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The Cost of TransitionGeneral Motors may have taken a multibillion-dollar hit to its electric-vehicle strategy, but the company remains committed to sustainability. In fact, GM has secured enough renewable energy to match 100% of its electricity use across all U.S. facilities in 2025, making it the first U.S. automaker to do so. That does not mean every GM facility runs solely on renewable electricity in real time. Rather, the company says it contracts enough clean energy from sources such as solar and wind to match its annual U.S. electricity use on a 1:1 basis. It matters because the company can support vehicle production with cleaner energy while reducing climate impact. Other benefits include strengthening its EV narrative with models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and limiting exposure to energy price volatility. General Motors Inside the Energy StrategyThe feat was achieved by GM’s diverse mix of renewable energy sources. In 2025, 40% came from clean-energy utility programs, while 37% was sourced through virtual power purchase agreements. The smaller remaining share came from unbundled renewable energy credits (14%), default delivered renewable energy (8%), and on-site generation and landfill gas (1%). As a result, GM has reduced operational emissions by 52% since 2018. It has also contracted 1.5 GW of renewable energy capacity through 2026, enough to power 260,000 homes annually. In terms of economic impact, the company’s renewable energy investments generated $1.9 billion in GDP, created 1,528 construction jobs per year, and supported 65 operational jobs per year from 2015 to 2024. Meanwhile, projects scheduled for 2025 to 2026 are expected to generate $333 million in GDP. General Motors Expanding the MissionGeneral Motors says its “zero-emissions journey starts before an EV customer ever hits the accelerator.” The company operates an EV plant in Michigan called Factory Zero, which is intended to drive renewable energy adoption across the automotive value chain through programs such as Transform: Auto, a commitment it is encouraging suppliers and partners to join. GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant, which builds EVs including the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq, is also part of that commitment. However, not all EVs are produced in the U.S. The Chevrolet Equinox EV and Blazer EV, along with Cadillac’s entry-level EV, the Optiq, are built at its Ramos Arizpe Assembly plant in Mexico. Whether savings from more stable energy costs and reduced emissions-compliance spending will improve vehicle affordability remains unclear, but it’s a notable step forward in sustainability. Gemini View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Like the Toyota Hilux, the Isuzu D-Max is another capable Japanese midsize pickup the US market unfortunately does not get. That’s because Isuzu exited the US light-vehicle market in early 2009, focusing exclusively on commercial vehicles and industrial engine operations in the country. But Isuzu keeps selling passenger vehicles in other parts of the world, and it currently builds only two models, the D-Max and the MU-X midsize SUV, which is actually based on the pickup. Known for its rugged durability, impressive off-road capabilities, class-leading towing and payload ratings, as well as robust diesel engines, the D-Max has the reputation of a dependable workhorse. Prices Start at Over $81,000 in the UK Isuzu UK To keep up with the times, the D-Max has received an all-electric variant that should enhance the nameplate’s appeal in some markets, including the UK. Unveiled a year ago at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, the Isuzu D-Max EV is starting UK deliveries next month, and the prices have just been announced. Spoiler alert: it’s expensive. The new Isuzu D-Max EV starts at £59,995—the equivalent of $81,000—for the eDL40 trim with extended cab, while the same trim with double cab costs £60,995 ($82,300). There’s also a range-topping eV-Cross trim priced from £62,495 ($84,350). That’s a lot of money for a midsize pickup, but it’s competitive with the Toyota Hilux BEV, which hasn't launched in the UK yet but is expected to start at around £60,000. Isuzu UK The Isuzu D-Max EV features a 66.9-kWh battery enabling a 163-mile range (WLTP combined); for comparison, the Hilux BEV offers a claimed range of 149 miles. In the city, the D-Max EV is said to cover almost 224 miles. The D-Max EV's battery powers a dual-motor AWD powertrain with a combined 200 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque; the front electric motor has 62 hp while the rear motor has 138 hp. This setup enables the electric pickup to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 10.1 seconds and reach a top speed of over 80 mph. It Beats the Electric Hilux at Hauling and Towing The good thing about the D-Max EV is that it doesn't sacrifice the pickup truck stuff for the sake of electrification. It is as capable as its diesel-powered sibling, becoming the first fully electric commercial pickup in the UK to offer a payload of over 1 metric ton (2,204 pounds), which is significantly better than the Hilux BEV’s 1,576-lb payload. The D-Max EV also has a towing capacity of 3.5 metric tons (7,716 pounds), more than double than the Hilux BEV’s 3,525-lb rating. Isuzu does not say what driving range the D-Max EV is expected to offer when hauling and towing, but you can be sure it drops significantly from the advertised 163 miles. Isuzu does say the D-Max EV offers an optional Eco drive mode that extends the range (it does not say by how much), as well as four selectable regenerative charging levels. Speaking of charging, the D-Max EV’s battery takes one hour to charge from a DC supply at maximum 50 kW or six hours from an AC supply at maximum 11 kW. As Rugged and Capable as the Diesel-Powered Isuzu D-Max The D-Max EV uses the same strengthened ladder chassis of the regular Isuzu D-Max, but adds a new De-Dion semi-independent suspension system replacing the traditional leaf springs to manage the increased weight of the battery pack, improve handling and refinement, as well as reduce cabin noise and vibration under full acceleration by up to 10%. The off-road capability is also worthy of the D-Max name, with the EV featuring the D-Max Rough Terrain Mode, 210-mm (8.2-in) ground clearance, 600-mm (23.6-in) maximum water fording, and impressive off-road approach and departure angles of 30.5 degrees and 24.2 degrees respectively. The new Isuzu D-Max EV’s standard equipment includes a leather/high-grade cloth interior, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors, bi-LED headlights, a 7-inch driver information display. All models come with an eight-year, 125,000-mile battery warranty. View the full article

Building Up The CommunityWillow Springs is one of the few tracks most can describe as quaint, situated in Southern California. It has, over the years, served as a venue for racing, but also become a trackday favorite in more recent times. It also has many starring roles in U.S.-based YouTube car videos. Willow Springs is also known as the "Fastest Road in the West" and is considered by most to be the oldest continuously operating road course in the U.S. In 2025, the historic track was bought by Singer Vehicle Designs and CrossHarbor Capital Partners, with the intention of developing it as a destination for the motoring and racing community. Singer View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Singer Drivers Club ExperienceSinger and CrossHarbor have announced a new project, the Singer Drivers Club. This exclusive experience will be a private members' club at the Willow Springs circuit, serving as a new hospitality area. It will be just the first step in both companies' plans to make the Southern California race track a world-class automotive destination. Singer and partners are keen to make Willow Springs a global hub for motorsports and the community. The whole complex spans 600 acres, and the track has multiple layouts. The new owners are saying that all three track layouts will remain open to track visitors. New enhancements to the current facilities are also underway to improve the whole experience. Within this complex will be the Singer Drivers Club, which will operate as an independent entity. Some of the experiences offered within the driver's club will include concierge services, driver coaching, and a bespoke food and beverage program, creating a distinct and elevated presence within Willow Springs. One key aspect stressed by the group is that this experience will be different from other private track clubs. Singer's package will give members access to multiple tracks and driving environments in a single destination. This is their means to achieve variety and a better progression of driver skill. Members can engage across a spectrum of disciplines, from high-speed circuit driving to technical development and off-road exploration. Singer Championship Star PowerAs if this exclusive couldn't get any better, the Singer Drivers Club will offer members a chance to use a unique fleet of Porsche 718 Caymans and the more track-focused GT4 RS, along with driver coaching and data analysis. From a more grassroots standpoint, there will also be a karting experience, anchored by Singer's global ambassador, Formula 1 World Champion and pundit Jenson Button. Part complex will also have member-only facilities, including the Streets Paddock House and the Member Lounge, which feature a bar and lounge, locker rooms, simulators, and conference rooms. Singer View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Atlas Has Proven Its Place in VW’s US LineupNearly ten years after it first rolled off the line, the Volkswagen Atlas has quietly hit a milestone that says a lot about its place in the US market. One million units have now come out of the Chattanooga, Tennessee plant – not because of any one big sales year, but thanks to consistent demand year after year. The Atlas has become one of Volkswagen’s most important models in the US, now second only to the Tiguan in sales. In 2025, VW sold 71,044 Atlas units here, which helps explain how the SUV reached that million-unit milestone. Volkswagen Built for the US, and It ShowsVolkswagen started building the Atlas in Chattanooga back in 2016, and from the start, it was designed with North American buyers in mind. That’s clear in the essentials: three real rows, cargo space you can actually use, and a focus on comfort instead of just style. In 2019, Volkswagen added the Atlas Cross Sport – a two-row version for those who wanted the same size and look but didn’t need all the seats. Even so, most buyers still go for the standard Atlas, which accounts for about three-quarters of production, with the Cross Sport filling the rest. Last year, the Atlas family moved over 100,000 units in the US. Nearly a third of all Volkswagens sold here now wear the Atlas badge in some form, which shows just how central this SUV has become to VW’s plans in America. This milestone also puts a spotlight on the Chattanooga plant and its team, both of which have grown with the Atlas program and now play a big part in Volkswagen’s North American operations. Volkswagen View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A New Chapter Starts with the 2027 ModelVolkswagen isn’t letting up. The next Atlas has already made its debut at the New York International Auto Show, giving us a look at how VW plans to evolve its proven formula. The 2027 Atlas gets a bolder look, more tech, and a more upscale interior, but the basics haven’t changed. It’s still about space, practicality, and the features families actually use in a midsize SUV. More importantly, VW has confirmed that electrified versions of the Atlas family is on the horizon. The new model is scheduled to go on sale in the US this fall. Not long after, Volkswagen will roll out the second-generation Atlas Cross Sport, rounding out the next phase of a nameplate that has quietly become one of the brand’s most reliable performers. Adam Lynton / Autoblog View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway on Sunday drew 2.926 million viewers on over-the-air FOX according to Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel metric. Beyond just the factual number, there is not a straightforward comparison, since this race aired on FS1 last year. NASCAR boasted a 26 percent increase from Kansas last year but that race aired on FS1. An April Cup Series race would be over 3 ...Keep readingView the full article

The Toyota GR Supra is a sports car. It's low, it's quick, and it’s impractical by design. The bZ Woodland is a rugged electric SUV with five seats, roof rails, and all-terrain tires. These two cars have no business sitting side by side on a spec sheet. And yet, in independent testing by Car and Driver, both the Woodland and the six-cylinder GR Supra equipped with the manual gearbox recorded identical 0-60 mph times of 3.9 seconds. That's not a claimed figure from Toyota, either. It's a real-world, verified number, and it beat Toyota's own claim of 4.4 seconds by half a second. The Woodland also blitzes the quarter-mile with a 12.5-second pass that's barely slower than a BMW M2. On all-terrain tires. Which begs the question: why does a family SUV need sportscar-level performance in the first place? Toyota View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What the bZ Woodland Actually IsThe Woodland is a dual-motor, all-wheel drive electric midsize SUV, larger than the more affordable bZ, sitting on a 74.7 kWh battery pack. It produces 375 horsepower and 396 lb-ft of torque, with the torque arriving the way it always does in EVs: instantly. Range is rated at 281 miles on standard tires, dropping to 260 miles on the optional all-terrain rubber. DC fast charging at up to 150 kW can bring the battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes, and a Level 2 home charger handles a full top-up in roughly seven hours. Pricing starts at $45,300, stretching to around $48,000 for the Premium trim. The 382-horsepower Supra, by comparison, also does 3.9 seconds, but you'll pay around $60,000 for the privilege, and you get only two seats. Toyota View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Fast Is Easy Now. Does That Actually Matter?Electric motors have made performance almost embarrassingly democratic. A family SUV matching a sports car's sprint time is no longer a headline that shocks engineers; it's just the nature of instant torque and dual-motor AWD. The more interesting question is whether any of this speed is actually what buyers of a practical electric SUV need. The bZ Woodland's job is to carry families, haul cargo, occasionally venture off-road, and make daily charging painless. Range, charging infrastructure access, and real-world usability are the metrics that determine whether an EV is genuinely useful. A 3.9-second 0-60 is a fun talking point, but a much more useful upgrade for the people actually buying these types of EVs would be a range greater than the Woodland's 281 miles, via more conservatively tuned electric motors. Sure, the speed is a bonus. A very impressive one, but it’s just a little pointless at the end of the day for the type of car the bZ Woodland is. View the full article

Every year, over 5,000 people die in commercial truck crashes across the United States. While many are tragic accidents, a disturbing number involve "chameleon carriers"—unsafe trucking fleets that dodge federal penalties by simply changing their names. And despite years of warnings, the regulatory loophole allowing them to operate remains wide open. Chameleon CarriersThe mechanism is straightforward. When a commercial carrier racks up a large number of safety violations, out-of-service orders, or crippling fines, the operators don't pay up. Instead, they fold the company. Days later, the exact same trucks, drivers, and management apply for a new Department of Transportation (DOT) number. For roughly $1,000, they buy a clean slate. Repeat offenses aren't a byproduct of the system; they are the underlying business model. AI The sheer scale of “Semi-gate”, as I like to call it, was recently laid bare by CBS’s 60 Minutes. In an eight-month-long investigation, correspondent Bill Whitaker exposed Super Ego Holding, a sprawling transport network operating between the U.S. and Serbia. The investigation revealed an operation where overseas agents routinely hacked electronic logging devices, allowing drivers to push past legal exhaustion limits. When the regulatory heat turned up, whistleblowers testified that management ordered drivers to literally slap duct tape over old company logos to display newly minted DOT numbers. The barrier to entry for this game? An internet connection and a nominal registration fee, entirely avoiding meaningful safety audits. Are American Motorists Safe?For the American motorist, the repercussions are severe. The 60 Minutes episode referred to industry analytics firm Fusable’s research, which notes that these reincarnated fleets are four times more likely to trigger severe collisions than legitimate new operators. The numbers connected to the Super Ego network alone are chilling: nearly 15,000 safety violations and 500 crashes in just two years. Federal ActionThese figures have finally triggered federal action. Super Ego is now the subject of an active federal investigation, and lawmakers recently introduced the SAFE Act (H.R. 7539) to force the FMCSA to implement automated screening to block chameleon applicants at the door. Yet, Washington has known about this for over a decade. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) first flagged the chameleon carrier crisis in 2012, citing crash data stretching back to 2005. The root problem is simple math. The FMCSA employs roughly 350 investigators to police over 700,000 motor carriers. It takes months of legal maneuvering to shut down a dangerous fleet, but only a few weeks to register a new one online. AI The freight industry runs on razor-thin margins. Until regulators mandate rigorous physical vetting over digital paperwork, bad actors will keep exploiting the system because it is cheaper to rebrand than to repair brakes and let drivers sleep. For the everyday commuter, your best defense is distance. Maintain a wide berth around battered rigs, especially those sporting fresh, hastily applied DOT decals over older paint or duct-taped doors. The company name might only be a week old, but the heavy machinery—and the exhausted driver behind the wheel—could be harboring a long, dangerous, and unresolved past. View the full article

It wasn't the loudest point of contention, but some in the NASCAR community did try to suggest after the Advent Health 400 on Sunday that race control should not have thrown the caution for a Cody Ware spin that set-up overtime and figuratively turning the race upside down. Denny Hamlin was the leader at the time, having led the most laps and just retaken the lead from eventual winner Tyler ...Keep readingView the full article

The First Signs of a Bigger PlanTesla is reportedly building two new Supercharger stations that won’t be open to the public. Instead, the sites, which have been filed for permits in Arizona, will be dedicated to the company’s Robotaxi fleet, signaling confidence that a wider Robotaxi deployment could gain approval in the state. So far, Tesla’s unsupervised Robotaxi operations are active in Texas, including its newest expansions into Dallas and Houston. In the San Francisco Bay Area, however, the Robotaxi fleet still requires a safety driver. A fully scaled operation would ultimately require removing the human driver, since people are limited by shift rules and break requirements. A private Supercharger site would also prevent the fleet from waiting in line behind other EV owners, especially now that several automakers, including Stellantis, have gained access to the Supercharger network. On the same day, Tesla also submitted a draft for another proposed location in the city of Mesa, also listed as private use. This site is located in an industrial area on the east side of the city. pic.twitter.com/jCC1IsKKKw — MarcoRP (@MarcoRPi1) April 17, 2026 The Sites Behind the StrategyThe plans to build non-public Supercharger sites in Arizona were shared by X user MarcoRP, who said one will be located in Chandler and the other in Mesa. In the city of Chandler, Tesla submitted pre-permits for 56 V4 Supercharger stalls. V4 Superchargers are Tesla’s latest generation of DC fast chargers. They can deliver up to 325 kW, compared with 250 kW on the V3 network. The underlying infrastructure is also designed to be future-proof, with the company saying it can support up to 500 kW. For a Robotaxi fleet, that could simply translate to faster turnaround times. Meanwhile, the upcoming Cybercab is expected to use wireless charging, a technology already offered for EVs such as the Porsche Cayenne Electric. That should make operations more seamless, as there would be no need for a human to plug in the charger. The Cybercab is also designed as a two-seater, which could work in its favor for riders who usually travel alone by eliminating unnecessary weight. Customers who need more space could opt for a Model Y Robotaxi. Getty Scaling the Bigger VisionArizona is just one of the areas Tesla plans to expand its Robotaxi fleet into this year. During the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call, the company also said it is targeting expansion in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Las Vegas. This latest development suggests that more private Superchargers dedicated to the Robotaxi fleet could be deployed across the U.S. in the coming years. Getty View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway bring high-stakes action. JFR drivers are ready to chase wins, momentum, and championship position.View the full article

A Class Of Its OwnThere is a space where the Audi RS6 Avant competes; alongside it are a few nameplates still holding the torch for enthusiasts who crave high-performance wagons. This segment of the automotive industry used to have an abundance of choices, but SUVs have taken their share, reducing the number of wagons available. Audi's RS6 has found a way to keep the wolves at bay by being the ultimate expression of practical high-performance. Instead of buying a fast SUV, the RS6 became a go-to for the power-hungry family man. Audi Out With The OldDespite its inherent appeal and relevance, the RS6 has been around for quite some time. A lot of questions are coming up about the next-generation model, and some answers have been provided. CarSales was able to get a quote from Audi Sport boss Rolf Michl, giving us insight into Audi's thinking for the next RS6. He was asked whether the RS6 would have any relation to the current plug-in hybrid RS5. Michl said the RS6 will have a very compelling package, and it won't simply be a copycat of the RS5. The question raised is valid, considering the RS6's party piece is that it still offers a V8. Most of the competition have downsized the engine cylinders or displacements to meet stricter emissions and noise regulations. The RS5 is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system assisting a twin-turbo V6, which, on paper, doesn't sound like much of a downgrade, but the RS6 is known for the V8. Michl also cites his numerous experiences having driven over hundreds of miles in both the RS5 and RS6. He says it's more than just about the size of the engine, but about how convincing the package is as a whole. He also basically guarantees that the new RS6 will not stand on its own and will be built from the ground up. cochespias1/Instagram Save the V8?Michl's comments are pretty telling, as he confirms the RS6 will retain the individuality of the rest of the lineup. We can speculate that the next generation could be special. The question now is, if it's not going to have the same twin-turbo V6 PHEV found in the RS5, will it still offer a V8? Lucky for Audi, they have access to multiple parts, and they could look to their siblings at Bentley or Porsche for V8s with plug-in hybrid technology. Kyle Edward View the full article

The Iron Trap Garage crew are at it, getting some work done and prepping for the upcoming Carlisle swap meet. The big job in this one is doing a Cummins swap on a cool 1947 Ford Flatbed pickup. This thing looks completely restored, so the Cummins swap surprised me on this one, but it sure is cool and it will be a hell of a runner with the Cummins under the hood. It isn’t just a bolt in though, and the boys have to do some cutting and welding to make this thing work. Check it out. The post Iron Trap Garage Video: Cummins Swapping A 1947 Ford Flatbed, Checking Out A 1934 Phaeton & Carlisle Prep!! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

An M Performance 7The 2027 BMW 7 Series just arrived with new exterior styling, a radically new interior, and some tweaks under the hood. BMW will launch the facelifted model with two gas-powered variants, the 740 and 740 xDrive. Both of which will use a B58 turbocharged inline-six engine that now delivers 394 horsepower, up from 375 hp thanks to new updates such as a different turbocharger. Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog Speaking with Autoblog at the reveal event in New York City, BMW confirmed the upcoming V8-powered M Performance 7 Series will also see a power increase over the outgoing pre-facelift model. "The V8 will have more power than before," said Michael Keller, Vice President Product Management Americas for BMW Group US. What To Expect BMW As a reminder, the previous 760i xDrive produced 536 hp from its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. We know this engine is capable of producing far more, even without adding plug-in hybrid systems in products like the M5 and XM, but Keller did not specify how much to expect from the upcoming M Performance variant. We'd like to see the 7 Series produce at least 567 hp, the same amount as the X5/X6 M non-Competition models. No official name has been announced for this upcoming variant, which is expected to arrive in 2027 after the plug-in hybrid model goes on sale. BMW will drop the lower case "i" at the end, and add an upper case "M" because it's an M Performance variant; expect it to be called the M760. A Better 7 PHEV BMW It's not just the gas-only 7 Series models and the electric i7 variants that will see improvements for the 2027 model year. Though the 26-page press release does not mention any specifics, a BMW product spokesperson confirmed to Autoblog the upcoming 750e xDrive PHEV will see an increase to its usable battery capacity, unlocking more electric driving range. The EPA currently rates the 750e at 35 miles of electric-only range thanks to its 22 kWh battery pack, of which 18.7 is usable. Much like how the i7 saw a battery improvement during the LCI, the 750e will unlock more usable capacity, potentially pushing its electric range closer to 40 miles. Unfortunately, this model will not receive a power bump. It will still make 308 hp from a B58 inline-six with 194 hp from an electric motor, combining to deliver 483 hp. 750e production begins Q4 of 2026, with deliveries starting in Q1 of 2027. View the full article

Nitrous oxide as a power adder has existed in NHRA Pro Mod since the very beginning when “Tricky” Rickie Smith won the inaugural race in 2001 and Shannon “The Iceman” Jenkins won the first series championship in 2002, but these days, it’s uncommon to find a single nitrous-assisted entry on the qualifying order. Smith, whose Musi-powered J&A Service/Parkway Ford Mustang is one of the two nitrous cars on the entry list for this weekend’s NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway, says it doesn’t have to be this way. “They’ve got the nitrous cars so far behind over there [in NHRA Pro Mod]. That’s the reason I haven’t run any of them much lately,” Smith said. “I’m going to go to Charlotte and Rockingham at the end of the year because of my Parkway Ford deal, and I’d like to run more of them, but there’s no use going to a race when you know you can’t win. I’ve never done that from probably the second or third year of my career. At least when I roll in the gate, I think I’ve got a good chance to win. Even when you run good enough to win, it don’t mean you’re going to win, but you at least like to go into it with a chance.” Smith has appealed to NHRA rule makers on numerous occasions in an effort to get the nitrous combination in line with the boosted combos that currently dominate NHRA Pro Mod. He’s frequently labeled as a “crybaby” online and in the pits, but as Smith asserts, he believes his protests are warranted. “Like I’ve told [NHRA] all winter, I’m not asking you to slow those blower cars down anymore. That’s what we used to do back in the day. Oh, they’d get mad when NHRA put weight on them,” Smith said. “And this is the reason I feel like I have the right to complain and bitch about the rules: they’ve done it to me three out of the four years – put 50 pounds on me and slowed me down when I was winning. Right now, they don’t do anything for the nitrous car, but yet they won’t let me pick back up to run like I should run.” Smith opened the 2025 NHRA Pro Mod season with back-to-back runner-up finishes at the Gatornationals and the Arizona Nationals. He qualified No. 12 and 15, respectively, at those first two races and No. 13 in his final appearance of the season at the Carolina Nationals in September. Through the rest of the season, he qualified no worse than sixth, ending up No. 2 twice. When he sat No. 2 behind J.R. Gray at the Four-Wides, he was nine thousandths off Gray’s 5.680. Two races later, at the Thunder Valley Nationals, Smith’s 5.825 put him No. 2 behind Mason Wright’s 5.803. “This is supposed to be a parity class, so you adjust rules for each combination,” Smith said. “Well, they keep adjusting the rules so the blower cars and the centrifugal cars can all stay within two hundredths of each other, but they will not do nothing to the nitrous car where I can run within two hundredths of the No. 1 qualifier. Like I’ve explained to them, I’m not asking to go over there and be No. 1 qualifier. I’m just asking to be somewhere within a hundredth and a half to two hundredths of the No. 1 qualifier. Forget me, forget my name – it should be where a nitrous car could go over there and run within one and a half to two hundredths of the No. 1 qualifier if you’re going to do the parity right and they won’t do it.” Understandably so, Smith believes his statements should carry some weight. He’s flown the flag for the nitrous combo since the beginning, even when other nitrous racers fell away or switched power adders. When there was a second nitrous car, it was often one campaigned by another driver out of Smith’s camp. He’s even dabbled with other power adders himself, but he remains a firm believer in nitrous and wants to see it remain a competitive option in NHRA Pro Mod. “People think I bitch all the time about rules, but here’s the problem and the public needs to understand it: I am the only one that can bitch about a nitrous car over there because I am the only one that supported them with a nitrous car,” Smith said. “I am the only one that can cry for a nitrous car. I don’t know what else to say when it comes to that part of the deal. I’m the only guy that can cry. So yeah, I’m the one that stands out like a sore thumb, but that’s what the public needs to realize. I’m the only guy that can cry about it because I’m the only guy that supported the NHRA. I won the very first Pro Modified race that NHRA ever had. To this day, I’m still the winningest driver there, but yet they won’t even let me come and be competitive no more.” Smith is obviously well aware of his reputation for voicing his opinion on the matter. It’s not something he’s especially proud of, but he’s also not likely to back down anytime soon. “I ain’t no damn crybaby,” Smith said. “I’ve raced when it’s straight up. I’ve won championships. I’ve done away with classes in IHRA because I dominated them. I worked for what I got, but when you’ve got all this parity stuff and different combinations, I mean, they’ve got three combinations over there now that can outrun me. Used to be it was just me and the [roots] blower car. Now they’ve got centrifugal cars and screw cars and roots cars. They just wrote me out of the deal – and not just me. They just wrote a nitrous car out of the program. And it’s wrong because the nitrous car is what started Pro Modified in IHRA, period. Not a blower car, not nothing. Pro Modified was originated from a nitrous car.” Despite his frustration with the current state of the class, Smith will carry on. He’s threatened to retire on multiple occasions, but the sport keeps pulling him back, year after year. Coupled with support from backers like Jim and Annie Whiteley’s J&A Service and Junie Michaels’ Parkway Ford, it’s why Smith is pulling into zMAX Dragway this weekend to chase a diamond edition 75th anniversary NHRA Wally at the Four-Wide Nationals. “I’ve been doing this for 52 years this year. I’ve been racing going on 43 years for a living,” Smith said. “Before that, I was raised on driving bulldozers with my grandfather in construction. I got into racing in 1973. I got out of high school and started winning championships in 1976 in IHRA. It’s addictive. I done got too old – I don’t want to go back to driving a bulldozer. I’ve got myself in a position I could retire and just watch what I spend. But the problem is I just love what I do.” This story was originally published on April 22, 2026. The post Last of The Mohicans: ‘Tricky’ Rickie Smith on Nitrous Oxide in NHRA Pro Mod first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The best-selling pickup trucks in America aren’t always the safest, as we’ve seen in the full-size segment. Here, the Ram 1500 has better safety ratings than the popular Ford F-150—and the Toyota Tundra is safer than both. But what if you want a safe pickup in the class below? In this segment, the Toyota Tacoma leads on the sales charts, but is it also the safest? To find out, we’ve compared it with the Chevy Colorado and Jeep Gladiator. These results are based on 2026 ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Crashworthiness: Colorado Falls BehindThe midsize segment isn’t off to a great start, as not a single model currently qualifies for the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards from the IIHS. In the crashworthiness category, the safety authority conducts the following tests: small overlap front, involving the vehicle striking another vehicle or object with its front corner; the moderate overlap front, which is an offset crash between two vehicles; and the side test, which determines the structural integrity of a vehicle’s side. Each test is rated Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor, so here’s a look at how these midsize pickups fared. Toyota Tacoma Chevrolet Colorado Jeep Gladiator Small Overlap Front Good Good Acceptable Moderate Overlap Front Not Tested Marginal Good Side Good Good Good The Toyota was not evaluated for the moderate overlap front yet, so can’t qualify for a safety award. The Colorado is immediately disqualified for an award due to a Marginal rating in this test, where there was a heightened risk for head, neck, and chest injuries for rear-seat occupants. The Jeep was better overall, but its merely Acceptable rating in the first test disqualified it from an award, as the driver could experience an increased risk for lower leg and foot injuries. If the Tacoma can ace its moderate front overlap test, it will be the sturdiest of the three for crashworthiness. Due to the Colorado’s one Marginal result, it currently ranks behind its two rivals. Related: Ford Explorer Vs. Toyota Grand Highlander: Which Three-Row SUV is Safer? Crash Prevention: Toyota Best at Avoiding a Crash Toyota Modern safety involves a vehicle’s ability to avoid a crash, not just protect occupants if the worst happens. Here, the IIHS tests the headlights, along with each pickup’s ability to avoid a collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian. Toyota Tacoma Chevrolet Colorado Jeep Gladiator Headlights Acceptable Not Tested Marginal (LED projector); Poor (halogen) Crash Prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle) Good Poor Not Tested Crash Prevention (vehicle-to-pedestrian) Good Acceptable Poor In tests that were completed, the Toyota outshines its rivals. It scored a Good rating in both crash-prevention tests, although its headlights were only Acceptable. The Colorado failed to get a single Good rating for crash prevention, and the Gladiator got a Poor result because it lacks pedestrian front crash prevention tech. Impressively, the Tacoma avoided a collision at all tested speeds. It’s the best pickup here for avoiding a crash from occurring in the first place. Final Verdict: Toyota Wins Toyota Although the Tacoma has one outstanding crashworthiness result, it’s the only truck here to avoid any Marginal or Poor ratings, so it outclasses the other two and may still be eligible for an IIHS safety award. Jeep has a lot of work to do in terms of crash-prevention tech, but it’s better than older Gladiator models. Chevy has improvements to make in both areas, too, and we’d argue that crash-prevention should be a priority for pickup trucks. These are large, heavy vehicles that pose a greater risk to other road users if a collision does occur. View the full article

Chad and Hunter Green are ready for the 4-Wide Nationals. Here's what the father and son duo have planned for zMax Dragway. View the full article

In the world of custom motorcycles, there is a distinct difference between those who build for the gallery and those who build because they simply cannot help themselves. For Kyle Pereira and Suraj Thapa of Mumbai-based Garage Built Motorcycles, the latter is the only reality they know.Kyle’s educat... View the full article

Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes something was lost in translation in the back-and-forth between Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch. The two-time Cup Series champion took exception to comments Hamlin made about him last week on the Actions Detrimental podcast. Specifically, Hamlin pondered if this is the end for Busch as a contender at the highest levels and suggested that Busch needs to consistently ...Keep readingView the full article

Corteco UK has strengthened its commitment to UK grassroots motorsports by becoming the Headline Sponsor of the forthcoming Street Weekend event hosted by Santa Pod Raceway, 4th-7th June 2026. Launching from Santa Pod Raceway and travelling to multiple venues nationwide, Street Weekend challenges street-legal cars to deliver both drag strip performance and everyday reliability – values that closely mirror Corteco’s focus on durability, precision and OEM-quality engineering. 2026 sees a new four-day event format as drivers tackle several hundred road miles and three tracks, with checkpoints en route, across one epic weekend. It starts at Santa Pod Raceway on Day 1, before heading to Elvington Airfield, Yorkshire, for Day 2. Day 3 sees the action move to Melbourne Raceway, before the event returns to Santa Pod Raceway for the final showdown on Day 4. That equates to around 600 miles across four days, mixed conditions and zero excuses! Street Weekend attracted more than 200 participants in 2025. “We’re proud to back Street Weekend as the Headline Sponsor,” said Steve Jarnet, Commercial Director for Corteco UK. “This event brings together passionate drivers, unique vehicles, and motorsport culture that aligns with Corteco’s commitment to performance, quality, and innovation. We’re delighted to support competitors with our contribution to the prize fund and to be part of such an exciting motorsport weekend.” Corteco UK connects the UK aftermarket with world-class engineering, offering an extensive portfolio of replacement parts backed by decades of manufacturing expertise. “We’re delighted to welcome Corteco UK as the Headline Sponsor of Street Weekend,” says Caroline Holden, Commercial Manager for Santa Pod Raceway. “Their strong reputation for quality and performance within the automotive aftermarket makes them a natural partner for the event.” The partnership places Corteco at the centre of one of the UK’s most popular performance weekends, reinforcing the brand’s ongoing support for the automotive trade and motorsport communities alike. The post Corteco UK Becomes Headline Sponsor of Street Weekend at Santa Pod Raceway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ron Capps and Maddie Gordon each have an opportunity to have a big weekend at zMax. Both drivers are hunting for a 4-wide win.View the full article

Jordan Vandergriff has never participated in the four-wide format in the nitro categories at zMAX Dragway, but that doesn’t diminish the confidence he and the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car team has rolling into the April 24-26 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. “I raced at Charlotte in an alcohol dragster once, but this will be my first time in the four-wide concept so it’s going to be a new experience for me,” said Vandergriff. “I don’t really know what to expect yet but I think I’m going to have a lot of those experiences this year so I’m just going to go for it. I have the benefit of working on NHRA on FOX the last two years. Being at these races and watching the procedures, I’ve been told many things by many different people already, so I think I’m very prepared for it. I know Lanes 2 and 3 are more difficult so I know what I’m looking for already. It’s going to be a different feel, but I’ll be ready for it.” “Lanes 2 and 3 are difficult because you’re looking across the Christmas Tree,” Vandergriff added. “In Lane 2, your tree is to your left, and your stage bulb is the 2nd bulb on the left so you’re looking all the way across the tree. In Lane 3, your bulb would be the 3rd bulb on your right all the way to the right. So it’s kind of a longer view for Lanes 2 and 3. Lanes 1 and 4 are the easier ones because you’re just looking right at your bulb. I think I’m going to take a little more of my time because you never know when other people are going to go in and, with four of us, it’s going to be a little longer anyway, so I might as well take an extra second for myself, too.” The Atlanta-area resident has powerful reason for the confidence. He established a personal best speed record, 334.57 mph, in Round 1 of eliminations at the Winternationals and ran 330+ mph en route to his second-round victory. In the semifinal matchup against three-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion and eventual event runner-up Ron Capps, Vandergriff grabbed the holeshot (.069 to .077) and then made his career-best run 3.889 seconds but Capps took the win with a run of 3.863 seconds. Vandergriff and his John Force Racing team are currently fifth in the 2026 Funny Car standings after a semifinal finish in the season-opener at Gainesville, a second-round showing at Phoenix and semifinal finish at Pomona. “I feel great about how this year has gone so far,” said Vandergriff. “This Cornwell Quality Tools Funny Car has really been running well and that’s thanks to Chris Cunningham, Jason Bunker, and all of my guys. We’re sitting fifth in the points, and I think we’re coming off our strongest race in Pomona. We qualified third, made it to the semis, and only got beat by the quickest ET (elapsed time) of the whole event. So, coming out of Pomona, I think Charlotte, with the four-wide format, gives us a chance to possibly be holding one of those diamond Wally’s at the end of the weekend.” Vandergriff and the Cornwell Tools team qualified to compete in this weekend’s Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on the strength of their semifinals finish in Pomona. The event will take place as part of Saturday’s qualifying runs scheduled for 12:50 p.m. and 3:20 p.m. The post Jordan Vandergriff Ready for First NHRA 4-Wide Experience first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Toyota Hiace The U.S. got the Hiace briefly in the 1980s, only to have it discontinued a few years after its launch. Minivans simply outpaced demand for traditional ladder-frame vans, even though Toyota outsold other Japanese rivals in the segment. Built on the bones of another legendary Toyota (also not found stateside), the Hilux, other parts of the world get to enjoy the robust reliability that the Toyota Hiace delivers. In parts of Europe and Asia, the Hiace is a household name, and it's getting a major overhaul soon, Japan's Response reports. The new Hiace is known around the world as a commercial van, passenger van, and even as a luxury MPV – similar to yet another luxury minivan the U.S. doesn't get, the Alphard. What we do get is the Toyota Sienna, which is a close-enough model for families looking for a minivan. The key difference is that the Hiace is body-on-frame, which makes it more robust than the Sienna. Toyota New DesignJapanese sources are reporting new developments regarding the Hiace, including an expected redesign and overhaul of its platform. There are two series currently in service: the H200, with its mid-ship driver-on-top-of-the-engine layout, and the H300, the one with the nose. The new platform will be built on the H300. The Hiace Concept, first unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, features a newly developed platform, a futuristic exterior, and a short hood. Back in 2019, when the H300 series of Hiaces were released, the hood and the repositioning of the engine were done in the name of safety, NVH insulation, and driving stability at low and high speeds. Toyota will do the same for the new platform moving forward, with further improvements. In Japan, the exterior design of the new Hiace will be slightly different. It's said that the model's nose will be shorter in its home country to create a familiar image for Japanese buyers. Furthermore, there will be a wide range of sizes available in the Hiace lineup, and we could still see cargo, passenger, touring, and luxury variants of the model making the rounds in several markets. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog Hybrid Tech In its current form, the Hiace came with either a four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 2.0 to 2.7-liter displacement or a 2.4 to 2.8-liter turbo-diesel option. Depending on the market, the Toyota outfit in that locale might favor gasoline or diesel more, and they have the option to go with either. However, for the new Hiace, sources indicate that we may see a 2.0- and 2.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, making it a hybrid. The powertrain will be similar to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid that produces about 236 horsepower. Sources claim the new Hiace could produce up to about 220 horsepower. All that means is more MPGs and better torque delivery. The question is, will the hybrid stack up? Given that diesel variants of the Hiace are preferred by many buyers, will the electric motors be able to keep up with this big van? We shall see soon, I hope. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog View the full article

Nissan Rebuilds Its SUV IdentityNissan is making a bold push into the U.S. body-on-frame SUV market with the Xterra, which is set to compete against staple nameplates like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. In an interview with Automotive News, Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa said that the V6 hybrid expected in the Xterra will feature a parallel hybrid setup. Espinosa claims a parallel hybrid system will be “very competitive,” citing improved towing capability and more consistent power delivery under load. That contrasts with series hybrids like Nissan’s own e-Power system, which will also play a role in the company’s strategy moving forward but will likely be limited to smaller, unibody vehicles. Autoya/YouTube The Mechanics Behind the MuscleUnlike a series hybrid, which uses a combustion engine solely as a generator, a parallel hybrid can send power to the wheels from both the engine and the electric motor. Since electric motors deliver maximum torque from zero RPM, this setup should help the Nissan Xterra move heavy loads or a trailer more easily from a stop. Once the vehicle is in motion, the hybrid system can improve efficiency, helping Nissan meet stricter emissions regulations while also delivering better fuel economy for drivers. Both the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler offer V6 engines, but neither currently pairs one with a hybrid system. The Bronco’s flagship engine is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 418 horsepower. Meanwhile, the Wrangler was offered a plug-in hybrid variant called the 4xe, though it was dropped for the 2026 model year as Stellantis shifted its focus toward range-extended electric vehicles. Espinosa noted that EVs will also remain part of Nissan’s lineup, saying the company’s multi-powertrain approach is “more about being flexible and adaptable.” He added, “We want to have choice for customers.” Nissan A Balancing Act for NissanIt’s too early to tell whether a V6 hybrid will be the best solution for the upcoming Xterra, especially since such a system can add weight, cost, and complexity, potentially leading to higher repair costs if components are damaged. For now, what’s clear is that Nissan plans to launch the returning nameplate in late 2028. The Xterra will be just one of five models built on the new ladder-frame platform to be produced in the U.S. That’s quite a transformation for a brand that has long leaned on sedans and crossovers while trying to regain its footing following the era of former CEO Carlos Ghosn. Autoya/YouTube View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Josh Hart and his John Force Racing team hope to take the sting out of their second-round departure at the Winternationals two weeks ago by pulling the HendrickCars.com Top Fuel Dragster in the winner’s circle at the conclusion of the April 24-26 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway outside Charlotte, N.C. “It’s awesome. We, as drivers, just have to pay attention,” Hart said regarding the unique format of the 4-Wide Nationals. “A lot of people don’t understand when you’re in these cars and you’re turning into a lane, you can’t necessarily differentiate which lane you’re headed towards. So as long as you know what lane you’re in and you can focus on the bulb that you need to focus on, you should be able to do your job. I think that it’s a pretty cool spectacle for the fans. The difference for me is now I’ve got a dog in the fight that I’m confident with so that we can win this race.” The HendrickCars.com scheme at the 4-Wide Nationals will be the only event that Hart’s team will run a scheme other than Speedmaster for the balance of the 2026 season. “I cannot put into words how excited I am to be affiliated with such an amazing organization that is the largest name in automotive history in my book,” said Hart. “I’ve looked up to them. I’ve followed their racing. It’s absolutely epic as I’m also in cars for my occupation. What a great role model and what a great success story to follow. So, hopefully, we can make them proud. I support the colors and am prouder than I can put into words.” The 2026 Gatornationals titlist qualified second at Pomona and charged to victory in the first round of eliminations with a run of 3.698 seconds at 336.91 mph. Lined up next to Tony Stewart in Round 2, Hart left the starting line a mere seven-thousandths-of-a-second after Stewart and was running side-by-side at half-track before slowing as he neared the finish line, allowing the eventual event winner to take the win light. “We need to use it to focus, prepare, and execute,” Hart said of the second-round exit. “It’s definitely fuel for the fire and we will do exactly that: conquer and divide.” Hart is currently third in the 2026 Top Fuel standings after victory at the season-opener at Gainesville and second-round showings at Phoenix and Pomona. Hart and the HendrickCars.com team qualified to compete in this weekend’s Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on the strength of their quarterfinals finish in Pomona. The event will take place as part of Saturday’s qualifying runs scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. This story was originally published on April 22, 2026. The post Josh Hart to Run HendrickCars.com Scheme for NHRA 4-Wide Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 422 “NITROUS, TWO-WHEELS, AND STREET HEAT” SOME WEEKS ARE ABOUT WINNERS. SOME WEEKS ARE ABOUT MOMENTUM. THIS WEEK? WE’VE GOT BOTH. This week on The Wes Buck Show, we’re bringing in a lineup that covers multiple lanes of the sport, and all of them are hot right now. First up, Tommy Franklin, PDRA owner and Pro Nitrous standout. Not only is he helping run one of the baddest series in the country, but he’s also out there competing at a high level himself. Fresh off a strong weekend, we’re gonna talk PDRA, Pro Nitrous, and what it takes to juggle promoter and racer at the same time. Then we bring in Richard Gadson, one of the top names in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle. Championship pedigree, elite talent, and a guy who has been right in the mix at the highest level. We’re gonna talk about last season, how this year is shaping up, and what it takes to compete in one of the most competitive classes in NHRA. And rounding it out, we’ve got Nate Prater, who by all accounts just threw an absolute banger with Street Car Bragging Rights. The buzz is real, the turnout was big, and people are still talking about it. We’re gonna break down what made it hit, what’s next, and why this brand is catching fire. Three guests. Three different corners of drag racing. One loaded show. LET’S GO. Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing. SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustrated GRAB YOUR MERCH: dragillustrated.store STAY CONNECTED: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustrated RACERS CLUB MERCH: racers.club Wanna sponsor the show? Contact us: [email protected] dragracing #wesbuck #TommyFranklin #PDRA #ProNitrous #RichardGadson #ProStockMotorcycle #NatePrater #StreetCarBraggingRights #WBS #DI #RacersClub This story was originally published on April 22, 2026. The post The Wes Buck Show | Ep. 422 | Tommy Franklin, Richard Gadson, & Nate Prater! first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article