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The Comeback We Didn't ExpectFor the most part, American automakers have all but abandoned sedans in the home market. Ford doesn't have anything to offer in that class, while GM has only Cadillac to sell these four-door cars. As for Stellantis, its lone offering is the Dodge Charger. You can literally count all the American sedans sold stateside with one hand. The irony is, GM and Ford are still selling sedans outside the U.S. GM's Chinese operations still have loads of them, while Ford has a model in select markets. Sure, crossovers now dominate the sales charts in America, but we can't help but think that American automakers gave away all their potential sales to rivals. Lately, though, there has been a turnaround. With rising average new-car prices, Ford and Stellantis, in particular, are looking to either reintroduce or introduce more sedans to their respective rosters. Even GM wants in on the fun, by the looks of things. So, with all major American automakers considering these at the very least, it looks like the American sedan will soon stage its comeback. Exciting times, indeed, especially for those with crossover and SUV fatigue. Dodge Chrysler's Much-Needed Second ModelSure, the Pacifica is the nation's best-selling minivan, but a car company cannot survive for long with just one model in the range. Chrysler desperately needs a second vehicle, and recently, it hinted at a sedan revival that will be 'unlike anything seen before.' There was mention of the possibility of it 'blending segments,' so it might be a lifted sedan of sorts, since people can't get enough of crossovers these days. It's a bolder, riskier approach, but it still doesn't rule out the possibility of it looking more traditional. A Charger-based 300 could work and help bring back Chrysler to its Halcyon days, provided it makes the right noises. Cole Attisha Using Gemini 3 Pro Ford's PlanCEO Jim Farley had made it clear that sedans are back on the table. However, what he didn't say is what kind of sedan the company could release down the line. Subcompact and compact sedans seem out of the picture, so there might be a chance we're looking at a mid-size or even large sedan in the future. As mentioned, Ford has the Taurus and Mondeo for China and the Middle East. So far, the Taurus has been doing consistently well, and the Mondeo has been steady. Both are effectively the Fusion had Ford not discontinued it in 2020, and it's not just a reskin of the old car. Another possibility is for Ford to use the rear-drive Explorer platform to build a large sedan. Maybe they can call it Crown Victoria, but we're just thinking out loud. Ford GM to Give Buick a Sedan?While there's no word from GM, there's a good chance that at least one of its brands is set to receive a sedan. There have been recent reports that Buick is adding a sedan to its lineup after years without one. It could be derived from the Cadillac CT5, a model that's underpinned by the Alpha 2 platform. There's also the possibility of GM tapping into its resources in China to bring in the Lacrosse from there. The Lacrosse was discontinued in the U.S in 2019, but continues to thrive in China. The Chinese Lacrosse is likely the most cost-effective solution if GM wants to give Buick a sedan as soon as possible. The question now is whether these planned and rumored future American sedans can still appeal to customers. It's one thing to say that people want one, but it's a totally different matter when it comes to actual purchasing. The cars can't be cookie-cutter sedans if these automakers want any chance against well-established rivals. It won't be easy, but it might be worth a shot. Buick View the full article

The Crossover Corolla Getting Ready for Its Next StepThe Toyota Corolla Cross only showed up in the US in 2022, but it’s been on sale elsewhere since 2020. That means it’s still a fresh face in automaker’s lineup, but it’s already closing in on the usual window for a full model change. Now, there’s a clearer idea of when the next step is coming. According to the latest issue of Japan’s Best Car magazine, the all-new Corolla Cross is penciled in for 2028. They’ve also dropped some early hints about what Toyota is working on, from hardware tweaks to the overall direction. It’s early, but the idea of a more advanced, hybrid-heavy Corolla Cross fits right in with Toyota’s recent moves. The current model already leans into electrification in many markets, and the next one looks set to push even further. Toyota What to ExpectThe report says the next Corolla Cross will stick with an updated TNGA-C platform, keeping front-wheel drive as standard and offering all-wheel drive as an option. No big surprises there. The real story is that Toyota seems to be focusing on refining what works, especially for buyers who need them. The biggest change is under the hood: the next Corolla Cross is expected to go all-hybrid just like the RAV4. The main setup will be a new 1.5-liter inline-four paired with Toyota’s sixth-gen hybrid system. Expect less friction, a tighter package, and better efficiency, thanks to new battery tech and silicon carbide semiconductors. If you want something with a bit more bite, there’s talk of a Corolla Cross GR Sport. This one could get a plug-in hybrid setup with about 200 horsepower, plus a more advanced suspension: struts up front, double wishbones at the back. Inside, the next Corolla Cross is expected to adopt Toyota’s newer Arene software system, similar to what’s seen in the latest RAV4. That likely means a larger infotainment display – potentially up to 12.9 inches – and a fully digital instrument cluster measuring around 12.3 inches. The next model could also stretch a bit, with reports pointing to 183 inches in length and a 108-inch wheelbase. That should mean a roomier cabin. Toyota Influenced by the RAV4’s DesignTiming-wise, the same report pegs the launch between spring and summer 2028. That would put the Corolla Cross right after the next-gen Corolla sedan, which is rumored for 2027. As for the design, Best Car’s early renderings show a lot of RAV4 influence, especially up front and in the lighting. The look is more squared-off and rugged, which lines up with what buyers want in compact crossovers right now. That said, it’s smart to keep expectations in check. Like most reports from the Japanese publication, this is preliminary information and not confirmed by Toyota. These details give us a peek at what could be coming, but nothing’s set in stone yet. For now, it’s a waiting game. But if these reports are on the money, the next Corolla Cross could be a more refined, more electrified, and slightly more upmarket version of a model that’s already a global staple. Toyota View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The problem relates to 'inappropriate materials' being used, such that they may deform and become inoperable when the front axle shaft is tightened.View the full article

Last week, General Motors announced that it had attracted the designer of the F87 BMW M2 to lead its Advanced Design studio in Pasadena, bringing European influence to future American cars, and now the reverse has happened at McLaren. The British marque has poached a designer from an American company, appointing Kemal Curic as its Chief Design Officer, and that's a big deal. Curic was at Ford since 2004 and not only led design for its luxury brand, Lincoln, but was also responsible for the styling of the S550 Mustang, and now he'll be in charge of pretty much everything at McLaren, from the way its cars look when you first see them to the way they feel inside and how you interact with them through screens. McLaren's New Design Boss Has Big Shoes to Fill McLaren Automotive Curic replaces Tobias Sühlmann, who went to Porsche at the beginning of this year. Sühlmann worked on the Solus GT and also spent time at Bugatti, Aston Martin, and Bentley, the latter where he helped design the Batur. But Curic isn't stepping too far out of his comfort zone by moving to McLaren, as before he worked on the 2015 Mustang, he designed several European-market cars, including the Fiesta, Mondeo, Kuga, and third-generation Focus. At Lincoln, he led design for the Chinese-market Zephyr as well as America's Nautilus and then the Navigator, so McLaren is gaining a designer who knows how to create cars that appeal to a wide variety of demographics. Related: McLaren’s New Hybrid Tech Could Boost Acceleration at Speed If design isn't already too far along, Curic will have considerable input on the upcoming V8-powered McLaren SUV, which could either prove as successful as the Bentley Bentayga and help attract a whole new type of customer or be shunned and ignored as "not a true McLaren." In other words, he'll have his hands full, and not just with exteriors, either. McLaren Is Undergoing Transformation McLaren Curic's role as McLaren Chief Design Officer will encompass exterior design, interiors, and CMF (color, material, and finish), as well as digital design, so he'll effectively have final say on everything McLaren is working on as it tries to reinvent itself. Along with Sühlmann, McLaren lost CEO Michael Leiters to Porsche, with the latter being replaced by Nick Collins in 2025. Collins, Curic, and the rest of the McLaren leadership are overseeing a comeback plan that will be revealed in the summer, and this will include a replacement for the 750S and additional mid-engine supercars, but no EVs. Exciting times indeed. View the full article

The EV Struggle Is RealBMW had a tough year of selling EVs in the United States in 2025. Pure EV sales in 2025 dipped by 16.7% compared to 2024, with the largest drop in Q4 of 2025, falling 45.5%. While BMW isn't the only brand to be hit by slow EV sales, it's eager to regroup. However, the first quarter of 2026 is proving that it's tougher than it seems, EV sales are down 50% comapred to Q1 2025. Moves are being made, and one significant change is coming. BMW Shifting StrategiesBMWBlog was able to get an exclusive insight into a major change to BMW U.S. EV plans moving forward. BMW confirmed to the publication that the iX, considered the brand's flagship EV SUV, will be discontinued in the American market. This will end the iX's 5-year run in America, and marks the shift of the current BMW EVs into the Neue Klasse models. However, the iX will continue to be sold elsewhere in the world until 2027. The exclusive quote from the BMW executive highlights their pride in what they achieved in the U.S. with the iX. It served as a technological showcase for the brand, allowing them to push the boundaries of design, manufacturing, and sustainability. The executive also acknowledged that market dynamics led to this decision to transition to the new generation of BMW EVs under Neue Klasse. Furthermore, the brand executive also reaffirmed BMW's commitment to the U.S. market through the next phase of their EV push. Through Neue Klasse, the iX3 will usher in the new generation of EVs powered by the Gen6 eDrive Technology. The iX3 is just the jumping-off point, with future Neue Klasse cars coming. BMW China Neue Klasse RisingBMW's Neue Klasse line is dubbed a complete reboot of the brand's EV philosophy and push. Taking into account the changes in preferences when it comes to what people want from electric mobility. Headlining this new class of cars is the recently announced iX3, which will be the first model introduced under this reboot. The iX3 is a mid-sized SUV that debuts the new Gen6 battery technology, enabling a full range of 497 miles (WLTP), with faster charging capabilities as well. U.S. arrivals of the iX3 are expected sometime in Q3 of 2026, followed by the first-ever BMW iX5 SUV. Earl Lee/Autoblog View the full article

Ducati’s Voyagers 2026 contest rewards real journeys with global exposure, factory access, and WDW 2026 perks. View the full article

Old race cars are cool, but old race cars owned and raced by the same people for decades is even cooler. That is exactly what this cool 1955 Chevrolet is. Rene Garza is the man behind this great ’55, and we love him for it. We’re going to let Tommy Lee Byrd, the Hot Rod Hoarder, tell the story only as he can. This is greatness. Video Description: Rene Garza has been winning races for more than 50 years, always in the same car! This 1955 Chevy 210 was his daily transportation through high school and he turned it into a drag car in 1972 with help from John Lingenfelter. The car has ALWAYS used a 265ci small block Chevy and he has run in the Super Stock ranks from day 1. He has been classified in O, P and T classes through the years. Many of the details on this car have been in place for decades, including the Dana 60 rear end, which was installed in 1976 by Larry Nelson from Jegs. The car weighs 3,450 pounds and still has a tiny small block, so it takes a 6.83 rear end gear and 7,000rpm stall converter to get this thing rolling. The car has won LOTS of races, and even though Rene Garza is no longer driving it, he’s kept it in the family by having his son Joey drive. The car is a fixture at NHRA events, as well as the Tri-Five Nationals. The post Super Stocker Feature: This Classic Tri-Five has been a 265ci powered Small Block Race Car Since 1972! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It’s time for some IHRA Stock and Super Stock video, this time from our friend Bobby Fazio at the IHRA Pro Am at Virginia Motorsports Park. We’ve shared other photos and video from the event already, but as far as we are concerned you can never have enough Stock and Super Stock video so here we go! Video Description: We had perfect weather for the recent IHRA event at the newly acquired Virginia Motorsports Park! I was on the property pulling double duty—working on Lenny Lottig’s Mountain Motor Pro Stock car, but I made sure to grab the camera and head to the line whenever I had a spare minute. The Stock and Super Stock racers were taking full advantage of the great conditions, and I captured some high flying action. The post 2026 Virginia Motorsports Park IHRA Pro-Am Series Super Stock And Stock Eliminator Drag Racing appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

For both Ducati and motorcycle fans in general, there's a new postage stamp to add to your very special philatelic collection.View the full article

Betting Big on AmericaFord has long championed its commitment to America, and last year was no exception. The Blue Oval recorded the highest level of U.S. vehicle assembly in 2025, reinforcing its support for jobs and communities stateside while continuing to meet mobility needs with models like the F-150. A combined 1.8 million Ford vehicles were assembled and sold in the U.S. last year. The graph in the press release comparing industry assembly and sales did not disclose the names of the closest competitors, though they likely include General Motors and Toyota, the latter of which operates the world's largest factory in Kentucky. Ford also recorded 378,000 imports, meaning it assembled more than six vehicles in the U.S. for every one it imported, along with an industry-leading 311,000 exports. It is worth noting, however, that BMW was America's biggest car exporter by value last year. Ford A Familiar LeaderboardNeedless to say, the Ford F-Series was not only the brand’s best-selling model but also the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2025. It was followed by the Chevrolet Silverado, underscoring Americans’ strong demand for pickup trucks. The Toyota RAV4 ranked third, with the Honda CR-V and Ram trucks rounding out the top five. Looking ahead, Ford plans to expand its passenger electric vehicle lineup, currently centered on the Mustang Mach-E, amid reports that the F-150 Lightning is shifting toward a range-extended truck. Reports also say the automaker is developing an affordable electric truck targeting a roughly $30,000 price point, along with new EVs aimed at rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, the two best-selling electric vehicles in the U.S. Moreover, a return to sedans also appears to be on the table. Ford Backing American WorkersFord noted that there are places where it could reduce assembly costs, but it chooses to keep production in the U.S. to continue supporting American jobs and communities. That commitment helped Ford lead Time magazine’s inaugural “America’s Most Iconic Companies” list, ahead of brands like Apple and McDonald’s. It also says it employs about 56,300 manufacturing workers in the U.S., more than any other automaker. The Blue Oval brand plans to hire more workers across the U.S. in the coming years to support its upcoming models, including new gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles. It aims to maintain that momentum, noting that it does not “plan to give up that top spot any time soon.” Ford View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A new patent from Autoliv details what appears to be a self-adjusting motorcycle helmet chinstrap, complete with an electrical strap. But is this complexity for complexity's sake?View the full article

The Lucid Air Pure is widely recognized as the most energy-efficient EV you can buy right now, achieving 5.0 miles per kWh. But that's assuming the half-shafts are still connected to the drive motor on the rear axle. According to a recall filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear-driven base model of the Air may have loose half-shaft bolts, potentially resulting in the half-shafts being disconnected from the drive unit and leaving drivers stranded. The recall affects 2024-2026 model years, but the good news is that not too many vehicles are named in the recall. Thousands of Lucid Airs Could Lose Power Again Lucid The NHTSA recall report states that 3,627 Lucid Air Pure sedans are potentially involved in the recall, which follows Lucid's earlier recall for a similar issue from 2024 (SR-25-03-0). That earlier recall only potentially affected 1,539 vehicles from the 2024 and 2025 model years, and the NHTSA recall report stated that the impacted EVs were built using a design for the rear subframe wiring harness "that was inadvertently shortened from the original design length." As a result, affected vehicles could face excess stress on their harness connectors, potentially leading to intermittent or complete disconnection from the drive unit, which would mean the drive unit could stop supplying power to the axle. In the latest Air recall, Lucid says affected vehicles have under 25,000 miles on their odometers, have not already had a drive unit replacement, and were not part of the earlier recall, showing that two completely different problems can sometimes lead to the same unfortunate outcome. Related: New Lucid Gravity Recall Isn't Even Lucid's Fault The NHTSA says the main reason the Air Pure's half-shafts could be loose is "interruption of the torque operations during the adhesive curing window," potentially resulting in bolts with damaged adhesive or contamination of the half-shafts. It could also be that bolts with cured adhesive were reused after torquing was interrupted. Either way, the bolts (M10x1.5) will need to be replaced. Lucid Air Pure Owners Getting Hardware and Software to Address Loose Bolts Lucid Motors Lucid says it is implementing the same remedy as in an earlier October 2025 recall, but is also working on a software detection strategy with a revised algorithm to enable "continuous, real-time, on-vehicle evaluation" of each impacted Air Pure to determine if a vehicle may be at risk of having its half-shaft/s disengaged while driving. With this, drivers will at least be warned if the problem is rearing its head before they're left stranded. Owners will be notified of the recall by first-class mail with instructions to contact a Lucid Service Center, but these letters are only planned for May 22. Until then, Lucid hopes that the over-the-air software update will allow it to limit bolt replacement to only the vehicles at risk, rather than replacing hardware on all Air Pure models. View the full article

Master the balance of torque and drivability. McLeod’s Will Baty breaks down clutch friction, MOI, and the physics of a perfect launch.View the full article

A Cult Favorite Goes ElectricAt its recent Vision event in Japan, Nissan unveiled one of its most unconventional future models yet – the all-new, all-electric Nissan Juke. While more mainstream reveals like the new-generation Nissan Rogue e-Power and returning Xterra grabbed headlines, the Juke’s return in EV form is arguably the bigger story for – at least for us. First introduced stateside in 2010, the Juke immediately carved out a niche with its polarizing design and playful driving dynamics. That identity only grew stronger with projects like the GT-R-powered Nissan Juke-R, cementing its cult status. Now, the third-generation model aims to carry that same spirit into the electric age. Hyper Punk Concept IRLIf the new Juke EV looks every bit like a concept car brought to life, then it’s mission accomplished for Nissan. Its styling clearly channels the Nissan Hyper Punk Concept from the Japan Mobility Show in 2023, with angular surfacing and a distinctly digital, almost retro-futuristic vibe. It’s the kind of design that feels like a throwback to early Gran Turismo-era polygons, reimagined with modern EV proportions. Beneath that radical skin sits something more familiar. The Juke EV will ride on the same CMF-EV platform as the Nissan Ariya and Nissan Leaf. While Nissan hasn’t disclosed full specifications yet, the shared architecture points to actual, real-world driving dynamics and the possibility of advanced features like vehicle-to-grid capability. Nissan So Now, You Want an EV?For now, the Juke EV is being positioned primarily for Europe, with production set at Nissan’s Sunderland facility in the UK. That makes sense given the nameplate’s enduring popularity there. In a crowded segment, the Juke has consistently stood out by leaning into its quirks rather than dialing them back. That leaves the U.S. in a bit of a gray area. Nissan has since shifted its entry-level crossover focus to the Nissan Kicks, a more practical but far less expressive alternative. Whether the Juke EV returns across the Atlantic remains unclear. But if it does, it could be exactly the kind of personality-driven EV that helps win over skeptics, proof that going electric doesn’t have to mean going bland. Nissan View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Nissan has taken the covers off its most crucial future model to be sold in the United States, the next-generation Rogue. Since topping over 400,000 sales in the U.S. in 2018, Rogue sales have declined, with under 220,000 models sold here in 2025. The 2027 Rogue—badged as the X-Trail in other markets—gets an edgier design and new e-Power hybrid powertrain. It aims to recapture the model’s popularity and move it closer to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V; these rivals have had hybrid powertrain options for years now, leaving Nissan behind. Here’s everything we know about the new Rogue so far. Related: Nissan Rogue Generations Overview: How It Became The Top-Selling Nissan Redesigned Rogue Looks Premium Nissan The 2027 Nissan Rogue is easily one of the most stylish prospects in the compact crossover segment. Nissan did not say whether the new model has grown in size, but it’s likely similar to the current Rogue. The front fascia features a new grille with integrated daytime running lights, and it does away with the split-headlight arrangement of the outgoing model. There are sharper, more aggressive creases around the fenders, a sporty black roof, and new taillights. The new Rogue clearly leans more towards other road-biased crossovers like the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. It doesn’t have the rugged look of a Subaru Forester. Nissan didn’t show any images of the interior, but it should introduce larger digital displays. The current model has one of the most comfortable cabins in the segment, so the new one should be even better. What About The e-Power System? Nissan The biggest news is the long-awaited arrival of the e-Power hybrid powertrain. Nissan does have a Rogue plug-in hybrid now, but that’s little more than a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander. The e-Power technology has been available in overseas markets for some time, but it’s finally coming to America. Outputs remain unknown, but the way the e-Power system operates is distinct from most other hybrids. Two electric motors power the wheels, with the internal combustion engine acting as a generator, so there’s no need to plug in the Nissan. We had the opportunity to sample a Nissan Qashqai with e-Power last year and found it quiet and responsive. That model produced 188 horsepower from a single electric motor, but the Rogue e-Power is expected to be more powerful. “We’re late to the hybrid party, but we’re bringing a best-in-class product,” said Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, when talking to Automotive News. The new Rogue will launch later this year only as a hybrid before a gas-only variant arrives in 2027. However, Meunier expects over half of all Rogue sales to be made up of e-Power derivatives. Nissan is targeting 40 mpg combined, which puts it within the same efficiency range as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. To provide customers with more choice, the current gas-only Rogue will continue to be sold at a lower price for about a year, so not everyone will have to switch to the new e-Power model immediately. What It Means Nissan/YouTube Hybrid adoption has increased dramatically in recent years, so the arrival of Nissan’s first competitive hybrid in the compact crossover segment can’t come soon enough. The current Rogue is outselling Nissan’s entire passenger car lineup to start 2026, highlighting how important this model is for the brand. Furthermore, the e-Power technology is expected to find its way into other Nissans in the future. The chances of this will increase if Nissan decided to produce e-Power systems at its local factory in Tennessee—a hybrid Kicks, Pathfinder, and Sentra could significantly boost the company’s sales, since Toyota offers hybrids in all those segments. View the full article

Keeping the Skyline AliveNissan CEO Ivan Espinosa is keeping true to his promise of keeping the Skyline alive. After all, it's one of the longest-running nameplates in the brand's history, spanning nearly 70 years. Ending its legacy now sounds like a waste, given that the name is revered in its home market of Japan. During the presentation of its long-term plans, as well as the reveal of the all-new Nissan Rogue and first look at the returning Xterra, the Japanese marque gave a sneak peek of the rebooted sport sedan. Espinosa didn't say much about it, but the few snippets shown spoke volumes. Nissan/Youtube This is NOT the GT-RBefore you get too excited and think the car shown will be the next GT-R, hold your horses. Since 2002, the Skyline has been a totally separate model from the GT-R. Before those two lines separated, one had to be aware that the Skyline was more of a sedan with a sporting twist, and that it happened to have a hot version. The Infiniti G was the actual Skyline, and so was the Q50. With that in mind, the car that was teased could end up as Infiniti's future sport sedan, plans permitting, although it will remain as the Nissan Skyline in its home market. The GT-R is still a couple of years away. Nissan Dripping With NostalgiaFor those more familiar with the Skyline's history, the teaser photos show design elements from past models. By the looks of things, this isn't going to be an evolution of the current model and the discontinued Q50. At the back, there are the signature round elements that have been a trademark of the car since the '70s. It's then encased in a black panel that runs across the width of the rear, likely inspired by the fourth-generation model that was affectionately called the kenmeri (two-door) or yonmeri (four-door) Skyline. The cursive Skyline badge on the quarter panel is another nod to the past. For the front end, we see some inspiration from the R34 Skyline, with its sharp, aggressive nose. The classic 'S' badge has also returned, something that has been absent on the car since 2001. The last model that wore it was, you guessed it, the R34 - the non-GT-R versions, to be exact. Nissan/Youtube Any Juicy Details?Well, none so far. Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa described the car as a "reimagined icon of Japanese engineering and driving passion, with performance and precision." Now, fingers crossed that the 'reimagined' part doesn't mean it'll be EV only. That said, it was previously reported that it could get the same twin-turbo V6 engine from the current Z, as well as an option for a six-speed manual. Nissan dubbed the Skyline as a 'Heartbeat model model for Japan,' although it doesn't necessarily mean that it'll be exclusive to that market. The company needs every sale it can make to bounce back, and making a sedan for just one market doesn't make much financial sense. Again, there's a chance that this car will reach U.S showrooms wearing Infiniti badges, as Nissan said it will be bringing in a 'performance-oriented V6 sedan' in the future. There's no exact launch date just yet, although some photos from the teaser suggest what we saw was something close to production. But with the Skyline name celebrating its 70th anniversary next year, the reveal of the new car might just coincide with its significant birthday. Nissan/Youtube View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Xterra Is Back, and This Time, It’s OfficialThe Nissan Xterra has been gone long enough to feel like it belongs to a different era of SUVs. It was boxy, rugged, and didn’t pretend to be anything but utilitarian. When crossovers started taking over, the Xterra quietly slipped out of the US market. Since then, rumors of a comeback have popped up more than once. This time, it’s not just talk. Nissan has officially confirmed the Xterra’s return, ending years of rumors and leaks. The announcement came as part of a bigger product strategy reveal, which also included the next-generation Rogue e-Power and an all-new Juke EV. Nissan also dropped a teaser image. Most of the front end is hidden in shadow, but a few details are clear. There’s a wide, horizontal amber light bar across the nose, similar to what we’ve seen on China’s Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid. The hood is upright and sculpted, hinting at a return to that classic, boxy SUV look. More importantly, there’s a Nissan wordmark stamped right on the nose, which is simply a nice touch if you ask us. Nissan didn’t just stop at a teaser. The Japanese marque shared some early details about the new Xterra, including when it’s set to arrive. A New Ladder-Frame Family is Taking ShapeThe new Xterra isn’t a one-off. Nissan is using it to kick off a bigger push into body-on-frame vehicles, an area it hasn’t talked much about lately. Nissan says the Xterra will be one of five models built on a new ladder-frame platform, all of which will be made in the US. That’s a big shift for the brand, both in how it builds and how it plans its lineup. This new platform will support a small family of rugged vehicles, possibly including pickups and multi-row SUVs for both Nissan and Infiniti. The goal is to rebuild a lineup of tough, truck-based models that can actually compete where durability and off-road ability still count. For the Xterra, that means a real return to its roots. Expect proper off-road gear and the kind of mechanical toughness that made the original stand out. It’s arriving right as more buyers are looking for adventure-ready SUVs, though it could arrive a tad too late, but we’ll see. Nissan Hybrid Power Joins the MixThe platform might be old-school, but the powertrain isn’t stuck in the past. Nissan confirmed the new Xterra will come with a V6 and a hybrid version based on that same setup. This fits with Nissan’s bigger move toward electrification, but without ditching what makes a body-on-frame SUV work. Instead of going all-in on electric, Nissan is mixing familiar performance with better efficiency. The hybrid system should deliver more usable torque and better fuel economy without sacrificing capability. That balance is important for the Xterra’s crowd. People still want to tow, go off-road, and cover long distances – things that can be tough for full EVs. It’s not yet clear whether Nissan is working with Honda on this hybrid setup. Nissan is aiming for a late 2028 launch. That gives them time to round out the rest of the ladder-frame lineup and fine-tune the hybrid system for real-world driving. For now, the teaser and official confirmation are just the beginning. The Xterra is back, and this time Nissan seems to have a much clearer plan for where it fits. Nissan View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Sherco Australia has secured an ultra-limited allocation of MY26 EnduroGP Replica models, with only 10 examples of the 300 SE two-stroke and five of the 300 SEF four-stroke due here in August 2026. The post 2026 Sherco EnduroGP Replica models confirmed for Australia appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Royal Enfield has recorded 1,238,659 motorcycle sales in FY2025-26, marking a second straight million-plus year as the brand continues to expand globally and strengthen its presence in Australia through Urban Moto Imports. The post Royal Enfield global growth continues with 1.24 million annual sales appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Chris Gabehart attended the NASCAR event over the weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway and Joe Gibbs Racing is adamant that he violated a temporary restraining order in the process. Gabehart is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with Joe Gibbs Racing in which the latter has alleged the former violated the non-compete provisions of their previous work agreement. JGR also says Gabehart participated in ...Keep readingView the full article

After years of injuries, interruptions and inevitable comparisons with younger brother Jett, Hunter Lawrence is delivering the most complete Supercross campaign of his career in 2026. Four wins in 13 rounds and the series lead underline a season built on maturity, patience and composure. The post Hunter Lawrence comes of age in 2026 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship gets underway this weekend at 24MX Alestrem, with Manuel Lettenbichler leading a stacked field as he chases a fifth straight world crown. Billy Bolt, Mitch Brightmore, Mario Roman, Wade Young, Matthew Green and Teodor Kabakchiev headline the list of challengers, while Graham Jarvis adds an intriguing electric subplot alongside Toby Martyn and Eddie Karlsson. The post Lettenbichler leads stacked field into 2026 Hard Enduro opener appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

On the latest episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin ponders if the Kyle Busch era of NASCAR is over and actually has been longer than most within the community realize. It’s been three years and 100 races since the two-time Cup Series champion last won at Gateway on June 4, 2023 and it has been a struggle ever since his first half season at Richard Childress Racing. Since ...Keep readingView the full article

Moto News Weekly April 14, 2026 What’s New: HEWC kicks off this weekend American Enduro Kapunda 24 Hour Trial Team Australia entries open for WJMX 2026 Kosciuszko Killer AHEC NZ Junior MX Snowcross World Champs Ice Speedway World Champs Dungog AusEnduro EnduroGP season opener MXGP of Sardegna Nashville AMA Supercross 2026 Racing Calendars Hard Enduro […] The post Moto News Weekly Wrap | MX | Enduro | Juniors | SX | Hard Enduro appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Audi sales are still declining in the United States after a few disappointing years. The company sold 14% fewer vehicles in 2024 and saw another 16% drop in 2025. Things aren’t looking any better to start 2026, as Audi’s first-quarter sales have finally come in. It moved 29,886 vehicles between January and March this year, a 30% year-over-year decline. According to the Automotive News Research & Data Center, this is the first time in 14 years that Audi failed to sell at least 30,000 cars in one quarter throughout the USA. While the drop in EV sales aligns with industry trends, the poor performance of core SUV models like the Q3, Q5, and Q7 has hit Audi hard this quarter. The brand now finds itself far adrift of rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Audi’s Q1 Sales in Detail Audi Only three Audis sold more last quarter than they did at the same point last year and all are sedans. The brand’s top-selling model was the Q5, with 10,100 units sold, down by 26%. That’s disappointing for an SUV that entered a new generation quite recently, but the Q5 faces stiff competition from the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Here’s a look at Audi’s top 5 best-selling models last quarter. Audi Q5: 10,100 (-26%)Audi A5: 4,372 (+6%)Audi Q3: 4,256 (-20%)Audi Q7: 3,554 (-30%)Audi Q8: 2,285 (-25%)The A5 effectively replaced the A4, so its sales bump is expected. A new Q7 and a ramp up in production for the latest Q3 should also boost those models’ numbers in the months ahead. The Audi A3 (2,273) and A6 (2,026) saw increases of 1% and 9%, respectively, two of only three Audis that managed to increase sales versus Q1 2025. EV sales fell off a cliff, with a more than 90% drop in sales for the Q4 e-tron, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q6 e-tron, Q8 e-tron, and Q8 Sportback e-tron. Not a single Q8 e-tron was sold over this period, but the Q6 e-tron took the biggest hit on a volume basis, with 309 sold in Q1 2026 to 3,246 a year ago. Related: 2025 Vs. 2026 Audi Q3: Is The New One Worth The Extra Money? Audi Sales Vs. BMW BMW Audi is now well off BMW’s sales figures. Excluding Mini, BMW sold 84,231 vehicles last quarter, nearly three times as many as Audi. Its sales were down by 3.9%, so its performance was a lot steadier than Audi’s drop-off compared to 2025 Q1. There isn’t a single Audi model that outsold its direct BMW rival—here’s a look at sales of the top 5 Audi models relative to the closest BMW. In every segment, BMW significantly outsells Audi, and that includes EVs. BMW only has one electric SUV on sale currently, the iX. It sold 1,788 of those, outselling all six of Audi’s electric SUVs combined (415 units). Those models are the Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron, Q6 e-tron, Q6 Sportback e-tron, Q8 e-tron, and Q8 Sportback e-tron; the Q8s were discontinued last year, so their low sales numbers can be forgiven. Mercedes-Benz didn’t sell as many cars as BMW last quarter, but its total of 78,500 vehicles is far ahead of Audi, too. What It Means Audi Audi didn’t say much about Q1 sales, other than to state that the “results reflect dynamic conditions and headwinds including overall automotive market decline in Q1 and tariffs.” While it's true that the industry has seen an overall sales decline this year, Audi’s 30% drop is still worse than many other brands. The effect of tariffs continues to make life difficult for the automaker, which implemented steep price hikes across its portfolio last year. The company has also had to contend with tough competition from rivals who have factories in the USA, allowing them to better control costs. Audi’s projections for the rest of the year suggest that sales won’t significantly improve, but the brand says it’s optimistic about the arrival of the new Q7 and Q9. Whether these large SUVs can turn the tide for the brand remains to be seen. Related: Audi Warns U.S. Sales Decline Could Get Even Worse in 2026 View the full article