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The Power of a First Impression Automakers often launch new models in distinctive “hero colors” to create a strong visual identity, something BMW did with the highlighter-like São Paulo Yellow on the M4 (G82). Infiniti has taken a similar approach with the all-new QX65, using a shade called Sunfire Red that, according to the Japanese luxury marque, is not a color people see every day. More interestingly, the highlight is the use of real gold, which helps the deep red paint shift depending on the

The all-new 2027 Infiniti QX65 midsize luxury SUV has begun arriving at dealers across the U.S. on May 12. The coupe-styled two-row SUV, which shares the platform, four-cylinder gas engine, and assembly plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, with the three-row QX60 SUV, is available in three grades—Luxe, Sport and Autograph—with prices starting at $53,990 (excluding a $1,545 destination and handling charge). It Costs Less Than the QX60 in Equivalent Trim Levels

Infiniti’s New Coupe Crossover Is Almost Here Infiniti is gearing up to launch the QX65, a coupe-style crossover that takes its cues from last year’s QX65 Monograph concept. The production model is set to arrive soon, starting out with a four-cylinder engine. But behind the scenes, Infiniti is already laying the groundwork for something with more muscle. According to a report from Automotive News, citing an unnamed source familiar with the product plan, Infiniti intends to introduce a V6-powered

Coupe SUVs Usually Cost More—Not This Time The usual playbook for coupe SUVs is straightforward: start with a practical SUV, trade some utility for a sleeker roofline, and then ask buyers to pay extra for the style. That’s been the case since the first BMW X6. Infiniti, though, is taking a different approach with the QX65. Order guide data uncovered by CarsDirect shows Infiniti’s coupe SUV actually undercuts the more traditional QX60 when you line up the trims. The 2027 QX60 starts at $51,890 fo

The Reset Strategy Gets Rolling Infiniti is pressing ahead with its so-called “product renaissance,” a critical shift as sales slow and rivals like Genesis gain ground. The latest move is the start of all-new QX65 assembly at Nissan’s Smyrna plant in Tennessee, which also builds other crossover models like the Nissan Pathfinder. The plant also assembles the QX60, the midsize luxury crossover on which the QX65 is based. The difference is that the new nameplate is a two-row, coupe-style alternativ

Big Power There was a time not long ago when manufacturers were one-upping each other in power. It seemed like every new model would offer a performance variant that trumps the competition. Those days have slowly faded as the market shifts toward a more fuel-efficient focus, but there are still dedicated models that will keep the power-hungry enthusiast happy. You wouldn't think of big SUVs as prime candidates for performance upgrades, but surprisingly, this segment still soldiers on with the li

Infiniti’s Reset Button Infiniti appears to be facing unclear brand positioning, particularly as more luxury brands strengthen their identities. Genesis is known for its clean yet muscular design language, while BMW continues to be associated with sporty handling. As such, Infiniti is now undergoing a so-called “product renaissance,” and recently announced that the all-new 2027 QX65 will debut later this month. The QX65 is based on the QX60, which is the brand’s best-selling model in the U.S. Th

Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti appears ready to spawn a performance-focused sub-brand. The company has already gone on record about wanting “true performance” models capable of taking on BMW M and Mercedes-AMG, developed with help from Nismo and built in limited numbers. To Infiniti and Beyond, if you will. Now, internal developments suggest that this ambition may be moving out of the concept phase and closer to production reality, with a clear starting point and a tentative timeline. From Ambit

Shoppers shift toward the cheapest versions Sticker shock has become a defining part of the new-car buying experience. With the average transaction price for a new vehicle hitting $50,080 in September, many Americans are simply priced out of the mid- and high-tier trims that automakers love to spotlight. Instead, a growing number are gravitating toward the least expensive versions on the lot, and few brands illustrate this shift more clearly than Ford. The company says interest in base trims sur

Belltech was one of the most influential name brands in the sport truck market of the 1980s and 1990s. Period. Along with a handful of other companies, they lead a revolution in trucks and created a new market within the hot rodding community. Many have argued that GM’s GMT400, aka C1500/K1500 series, aka OBS platform was the driving force for custom sport trucks and we can’t argue with them. These trucks lit the world on fire thanks to companies like Belltech, Trader’s, Billet Specialties, Boyd

Wheels and tires make or break a car. When combined with the right stance, the wheels and tires on your ride can dramatically change the look, character, and feel of any car or truck. With one simple change of wheels and tires you can change a car from race car to hot rod, lowrider to custom cruiser, and more. The style of the wheels, along with the size and fitment, can make a really big difference. And if two identical cars have the same style of wheel, but different backspacing/offset and dim

Wheels and tires make or break a car. When combined with the right stance, the wheels and tires on your ride can dramatically change the look, character, and feel of any car or truck. With one simple change of wheels and tires you can change a car from race car to hot rod, lowrider to custom cruiser, and more. The style of the wheels, along with the size and fitment, can make a really big difference. And if two identical cars have the same style of wheel, but different backspacing/offset and dim

Wheels and tires make or break a car. When combined with the right stance, the wheels and tires on your ride can dramatically change the look, character, and feel of any car or truck. With one simple change of wheels and tires you can change a car from race car to hot rod, lowrider to custom cruiser, and more. The style of the wheels, along with the size and fitment, can make a really big difference. And if two identical cars have the same style of wheel, but different backspacing/offset and dim

Building custom cars and trucks takes a lot of work, money, and dedication, along with some blood, sweat, and tears. But what does it really take to actually show a full blown show truck all over the country? I know folks who have show cars that travel the country with them, and it is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot of work that goes into it. Check out this episode of Influence and Impact to see what it really takes from Mike Barcia who has been doing this for some time. Like I said,

Built Like a Brick The Jeep 4.0-liter inline-six, also known as the AMC 242, may not have been the most powerful engine of its era – especially compared to Toyota’s 4.0-liter V6, which produced around 245 horsepower – but it made up for that with a reputation for durability. However, like most engines, the Jeep 4.0 can develop serious issues if neglected, as shown in this particular example that Eric from I Do Cars tore down. Based on the part numbers for the upper radiator hose and distributor,

Say No to Garage Queens One thing about car collectors is that they tend to avoid racking up mileage to preserve resale value. While some argue that minimizing wear and tear is the logical approach, that’s not the philosophy this enthusiast follows. Tim Burton, a.k.a. Shmee150, recently shared a tour of his collection after 16 years on YouTube, noting that his garage is far from being filled with “garage queens.” Burton revealed three new additions over the past year – all of them from the Pranc

When Honda Built a Supercar Aside from the Civic and CR-V, the first-generation NSX stands as one of Honda’s most important nameplates. It delivered genuine supercar appeal while preserving the brand’s reputation for reliability and relative affordability. While the model was sold in the U.S. as the Acura NSX, many of the most desirable examples were built for the Japanese market—and this shop is home to some of them. Dino Dalle Carbonare, a.k.a. Dino DC, visited the shop in Japan called Route K

A Living Link to Toyota’s Past In Nagoya, Japan, Shinmei operates as one of the oldest and most trusted restoration specialists tied to Toyota Motor Corporation, with a working relationship spanning more than 80 years. The company has quietly become a key partner in preserving Toyota’s heritage fleet, handling restoration work for museum-owned vehicles and rare private collections alike. Its reputation is built on precision and trust, and in Larry Chen's latest videos, we get a sneak peek. Unlik

A Shortage of Mechanics Likely due to its aging population, Japan faces a shortage of new talent across various fields, and the automotive maintenance business is no exception. According to Kuruma News, the job-to-applicant ratio currently exceeds 5:1. The thing is, not everyone wants to be a mechanic, so the job isn't filled with people lining up at the gates. In an effort to curb the issue, Mazda has opened its technical school for those who want to get in on the craft. The center is called th

Keeping the V8 Alive Despite the broader industry shift toward electrification, Mercedes-AMG intends to retain a V8 engine in its lineup, with a comprehensively reworked version scheduled to debut in 2027. AMG’s V8 powerplants are still hand-assembled at the brand’s headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany, and a recent video from FRAME provides a behind-the-scenes look at how these high-performance engines are brought to life. The engine features cast-alloy blocks and cylinder heads, a configurati

When Power Meets a Troubled Reputation BMW’s N63 V8 landed in 2008 with a lot to prove. This 4.4-liter twin-turbo brought the brand’s first “hot-V” layout, tucking the turbos right inside the engine’s V for sharper response and tighter packaging. The result? Strong performance, a smooth surge of power, and that deep, unmistakable exhaust note you expect from a proper turbo V8. Depending on the version, the N63 put out anywhere from 402 to 500 horsepower. It found its way into just about every bi

Pulling Back the Curtain Rimac 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 featurin

(Words and Photos by Chad Reynolds) I hit the Lone Star Throwdown in Conroe Texas this weekend and as usual was blown away by the turnout of great trucks. When I arrived at the just after it opened, I have to admit I was a bit worried. The place was not full. Not by a long shot. Now we normally get down here to the show an hour or so later, so I was trying to convince myself it was going to be okay, but I wasn’t doing a very good job of it. That was until about 10, when a definite increase in th

A Golden Milestone for Safety Safety regulations are a major concern for automakers, as poor crash-test results can affect a model’s reputation and even lead to changes in how it is sold in certain markets, as seen recently with the Suzuki Swift in Australia. As one of the world’s largest automakers, Stellantis addresses this through facilities such as its Orbassano Safety Center in Italy, which is now celebrating its 50th anniversary. The Orbassano Safety Center is Stellantis’ automotive safety

Where Legends Still Clock In The Porsche 911 has changed a lot over the years, and the modern version even comes with a hybrid-assisted powertrain. But one thing has stayed the same – every 911 has always been built at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant in Germany. Thanks to YouTube's FRAME, we now get a behind-the-scenes look at how this iconic sports car comes to life inside the factory, on a site spanning more than 6.6 million square feet. In 2024, Porsche delivered 50,941 units of the 911, slightl