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Volvo’s current lineup is already dominated by SUVs, but the luxury brand is still intent on launching new ones in every possible segment. It has plans to launch a new, sub-$40,000 electric crossover in 2027, after tariffs and battery recall issues led to the EX30’s premature demise. But on the other end of the price spectrum, Volvo also has plans to expand its SUV range. That model is set to be a full-size flagship SUV to slot in above the XC90, where it will directly compete with rivals like the BMW X7, upcoming Audi Q9, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. U.S.-Built SUV Will Push Volvo Further Upmarket Volvo Plans for a new flagship SUV were discussed at a recent roundtable with Volvo executives, according to Car and Driver. The group included CEO Håkan Samuelsson, who hinted that the new model will be built in the United States. Samuelsson described it as a “family-oriented, bigger car” that would be built at the automaker’s facility in South Carolina. The XC90 is already a large vehicle, but it’s officially a midsize model and lacks a truly spacious third row. That’s also the case for rivals like the Audi Q7. A larger, full-size model should provide adult-friendly seating in all three rows, while bringing the best of Volvo’s craftsmanship and technology. According to Samuelsson, this larger SUV—which doesn’t have a name yet—will have multiple powertrain options, so hybrid and fully electric models sound likely. He also said the extended-range plug-in hybrid system in China’s XC70 would be a strong candidate for the U.S. market. This strategy would differ from the XC90 and EX90, whereby the former uses only gas engines and the latter is fully electric. Pricing Expectations: Most Expensive Volvo Yet? Volvo The current XC90 already tops out at over $75,000 when fully loaded, while full-size luxury SUVs like the BMW X7 start at $87,500. Therefore, we anticipate a starting price in the $80,000 range for the flagship Volvo, with top models easily surpassing $100,000. No other Volvo retails in the six-figure range in this market, so it would be new territory for the Swedish marque and a test of how much customers are willing to pay for a Volvo. That said, the Volvo XC90 is the company’s most popular model in the U.S. this year, despite being far from the cheapest or smallest. This bodes well for a newer, better, and more capable flagship. With plans to build a new hybrid in the U.S. by 2030, that’s our clearest indication yet of when the new SUV may arrive. What It Means Volvo Despite a new-car affordability crisis for lower-income Americans, the market for larger and more luxurious three-row SUVs shows no sign of slowing down. We already mentioned Audi’s new Q9, and we know BMW dealers have been pushing for a larger model above the X7. Together with Volvo’s challenger, that’s an entirely new crop of European luxury SUVs that would be breathing down the necks of the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, which for a long time have been the major players in the mega SUV segment. While those American nameplates have loyal followings, it looks likely that their dominance will be threatened in the second half of this decade. View the full article

Crown Jewel of RacingFormula 1's modern bounce back has been spectacular. What was regarded as a European-centric race series has, over the years, finally broken over the world stage. This newfound popularity is a result of the expansion into more races across more countries and the inside look provided by the Drive to Survive Netflix series. Along with this popularity comes viability; new and old brands are starting to make plays to enter the very coveted ranks of F1. We've seen the entry of Cadillac and Audi as constructors, with Ford returning as an engine supplier for Red Bull. Even China has expressed interest, through one of its biggest car manufacturers. Formula 1 BYD x Christian HornerBack in April, during the Chinese Grand Prix, it was reported that BYD was in talks with the F1 powers to enter the sport. This was then confirmed by BYD Vice President Stella Li, who said that participating in F1 would showcase the brand's advanced technologies to the world. Joining F1 isn't easy, and even if you do get in, building the team is even harder. Seasoned veterans and industry experts would be essential for BYD to make a serious bid. It seems they know that, and over the past week, many rumors have surfaced that they are in talks to entice one of the most infamous F1 bosses ever to walk the grid, Christian Horner. According to a Financial Times report, BYD has already met with Horner about possibly joining the team; that meeting will be followed by further meetings among BYD, the FIA, and F1. Constructor or Supplier?While no specific details or statements have come from BYD or Horner, we can speculate that BYD will likely offer Horner the roles of CEO and Team Principal, and possibly an ownership stake in the team as well. What makes Horner useful (personal issues aside) to BYD is his experience and tenacity; he oversaw the upstart Red Bull F1 program into the multiple championship-winning juggernaut it is today. Horner, though, has also been aggressively working to return to the sport after his departure from Red Bull, having emerged as the leading candidate to take control of the Alpine F1 team. There are multiple ways for BYD to enter F1, since the sport has prioritized advanced hybrid systems. It makes sense for BYD to be interested in joining, given their knowledge and prowess when it comes to hybrid and electrified technology. One way for them to quickly enter the sport is through a title sponsorship agreement with a team, as HAAS and Toyota Gazoo Racing are doing, a pragmatic approach. They could also jump in as an engine manufacturer first, and slowly build up an "appetite" for all things F1 before going all in. It's also entirely possible for them to go 100% and build a whole team for themselves, which would be the spectacle we all want as fans, but it would be a big gamble for a brand with little to no racing experience. Formula 1 View the full article

Honda Resets After a Rough YearHonda is heading into the back half of the decade with a strategy that looks pretty different from what we saw just a couple of years ago. After going all-in on EVs, the company is now rethinking its approach, especially after a reported $2.5 billion global loss for fiscal 2025. North America is now front and center in Honda’s plans. In a report by Automotive News, American Honda planning chief Gary Robinson said hybrids will become the “core” of the company’s business in the region, with hybrid sales eventually surpassing traditional gasoline models later this decade. Interestingly, Honda and Acura aren’t taking the same path. For Honda, gas engines are still in the picture, especially for entry-level and budget-friendly models where price is everything. Robinson says they’ll keep gasoline options around where it makes sense to hold onto market share. Acura, on the other hand, is set to lean much harder into hybrids, with pure gas models seen as “lower priority.” Honda Longer Product Cycles, More HybridsWe’re already seeing Honda’s new strategy play out in its product lineup. A supplier memo, obtained by Automotive News, points to several key models sticking around longer than expected as Honda works on its next wave of hybrid tech. That list includes the Odyssey, Accord, and HR-V, as well as Acura’s MDX and Integra. Some of these might not see a full redesign until much later in the decade. Meanwhile, Honda is working on a new generation of hybrid systems, with North America as the main target. The next Acura RDX could be the first to get the updated hybrid setup as soon as 2028, while Honda keeps refining its two-motor system for models like the Civic, Accord, and CR-V. Bigger vehicles aren’t being left out. Honda is said to be working on a V6-based hybrid system for models like the Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline, Odyssey, and MDX, pairing electrification with all-wheel drive. Globally, Honda aims to roll out 15 hybrid models by 2029, with a significant share headed for North America. The new systems are supposed to boost efficiency and cut costs compared to what’s on the road now. Honda Acura Moving Upscale, Honda Staying GroundedThe bigger story is that Honda is reading the market instead of forcing a full-on hybrid switch. Hybrids are becoming increasingly popular, but there’s still demand for pure combustion vehicles, especially in segments where price still matters more than going electrified. That’s probably why Honda is keeping one foot in the combustion camp for now. It’s a safer bet, especially for family cars and popular crossovers, where buyers still want lower costs and the kind of ownership they’re used to. That said, we're expecting the next Civic to still offer a pure combustion setup, sold side-by-side with the next-gen hybrid system. Acura, meanwhile, has more freedom to experiment. Luxury buyers are already open to electrified powertrains, and Acura looks ready to use hybrids for efficiency, performance, and refinement. Will this strategy work? Let’s wait a few more years to see if this plan pans out. We’re just not sure about the longer product cycles at this point, given that keeping products fresh almost always keeps people interested. Honda View the full article

For years, sedans looked like a dying breed in America. SUVs took over driveways, becoming the default choice for families and commuters alike. But according to a recent report from the Detroit Free Press, the humble sedan may finally be heading for a comeback. Ironically, one of the biggest reasons behind it is that SUVs have become almost too common. SUV Fatigue Is Real Stellantis According to the Detroit Free Press, industry analysts say consumers are starting to grow tired of seeing the same SUV shape everywhere. Karl Brauer from iSeeCars described it as “SUV fatigue,” with buyers increasingly wanting vehicles that stand out rather than blend in. That trend appears especially strong among younger drivers. Research from Escalent found that 51% of teenagers surveyed picture themselves driving a sedan in the future, compared to just 31% who chose SUVs. Automakers are beginning to notice, too. Ford CEO Jim Farley has repeatedly hinted that the company could re-enter the affordable sedan market in the US, with many speculating a new sub-$40,000 sedan. That would mark a major reversal for Ford after abandoning traditional sedans years ago in the States. Stellantis could also be preparing a return to the segment, with reports suggesting Chrysler may introduce a new sedan-like vehicle in the future. Sedans Still Make More Sense Honda Style and image may be helping sedans regain attention, but affordability remains one of their biggest strengths. With sky-high fuel prices and buyers growing more value-conscious by the day, factors like fuel economy and insurance costs are becoming more crucial to car buyers. The Detroit Free Press mentioned that iSeeCars's Karl Brauer said "sedans cost less up front, they are lower cost to insure, they get bet­ter fuel effi­ciency, they typ­ic­ally handle bet­ter around corners and they are easier to park," due to their small footprint. While sedans are far less common than they once were, cars like the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla remain practical and affordable alternatives to crossovers for buyers who simply do not need extra ride height or off-road capability. Toyota may also be preparing to lean further into the segment, considering the Japanese carmaker recently trademarked the Cressida name again, hinting at a revival of the once-popular sedan. Cars Have Become Too Expensive BMW According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the average new car price in the US is $49,461, slightly less than the December 2025 average, which was more than $50,000. SUVs are especially to blame, with the average compact SUV costing $37,514, midsize SUV $50,380, and full-size luxury SUV $104,800. For reference, the average price of a compact car is $27,590, a midsize car is $34,069, and a luxury car is $61,462. Based on this market data, SUVs cost at least $10,000 more than the equivalent sedan. SUVs, crossovers, and everything in between are unlikely to disappear anytime soon, the American market may finally be heading back toward something it has lacked for years: variety. View the full article

Toyota's Factory-Built HD PickupAmong all the full-size pickup manufacturers in the U.S., Toyota is the only one that doesn't build a heavy-duty version. Elsewhere around the world, though, it has the long-running Land Cruiser 70 Series to cover for that. Granted, it's not a full-size truck, but its payload and towing capacity can match some much bigger ones. Toyota also has its Hino division to focus on haulers. That said, Ford rolled out the Ranger Super Duty for select markets. It's the first modern midsize pickup to get a heavy-duty version, and Toyota has, indeed, noticed. To counter that, the Japanese automaker has revealed a factory upgrade package to match Ford's offering. Toyota The Heavy Duty HiluxThe Hilux isn't sold in the U.S. or Canada, but for those into cars, it's impossible not to know this model. It is, after all, Toyota's best-selling pickup in the world, and it also happens to be the world's best-selling pickup of 2025. Imagine just how much more Toyota could sell if it sold this instead of the Tacoma. Australia is a key market for the Hilux; hence, the heavy-duty package was developed there. Dubbed the GVM Upgrade Option, it's meant to supplement the 70 Series Land Cruiser pickup (or ute, in Aussie speak), which starts close to 80,000 Australian dollars (AUD) or about $57,000. For reference, a base Hilux starts at around 34,000 AUD or approximately $24,000. As the Hilux is also often used for jobsites and hauling in Australia, the addition of a heavy-duty package makes sense. This should make acquiring a fleet of pickups for the worksite more streamlined, as there's little need for aftermarket upgrades. Toyota How Much Can it Tow and Haul?With the GVM package, the Hilux has an increased payload capacity of up to 3,360 lbs. While it doesn't match the supersized heavy-duty trucks from America, the much smaller Hilux GVM can actually carry more than most full-size pickups. Towing capacity remains unchanged at 7,700 lbs, which is still more than a Tacoma's. Of course, that's thanks to beefier suspension components, including longer shock absorbers, at the rear axle. The suspension upgrades also raise the pickup's ground clearance above that of standard models. Axle capacities were also increased to handle the additional demands of heavy-duty pickup work. Its 2.8-liter turbodiesel doesn't receive any upgrades, so power remains at 201 hp and 369 lb-ft. Admittedly, though, the upgrades still don't match those of the Ranger Super Duty. That one has a payload capacity of 4,370 lbs and can tow up to 9,920 lbs. Also, the Ranger has a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 207 hp and 443 lb-ft. But the Hilux GVM's trump card is its price. Toyota Undercutting the Ranger Super DutyThe GVM package adds 4,000 AUD (approx. $2,900) to the Hilux's base price. It's only for select trims and configurations, and it can't be applied to the most basic Hilux in the range. Carsguide reckons the lowest-priced Hilux GVM will set punters back 56,490 AUD, or just over $40,000. Either way, it's still way less than the most basic Ranger Super Duty. The Ford has a base price of 82,990 AUD ($59,200), and you'll have to pay 89,990 AUD ($64,200) for four full-size doors. With that much of a price gap between the two, one can say that the Toyota is worth considering, even with lower capacities. Toyota View the full article

A New Partnership Stellantis and JLR have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) "to explore opportunities to collaborate on product development in the United States." In a nutshell, "Collaboration Synergies for Product Development in the U.S.," according to Stellantis' press release dated May 20, 2026, means the two companies will go from strength to strength to deliver better products in the future. This is good news for Stellantis, which has seen its competitive edge decline in segments it once dominated, such as the Jeep Wrangler segment. Other off-roaders have stolen the spotlight in recent years, with the Ford Bronco as a prime example. Others still are the company's efforts to bring Across the pond, Jaguar and Land Rover are half-and-half. While one continues to uphold its premium values and brand image, the other has had to backpedal a bit after a backlash over its rebranding (quite an understatement, I know). One thing is for sure: JLR still knows how to make a premium car, and that goes without a doubt. Jeep-Land Rover Both companies will collaborate on new products and ideas under this non-binding MOU. Neither company has stated just how far their collaborations will go, at least officially anyway. Unofficially, however, we have our guesses, and I fear that this team-up could spell trouble for the beloved Blue Oval in certain spaces. Stellantis has also revived its Chinese manufacturing plans with its new partner, Dongfeng, bringing the Jeep brand East. Coincidentally, Land Rover has a similar agreement with Chery. While the agreement was for the U.S. market, the two firms share some common ground, taking what they know from outside of their respective boxes. Jeep's known for its iconic look and status in the off-road community, and it brings that expertise to the table. Plus, you can't forget that the Hemi series of engines from Stellantis' portfolio has its legion of fans. Land Rover brings refinement to the table in this deal, and imagine what would happen if Jeep and Land Rover were able to deliver a new Wrangler with the same off-road capability but with the Brit brand's expertise in luxury and refinement? Land Rover Wrangler vs BroncoJeep's quintessential American off-roader was once considered the top of the heap. The Wrangler was Jeep's cash cow, spending years at the top of consumers' minds and even more years getting through some of the toughest terrain the world has ever seen (mall parking lots, kidding). However, everything changed when Ford launched the Bronco. A worthy opponent whose all-new platform, features, and powertrain shook up Jeep quite a bit. Now it needs to bite back, to regain the dominance that it once had in the segment, and what better company to consult than Land Rover? What if Jeep took the refinement of a 'Rover ' and ingrained that into the Wrangler? That would essentially bring Jeep's famous off-roader up to new heights. Jeep knows a thing or two about getting its wheels dirty, so too does Land Rover, and I can foresee a great deal of collaboration from the two. In my opinion, the Bronco has what the Wrangler doesn't, and that's added refinement. Perhaps we can see a better Wrangler come out of Stellantis' and JLR's collaboration. (C) 2026 Doug Berger | DBPics Other Nameplates Aside from the Wrangler, Jeep also has other SUVs that are similar in practice to Land Rover's stock. The Grand Cherokee, the Compass, and the Gladiator are all best sellers for the Jeep brand in their own right, and they, too, can benefit from Land Rover's ability to refine and create a space that screams luxury. Not that there's anything egregiously wrong with a Jeep SUV's interior, it's just that it could be better. "By working with partners to explore synergies in areas such as product and technology development, we can create meaningful benefits for both sides while remaining focused on delivering the products and experiences our customers love," according to Antonio Filosa, Stellantis' CEO. "As we continue to evolve JLR for the future, collaboration will play an important role in unlocking new opportunities. Working with Stellantis allows us to explore complementary capabilities in product and technology development that support our long-term growth plans for the U.S. market," PB Balaji said, CEO of JLR. The two companies plan to work together on this and deliver better products. Considering the pedigree and the common ground between Jeep and Land Rover, is it possible that the two brands will come together and create something remarkable? That remains to be seen. However, if they do, Ford might need to look over its shoulder from time to time. Cole Attisha View the full article

The Price Of ImaginationWhen you buy a car, you're entitled to do whatever you want with it in terms of modifications and personalization; it is, after all, a reflection of your personality. Some people are mild-mannered about minor accessories, exterior or interior color changes, and the occasional engine modifications. Others are more "adventurous," opting to go all out and completely change their car's dynamic. One example is now for sale– an Aston Martin DB9 among all cars – and it is one of the most unique and intriguing builds we've ever seen. Bring-a-Trailer View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article V8 Powered Flame Thrower DB9Now live on Bring-a-Trailer is a 2006 Aston Martin DB9 that, at first glance, looks all stock, with an exterior in very fine condition. That's because back in 2017, the car was involved in an accident and was even declared a total loss. It was then scooped up in 2021 by the current owner, who seems to be a huge fan of James Bond, as he repainted the car in Skyfall Silver in 2025. That's not where the Bond inspiration stops. In the interior, the iconic Aston Martin gauge cluster has been replaced with a fully digital one, which is 007 themed, complete with the James Bond silhouette holding the Walter PPK handgun. Outside is where it gets very interesting. Behind the seemingly innocent stock grille lie two mini-gun-looking inserts that shoot actual flames. These flame throwers are powered by propane and oxygen tanks that are mounted in the trunk. One key update to this build is the engine; we presume that the original Aston Martin V12 was damaged in the accident. The owner then decides to swap in an equally iconic Chevrolet Corvette 6.2-liter LS3 V8, paired with a 4L65E four-speed automatic. The shop that carried out the build is Conquer Custom in Florida, which is also owned by the car owner. Bring-a-Trailer View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Other QuirksConsidering this car was once wrecked, and the rebuilding process was unorthodox, there are some quirks about this particular DB9. First, the traction control is gone, while the windscreen wipers no longer work, and the horn is operated by a button mounted on the steering wheel. Lastly, the control panel in the center stack has been added to activate the front flame guns, but the listing still says there is a Bluetooth sound system. Currently, there is someone willing to spend over $41,000 on this car. But then again, the auction ends in a few hours, so we're unsure whether that will be the winning bid since it wasn't listed as a "No Reserve" auction. Bring-a-Trailer View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Trouble in the Fast LaneWaymo has been fairly impressive on city streets, but the same cannot be said for freeways. The robotaxi company recently suspended its U.S. freeway operations shortly after expanding the service, possibly as pressure builds from rivals such as Tesla and Amazon’s Zoox. One freeway incident caught on camera was shared by @Elliot_slade on X, who wrote that they genuinely thought they “were about to die” during a Waymo ride. The user said the robotaxi swerved around huge trucks, entered a closed road, and even sped away from police. A remote operator reportedly intervened, but it is easy to imagine how terrifying the experience must have been for passengers riding in a vehicle without a physical driver. Waymo’s freeway service was previously available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Miami. The Waymo blasted through cones, swerved huge trucks and sped away from the cops. Was kinda freaking out, had my girl in the seat next to me. You can get the sirens. Genuinely the freakiest experience I’ve ever had, felt utterly helpless. These are not ready for highways. pic.twitter.com/S1HNQx0VGh — QuietLight (@Elliot_slade) May 19, 2026 The Incidents Keep Piling UpThere were also other incidents working against Waymo. One involved a recall affecting roughly 3,800 robotaxis after the company identified a risk that some vehicles could enter flooded roads with higher speed limits. Another incident reportedly showed a Waymo vehicle crossing eight lanes of traffic, nearly resulting in a T-bone crash. In addition, the company has paused its operations in Atlanta, Georgia, as it works on software improvements aimed at enhancing how its robotaxis respond to construction zones and flooded roadways. “We have temporarily paused freeway operations, as we work to integrate recent technical learnings into our software and expect to resume these routes soon,” a Waymo spokesperson told Reuters. Getty Images The Industry’s Next Big GambleWith all these issues, questions remain about the safety of autonomous vehicles on public roads, especially since they are partly being developed to reduce crashes caused by distracted, tired, or drunk human drivers. For businesses, robotaxis also promise lower costs and longer operating hours by removing the need for paid drivers working shifts. Perhaps Waymo is feeling the heat as more companies enter the robotaxi space. As mentioned, Tesla is making progress in this area with the Cybercab, a low-cost, two-seater vehicle designed to operate without a steering wheel or pedals. Waymo, meanwhile, continues to rely on Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and an autonomous van developed with Zeekr are part of its expansion plans. Riley Walz View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

With just three days to go before practice starts for the 2026 Isle of Man TT, nobody knows what machine Michael Dunlop will ride in the Senior Superbike TT race. But it'll be a Ducati or a Honda.View the full article

Poland won the 2026 FIM Speedway of Nations SON2 title in Prague after a last-heat decider against Denmark, while Australia matched the bronze-medal points tally but finished fifth on countback. The post Poland wins SON2 Prague thriller as Aussies miss podium on countback appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Leon Madsen rebounded from a tough start to the season to win the 2026 FIM Speedway GP of Czech Republic in Prague, while Australia’s Brady Kurtz took second and moved to third in the championship standings. The post Madsen rebounds in Prague as Kurtz takes Speedway GP podium appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

This was supposed to be a weekend of healing for the NASCAR community, but the disastrous weather has only added to the somber scene at the race track. While the NASCAR Truck race was postponed three different times and has yet to start, NASCAR spent over six hours running the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race on Saturday, and still had to end it with half the race left to run. Ross ...Keep readingView the full article

Michael Dunlop is set to become only the seventh rider to reach 100 Isle of Man TT starts in 2026, adding another milestone to a career that already includes 33 TT victories and the all-time wins record. The post Michael Dunlop and the road to 100 Isle of Man TT starts appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race ended under caution after Stage 2 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It was a strange and bizarre race, hindered by rain and later fog. It took over six hours to run the first 90 laps, and the final half of the race never happened. A total of 54 of the 91 laps completed were run under caution. "I'll start with us and this team," said Chastain after ...Keep readingView the full article

BMW Motorrad has created a 115-unit M 1000 RR Limited Edition Isle of Man TT, based on the M Competition and finished in British Racing Green with Mountain Course graphics. The post BMW M 1000 RR Isle of Man TT Edition – only 115 to be built appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

By all accounts, there was Kyle Busch and there was Rowdy with a considerable amount of overlap depending on the circumstances, time and place. That was the best way to eulogize the life and times of the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion by those who knew him best. With the industry still in collective shock over the unexpected death of Busch on Thursday, the Sanctioning Body offered drivers ...Keep readingView the full article

Last year, we learned that Kyle Busch had always dreamed of attempting the Coke 600-Indy 500 Double. He nearly had a deal put together with Andretti in 2017 and again with McLaren in recent years. Unfortunately, his Indy 500 dream never came to fruition before Busch's sudden and tragic passing this past week. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was only 41 years old. After the NASCAR ...Keep readingView the full article

The post Vote for your favourite Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 custom appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Proper InformationThe operation of a motor vehicle is simple enough; if you've gone through the lessons and passed the exams, you are regarded as a legal driver. Things change when you consider the other factors that go into using a car; we assume that the manufacturer will provide all the relevant information on how to use the car properly, which we follow. If certain information is wrong or missing, no matter how small the "omission," it might still cause unwanted issues or accidents. Tesla's Model Y has just been issued a recall for what seems like a minor issue, but it could lead to bigger problems. Tesla Missing Weight LabelA safety recall report has just been issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the report, 14,575 Tesla Model Y units are missing a certification label required to comply with 49 CFR. The missing label is listed as part number 567. Part 567 is a safety certification label affixed to the driver-side door pillar, indicating that the vehicle complies with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. 2 sets of production Model Y's are affected by the recall, 2,697 units built between Nov 17, 2024, and Feb 24, 2025, and 11,878 units built during the period of Feb 25, 2025, to Apr 21, 2026. The report specifically highlights the concern that "the absence of a certification label with weight specifications may lead to customers overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash." Voluntary RecallThe fault was uncovered during a routine internal audit by the brand, back in April of 2026. Upon further investigation, they discovered that the automated vision-scanning tool verifying the presence of the certification label was performing inconsistently. They spent the following month investigating whether the issue also applied to cars made at Tesla's Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. After subsequent investigations, Tesla determined that non-compliance existed and issued its own voluntary recall. The good news is, as of May 13, 2026, no injuries or accidents have been linked to this specific issue. Tesla View the full article

The Business Of Reimagined 911sPorsche 911 restomods have become so prolific that they seem to have a subculture of their own. Companies like Singer Vehicle Design and Gunther Werks are among the most renowned players in the segment, where some builds can sell for seven-figure sums. Pogea Racing, a German tuner, has brought its own interpretation of the 964-generation 911 with the PR964. Unlike Singer’s posh, heritage-focused approach, the PR964 appears boldly athletic, featuring a carbon-fiber body and an available 4.0-liter twin-turbo setup with up to 500 horsepower. @pogearacing/Instagram A 964 With Modern FlairThe carbon-fiber bodywork features a 992.2 GT3-style front bumper and widened fenders inspired by the 911 Turbo line. Inside, the layout can be configured by the owner, though the launch vehicle had a black cabin with white and red accents, modern sport seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and carbon-fiber inserts, among others. Pogea Racing offers three powertrain options, starting with a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated engine, which could appeal to those seeking a more predictable and, to some, more emotionally engaging driving feel compared to a turbocharged setup. For buyers wanting forced induction, there is also a 3.6-liter turbocharged engine producing around 400 horsepower, along with the aforementioned 500-horsepower twin-turbo mill. That is not as dramatic as the 840-horsepower twin-turbo flat-six in Gunther Werks’ recent 911 Speedster build, but the carbon body and other performance upgrades should still make it far from tame. Some of these performance upgrades include adjustable KW Clubsport coilovers and larger carbon-ceramic brakes. @pogearacing/Instagram More Aftermarket Than HeritagePogea Racing has not disclosed pricing, though given the extensive modifications, it would not be surprising if the PR964 costs a lot. Some may argue that this is just another reworked 911, but a closer look shows that builders often interpret the platform differently. Singer tends to treat the 911 as a handcrafted luxury object, while Gunther Werks leans into track-focused upgrades. The PR964, meanwhile, comes across as a tuner-heavy street machine. However, Pogea Racing is not solely focused on the 911. In fact, its first restomod was a Chevrolet C1 Corvette fitted with a GM LS3 V8, delivering around 433 horsepower. Other notable vehicles the company has worked on include the Alfa Romeo 4C and Ferrari 488 GTB. @pogearacing/Instagram View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In 1986, the same year BMW launched the original E30 M3, someone inside the company had a radical idea. Take a convertible, gut the rear end, fit a load bed, and put it to work on the factory floor. That is exactly what happened. For 26 years, this one-of-a-kind pickup moved parts and equipment around BMW's facilities without anyone outside the company knowing it existed. BMW didn't retire it until 2012. It was only revealed to the public in 2016, and this year, with the M3 turning 40, BMW has brought the E30 M3 pickup out to the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como to finally give it the spotlight it never had. BMW From Detuned Workhorse to Proper M3According to BMW Blog, the choice to use a convertible as the donor car was deliberate. The cabriolet body already had additional structural reinforcement built in, which made it better suited for the stress of pickup duty than a standard coupe or saloon. BMW also stripped the distinctive flared wheel arches, leaving the truck with a narrower, more purposeful stance. When it was first built, the truck didn't run the M3's high-revving engine at all. It started life with a detuned 2.0-litre four-cylinder making 192 horsepower. At some point during its working life, BMW swapped in the proper 2.3-litre S14 unit from the road car, a naturally aspirated engine that produced around 200 horsepower in standard form and has since become one of the most celebrated engines in motorsport history. BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Ultimate Limited Edition E30The E30 M3 was never short on special editions. BMW produced the Sport Evolution with 238 horsepower, a lightweight Cecotto edition, and the Roberto Ravaglia edition to commemorate his 1987 touring car title. Standard E30 M3s average around $72,000, with Sport Evolutions pushing well past that. BMW One-off factory vehicles with documented provenance sit in a different category entirely. Given this truck's combination of M3 underpinnings, its unique body conversion carried out by the factory itself, and nearly three decades of factory service history, a conservative estimate for what it would fetch at auction starts around $1 million, if BMW even decided to part ways with it. View the full article

Stellantis believes offering a V8 engine is still critical in the pickup market, even if relatively few buyers actually choose one. According to CEO Antonio Filosa, nearly half of truck buyers will not even consider a brand unless a V8 sits somewhere on the options list. His comments help explain why the Hemi V8 returned to the Ram 1500 so quickly after being dropped from the lineup, as well as the new Rumble Bee's existence. Buyers Still Want A V8 Option Stellantis Speaking to The Drive in Detroit, Filosa said around 40% of pickup buyers refuse to consider a truck brand that does not offer a V8 engine. According to him, many customers simply want to know the option exists, even if they end up choosing something else. That thinking now forms part of Stellantis’ “Freedom of Choice” strategy in the United States. After emissions regulations became less restrictive, the company moved quickly to bring the Hemi V8 back to Ram’s full-size pickup range in under a year. Other automakers have learned similar lessons. Mercedes-Benz faced heavy criticism after replacing V8-powered AMG 63 models with four-cylinder hybrid powertrains, eventually leading the brand to confirm the V8’s return in some applications after customer backlash. Efficiency Is Irrelevant Stellantis Filosa’s comments also reveal why Ram received the revived Hemi before Dodge. Despite the turbocharged Hurricane six-cylinder engine outperforming the Hemi V8, many pickup buyers still prefer the V8 engines as they associate them with power and character. The V8's return forms part of Stellantis's $70 billion investment to introduce 60 new models, with Jeep, Ram, and Dodge at the helm. Other than that, Ram is reportedly preparing a smaller pickup aimed directly at the Ford Maverick. Rival automaker General Motors is also said to be investing $1.3 billion to build the next-generation small-block V8 for future pickup trucks. EVs Are Still Part Of The Plan Jeep Despite the renewed focus on V8 engines, Filosa stressed that Stellantis is not abandoning electrification. He confirmed the fully electric Jeep Recon will launch before a gasoline-powered version arrives around 12 to 18 months later. He also noted that Stellantis could quickly expand its EV operations in North America using technology and platforms already developed in Europe. The company is also reportedly working on an affordable electric city car expected to cost around $17,500. For now, though, Stellantis seems convinced that keeping the V8 alive remains essential, even if many truck buyers never actually tick the box. View the full article

Regulation MattersThe automotive industry as a whole is competitive, but it's even more cutthroat at the dealership and showroom levels. Each brand dealership is doing its best to stay competitive, which sometimes leads to employing "shady" business tactics. In most cases, these sometimes illegal practices are passed on to unsuspecting customers and buyers. After all, car buying is a complicated and tedious task; more often than not, we, the buyers, just want to get it over and done with. Thankfully, we have the watchdogs keeping track of these things for us. Getty Images False AdvertisingAccording to Automotive News, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been vocal about its ongoing efforts to monitor and police dealerships nationwide. In the report, the FTC said it sent 97 warning letters to dealerships outlining what they consider to be illegal pricing practices under the FTC Act. These letters are merely a means of showing these dealerships that the FTC is watching and has no enforcement action yet. The director of the FTC's Consumer Protection Division, Christopher Mufarrige, says the agency is concerned that certain dealerships are advertising prices that are much lower than what they are actually required to pay. Mufarrige also pointed out that not only are the customers directly affected, but other dealerships as well. He notes that these law-abiding dealerships will not be able to properly compete with the erring ones. The FTC highlighted six practices that caught their attention. The first is that the advertised prices exclude mandatory fees or add-ons, promoting discounts that aren't available to most buyers, conditioning advertised pricing on dealer financing, and requiring extra purchasing not reflected in the ads. Other red flags include not disclosing required down payments and, surprisingly, advertising models that are unavailable or nonexistent. Genesis Everyone Else, Watch OutAccording to compliance attorneys interviewed, despite not receiving any letters from the FTC, they should review their advertising materials to ensure they don't include anything related to the abovementioned issue that the FTC looks out for. This encompasses everything within the dealership, not just print ads but also social media materials, and might even include what the salespeople say to the customers. Getty View the full article

If you thought the high-octane horsepower wars died with the discontinuation of the standard Hemi V8, Stellantis has a massive, 392-cubic-inch surprise waiting in the wings. Rumor has it that Jeep has cooked up a Frankenstein-style mashup of its greatest Easter Jeep Safari design concepts, and the result is nothing short of glorious: the Jeep Wrangler Scrambler SRT. According to reports detailing a recent Stellantis presentation, head of American brands Tim Kuniskis teased a 3D-printed buck of a wild, high-performance special edition. Part rugged truck, part nostalgic beach cruiser, and part track-inspired monster, this rumored V8 Jeep Scrambler aims to be the ultimate statement piece for off-road enthusiasts when it enters production around 2030. Stellantis Retro Styling is Making a ComebackThe upcoming Jeep Scrambler SRT is reportedly built on a Gladiator-based platform, with design cues from the retro Convoy and Wrangler Anvil 715 concepts. It features a forward-canted "shark nose" front end, square headlights, and a hood intake. Aggressive exterior styling aside, it's the open-air layout that will truly turn heads. Like an old-school K5 Blazer, the Scrambler features a completely removable rear hardtop paired with traditional Wrangler front "Freedom Panels". Even wilder? The interior features a four-seat configuration with elongated doors for easier access, and a second row capable of rotating into backward-facing rear seats. Stellantis What’s Under the Skin of the New Jeep Scrambler?While official powertrain specs remain under wraps, the "SRT" badge implies serious muscle. Jeep insiders suggest it will likely inherit the legendary 6.4-liter Hemi V8 392 engine, especially since Kuniskis confirmed that a V8 is finally headed to the standard Gladiator lineup. The biggest mechanical mystery lies in the suspension. Engineering teams are reportedly pushing for a radical shift to an independent front suspension (IFS)—and potentially an independent rear suspension (IRS)—to handle high-speed desert running. While abandoning the traditional live front axle might make solid-axle rock crawling purists nervous, it signals that Jeep is gunning directly for high-speed desert runners like the Ford Bronco Raptor. Jeep If you’ve been waiting for a factory-built, V8-powered open-air truck that breaks every rule in the book, the Jeep Wrangler Scrambler SRT might just be worth the wait. Stay tuned to Autoblog as more production details emerge. View the full article

Development of a Legend Back in the 90s, Bugatti's future was up in the air. In 1998, the Volkswagen Group bought the brand and started an ambitious project that would change the course of automotive history. At the time, it was a huge gamble for the brand. Luckily for Bugatti, it had the resources to back it up. After the Veyron launched in 2005, automotive history changed forever. A production car with 1,001 horsepower, 16 cylinders, four turbos, but with a full interior and luxuries to boot. It was a runaway hit. It was the fastest production car at the time, one of the hypercars that defined its era, and a milestone that put Bugatti back on the map. Bugatti The 5.1 You don't get up to 250 miles per hour without getting through the rest of the speedometer first. The 5.1 Chassis was created to validate the engineering vision of Bugatti's best and brightest. This isn't the Veyron as we know it today; this was the origin of the legend. One of the six pre-series examples emerged recently at the Cororso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2026, in Lake Como, Italy. Designed by Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piech, his team faced the monumental task of conquering the land speed record for a production car and ushering in the new era of hypercars. Meanwhile, Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, the man behind bringing the Veyron into series production, aimed to contain the massive W16 powerplant's output with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Containing that much power and gear speed would prove daunting, but not impossible, as history has shown. The 5.1 underwent testing on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Nevada, but not for the record-breaking attempt. Instead of chasing speed, the team first chased high-speed stability and durability across an endless horizon on a loose surface. Chassis 5.1 also underwent top-speed testing on its own, serving as the test bed that achieved speeds over 250 miles per hour, a speed where things stop making sense and start getting into the unimaginable. Everything had to be special in order for this car to achieve that speed safely. Bugatti famously had special tires made, created a special maintenance process, and developed specialized parts to bring this high-speed production model to market. Bugatti History as We Know it The Veyron's public debut validated the success of Chassis 5.1 and all its testing. It was, in fact, the exact unit that was used to debut the Veyron to the world, first taking the stage in Sicily. Over time, Chassis 5.1 went from a development unit to a full-blown promotional model and an ambassador for the brand across the globe. It would make itself known at prestigious events across the world. You could say that it not only shaped the Veyron's form but also helped craft its legend, feats that Bugatti and its fans never forgot about. Chassis 5.1 itself evolved. By 2008, after the model's success, Bugatti installed all the updated parts from the production model into Chassis 5.1. By this time, it had gone from a pre-sales prototype and global brand ambassador to a full customer-ready product vehicle with authenticated production parts. Bugatti An Artifact of Automotive History This is the car that changed the course of automotive history forever, the exact car that did it. It's not a production model; it's what helped the production model achieve what it did back then. With the help of La Maison Pur Sang, documentation and certification for this historic piece have been authenticated and attached to the car's chassis. Its complete history includes archival documents, technical records, photographs, service history, and physical inspections. The car's extremely prestigious pedigree made it a shoo-in for the display at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026 in Italy, where it was shown alongside the EB110 as a living historical piece that changed the course of hypercars forever. Without it, we wouldn't have the Chiron, and one could argue that Koenigsegg and Rimac wouldn't be where they are today. Bugatti View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article