed below the table. Owner points are critical in deciding ...Keep readingView the full article

The Toyota Crown Signia launched in September 2024 as a 2025 model, so taking into account the annual miles covered by the average American motorist, the earliest Crown Signias should’ve covered around 15,000 miles by now. But one Crown Signia driver has already hit over 150,000 miles—roughly 10 times more than the average—in his 2025 Crown Signia. The owner, Justin Thornell, posted the feat on the Toyota Crown Signia Facebook group, while also explaining the maintenance he has done and his goal to hit a million miles in the SUV. Possibly The Highest-Mileage Crown Signia J Thornell shared a picture of his odometer on January 23, 2026 (no pictures of the car's exterior were shared), confirming that he had covered exactly 150,026 miles at that point. Assuming he had his Crown Signia delivered in October 2024, just after the SUV launched, that works out to an average of 9,375 miles per month. Thornell is a medical courier for a lab, so he spends plenty of time on the road. He says that 99% of his driving is on the highway, where the hybrid Crown Signia gets up to 37 mpg. In the city, the midsize crossover manages 39 mpg, so it’s efficient no matter what kind of driving you do. One of Thornell’s few complaints about the Toyota is its gas tank size of just 14.5 gallons—Thornell claims he burns through up to 17 gallons of gas per day at times. His only other issue is having to rely on a tire repair kit instead of a spare wheel. Thornell had all the fluids changed at 100,000 miles, and the vehicle just had its 15th oil change, which aligns with the recommended oil change intervals. “I love this vehicle and since I have a lifetime powertrain warranty, I’m gonna drive it until the wheels fall off,” said Thornell on Facebook. “I should hit 1,000,000 miles in 7.5-ish years!” A lifetime powertrain warranty isn’t standard, but some dealers may offer this as an incentive, and it works out perfectly for a customer like Thornell who covers an incredibly high number of miles per year. Modern Toyotas Are Still Built To Last Toyota Thornell’s story is a reminder of how reliable many new Toyotas still are, despite all the new technologies. To be fair, there’s no reason the Crown Signia’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine should have had any major issues at 150,000 miles, given that it has had the oil changed on time and because it’s been used mainly for highway driving. Other Toyotas still support the manufacturer's enduring reliability reputation. A 2025 study by iSeeCars showed the Toyota Sequoia to be the vehicle that has the highest chance of lasting for 250,000 miles and beyond, and the owner of a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has already covered 110,000 miles with no major issues. John Beltz Snyder That being said, Toyota has run into some issues with certain engines lately. The twin-turbo V6 is the culprit, with machining debris left in the engine resulting in engine knocking, a loss of power, and complete failure in some cases. This recall affected the Tundra, Lexus LX, and Lexus GX. The V6 appears to be an outlier, though. Most Toyotas are still top choices if you’ll be spending loads of time behind the wheel, and the brand’s extensive hybrid lineup helps to keep running costs down, too. Here’s hoping we’re still around to report on Mr. Thornell’s million-mile Crown Signia sometime in 2033. Related: Toyota studied million-mile Tundra while developing new model View the full article

Screws Replace Glue in a Quietly Radical RedesignMercedes' vision of the future involves something unexpectedly old-school: screws. Part of Mercedes' Tomorrow XX sustainability initiative is changing how automobile parts are constructed, beginning with vehicle headlamps. As opposed to using permanent adhesives to bond headlamp assemblies, Mercedes intends to use mechanical fasteners like screws. It's how headlights were initially created as self-contained modules that could be individually repaired and replaced. Sealed modern headlamps have become a common problem for car owners. If the lens develops a small stone chip or crack, it forces the replacement of the complete unit. The lens is glued to the headlamp housing, and removing it generally damages the whole thing. Using fasteners instead of adhesive means that technicians can replace the damaged part without destroying the rest of the assembly, significantly decreasing waste and reducing repair expenses. Mercedes-Benz Designing Components for Sustained UseThe headlamp redesign is just one element of Mercedes' Tomorrow XX sustainability program. Less than two years since it began, the program has identified over 40 opportunities for improvement. Mercedes has started working with suppliers, recycling companies, and start-ups on how to rethink the construction and deconstruction of components. One of the main focuses of the program is how individual components function throughout the lifetime of a vehicle. That includes making greater use of recyclable materials and designing fastening systems that will make deconstruction simple once a vehicle reaches the end of its service life. Mercedes-Benz Repairability Meets Sustainability GoalsSince each component is made of a single type of material, there is no need to segregate composite materials during recycling. This increases recycling efficiency and makes it more likely that parts will not be disposed of through incineration or landfills. The redesigned headlamps make use of nearly twice as much secondary recycled content as previous generations while reducing the carbon footprint by approximately 50%. Mercedes also hopes to establish a closed-loop recycling system where new headlamps are made from recycled materials from old headlamps. They’re not stopping with headlights, either. Mercedes is testing thermoplastic rivets to connect door panels, enabling rapid deconstruction, and is studying the feasibility of using recycled airbags in engine mounts and recycled tire fiber in vibration dampers. Just goes to show that sustainability doesn’t always need innovative tech, but simply looking back to simpler times. View the full article

Volvo has an excellent reputation for safety, and that has long attracted families to the brand. But as those families have grown to the point that the mid-size XC90 has become too small, they have been forced to look to other brands to satisfy their needs for bigger SUVs, like BMW with its X7 and Mercedes-Benz with its GLS. But they may not need to for much longer, reports Automotive News. Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson told AN that demand for full-size three-row SUVs is growing in the U.S. and in China, and the Swedish automaker is again considering a foray into the segment. "Bigger SUVs — that is something we're looking into," he said, adding that the company has not yet greenlit such a project. But approval could come soon. Volvo's Full-Size SUV Could Be Built in South Carolina Volvo Last year, Volvo announced that it would build an all-new plug-in hybrid vehicle at its South Carolina factory, and although Samuelsson would not confirm whether the PHEV will be a three-row SUV, he did say it would be "very attractive for U.S. customers," adding the hybrid is "maybe a bigger one." It's difficult to be sure exactly what Volvo is working on because the new PHEV is also meant to be sold in Europe, where larger full-size SUVs do not sell as strongly, but the vehicle is predicted to enter production in South Carolina in October 2028 with an extended-range hybrid powertrain capable of roughly 100 miles of electric-only range. Related: Five-Year-Old Cars Are About to Get Volvo’s Latest Tech Over the Air Potential underpinnings are also unclear, but with Volvo's ties to Chinese parent company Geely, which also owns the Zeekr premium EV brand, it's possible that last year's impressive Zeekr 9X full-size three-row SUV could share components or tech. In 2020, Volvo had reportedly planned a new SUV called the XC100, and as something that might sit above the XC90, Volvo's new PHEV could well adopt the unused name. Volvo Customers Desperately Want a Bigger SUV Volvo If Volvo is ready to introduce a larger SUV, it would be welcomed by dealers, who would still want the XC90 to stick around. One anonymous dealer told AN, "The XC90 doesn't allow a family to grow. We're trying to be a family-oriented brand, and we don't have a move-up vehicle." Similarly, another dealer executive said that as families grow, "they need something bigger than the XC90." The data support these assertions, with Edmunds saying that 11 percent of customers trading in an XC90 over the last two years moved to full-size luxury or mainstream SUVs, and that this is the highest defection rate to these segments recorded by the XC90 in its 20+ years on sale. With a full-size SUV in its portfolio, Volvo would be able to not only better retain existing customers but also attract new ones, with a bigger SUV serving as a halo for the brand. View the full article

Don’t Judge This Truck by Its SheetmetalIcon 4x4 showcased the depth of its customization capabilities with the 30th build of its Thriftmaster pickup restomod program, which is based on classic Chevrolet trucks. While this hand-built vehicle retains the outward appearance of a typical 1950s-era pickup, it was engineered with high performance in mind—making it a sleeper by design. Chief among the modifications is the GM E-Rod 6.2-liter LS3 small-block V8, which produces 440 horsepower, representing a slight increase over the standard configuration. The engine is paired with an automatic transmission with overdrive, offering an alternative to the Tremec TKO 5-speed manual that has been available on earlier examples. Icon 4x4 Designed to DriveThe performance-oriented upgrades extend well beyond the drivetrain. The truck rides on a custom Art Morrison Enterprises chassis fitted with a four-wheel independent suspension, replacing the more traditional solid-axle configuration. Stopping power is handled by Brembo brakes, while a set of 18-inch forged aluminum wheels is wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Icon 4x4 founder Jonathan Ward said the vehicle may resemble “an old farm truck,” but emphasized that it “delivers modern sports car performance.” He added that the brand aimed to capture “the best of all worlds when it comes to design, performance, and client preferences.” That old farm truck aesthetic is also carefully preserved inside the cabin, even as modern technology is discreetly integrated. Features such as a Bluetooth audio system and a concealed subwoofer are hidden to maintain a period-correct look. Additional interior equipment includes Dakota Digital gauges, power door locks and windows, brown leather seats, and an Alcantara headliner. Icon 4x4 Exclusivity Comes at a PriceLike many high-end restomods, the Thriftmaster appears relatively simple at a glance, but commissions can become substantial once the details are considered. Icon 4x4 said that Thriftmaster builds start at $225,000, placing them in roughly the same price range as a new Porsche 911 GT3, a proven modern performance benchmark. However, beyond outright performance, the Thriftmaster instead leans into craftsmanship, exclusivity, and individuality—things most production vehicles just can’t match. Each commission is carefully hand-built, which typically results in a waiting period of roughly one year before delivery, with one-off projects often taking even longer. Beyond the Thriftmaster, the California-based shop also offers other vehicle programs based on platforms such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Ford Bronco. It has even explored electrification with an all-electric Bronco restomod developed in partnership with Texas-based Moment Motor Co. Icon 4x4 View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Mazda has built some of the most driver-focused sports cars the world has ever known, from the lightweight MX-5 Miata to the iconic, rotary-powered RX-7. But a recent Cars and Bids auction shows just how far the nostalgia tax has spiraled out of control. A 1997 Mazda RX-7 Type RS-R 30th Anniversary Edition attracted a top bid of $40,500 on Cars and Bids, yet still failed to meet its reserve. Even at that level, it would have traded above the model’s historical norm. Once upon a time, ’90s JDM sports cars were about punching above their weight and undercutting rivals. Those days are clearly over. When $40,500 Isn't Enough Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Cars and Bids On paper, bidders weren’t completely irrational. Classic.com reports that the average FD RX-7 now trades just over $41,000, placing this car squarely in line with the broader market. Even the limited-run RS-R 30th Anniversary models tend to land in similar territory. Finished in striking Sunburst Yellow, fitted with tasteful upgrades, and offered with a U.S. title, this example had plenty working in its favor, especially with tariffs on Japanese imports. But this wasn’t a collector-grade time capsule. The RX-7 showed visible wear, had been repainted, and raised questions over its true mileage. While the listing claimed 84,400 miles, Cars and Bids user @jvita3 uncovered evidence suggesting it has covered more than 115,000 miles. None of that stopped bidders from charging past $40,000 anyway, only to discover the reserve sat even higher. The JDM Price Upward Spiral Is Real Exotic Car Trader Bring A Trailer Bonhams Cars This third-generation RX-7 is simply another data point in a market that has gone fully off the rails. Classic.com shows that the average Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R now exceeds $134,000, the average Honda NSX climbs past $80,000, with pristine NSX-Rs changing hands for more than $400,000, and twin-turbo Mk4 Toyota Supras nearing $100,000 – some sell for nearly a quarter-million dollars. Even Han’s Tokyo Drift RX-7 sold for an eye-watering $1.2 million, pushing values further into fantasy territory. Looking at the bigger picture, a $40,500 RX-7 almost feels reasonable, which is exactly the problem. If you wanted to stick to a classic '90s JDM sports car, you could have bought two second-generation Toyota MR2 Turbos for similar cash. Or you could have saved money and bought a newer, faster, more reliable MX-5 Miata for $30,430. If that's not enough to convince you the RX-7 is way out of its league, its top bid was just $1,500 shy of a new, overpriced Honda Prelude. When Nostalgia Beats Logic Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Cars and Bids Cars and Bids At some point, enthusiasm stops being passion and starts becoming denial. $40,000 is already a steep ask for a three-decade-old sports car with a temperamental rotary engine and expensive upkeep. With Mazda confirming an RX-7 successor is on the way, values of the originals are likely to inflate even further. The fact that this example still didn’t meet its reserve perfectly sums up today’s JDM market: logic has left the building, and nostalgia is fueling the fire. View the full article

A Costly Battery ReplacementElectric vehicles are slowly becoming an accepted part of the world. While demand may have slowed over the past few years, people are now generally willing to consider them as their primary form of transportation. However, one major hesitation has always been the longevity and maintenance costs of the battery systems EVs use; most are afraid that replacing a battery might cost them an arm and a leg. Someone recently went online to prove that while EVs offer immediate savings, the long-term costs might not be so wallet-friendly. Tesla New Battery, or New Car?On a Reddit thread, an owner of a 2013 Tesla Model S asked whether any other owners had received the same quote for a battery replacement/upgrade. He posted photos of the quotation he got for an upgraded 90 kwh pack or the same 60 kwh pack; both quotations were alarmingly steep. The 60 kWh replacement was quoted at $13,830, with the pack costing $13,250 and labor at $580. While the 90kWh upgraded pack comes in at a cool $18,000, with an additional $4,500 to increase the range, bringing the total to around $23,000. Keep these prices in mind, because the fact is EV depreciation is as real as it gets, and older Teslas like this 13-year-old Model S have very low resale values, with prices on the 2nd-hand car market ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, depending on condition. Both dealer quotes exceed the going market price by a considerable margin. This has obviously stirred up 'spirited' debates on the thread itself, with some people claiming that third-party options offer batteries at a lower cost than Tesla. However, given the Model S's current going rates as stated above, it might still not be worth the effort and cost. Go for Brand NewThe actual final price on the quotation came out to $39,792, which, for any repair, is an impossible amount, especially for a car not even worth half that on the market. More importantly, that amount can already buy you a brand-spanking-new Model 3 RWD Standard. So, if said owner is really keen on staying with Tesla, he might as well go for a new Model 3 – or add more to get a new Model S. Moving forward, though, this brings to light a common plight of early EV owners: while brands are promising to lower battery replacement costs in the future, the present looks quite expensive. Tesla View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Holding the LineWhile automakers such as Hyundai are adjusting their production strategies to avoid the Trump administration’s tariffs on imported vehicles, Audi appears to be taking a more cautious approach. According to Germany’s Handelsblatt, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume said that plans to produce Audi vehicles in the United States are not progressing, citing ongoing financial challenges. The possibility of U.S.-based Audi production has been discussed for years, particularly as the brand’s major German rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, already operate manufacturing facilities in the U.S. At present, Audi models bound for the U.S. market are built in Europe and Mexico, with the latter assembling the four-ring brand’s best-selling vehicle in the country, the Q5. As imports, they are exposed to the 25% tariff regime, which may not be fully passed on to consumers but could place sustained pressure on the company’s financial outlook over the long term. Audi The Road Not TakenAudi was previously expected to tap into parent company Volkswagen’s U.S. manufacturing operations as a way to help offset the impact of the tariffs. At one point, the Q4 e-tron was rumored to be slated for production at Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, while the Scout facility under development in South Carolina was also reportedly viewed as a potential option. However, based on Blume’s latest remarks, it appears that none of those proposals has come to fruition. The company has reportedly held discussions with the Trump administration regarding possible subsidies, but to no avail. “With the tariff burden unchanged, a large additional investment cannot be financed,” Blume told Handelsblatt, translated from German. Audi Market Share Under PressureHow Audi ultimately plans to navigate the hefty import tax remains unclear. However, the company has acknowledged that the U.S. remains one of its most important markets, alongside Europe and China, where it operates a substantial manufacturing network with facilities in locations such as Changchun and Foshan. In the U.S. alone, the brand offers an extensive lineup, ranging from the entry-level A3 sedan to the high-performance electric e-tron GT, putting greater focus on the potential consequences of recent regulatory changes. From a sales perspective, Audi’s position in the U.S. has also looked dire. The automaker recorded another decline in 2025, delivering 164,942 vehicles, representing a 16 percent drop compared with the previous year. That contrast is particularly stark given that BMW sold 388,897 vehicles, roughly 85,000 more than Mercedes-Benz (minus the vans). Audi View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article