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After a suspicious automotive spending spree that included a BMW i8, a Chevrolet Corvette, and a fleet of SUVs, a Miami woman is now facing multiple felony charges. On the surface, it looked like another case of big-money indulgence in a city known for its extravagant car scene and annoying drivers. But authorities claim the entire collection was built on fraudulent financing. 10 Vehicles in Just 8 Days Mercedes-Benz According to 7 News Miami, 38-year-old Dunia Sierra purchased 10 vehicles in October 2023 in just over a week. The garage covered nearly every category. Among the standout purchases were a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560, and a 2019 BMW i8. She also added more practical SUVs, including a 2023 Toyota Highlander, 2024 Kia Telluride, 2024 Hyundai Palisade, and 2022 Mazda CX-9. To round things off, she bought three Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Altogether, the total value is estimated to sit close to half a million dollars. Her Abnormally Large Salary The crux of the problem is how the vehicles were financed. Authorities allege the woman falsely claimed to be a restaurant general manager earning over $180,000 per month. In reality, she reportedly worked as a waitress and cashier. According to Indeed, the average waitress in Miami Lakes earns around $3,000 per month, excluding tips – quite the inflated income figure. As a result, the inflated income figure allowed her to secure multiple vehicle loans in rapid succession before lenders could detect the accumulating debt on her credit profile. Charges of Fraud and Grand Theft BMW The case is now being handled by Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Organized Crimes Bureau Auto Crimes Task Force, with the waitress facing multiple felony charges, including organised fraud, vehicle-related fraud, and grand theft. Authorities also suspect the involvement of a wider network, potentially including dealership insiders and brokers. The garage may have looked impressive on paper, but it has come at a far higher cost than any monthly repayment. Sierra was cuffed on the 9th of April 2026 and jailed under a $26,000 bond. View the full article

Toyota, as it stands, is arguably the world’s most valuable carmaker. In order to get to that position and have stayed there for as long as it has, Toyota has made better decisions than most other manufacturers. Toyota’s EV strategy is no different. After allowing the market to develop over the years through its teething troubles, while taking a hands-off approach to EVs, Toyota accepted criticism as onlookers claimed that they were missing the EV wave. The Big PictureFast forward to the present, at a time when automakers are scaling back their EV ambitions in the wake of a severe decline in EV sales caused by federal tax-credit subsidies being withdrawn, the Toyota bZ is now the best-selling non-Tesla EV in America. Toyota USA Toyota is about to blitz the market with an onslaught of new EV launches aimed at capitalizing on the changing EV landscape while the market weeds out the weak. So how did Toyota, after being so late to the party, not only make an impact but also deliver exactly what the mass market for EVs demanded? Measure Twice, Cut OnceToyota, having cornered the hybrid market as its hedge against foregoing the early EV market, used its hybrid success as the foundation on which to build its EV strategy; after a rather tepid introduction to the market with the bZ4X in 2024, Toyota received feedback from industry researchers, journalists, and its customers. They then distilled this feedback to come to a conclusion of what truly mattered to EV buyers. What they learned is that customers do not want a revolution in their driveway; they want a vehicle that works, that is practical, and that does not break the bank while meeting all their needs. As such, Toyota concluded that the core variables that define EV demand are range, reliability, ease-of-use, and in-car technology. Toyota USA Toyota also learned that by simply watching the market crumble, year after year, as countries rolled back EV subsidies, the market shrank. Noticing the trend, where EV demand was guided by pricing and value, Toyota realized that buyers simply wanted a car that was cheap to run, could haul the family and groceries, and was well equipped; very little else mattered as long as the pricing made sense. An economic explanation would be the fact that cars around the $50,000 mark - which is the only segment of EVs significantly contributing to market share - display demand that is highly price-elastic. This means that demand reacts very sensitively to changes in pricing, and as EV subsidies are being taken away, this pricing shock means these cars offer a less compelling value proposition to buyers. Sticking to Its RootsIf you think about it, Toyota has very rarely created cars that do more than exactly what they are designed to do - the vanilla ice-cream of the automotive world, if you will. Sure, it may not be as exciting as a chocolate chip V8 Mustang, but a vanilla GR86 is fun, practical, efficient, and will last longer at lower maintenance costs; variables that hold weight when it comes to influencing buyers Toyota USA This same approach was applied to the bZ4X, and now, in 2026, can be attributed to the success of Toyota's new electric crossover, the bZ. With range being bumped up to 314 miles, approximately 25 percent more than the bZ4X, the incorporation of Tesla’s NACS for all 2026 models, which effectively doubles the charger network compatibility across America, and a revised interior and exterior design to address ease-of-use complaints from customers of the bZ4X. Toyota has paused, listened to the market, and answered the prayers of EV buyers who just want a car that works, not one that is reinventing the wheel with spaceship looks, a yoke for a steering wheel, and a button that makes the car fly at Mach 3 while cooking you a hot dog. What's Next From Toyota?With Toyota’s onslaught of new EVs, from the compact C-HR EV which targets urban buyers looking for a familiar experience while also wanting to transition to EV ownership, to its recently revealed 2027 Highlander EV offering electric power with three-row family SUV practicality, as well as the bZ and bZ Woodland - Toyota is looking to increase EV market share by offering a range of products, each of different sizes and capabilities, to its diverse consumer base. Toyota USA Having all but single-handedly grown America’s hybrid vehicle market, and owning almost all of the market share, Toyota waited, watched, and when the time was right with the market settling into its post-subsidy state which took out a significant chunk of the competition, with some automakers even reporting up to 60 percent declines in year-on-year EV sales - Toyota took a step back before delivering exactly what the market demanded. Toyota waited, watched, and delivered exactly what today’s EV buyers are asking for. View the full article

Keeping Heritage AliveThere are some automotive brands that have managed to stay alive and somewhat relevant over the years despite remaining small operations. Lotus has had an interesting automotive story, born out of Colin Chapman's desire to build true light sports cars using technology from F1. It has had its ups and downs over the years, but people have always believed in the brand, and it remains recognizable today. In fact, the brand is celebrating a major milestone this year, 77 years since its founding. A local dealer in Japan is using this as an opportunity to offer a one-of-a-kind experience for potential customers. Lotus Cars Immersive ExperienceStarting April 19 up to May 31 2026, Hakko LR an authorized dealer of Lotus is offering a 1-night/2-day premium test drive experience. This offer is valid for people who want to experience modern Lotus products, namely the Eletre, Emeya, and Emira. It will only be offered to three groups of people, for the three models available. Japanese publication S. Response reports that the cost of this package is 770,000 Yen ($4,900 at the current exchange rate), including taxes and service charges. Part of the package is that the full amount is deductible from the vehicle's price if you purchase after the experience, essentially making it a buyer's freebie. The drive itself will take participants from Osaka to Kyoto, where they will stay at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto Hotel, located on the banks of the Kamo River. The room itself will have a spectacular view facing the river, and for dinner guests can choose between the La Locanda italian resturant or Mizuki a Japanese restaurant that serves four distinct types of cuisine. Both dinner packages will offer wine pairings and a special bespoke dessert featuring the Lotus logo. Lotus Unique TasteThis type of exclusive offer is not surprising for a market like Japan. Considering that Japanese car nuts are among the most particular customers, not to mention that they have unique tastes. Despite the smaller scale of Lotus globally, in car crazy markets like Japan, seeing a Lotus on the road is normal, as smaller niche brands continue to have dedicated followers there. Kyle Edward View the full article

Uses Less Fuel than a MotorcycleGeely now holds a Guinness World Record for thermal efficiency, with its new i-HEV system rated at 48.4%, according to a report from Car News China. That figure represents how much energy from fuel is actually converted into usable power, and at nearly 50%, it places Geely at the very top tier of mass-production internal combustion engineering. Alongside that, the system delivers a claimed 106 mpg under combined conditions, reinforcing just how tightly optimized the entire hybrid setup is. The gains come from a purpose-built hybrid engine, paired with AI-driven energy management and a high-output 230 kW electric drive. But more importantly, this is part of a deliberate strategy. Geely is choosing to refine HEV technology rather than lean fully into PHEVs or EVs, recognizing that smaller 1–2 kWh batteries mean less weight, lower costs, and reduced reliance on raw materials, all while maintaining exceptional efficiency and strong urban drivability. Geely Geely Expands i-HEV Across Core ModelsGeely is set to roll out its new i-HEV system across key high-volume models, including the Geely Preface, Geely Monjaro, Emgrand, and Boyue. The expansion is scheduled for 2026, signaling a broader push to integrate hybrid technology across its mainstream passenger car lineup rather than limiting it to niche variants. Underpinning this rollout is a flexible architecture supporting multiple hybrid-dedicated engines – 1.5L, 1.5TD, and 2.0TD – paired with an integrated 11-in-1 electric drive unit. In real-world figures, the Preface i-HEV is rated at 59 mpg, while the Monjaro i-HEV delivers 50 mpg, reinforcing Geely’s focus on scalable, high-efficiency performance across segments. Autoblog / Leroy Marion Perfect Middle Ground?While Geely pushes new benchmarks, Toyota has long doubled down on hybrids, and the industry may be catching up to that thinking. The Corolla Cross is expected to move toward an all-hybrid lineup by 2028, mirroring the success of the RAV4’s hybrid-heavy mix. It’s a strategy focused on proven efficiency and scalable deployment, rather than going all-in on full electrification. That approach is becoming more relevant as market realities shift. Chinese EV makers are rapidly expanding globally, increasing pressure across segments, while EV demand in some regions is softening. Automakers are beginning to recalibrate, with companies like BMW reportedly scaling back certain EV plans amid slowing sales. Companies such as Geely are recognizing that EV adoption remains uneven, making hybrids the most practical middle ground. Geely The LowdownMore automakers are now expanding their hybrid portfolios, recognizing that HEVs offer a compelling balance of efficiency, affordability, and real-world usability. Plug-in hybrids still promise flexibility, but they also introduce added complexity, effectively combining two powertrains into one, which can mean higher costs and more potential issues over time. Sometimes, the most effective solution is also the most proven. Toyota has spent decades refining hybrid systems into a benchmark for reliability and efficiency, and Geely’s latest achievement only strengthens that case. A near-50% thermal efficiency engine and triple-digit mpg figure highlight how hybrid technology continues to evolve, while remaining one of the most practical paths to mass-market efficiency gains. Geely View the full article

We hear about car thefts all the time, and have been victims ourselves, so when we saw this story on the national news this morning we knew we had to share it. In 1969, after returning home from the Vietnam War, David Munoz bought a brand new Fathom Green 1969 Camaro. He drove the car daily for years, and then when his son Victor turned 16 he gave him the car. In 2009, while sitting at a body shop getting work done to it, the car was stolen and thought lost forever. Who knew that in 2026, while investigating other stolen property, the police would find it and only 20 miles away from where it was stolen. That’s 17 years that this car has been missing, but now it’s home. Here’s the video from CBS LA. The post California Man Reunited with Stolen 1969 Camaro Bought Brand New By His Vietnam Veteran Father! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

There is a specific kind of madness required to dedicate one’s life to a defunct American motorcycle brand in the heart of French racing country. But for Hugo, the manager of Mecabuell Garage, it isn't madness; it’s a mission. Located within the perimeter of the Alès motor racing circuit in southern... View the full article

Orlando Speed World Dragway is proud to announce the return of one of the most anticipated events in domestic American muscle and street-style drag racing — the 2026 FuelTech World Street Nationals, taking place November 12–15, 2026. In a historic and highly anticipated milestone, competitors will battle for the prestigious NHRA Wally trophy, elevating the World Street Nationals to an entirely new level of competition and recognition. Known as “The Original” and “Grandfather of all”, the World Street Nationals has built a reputation as the premier stage for the fastest street/strip cars in the world. From elite-level competitors to rising stars, racers will converge in Orlando to prove who truly belongs at the top. This year’s partnership with FuelTech brings cutting-edge technology and innovation to the forefront, reinforcing the event’s commitment to performance, precision, and progression in modern drag racing. For the first time in event history, winners will earn the iconic NHRA Wally, a symbol of excellence recognized across the global drag racing community. This addition raises the stakes, turning every pass down the track into a defining moment for racers chasing both victory and legacy. “Adding the Wally to the World Street Nationals changes everything,” said event organizers. “This isn’t just about winning a race anymore. It’s about earning a place in drag racing history.” Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as horsepower, technology, and driver skill collide in one of the most competitive environments in the sport. Classes and payout details will be announced soon. For more details, visit www.raceosw.com. The post FuelTech World Street Nationals Returns to Orlando Speed World Dragway; Racers to Compete for Coveted NHRA Wally in 2026 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

EV Fire is BrutalThere’s a longstanding concern around electric vehicles catching fire, and a recent incident at a BYD facility in China underscores those worries. According to CarNewsChina, BYD’s Pingshan facility in Shenzhen experienced a fire on Tuesday, with dense smoke seen rising from a multi-level parking structure. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident. BYD clarified that the parking area contained only “test and scrapped vehicles,” meaning no customer cars were affected, and that production continued without disruption. Despite the fire, authorities and the Chinese automaker sought to ease public concerns over EV safety, maintaining that the incident was isolated. What Early Reports SayPreliminary investigations, as reported by China Daily, indicate the fire was caused by improper external construction operations, suggesting that building work or welding may have sparked the blaze, rather than the EV batteries themselves. Electric cars are known to experience a phenomenon called thermal runaway, in which high-voltage batteries can overheat to the point that individual cells catch fire. It can occur even when an EV is not in use, as seen with the Volkswagen ID.4, which was recalled in the U.S. earlier this year and owners were advised to park outside to reduce the risk of a fire spreading to a home or nearby structure. If an EV catches fire, it can be more difficult to extinguish because it can trigger a chain reaction in neighboring cells. In a 2022 incident involving a Tesla Model S, the Sacramento Metro Fire District even submerged the vehicle in water to help contain the fire. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog No Need to PanicGiven that improper external construction operations are believed to be the root cause, this incident should not raise significant concerns among BYD owners or prospective buyers. While Chinese automakers remain largely restricted in the U.S., North American neighbors Mexico and Canada have taken different approaches, with the latter allowing an initial quota of up to 49,000 Chinese EVs per year at a lower tariff under a new arrangement. The incident comes as BYD continues to expand its ultra-fast charging infrastructure, known as Flash Charging. It supports charging rates of up to 1,500 kW, enough to take an EV from 10 to 97 percent in as little as nine minutes. The company aims to grow the network to 20,000 Flash Charging stations by year-end, up from around 5,000 currently. Hauke-Christian Dittrich/picture alliance via Getty Images View the full article

Santa Pod Raceway is delighted to announce a new partnership to become the Main Title Sponsor of the venue’s unique ‘outlaw’ race: The DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech. FuelTech, the leading global manufacturer of motorsport electronic and engine-management systems, has already joined Santa Pod as title sponsor of the FuelTech Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship and its fearsome, 250mph ‘doorslammer’ Pro Modified cars. FuelTech now develops that relationship by supporting Santa Pod’s unique DOORSLAMMERS race – Pro Mods and other outrageous machines racing, so to speak, ‘with the gloves off.’ ‘Doorslammer’ is a popular term for full-bodied cars with working doors. ‘Outlaw’ describes a race at which the technical rules and regulations governing official championships are not applied. The DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech offers a £100,000 prize fund and racers from across Europe will do whatever it takes to carry off the cash. It’s a genuine high-performance free-for-all. Pro Mods and their ilk are the event’s headline attraction, but a range of other classes featured at The DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech includes non-V8s, front-wheel-drive and road-legal vehicles. The DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech takes place from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May 2026 at Santa Pod Raceway, NN29 7XA. Tickets are bookable only online or by phone – visit https://santapodtickets.com/p/thedoorslammers or telephone the Box Office at 01234 782828. Full event information can be found at https://santapod.co.uk/events/doorslammers/. The post ‘The DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech’ – Santa Pod Celebrates New Partnership for its Unique Outlaw Race first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The first-ever Audi RS Q5 has been spied for the first time as Ingolstadt prepares an answer to the remarkably popular BMW X3 M, and Audi may give it a more restrained look than its other RS high-performance products. At first glance, it appears as if we're looking at just another SQ5, the current most potent Q5 variant, but a closer look reveals that this is a test mule for something more exciting, with wider arches attached to the fenders being one of the biggest clues. Audi painted these the same blue as the rest of the prototype to try to hide the crossover's identity, but zoom in, and the rivets show that the hottest Q5 will get a wider track to help put monstrous power to the asphalt. First Audi RS Q5 Expected to Adopt RS 5 Powertrain SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Our spies report that the first-ever RS Q5 will use the same 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 and electric motor as the latest RS 5, in which total output is rated at 630 horsepower and 608 lb-ft of torque. While an eight-speed automatic is likely, we don't yet know whether it'll be the hybridized transaxle of the RS 5, particularly since that could impact cargo volume, especially with the hybrid battery already taking up space. Thus, it's also unclear if the RS Q5 will have figures quite as high as the RS 5, but given that the current BMW X3 M Competition makes 503 hp and a new, more powerful version with Neue Klasse influence is undoubtedly on the way, it would not be a surprise to see Audi throw the kitchen sink at its first serious high-performance crossover since the now-discontinued five-cylinder RS Q3. Whatever the case, yellow decals on the glass confirm that this will have hybrid power of some sort. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article It'll likely be quite some time before we have answers because this is an early prototype in an SQ5 body, and after initial development is complete, Audi will begin testing mules with bodywork more like the final product. These will likely have large, more central exhaust tips and much more aggressive bumpers. We can also expect a sportier roof spoiler, and since this test car has those additions to its wheel arches, it seems likely that Audi will mold new bodywork with vented front fenders and muscular rear haunches that flow from bulbous rear doors. If these predictions are accurate, the first RS Q5 certainly won't be a sleeper. Multiple Screens Expected Inside RS Q5, Drift Mode Possible SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Our spies weren't close enough to see inside, but like the latest SQ5, the RS model will have an 11.9-inch digital cluster, or Audi Virtual Cockpit, with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both featuring unique RS graphics and readouts. What we're most keen to see is if the RS Q5 gets a drift mode like the RS 5. The current BMW X3 M wasn't launched with one, though its all-wheel-drive system favors the rear axle. BMW has surely taken note of the numerous aftermarket tuners who have coded the system to allow for a rear-drive-only setting that smokes the rear tires with ease, and it's entirely possible that this will become commonplace in future hot crossovers. Sure, a tall center of gravity makes such a move seem unsafe, but given how heavy modern cars are and how much weight is concentrated down low in hybrids, it's not a major concern. We'll keep our ears to the ground and report back once more info becomes available. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

There’s a version of the Pro Mod rules debate that plays out in comment sections and Facebook groups, where people who have never tuned a race car tell those who have exactly what needs to happen. “Stevie Fast” Jackson is not one of those people. He’s built the engines, logged the dyno pulls, and spent the money. Now he’s making the important call about where he thinks Pro Mod is heading. Killin’ Time Racing is going centrifugal. All the way. “We’re building 13 of these things right now,” Jackson said on a recent episode of the Shake and Bake Show. “We’re converting everyone’s car to centrifugal and building all these motors. We’re developing. I’m spending a million bucks on this.” That’s not a complaint, it’s a conviction. And attached to it is a very specific request directed at every sanctioning body in the country that runs a Pro Mod program: give everyone one full calendar year with the rules exactly as they are, and don’t touch them. “I don’t care,” Jackson said. “You can add another hundred to it and leave it alone. Just so we’re fixing to convert everyone’s car and build all these motors…as soon as we get it done, don’t slap another hundred on it because I want to come play in the sandbox that everybody’s in right now.” The context matters here. The centrifugal combination has dominated Pro Mod qualifying at DI Winter Series events to a degree that is difficult to argue against. Per data Jackson presented on the show, a screw blower hasn’t qualified number one at a Winter Series race since Chip King turned the trick in January of 2023. The numbers behind that stat are just as stark: centrifugal and turbo cars make up roughly 30 percent of the field but have claimed the number one qualifying spot at essentially every race during that stretch. Fifty pounds was the answer the PDRA offered in the form of a weight addition to the centrifugal combination, a move that divided the community along predictable lines. Jackson’s position is more nuanced than the loudest voices on either side of the argument. He thinks 50 might not be enough. In the meantime, he’s not boycotting or posting manifestos. He’s converting cars and spending money because he believes in where the combination is going, and he’s watched what happens when a dominant combination gets legislated into oblivion long enough to know he’d rather be holding the hot hand than waiting for the rules to catch up. “If the screw qualified number one and won every race for three years, what do you think they would do to it?” Jackson said. “I mean, it wouldn’t make it two weeks before they would want to put 100 pounds on it.” The philosophical point underneath all of this is one that Jackson has been making for a while, and it’s getting harder to dismiss. The centrifugal doesn’t win because it makes the most power. It wins, in large part, because of how it delivers that power: a loose converter, less wheel speed off the line, more consistent passes, more data accumulated over more runs. Crew chiefs like Brandon Stroud and Steve Petty are not only brilliant, the data-sharing model that Proline Racing and its network of customers has built-in gives centrifugal programs a structural advantage that weight alone can’t fully address. “A lot of it has to do with how loose of a converter you can run in the centrifugal deals,” Lyle Barnett explained on the same episode. “It’s just easier to get the motor’s head up and keep it up.” Jackson went further. He credited Eric Dillard and the Proline operation directly for building not just a fast combination but a fast system – one that shares information across customers and crew chiefs in a way that the screw blower world, historically secretive and individually-minded, has never matched. “Todd Tutterow is the same way,” said Jackson. “Billy Stocklin, the holder of all notebooks. There’s a bunch of those guys that won’t share their stuff.” Jackson says KTR has changed that internally, moving to a shared Google Drive model where every crew chief has access to every run from every car going back years. “Everything’s on a Google Drive. You can look at my orange car ProCharger data from 2011 if you want to.” The man who arguably lit the current screw vs. centrifugal fire also received genuine kudos from Jackson. It’s worth noting because you don’t hear many competitors say it this way. “I want to give a huge shout out to Dustin Hart for singlehandedly causing this whole debacle,” Jackson said. “You’ve got a guy who spent a lot of his own money, built a product, came out with a better mousetrap, and he’s crushing folks. And he should be. That’s capitalism, and that’s why I love drag racing in America.” Hart’s new centrifugal supercharger changed the conversation almost overnight. ProCharger responded within thirty days with an upgraded blower of their own. That’s the ecosystem Jackson is betting a million dollars on – not because the rules favor it today, but because the development curve and the data infrastructure around it are pointing in a direction that weight penalties alone aren’t going to redirect. What Jackson wants in exchange for that investment is the same thing a lot of people in this sport keep asking for but rarely receive: stability. A rules committee with real representation across sanctioning bodies – the Drag Illustrated Winter Series, PDRA, NHRA, IHRA, Midwest Drag Racing Series, etc. – with an odd number of voting members and a commitment to holding changes for a fixed window. Not because the current rules are perfect, but because the sport is eating itself every time someone posts a fast number and Monday morning brings a new weight penalty before the data has even had time to breathe. “I’ve told all my customers that we’re converting,” Jackson said. “Do not get mad when they put another 100 pounds on this thing. I’m telling you now. And they’re all okay with it.” That’s the mindset. Eyes open, money on the table, and one request: let it run for a year and see what these things can really do. Jackson will be racing this week at U.S. 60 Dragway in Steel, Alabama, the third stop on the Radial Outlaws Racing Series schedule, beginning a stretch that takes him through five consecutive weekends of competition including back-to-back NHRA events at Charlotte and Valdosta. This story was originally published on April 15, 2026. The post Steve Jackson Is Done Complaining About the Rules – He’s Spending $1M on Development first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Full Self-Driving has finally landed in Europe. On April 10, the Dutch vehicle authority RDW granted Tesla type approval for FSD Supervised, marking the first full EU-wide regulatory clearance and opening the door to a broader rollout this summer. It should have been a victory lap moment for Tesla owners who had been waiting. For many of them, it turned into something else entirely. The approval only applies to vehicles running Tesla's newer AI4 computer. Cars equipped with the older HW3 hardware, also known as FSD Computer 3.0, are excluded from the launch. Thousands of European Tesla owners paid for Full Self-Driving years before any of this hardware distinction existed. Some paid as far back as 2018 or 2019, watching the price climb and the promises pile up, trusting that Tesla would eventually deliver. Now FSD is finally here in Europe, and their cars are not invited. Tesla owes me €6.800. And if you're a HW3 + FSD owner, they owe you too. 2019. One of the first Model 3 owners in the Netherlands. Paid for Full Self-Driving. The promise: same hardware, software updates will unlock full autonomy. Just wait. I waited 7 years. SEVEN years!… pic.twitter.com/zpFW8MUdWp — Mischa Sigtermans (@mischamartijn) April 14, 2026 The Claims Site, and What This Could MeanOne Dutch Model 3 owner named Mischa Sigtermans has had enough. He paid €6,400 (approximately $7,500) for FSD back in 2019 and recently launched a collective claim website specifically aimed at bundling EU Tesla owners on HW3 hardware who want either a negotiated resolution or, failing that, a legal one. Today, Tesla no longer offers FSD as a one-time purchase at all, only as a $99 monthly subscription. European buyers who pre-ordered at configuration paid between €5,300 and €7,500 ($6,300-$8,800), depending on timing, for a feature that, as of this week, they still cannot access. Elon Musk himself acknowledged on Tesla's Q4 2024 earnings call that roughly 4 million vehicles shipped with HW3, and hundreds of thousands of those owners have paid for FSD already. Tesla Tesla's Own Words May Be Its Biggest ProblemThe legal risk for Tesla is that the paper trail is extensive, and a lot of it came from Tesla itself. Musk admitted that the company would need to replace all HW3 computers in cars where FSD had been purchased, calling the situation "painful and difficult". HW3 runs a significantly reduced model compared to AI4, with workarounds to emulate operations that the older chip cannot run natively. Tesla has floated a "v14 Lite" version for HW3, but its own US patent filing acknowledges the workaround can render the system inoperable. As of now, there is still no hardware retrofit program or refund policy. The claims website is in its early stages, but momentum is building fast. What began as one frustrated Dutch owner posting on social media has quickly started to look like the opening move of something much larger, with nearly 1,400 verified participants already. If Tesla does not move to resolve this voluntarily, Europe's courts may eventually do it for them. View the full article

Stellantis’ North American subsidiary FCA US is recalling over 65,000 trucks from the Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 lines over a software error that may cause the digital instrument panel to freeze. The recall covers a total of 65,348 trucks built between August 09, 2024 and July 4, 2025, including certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Just 1% of the recalled vehicles are estimated to have the defect. The 3.5-inch Digital Cluster May Become InoperativeDue to the instrument panel problem, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.” According to the safety call report, “failure to display certain information, such as the Brake, ESC, and TPMS system warning lights and gear selection indicator, may cause a driver to operate a vehicle in a compromised condition, which can increase the risk of a crash without prior warning.” Stellantis The culprit is a 3.5-inch Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) manufactured by Marelli North America that equips all of the above vehicles and which can become inoperative at startup and/or while driving because of a software issue. As a remedy, dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owners will start receiving notification letters from May 28, but if they don’t want to wait until then, they can find out if their vehicle is involved in the recall by searching their Vehicle Identification Number (VINs) on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026. Ram Recalled 72,000 Trucks in December for a Similar Issue RAM Interestingly, this is not the first time Ram is recalling 2025-2026 trucks due to a software glitch of the instrument panel display. In December 2025, the company recalled 72,000 pickups and chassis cab models for a software error that could cause the IPC display to go blank. Mind you, that recall was for models featuring the larger 12-inch IPC. The display in question was also supplied by Marelli North America. It’s also worth noting that several other automakers, including Ford, GM, Toyota and Volkswagen Group have each issued recalls last year for software errors or internal component failures that have led to blank instrument clusters. The digital displays involved in the recalls were all sourced from different Tier 1 suppliers, WardsAuto reported. View the full article

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 421 “SMOKE, HORSEPOWER, AND STRAIGHT TALK” SOME WEEKS ARE BIG. SOME WEEKS ARE LOADED. THIS WEEK? WE’VE GOT A FULL-ON POWER MOVE. This week on The Wes Buck Show, we’re bringing in a lineup that covers just about every angle of NHRA right now, and we’re doing it all at once. First up, Tony “Smoke” Stewart. Fresh off a Top Fuel win in Pomona, and yeah, that makes win number three in Top Fuel for the man, and his first win with this team. Driving for Richard Freeman and Elite Motorsports, Tony is showing early that this deal can win. Joining him is Richard Freeman, the man behind Elite Motorsports. Car owner. Pro Stock powerhouse. And one of the most unapologetic voices in the sport. If he’s thinking it, he’s saying it. No filter. No backing down. We’re gonna hear it straight from him on how this whole deal with Tony is going and what he sees moving forward. And then there’s Matt Hagan, Funny Car winner in Pomona, driving for Tony Stewart Racing. Veteran. Champion. And yeah, the dude shows up looking like a modern day cowboy every single race weekend. Game day outfit dialed in. But when that helmet goes on, it’s all business. One of the most dangerous guys in the class, and he proved it again last weekend. Three big personalities. Three different roles. One stacked conversation. Top Fuel. Funny Car. Pro Stock brains. This one is gonna have a little bit of everything. 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 #TonyStewart #Smoke #MattHagan #RichardFreeman #EliteMotorsports #TonyStewartRacing #NHRA #TopFuel #FunnyCar #Pomona #WBS #DI #RacersClub This story was originally published on April 15, 2026. The post The Wes Buck Show | Ep.421 | Tony Stewart, Matt Hagan, & Richard Freeman first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

A Name That Carries WeightThe Jensen Interceptor stands out for a certain era in British motoring. When it launched in the 1960s, it mixed Italian design with American V8 power, making a name for itself as a fast, comfortable GT. Production stopped in the 1970s, and while the brand tried to come back a few times – like with the S-V8 in the early 2000s – none of those efforts really stuck. Even so, the Interceptor name never really went away. Jensen International Automotive kept it alive with restored and updated versions for collectors who wanted the classic shape but with modern reliability. Earlier this year, Jensen confirmed it was building an all-new Interceptor – not a restomod, but a car designed from scratch. Now it has a name: the Jensen Interceptor GTX. Jensen International Automotive Clean-Sheet, Old-School PhilosophyJensen says the Interceptor GTX is their first real clean-sheet car, built from the ground up instead of reusing an old platform. The initial teaser image shows a blue coupe with a full-width LED taillight (sigh), complete with an illuminated Jensen badge in the middle. Underneath, it uses a lightweight aluminum chassis and a hand-built aluminum body. Power comes from a custom V8, with no hybrid or electric tech in sight. The goal is simple: a pure, analog driving experience. Of note, Jeff Qvale, whose father once owned Jensen Motors, is now a key partner on the project. He brings experience in car distribution and building limited-run models, which ties the new car to Jensen’s history and today’s luxury market. Jensen is pitching the GTX as a hand-built, ultra-high-performance car for buyers who want something special. That means low production numbers and a price that will almost certainly be deep into six figures, though they haven’t shared exact numbers yet. Zac Palmer What Happens NextThe Interceptor GTX will debut globally in the second quarter of 2026, first as a pre-production prototype. That means it’s not quite ready for showrooms, but it’s far enough along to show what Jensen has in mind. Jensen International is also timing the reveal to mark about 60 years since the first Interceptor was launched. It’s a nod to the car’s heritage, but they want this new model to stand on its own. Of note, we don’t have details yet on production numbers, pricing, or when deliveries will start, but since it’s hand-built, expect a slow, custom process. We’ll keep watching for updates as always. For now, the Interceptor GTX looks promising, especially if you’re ready for something different from the usual electric crowd. View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Chinese Automakers Could “Put Us All Out of Business”Ford CEO Jim Farley isn’t mincing words. In an interview with Bloomberg, the FoMoCo head honcho has doubled down on his stance that Chinese automakers pose an existential threat to the U.S. auto industry, warning that allowing them into the market could be “devastating” for domestic manufacturing. Farley argues that the scale, speed, and state-backed nature of China’s automotive sector create an uneven playing field that American brands simply aren’t equipped to match under current conditions. This echoes earlier remarks in which Farley suggested that Chinese brands could “put us all out of business,” citing their vertically integrated supply chains, aggressive pricing, and rapid EV development cycles. Companies like BYD have already demonstrated an ability to dominate emerging markets, leveraging government support to undercut rivals. BYD Canada Opens the Door While Rivals Scramble to AdaptWhile the U.S. maintains steep tariffs to keep Chinese EVs out, Canada is preparing to welcome its first wave of Chinese automakers, something Farley openly worries could create a backdoor into the American market. Brands like BYD are already gaining traction globally, and with Canada set to import tens of thousands of vehicles annually, the North American landscape could change quickly. Farley’s concern is that, once these vehicles establish a foothold nearby, containment becomes significantly harder. Beyond market share, there’s also the issue of data and security. Modern EVs are effectively rolling data centers, and Farley has raised red flags about the volume of information they can collect. This has already prompted some automakers to strip Chinese-developed software from their systems to comply with tightening regulations. Meanwhile, legacy giants like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are taking a different route: studying Chinese competitors closely, adapting to their strategies, and accelerating their own EV and software development to stay competitive. Geely Price Wars, Policy Gaps, and a Reality CheckThe broader EV slowdown in the U.S. adds another layer to this debate. With federal tax credits becoming less consistent, affordability has once again become a primary concern for buyers. Surveys suggest many Americans would seriously consider cheaper Chinese EVs if they were available, especially as inflation continues to pressure household budgets. That demand-side reality complicates the protectionist stance, as consumers increasingly prioritize value over brand origin. That said, the idea of ultra-cheap Chinese EVs flooding the U.S. may not fully materialize. Vehicles that are inexpensive in China often arrive at significantly higher price points overseas due to tariffs, logistics, and compliance costs, as seen with BYD models in Europe. So while Farley fears a price war, the bigger disruption may come from quality, technology, and features. If Chinese automakers continue to excel in those areas, they’ll force American brands to raise their game, whether they like it or not. LEROY MARION View the full article

That vintage bike with the cracked intake boots that the OEM stopped making 20 years ago? Guess what, it won't cost you a kidney to fix.View the full article

A Big Price Drop That Doesn’t Really Change MuchHonda made headlines in April by chopping $7,500 off the 2026 Prologue’s MSRP, dropping the base price from $47,400 to $39,900 before destination charges. It sounds like a big deal at first glance. However, an analysis of dealer incentive bulletins by CarsDirect shows that the price cut doesn’t actually translate into better real-world deals. Whether you’re paying cash, financing, or leasing, the savings largely cancel out due to reduced incentives. So while the Prologue looks cheaper on paper, your monthly payments or total outlay probably won’t budge. Honda Buying One? The Math Doesn’t Favor YouIf you’re paying cash or financing, the price cut doesn’t do much for you. Honda used to offer up to $8,000 in dealer cash. Now, after the MSRP drop, that’s down to just $500. The lower sticker just swaps places with the old incentive instead of stacking on top. Financing isn’t much better. The Prologue’s 0.99% APR for 60 months is okay, but in today’s EV market, rivals are offering more aggressive deals. As cited by the publication, the 2026 Toyota bZ lineup is already being pushed with 0% financing for up to 72 months plus bonus cash. Meanwhile, the 2026 Subaru Solterra comes with similar 0% financing and up to $6,000 in incentives, dropping its effective price much lower. Line up the numbers, and the Prologue’s new price doesn’t really move it ahead. It’s still stuck in the same spot as before. Honda Leasing Tells a Different Story, But Not a Better OneLeasing tells a similar story. Even with the $7,500 MSRP drop, lease prices barely budge. The Prologue EX AWD still leases nationally for $309 a month over 36 months with $4,599 due at signing, because Honda slashed lease cash from $8,000 to just $500. Honda bumped the residual value from 45% to 53%, which helps keep monthly payments steady even as incentives disappear. The end result? The lease deal looks almost exactly like it did before. On the upside, there is a $2,000 conquest incentive, so some buyers can get the monthly payment down to about $249, with an effective cost closer to $377. That keeps the Prologue in the small group of EV SUVs near the $300-a-month range. Bottom line: the price cut doesn’t actually make the Prologue more affordable. It just moves numbers around, leaving buyers and lessees right where they started. Honda View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

France has essentially not had rally raids on its soil since the Paris-Dakar had its ceremonial start in the capital, but that's all about to change this September.View the full article

It's like flowers blooming and birds singing as spring finally arrives, only the trail-riding motorcycle version. Are you ready yet?View the full article

The arrival of any new Porsche 911 is a big deal, as was the case this week when the GT3 S/C (Sport Cabriolet) was unveiled. This stunning 911 pairs the regular GT3’s 502-horsepower 4.0-liter flat-six engine with the freedom of open-air motoring, and it also arrives with a slew of extras from the 911 S/T to save weight. At $273,000, it’s not cheap, but that base price is only the beginning. Now that the configurator is live, we specified the most expensive 911 GT3 S/C we could, with well over $100,000 in optional extras sending the price skyrocketing. Related: Porsche Reveals First Convertible 911 GT3 With a 9,000 RPM Engine and 911 S/T Tech The Most Expensive 911 GT3 S/C Options 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Porsche View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article Like other Porsches, the GT3 S/C is highly customizable. From extensive packages to the smallest details, you can create a truly unique sports car. Going through each and every option we added would be exhaustive, so here are the main ones with the most eye-popping price tags: Paint to Sample Plus: $48,240Street Style Package: $34,19020/21-inch GT3 winter wheel-and-tire set painted in satin-gloss black: $11,560Exterior Package in Carbon Fiber: $4,800Front axle lift system: $3,890Front protection film: $2,760Chrono Package with Porsche Design GT Clock: $2,300 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Porsche View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Paint to Sample Plus has the most extraordinary price tag, but allows you to submit almost any color sample and have your Porsche finished in that shade. There’s more value to be had in the Street Style Package, which adds special decals, forged magnesium lightweight wheels, HD-Matrix Design LED headlights, adaptive sports seats, and a lot more. Choosing this package prevents you from selecting several other customization options. Smaller upgrades like lightweight carbon fiber wiper arms ($1,340), rear compartment trim in leather ($1,140), and sport tailpipes in Titanium ($1,140) were also added. In the end, we managed to add $106,340 in optional equipment and $12,212 in accessories. The final price, including the delivery fee of $2,350, worked out to a staggering $393,902. Porsche Related: The 10 Most Expensive Porsche 911 Options in the U.S. A Special Car—Even With Zero Extras Porsche While few 911 GT3 S/C customers will end up spending almost $400,000 on one, you don’t need to add a single extra to an already impressive machine to enjoy it. Producing 502 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, this convertible shoots from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds. The engine’s ability to rev to 9,000 rpm is accompanied by an addictive noise, made all the more visceral when the roof is down. Even better is the fact that it comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. While most convertibles come with a substantial weight penalty, the GT3 S/C is only 266 lbs heavier than the hard-top S/T and 203 lbs lighter than a 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Extensive use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic for various body panels and magnesium for the roof contribute to the low mass. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system saves another 44 lbs. Expected to arrive at U.S. dealers in the fall, the 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C instantly becomes one of the most desirable drop-tops in the world—whether or not you load it up with options. Related: Porsche Just Built a One-Off 911 GT3 Inspired by the Amazon Rainforest View the full article

MV Agusta’s 300-unit Rush Titanio carries an eye-watering price tag, pushing hyper naked pricing even higher. View the full article

I don’t know any car guys and gals who don’t like mini bikes and go karts, and in recent years there is no better engine than a Predator from Harbor Freight. Freiburger and I built mini bikes nearly 20 years ago, when these Predators first came out, and I can tell you that the 6.5 horsepower engine made way more power than the 4 hp that came on them and it make them a riot to ride. With a little intake and carb love and exhaust it made more power, but we had no clue how much. Thanks to Frankie and Pat at Engine Power we know what these engines make now, and what power gains are possible with different mods. Check it out as they do the cheapest and quickest mods, plus go all out with a full engine rebuild. Regardless of the mods, the price is right because you are only talking about a small single cylinder engine. So what is the zip tie on the governor worth? How about a carb and straight pipe? What about a connecting rod, some extra compression, a cam and flywheel? How about a cylinder head? Watch, you’ll dig the results. Video Description: We show you how to have lots of fun building engines on a budget. We dive into the world of small engines, doing a multi-stage build on a 212 CC Go-Kart engine, and we test some easy, bolt-on upgrades on the chassis dyno and behind the wheel. PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE ARP Bolts & Fasteners EC Carburetors Wildcat WC946 Assembly with Valves, Springs & Aluminum Retainers Go Power Sports Head Gasket: 212cc Non-Hemi Predator Go Power Sports Predator Performance Billet Connecting Rod Harbor Freight Tools Predator 6.5HP (212cc) OHV Horizontal-Shaft Gas Engine NIBBI Racing Predator 212 Carburetor Set The post Big Power, Small Engine: Double Or TRIPLE The Power Of Your Predator Engine For Go Kart And Mini Bike Fun! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

When you make enough trades, there is no doubt that occasionally you won’t end up making out exactly as planned. Doesn’t mean the car or truck you trade for sucks, but maybe it just doesn’t quite live up to expectations. Meanwhile I’ve also known folks who made trades or buys only to find out that the car or truck is not what it was said to be. We’ve all heard about engines there were “rebuilt” only to find out they were just painted. So is that what happened to Mortske on this one? Is this lowered dually a dud? Watch the entertaining video on getting this thing, trying to make it home a few hundred miles, and then figuring out what’s going on with it. Video Description: Join along as we attempt to road trip my 1994 GMC dually I just got on trade and then we fix all of the issues we find along the way! If you’d like to own this pickup it is available for $12,000 cash in the as shown condition! As always, thanks for watching! The post This Crew Cab Dually Trade Road Trip Goes South For Mortske! Did He Get TAKEN Or Is This Just Lowered Dually Life? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Toyota has an excellent reputation for reliability, but not always, and three Lexus products under recall are evidence that even the Japanese automaker's luxury products can sometimes fail. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 14 products across three models and eight model years have issues with their fuel delivery systems, with low-pressure in-tank fuel pumps that may fail. Altogether, Toyota says 9,139 vehicles are potentially saddled with the issue, and because it's a hardware problem, customers will need to visit their local dealers to have it rectified. Let's take a closer look at which cars are under recall. Three Lexus Vehicles Recalled Lexus According to the NHTSA recall report, 856 examples of the 2022 Lexus IS, produced between May 17, 2021, and February 15, 2022, have the fuel pump issue. The 2015-2022 Lexus RC coupe is also named in the recall, naming 5,879 examples produced between June 10, 2014, and February 11, 2022. Finally, the Lexus GS is also impacted, with 2016-2020 model years made between July 14, 2015, and July 29, 2020, named. 2,404 examples of the midsize luxury sedan are impacted. So what's the exact problem? Toyota says the recalled vehicles' fuel pumps have impellers made of a certain resin that may swell, thus interfering with surrounding components and eventually causing the pump to stop delivering fuel, particularly if the fuel reaches high temperatures. If this happens, the car may fail to start or suddenly lose fuel pressure while driving, causing the engine to stall and thereby increasing the risk of a crash. The problem is expected to cause a check engine light, so even if owners don't notice stuttering from the engine, the cluster will tell them that there's a problem. If your vehicle is one of those named in the recall, it's best not to wait for this CEL to appear, as an engine starved of fuel can develop other problems. This issue may sound familiar, as a recall in 2020 for failing fuel pumps impacted over 6 million vehicles globally. Lexus Customers Must Wait Several Weeks for a Fix Lexus View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Unfortunately, while the recall will be taken care of with a no-cost fuel pump assembly replacement, and while dealers have already been notified of the recall in preparation for a fix, Toyota only expects to be ready to inform owners of the problem next month or even in June; the planned remedy owner notification date is May 25-June 8, 2026. Of course, if your car is already showing symptoms and you decide to get it repaired before you receive a recall notice, Toyota will reimburse you for the associated costs. However, the recall documents do not indicate that applicable VINs are yet searchable, so it's tough to be proactive in this case. View the full article