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Winter Storm Warning: 13 Inches of Snow With 90 MPH Winds Coming This Weekend
A powerful Pacific storm is set to slam Southwest Alaska this weekend with hurricane-force wind gusts, heavy snow, and freezing rain through Sunday morning, according to NWS Anchorage. The agency issued overlapping High Wind Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories today, Friday May 8, 2026, with officials explicitly warning of slick roads and difficult travel. Peak Driving Danger WindowThe most dangerous window runs late Saturday night through Sunday morning, when 90 mph gusts in the Alaska Peninsula channels overlap with active snow and freezing rain on local roads, creating compound traction and stability risks for anyone out driving. What to ExpectWind gusts: 90 mph in the Alaska Peninsula channels, 80 mph in the Eastern Aleutians and Pribilof Islands, 75 mph along the Kuskokwim Delta CoastSnow totals: 9 to 13 inches in the Lower Kuskokwim Valley; 8 to 12 inches across Bristol Bay north of King SalmonMixed precipitation: Freezing rain and snow along the Kuskokwim Delta CoastNWS Anchorage flagged the wind forecast with "high confidence," while the snow and freezing rain advisories carry slightly less certainty but cover the same active window. Road ConditionsBethel's roughly 22 miles of paved roads, the King Salmon to Naknek spur, and Unalaska's local grid all face gusts the NWS classifies as hurricane-force at 75 mph and above, with the agency noting that "moving automobiles can be pushed off the roadways" at those speeds. Drivers should monitor Alaska 511 for state-maintained route updates and treat exposed coastal segments as live wind-tunnel zones until the system clears. Severe Storm Driving TipsHurricane-force gusts demand a different posture than routine winter driving. Slow well below the posted limit, keep both hands at the 9 and 3 wheel positions, and anticipate lateral pushes from crosswinds when transitioning from sheltered terrain to open coastline. Triple your normal following distance, and give high-profile vehicles like semis a wide berth since they catch wind like sails. For the snow and ice piece, tire and vehicle setup matter. Autoblog's roundup of the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving and our guide to best practices in snow, ice, and rain cover the fundamentals. Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) tires are the minimum for ice-adjacent conditions, with tread depth at 4/32 inch or deeper. Add 1 to 2 PSI for every 10 degree temperature drop, triple your stopping distance on packed snow, and never use cruise control on ice. Pack a winter emergency kit per NWS winter weather safety guidance, including traction aids, water, layered clothing, and a charged power bank. TimingThe High Wind Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories run through Sunday morning, with peak impacts late Saturday into early Sunday. Conditions ease Sunday afternoon as the system tracks east, though residual gusts and refreezing surfaces could linger into Monday across coastal zones. Forecasters are already eyeing the next Pacific frontal system stacking up behind this one. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article
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Kaden Honeycutt earns first NASCAR Truck win in Watkins Glen overtime
Making his 67th career start, Kaden Honeycutt is finally a winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He passed Connor Zilisch in overtime, hanging on to take the checkered flag for Tricon Garage. He also swept the day, earning a victory in the ARCA Menards Series race just hours earlier. "It's amazing," said an emotional Honeycutt. "Thank you Toyota, this whole No. 11 crew ... everyone ...Keep readingView the full article
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Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Golf Ball Hail & 60 MPH Gusts Hammer Highways from Oklahoma to Alabama
Drivers across a five-state stretch of the Plains and Gulf Coast face an active severe thunderstorm threat today, Friday May 8, 2026, with golf ball hail, 60 mph wind gusts, and embedded supercell structure already producing warnings from northeastern Oklahoma down through coastal Louisiana and Alabama. The Storm Prediction Center flagged the corridor in its Day 1 outlook this morning, with NWS Norman, NWS Tulsa, and NWS Mobile pushing operational warnings through the afternoon. Peak Driving Danger WindowThe most hazardous window runs from late afternoon through the overnight hours along I-35 from Ponca City south to the DFW Metroplex, where a developing storm complex is expected to reach Red River counties after 10 PM CDT with damaging straight-line winds and large hail. What to ExpectHail size: Golf ball (1.75 inches) confirmed in Osage County, Oklahoma; quarter size more common across the broader threat area.Wind gusts: 60 mph radar-indicated, with isolated higher gusts possible in stronger cells.Worst corridors: I-44 through northeastern Oklahoma, I-35 Ponca City to DFW, I-65 Mobile to Saraland, I-10 New Orleans east, I-49 central Louisiana.State count: Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, with southeast Kansas and the Ozarks in the broader risk zone.Storm mode: Discrete cells transitioning to organized clusters by evening.The setup pairs a southeastward-moving cold front with low-level Gulf moisture, anchored by a developing surface low over northwest Texas that is sharpening the dryline through the afternoon. Road ConditionsHail bigger than 1.5 inches will dent body panels and crack windshields on any vehicle caught in the open. Wind gusts near 60 mph approach the threshold where empty box trailers and tall SUVs start losing lateral stability in crosswind gusts, particularly on exposed bridge spans. Real-time conditions for Oklahoma's I-35 and I-44 corridors are tracked at OKDOT's traffic map, and Texas drivers should check TxDOT's DriveTexas portal before any evening trip into the Red River area. Autoblog's guide to hydroplaning prevention covers the fundamentals worth refreshing before heading out. Severe Storm Driving TipsIf you can avoid the highway after 4 PM CDT today, do it. If you can't, the standard severe-weather playbook applies. Pull off at exits, not on shoulders, since 60 mph gusts plus poor rear visibility from chase traffic make shoulder stops dangerous. Keep stopping distance at three times the dry-pavement standard on wet roadway, and watch tread depth: 4/32 of an inch is the practical wet-grip threshold, below which hydroplaning risk rises sharply. Autoblog's severe weather driving practices and tire tread depth guide cover the basics, and the NWS severe weather safety page outlines what to do if your vehicle is in the path of a tornado warning. TimingThe current threat window runs through Friday night, with the OK-to-DFW complex expected in Red River counties after 10 PM CDT and persistence into early Saturday morning across the ArkLaTex and lower Mississippi Valley. NWS Houston has flagged a Marginal Risk for all of southeast Texas on Saturday as the boundary stalls. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article
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Bama Brawl Proves to be a Fight for Southeast Gassers Association Competitors
The inaugural Southeast Gassers Association event at Holiday Raceway produced a true brawl in The Bama Brawl, where racers duked it out amongst themselves and the track. The historic facility in Woodstock, Alabama, produced another SEGA-defining race showcasing the wild and unpredictable nature of these SEGA-style gassers that get as close to the 1960s as possible. The Bama Brawl packed a punch that will be felt throughout the 2026 championship season and beyond in SEGA drag racing. The Alabama contingency of racers within SEGA is certainly familiar with Holiday Raceway. Racers from the Carolinas, Wisconsin, and even Texas rolled in for the first time in need of testing and tuning but didn’t get it due to inclement weather. When the clutches dropped, and wheels were in the air for the first hits in qualifying session one, the need to get the gassers dialed in became excitingly apparent. Many cars launched hard with wheels high in the air while darting either left or right. Center line crossing occurred. Timing blocks were sacrificed. Wall strikes occurred. Moments displayed on track that had fans gasping and reaching for their phones to record. Though most of the competitors within SEGA did get their gassers under control beyond qualifying session one, the fight or flight moments weren’t done at The Bama Brawl. In the fastest and quickest category in SEGA drag racing, A/Gas, the sixteen-car field produced many of the top highlight moments. Leslie Horne, driver of the Chick Magnet 55’ Chevy gasser, qualified sixth in the A/Gas field – well off his typical leading pace. His first qualifying pass had him and fellow competitor Brad Henry in the Wild Child 41’ Willys, showcasing one of the wildest pairs of the day. Both had their hands full of wheel, with Henry turned broadside completely as Horne gathered his gasser up all the way up the Holiday Raceway shutdown hill. From that point on, Horne continued to gather up his performance from his 5.44 elapsed time qualifying performance. Other than his round one elimination match-up, where Horne was able to coast to a win due to his opponent getting out of shape, he improved his performance from the 5.44 qualifying effort to a 5.31, 5.26, and then a 5.25 in the final. He would need that better performance for a chance in the final, where he would face the number one qualifier, Ben Christopher, at the wheel of his Happy Daze Chevy II gasser. Christopher had an eventful day himself without being the direct catalyst for excitement other than performance, outpacing the field with his 5.22 elapsed time No. 1 qualifying effort. He did that right off the trailer in the first qualifying session, effectively losing his second shot due to a competitor getting out of shape at launch and crossing the center line in front of him. With the challenging conditions that jabbed at the SEGA racers in round one of eliminations, Christopher would face Chase Howard, the reigning and defending A/Gas champion, who qualified last, struggling in both qualifying sessions, mustering only a 7.77. Howard found his championship performance in round one, putting up his best time of the race at a 5.23; however, Christopher went low e.t. of the meet with a 5.15. In round two, Christopher would be a part of the pair with the most gut-punching moment of the race. Brad Henry in the Wild Child 41’ Willys had already experienced a wild day in qualifying. Matters had seemed to improve with a round one victory over the orange 41’ Willys known as the Orange Peeler of Scott Bodisalich. In round two, Henry would experience his wildest racing moment with SEGA. Leaving with Christopher, Henry was in striking distance if Christopher had an issue in the Quick Time Performance Right Lane of Holiday Raceway. Just past the 330-foot mark, Henry slipped out of the narrow groove to the left in the Laris Motorsports Insurance Left Lane, turned sideways out of control and skidded into the shut-down area broadside nosing into the right wall resulting in a bloodied nose of his beautiful blue ‘41 Willys. Henry was alright after the incident, exiting the car under his own power. But Christopher’s exciting day wasn’t over yet. In the semifinals, he was paired with SEGA first-timer Steve McNamara of Texas in the Lil’ Johnny Chevy II gasser. Steve launched with a red light but kept the throttle down, then crossed the centerline from the left lane into the right, forcing Christopher to get out of the throttle and coast to a win. The final pitted Horne against Christopher for the inaugural event championship in A/Gas at Holiday Raceway. Horne had lane choice while Christopher had a slight performance edge. The best two cars in eliminations were set to end the race day with possibly the best race of the day. That was not to be as Horne was just off on being timely in his launch, illuminating the red light, and therefore the win light for Christopher. He rolled away from the Bama Brawl as the A/Gas points leader. The ten-car field for B/Gas had the top two performers work their way through their side of the ladder to the final. Ted McKee in the Tennessee Volunteer Orange Rocky Top Missile Chevy II gasser, who won the season opener at Shadyside Dragway, qualified number one with a 5.54. Charlie Lee made his first SEGA appearance with his Tennessee Charlie white and red Mustang fastback gasser. His first qualifying attempt was memorable, launching with such force that a cloud of rust and red dust billowed behind him. The car lifted with a sky‑high wheel stand, and he eventually had to lift off the throttle after crossing the centerline. His second time would have his pony go straight and true to a 5.60. McKee would dispatch his first-round opponent, then enjoy a bye-run in round two to face and defeat Wayne Swafford, the No. 3 qualifier, in the semifinals. McKee consistently ran 5.55’s all the way to the final. Lee defeated his round one opponent with a 5.62 and his round two opponent with his own 5.55. For his semifinal match-up, he had a bye and would take the tree coasting over the finish line stripe. The B/Gas had the two Tennesseans ready to race, one in a Ford and the other in a Chevy. This final produced a fender to fender race all the way to the stripe – a 5.57 to a 5.58. Though just a tick slower in elapsed time, it was Lee winning over the quicker McKee. For all the chaos at the Bama Brawl, there were remarkable performances for the SEGA racers at Holiday Raceway. The top performance of the race came from reigning C/Gas champion Jerren Perdue. He was the No. 1 qualifier, but in his round one bye due to the ladder of the thirteen-car field, he reset the C/Gas record to a 5.947 elapsed time. The performance never did dip for Perdue, all the way to the final. He fought in the 5.90s all through qualifying and eliminations into the final. That final would be a rematch of the season opener with Alabamian Todd Oden. Oden had to defeat an opponent each time to reach the final, being the sixth qualifier at a 6.23. Notably, in the semifinals, Oden faced No. 2 qualifier Heath Adams in the Rusty Bullet gasser in his first start of the 2026 season. It was going to be a match-up where Oden would need everything he could get out of his ‘58 Chevy Del Ray, but Adams rolled the beams, red lighting to give Oden the win. Oden proved that he was ready for the final by taking it to the stripe in the semifinal matchup at a 5.96. The wagon wheeled by Perdue and the full-bodied car driven by Oden launched high into the air, delighting the Alabama fans, and continued to delight in a fight right to the finish line, fender to fender. This time it was Perdue winning against Oden, avenging the loss at Shadyside a race before. It was Perdue’s 5.95 to Oden’s 5.96 in another great display of what SEGA drag racing is all about. No surprise to anyone familiar with the ropes of SEGA competition, a certain Alabamian once again defended the home turf with a win in Super Stock. The six‑car field afforded the number‑one qualifier a bye run into the semifinals, but Jerry Dean hardly needed the advantage; he continues to hold a clear performance edge in his Super Stock setup compared to the rest of the field. The two cars that are the class of the field in this category met again in the final – a rematch of the Shadyside season opener. Rob Walden in the Strych 09 Chevrolet would again attempt to knock out Dean from the winner’s circle. Though Walden was the No. 2 qualifier and clearly has a stout hot rod in Super Stock, his 6.67 still wasn’t enough for Dean’s 6.35. Dating back to last season, the reigning champion in Super Stock is now on a six-race win streak in SEGA racing. This inaugural event for the Southeast Gassers Association at Holiday Raceway, titled the Bama Brawl presented by Superior Performance Transmissions, was certainly a heavyweight fight for the racers in SEGA. It had moments that showcased hit points for the highlight reels while also displaying the separation of competition for the early title contenders in this 2026 championship season. When fans, media, and racers rolled away from Holiday Raceway, they knew they had witnessed the kind of performance that sets the Southeast Gassers Association apart as the heavyweight of nostalgia gasser drag racing. This story was originally published on May 8, 2026. The post Bama Brawl Proves to be a Fight for Southeast Gassers Association Competitors first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article
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Cadillac’s Ultimate Blackwing Costs As Much As Two BMW M5s
Cadillac revealed one of the ultimate sports sedans to start the month, that being the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series. Built to celebrate the automaker’s Formula 1 debut in 2026, the F1 Collector Series packs more power and even hotter looks than the normal CT5-V Blackwing. What we didn’t know until now was how much it would cost, especially since it’s limited to just 26 units. Well, that all-important figure has been shared by GM Authority, and it’s a jaw-dropping $260,000 before destination. That makes it more expensive than any other new Cadillac besides the Celestiq. Related: Cadillac Quietly Made the F1 Blackwing More Powerful Than Before Regular CT5-V Blackwing Looks Like a Bargain Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series Cadillac View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The standard CT5-V Blackwing starts at $98,900 in manual guise, making the F1 Collector Series roughly 163% more expensive. While Cadillac hasn’t officially announced the $260k price tag yet, GM Authority didn’t announce it speculatively, so it’s safe to assume this is the correct figure. At $260k, the Cadillac sedan is more expensive than everything in this special group of sports cars and ultra-luxury sedans: Porsche 911 GT3, Bentley Flying Spur, the V12-powered Mercedes-Maybach S680, and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X. Looked at another way, you could buy two BMW M5s for less than one of these Caddy Blackwings. We’ve seen this recipe before, which entails releasing a special-edition model with beefed-up looks, a bump up in power, a limited production run—and a drastically inflated price. BMW charged about 40% more for the M3 CSL back in 2003, although many would argue the elevated driving experience made it worthwhile. Late last year, Porsche unveiled the 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche, priced at $387,000, about 64% more than the GT3 upon which it’s based. Related: Inside the Factory Where Cadillac Builds the Last Manual V8 Sport Sedan Is The CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series Worth It? Cadillac For the well-heeled collector, this Cadillac sedan is worth every penny. But looking at the raw numbers and the scope of the upgrades, it’s impossible to make a rational case for it over the regular Blackwing model. Both use a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, with the F1 model producing 685 horsepower and 673 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers make it the most powerful Blackwing ever, but it’s not far ahead of the normal version’s 668 hp/659 lb-ft. A six-speed manual is the exclusive transmission choice for the F1 model, which also gets the following enhancements: Upgraded superchargerCNC-machined supercharger coverEndorsed F1 and FIA logos throughoutCarbon Flash wheelsLower carbon-fiber bodyworkGloss Black exterior badging and monochrome Cadillac crestsMost of these changes are purely cosmetic, and while the sedan looks fantastic, these extras aren’t worth a 163% price jump. You can spec the normal Blackwing with the Deep Ocean Appearance Pack, Precision Pack (including carbon ceramic brakes) and Super Cruise, all for $100,000 less. Of course, none of the 26 buyers of the F1 Collector Series will care. It’s a deeply satisfying sports sedan and the most potent Blackwing ever, but also one with unmatched exclusivity. In the years ahead, it has every chance of appreciating in value, especially since larger-capacity V8s may not be around forever. View the full article
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U.S. Auto Debt Reaches $1.68 Trillion, Overtaking Credit Cards
With the average new car transaction price holding just below $50,000 last month, it’s not surprising that auto debt has ballooned to previously unseen levels. As more people borrow larger sums of money to be able to buy or lease a vehicle, auto debt is increasingly becoming a serious problem for consumers. A new report shows that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025 in the United States, accounting for a 37% increase since late 2018, when the debt was at $1.23 trillion. The staggering figure is higher than credit card debt ($1.28 trillion) and is closing in on federal student loan levels. The total debt figure includes traditional installment loans and leases, according to an analysis by The Century Foundation, a left-leaning think tank, and Protect Borrowers, a consumer advocacy group, provided exclusively to CNBC. The Average U.S. Borrower Carries $33,519 in Auto Loan Debt Getty Images The analysis calculated that about 1 in 4 Americans—or nearly 86 million—have outstanding auto loan or lease debt, with the average origination balance for a car loan sitting at $33,519 at the end of 2025. That’s a massive increase over the fourth quarter of 2018, when the average origination balance for an auto loan was $24,782. During the same period, the typical monthly auto loan payment has gone from $506 to more than $680. What this means for auto buyers is that a larger portion of their paychecks is being allocated to their car payments, leaving a smaller budget for other expenses, such as rent, groceries,, savings, and more. Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images The combination of expensive vehicles and higher interest rates has led to an unprecedented surge in auto debt, giving consumers a tough choice between higher monthly payments and longer repayment terms. About the latter part, over 1 in 5 new car buyers took seven-year auto loan agreements in 2025, according to data from Cox Automotive. Factor in the inflation and the rising gas prices caused by the Iran war—the nationwide average price per gallon was $4.53 on May 6 according to AAA—and it’s pretty clear that car owners can’t catch a break these days. And let’s not forget that the average transaction price for a new vehicle was nearly $49,000 last month, according to Edmunds, up from $35,000-$37,000 in 2018. Needless to say, the significant increase in new car prices has far outpaced the increase in incomes. To make matters worse, the supply of affordable cars is almost depleted, with no new vehicles for sale under $20,000 anymore. More Buyers Than Ever Have $1,000 Monthly Auto Loan Payments Getty Images Amid an unstable environment, automakers are focusing more on higher-income buyers, with more than 43% of new cars being bought by households with incomes of $150,000 or more, according to Sean Tucker, a managing editor at Kelley Blue Book. This leaves no other option to many low- and middle-income families than to take on bigger loans to be able to afford a new car. The lowest-income borrowers, who earn under roughly $35,000 a year, paid an average of $738 a month on their car loans in 2025, according to the study—significantly more than the average monthly auto loan payment of $680. Rather worryingly, Edmunds found that the share of buyers who agreed to monthly auto loan payments of $1,000 or more accounted for 20% of all financed new vehicle purchases in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 17% a year earlier. That means 1 in 5 borrowers have accepted $1,000 monthly car loan payments so far this year. View the full article
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Porsche 911 Turbo S Got a Mansory Makeover That Isn’t Completely Wild
Even Mansory Can Show Restraint SometimesMansory is known for modifying expensive cars in ways that usually split the room in half. Whether it’s a Rolls-Royce wrapped in forged carbon or a Lamborghiniwearing enough vents to cool a power plant, the German tuner has never exactly been known for subtlety. That’s what makes this latest Porsche 911 Turbo S project a bit surprising. Unveiled at Top Marques Monaco, Mansory’s new “softkit” package for the updated Porsche 911 Turbo S (992.2) feels noticeably more restrained than most of the company’s previous work. That doesn’t mean it suddenly turned into Singer overnight, but compared to some of Mansory’s more chaotic creations, this one actually looks fairly cohesive. Mansory View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Carbon Everywhere, But In ModerationMansory’s new softkit focuses mainly on visual upgrades, with all exterior add-ons finished in full carbon fiber. Buyers can spec the package for both the Coupe and Cabriolet versions of the 992.2 Turbo S. The list of upgrades includes a revised front lip with side extensions and flaps, carbon mirror caps, side skirts, rear air intake trim, a larger two-piece rear spoiler, and a redesigned rear diffuser. The tuner also introduced a new forged wheel design called the “FS.5,” available in 21-inch front and 22-inch rear sizes. Visually, Mansory avoided going too far with the bodywork itself. Instead of reshaping the entire car, the company added layers onto Porsche’s already aggressive factory styling. The satin silver paint, combined with dark red carbon accents, gives the car a surprisingly mature look, especially compared to Mansory’s usual, louder color combinations. Inside, things get a little more playful. The cabin features extensive Alcantara trim, bright red seat belts, contrast piping, and plaid inserts across the seats, door panels, and the rear bench. Oddly enough, the tartan pattern works here. It gives the interior a bit of old-school German hot hatch energy, almost like a GTI-inspired theme translated into a six-figure sports car. The steering wheel also gets the typical tuner treatment with thicker bolsters, Alcantara grips, exposed carbon sections, and a red center marker. Mansory No Extra Power Yet, But There’s Probably More ComingFor now, Mansory hasn’t announced any performance upgrades for the 992.2 Turbo S softkit. The package appears to focus entirely on styling and interior personalization, though the company hinted that “much more” is still on the way. That likely means future power upgrades are already being prepared. Given the standard 911 Turbo S already produces 701 horsepower from its electrified twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six, outright performance probably wasn’t the priority here anyway. The stock car is already brutally quick in almost every measurable way. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, which is pretty typical for a Mansory project. This also isn’t the first Porsche to pass through Mansory’s workshop, though it may be one of the more palatable builds the tuner has produced in recent years. The overall silhouette remains clean, the factory proportions are mostly intact, and the modifications don’t completely overpower the original design. At least by Mansory standards. Mansory View the 15 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article
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Tesla 4680 Battery Falls Short On Range And Charging After Years Of Hype
Tesla's 4680 battery promised exponentially greater power, density, and range. However, five years after Battery Day - when the 4680 was revealed - the numbers leave much to be desired. Tesla's vertical integration nightmare has come true, where it has managed to cut costs, but its batteries fall short when compared with competitors across the industry, even cheaper LFP batteries. Behind On Paper, And In Real LifeTesla's 4680 battery was designed to replace the industry-standard Panasonic 2170. Tesla promised 5x the energy of existing industry batteries. But the energy density of its 4680 batteries stands at 244 wh/kg, compared with the Panasonic 2170 at 269 wh/kg. Tesla promised 6x more power; however, with 79 kWh, its output is less than the 82 to 84 kWh produced by the LG batteries that it is replacing. Range is approximately 8 percent less than its LG predecessor as well. Tesla Those numbers are simply "on-paper" numbers; the real-world effect can be felt at charging stations. At the Supercharger, the 4680 is falling behind. Recent tests show that after just 15 minutes, 4680-equipped vehicles added roughly 27 kWh of energy, while cars using cheaper LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries added 29 kWh. The flagship cell is being outpaced by "budget" chemistry. Background and Consumer ImpactTesla is now fitting the 4680 batteries to its European-market Model Y, and consumers are feeling the difference. From YouTube videos to forum rants, consumers are further antagonized by the fact that Tesla has yet to announce which specific models are sold with the 4680 battery pack. Tesla The Cybertruck was meant to be the original platform for the 4680. After significantly overestimating Cybertruck demand, currently selling well under its 250,000-a-year production capacity, Tesla now finds itself renegotiating with suppliers and finding more uses for its shiny new paperweights. Being built at Giga Austin, these new batteries are being employed in the Tesla Semi as well, and with production and deliveries set to pick up soon, we hope for Tesla's sake that these performance issues don't make it to its logistics industry offering. View the full article
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Zarco fires up Le Mans crowd as Marc Marquez faces Q1
MotoGP 2026 Round Five – Le Mans – Friday Johann Zarco opened his home Grand Prix in the best possible fashion at Le Mans, the Castrol Honda LCR rider topping Friday Practice in front of a record crowd and giving Honda a timely reminder of what its RC213V can do when grip, front feel and […] The post Zarco fires up Le Mans crowd as Marc Marquez faces Q1 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article
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Flashback Friday: The Top 10 Custom Motorcycles of May 2024
In the world of custom motorcycles, May 2024 was a month defined by extreme engineering. We saw builders moving away from simple aesthetic swaps and leaning into complex mechanical transformations. From the rural workshops of Northern Germany to the high-tech garages of Jakarta and Moscow, the commo... View the full article
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Lamborghini Is About to Cut the Roof Off Its Most Exclusive V12 Supercar
Sant'Agata intends to launch several new products this year, and while some of the new Lamborghinis will be relatively run-of-the-mill creations like the Temerario Spyder and the Urus Performante, the Italian automaker is also working on something for its most special customers: a roadster version of the low-volume Fenomeno V12 supercar. The new variant is expected to debut tomorrow, May 9, and if the past is any indication, the open-top Fenomeno may be even more exclusive than the "regular" 29-unit model; 900 units of the Aventador SVJ were produced versus 800 examples of the SVJ Roadster, and the Reventón was limited to 20 production vehicles (plus one for the Lamborghini museum), while only 15 Reventón Roadsters were made. What to Expect From the Fenomeno Roadster Lamborghini The Fenomeno Roadster will follow the same recipe as its closed-top sibling, expanding on its 1,001-horsepower Revuelto underpinnings with a boost to 1,065 hp. 824 hp comes from the 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, with the balance provided by a trio of electric motors. Total torque is rated at 793 lb-ft (535 lb-ft from the engine and 258 lb-ft from the two front electric motors), and in the coupe, 0-62 mph is dispatched in 2.4 seconds and 0-124 mph in 6.7 seconds. Top speed is rated as north of 217 mph, and it's likely that these figures may be watered down slightly as a result of dropping the roof. Then again, the carbon fiber chassis and bodywork may make the Fenomeno Roadster even quicker off the line if no additional structural bracing is required. Related: Lamborghini’s Rarest Urus Yet Lets You Build It Almost Any Way You Want As part of Lamborghini's Few-Off program, this roadster will be extremely exclusive, and that means expensive. How expensive? You'd have to be in Lamborghini's inner circle to know, but with the Revuelto already commanding over $600,000, we wouldn't be surprised if this special edition crossed the million-dollar mark. It's not the only extreme V12 supercar planned, however. More Lambos Coming in 2026 Our spies have captured shots of a more hardcore Revuelto at the Nürburgring, which could carry the S or SV designations. This has more extreme aero and is rumored to be capable of as much as 1,200 hp, though that seems a little excessive this early in the Revuelto's production cycle. Rumors also suggest Lamborghini may introduce a Miura-inspired Revuelto special edition later this year, though CEO Stephan Winkelmann indicated he didn't want any more retro special editions after the Countach LPI-800, as reported by Road & Track in 2022. We'll know exactly what Lamborghini has been cooking by the end of this year, though, with the company saying several new products will be revealed at exclusive events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monterey Car Week. As for the Fenomeno Roadster, this is expected to form part of the Lamborghini Arena event at Imola this weekend. View the full article
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Southeast Gassers Bring Vintage Chaos To Alabama
The Southeast Gassers hit the track in Alabama for an epic event. Here's who brought home the hardware from Holiday Raceway. View the full article
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Tesla Model 3 And Model Y Add Fresh Colors As Fans Wait For Bigger Updates
Tesla has introduced two new colors for the Model 3 and Model Y EVs in the United States. These new shades add a little variety to the brand’s ordinarily conservative color palette, but they aren’t available on all trim levels. The new Marine Blue shade is reserved for the Model 3 and Model Y Premium variants, while the lighter Frost Blue is exclusive to the Performance derivatives of both vehicles. Here’s a closer look at the new shades and how much you’ll pay for them. New Tesla Colors Tesla Tesla Marine Blue is a metallic shade that takes the place of the older Deep Blue. It’s a darker, moodier shade than Deep Blue, and will likely look close to black in dark conditions, so it’s actually less distinctive. This color costs $1,000 extra on Premium trims, the same as Pearl White but not as expensive as Diamond Black ($1,500), Quicksilver ($2,000), and Ultra Red ($2,000). The only no-cost color on Premium trims is Stealth Grey. For the non-Premium base models, the palette remains limited to Stealth Grey, Pearl White, and Diamond Black. Tesla Model Y Performance in Frost Blue Tesla View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Performance variants have the same palette as Premium models, but the new Frost Blue replaces Marine Blue. None of the colors on these top trims will add anything extra to the price. Frost Blue is a lighter shade that conceals less of the EVs’ lines and works well with the red brake calipers and larger wheels of the Performance models. Deep Blue disappears from the range of color choices for the first time in eight years. Tesla’s Customization Choices Remain Limited Tesla Even with the new shades, Tesla still lacks a truly interesting color palette, and that goes for its customization choices as a whole. Take the Ford Mustang Mach-E, for instance, which can be had in vibrant, unique shades like Velocity Blue, Eruption Green, Adriatic Blue, and Desert Sand. The Ford is also offered with playful hood stripes and a Sport Appearance Package. Even the new Toyota C-HR comes with a range of two-tone exterior colors. Of course, by limiting the number of variants, Tesla can simplify the production process. Besides that, buyers across the globe also choose neutral colors overwhelmingly, based on recent data which shows that white is the most popular shade, with a 29% market share. It’s followed by black, gray, silver, and blue, so it can be argued that Tesla is simply offering precisely what buyers want. There are other advantages to choosing a neutral color, too. They tend to hide dirt and imperfections better, while boosting your vehicle’s resale value. Related: The Surprising Car Colors That Actually Make You Money (And the Ones That Cost You) Not The Update Tesla Fans Want Tesla While Tesla fans always welcome new color choices, many expressed disappointment that the brand seems to be occupying itself with everything besides introducing new models. With the Model X and Model S gone, Tesla needs a more spacious three-row SUV, and it already has one: the Model Y L. No plans have been announced to bring this model to the U.S., though. There has also been much shuffling of trims recently, with a new Model Y AWD trim introduced earlier this year. The ‘Standard’ name was also dropped from the cheapest Model Y and Model 3. New colors, fresh trims, and name changes are fine, but they aren’t going to meaningfully keep Tesla’s lineup fresh. It needs a larger crossover at a time when the electric three-row segment is rapidly expanding. Related: Clues Suggest a Bigger Tesla Model Y Is Coming to the U.S. View the full article
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Remembering Kamil Holan, Czech road racing’s much-loved privateer
Czech road racer Kamil Holan is being remembered across the paddock after the 48-year-old lost his life during Superbike qualifying at the North West 200. The post Remembering Kamil Holan, Czech road racing’s much-loved privateer appeared first on MCNews. View the full article
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THE DOORSLAMMERS Set To Bring Europe’s Wildest Drag Racing Action To Santa Pod Raceway
Fast door slammers are coming back to Santa Pod Raceway. Here's what you can expect at THE DOORSLAMMERS race. View the full article
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Shelby F-150 Super Truck Hits 810 HP To Outgun Raptor R And Ram TRX
In 2015, Shelby American launched a super truck based on the Ford F-150 platform for the 2016 model year, and in 2026, the company is celebrating with a 10th anniversary edition of the same formula, now with over 810 horsepower. That's more than the Ford F-150 Raptor R (720 hp) or the Ram TRX Bloodshot Night Edition (777 hp). Production begins this month at Shelby's facility in Bristol, Indiana, and the company is throwing the kitchen sink at this 5.0-liter supercharged V8 monster, which powers all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Let's take a closer look. Ford Racing Upgrades Help Make Shelby's Super Truck Faster Shelby American View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Shelby has fitted a carbon fiber intake tube with a high-performance air filter to feed fresh air to its stage 2 supercharger with a Ford Racing blower and intake manifold finished in blue powder coating. With more air, partly thanks to a functional ram air hood with dual inlets, comes the need for more fuel, so Shelby has upgraded the fuel injectors and spark plugs, while a new aluminum heat exchanger helps optimize temperatures. Completing the setup is a Shelby-specific Borla performance exhaust with custom dual exits. To help send the power to the road, Shelby's F-150 features King Race Series 2.5 adjustable front coilovers with finned reservoirs and rear shocks with traction bars, and bringing the pickup to a stop are Baer oversized drilled and slotted brake discs with red caliper covers, hidden behind 22-inch alloy wheels (in black or chrome) with BFGoodrich's latest 35-inch KO3 BFG tires. Shelby F-150 Gets New Looks and Fresh Interior Shelby American View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The body gets a custom front bumper cover and new grille, along with power deployable XL running boards with lights and rock guards. The back end of the vehicle also gets a tonneau cover, and the fender flares are bedazzled with marker lights, with the front fenders also gaining functional vents. Elsewhere, Shelby graphics appear on the rocker panels, bedsides, and tailgate, and the bed gets a liner from BedRug. The windows are also darkened with a 50-state-legal tint. In keeping with tradition, full Le Mans-style stripes - in Gloss Blue, Gloss Gray, Gloss Red, Gloss Silver, Gloss White, or Matte Black - run over the entire vehicle, which is available in a number of colors: Agate BlackAntimatter BlueArgon BlueAvalanche GrayCarbonized Gray MetallicIconic SilverOxford WhiteMarsh GrayRuby RedStar White MetallicRelated: Chevy Teases “Big” New V8 Engine That Could Take On the Raptor R Inside, Shelby fits its own leather seat covers and adds 10-year anniversary badges, carbon fiber trim elements, and billet pedals. You also get Shelby embroidered floor mats, and under the hood, an engine bay plaque makes the supercharged V8 look more special. So what does all this cost? Well, the truck is based on a fully-loaded F-150 Lariat 4x4, which starts at $77,170, and it carries a base MSRP of $140,795. In other words, Shelby's upgrades cost $63,625. For the record, the 2025 Raptor R started at $114,220, while the new TRX will start at $102,590 (both prices include a $2,595 destination charge). Shelby American Shelby American View the full article
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Faraday Future FX Super One Minivan Delayed Before It Even Launches
Pause! Faraday made some noise by announcing its FX Super One Minivan, but less than a year later, the brand hit pause after deciding that its 400V powertrain wasn't up to snuff with the rest of the industry. Many brands, especially those from China, are already at the 800V mark or using range extenders. Brands that are at the forefront of EV innovation are already there, which led Faraday to reconsider its powertrain strategy to deliver a better EV experience to prospective clients. Faraday Future Faster, Longer, Stronger The move from 400V to 800V will present a challenge to Faraday, as it won't be able to bring its products to market just yet. However, the move could prove to be a good one, as the 800V architecture opens the door to "longer range, faster charging speeds, and superior powertrain efficiency," according to Faraday. Range-extended vehicles are also in the brand's radar, as they are "well-suited to extreme-cold winter regions such as the U.S. East Coast." This follows suit with other manufacturers that are joining the Range-Extender EV race, like Volkswagen, with some of its China-exclusive models, or RAM with its REV lineup. For many markets without a mature charging network, a range-extended EV might be just what the doctor ordered until full infrastructure maturity is achieved. On the full-EV front, we're seeing pretty much every new high-horsepower EV (launched or to be launched) coming with at least an 800V architecture to support megawatt charging speeds, as is the case with BYD with its Flash Charge and Geely with its sub-four-minute megawatt charging standard, and ranges that could rival some hybrids. Other brands like Mercedes, Polestar, and Volvo are all in the 800V camp already, and Faraday wants to be at the forefront. Faraday Future Pumping the Brakes For now, we expect the Faraday FX Super One Minivan to go back into the lab for a new 800V architecture. The company hopes to bring the model to mass production as soon as possible, but it's "subject to securing financing from strategic or medium-to-long-term investors." As for when the model will make it to market, Faraday optimistically stated that the "first phase of delivery within 6 to 9 months," while the "second phase of delivery within 12 to 15 months, and the " third phase of delivery within 21 to 24 months." This timeline outlines the company's push if it were to go with the 800V architecture. However, if the REEV route were to be exploited, it would take longer for Faraday to deliver, with the first phase expected within 9 to 12 months and the second phase within 21 to 24 months. Following that, the third phase might come within 24 to 28 months, according to their projections. Historically, Faraday hasn't had the best luck, so we might have an indefinite delay on our hands. Still, the company remains hopeful of meeting its promised timelines, provided it can secure investors for its vision. Faraday Future View the full article
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Tesla Model Y Becomes the First Car to Pass NHTSA’s New ADAS Test
Tesla’s ADAS Is Always Part of ConversationsTesla has spent years pushing advanced driver-assistance tech to the front of the conversation. With Autopilot, Full Self-Driving, and a heavy focus on software, the brand has nudged the industry toward more tech-driven safety features – even if controversy keeps following close behind. Now, Tesla can add another first to its list. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that the later-release 2026 Tesla Model Y is the first vehicle to pass the agency’s newly expanded Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) evaluations under the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Tesla What Exactly Did The Model Y Pass?These new tests are NHTSA’s way of updating its long-running five-star safety ratings, putting more emphasis on accident-avoidance tech. According to the agency, 2026 Tesla Model Y units built on or after November 12, 2025, successfully passed four newly added ADAS evaluations: Pedestrian automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, and blind spot intervention. The Model Y also passed the agency’s existing ADAS criteria, including forward collision warning, crash imminent braking, dynamic brake support, and lane departure warning. Instead of the usual crash test scores, these new evaluations are pass or fail. Either a car meets the minimum standard, or it doesn’t. NHTSA’s goal is to get more automakers to adopt driver-assistance features that can help prevent crashes in the first place. That’s especially important now, with pedestrian deaths and distracted driving still on the rise in the US. Tesla A Bit Ironic, Isn’t It?Tesla’s latest safety win lands while its Full Self-Driving system (FSD) is still under federal investigation. NHTSA is investigating whether Tesla’s camera-based Vision system can detect glare, fog, dust, and other factors that block the view. The concern is that drivers might not get a warning fast enough if the cameras can’t see clearly. The investigation covers most Teslas with Full Self-Driving, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. Regulators are also checking if some crashes might have slipped through the cracks because of how Tesla tracks its own data. At least one fatal crash is part of the bigger probe. Given Tesla’s ongoing FSD headaches – yes, lawsuits included – we couldn’t help but see the irony. To be fair, most of the investigation is about older cars and earlier versions of the tech, while this new recognition is for the latest Model Ys with updated software and hardware. But the real test for Tesla’s ADAS isn’t in the lab – it’s how it handles the unpredictable stuff out on real roads. Tesla View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article
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Kia's EV Boom Just Ended a 28-Year Losing Streak Against Hyundai
For nearly three decades, Kiaplayed second fiddle to Hyundai in South Korea. That changed in April 2026. For the first time since Hyundai took a controlling stake in Kia back in 1998, the younger brand outsold its corporate parent in their shared home market. It wasn't a fluke driven by Hyundai stumbling, though a parts supplier fire did dent Hyundai's output in March. Kia's growth was its own to claim, built on a string of EVs that consumers are genuinely choosing over the competition. Kia View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Numbers Behind the MilestoneKia's global sales rose 1 percent in April to 277,188 vehicles. In Korea alone, three models carried most of the weight. The EV3 moved 3,898 units. The PV5 electric van shifted 3,308. The EV5 added 2,262 more. April was Kia's third straight month crossing 10,000 EV sales in Korea, a threshold only Tesla has matched in that market. Combined, Hyundai and Kia cornered the home market, selling nearly 18,500 EVs domestically that month. Kia accounted for 13,596 of them. Hyundai managed 4,851. Kia View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article A Global EV Lineup Taking ShapeThe momentum isn't just a Korea story. In the UK, Kia sold its 100,000th EV last month, a milestone reached across models stretching from the original Soul EV to the new PV5 van. In Australia, Kia ranks third among EV brands behind BYD and Tesla. The EV5 alone has clocked over 10,000 sales in the first four months of 2026 globally. And in the US, where Kia has leaned on hybrid SUVs, the EV9 posted a 481 percent sales jump in April. The 2027 EV3 arrives later this year, expected to start around $35,000, with up to 320 miles of range on the long-range variant. That pricing puts it squarely against the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf. The younger sibling is growing up fast. View the full article
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Cadillac EV Sales Hit 100,000 As Tesla And Luxury Buyers Switch Brands
Cumulative Sales Cadillac has just crossed a major milestone in its history as an automaker. While it may seem like a drop in the bucket compared to other EV makers like BYD or Tesla, the fact that it sold over 100,000 luxury EVs is something worth celebrating in some form or another. As the brand stated: "100,000 Cadillac EVs and Counting," this figure is for the United States. It's been less than four years since the brand launched the Lyriq, the luxury automaker's best-selling EV. Since then, Cadillac has expanded its lineup with the Optiq, Vistiq, Escalade IQ, and the handcrafted Celestiq—all of which contribute to the milestone. GM The Lyriq One of the brand's best-sellers, it was the first all-electric Cadillac to reach the market. Considering that the mid-size SUV and crossover segment is one of the most popular in America right now, it was a logical first step in Cadillac's EV portfolio. Right now, it's one of the brand's best-sellers, to the point that it resisted GM's push to phase out Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As the volume leader, it appears that Cadillac isn't keen on drastically altering its most successful EV, at least for now. The Lyriq sits in a popular segment. Optioned out, it does get quite pricey, but that hasn't stopped the premium brand's growth since its launch. Apart from that, you can't forget the other models that are in the lineup, plus the efforts of the entire company, from engineering and product planning to manufacturing, retail, and marketing. Cadillac A Team Effort GM North America's President, Duncan Aldred, credited Cadillac's EV expansion to the efforts of the entire organization. "Today, I'm proud to share that we've surpassed 100,000 total Cadillac EV sales. This achievement reflects years of coordinated effort across the business – from our engineering and manufacturing teams to our sales, marketing, and dealers – who deliver world-class experiences to customers every day," Aldred stated. The lineup also spans a healthy amount of segments, and while the Lyriq serves as the volume driver, other models like the Cadillac Optiq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ all pull their weight. Made in smaller numbers compared to the rest of the lineup (also because it is hand-built), the Celestiq may command a premium price tag, but its sales also contribute to the total. Cadillac New Clients Perhaps the best part of this growth is that the brand's EVs attracted new customers. According to the brand, about 75% of buyers who purchased the Lyriq, Optiq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ are new to the brand, trading in their Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, or Lexus vehicles. Aldred continued, “Our momentum is reinforced by years of industry recognition,” Aldred said, pointing to accolades from MotorTrend, J.D. Power, Car and Driver, WardsAuto, and Fast Company. Cadillac is betting that customer retention will keep the growth story moving. “Once customers move to an EV, they tend to stay.” With momentum on the brand's side, perhaps we can expect its sales to rise. As more and more Americans are trading gas for electricity, it seems likely that Cadillac will continue to do well. "Now it's on to the next 100,000," says Aldred, and as long as the brand plays its cards right, it should be able to go the distance. Cadillac View the full article
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Car Buyers Are Already Using AI to Choose Their Next Vehicle
Car Buying ExperienceWhen someone is looking to purchase a new car, the experience entails a lot of mixed emotions. Exhilaration and excitement from the prospect of a new car, sometimes tiring and frustrating, given the many processes that come with it. Car shopping behavior has changed over the years. The ease and expansion of the internet have enabled people to gather as much information as possible before making a purchase. Another new frontier of tech is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is apparently already making its way into the car-buying sphere. Getty Images Satisfaction GuaranteedAutomotive Newsreleased a report highlighting that some people have already used AI tools to purchase a new vehicle. Cited in the report was Cox Automotive, a company that provides end-to-end services of the whole automotive life cycle. Some of the products that Cox Automotive offers are digital marketing, financial software, and wholesale remarketing. Cox Automotive published a 2025 Car Buyer Journey, and the interesting part of the report was its section on AI tools used for car buying. It said that although a relatively small number of car buyers used AI to buy new cars, they were highly satisfied with the experience and, crucially, had greater trust in dealerships and a quicker, easier purchase experience. One of the main highlights of the report states that these buyers enjoyed real-time answers and personal recommendations, which we know AI tools can provide. In terms of demographics and age groups, the Cox Automotive report said that Gen Z, Millennials, multicultural buyers, and buyers with children were the most likely to use AI tools. To prepare the report, Cox surveyed 2,300 car buyers who purchased a new or used vehicle within 12 months. Getty Images Key FiguresAs expansive as the report is, here are some key behavioral findings that give insight into the conducted study. First, 19% of all buyers and 25% of new-car buyers made a purchase after using and consulting AI tools like ChatGPT or Google AI Overview. 59% of buyers said they were highly satisfied after using the AI tools, and 83% of these buyers said AI will eventually impact car buying. Adobe Stock Images View the full article
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Rezvani Fortress Brings 850 HP And Optional Armor To A Wild New Tactical Pickup
Not for the Reserved FolksEstablished in 2013, Rezvani has made some of the wildest and 'out there' cars over the past 13 years. Let's just say its cars aren't for the wealthy, old-money types who'd like to keep things on the down low. Rezvani's cars are unashamedly brash and attention-grabbing, and that's putting it lightly. As if you need any more proof, there's the cool Porsche911-based RR1 and the wild 1,000-hp mid-engined Beast. On the SUV side, you get the Dark Knight and Tank, the latter available with an armored package. Soon, an all-new pickup will join the range, and to the surprise of no one, it'll look battle ready. Rezvani Meet the FortressAs if the Tank weren't enough, Rezvani will soon reveal the Fortress, which the company calls 'the ultimate tactical truck.' Mind you, we're not expecting to see this on the frontlines any time soon, but for those who like driving around in rolling bunkers, this pickup will definitely pique their interest. Company founder and CEO Ferris Rezvani dropped a few details about the Fortress in his Instagram post. There, he said, "The all-new Rezvani Fortress combines full armor protection, world-class off-road capability, and is built on one of the most respected truck platforms available." Car and Driver reckons that the Fortress is based on the already punchy FordF-150 Raptor R. If so, then it probably wouldn't be a massive surprise, given that Raptor R already has loads of capability. In typical Rezvani fashion, expect everything to be cranked up to 11. It'll also have 'up to 850 horsepower,' according to the company. Rezvani Highly ExclusiveOnly 100 of these trucks will be built, although prices have yet to be announced. It will, of course, involve a donor vehicle, and it's safe to say that the final price will go far beyond the usual off-road performance pickup. It does have armoring as an optional extra, after all. The Fortress will be fully revealed next month, so we'll know more about its specs and any interesting options it might have. Well-heeled punters interested in getting this truck ready for Rambo can put down a $500 deposit to secure their build slot. Yes, it's a big, polygonal pickup, but it's quite literally the antithesis of a TeslaCybertruck. Rezvani View the full article
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These Kits Used to Turn Snowmobiles Into ATVs, And We Should Bring Them Back
Everyone wants a do-it-all machine, but few are as single-use as a snowmobile. Well, back in the day, these ATV conversion kits would allow your sled to go anywhere, any time, no matter if there was snow or not. View the full article
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BMW Just Built Matching M Cars And Superbikes That We’ll Never Get
South Africa gets exclusive BMW M2, M 1000 RR, and S 1000 RR special editions, and we’re super jealous. View the full article
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BMW Owners Could Get Paid Over Leaky Shark-Fin Antennas
BMW’s Shark Fin Problem Finally Reaches a SettlementA few years ago, BMW faced a class-action lawsuit over a problem that seemed minor at first but ended up costing some owners a lot. The lawsuit alleged that the shark-fin antenna on select BMW SUVs wasn’t sealed properly, allowing water to seep in and damage the electronics inside. The suit covered 2019 and 2020 model years of the X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 built from late 2018 to early 2020. Once water got into the shark fin housing, it could mess with the GPS, radio, and other connected features. BMW stuck to its stance that it did nothing wrong. The company isn’t admitting fault, but it chose to settle to avoid a drawn-out legal fight. Now, the settlement just got preliminary court approval, so if it gets final approval, owners can start filing claims soon. BMW What BMW Owners Could ReceiveDepending on whether you’ve already had repairs done and where, BMW owners and lessees included in the lawsuit could get different types of compensation. If you paid for sealing repairs at a BMW dealer and your SUV was under 10 years old or below 120,000 miles, you could get all your money back for those repairs. If you went to a third-party shop, you might get up to P2,000 back, as long as you have the paperwork – repair invoices, VIN, mileage, proof of payment, and a description of the work. BMW is also extending the warranty for this issue to 10 years or 120,000 miles from when the SUV first hit the road. The warranty sticks with the vehicle, so it still counts even if you sell it. There’s a short window for free repairs, too. For 60 days after the settlement is final, BMW dealers will fix the sealing defect for free, no matter how old your SUV is or how many miles it has. Just make sure to file your claim by August 27, 2026. What Happens NextThe settlement isn’t a done deal yet, as a final court hearing is set for July 28, 2026. If it goes through, owners can expect reimbursements and warranty benefits to start rolling out after that. To be fair, this isn’t the kind of problem that leaves your SUV dead on the spot. But it’s exactly the sort of issue that can sneak up on you, especially with all the electronics packed into today’s luxury SUVs. Water and sensors don’t mix well. What’s interesting here is how specific the defect is. The settlement points to the paint process as the culprit, which messed with the seal around the antenna. It’s a tiny step in the factory, but it led to a much bigger headache for owners down the line. For most owners, the extended warranty is probably the bigger win here. Water-related electronics issues only get more expensive as your SUV gets older. BMW View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article