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After the new Mustang GTD Competition variant smashed the Corvette ZR1X's Nürburgring lap time to become the fastest American car ever to lap the Green Hell last month, Ford is introducing an updated look for the GTD Spirit of America. The new look comes in the year that America celebrates 250 years of independence, and the theme incorporating the colors of the flag is truly striking. Things under the hood remain unchanged, so let's take a closer look at what has been revised. Mustang GTD Spirit of America 2.0: Subtle Updates Ford The red, white, and blue livery on the GTD Spirit of America's new look is an asymmetrical one, with Lightning Blue stripes running along the driver's side of the vehicle and down the middle, with a narrower Race Red stripe on the passenger side of the Performance White body. The thicker of the blue stripes and the red stripe stop at the vents on the hood, and this offset pattern is also meant to reference the iconic tri-bar seen on the classic Mustang logo. The mirror caps are finished in red, as are the end plates on the enormous top-hung rear wing, but this is not a change from the previous Spirit of America look. In case you don't recall the old look, this had just two narrow stripes, one red and one blue, both running along the middle of the car, from front bumper to hood, roof, trunk, and rear bumper. Related: Ford Might Be Turning Its Track-Focused Mustang Into a Convertible Everything else has been left alone, including the MUSTANG script under the wing and all the exposed carbon fiber elements, which include the front splitter and dive planes, side skirts, rear wing, and fender louvers. As standard, the Mustang GTD Spirit of America comes with the Performance Package, which includes the aforementioned dive planes and splitter, as well as the drag reduction system on the rear wing. Underbody flaps are included, too, as is a lightweight package that removes sound deadening and 20-inch magnesium wheels. Mustang GTD Spirit of America Applications Are Open Ford View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Until May 18, Ford has opened the application window for potential North American buyers, and if approved, they'll get a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 with a claimed 815 horsepower (though the GTD may actually deliver more), propelling the most expensive and most extreme Mustang yet to a top speed of 202 mph. The 'regular' GTD starts somewhere north of $300,000 before the Spirit of America upgrade, but if you have loads of cash to spend, you can also opt for some truly exceptional paint finishes, as a Mustang GTD in Lamborghini Viola Pasiafae (purple) showed last month. There's also the undoubtedly expensive Liquid Carbon option, which provides the GTD with exposed carbon fiber. These sorts of options certainly place the GTD deeper in true supercar territory, and we hope to see owners showing the GTD's prowess at track days over the coming months and years. After all, that's what it was built for. View the full article

Santa Pod Raceway’s 60th Anniversary season hits the launch button over the next two weekends. First comes this weekend’s THE DOORSLAMMERS, featuring full-bodied cars with working doors, sprung chassis, serious intent and a serious prize purse of £100,000! That’s just the start. Next comes an extended Bank Holiday weekend featuring two race meetings in one. The brand-new Carl Cox Motorsport Series provides the opening salvo on Thursday and Friday. Then, running from Friday to Bank Holiday Monday, The Main Event brings over 300 car and motorcycle teams from 18 countries to contest the first round of the FIA/FIM European Drag Racing Championships. The multi-disciplinary Carl Cox Motorsport stable includes luminaries such as Isle of Man TT hero Michael Dunlop, but drag racing is the superstar DJ and motorsport entrepreneur’s personal enthusiasm. Hardly have Europe’s fastest door cars – Pro Mods – cooled their motors from their DOORSLAMMERS exertions than they are fired up again to chase a £20,000 bounty placed on the line by Cox in the Carl Cox Motorsport Series. Cox himself races regularly in the Pro Mod class in Australia and is introducing an Australian-style format, run to a 5.90-second index, for this competition. For drag racing’s most expensive ‘door car’ class, Cox hopes this new series and prize money will help support and grow the Pro Mod category, particularly for teams operating on more limited budgets. Owing to music commitments, the DJ misses this first contest in the three-race series and a respected substitute will drive his US-built car. However, Cox climbs back behind the wheel in the next two races scheduled for July and September. All manner of cars – door cars, dragsters, altereds, roadsters – and motorcycles too will fill the paddock when The Main Event presents the opening round of 2026’s FIA and FIM European Drag Racing Championships. The entry list currently stands at 305, with 18 countries represented. Machinery ranging from the most powerful two- and four-wheeled vehicles on the planet – Top Fuel Dragsters and Bikes – right down to their miniature Junior Dragster and Dragbike counterparts – drivers and riders starting from age eight – populate a rich and diverse racing programme with an array of entertainment attractions attached. Europe’s two fastest women drivers headline the 11,000-horsepower Top Fuel Dragster show. Sweden’s Susanne Callin (320.20mph) and Switzerland’s Jndia Erbacher (320.15mph) have wrapped up the past two seasons’ FIA European Championships between them. While Erbacher is the quicker of the two over the 1,000-foot course which, for safety reasons, these behemoth cars nowadays run – a career-best 3.817 seconds to Callin’s 3.840 – the fractional differences in elapsed time and terminal speed count for nothing when it’s winning the race to the finish line that matters. Meanwhile, Colin Millar maintains his quest to be Scotland’s fastest driver. The popular Outlaw Anglia racer has burnished his brand name The Flyin’ Fyfer on the flanks of a Top Fuel Dragster in a bid to earn his Top Fuel licence and run with the fast ladies. Pro Modified will be a thrill show throughout Saturday’s and Sunday’s qualifying sessions as 20 entries – saloon cars in silhouette but livid, all-out racing machines beneath the skin – fight their way into 16 available spots in Bank Holiday Monday’s eliminations. The Main Event combines two Pro Mod races in one: round one of the FIA European Pro Mod Championship and round two of the FuelTech Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship. Finland’s reigning European champion Jere Rantaniemi seeks a hat trick of FIA crowns. Estonia’s Andres Arnover is the 2025 Motorsport UK British champion as well as Europe’s quickest-ever Pro Mod racer, at 5.695sec over the classic quarter-mile, a mark set at Santa Pod last year. Both have 250mph-plus terminal speeds to their credit – so has Santa Pod-local Jon Webster, Britain’s only Pro Mod star to top that magic barrier. Fields of Top Methanol and Pro Stock cars complete the FIA championship programme. Germany’s past Top Methanol champion, Timo Habermann, makes a notable return after several seasons out. Ground-pounding nitro Funny Cars head the accompanying on-track programme with a range of UK national championship Sportsman classes in support. Jet Cars are an added attraction. On two wheels, the FIM European Championship brings entries in Top Fuel Bike, nitro SuperTwin, Pro Stock and Super Street bikes. Sweden’s Top Fuel Bike star Rikard Gustafsson returns with Europe’s quickest, fastest competition motorcycle, 5.638sec/260.65mph, to defend his European title. That’s 0-260 in 5.6 seconds on two wheels. Round one of the Carl Cox Motorsport Series takes place from Thursday 21st to Friday 22nd May. https://santapod.co.uk/results/carl-cox-motorsport-series/ FIA/FIM The Main Event takes place from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th May. https://santapod.co.uk/main-event.php. Both races take place at Santa Pod Raceway, near Wellingborough NN29 7XA, with a wide range of off-track entertainments complementing the racing action.Book in advance, online at https://santapodtickets.com/ or by telephoning the Box Office at 01234 782828. Paddock access is free for a close-up view of all the pitside action. The post Santa Pod’s 60th Anniversary Season Lifts Off With Two Bumper Race Weekends first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Smarter Than Small TalkRivian has built its reputation around software-defined vehicles, and its latest AI assistant could be one of its most notable upgrades so far. That’s because the system can control many vehicle functions through simple voice commands from the driver – something Tesla’s Grok integration has yet to match. While Tesla’s Grok currently cannot control climate settings or media playback, Rivian Assistant can handle those functions, along with changing drive modes and adjusting ride height. It can also answer in-vehicle troubleshooting questions, making it not only functional but genuinely useful for drivers. Rivian AI That Learns The DriverThe Rivian Assistant is built directly into the vehicle’s hardware and software, unlike phone-mirroring voice systems such as Apple CarPlay’s Siri. Rivian says the system can learn a driver’s preferences over time and better understand complex, contextual voice commands, such as “Make everyone’s seat toasty except mine.” Other notable capabilities include summarizing local news, handling more advanced navigation requests, and sending text messages in the owner’s preferred tone. As cars become more advanced, Rivian Assistant could help the brand keep pace with, if not move ahead of, many of its rivals. It could also prove crucial in attracting more buyers to the brand, especially with the upcoming R2, which is expected to become Rivian's volume seller. At the end of the day, some buyers will appreciate AI and the convenience it brings, while others may still prefer a more analog driving experience. Rivian The Cost Of Smarter CarsFor those willing to bet on the AI-powered assistant, Rivian offers it only through a Connect+ subscription. The service is essentially Rivian’s version of Tesla’s Premium Connectivity, enabling cellular-based features and enhanced in-car software functions. Connect+ costs $14.99 per month, about $5 more than Tesla’s monthly Premium Connectivity plan. It is worth noting that services like these require data collection. However, Rivian said privacy measures are available, including the ability to disable the “Hey Rivian” wake phrase, limit location sharing, or turn off the memory feature. Rivian Assistant is compatible with Gen 1 vehicles (built through the 2024 model year) and Gen 2 models (introduced for 2025 onward). Rivian’s current all-electric consumer lineup includes the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, while the upcoming R2 crossover is competing directly with the Tesla Model Y. Rivian View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Peaks and ValleysNissan is fresh off its financial report for FY2025, and there's reason to be a little bit more optimistic for the Japanese automaker. Of course, it's not all good news, as the company still copped losses worth 533.1 billion yen ($3.376 billion), but on the other hand, there are positive signs towards recovery. With that, Nissan actually has a positive forecast for FY2026, and the company has even stated that its recovery is "ahead of schedule." It's not out of the woods yet, of course, and the slew of new models must perform exceptionally well to bring the brand back into the green. Nissan The LossesBefore we get to the good news, we'll take a look at the reasons for the losses. The biggest factor that slowed down Nissan's progress was, unsurprisingly, tariffs. On that alone, it cost Nissan a whopping 286 billion yen, or just over $1.8 billion, an amount that could've easily halved the company's losses. Sales were also down by 5.8%, from 3.346 million units to 3.151 million units. The biggest sales losses came from Japan, with home market sales dropping by 13.5%. Europe was the second-largest loss, with sales down 9.7%. The market with the smallest decline was North America at 0.9%. Lower sales during FY2025 cost the company another 35 billion yen ($221.7 million). Foreign exchange added to further losses, as did rising raw material costs and inflation. Nissan The Good NewsDespite those factors, Nissan reported positive cash flow during the second half of the financial year. It rose by 112 billion yen ($709.5 million), indicating promising signs of early recovery. As a whole, the company reported 58 billion yen ($367.4 million) in operating profit with consolidated revenue at 12 trillion yen ($76 billion). Nissan also managed to save 200 billion yen ($1.2 billion) in fixed costs and 55 billion yen ($348.4 million) in variable costs. Engineering costs per hour have also been reduced by 18%, and the consolidation of several production sites has saved the company more money. Nissan The Bright SideSo the momentum is there, which is why Nissan's outlook is positive. For FY2026, the company is aiming for net revenue of 13 trillion yen ($82.3 billion), operating profit of 200 billion yen ($1.2 billion), and net income of 20 billion yen ($126.7 million). Those numbers look far better than previous forecasts. Of course, there are still headwinds. The war in the Middle East isn't helping matters, as well as the oil situation. Tariffs also remain a massive hurdle for Nissan, as they do for everyone else in the car business. With that in mind, Nissan will continue implementing its cost-saving measures by streamlining additional operations to improve efficiency. The good news is that Nissan won't be facing the challenges of a dated model lineup. There's a lot to look forward to from the brand. The redesigned Juke aims to bring back European customers into its showrooms, while the new-generation Rogue (X-Trail in most markets) will be a key model for the company's sales rally. Redesigned and updated region-specific models are also underway, and more cars from China will be exported to maximize production capacity. Of course, we're looking forward to the Xterra revival, as well as the rebooted Skyline that will make its way to the U.S. as an Infiniti. Nissan/Youtube View the full article

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is undoubtedly one of the most capable track-focused cars on the planet, capable of beating cars with more than twice the horsepower around tracks like the Nürburgring, but one owner in Switzerland has turned the most extreme 911 into something else entirely with the help of Porsche's Sonderwunsch department. The new creation is arguably closer to Pagani than Porsche, turning the GT3 RS into a statement of style rather than speed. A new kind of carbon fiber was created to make this GT3 RS truly unique, and the entire car is lathered in brown, from its leather-rich interior to its stunning bodywork. It looks incredible, but ultimately, specifying a GT3 RS this way makes it arguably too pretty to do anything with it but preserve it. Porsche Turns the GT3 RS Into a Chocolate-Colored Masterpiece Porsche The color of the body is called Macadmiametallic (one word, for some reason), and as you might have guessed, it comes from Porsche's Paint to Sample range. Black carbon fiber would have looked out of place, so Porsche has infused the clear coat of the carbon with brown pigments, developing the finish specifically for this car. The stunning effect appears on the hood and the rear wing, which gets Pastelorange Weissach logos on the end plates and an orange PORSCHE script under the uppermost element. The same color reappears on the brake calipers and in the accent rings of the LED headlights, and it's used to add a splash of color to the cabin, too. Related: WATCH: Porsche Just Took Back the Nürburgring EV Record With a 6:55 Lap Inside, the cabin is dressed in sumptuous Truffle Brown leather and Race-Tex suede, with orange decorative stitching. Orange also appears on the contrast piping of the seats and floor mats, as well as in the air vents and the Sport Chrono clock atop the dash. Orange is also used on the sill plates and headrests, but unlike the body, Porsche has not tinted the interior carbon fiber brown, instead keeping it its original black color. Perhaps brown carbon fiber would have been too excessive, given how much of the shade appears elsewhere in the car. Brown seems to be regaining popularity of late, as shown in a matching BMW M3 Touring and 911 Carrera pair seen earlier this year. Porsche Sonderwunsch Makes Dreams Come True Porsche View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Porsche has not revealed how long it took to complete this unique GT3 RS, nor what it cost, but if price is no object, Sonderwunsch will do just about anything you like. That includes completely rebuilding something like a Carrera GT and resetting the odometer to zero, or crafting a one-off 911 S/T inspired by the automaker's racing history. These projects require immense attention to detail and take months to complete, but while we can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into custom projects like these, it feels a little out of place on the GT3 RS. Sure, it's a car that can cost well over $300,000 with options, but it was designed to be driven in anger, and giving it a bespoke look inside and out like this means it'll never risk rock chips on the track or even the road, and that seems a little wasteful. Porsche Porsche Porsche Porsche View the full article

Justin Ashley heads to this weekend’s Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK at Route 66 Raceway feeling good about the path his SCAG Racing team is on. There have been adjustments with new crew chiefs and new team members, but the Top Fuel standout continues to thrive, especially over the past three races. After a slow start to the year, Ashley has picked up steam in his 12,000-horsepower dragster, advancing to two semifinals and a final round in the loaded Top Fuel category. This weekend’s race in Chicago also marks a massive event for the SCAG team, as hundreds of employees will be on hand at Route 66 Raceway. Ashley loves the opportunity to put on a show for them as he seeks his first win of the season and at the fan-favorite facility. “I think we’re on a good path,” Ashley said. “Tommy (Delago, crew chief) and Jason (McCullouch, co-crew chief) have a plan and I love the plan they’re following. It’s like building a new house. It’s a brand new combination and we started everything from scratch. We’re laying that foundation and I think you’ll see more of it start to come to fruition the next few races. “I’m happy with how we’re doing and I know there’s areas where we’ll continue to improve. It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve really enjoyed this whole process through the first five races. We’ve got a championship group and we have a lot of fun together. We enjoy being around each other and it’s a great culture with this team.” Last season, Tony Stewart (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claimed wins in Chicago. The event will again be broadcast on FS1, with final elimination coverage on Sunday, May 17, beginning at 5 p.m. ET. It is the sixth of 20 races during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season and fans can look forward to a number of highlights in Chicago, including: An appearance from NHRA legend and Chicago native “The Greek,” Chris Karamesines, as NHRA honors his long career and accomplishments. Karamesines will also be featured on the unique commemorative ticket for the race. Fans can scan the on-site signs at the track to purchase the commemorative ticket, which will be distinctive to each event. On Sunday, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a free, limited-edition NHRA can cooler. A new-look Nitro Mall, special 75th anniversary displays and more. Ashley will also get to take part in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, taking on reigning world champion Doug Kalitta in a semifinal rematch from the most recent event at South Georgia Motorsports Park. Ashley will try to avenge that defeat and then parlay that into a victory against a field that features a host of standouts, including points leader Shawn Langdon, who won in Georgia and made the fastest run in NHRA history with an incredible blast of 345.00 mph. Others to watch include Leah Pruett, defending event winner Stewart, Gainesville winner Josh Hart, four-time world champion Antron Brown, rookie Maddi Gordon, Clay Millican and Chicago native Tony Schumacher. But this is an important race for Ashley and SCAG Racing, with their headquarters not far from Route 66 Raceway. That means a great deal of their employees will be in attendance, which is something Ashley treasures, especially if he can bring him a victory. “It’s definitely an honor,” Ashley said. “We’re out here representing this company and this is the first real opportunity to express our gratitude. There’s hundreds of employees at Metalcraft of Mayville who work hard and diligently at their jobs, and we’re looking forward to spending time with them.” Funny Car’s Beckman will look for a repeat win against a field that features points leader J.R. Todd, and 2026 winners Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, Jordan Vandergriff and Chad Green. Reigning Pro Stock world champion Dallas Glenn has continued his success on track this season with two wins on the season. His KB Titan Racing teammate and six-time world champion Greg Anderson is second after nabbing a win in Pomona. Matt Hartford has wins in Gainesville and Charlotte and is third. Two-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Gaige Herrera has yet to lose a round at Route 66 Raceway. Last season, he won his third consecutive race, defeating rival Matt Smith. Herrera won seven races last season, but it was his teammate, Richard Gadson, who earned the world title. Herrera, Gadson and Smith have wins in 2026. The event will also feature competition in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, along with the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown. Race fans in Chicago can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two rounds of qualifying at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday, May 15, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 16 at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. CT. Eliminations will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Sunday, May 17. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday and Saturday at 11:30 p.m. before eliminations coverage at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday. To purchase tickets to the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK on May 14-17 at Route 66 Raceway, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, including the full 2026 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com. The post Top Fuel’s Justin Ashley Likes Team’s Progress Approaching Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

John Force Racing is ready for the Route 66 Nationals. Here's a breakdown of how each team is approaching the event. View the full article

The all-new 2027 Infiniti QX65 midsize luxury SUV has begun arriving at dealers across the U.S. on May 12. The coupe-styled two-row SUV, which shares the platform, four-cylinder gas engine, and assembly plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, with the three-row QX60 SUV, is available in three grades—Luxe, Sport and Autograph—with prices starting at $53,990 (excluding a $1,545 destination and handling charge). It Costs Less Than the QX60 in Equivalent Trim Levels Adam Lynton/Autoblog That makes the QX65 $2,100 more expensive than the base QX60 Pure, which starts at $51,890. However, if we compare the equivalent trim levels, the QX65 is significantly more affordable, which is rather odd as coupe-styled SUVs are generally more expensive than the regular SUVs on which they are based. For example, the QX65 Luxe starts at $53,990, making it $3,300 less expensive than the QX60 Luxe, which starts at $57,290. The price difference grows to $6,700 when comparing the Sport trims—$55,690 for the QX65 vs. $62,390 for the QX60—and $4,300 when looking at the range-topping Autograph models—$62,590 for the QX65 vs. $66,890 for the QX60. All Infiniti QX65 models are powered by a 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) gas engine good for 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. The engine is linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. What You Get for the Money Adam Lynton/Autoblog Standard features for the base Luxe trim include 20-inch alloys with all-season tires, dual 12.3-inch displays with Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, TailorFit-appointed seats with heating at the front, tri-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, an 11-speaker audio system, and a power liftgate, among other things. The Sport trim adds goodies such as a sportier front grille design, unique 20-inch wheels, a graphite headliner, gloss black carbonite interior trim pieces, and a 16-speaker Klipsch Premium sound system with 600 watts of power, an 8-inch TriPower subwoofer and 1-inch titanium dome tweeters. Adam Lynton/Autoblog As for the top-of-the-range Autograph grade, it gets satin chrome window surround trim, 21-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, and a black-painted roof on the outside, while interior details include open-pore wood-toned accents, a quilted dashboard and semi-aniline leather seats with asymmetrical diagonal quilting pattern. Customers who opt for the Autograph trim also gets a 20-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere system with 1,200 watts of power, as well as the Individual Audio feature that uses headrest speakers for the driver and front passenger to deliver individual content to different occupants. Competing at the Heart of the Premium Segment Adam Lynton/Autoblog Envisioned as a spiritual successor to the Infiniti FX, the QX65 competes at the heart of the premium segment and has the difficult task of going against the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, GenesisGV80 Coupe, Audi Q8, and Lexus RX, to name the most important models in the segment. The 2027 Infiniti QX65 is among several new or refreshed vehicles the Japanese brand plans to launch in the U.S. through 2030 in key premium segments. "The launch of QX65 reflects the momentum behind our product strategy," said Eric Ledieu, vice president, Infiniti Americas. "Our retail network is ready and excited to bring this world class vehicle to their clients.” The Infiniti QX65 configurator is now online, allowing customers to build their own QX65. View the full article

Jack Beckman and the PEAK SQUAD took a difficult path to victory in last year’s Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK so they’re working toward a much smoother route to winner’s circle in this year’s May 15-17 event at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill. “The big races to win are typically your hometown race, milestone events, the U.S. Nationals and, and the Pomona races. They’re the legendary races,” Beckman said. “But I also put right up there winning your sponsor’s event because their name goes on the trophy at the end of the day, too. When you win at your sponsor’s event, and your sponsor is a company like PEAK and Old World Industries, where all the employees understand the culture of the product that they’re selling, it’s something special. We had so many PEAK employees show up to the race last year. It wasn’t mandatory. They wanted to be there and they were there at the end of the day with the team in winner’s circle holding that trophy up. It’s really hard to think of many better weekends that I’ve had driving a race car than to do it with that PEAK SQUAD surrounding us.” The PEAK Chevrolet SS was hit with multiple mechanical gremlins in qualifying and traction issues in eliminations during last year’s event. But it all came together in the final round against then-teammate and reigning Funny Car Champion Austin Prock. Beckman won on a holeshot, cutting a .049 light to Prock’s .063, and taking the win a run of 3.935 seconds at 325.77 mph to his teammate’s quicker run of 3.933 seconds at 329.02 mph. It was Beckman’s 37th NHRA Funny Car career victory. “It really looked like it was a scripted weekend for the PEAK SQUAD,” said Beckman. “We qualified number one, we win the race. It’s an absolute storybook description but it misses a lot of the details. It was an unusual event in that the quickest qualifying runs didn’t come on Friday, they came on Saturday. We were sitting mid-pack when we came up for the first Saturday run and we go right to the top with a 3.85. We thought it might even be a little bit quicker for the last qualifying run. We go up to the line and our car won’t start. The crew did a number of quick checks but couldn’t find the issue. We eventually found a broken air fitting that disarmed the ignition system. But the silver lining there is it happening qualifying, not on race day. “Race day comes and the car won’t start in the morning warmup,” Beckman added.” It’s a different issue in the ignition system. We replace the box and now we’ve dodged a couple of bullets. We win 1st round and then smoke the tires in the second round but were still able to win. The car smoked the tires again in the semis but I pedaled it and we got the win. Then we close it with a holeshot win over our teammate, Austin Prock, the defending Funny Car champion and that’s as good as it gets. As a driver, it feels unbelievable to give back to a team that’s given you a fast car all year long because it’s typically the car that wins the race. We bookended qualifying number one and that amazing final round victory with a lot of nail biting.” Beckman currently sits eighth in points, just 30 points behind Spencer Hyde. Two rounds of qualifying will be contested at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday, May 15, and two more rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 16 at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. CT. Eliminations will begin at 11:00 a.m. CT on Sunday, May 17. The post Jack Beckman and the Peak Squad Hope to Reach the Peak Again at NHRA Route 66 Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Oliver Zipse is being replaced as CEO of BMW by Milan Nedeljković, and he's been at the helm of the automaker through some of its greatest hits, but before he leaves, he's telling the world about one more important car, teasing new images of the next 3 Series Touring, or station wagon. The shadowy imagery shown could be of either the gas car or the i3 Touring, the all-electric wagon that will precede the combustion model, though he says both are important. Zipse was speaking during the company's 106th Annual General Meeting, giving his final speech as CEO, and the images were displayed behind him as he explained the importance of this body style. Oliver Zipse Says BMW Wagons Are Still In Demand BMW BMW is one of the few automakers still to offer a longroof variant of a sedan, another body style that has been on life support since the explosion in popularity of the SUV, but Zipse explained that BMW has no plans to stop selling it. "The 3 Series is more than just a sedan, and it will remain that way in the future," he said. "The 3 Series Touring is very popular with families and business customers, which is why we have already confirmed this model." The electric wagon, internally codenamed NA1, will be produced in Munich alongside the i3 sedan (NA0), likely in 2027. Production of the sedan will start in August, so the wagon will have to wait a while. Insiders say a combustion-powered G51 wagon will happen, and since an electric M3 is happening, it seems entirely feasible that an electric M3 Touring may also appear sometime around the end of the decade. But what will we get in America? U.S. Likely to Get More High-Performance Wagons, Not Slow Ones BMW BMW Senior VP of Brand and Product Management, Bernd Koerber, indicated that BMW wants to sell more wagons in North America, with the company being delighted by the response to the M5 Touring. However, it seems unlikely that run-of-the-mill non-M Tourings will be sold here, as American buyers in need of practical cars choose crossovers and SUVs instead. Those who buy the wagons available to them are the sorts of people who would have purchased a high-performance car anyway but chose things like the M5 Touring or Audi's RS 6 Avant because they liked the blend of speed and a station wagon's style; it was an emotional purchase. With high performance comes high cost, and those who can afford an M5 ($123,300) don't mind paying a little more for an M5 wagon ($125,300). Perhaps the same would be true of M3 buyers, but we'll have to wait and see if BMW plans to give them the option. View the full article

The 75th anniversary season of the NHRA is underway and this weekend, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will make its annual stop outside of Chicago for the Gerber Collision & Glass Rt. 66 Nationals, May 15-17. Veteran Top Fuel driver TJ Zizzo and his Rust-Oleum sponsored Top Fuel dragster are eager to show off the hard work and dedication they have put into the team throughout the off-season. The past few seasons’ results have shown that the Zizzo Racing operation is a formidable opponent racing on a limited schedule. “We don’t race often, but we are putting in the work year-round to be ready for races like Chicago,” said Zizzo. “Thanks to the support from Rust-Oleum and our other sponsors, we can come out and be very competitive. Our team, led by Mike Kern with input from Hall of Famer Rahn Tobler, will have this Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster set up for success. This sport is so competitive and having the ability to be a No. 1 qualifier is a huge achievement.” Crew chief Mike Kern and the Rust-Oleum team spent over 2,000 hours working diligently over the off-season to make sure Zizzo Racing is again positioned for success when the season starts this weekend. Over the past two seasons, Zizzo and the Zizzo racing team have turned heads scoring No. 1 qualifiers and posting excellent elapsed times. Their career highlight was a runner-up finish during the 2020 season that was delayed due to rain and completed at the historic U.S. Nationals. “I think our fortunes really changed for the positive in 2020 even though we didn’t win the race,” said Zizzo. “We knew at that moment we could compete with the best of the best and we just needed some better equipment. Thanks to the late Don Schumacher, we upgraded across the board and the rest is history. You must have a passion to compete out here and you also need to take risks, in a good way.” The 2024 No. 1 qualifying effort was Zizzo’s best qualifying effort since 2018 when he raced to the No. 5 spot only to be upset in the first round by Scott Palmer. Last year Zizzo and the Rust-Oleum team finished qualifying in the No. 13 spot and drew three-time Top Fuel champion Antron Brown in the first round. Zizzo was first off the starting line but his race car overpowered the track, and the Chicagoan was forced to watch Brown pull away for the first-round win. It was an uncharacteristically unsuccessful run for the team based on their previous runs. “Mike and I talked about what happened,” said Zizzo, following the race. “The idle was a little high and I compounded the situation with my right foot applying a little pressure to the throttle pedal. We are running the Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster right on the edge. You must try and get the most out of the tune up and we just tipped it over a little. We can fix that and learn from it.” This year, Zizzo and the team are focused on making the most out of every qualifying session and entertaining the fans. The team will once again host a free pancake social on Saturday morning before qualifying, serving the fan favorite Nitro Cakes to fellow competitors and fans. The annual tradition has become one of the highlight events of the NHRA tour. “Saturday morning serving Nitro Cakes is the best,” said Zizzo. “We haven’t been on tour, so it is a little like the first day of school when all our friends come over. The fans love it and I love to see many of our loyal NHRA fans every year. We have hundreds of people come by and it is just a cool way to thank the fans and have some fun.” Qualifying for the Gerber Collision and Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals will begin on Friday, May 15, with two sessions of the four professional categories. On Saturday, fans will be treated to two more qualifying sessions. The quickest 16 race cars, dragsters and motorcycles will race for the famed Diamond Wally trophy beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. The race will be broadcast nationally on FS1 Sunday evening. This story was originally published on May 13, 2026. The post TJ Zizzo Looking to Make a Statement in Front of Hometown Fans at NHRA Route 66 Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Summit Racing Equipment Mid-West Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service has announced that Funny Car will no longer be part of the MWDRS lineup, ending a run of more than five years for the J&A Service-backed class. Series founder Keith Haney announced the decision in a statement, thanking Jim and Annie Whiteley of J&A Service for their financial support and commitment to giving Funny Car racers a competitive home within the Mid-West Drag Racing Series. “Mid-West Drag Racing Series and I, Keith Haney, want to take a moment to sincerely thank Jim and Annie Whiteley for the past 5 1/2 years of support they have given to the J&A Service Funny Car Class,” Haney said. According to Haney, the Whiteleys invested heavily in the class in an effort to build participation and support a strong purse structure for racers. “These two have poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into trying to create a great place to race and provide a strong purse for the racers,” Haney said. “I can honestly say that Jim, Annie, and the Mid-West Drag Racing Series gave it everything we had. Unfortunately, many who said they would support the class simply did not, and because of that, as of today, Funny Car will no longer be part of the Mid-West Drag Racing Series. That is something that truly saddens me.” Though the Funny Car class is ending, J&A Service will remain closely aligned with the series. Haney emphasized that Jim and Annie Whiteley will continue supporting MWDRS through the Pro Mod class and as presenting sponsor of the series. “I do want everyone to know that Jim and Annie Whiteley are 100% still behind MWDRS,” Haney said. “They will continue supporting the series through the Pro Mod Class and as the Presenting Sponsor of the Mid-West Drag Racing Series.” The announcement comes as MWDRS continues its 10th season with an increased focus on Pro Mod and sportsman-style categories. “Jim and Annie Whiteley, along with Robin & Melody Roberts, Robert Costa, and myself, have also contributed additional money to increase the Pro Mod payouts for the 10th year of our great series,” Haney said. MWDRS is also evaluating possible additions and expanded support for other classes. “As MWDRS continues moving forward, we are actively looking at additional funding and sponsorship opportunities to support and grow the Top Sportsman and Top Dragster classes,” Haney said. “We are also exploring the possibility of expanding the series by adding a 6.0 class or Super Pro class, along with the potential addition of an NT 28 10.5 class. These additions could create more racing opportunities, attract new racers, increase overall event participation, and help strengthen the long-term future of the series.” Haney closed his statement by again recognizing the Whiteleys for their impact on the series and the sport. “Personally, I want to give Jim and Annie Whiteley the recognition they deserve for everything they have done for this sport,” Haney said. “They give so much to so many people, and their generosity never goes unnoticed.” This story was originally published on May 13, 2026. The post MWDRS Discontinues J&A Service Funny Car Class first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Katherine Legge knows nearly every move she makes is another milestone in motorsports, but her focus is on results and not the history books. In the late hours of Tuesday night, it was revealed Legge is set to attempt the rare ‘Double’ by running the Coca-Cola 600 and Indianapolis 500 on the same day - Sunday, May 24. She was already set - and wrapped up the opening day of practice - for ...Keep readingView the full article

Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series officials and FloRacing announced today that Friday qualifying at the upcoming PDRA Mid-Atlantic Showdown presented by Classic Graphix will stream for free on the FloRacing 24/7 channel. The Mid-Atlantic Showdown, May 21-23, at Virginia Motorsports Park, is the third of seven races on the 2026 PDRA schedule and will include the series’ complete lineup of professional, sportsman, and Jr. Dragster classes. Fans can catch Friday qualifying on FloRacing 24/7 through Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Fubo, and other free video platforms. Saturday eliminations will also be available for FloRacing subscribers. “FloRacing opening the floodgates to the live stream on Friday of the PDRA Mid-Atlantic Showdown is huge,” said Tyler Crossnoe, series director, PDRA. “Not only through their channels, but through the 24/7 channel that puts the PDRA racers, teams, and marketing partners in front of eyes on Amazon Prime, Fubo, Roku, YouTube, and countless other streaming platforms that may have no clue what PDRA or even drag racing is.” The Friday schedule at the Mid-Atlantic Showdown includes three qualifying sessions for the pro classes – Pro Nitrous, Pro Boost, Pro Street, Pro 632, and Super Street – as well as two qualifying sessions for the sportsman and Jr. Dragster divisions. Those sessions will set the fields for Saturday eliminations at VMP. “Friday qualifying is always intense for our competitors, and having that shown for free on FloRacing 24/7 is a big opportunity,” Crossnoe said. “It could bring people to the track on Saturday for eliminations that would have never attended or have them become a lifelong drag racing fan by being introduced to the sport on avenues like Amazon Prime or YouTube.” To find FloRacing’s free streaming coverage of Friday qualifying at the PDRA Mid-Atlantic Showdown, search “FloRacing 24/7” on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Fubo, Roku, and other video platforms. For a complete event schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.PDRA660.com. This story was originally published on May 13, 2026. The post Friday Qualifying at PDRA Mid-Atlantic Showdown to Stream For Free on FloRacing 24/7 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

In the industrial landscape of Tilburg, the Netherlands, Mark van Veggel is quietly redefining what a garage build actually means. A mechanical polymath with a background in electronic design and fabrication, Mark grew up in the slipstream of his father and grandfather. These two men taught him that... View the full article

A museum in Illinois opened its mail recently to find a $50 speeding ticket from the New York City Department of Finance. The vehicle in question was allegedly caught doing 11 miles per hour over the limit in a school zone. That vehicle was KITT, the legendary talking car from Knight Rider, one of the most iconic automobiles in television history. The only problem, as the Volo Museum in Illinois was quick to point out, is that the car hasn't moved in years. Volo Museum/Facebook The Car Behind the LegendIn the summer of 1982, a sleek black car with a glowing red scanner bar rolled onto American television screens. KITT — short for Knight Industries Two Thousand — was built on a 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, using the car's low, wedge-shaped nose and hatchback coupe body as its base. The interior and distinctive nose design were the work of designer Michael Scheffe, with the iconic red scanner strip inspired by HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Each car cost approximately $100,000 to build. Of the roughly 19 cars used across the show's four seasons, 14 were destroyed during or after production. Just five survived, with at least one of the most-used movie-car examples reportedly valued at $5 million. The Volo Museum's car is not one of those five. It was built in 1991 by Mark Scricani of Marks Custom Kits using original production designs, and later became part of the George Barris Star Car Collection, autographed by Barris himself. Volo Musuem View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article When the Algorithm Gets It WrongAccording to a CBS News report, museum officials believe the camera system matched a novelty plate from a passing vehicle to their famous Firebird — an easy mistake for a machine scanning thousands of plates a day, but a pretty embarrassing one. AI-powered traffic cameras have been expanding rapidly across American cities, promising speed and scale. The NYC Department of Finance says it is looking into the matter. The museum has since requested a hearing, and joked that David Hasselhoff owes them fifty bucks. View the full article

Attempting to complete 1,100 miles in a single day of racing is quite the challenge (unless you're an endurance racing driver), but it's even more daunting when you're doing it in two wildly different race cars and at two race tracks that are multiple states and over 500 miles apart. That is what it means when a driver says they are attempting 'The Double.' Their day will begin at Indianapolis ...Keep readingView the full article

Ron Capps and Maddi Gordon are pushing for a big weekend in Chicago. Both drivers have high expectations for the Route 66 'NatsView the full article

Sixty Years Of CorollaThe Toyota Corolla is a big name not only in the brand's lineup, but also in the entire car industry, having become the best-selling car of all time, ahead of the Ford Model T and Volkswagen Beetle. That gives Toyota major bragging rights, along with the kind of sales success that helped shape the company into what it is today. So it is only fitting that the Japanese marque is celebrating the Corolla’s 60th anniversary, with its latest tribute coming in the form of updated Active Sport editions. If those trims don’t ring a bell, that’s because they are offered on the Japan-spec Corolla, meaning the U.S. is unlikely to get them. The U.S.-spec Corolla is available in LE, SE, and XSE trims. Still, the celebration feels well-deserved, considering what the Corolla has achieved over the past six decades, making it almost as old as the Ford Mustang yet as relevant as ever. Toyota An Anniversary Glow-UpThe 60th-anniversary editions are available on the Toyota Corolla Active Sport and its wagon counterpart, the Corolla Touring Active Sport. Both feature 60th-anniversary logos on the front fenders and a laser-engraved version on the instrument panel. Toyota also added tuned suspension for 2WD versions and 17-inch black aluminum wheels, giving them a slightly different driving experience from the standard models. However, the two special-edition models also differ. The sedan version gets more premium-looking styling, including an exclusive front bumper, body-colored rocker moldings, and mid-gray and black front seats. On the other hand, the wagon version gets a more outdoor-oriented treatment inside and out. In addition, Toyota has updated the standard Corolla lineup with new colors, including Neutral Black and Emotional Red II, while the base X trim now comes standard with Smart Entry and the Navigation-Ready Package. Toyota The Corolla’s Birthday BillBoth Active Sport special-edition models sit at the top of their respective ranges, with the sedan starting at 3,231,800 yen, or around $20,400 at current exchange rates, for the 2WD version. The Corolla Touring Active Sport starts at 3,282,400 yen, or approximately $20,800, in front-wheel-drive form as well. Toyota has yet to announce a dedicated 60th-anniversary Corolla for the U.S. market. For now, the celebration appears focused on Asian markets, including Taiwan, where the automaker has also released anniversary models with bronze-gold accents. Toyota View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

While the industry softens the SUV into an oversized station wagon, a select few heavy-duty workhorses engineered with proper frames and potent powertrains refuse to compromise. If you need to pull absolute maximum tonnage without stepping up to a pickup, these ten SUVs are your only legitimate options. Dodge Dodge DurangoThe Dodge Durango is a traditional SUV in the field of electrified crossovers, aggressively tuned to pull an imposing 8,700 pounds. Starting at $38,495 in the US, this platform relies on brute force rather than sophisticated software. Marketed as a family hauler, the Durango provides a high-capacity towing experience that the modern market struggles to compete with. Traditional SUVs with torquey powertrains still earn their place in the market. NIssan Nissan ArmadaNissan overhauled the Armada, transforming a forgotten fleet vehicle into a premium tow rig. Starting at $57,520 in the US, the new Armada pulls a highly competitive 8,500 pounds. It ditches its ancient V8 for a modern twin-turbo V6 pushing 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. With a reinforced frame and revised trailer sway control system, towing heavy campers at highway speeds is no longer an exhausting battle. The NISMO Armada has the same towing capacity and even more sporty credentials. Toyota Toyota SequoiaToyota's Sequoia has long been suburbia's favorite; it presents itself as an impressive towing machine pulling an impressive 9,520 pounds. Starting at $62,175 in the US, its mandatory i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain makes 437 horsepower and a significant 583 pound-feet of torque. Using a fully boxed frame, it trades some cargo capacity for undeniable strength, making it perfect for hauling. Factor in the undeniable Toyota reliability, and the Sequoia is hard to argue with as a package. Ford Ford ExpeditionEquipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Ford Expedition functions as a legitimate F-150 substitute, maxing out at a massive 9,600 pounds of towing capacity. Starting at roughly $62,000 in the US, it utilizes a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 generating 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Its proprietary Pro Trailer Backup Assist removes the anxiety of maneuvering a boat ramp by letting drivers steer via a dashboard dial. Chevrolet Chevrolet TahoeWhen optioned with the Max Trailering Package, the rear-wheel-drive Chevrolet Tahoe effortlessly pulls 8,400 pounds. With US prices starting around $63,495, Chevrolet offers the highly durable 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines. The Tahoe leverages an independent rear suspension, ensuring ride quality remains remarkably composed even with a heavy weight dragging down the rear axle, serving as an uncompromised choice for American buyers. Chevrolet Chevrolet SuburbanStretching the Tahoe’s wheelbase yields the Chevrolet Suburban, a cavernous utility vehicle remaining a staple of high-capacity transport. With US pricing starting at $61,500, the increased mass drops the maximum towing capacity to a still-formidable 8,000 pounds. However, it compensates with unrivaled interior volume. With the proven V8 powertrains, the Suburban handles severe cross-country towing assignments with a predictable, iron-clad stability that shorter-wheelbase SUVs physically cannot replicate. GMC GMC YukonThe GMC Yukon shares its underlying structural architecture with the Tahoe, targeting buyers demanding massive capability wrapped in premium materials. Hitting an 8,400-pound maximum towing threshold, US models start around $69,229. Opting for top trims secures a potent 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. GMC heavily prioritizes visibility, outfitting the Yukon with up to thirteen distinct camera views calibrated for hitching, providing heavy-hauling competence while isolating the cabin in leather-bound comfort. Audi Audi Q7European luxury vehicles are rarely associated with heavy-duty labor on American soil, but the Audi Q7 aggressively challenges that perception. Starting at $60,500 in the US, the Q7 offers an exceptional 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity. Audi utilizes a highly advanced, turbocharged V6 paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for immediate torque delivery. The famous Quattro all-wheel drive system helps minimize dangerous trailer sway that often plagues lighter crossovers. Land Rover Land Rover DefenderThe Land Rover Defender perfectly merges legendary, absolute off-road capability with serious payload management. It matches the German standard with a 7,700-pound towing capacity. Starting at $56,900 in the US, the Defender leverages robust turbocharged inline-six engines and an immensely stiff aluminum monocoque architecture. It is a brutally capable machine built for the buyer who needs to pull heavy equipment miles beyond where the pavement ends. Jeep Jeep Grand WagoneerThe Jeep Grand Wagoneer remains the undisputed king of the consumer tow, capable of dragging a staggering 10,000 pounds. Dropping the aging V8 for a twin-turbocharged inline-six, it churns out 420 horsepower and a brutal 460 pound-feet of torque. Starting around $86,945 in the US, this luxurious workhorse boasts a body-on-frame architecture, effortlessly pulling a loaded dual-axle trailer on a steep grade. While the automotive industry is reconsidering its transition toward soft, battery-powered crossovers, the uncompromising towing segment remains anchored in the brutal physics of weight and combustion. These ten platforms prove that heavy-duty capability is still available on the market. If you routinely move massive, multi-ton loads across state lines, you simply cannot rely on aggressively marketed alternatives. You must demand the iron-clad mechanical hardware and relentless torque that only these dedicated haulers can provide. View the full article

The Route 66 Nationals is special for TJ Zizzo. The Chicago native is ready to put on a show for his hometown fans in Top Fuel. View the full article

The New Pajero News of the new Mitsubishi Pajero is running rampant. It is one of the names that put Mitsubishi on the map, and it's been nearly a decade since we last saw a new Pajero. We're happy to report that we're surely getting a new model soon. Coverage isn't sparse either. Other reports state that Mitsubishi is benchmarking against rivals in the segment, while others still say the Pajero will come in three variants, and what's more, we know it's coming in late 2026. Mitsubishi What We Didn't Know While we do know quite a few things by this point, there are many more details we're not yet sure about. A Japanese source, Best Car, has news that could prove true, so we're treating it as plausible for now. Still, plausible is the operative term. Historically, the Pajero has had at least three wheelbase options for buyers to choose from: long, standard, and short (otherwise known as the "Pajero Junior"). According to the source, Mitsubishi has one wheelbase option for the model, and it will also have three different grades. Also, Best Car already reiterated what we already knew: it will be based on the Triton pickup truck's platform. In addition to sharing the same or a similar platform to the truck, the source also mentions that the new Pajero will initially be powered by a diesel engine. As for which engine that may be, an educated guess would be the 2.4-liter bi-turbo diesel, also found in the Triton, mated to a six-speed transmission. Finally, the publication mentions that the new model will be the first Pajero to adopt a smart key system, which also means it will be the first Pajero to come with a push-start system, rather than a flip key like the late models of the discontinued SUV. MitsubishiMotorsTV/YouTube View the full article

Some Car Loans Now Last Longer Than Presidential TermsAmericans are stretching car loans longer than ever just to keep monthly payments manageable. According to recent reports, some auto loans now extend beyond seven years, with certain financing terms even outlasting a U.S. presidential term. At the same time, average monthly payments for new vehicles have climbed to $722, while roughly 20% of buyers are now signing up for 84-month financing deals. What used to be considered extreme financing is quickly becoming normal in today’s car market. That trend is exactly why Capital One Auto President Sanjiv Yajnik says he is not overly worried about so-called “forever loans.” Speaking to CNBC, Yajnik argued that while vehicle prices, insurance costs, and interest rates have all increased sharply since 2019, the percentage of income consumers spend on car ownership has remained relatively stable at around 10%. Capital One’s data also found that 80% of financed buyers remain below the widely accepted 15% payment-to-income threshold. In short, lenders believe consumers are adapting responsibly by taking out longer loans rather than overextending themselves with higher monthly payments. Getty Images Auto Debt Has Reached $1.68 Trillion NationwideStill, not everyone in the automotive and financial sectors shares that optimism. U.S. auto debt has now ballooned to $1.68 trillion, overtaking credit card debt and raising fears that the industry could be heading toward a dangerous bubble. Financial analysts have increasingly warned that long-term financing combined with inflated vehicle prices may create a situation similar to the housing crisis of the mid-2000s. The concern is simple. Consumers are borrowing more money for longer periods on assets that depreciate rapidly. The CNBC report also highlighted growing concerns from Edmunds, which found that 26% of used car buyers trading in their vehicles this year still owed more on their existing loans than their cars were actually worth. Average negative equity has jumped to $5,105 for used vehicles and $7,183 for new vehicles. Edmunds analyst Jessica Caldwell warned, “As loan term lengths increase on average, the pace at which consumers make progress paying down their balance slows.” Yajnik acknowledged that buyers take longer to build equity but defended the practice by saying consumers still gain transportation and earning potential from vehicle ownership. For lenders, affordability matters more than loan length if borrowers continue making payments. The Lowdown - Chilling Effect of PricesThe bigger issue here is what these longer loans are doing to the entire car market. Automakers have become increasingly comfortable raising prices because they know buyers are willing to stretch financing terms further than ever before. A higher sticker price suddenly looks manageable when spread across 72 or 84 months. The problem is that consumers often focus only on the monthly payment instead of the total amount paid over the life of the loan. Longer loans may lower the monthly burden, but they can quietly become financial traps. Higher interest charges over seven years can add thousands of dollars to a vehicle's final cost. In some cases, the extra interest alone could buy an entire used car by the time the loan ends. Buyers also face years of depreciation while remaining underwater on their loan balance. As vehicles age, rising maintenance costs lock many consumers into expensive transportation debt long after the excitement of buying a new car fades. Getty Images View the full article

BYD's new subcompact brings cutting-edge tech and affordability together. The 2026 Seagull—marketed internationally as the Dolphin Mini was launched on May 11, 2026, following its reveal at the Beijing Motor Show. With prices between $10,300 and $12,600, the updated subcompact brings advanced driver-assistance hardware to the budget segment via a new "Surf" trim. This configuration offers an optional LiDAR system and a manufacturer-claimed 251-mile driving range. BYD Democratizing Advanced SensorsHistorically, LiDAR arrays have been reserved for premium EVs to support complex technologies - especially relating to ADAS. By offering this technology on an entry-level platform, BYD is bringing a high-tech experience to the masses. This aligns with the automaker's strategy, a tactic also observed in BYD's 1,000-horsepower Formula SL sedan. Efficiency vs. MassPowering the Seagull Surf is BYD's proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery. While the 251-mile rating is based on the more optimistic China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) rather than North American EPA standards, the range remains highly practical for urban commuting. BYD This focus on lightweight efficiency contrasts sharply with the hurdles facing domestic U.S. automakers. Grappling with the weight and cost penalties of massive battery packs recently forced Ford to pivot its electric F-150 strategy toward gas-generator EREV platforms. Global Market DisruptionAs BYD pushes into international markets, it faces a complex competitive landscape. While dominating overall volume in China, the brand is encountering calculated pushback abroad. Recent first-quarter sales data demonstrated how highly targeted government subsidies artificially allowed legacy brands like Toyota to vastly outsell imported BYD models in Japan. BYD Despite these geopolitical hurdles, the updated Seagull remains a disruptive force. By packaging a practical range and LiDAR into a budget-friendly footprint, BYD is forcing competitors to re-evaluate their baseline specifications. As traditional European legacy brands actively terminate affordable models to fund their EV programs, the Seagull Surf is positioned to capture consumers currently being priced out of the market. View the full article

What Is a Hongqi?Unless you're following the Chinese auto industry or deep into the rabbit hole of its history, Hongqi (pronounced hong-chi) is a brand that isn't really heard of outside of China. It's long been the country's premier luxury automaker and also its oldest automaker. Think of it as China's Cadillac or Lincoln, and its classic models certainly reflected that. Hongqi used to be reserved for China's elite, whether in government or in any positions of power. It's a little different now, as it's more accessible to the masses, but it's sticking to its luxury roots. But before it reached its current state, Hongqi underwent a rather interesting phase of building licensed cars from abroad. Hongqi The People's Republic Town CarOne of the cars that Hongqi built was a licensed version of the Lincoln Town Car. Dubbed the CA7460, the Chinese automaker started building these in 1998, and did so until 2005. Ford supplied Hongqi with semi-knockdown kits of the car, and final assembly was done in China. It's not a straight-up rebadge of the much-loved livery car, as Hongqi added some of its own touches. The most obvious difference is the different set of headlights and grille, making it look rather generic. Some sections of the front end are also noticeably different from the Town Car, and a 'red flag' ornament adorns the hood. At the rear, there are quite a number of changes made as well. The taillights are a different shape from the Town Car, and bits of extra trim were added to the trunklid. As for the interior, it's largely the same as the car it's based upon, save for a Hongqi badge on the steering wheel. Also unchanged is what's under the hood, as it uses the 4.6-liter V8 found in Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and yes, the Town Car too. This One's For SalePanther Magazine recently came across a CA7460 for sale, not in China but in the U.S. It's currently in Los Angeles and is being offered for $10,000. It's a 2001 model, although the car itself has a pretty interesting history. The car was previously covered by The Autopian back in 2023, and spoke to the owner about it. Yang, who was at Art Center College of Design and a Hongqi intern at the time the article was published, got himself a Lincoln Town Car. He then stripped down a CA7460 in China and fitted the parts that made it unique to the donor Lincoln. Yang doesn't parade his car as a true CA7460, but rather, as a replica and a tribute to the Chinese-American collaboration. Low-mileage Town Cars go for a surprising amount of money these days, and this one has about 70,000 miles on the clock at the time of posting. By Town Car standards, that's barely broken in. For $10,000, you can drive around in something that will surely leave the Cars and Coffee and Radwood crowd scratching their heads. Hongqi View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article