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Do PHEVs Make Sense?On paper, plug-in hybrids seem to offer the best of both worlds. You can charge it up and do your commutes on battery power alone, or you can drive it like a hybrid and still get a couple of extra MPGs along the way. Either way, there's no range anxiety, as there are two energy sources. But to truly make the most out of PHEVs, it's best to plug these in regularly. It's the best way to achieve those bold consumption claims. Also, the technology is already in place, and running on an empty battery just means you're lugging around extra weight. Still, it's self-charging, and there's nothing wrong with treating it like a hybrid if charging ports are inaccessible. However, BMW wants more of its PHEV owners to start plugging in. It's not necessarily to improve fuel mileage, but rather for corporate reasons. The proposal? It's rather drastic and probably bordering on extreme. BMW Punishment for Non-ChargersGerman news outlet Die Zeit reported a controversial proposal from BMW to force more PHEV owners to charge their cars. It has been suggested that those who stubbornly refuse to charge or those who don't plug the car in regularly should be 'punished.' It was proposed by BMW supervisory board chairman, Dr. Nicolas Peter. So, what exactly are the possible consequences? It wasn't listed in its entirety, but the publication said, 'One possible measure would be to reduce engine power if the battery is not regularly charged.' It was also mentioned that this plan is 'technically feasible.' Yikes. Let's say BMW does push through with the proposal. How will the car know if it's not being charged enough? Read on. BMW Tracking and MonitoringUnsurprisingly, user habits will be tracked and monitored to find out. That brings us to the elephant in the room: privacy. As it is, cars practically track our movements 24/7, and adding this layer will certainly raise more alarms and concerns. There's no shortage of companies that want to buy that potential data goldmine. There's also the matter of an automaker directly influencing a customer's behavior. This is possibly the first time that the thought of being 'punished' for one's charging habits is being brought forward. While it might force some owners to actually start charging their plug-in hybrids, there's also the very real possibility of current owners just getting rid of their cars and buying something else. Why so Drastic?As Auto Motor und Sport reported, BMW isn't proposing this entirely for the benefit of its customers. Instead, it's to boost the company's carbon credits. On-Board Fuel Consumption Monitoring (OBFCM) has been fitted to all new cars sold in Europe since 2022. It studies a car's fuel consumption and energy usage, and, for PHEVs, miles driven on battery power alone. The data collected from the cars are then used to compute the automaker's carbon credits. Failure to meet that means more fines and penalties for the company. "This is a behavioral problem that discredits a climate-friendly technology that could actually be a good way to introduce people to e-mobility - especially where the infrastructure is still too sparse. One measure would be for car manufacturers to be able to document and even penalize usage patterns," said Peter. The thought of facing direct disciplinary action from a car certainly wasn't on our bingo card this year. Add that to the idea of data possibly being used against you, and it comes off as unsettling. That said, it's safe to say that the idea hasn't been met with the warmest of receptions in Germany. Kyle Edward View the full article

Blue skies, sticky track conditions and packed staging lanes highlighted a busy weekend of Summit Series competition at Famoso Dragstrip as racers battled through back-to-back points races during Races No. 3 and No. 4 of the 2026 season. Saturday’s program opened the weekend with a strong mix of door cars, dragsters, motorcycles and Junior Street entries filling the property from early morning through the final rounds. Paige Smith picked up the Sportsman victory, while Jeff Arnswald drove to the win in Pro competition. Marc Schatkuin captured the Super Pro victory after surviving a tough ladder filled with heavy hitters. Motorcycle competition went to Manny Taylor, while James Brown claimed the Super Street victory. Mike Lang added the Pro Gas win, Chuck Babcock earned the Super Comp victory and Travis Rees closed out the night with a Junior Street win. Sunday’s Race No. 4 brought another full day of eliminations as temperatures remained favorable and the racing surface continued to produce consistent side-by-side action. Jeff Answald drove to the Sportsman victory over Jan Vanderpool, while Chris Barger added a Pro category win after defeating Marvin Roles in the final round. Steve White earned the Super Pro victory over David Rudd, and Mark Avila rode to the Motorcycle win over Paul Silvas while also securing the class No. 1 qualifying spot. Wes Anderson claimed the Super Street victory over Kelly Giacalone, while Doug Sedmak defeated Pete Bothe in the Pro Gas final. Amberlee Garfield added her name to the weekend winner list with a Super Comp victory over Jeffery Forney, and Dylan Silva finished off Sunday’s action with a Junior Street win over Travis Rees. The back-to-back events continued a busy start to the 2026 season at Famoso Dragstrip as racers continue chasing Summit Series championships and divisional points. This story was originally published on May 20, 2026. The post Doubleheader Shootout: Famoso Summit Series Weekend Delivers Wall-to-Wall Action first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ram’s Mystery Pickup Gets Even LouderRam has shared another teaser video of its mysterious pickup truck following last week's preview. The latest clip still doesn't reveal the whole thing, though it adds to speculation that the model could be related to the Rumble Bee, which was a street truck offered for the 2004 and 2005 model years. A street truck is essentially a performance-oriented variant designed for pavement rather than off-road terrain. That could explain the lowered suspension seen in the teaser, along with the yellow paint scheme also used by the Rumble Bee. Interestingly, UFC President Dana White narrated the clip and repeatedly mentioned the word “loud.” Loud Still SellsPerhaps the best interpretation is that Ram is doubling down on its combustion lineup despite the EV segment continuing to grow, albeit more slowly in the U.S. market. That holds more weight after the automaker dropped the Hemi V8 from the 1500 in favor of the Hurricane inline-six, before bringing it back for the MY2026. Now that market conditions appear to be favoring combustion again, Ram looks to be capitalizing on the shift after reviving the Ram 1500 SRT TRX, which makes 777 horsepower and surpasses the Ford F-150 Raptor R on output. The brand has also returned to NASCAR, where racetracks unapologetically rumble with loud V8s, though only in the Craftsman Truck Series for now. That stock car racing venture was also included in the latest teaser. That sentiment could also apply to this upcoming truck with features like a noisy exhaust, and with it being more street-oriented, neighborhoods could become loud again, especially if other automakers like Ford return to the segment with models of their own. Ram Trucks/YouTube Reviving Peak Truck MadnessRam's so-called “New Era of Trucks” could mean electrification will have less of an effect on its lineup. In fact, Stellantis discontinued development of the battery-electric 1500 and shifted focus to a range-extended version, though even that has been delayed. For now, the new truck is set to be unveiled on May 20. It is expected to be related to the 1500 SRT TRX, so the 777-horsepower output could also be on the cards. If so, that could reignite excitement around the brand's performance trucks while channeling the spirit of the SRT-10 street truck, which used a Dodge Viper V10. Ram Trucks/YouTube View the full article

Skyrocketing gas costs have dominated the headlines in 2026, leading to renewed interest in hybrids and EVs, while also encouraging many Americans to turn to carpooling. What the price of a gallon of gas doesn’t quite tell us is which consumers are hit hardest, based on how much driving they do and the type of vehicle they have. A new analysis has revealed the 10 models with the biggest fuel cost increases between January and April 2026, and it’s no surprise to see larger SUVs dominating the list. A certain Toyota leads all other models with a massive increase in fueling costs over the course of just four months. Vehicles With Highest Fuel Cost Increase: January Vs. April 2026 2026 Toyota Sequoia Toyota View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The study was conducted by iSeeCars, which analyzed 2.1 million three-year-old vehicles sold in 2025. Average annual fuel costs for each model were calculated based on the average odometer reading and the increase in gas costs between January and April. The publication’s full methodology can be viewed here, and based on that, the Toyota Sequoia is the model that saw the largest increase in fuel costs over this period. Here’s a look at the top 10. iSeeCars Annual fuel costs for the Sequoia are now $1,623 more than they were at the start of the year, with the Chevy Suburban and Nissan Armada not far behind. The top 8 models are all three-row SUVs, with only the GMC Sierra 1500 Limited and Chrysler Pacifica breaking this pattern. “Large, three-row SUVs can accomplish nearly any task related to personal transportation,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. “Unfortunately, the high functionality of large SUVs combines with their less-than-stellar fuel efficiency to make their annual operating costs extremely volatile when fuel prices spike.” Related: Trump’s Gas Price Plan Could Help Drivers, But Not By Much Or For Long Minivans Hit Hardest by Vehicle Segment Stellantis Even though SUVs dominate the list of individual models with the highest fueling cost hikes, minivans are worse off when entire segments are taken into account. Overall, minivans saw a $1,139 jump in annual fuel costs between January and April, ahead of trucks ($992), SUVs ($681), and passenger cars ($606). Although minivans are more efficient than large SUVs, they log the most miles on average per year, at 19,292. That’s almost 5,000 miles more than for all SUVs. Minivans are often the primary means of transportation for a family, in addition to them being used for school runs and road trips. “Trucks, minivans, and SUVs offer a wide range of functionality, which is why they are so popular with consumers,” said Brauer. “Unfortunately, their highly functional, do-it-all nature combines with relatively low fuel efficiency to make them the most vulnerable to gas price spikes.” Unsurprisingly, fueling costs impacted those with internal combustion engine vehicles the most. For this vehicle type, annual fueling costs are up by $706, followed by regular hybrids on $486 and plug-ins on $291. As for EVs, these motorists experienced a comparatively minuscule $11 increase in annual fueling costs. What It Means Acura It won’t surprise anyone to see that owners of heavy, large SUVs have experienced the biggest increases in fueling costs in 2026. The stark difference may encourage owners of these vehicles to consider downsizing, but what really jumps out is the difference in fueling costs based on powertrain type. EV owners have been largely shielded from rising gas costs this year. This, together with high incentives on many new EVs, makes for one of the strongest cases yet to go electric. View the full article

The IHRA has named Dustin Farthing as its new president. Farthing has an extensive background in the motorsports industry. View the full article

Subaru Has Been Here BeforeThis isn’t Subaru’s first legal headache over EyeSight. In 2021, the company settled a lawsuit after owners complained about their cars braking for no reason. Most people walked away with little more than a warranty extension or a reimbursement offer. Now, Subaru is back in court over what looks like the same old problems. The latest class-action lawsuit says newer models with EyeSight still have glitchy emergency braking and lane-keeping tech that just doesn’t work right. The lawsuit includes Subaru’s entire combustion-powered lineup, from the 2022 model year to the latest Forester, WRX, Legacy, Outback, Ascent, Impreza, Crosstrek, and BRZ. The plaintiffs say Subaru kept pushing EyeSight as a must-have safety feature, even though they supposedly knew about these ongoing problems. Subaru Drivers Say The Systems Behave UnpredictablyThe main complaints target Pre-Collision Braking, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Lane Keep Assist – features bundled under EyeSight. According to the lawsuit, these systems can hit the brakes for no reason or fail to react when there’s a real danger ahead. The lawsuit lists stories of cars suddenly slowing down on highways, in the middle of a turn, or while taking a curve – sometimes with nothing in sight. One Forester owner says their car braked hard on the highway and almost got rear-ended. Another Crosstrek driver says their SUV slammed on the brakes on an empty country road, leaving them with neck and shoulder pain. There are also claims that Lane Keep Assist can fight your attempts to change lanes, yank the steering wheel without warning, or just quit working altogether. Some owners say their dealers told them to just switch the systems off every time they start the car, instead of actually fixing the problem. To support the allegations, the filing calls back numerous complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many involving “phantom braking” events at highway speeds. Subaru Subaru’s Legal Troubles Go Beyond EyeSightThis EyeSight lawsuit isn’t the only trouble Subaru is facing right now. The company has also been hit with lawsuits over battery drain issues in some of its cars. One case says certain models go through batteries way too quickly, leaving owners stranded with dead cars. Another lawsuit points to older Subarus with outdated 3G hardware that keeps draining the battery, even though the cellular network is long gone. Today’s cars have become increasingly complex, with more and more systems relying on software and electronics. EyeSight is still a big selling point for Subaru, but the company now has to prove it actually works the way owners expect when it matters most. Kristen Brown View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

It's called the Sidegun 650, and it's made by the Czech Republic-based Vintage Garage Prague and Velorex, and you can see it live soon.View the full article

The global autonomous vehicle landscape just witnessed a significant shift. XPeng, looking to take on Tesla, has officially rolled the first mass-produced robotaxi off its assembly line in China, marking a major milestone as the first Chinese automaker to achieve this through entirely in-house development - both hardware and back-end software - without using any LiDAR. The Vehicle ItselfRather than engineering a purpose-built, undriveable pod—a strategy currently favored by the Tesla Cybercab and Geely’s upcoming EVA Cab—XPeng is leveraging existing manufacturing operations. The new robotaxi is built on the brand’s proven GX platform, the very same architecture that underpins its flagship consumer SUV. Xpeng While the platform is shared to reduce costs and accelerate development, the cabin is strictly geared toward ride-hailing. XPeng has stripped out the traditional driver-focused layout, replacing it with a localized, passenger-first environment equipped with gravity seats, privacy glass, and independent rear displays across varying seating configurations. Proprietary TechFrom a technological standpoint, XPeng’s approach is notably defiant. Engineered to L4 autonomous standards, the vehicle completely eschews LiDAR and high-definition mapping. Instead, it relies on a "pure vision solution" driven by the automaker's VLA 2.0 end-to-end AI model. This system is backed by immense processing power: four proprietary Turing AI chips. By eliminating traditional vision-language-action translation steps, XPeng claims this architecture compresses response latency to a blistering sub-80 milliseconds. Xpeng This level of vertical integration—designing the silicon, the AI, the vehicle platform, and managing the manufacturing—provides XPeng with a distinct potential cost advantage over competitors relying on third-party hardware or software. RolloutThe commercial rollout remains on a tight, ambitious schedule. XPeng plans to initiate pilot operations in the second half of 2026 to validate real-world edge cases, user adoption, and unit economics - while also navigating the existing autonomous driving roadblocks. If these trials prove successful, the automaker aims to achieve fully unsupervised, autonomous operations without on-site safety officers by early 2027. It's an aggressive timeline that will test whether a shared-platform, pure-vision strategy can outpace the heavily sensorized fleets already navigating urban streets in the West. View the full article

Method Race Wheels just unveiled the 416 UTV wheel with both Bead Grip and Beadlock technology, and it's purported to be tough as nails.View the full article

There aren’t that many affordable EVs available in the United States, and that’s a shame. Actually, currently there are only two models that start below $30,000 (before the destination charge is applied): the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt LT and 2026 Nissan Leaf S Plus. The Bolt LT is the cheaper one, with a starting MSRP of $28,995 (including a $1,395 destination freight charge). Those who prefer the longer-range 2026 Nissan Leaf S Plus have to fork out $2,500 more as the Japanese electric crossover starts at $31,485 (including $1,495 destination). Up to $1,250 Off the 2027 Chevy Bolt With Costco Adam Lynton/Autoblog Now, if you’re too frugal to pay retail (and who isn't these days?), there’s a pretty good deal available on the 2027 Chevy Bolt LT, but you have to be a Costco member to get it. The retail giant’s Costco Auto Program offers a $1,250 discount for the new Bolt for Executive Costco members, or $1,000 for Gold Star and Business members, InsideEVs reports. Executive Costco members can therefore purchase a 2027 Chevy Bolt LT for just $27,745, while Gold Star and Business members can get it for $27,995. Customers who want to claim this deal, which runs until June 30, must register at Costco to become members. An Executive Costco membership costs $130 a year, while Gold Star and Business memberships cost $65 a year each. America's Cheapest EV Is a Massive Improvement Over Its Predecessor Adam Lynton/Autoblog The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt has received significant upgrades over its predecessor, chief of which is the new lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which enables it to cover an EPA-estimated 262 miles of range on a full charge. While the range difference is not that big compared to the previous-gen Bolt EV, the LFP chemistry enables frequent charging at 100% capacity, allowing users to enjoy the vehicle’s full range all the time. In comparison, the previous model’s NMC chemistry required a regular charging limit of 80% to ensure battery longevity. Chase Bierenkoven The 65-kWh pack supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in about 25 minutes, according to Chevrolet; previous generation Bolt EVs maxed out at a peak DC fast-charging speed of 55 kW and needed well over an hour to complete the same charging cycle. The new Bolt also comes with a standard NACS port that allows it to use Tesla’s Supercharger network of DC fast chargers; previous-gen Bolt EVs only offered the CCS1 (Combined Charging System 1) port for DC fast charging, which needed an adapter to work at Tesla Superchargers. The previous Chevy Bolt (2017-2023 model years) used an NMC (Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) battery chemistry with liquid-cooled pouched cells manufactured by LG Energy Solution. This specific chemistry and pouch-cell design were at the center of multiple 2021-2022 battery recalls due to manufacturing defects. Chase Bierenkoven View the full article

Between the Coca-Cola 600 and the Indianapolis 500, Katherine Legge will attempt to complete 1,100 miles of racing between wildly different events on the same day, and separated by multiple states. Nothing compares to that feat, but Trackhouse Racing teammates Ross Chastain and Connor Zilisch are attempting to complete their own 1,100-mile journey across all three national divisions this ...Keep readingView the full article

Two of Asia's biggest power players are combining their efforts to help Hanoi realize its massive electrification dreams. What's going on?View the full article

The Idle Air Control value is an important setting in an EFI system. Here's how to set the IAC for a Holley EFI system.View the full article

If you've resisted the urge to buy a Ford Bronco until now, the 2026 model is better than ever. But if the off-roader's charming ruggedness and everyday usability grabbed your attention earlier, you may be at risk of losing your roof, or at least parts thereof. A new recall issued via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that the 2021 and 2022 model years, both 3-door and 5-door, may have hardtop roof panels that were "improperly manufactured," and as such, "sections" of the outer roof panel could "separate and detach" from the Bronco, which could cause chaos for those following behind on a freeway. Worse still, Ford is more than six months from being ready to fix it. NHTSA Lists 16,200 SUVs in Ford's Latest Recall Ford The NHTSA recall report says only 16,200 potentially involved vehicles are estimated to have the defect, with the affected vehicles forming part of a production population that was built between September 23, 2020, and January 13, 2022. As the production dates indicate, 2021 model year Broncos are especially prone to the issue, with 15,045 units affected compared to just 1,155 for the 2022 Bronco. While it may seem scary to contemplate the thought of an entire roof panel flying off the vehicle, it doesn't seem likely that such an extreme scenario is likely without any red flags. The report adds that the Molded-In-Color (MIC) hard tops "may exhibit delamination or cracking in the exterior skin of the roof panel," which indicates that there will be warning signs before the problem gets bad enough to cause large pieces to detach, but it clearly is still possible, or the NHTSA wouldn't consider it a safety issue. So why did it happen? Related: Ford Bronco Outsells Jeep Wrangler for the First Time The official description of the cause isn't very revealing: "During this time period, supplier process and equipment parameters for MIC hard top manufacture were not optimized." But that's not all the document says. The manufacturing was carried out by Webasto Roof Systems, and in collaboration with Ford's engineering team, they eventually discovered this year that variances in temperature, or thermal cycle testing, recreated the problem, with the hard tops cracking. Numerous tests were conducted between the problem first being investigated by Ford in January of this year and now, and the Blue Oval says "process improvements" introduced in September 2021 corrected the problem, at least for 5-door hard tops. So far, Ford has 25 warranty claims, two field reports, and two customer complaints in the U.S., received from December 2021 to December 2025. In other words, Ford has been aware of the issue for a long time, and only now has the problem been deemed worthy of a recall. Ford Bronco Owners Are In For a Long Wait Ford The recall schedule has wildly different dates for resolving this recall. The planned dealer notification date was May 12, 2026, and owners can expect an interim notification from May 27-29. But the important date is the "planned owner remedy notification date," or the date from which Ford expects to be ready to fix the problem by inspecting hard tops and replacing those showing signs of cracking, and that's November 5, 2026. That's more than six months from now. The recall report doesn't warn owners not to drive their vehicles, so it could be worse, but this is an unusually long time to wait. And with Ford already on course to break recall records again in 2026, this is another blight on the Blue Oval's reputation. View the full article

At $3,000, it's an expensive espresso machine for sure, but as an espresso machine that bears the Ducati logo, and as a coffee addict, the Barista M3 1926 Carbon Fibre is brilliant. View the full article

An Even More Exclusive Porsche 911 Turbo SEven in its regular form, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is already near the top of the 911 lineup, with serious performance, daily usability, and enough engineering to keep car nuts debating. It feels special straight from the factory, even before Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program steps in. Now, Porsche has added another layer of exclusivity to that with the 911 Turbo S Sadu Edition. Only 20 will be built, and all of them are bound for Kuwait. Porsche 70 Years of Porsche in KuwaitThis special 911 Turbo S Sadu Edition marks 70 years of Porsche in Kuwait. Back in 1956, Morad Behbehani brought the first Porsche sports car – a 356 Cabriolet – into the Middle East. Today, Behbehani Motors Company is still Porsche’s official importer in Kuwait. The Sadu name comes from traditional Kuwaiti weaving, known for its geometric patterns and symbolic designs. Porsche drew inspiration from this design for both the interior and exterior, turning the Turbo S into a rolling tribute to the region. UNESCO recognized Sadu weaving as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage in 2020. Porsche Traditional Patterns Meet Porsche TailoringThe Sadu Edition keeps things simple on the outside, which works in its favor. Porsche left the base car mostly clean, finished in Cream White with a gloss black SportDesign Package and matching Sport Classic wheels. Gold Turbo S Sadu Edition badges are on the B-pillars, and Sadu-inspired graphics run along the lower doors and under the rear wing. Inside, the details stand out more. The cabin mixes Black and Bordeaux Red leather with GT Silver stitching, plus custom Sadu-pattern textiles on the seats and door panels. The Sports Seats Plus have woven inserts in Bordeaux Red, Guards Red, GT Silver, and Black, giving the interior a handcrafted feel you don’t see in most modern performance cars. Porsche added smaller touches that collectors will surely notice. The illuminated door sills have 20 square elements for each car built, with the seventh square glowing red for 70 years in Kuwait. The headrests are embossed with Arabic for 70 Years, and even the key case and owner’s manual wallet get matching details. Porsche Same Turbo S PerformanceMechanically, Porsche left the formula alone. Under the heritage details, it’s still the latest 992.2-generation 911 Turbo S. Buyers get one of the quickest all-around performance cars you can buy today. That means you still get serious hardware: Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, a front axle lift system, titanium sport exhaust tips, and a Burmester sound system. Porsche also offers more customization through its Sonderwunsch program, including optional Sadu-pattern trim for the glovebox and front trunk. There’s no official price yet, but with only 20 units for Kuwait, the Sadu Edition feels less like a typical special-edition Porsche and more like a personal regional tribute that happens to be a 911 Turbo S. Porsche View the 14 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Off-Roaders Inspired by NatureAutomakers referencing real-world places for their vehicles is fairly common, especially with off-road editions inspired by trails and the outdoors. Examples include the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, named after the Rubicon Trail in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Ford Bronco Outer Banks, which nods to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Land Rover, meanwhile, has a new entry with the Defender Sedona Red, which, as the name suggests, references Sedona, Arizona. The limited-edition off-roader adopts a color scheme inspired by the area’s famous red-rock landscapes, whose reddish hue comes from iron-rich sandstone formations. Land Rover Red-Rock DefenderAs a 2026 model-year Defender 90 P400 X-Dynamic SE, the Sedona Red edition benefits from the facelift, featuring redesigned front headlights and rear taillight signatures. The red exterior color is accented by a black signature graphic, hood decal, body-colored spare tire cover, and gloss-black side gear carrier. Inside, the cabin is fitted with Ebony Windsor Leather, a dark grey cross-car beam, illuminated treadplates, and a new 13.1-inch PIVI Pro touchscreen. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. But for those wanting V8 power similar to off-road SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 and Mercedes-AMG G 63, customers cannot spec the Sedona Red exterior with the 518-horsepower Defender 90 V8, at least based on the online configurator. Other features include air suspension, the Cold Climate Pack, and the Advanced Off-Road Pack. Joe Eberhardt, president and CEO at JLR North America, said, “The Defender 90 Sedona Red is a tribute to the raw, red-rock wilderness that defines its namesake. It’s built for those who seek the path less traveled, mirroring the very landscapes where the unrivaled capability of the Defender brand is truly at home.” Land Rover Selling the Desert LifestyleBased on the configurator, the Defender 90 with the $950 Sedona Red exterior option and other packages starts at $81,850. Land Rover said the model is limited to just 100 units. On paper, it does not appear to add much, though it could still appeal to buyers with an outdoorsy streak, especially those who want their Defender to look fresh from a Sedona postcard. After all, special editions like this could help keep the Defender in the spotlight while the broader Jaguar Land Rover business remains under financial pressure. Land Rover View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The 1,064-horsepower Chevy Corvette ZR1 is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and capable supercars on the planet right now, but the lap record it set at Road Atlanta last year has just been lost to a seven-year-old car with only 690 hp on tap. To be fair, it's not just any old car but a 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS (991.2) with the Manthey Kit, and its new production car lap record at Road Atlanta (1:22.649) is only two tenths quicker than the ZR1 managed (and 2.2 seconds quicker than a regular GT2 RS). The feat was achieved with road-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R N0 tires, the same stuff used for the previous lap in 2019, showing just how much extra grip can be found with more aerodynamic aids. The video of the lap is embedded below, but it's not the only lap Porsche wants you to watch. Multiple Porsche 911 GT Variants Set New Lap TimesWhile the twin-turbocharged GT2 RS with Manthey Kit was the fastest car Porsche took to Road Atlanta, it also showed up with some newer, less powerful machinery. The 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992.1) with Manthey Kit set a time of 1:23.932, making it the fastest naturally aspirated production car ever to lap Road Atlanta. Porsche driver Joerg Bergmeister said that "cornering speeds are on the level of GT-class race cars," and it shows. But the German automaker was not done yet. Porsche followed that up with a 2026 911 GT3 (992.2) with Manthey Kit taking to the circuit, clocking a time of 1:24.639. That's 1.8 seconds quicker than the 2022 911 GT3 that Porsche brought to the track a few years back, and what makes the Manthey upgrades particularly appealing is that they can be attained through Porsche dealers across the U.S., meaning your warranty won't be affected by seeking this added performance. Porsche Is Working On Several New 911 GT CarsAs impressive as these lap times are, we suspect that at least some of them will be beaten soon. Porsche has been spied testing a new GT2 RS for quite some time, and it's expected to debut for the 2027 model year. If that's accurate, we could see it revealed before the end of 2026, and we wouldn't be surprised if Porsche were to accompany the unveiling with more new records. If not, they'll surely happen before long. There are also rumblings that the next 911 GT3 could become turbocharged, with Porsche being forced to adapt to global emissions requirements. If true, that would explain why Porsche gave us the 911 GT3 S/C drop top; Zuffenhausen wants to extract all the joy it can from the naturally aspirated boxer engine. Porsche Porsche Porsche Porsche View the full article

End of the RoadChevrolet has dropped the LS9 long-block V8 crate engine on its website, labeling it as “Discontinued.” The automaker instead points customers toward the LSX376-B15, which makes less power on paper but, like the LS9, is capable of supporting boost for tuners looking for forced induction, whether turbocharged or supercharged. At the same time, Chevrolet teased what could potentially be a new engine, though no details were disclosed. In an Instagram post, the teaser simply read, “Something BIG is coming,” which could be tied to the new sixth-generation 6.7-liter naturally aspirated small-block LS6 V8 powering the returning Corvette Grand Sport for the 2027 model year. Under the HoodWhile waiting for more details, the now-discontinued LS9 came with a factory supercharger, pushing output to 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. The engine used a cast-aluminum block fitted with a forged steel crankshaft, forged titanium connecting rods, and forged aluminum pistons. As a long block, it also included cylinder heads, giving builders a more complete factory-built foundation that could save work and improve reliability. The LS9 debuted in 2009 and powered high-performance models like the C6 Corvette ZR1. In the current C8 generation, the ZR1 nameplate has moved to a twin-turbocharged setup. On the other hand, the B15 crate engine, as the name suggests, is capable of supporting up to 15 psi of boost. That is made possible by an iron block paired with an all-forged rotating assembly. It does not come with factory forced induction, leaving builders room to pursue either modest or more aggressive boost setups. For now, output stands at 473 horsepower and 444 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet Chevrolet’s V8 Evolution ContinuesThe B15 costs around $13,000, though the price increases once additional components such as an intake manifold and oil pan are added. The bigger expense, of course, is the forced-induction setup itself, meaning builders are expected to spend a lot more beyond the crate engine itself. With the LS9 out, Chevrolet’s LS engine lineup continues to shrink as the newer LT engine series has largely taken over since the C7 Corvette generation. In the C8 Corvette lineup, both the Stingray and E-Ray use the LT2, with the latter adding an electric motor to become the first electrified Corvette. The Z06 uses the naturally aspirated LT6, while the more extreme ZR1 gets the twin-turbocharged LT7. The ZR1X also uses the LT7, but pairs it with a front electric drive unit for a combined 1,250 horsepower. Chevrolet View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Yamaha R15 and R3 get retro racebike liveries inspired by 1960s GP machines, and yes, they absolutely work.View the full article

The Swedes have just revealed U.S. pricing for the all-electric Volvo EX60 that undercuts the iX3, and it seems they're about to pull another coup on their German rivals with a new XC60, recently spied for the first time in facelifted form. The current crossover is compelling, but according to our spies, the updated model will be even better, with insiders claiming the mid-size hybrid will be capable of up to 200 kilometers, or 124 miles, of electric range on the WLTP cycle. By comparison, a BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid can only manage around 56 miles on the WLTP cycle (EPA figures are not available as this variant is not currently offered in America). So while Volvo may have pulled back on its all-electric ambitions, its next hybrid SUV will be capable of ferrying families in quiet comfort for remarkable distances - distances its German counterparts can't match. But will it look the part? Volvo needs it to. Facelifted Volvo XC60 Borrows From Electric EX60 SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article For the updated XC60, Volvo is sticking to a restrained aesthetic, but the crossover will start to look more like its electric EX60 sibling. At the front, the Thor's hammer motif is maintained in the headlights, but these will be narrowing more sharply on their inner sides, joining with a revised grille. While this sharpening of the headlight doesn't look bad on the EX60, it's going to look especially good on the EX60, with more than just a mass of plastic between each cluster. Lower down, the triangular lower intake is similar to what is currently exhibited with the EX60, while the side intakes are narrower and now feature vertical slats rather than horizontal vanes. One image shows only one of these intakes being open, so active aero may be part of the reason such a high EV range will reportedly be possible. Elsewhere, it's standard Volvo fare. It's also worth pointing out that while the EX60 has flush door handles, this does not, despite the potential range benefits. Related: Volvo’s Thor’s Hammer Lights Are Becoming The Brand’s New Kidney Grille The glasshouse proportions, the roof rails, and the upward slant of the rear haunches give the updated EX60 a typical Volvo profile. While the front badge is covered up, the unfussy wheels still bear the Volvo center caps, but this is an early development vehicle, so it's possible fancier rims will be offered. At the rear, the traditional Volvo taillight shape appears, though the innards may feature revised graphics. A simple roof spoiler and a basic faux diffuser panel round out the rear fascia, and while a dual-exit exhaust may be fitted, we don't expect the tips to be visible. Or perhaps they will; perhaps Volvo will want to make it clearer that this isn't its electric midsize crossover. Either way, these unsightly pipes fitted for testing won't be found in dealerships. The Reason Volvo Is Updating the XC60 SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article As we noted at the outset, Volvo had been planning to go all-electric, and because buyers are not ready for that, the current XC60 must soldier on, hence these updates. And it's not just because of America's slow uptake of EVs that a revision is necessary - Europe's buyers have several compelling EVs to choose from, but those who don't wish to go electric will need to buy vehicles that meet Euro 7 emissions standards, so Volvo is reportedly updating the combustion engine here, too. That's partly why the EV range figure is such a big deal: it lets Volvo attract the gas buyer while showing them what an EV might be like to live with. Volvo still wants to become an all-electric brand and doesn't even own any combustion engine factories anymore, and if buyers aren't getting into its EVs, why not put the EV experience in the cars they are buying, beating the likes of BMW and Mercedes in the process? Expect the updated XC60 to debut in the first half of 2027, possibly as a 2028 model. SH Proshots/Autoblog SH Proshots/Autoblog SH Proshots/Autoblog View the full article

Ahead of its TimeFor what it's worth, the original Audi A2 was a clever subcompact hatchback. Its body and chassis were made of aluminum. The little hatchback also came with a range of efficient gas and diesel engines. Couple that with its slippery and aerodynamic body, and Audi claimed as much as 80 mpg from the smallest diesel-powered version. It was also a little too ahead of its time, expensive to build, and pricey. The company said it set out 'To build a small Audi, not a cheap Audi,' but it ended up costing the folks from Ingolstadt. With disappointing sales, Audi pulled the plug on the A2 in 2005 after just five model years. It was eventually replaced by the A1, which had just been discontinued this year. Audi The EV Reboot21 years after the last A2 rolled off the production line, Audi is just about ready to roll out an all-new version. This time around, it's being rebooted as an EV, and it aims to succeed where its predecessor failed spectacularly: Sales. Audi had previously shown a single teaser photo of what's now called the A2 e-Tron. It highlighted its shape, which should look familiar to the few people who bought the original model. This time around, the company has released footage of the car in motion, giving us a better idea of what to expect. Audi A Distinct LookThe electric A2 retains the Kammback profile of its predecessor, so we can expect it to be highly aerodynamic. At the front, it appears to adopt the quad-light design we're seeing more on Audi models these days. The lights on the edge of the hood are merely the DRLs, and the headlights are mounted lower. Of course, the prominent grille is present. At the back, the A2 e-Tron features a high-mounted tailgate spoiler, staying faithful to the first model. This time around, the vertical tail lights are gone, replaced by horizontal lights with a light bar in between. At first glance, the car appears to be much larger than the previous iteration. Audi What to ExpectAs it turns out, the A2 e-Tron won't use the upcoming SSP architecture, even though Audi will be the first to adopt it. Instead, the EV will be underpinned by the MEB platform that's used by countless VW Group EVs. It won't be related to the ID. Polo, but it will have more in common with the ID.3 Neo. Hopefully, the Audi will get the same amount of physical controls as the VW. Given that it'll be an MEB-based EV, the standard drivetrain will be rear-wheel drive. That point was made clear with footage of the car going sideways in the snow. We're expecting all-wheel drive to be an option as it's available in some MEB cars. Besides, this is Audi we're talking about. Powertrain details are still unknown at this point. However, it could benefit from the battery and motor updates that benefitted the ID.3 Neo. The A2 e-Tron might get VW's long-range battery as standard, and it could also be offered with an even larger pack. We'll know more about the car once it's fully revealed by Fall 2026. Audi View the full article

Call them sci-fi novelist Andy Weir, because Harley's LiveWire's got its own Project Hail Mary, and it involves the small EV dirt bike startup, Dust Moto. View the full article

Ford has announced the launch of a special-edition Bronco SUV in collaboration with Filson, an outdoor outfitter based in Seattle. Set to be unveiled early in June, the automaker has teased what it calls a “premium 4x4 for adventurers” from two brands that have found an undeniable synergy. They've collaborated before on the 2021 Ford Bronco Wildland Fire Rig concept, but the Bronco Filson is intended to find its way into the hands of real customers. This is an SUV for discerning enthusiasts that want to combine genuine capability with premium design. Bronco Gets a Quality Upgrade Ford and Seattle-based outdoor outfitter Filson are teaming up to introduce the newest member of the Bronco family. Ford View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Founded way back in 1897, Filson was originally conceived to outfit explorers for the Alaska Gold Rush. Today, its products have earned the respect of hunters, ranchers, and even the U.S. forest service for their outstanding quality that can withstand the harshest conditions. Other than adventure clothing, the company also stocks outdoor gear like fishing vests, knives, and drinkware. It all meshes perfectly with the Bronco, Ford’s most capable SUV that’s built for hardcore off-roading. Ford didn’t tease much more of the Bronco Filson than a specially branded rear tire cover, but we expect much of the magic to be found in the cabin, where Filson’s high-end yet rugged expertise will likely be seen in special upholstery and trim finishes. It’s not known whether Ford has handed this Bronco any hardware updates, but the Bronco Filson will probably be based on a more capable mid-range trim like the Outer Banks or Badlands. Ford “When people get behind the wheel of the new Bronco Filson, they’re going to immediately recognize it for its American craftsmanship, rugged design, and pioneering capability,” said Dave Rivers, head of Ford enthusiast brands. “For us, that’s what defines a truly premium vehicle.” Neil Morgan, VP of sales and brand partnerships at Filson, hinted that the Bronco Filson will be more than a cosmetic update. “You can’t fake a jacket that’s been through the brush, and you can’t fake a Bronco that’s conquered a trail,” said Morgan. “We weren’t interested in making something that just looks like it belongs outside. We wanted to build something that actually thrives there.” Based on that statement, it’s possible that this Bronco will come standard with upgrades like a specially tuned suspension, an electronic-locking front and rear axle, and a front stabilizer disconnect. Related: Ford Bronco Outsells Jeep Wrangler for the First Time Ford Keeps The Special-Edition Broncos Coming Ford Since its comeback in 2020, Ford has produced a number of special-edition Broncos that offer something a little different from the standard trims. The current lineup includes the Heritage Edition and Stroppe Edition. The former features colors and design flourishes inspired by the 1960s, while the Stroppe Edition is a tribute to the Baja Bronco racing heritage created by Bill Stroppe in the 1960s and 1970s. This is the most desirable Bronco this side of a Raptor, as it also comes with the popular Sasquatch Package. Before the current special editions, Ford also introduced the Bronco Everglades, which came equipped with 35-inch tires and a factory-installed snorkel. That model was built specifically for deep-water crossing and mudding. The Bronco Filson is a rare collaboration with another high-end brand, though, and it promises to be the most premium-feeling model in the Bronco lineup so far. We’ll know more when it’s revealed on June 3, 2026. View the full article

The BMW K100RS has long been regarded as one of BMW Motorrad’s most unconventional and durable motorcycles, and this extensively refurbished example demonstrates why the platform remains a favorite among custom builders decades after its debut. Originally acquired after years of neglect, the motorcycle was completely disassembled, refurbished, and transformed into a striking cafe racer that combines classic European styling with modern functionality and upgraded components. The build centers around a minimalist monochromatic theme. The fuel tank and custom cafe-style […] The post Bike of the Day: 1985 BMW K100RS Cafe Racer appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article