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Pro Mod standout Spencer Hyde delivered an impressive performance at the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission, January 22-25 at Bradenton Motorsports Park, advancing to the quarterfinals in one of the most competitive Pro Mod events in history, losing to eventual winner Stevie “Fast” Jackson. The race marked the second event of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series and featured a staggering 70-car qualifying field battling for just 32 spots. Driving in place of esteemed Pro Mod racer Ken Quartuccio, Hyde quickly found his rhythm in unfamiliar equipment, qualifying No. 10 with a stout 3.570 second pass at 211.06 mph on his second qualifying attempt. The performance placed Hyde solidly in what became the quickest Pro Mod qualifying field ever assembled. “This car is very similar to mine, so it didn’t take long to get acquainted to it, and it felt like everything was pretty natural,” said Hyde. “These guys have a really good program over here at the Tidwell camp. They gave me a great race car, and it just wasn’t quite good enough today. But I’m confident we can come back at World Series of Pro Mod and go deep into the rounds again.” Following the chip draw, Hyde opened eliminations against reigning World Series of Pro Mod champion Steve King, the No. 26 qualifier. Despite first-round nerves, Hyde drove past King to score the win. “I got the first-round jitters more than I ever do, because I felt like I had a weight on my shoulders, realizing I am driving Ken Quartuccio’s car,” said Hyde. “Ken is a really good driver and they are always very successful when they come here. If you lose first round, you feel like you’re letting everybody down. I was chopping the tree down all weekend, so I was worried about going red. It was a night run and I let it get to my head, so I had a bad light. But thankfully, Steve Petty bailed me out and gave me a good race car, and we were able to drive around Steve King.” Hyde found his stride in round two, drawing No. 12 qualifier Sidnei Frigo of Brazil. Hyde delivered one of the highlights of the weekend, cutting a perfect .000 reaction time to secure the win and advance to the Elite Eight. “This morning I went up there and forgot about all the pressure and just went back to doing my normal deal,” said Hyde. “I got a little lucky and had a perfect light there during round two against Sidnei Frigo.” In the quarterfinals, Hyde faced No. 6 qualifier Stevie ‘Fast’ Jackson, pulling his number in the chip draw. Difficult track conditions plagued the round, ultimately ending Hyde’s run. “Unfortunately, in round three the track conditions were pretty subpar,” said Hyde. “There’s eight cars and eight aborted runs, which you never want to see. But everybody had to deal with the same stuff. My parachute rattled out when the car shook and I pedaled it and got back on it, and Stevie was pulling away from me because the parachute was dragging along behind me. We didn’t quite get it done, but Stevie’s one of the best to ever do it and losing to him isn’t the worst thing.” The weekend underscored the unprecedented depth of competition in the Winter Series, a point Hyde emphasized when reflecting on qualifying. “Yesterday I was talking to Aaron Stanfield, he went 3.598 and was No. 37,” said Hyde. “One year ago at this race that would have got him seventh. 30 spots difference from year to year is absolutely wild. It proves how much these guys have been testing and working on their stuff. This whole Winter Series deal breeds competition and everybody wants to be a part of it. Everybody is here to not only win the race, but it’s a huge pat on the back for every team who qualifies.” With momentum on his side, Hyde now turns his attention to the final event of the Winter Series, the World Series of Pro Mod in February, where he returns as a former event winner, having claimed victory in 2023. “I am really looking forward to coming back again next month and doing it all again,” said Hyde. “We’ve got a good car. I’ve been driving well, and we have all the tools to make it happen, to put it in the Winner Circle. Being a previous winner, nobody’s won the World Series of Pro Mod twice, and I’d really like to be the first guy to do that. And I think I’m in the best situation possible to get that done.” Hyde and the Scott Tidwell Racing team will be back in competition at the World Series of Pro Mod on February 26-28 at Bradenton Motorsports Park. For tickets or more information on the Drag Illustrated Winter Series, visit thewinterseries.com. This story was originally published on January 27, 2026. The post WSOPM Champ Spencer Hyde Reaches Elite Eight at U.S. Street Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The 2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Sport and Road Glide came in a “Poison Berry” purple color, but no one noticed.View the full article

The Monkey and Super Cub also get some shiny new colors, but it's the Dax that'll make you want to ride orange in a different way.View the full article

Make Nissan Great AgainIt's been a tough couple of years for Nissan; the once strong and mighty Japanese automaker has been in dire straits. It started as a rumour that went wild, which eventually led to the brand reorganizing, with a failed attempt to merge with Mitsubishi and Honda, and the closure of some manufacturing plants, along with the sale of its own brand HQ in Yokohama, Japan. However, the automaker came out swinging in 2026 with a decent showing at the recently concluded Tokyo Auto Salon. There is still a large number of brand lovers, and some of them are taking it upon themselves to bring back the love for Nissan through Nismo, in some unorthodox ways. One of those is Destiny Inc. in Japan, and it's a uniquely odd Caravan Nismo concept. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Nissan Caravan NismoDynasty Inc. Japan is a firm responsible for putting the bling on some very unique builds; some of its kits and parts belong in the Need For Speed Underground 2 catalog. The company has just released a kit for the Nissan Caravan, and what makes this interesting is that the inspiration for it comes from the outgoing Nissan GT-R Nismo. The first noticeable homage to the GT-R Nismo is that the Caravan Dynasty Alive GT kit has the iconic stealth grey and red accent colorway. It also features a new front bumper. wheel arches, side skirts, and rear bumper that very much resemble the design on the Nismo GT-R. The Caravan is also slammed very low to the ground, and to round out the whole kit are the half rear wing and bigger aftermarket rims. The kit retails for around $1,600 (at current exchange rates) and is exclusively sold in Japan for now. Call it crazy, but in other major markets, the Caravan is a huge seller for Nissan. Apart from Japan, Asian markets like the Philippines and Thailand buy these passenger vans in droves, and each country modifies its Caravan (or the Urvan in some markets) almost identically to the slammed look of the Dynasty Inc. kit. Nismo to the Rescue?It also needs to be said that Nissan is using Nismo to regain some interest in the brand; the world is clamoring for performance models, and it recognizes that. It has already gone on record as planning to increase Nismo vehicle shipments to 150,000 annually by 2028. This, along with capitalizing on the restoration market through an expansion of the Nissan Heritage parts catalogue, is seen as a key component of this strategic move. It might also be a smart move to offer official Nismo aftermarket parts and kits to help the company raise Nismo's profile. So, while a Caravan Nismo kit seems odd and funny, it might just be a smart money move. Dynasty Inc. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

After six weeks on a Vespa GTS SuperTech 310, my love life was better than ever. This not-so-little scooter turned every trip into an adventure with my partner.View the full article

Triumph remains committed to fulfilling your cafe racer dreams, even in the year of our lord 2026, as the brand just released a special edition Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer Edition. View the full article

“Something new is on the horizon.” That’s all Toyota has to say in the latest teaser it’s dropped today. But Autoblog has been able to scratch out some details and, indeed, there’s something big coming in barely two weeks. The Japanese automaker has been one of the big skeptics when it comes to battery-electric vehicles. Ironically, even as key rivals like Ford, Stellantis and Volkswagen pull back on their EV plans, Toyota is accelerating its own product campaign. On top of new models like the Toyota bZ Woodland and C-HR that it’s getting ready to roll out, this teaser image previews the all-electric 3-row SUV set to debut on the evening of February 10. Hedging its BetsWhen it comes to low-emission technology, Toyota has long hedged its bets, former CEO – now Chairman – Akio Toyoda developing a multi-energy strategy using a mix of powertrain technologies: internal combustion engines, conventional and plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, as well as pure battery-electric vehicles. Currently, all but two of Toyota U.S. product lines are offered in hybrid form. Some, like the Tundra, provide buyers with gas-electric options. Others, like the latest-generation Camry, are hybrid only. By comparison, the automaker offers just two all-electric models in the U.S., the bZ – originally called the bZ4X – and the Lexus RZ. It last year announced plans to more than double that line-up with the launch of the Toyota-branded bZ Woodland and C-HR, as well as a second Lexus model, the next-generation ES. Related: Toyota Just Shook Up Its U.S. EV Plans—Big Moves in Kentucky Toyota What one source described as the new “D-SUV” set to debut early next month will further expand the options for family buyers who need a third row. Significantly, that model will also be the first Toyota EV to be produced in the U.S., rolling out of the same Georgetown, Kentucky assembly plant currently producing the Camry hybrid, according to Sam Fiorani, lead auto analyst with AutoForecast Solutions. Second Variant to FollowSo far, Toyota has kept the lid on details, though the 3-row model is expected to deliver notably more range than Toyota’s earliest offering, the bZ4X, addressing initial concerns about its relatively small battery pack, as well as its less-than-enthusiastic performance, several sources indicated. And since it will go up against well-reviewed Korean competitors, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9, we can expect it to be more lavishly equipped than either the bZ or Lexus RZ. Expect plenty of family-friendly technology onboard, including an upgraded version of Toyota’s cloud-based, voice-controlled Intelligent Assistant system, as well as lots of smart safety features. Suppliers have hinted that there actually are two versions of the three-row EV in the works, noted Fiorani. The question is whether the additional package will be marketed as an upgraded Lexus or if it instead will be sold through the Subaru brand. The smaller Japanese automaker’s first U.S. EV is the Solterra, a variant of the Toyota bZ. More to ComeEven with all the new models in the works, Toyota continues to take a cautious approach to EVs, putting its primary emphasis on various hybrid technologies for the U.S., Europe and Japan. The Chinese market is the exception, reflecting the Beijing government’s New Energy Vehicle mandate. It worked with domestic Chinese partner Guangzhou Automobile Group to develop the bZ3X launched last March, and it is following up with the bZ7X, both specifically targeting China. Not all that long ago, Toyota was taking hits from U.S. environmentalists for seemingly lagging behind some key rivals when it comes to EVs. The strategy now seems prescient in light of the steps the Trump administration has taken to reverse Biden-era policies. Among other things, it convinced Congress to phase out federal EV tax credits last September 30. Sales of all-electric models have since gone into a slump. Related: EV Sales in America Dip for the First Time in Years But Toyota officials have stressed they remain ready to flex with the market and could put more emphasis on EVs should U.S. consumers demand them. A key element in that strategy was the opening of new battery plant in North Carolina last November, a move Toyota Motor North America President Tetsuo Ogawa called “a pivotal moment in our company’s history.” View the full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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