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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VICE’s Chasing Speed shifts the spotlight in Episode Three, diving headfirst into the high-risk, high-pressure world of the NHRA nitro classes through the eyes of the women rewriting the script. From rookie nerves to hard-earned confidence, the episode follows drivers like Julie Nataas, Ida Zetterström, Alexis DeJoria, and Jasmine Salinas as they navigate Top Fuel and Funny Car — and challenge long-held expectations along the way. Six-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders also makes an appearance. Episode 103 is now streaming on VICE’s YouTube channel, with the full video embedded below. This story was originally published on February 6, 2026. The post WATCH: Episode Three of Vice’s ‘Chasing Speed’ NHRA Docuseries first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

INDIANAPOLIS – NHRA announced the season schedule for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, featuring a host of special events in 2026 as Summit Racing Equipment returns as the title sponsor of the popular racing league for youth ages 5-17. Now in its 34th year entering the NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League provides an impressive platform for young racers to perform at a high level and will feature eight-car shootouts that take place at eight different NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national events, as well as the popular Right Trailers NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals at the Texas Motorplex on June 12-13 and the Right Trailers NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals on July 16-18 at Bristol Dragway. The Jr. Drag Racing League will also compete in the divisional finals across the seven NHRA divisions. The eight-car shootouts debuted four years ago and the eight races will take place at NHRA national events across all seven divisions, including both stops at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. As part of NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, winners of the shootout will receive a diamond 75th anniversary Wally. “NHRA is excited to incorporate the Summit Racing Equipment Jr. Drag Racing league into its 75th anniversary in 2026,” NHRA Sportsman Manager Jason Galvin said. “For as much as this season will be about celebrating where we’ve come from, it is equally important to set the tone for the next 75 years and beyond. The stars of the Jr. Drag Racing league will continue to push the sport to higher levels well into the future. “We are also thrilled to bring these cars and drivers to multiple new events in 2026, giving new NHRA fans a glimpse into the future.” The eight-car races begin with the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals on April 9-12 at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, serving as a make-up race for last year’s rain out in Pomona. The final round takes place on Sunday and will be included on the television broadcast during eliminations on FS1, with racers running alongside drivers in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. In addition to the television spotlight, the event winner will take part in the parade of champions. The special eight-car shootouts will also take place in Division 1 at the NHRA Potomac Nationals on May 29-31 at Maryland International Raceway, in Division 2 at the NHRA Southern Nationals on May 1-3 at South Georgia Motorsports Park, in Division 3 at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals on June 25-28 at Summit Motorsports Park, in Division 4 during the Stampede of Speed at the Texas NHRA FallNationals on Oct. 14-18, in Division 5 at the NHRA Brainerd Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway on Aug. 20-23, in Division 6 at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals on July 24-26 at Pacific Raceways, and in Division 7 at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals on Nov. 12-15 in Pomona. Other annual highlights in the series are the annual conference finals events. Texas Motorplex will host the Right Trailers NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals for the third time on June 12-13. Bristol Dragway remains a staple for the Eastern Conference Finals with racing slated for July 16-18. Each event’s schedule includes a full slate of racing activities, culminating in the crowning of eight individual champions. The division championship competition was impressive last year as well, with all seven divisions hosting a Summit Jr. Drag Racing League Division Finals. Division 2 and Division 6 finals in the category will take place in conjunction with the Summit E.T. Finals. All seven divisions will host a season championship points series throughout their season and complete schedules are available at jrdragster.nhra.com. NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League race cars, called Jr. Dragsters, are half-scale versions of the iconic Top Fuel dragsters. They go as fast as 85 mph and as quick as 7.90 seconds in the eighth-mile using a five-horsepower, single-cylinder engine, though younger age groups are restricted to slower times and speeds. Since its start in 1992, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League has provided a place for young racers to compete and been the start for many top NHRA professional drivers. The list includes world champions like Pro Stock’s Erica Enders and Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon, who won a JDRL national championship in 1997, as well as standouts such as Top Fuel’s Leah Pruett, Jasmine Salinas and Justin Ashley; Funny Car driver J.R. Todd; Pro Stock competitors Deric Kramer and Chris McGaha; Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Gaige Herrera and many more. For more information on the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, please visit http://jrdragster.nhra.com/. For more information on NHRA, including the 2026 schedule, please visit www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on February 6, 2026. The post NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Releases 2026 Schedule first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Many were left shocked by the fact that Corey Heim was without a full-time ride entering the 2026 season. The defending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion broke various records in his 2025 title run, and is considered the sport's top prospect alongside Connor Zilisch. However, that doesn't mean Heim won't be racing this year. In a Friday announcement, we learned that Heim will be piloting ...Keep readingView the full article

A new, multi-discipline motorsports festival is coming to the heart of the Midwest in 2026 as Midwest Drift and Drags makes its debut at Cordova Dragway June 12th and 13th, blending drifting, drag racing, roll racing, car show action, and an Aussie-style burnout pit into one all-inclusive weekend. Co-promoter Jeff Hintz said the event represents the next evolution of a grassroots effort that has been growing for a decade. “Myself and Nick Hansen are the two people that are the primary catalyst behind this,” Hintz explained. “We’ve partnered with Jordan Sharp for drag racing, OTL for drift and Nth Moto for roll racing, but we’ve been putting on events for 10 years. What started as a Mustang-only club get-together eventually grew into an all-makes-and-models event, and now we wanted to do something bigger, broader, and more inclusive.” That decision led to Midwest Drift and Drags, which will mark the group’s first event under the new banner while celebrating its 10th year of event promotion. Hintz emphasized that the goal is simple: grow car culture and bring major-event energy to a region that’s often overlooked. “These types of events don’t tend to come to the Iowa area or the central Midwest,” Hintz said. “They usually focus on major metropolitan areas or larger venues. Being right on the Iowa-Illinois border at Cordova gives people from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, even Ohio, a central place to converge.” The on-track and on-property activities are designed to appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts. For the first time ever, Cordova Dragway will host drifting, with a planned 75,000-square-foot drift pad built in partnership with Off the Line Performance. “There’s never been a drift event at Cordova Dragway before,” Hintz noted. “That alone is huge.” In addition to drifting, competitors will have access to Cordova’s quarter-mile dragstrip with multiple classes, including small-tire, all-wheel-drive DCT, and other index-style categories. Roll racing, another first for the facility, will also be offered. “We’re also coupling that with a car show,” Hintz said. “You get that group that wants to show their rides but also be active with them, whether that’s drifting, drag racing, or roll racing.” Perhaps the most unique attraction is the Aussie-style burnout pit, a format rarely seen in the Midwest. “I honestly can’t think of a time an Aussie-style burnout pit has been this close to our region,” Hintz said. “We’re bringing in some of the big names in that world, and it’s something people would normally have to travel a lot farther to experience.” The event is already drawing strong industry support. Hintz credited Off the Line Performance, Ames Ford Performance, Zombi Garage, New Edge Autosports, Nth Moto, HPT Turbo, American Racer and Jolt Systems as key partners helping bring the vision to life. “Those sponsors are making a real commitment,” Hintz said. “Because of that, we’re able to offer real payouts – $5,000 for the Aussie-style burnout pit and more than $16,000 total across the drag racing and drift.” Midwest Drift and Drags is set to go live this week, with ticket sales and full event details launching Friday at 11:30 a.m. Central via the event’s website and official Facebook event page. Tickets available on TheFOAT.com. Additional information, schedules, and links will be released with the official event announcement later this week. The post Midwest Drift and Drags Set For Debut at Cordova Dragway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Super Bowl is almost upon us, and ahead of Sunday's Big Game, Volkswagen has revealed a 90-second ad (embedded at the bottom of this article), a third of which will be shown during the second half of this year's edition of football's biggest annual event. The new ad campaign is titled "The Great Invitation: Drivers Wanted," a callback to the automaker's multi-ad "Drivers Wanted" campaign from the late Nineties, and it focuses on people saying yes to experiences that unlock joy. The nostalgic touch is welcome, as is the House of Pain song to which the ad is set, but there's one problem: the spot advertises a car VW doesn't offer for 2026, the retro-styled ID. Buzz. ID. Buzz Is No More for 2026 Volkswagen In December last year, reports emerged that the all-electric minivan would not be available in the U.S. for the 2026 model year, though it's possible that the ID. Buzz will return for 2027. This followed a pause in production in October, which appears to have been caused by rising costs and stiff competition from Chinese automakers in Europe. So why has VW included the minivan in its promo if it's not available in the U.S.? Well, Volkswagen USA's website still shows availability of the 2025 model, and this may be a means of helping move stock. For the record, the ID. Buzz starts at $59,995 in Pro S form, or roughly 20 grand more than a Toyota Sienna. Another possibility is that this ad was shot before Volkswagen's decision not to offer the 2026 model, and given that a Super Bowl LX ad spot costs roughly $8 million to $10 million, reshooting the ad without the ID. Buzz might be too costly to consider. Of course, the ID. Buzz isn't the only vehicle VW highlights. The Vehicular Stars of VW's 2026 Super Bowl Ad Volkswagen Besides the ID. Buzz, VW's ad also shows off the Jetta midsize sedan, the Golf GTI compact hot hatchback, the Tiguan compact crossover, and the Atlas midsize three-row SUV. Missing from the ad but still included in Volkswagen's lineup are the ID.4 compact crossover (possibly because this is set to be rebadged as the ID. Tiguan) and the Taos subcompact crossover. This year's Super Bowl is remarkably low on automotive advertisements. Besides VW, Toyota will show an ad celebrating 30 years of the RAV4, and Cadillac will unveil the livery of its racecar for its debut Formula One season. Considering the costs involved in securing an ad spot, not to mention casting, shooting, and producing it, it's not a huge surprise that some years have low participation from carmakers. View the full article

Audi lost a lot of glamour from its lineup when the TT and R8 were discontinued, but the Concept C revealed last year raised hopes of a flagship sports car once again returning to the brand with the four rings. Its innovative design and return to form for classy Audi interiors were praised, but the entire project may be canceled before a single car leaves the production line. It all links back to the uncertain future of another electric sports car under the Volkswagen Group’s umbrella: the Porsche 718 EV. Audi Concept C’s Fate Linked to Porsche 718 EV Audi Concept C Audi View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Within the VW Group, platforms and technical development are often shared between similar vehicles to reduce costs. The promised Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman electric sports cars and Audi Concept C would have shared the same technical basis. But with the electric Porsches possibly being canceled, the Concept C’s chances of reaching showrooms have taken a big hit. Insiders told German publication Handelsblatt it could cost Audi a “nine-figure” sum to continue development of the platform alone, which is difficult to justify for a company already experiencing falling profits. Audi However, Audi was quick to refute these rumors, with spokesperson Daniel Schuster telling Motor 1 that reports of the new sports car’s demise are nothing but speculation. He declined to comment any further on the matter, but there’s now some doubt over what will come of the Concept C. It would be a shame if the Concept C didn’t reach customers. It may not have a V10 like the R8, but it boasts innovations like the brand’s first electrically retractable hardtop and Audi’s new “shy tech” approach, which aims to minimize distracting controls and interfaces for the driver. Related: 5 Coolest Features Of Audi’s New Concept C Audi Needs Another TT Moment A Like the TT in the 1990s and the R8 in the 2000s, Audi is in need of a truly captivating flagship to once again generate fresh interest in the brand. These models introduced a more emotional connection to the Audi brand, and while not everyone could afford an R8 or even a TT, buying any Audi also meant buying into that experience. The Concept C has the potential to do the same thing this decade. Moreover, the Concept C’s platform and innovations were expected to spill over to other models in the brand’s lineup, much like the Virtual Cockpit that first appeared in the third-generation TT. While Porsche still has many other high-octane sports cars serving as image builders, Audi does not. The Concept C is especially crucial for Audi’s future, whether or not Porsche is involved in making it happen. View the full article

Not satisfied with the current selection of six-figure luxury SUVs, like the Porsche Cayenne, BMW XM, and Lamborghini Urus? Mercedes-AMG will add more variety to the mix later this year when it unveils its new high-performance electric SUV, essentially a taller version of the upcoming AMG GT 4-Door's EV replacement. New spy shots captured during winter testing in Sweden confirm that AMG's first in-house-developed SUV will closely adhere to the design previewed by the AMG Concept GT XX sedan revealed last year, and although this development mule is still heavily camouflaged, it looks promising. AMG's Super SUV Will Have More Power Than Rivals SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article While the Cayenne Turbo EV produces 1,140 horsepower, the Urus SE 789 hp, and the XM Label 738 ponies, AMG's entrant to the segment is expected to be capable of over 1,000 kilowatts, or 1,341 hp, thanks to three clever axial flux motors (one on the front axle, two on the rear) developed by Mercedes-Benz-owned YASA. The 800-volt platform under this SUV is called AMG.EA (Electric Architecture) and promises "hyper-fast" charging, at up to 850 kW, and this SUV won't be the only vehicle to benefit. A production version of the GT XX concept, potentially called the AMG GT 4-Door with EQ Technology, is expected to debut shortly. The SUV in these spy shots will be unveiled later in 2026 with a market launch scheduled for sometime in 2027. And AMG isn't stopping there; Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe has confirmed that a "coupe" version of the SUV is coming. It's expected to debut in the second half of next year, presumably with an even steeper roofline than the vehicle in these images. Radical Styling with Outstanding Tech SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Like all other recent and forthcoming Mercedes products, AMG's first standalone SUV will adopt star-shaped running lights in its headlights. At the rear, Affalterbach's high-performance EV will be differentiated slightly with round taillight clusters, albeit still with three-pointed-star DRLs. Like the concept that inspires it, the rear end has a Kamm-style pertness, and it'll be interesting to see how the so-called coupe version of this SUV will increase visual drama since this prototype already has a rather small rear window. We'll have to wait until the sedan's reveal later this year to see which of the concept's ideas make production. These include loudspeakers in the headlights, a fluid light panel for the rear, and luminescent paintwork. We're also keen to see if the retractable door handles evident here will be retained, given that China has banned them over safety concerns and other countries might follow suit. We'll report back once more information is released or leaked. View the full article

If you’re planning to buy a new Toyota, the best time to do that may be now. That’s because the Japanese brand is projecting three price increases throughout 2026, instead of the usual two. Tariffs and uncertainties around this year’s pending review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) have created a volatile environment for automakers, leaving even Toyota in a position where it must consider more price hikes. Andrew Gilleland, senior vice president of automotive operations at Toyota Motor North America, provided more insight into how Toyota plans to navigate an unpredictable year. Related: Ford’s CEO Warns Trade Uncertainty Could Make Cars Even More Expensive Affordability Concerns Rise Toyota Gilleland was speaking at the Autoteam America Dealer/CFO/CEO Forum & Buy-Sell Summit when he discussed Toyota’s pricing outlook for 2026. He said the Japanese brand is in pricing territory he hasn’t previously witnessed in over three decades working with the company, as many models are now drifting into the premium category. “We’re up around $50,000… we’ve never been that high, and it keeps me up at night,” said Gilleland, according to Car Dealership Guy. He said Toyota was doing what it could to prevent tariff costs from impacting customers, but acknowledged this approach had its limits. “We’re not gonna pass that along to consumers. I don’t think it’s possible, and so it’s this game of chicken. How long do we play this game and absorb tariffs for the consumer? It’s tough.” Jeremy Korzeniewski In September 2025, U.S. tariffs on Japanese cars were adjusted to 15%, putting pressure on European manufacturers. However, even this lower tariff rate is still felt by Toyota, specifically impacting models manufactured in Japan, such as the 4Runner SUV. In July, the USMCA review will take place, and the outcome will directly impact supply chains, production costs, and car prices. Last month, Trump said the agreement is “irrelevant” to him, but Kevin Brady, former U.S. representative for Texas’ 8th Congressional District, feels differently. “This is the most consequential free trade agreement on the planet,” said Brady, according to the Detroit Free Press. He argued that the USMCA’s existence is key for North America to fend off China’s rising dominance of the global auto industry. Related: Winners And Losers Emerge As Canada Eases Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles Toyota’s “Follower” Pricing Strategy Toyota Gilleland emphasized that a disciplined approach to price hikes is essential. The automaker will adhere to its long-standing philosophy of assessing movement in the market before making any decisions on pricing. “You can imagine the amount of data that gets thrown off in the industry, so we know exactly how people are pricing, and we want to follow,” he said, adding, “We don't want to lead, or be out of the front of that.” Gilleland says Toyota also wants to avoid putting dealers in a position where “five different cars” are on the lot with various build dates and corresponding prices. This would only create confusion for the customer. What It Means As this is a brand built around high-value offerings, sales of more affordable models and trims will be affected most. Toyota currently enjoys a competitive pricing advantage over Japanese rivals like Honda—key models like the Corolla, RAV4 Hybrid, and Camry Hybrid all undercut comparable Hondas. If the three price increases in 2026 do go ahead, that could erode one of Toyota’s major advantages in the marketplace. View the full article

Small Tire Pro Stock is proud to welcome G-Force Racing Transmissions as a sponsor for the 2026 racing season. The Cleona, Pennsylvania-based company is owned and operated by Leonard Long, a multi-time NMCA Dart NA 10.5 champion and Small Tire Pro Stock racer, and his son, Michael Long. The company offers masterfully crafted manual transmissions for a variety of cars and combinations, including the popular GF2000 five-speed and G101A four-speed, as well as accessories to optimize their performance. Long and his team also produce a proven line of products through Long Shifters, and those products are in the spotlight in drag racing, drag and drive and circle track competition. The parent company of G-Force Racing Transmissions and Long Shifters is Long Machine and Tool, which performs industrial machining. “As a racer myself, I always want to see racing series succeed, and I have a special connection to the Small Tire Pro Stock series since I have raced with many of these racers for a very long time,” said Long, who also competes in Pro Stick and other series. “I want to see Small Tire Pro Stock succeed for years to come, and I am happy to be part of it.” For information about G-Force Racing Transmissions, visit www.getgforceparts.com. For information about Small Tire Pro Stock, which will kick off the 2026 racing season at Muscle Car Mayhem, March 19-21 at South Georgia Motorsports Park, visit Facebook.com/Small Tire Pro Stock or email smalltireprostock@gmail.com. This story was originally published on February 6, 2026. The post Small Tire Pro Stock Welcomes G-Force Racing Transmissions as New Sponsor first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article