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The First EV GTIIn case you missed it, the Volkswagen ID.Polo has made its world premiere. There was even a tiramisu-covered person who attended the event for, um, reasons. That aside, the subcompact electric hatchback presents a new chapter for VW, mainly because it aims to correct all the past missteps the company made from the late 2010s to early 2020s. With a new Polo also comes with it the inevitable GTI version. But as the ID.Polo is electric, the 'I' no longer stands for 'injection' as in fuel injected. In this case, it now means 'intelligent,' and the first-ever EV GTI has a lot riding on its fenders. Volkswagen Any Specs Yet?Why yes, and for a junior hot hatch, it's pretty good. Of course, you'd like to know the power figures, and it's 223 hp and 214 lb-ft. It doesn't sound like a lot on paper, but as it weighs under 3,400 lbs and has the benefit of offering near-instant power delivery, it should get off the line fairly quickly. As for battery size, it gets the largest pack as standard which is 52 kWh. Estimated range is 'over 260 miles,' although that's according to the somewhat optimistic WLTP cycle. Power is delivered to the front wheels, sticking to the classic hot hatch layout. It then rides on 19-inch wheels with 235-section tires for more bite. The suspension is lowered by 0.6 inches, while the springs and shocks have been stiffened as well. A proper torque-vectoring front differential is also standard in the ID.Polo GTI, as well as adaptive dampers. Volkswagen So, How Does it Drive?Autocar managed to gain exclusive access to the ID.Polo GTI, and the publication's impressions are, indeed, promising. It described the ride as firm, but not in a way that it's jittery. One can thank the adaptive dampers for soaking up England's bumpy and wavy back roads. Autocar lauded it for its great body control. The term 'energetic' was used when it came to describing performance. The publication didn't go into deep details as to how it pulled, but we're imagining something in the lines of the Fiesta ST, albeit with sharper responses. Don't expect it to scare a Golf R, though, but perhaps it can get close to a Golf GTI off the line. But Autocar was most impressed with the driving dynamics. According to them, the front diff did wonders for the junior hot hatch. As it's mechanical, the magazine said that the car doesn't have to lean heavily on electronic aids to make it drive as well as it did. This suggests a rather organic driving feel with a decent amount of feedback, and driver engagement is what a sporty compact car is all about. Volkswagen A Promising SignThe bad news is, the U.S won't be getting the ID.Polo GTI. The country had pretty much turned its back on subcompact vehicles that aren't crossovers, which is a bit of a shame, if you ask us. Frankly, there's heaps of fun to had with tiny hot hatchbacks, and those who say otherwise are missing out. But given the impressions, it does suggest that VW is getting its mojo back little by little. There's a clear emphasis on making the car feel fun to drive even if it doesn't have heaps of power. As development continues for the all-new Golf, the ID.Polo makes us hopeful for the next-generation model, and maybe, we could get even better VW products down the line. Volkswagen View the full article

RFK Racing has announced plans to appeal the penalties NASCAR issued against Ryan Preece this week. The driver of the No. 60 Ford Mustang was involved in an incident with Texas Motor Speedway where he spun Ty Gibbs into the outside wall. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver suffered significant damage. Radio chatter from before the incident seemed to indicate that he intended to turn the driver of ...Keep readingView the full article

Approved? How? If you didn't already know, Ferrari is very strict about aftermarket modifications. Even if you've fully paid for your car, you could say that you don't outright own it. That's why some people, celebrities, and influencers are downright banned from ever owning another Prancing Horse ever again. While it is possible to modify a Ferrari, you have to keep in mind that the modifications should not infringe on or destroy the brand and design identity of the vehicle. Failing to follow Ferrari's guidelines or outright destroying the car's image will land you a spot in the blacklist, which means that you will be banned from purchasing another Ferrari in the future, and perhaps even banned from receiving services. Bring a Trailer View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article The Blacklist Just a quick tangent, to get on Ferrari's bad side, you can engage in distasteful or image-destroying modifications or even engage in unauthorized resale before the ownership period is up. Ferrari makes it a point that the customers who can afford to buy their cars keep them for a period of time before they sell them. Ferrari makes no exceptions, and even celebrities have found themselves on the Italian automaker's blacklist. No matter who you are, Ferrari will be Ferrari, no exceptions! If you want to modify your car, you have to write a letter to Ferrari, asking for permission from the brand to modify your car. Bring a Trailer Unless... Then there's this thing. While I won't outright say it's "bad" or "distasteful," I will say that it's just not my cup of tea. It might have been to someone at some point, and maybe someone from a different era would fully appreciate modifications like this, but for me, I think there are some things better off unsaid. Anyway, Koenig Specials handled this car. It's a 1999 Ferrari 360 Modena, and in stock form, it's regarded as one of the brand's greatest hits, but modified, I'm not too sure anymore. The modifications were done in 2003, which involved a twin-turbocharger setup, a revised rear end, a carbon fiber roof intake, and an N-GT-Style body kit that changed up the 360's face. While the engine modifications and the body modifications may pass scrutiny, it's the color palette that was chosen that might leave some questions. Finished in Viola Hong Kong paint, which is an official Ferrari paint code, it should look good on its own. However, whoever modified the car decided to make it pop more with gold accents on the wheels and on its decals. That's not all, because even the interior received the same treatment. Done in a combination of purple and gold accents, the interior features purple Alcantara and gold-colored inserts. The seats are also aftermarket from Sparco, and there's even a custom gear lever in the center console. Koenig's emblem also adorns the steering wheel. Bring a Trailer Plot Twist: Ferrari Approved As consistent as Ferrari has been through the years in enforcing its rule, this is one of the exceptions. It has a factory color from the Prancing Horse, and you'd think that the gold accents may have slid under the radar, but apparently, it was done by Scuderia Baldini & Co., an official Ferrari dealership and luxury car showroom in Rome. On top of that, Koenig Specials, founded in 1977, is known for "special" projects like this one, and if you've followed the brand back then, you might have seen some of its other extreme modifications on popular nameplates from the 80s and 90s era supercars from Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes, and, of course, Ferrari. The real plot twist, however, is that it looks like someone actually put up money to buy this thing on Bring a Trailer. On May 6, 2026, the 360 Modena was sold to A JHHoward for a sum of €150,000 or about $176,000. Prior to that, it looked like there was a bidding war happening. While the paint and color scheme of the car might not be to everyone's taste, it does have a good bedrock of parts to start from. Considering that the modifications are also Ferrari-approved does carry some weight as well. Bring a Trailer View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The war for electric vehicle market share has spilled out of the assembly line and into the halls of government. In Japan, the narrative that domestic buyers were ignoring battery-electric vehicles just shattered. For the first quarter of 2026, Japan’s domestic EV sales rocketed by 80 percent year-over-year, hitting a record 26,959 units, including Toyota's standout 3,300 percent year-on-year increase in EV sales. As per Nikkei Asia reports, Toyota's EV sales went up to over 7,000 units from a measly 212 units in Q1 2025, while BYD was only up 16 percent year-on-year in Q1 2026, moving approximately 5,100 units. Toyota Government SupportAs far as catalysts go, a heavily funded subsidy plan proved to be enough incentive for consumers to make the switch. At the absolute top of that sudden surge sits Toyota, a legacy giant long criticized for lagging in the electric vehicle race. Historically, BYD has weaponized aggressive pricing to secure footholds in emerging and legacy markets alike. The Japanese government, however, just fundamentally rewrote the math. In January, regulators significantly expanded the national EV purchasing subsidy, capping it at 8,320 USD (1.3 million yen). Toyota The financial windfall was meticulously localized. Toyota’s bZ4X qualifies for the absolute maximum 1.3 million yen payout, effectively dropping its retail price to a highly competitive $22,400 (3.5 million yen). Meanwhile, BYD’s lineup was left out in the cold, with incentives for the Chinese automaker remaining stagnant at between $2,250 to $2,460 USD (350,000 to 450,000 yen. That strategic exclusion creates a massive 950,000-yen gap—roughly $6,000 per car—between the government aid handed to a domestic Toyota and an imported BYD. What This MeansThe market data proves this targeted intervention worked flawlessly. While Toyota sales grew by 3,300 percent, BYD managed a meager 16 percent increase in the same quarter. Even Tesla, which saw its own subsidy bracket increase under the new rules, capitalized on the shifting landscape with a 140 percent sales jump to approximately 5,100 units. Toyota These numbers confirm that consumers will adopt electric platforms when it makes sense for their wallets. This has historically always been the case with EV adoption; sales eventually tail off when subsidies are withdrawn. As Chinese manufacturers attempt to export their massive domestic production capacity, legacy automotive nations are abandoning free-market pretense. From Washington to Tokyo, governments are erecting highly targeted financial firewalls to shield their domestic automakers. If you want to compete on foreign soil in 2026, building a cheaper, more efficient electric vehicle is no longer enough; you have to outmaneuver the host country's treasury. View the full article

NASCAR is back on a road course this weekend with the Cup, O'Reilly, Craftsman Truck, and ARCA Menards Series at Watkins Glen International. This is the earliest WGI has ever appeared on the schedule, and the weather looks iffy with some rain expected. Shane van Gisbergen is the defending Cup winner at Watkins Glen, and he is hoping to secure his first win of the 2026 season this weekend ...Keep readingView the full article

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series announced today that Fletch Racing will provide guaranteed bonuses for the winner and runner-up teams competing in the John Scotti Canadian Championship Series during the NHRA National Open double-headers at Toronto Motorsports Park at Cayuga, scheduled for the Victoria Day Weekend of May 16-17. The winning Quick 32 Sportsman Series (Top Dragster and Top Sportsman) team will receive a $2,000.00 bonus, and the runner-up will receive a $1,000.00 bonus, over and above the posted purse each day. “We are pleased to support the Quick 32 Sportsman Series (Top Dragster and Top Sportsman), which features outstanding teams,” said Bill Fletcher of Fletch Racing. “The May 2-4 Victoria Day Weekend at Cayuga is a valued tradition that marks the start of summer, and we are proud to be involved.” The event will feature two days of qualifying and eliminations on Saturday and Sunday, with a Test & Tune session on Friday. “Bill Fletcher and his Fletcher Family have always had the best interest of the teams and the track for many decades,” said Bruce Mehlenbacher of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series. “The Quick 32 Sportsman Series is excited for the support of Fletch Racing. A nice bonus for the teams making a special effort to get to the first event.” The Quick 32 Sportsman Series will compete at the John Scotti Canadian Championship Series during the NHRA National Open double-headers at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario. Events are scheduled for Victoria Day Weekend, May 15-17, and Labour Day Weekend, September 4-6, 2026. The John Scotti Canadian Championship Series at the NHRA National Open double-headers at Toronto Motorsports Park will feature classes such as the Quick 32 Sportsman Series (Top Dragster and Top Sportsman), Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series, Nostalgia Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, and Junior Dragster. Competitors can earn NHRA grade points, which help determine their eligibility for major NHRA events and give them a chance to win a Wally, the most prestigious trophy in drag racing. This story was originally published on May 7, 2026. The post Fletch Racing Set to Provide Bonus to Quick 32 Sportsman Series Teams first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Corolla Turns 602026 is a huge year for the Corolla. That's because it celebrates its 60th anniversary, making it one of the longest-running nameplates within Toyota and in automotive history. It's long been a stalwart for the Japanese automaker, and over 55 million have been made since 1966. It was the Crown that kicked off Toyota's global ambitions, while the Land Cruiser made it a global brand. But it was the Corolla that showed the world that Japan was to be a force to be reckoned with in the automotive world. The empire that Toyota had built wouldn't have happened without it. Toyota Where's the Party?It's a milestone occasion, indeed, but Toyota in Japan has been rather muted about it. Apart from some minor equipment enhancements, we've yet to see a grand event celebrating its best-selling product of all time. We're sure it'll happen, though, and we're certain that it'll be a massive party. But perhaps not wanting to wait too long, Toyota Taiwan kicked off its own celebrations to get things started. Over there, it rolled out three 60th anniversary models, one for each body style. There's a special edition for the sedan, hatchback, and yes, even the Corolla Cross. Toyota Gold, Gold EverywhereSo, how does Toyota Taiwan commemorate the Corolla's 60th birthday? With a lot of gold, of course, although in this case, it's gold-effect bits. For all cars, there are gold stickers applied and 60th Anniversary badges, while the sedan and Cross models get gold-colored grille trim pieces. Inside, it seems that only the sedan and crossover get some changes. Like the exterior, there are gold highlights, specifically on the steering wheel and some bits on the dashboard. Nothing too dramatic, then, but enough to set it apart from standard models. You might have noticed that the Corolla sedan looks different from the one sold in Japan and the U.S. Badged as Corolla Altis in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, this 'Prestige' front end is applied in certain markets, namely Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and China. What the U.S, Canadian, Latin American, and Japanese markets get is the 'Sport' look. Toyota What's Next for the Corolla?We're not in the 12th generation of the Corolla, and it made its premiere way back in 2018. That means it's already eight years old, so it's defenitely no spring chicken. Most of its rival have undergone significant changes this decade, so it's in dire need of a new generation. Toyota did reveal a radical Corolla Concept during the Japan Mobility Show last year. While we're not expecting the thirteenth-generation to look exactly like it, it does show that Toyota still takes the nameplate seriously. Reports have indicated that the all-new version could be revealed by late 2026 or early 2027, but it's safe to say that it'll arrive before the end of the decade. As for the Corolla Cross, it will live on for another generation, likely going hybrid-only. 2026 Toyota Corolla Touring (Japanese Market View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Porsche is extremely familiar with the Nürburgring Nordschleife, capturing several records over the years, but it was upstaged by the Chinese when the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra with Track package stole its EV lap record, setting a time of 7:04.957. That was considerably quicker than the Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach package managed (7:07.55), but instead of accepting defeat, Porsche and Manthey Racing have come up with something even faster, setting a new lap record for electric production cars at the Green Hell with a scarcely believable time of 6:55.533. Porsche development driver Lars Kern achieved the feat on the 12.04-mile circuit in a Taycan Turbo GT that had both the Weissach Package and the new Manthey Kit, or Porsche's most insane EV yet. A video of the record-breaking lap is embedded at the bottom of this article. Manthey Kit Gives Taycan Turbo GT Even More Performance, and Not Just Aerodynamically Porsche View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article When a Porsche gets a Manthey upgrade, the changes never extend to the powertrain, focusing only on handling and aerodynamic stability, but that has changed with this new Taycan. The high-voltage battery, control unit, and pulse inverters have been optimized to increase maximum discharge current from 1,100 to 1,300 amps. As a result, total system output rises by 26 horsepower to 804 hp, and maximum torque with launch control rises by 22 lb-ft to 936 lb-ft (though peak horsepower with launch control activated remains at 1,019 hp). In Attack Mode, an extra 174 hp is deployed for 10 seconds, bringing peak performance to 978 hp, up from 938 hp. Porsche To keep the car glued to the track, the Manthey Kit increases downforce more than threefold compared to the standard Taycan Turbo GT. At 124 mph, downforce has increased from 209 to 683 lbs, and at top speed (up to 192 mph from 189 mph), the upgrades contribute to a total downforce figure of 1,631 lbs. These feats are achieved, in part, through a revised front diffuser, a massive new rear wing with bigger end plates (both of which can be adjusted), an optimized rear diffuser with longer fins, and bigger air deflectors on the underbody. To minimize drag, the rear wheels have gained Manthey's trademark carbon fiber aerodiscs. Speaking of the wheels, new 21-inch forged aluminum wheels developed by Manthey have been fitted with titanium bolts, and although larger than standard, the wheels deliver lower unsprung weight, weighing roughly six pounds less than the standard Taycan Turbo GT Weissach wheels. Finally, the 9.5-inch-wide front and 11.5-inch-wide rear wheels get rubber that is 1.5 inches and 1.1 inches wider, respectively. Manthey Gives the Taycan Turbo GT Better Agility and Braking Porsche View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Naturally, the Porsche Active Ride system has been refined to gel with these upgrades, as have the front and rear steering systems and the all-wheel-drive control unit. At the front, the brake discs are 20 millimeters bigger, measuring 440 mm, while the 410 mm standard rear discs have been retained, with performance brake pads on all four corners. Visually, the Manthey Kit also changes things up with upper and lower wheel arch vents, front and rear wheel arch extensions, wider side skirts, and a one-piece front lip suspended with carbon fiber struts. It looks insane, and you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a genuine racing car. What does all this cost? Porsche hasn't said, but given the 2026 Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach package starts at $245,950, this ultimate EV will surely breach the quarter-million-dollar mark. View the full article

Cadillac’s F1 Sedan Gets a Little More SeriousCadillac’s Formula 1 entry gave them a reason to turn up the heat on the already wild CT5-V Blackwing. The F1 Collector Series keeps the essentials that matter to enthusiasts: supercharged V8, rear-wheel drive, and a real six-speed manual. But this time, Cadillac decided 668 horsepower just wasn’t enough. The F1 Collector Series is now the most powerful Blackwing you can buy, with 685 hp and 673 lb-ft of torque. The numbers might not look huge at first glance, but Cadillac didn’t just tweak the boost. They worked with GM Motorsports to rework the LT4 supercharger for better airflow and cooling, especially for drivers who plan to push hard on track. What Changed Under the HoodThe main upgrade for the power boost is the Eaton TVS R1740 supercharger on the 6.2-liter LT4 V8. The stock setup already gives sharp throttle response, but Cadillac’s engineers managed to squeeze out even more performance. The main mechanical change is a smaller supercharger pulley. Dropping the diameter bumps the drive ratio from 3.14 to 3.24, spinning the rotors faster. That means more airflow and more boost for the engine. Cadillac also reworked the supercharger lid. The new CNC-machined billet cover is taller, which increases the air volume inside. That extra space helps keep charge-air temperatures in check during repeated hard laps or aggressive driving. Of note, supercharged engines usually lose their edge when heat builds up, especially during long track sessions, so the latter upgrade matters more than you think. Cadillac says the new housing helps the car stay consistent, not just fast for a single lap. Cadillac Extremely Limited NumbersOn the outside, the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series gets a Midnight Stone Frost paint, carbon flash wheels, and gloss black accents, giving it a stealthier look than the standard CT5-V Blackwing. F1 and FIA branding show up inside and out, but Cadillac kept the details subtle. Cadillac will only build 26 of these worldwide, making it one of the rarest modern Cadillacs. The number matches Cadillac’s first Formula 1 season and the last years of this Blackwing generation. Pricing isn’t out yet, but expect it to land well above the standard Blackwing. With the extra engineering, rarity, and Formula 1 connection, that’s no surprise. Cadillac View the 11 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Used online car retailer Carvana has had its fair share of controversy over the years, including being accused of accounting manipulation and unstable loans. But a new wrongful death lawsuit could be the biggest smear on its reputation yet, with the plaintiff alleging that the retailer must take at least partial responsibility for selling a car that caused the carbon monoxide poisoning and death of 21-year-old student Allwyn Thompson Jr. Morgan & Morgan is the legal firm filing the lawsuit, which alleges Thompson was sold a 2015 Kia Forte with a lethal exhaust leak. Numerous Inspection and Repair Companies Named in New Lawsuit Kia The lawsuit alleges that Carvana sold the Forte with an exhaust leak to a dealership in West Palm Beach, CaRite of Oakland Park, and this dealer sold the car to Thompson Jr. The lawsuit goes on to claim that several inspection and repair companies, including Midas, either failed to detect the exhaust leak or to inform Thompson of the issue, despite four separate inspections over the course of seven months, when the vehicle was brought to various entities for servicing and repairs. On the morning of June 29, 2024, Thompson Jr. was found dead in the vehicle, which was parked outside a club in Fort Lauderdale that he had visited the night before; an autopsy revealed that carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death. Basically, the lawsuit alleges that if these multiple inspections had warned the student of the issue and its dangers, Thompson Jr. may still be alive. Related: VW Tiguan Seat Heater Lawsuit Moves Forward After Burn Injury Claim "Failing to detect an exhaust leak is one of the most dangerous errors an automotive technician can make," said Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan and attorney Kris Bonham. "There were four separate inspections of this Kia before it killed Allwyn, and the lawsuit states that none of the defendants did their duty to protect him. These collective failures are indefensible, and we will not rest until we have justice for this family." New Defendants Added After Initial Lawsuit Bloomberg/Getty Images The 68-page lawsuit, Thompson v. DMM Motors LLC et al., was filed in the Circuit Court of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in and for Broward County, Florida, in 2024, but last month, Carvana, Royalton Motors, Paul's Mobile Auto Service, Midas International, Midas of Lake Worth, and Bolt On Technology LLC were added as defendants. All of these entities are culpable of negligence, claims the lawsuit, because audible and visible exhaust damage should have been evident, and that evidence should have been shared with Thompson Jr. The lawsuit says that a service at Midas Lake Worth in May 2024, using a digital checklist system developed by Bolt On Technology, did not require technicians to check for exhaust leaks or carbon monoxide risks. If it had, the tragedy two months later may not have occurred. The case is currently pending. View the full article

Flood Warnings are active across Mississippi and Alabama today, Thursday, May 7, 2026, after a slow-moving cold front delivered 3 to 5 inches of rain overnight from East Central Louisiana into West-Central Alabama. The Weather Prediction Center flagged the corridor with a Moderate Risk for excessive rainfall through 7 AM CDT, and NWS Jackson and NWS Mobile have followed with active river Flood Warnings on Tallahala Creek and the Chickasawhay. Peak Driving Danger WindowThe most dangerous driving window runs through Thursday afternoon into Friday morning along I-59 between Hattiesburg and Meridian, where saturated soils, rising stages on the Tallahala and Chickasawhay, and lingering training showers will keep standing water active long after the rain ends. What to ExpectRainfall totals: 3 to 5 inches widespread, locally higher across Central and South MississippiWorst corridors: I-20 (Jackson to Birmingham), I-59 (Hattiesburg to Tuscaloosa), I-65 (Birmingham southward)Active rivers: Tallahala Creek at Laurel, Chickasawhay at LeakesvilleFriday outlook: Renewed Slight Risk along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast into the Lower Mississippi ValleyPer the NWS Jackson Area Forecast Discussion, the heaviest cores tracked through East Central Louisiana into Central, East Central, and South Mississippi, with a 2 to 3 inch backdrop everywhere else under the front. Photo by Tim M Lanthier on Getty Images Road ConditionsI-59 is the highest-risk corridor through Friday. Tallahala Creek runs almost adjacent to the interstate near Laurel, and the Flood Warning there extends into Friday afternoon. I-20 between Jackson and Meridian crosses multiple swollen tributaries to the Pearl, with shoulder runoff and ramp ponding likely through the morning commute. I-65 in central Alabama gets the tail-end rain through midday. All-weather tires with at least 4/32-inch tread hold meaningful margin in standing water; summer tires lose grip fast. Live status is on MDOT Traffic. Severe Storm Driving TipsSix inches of moving water can stall most cars, twelve can float a small sedan, and eighteen will carry an SUV. NWS guidance notes that more than half of flood deaths happen in vehicles, most at night when standing water hides depth. Cut speed to 45 mph or below in any sustained downpour, since hydroplaning kicks in once standing water exceeds an eighth of an inch. Confirm at least 4/32-inch tread depth before entering the warning area, and treat any flooded underpass as closed regardless of how shallow it looks. Practical wet-weather driving technique and live Alabama corridor cameras at ALGOtraffic round out the prep. TimingThe Tallahala Flood Warning runs through Friday afternoon, and the Chickasawhay warning extends into the weekend. WPC has a renewed Slight Risk for excessive rainfall Friday from the Upper Texas Gulf Coast through the Lower Mississippi Valley, with backbuilding storms threatening Houston, San Antonio, and New Orleans. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

A few years ago, the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Honda Civic Type R were regularly trading blows in the battle for front-wheel-drive production car supremacy at the Nürburgring, but the fight cooled three years ago when the Civic Type R set a time of 7:44.881. The Golf GTI Edition 50 returned to the Nordschleife last year to become the fastest VW ever to take on the Green Hell, but its time of 7:46.13 still wasn't enough to take the outright FWD record, so Volkswagen has had another crack, and this time, it's regained its pride, albeit only just. Setting a new time of 7:44.523, the GTI Edition 50 has made the most of its 320-horsepower output to become the new king of the 'Ring. To put the new lap time in context, a V12-powered Pagani Zonda S supercar set an identical time (though that was in 2002, when tire technology wasn't what it is now). VW Golf GTI Edition 50: A Seriously Fast FWD Hot Hatch Volkswagen The Golf GTI Edition 50 is capable of reaching 62 mph from rest in just 5.3 seconds and tops out at a maximum speed of 167 mph. It's also 15 millimeters lower than a regular Gold and has VW's Dynamic Chassis Control system, and the record-setting variant was fitted with the optional GTI Performance package, lowering the car another 5 mm and adding a lightweight R-Performance exhaust system with titanium rear silencers. Reducing unsprung mass, 19-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tires also appear on the record-setting hot hatch, which was piloted by Benjamin Leuchter, and its suspension consists of a MacPherson strut front setup with a four-link rear axle. VW admits that this particular iteration of the GTI is less comfortable than a regular GTI, but the upgrades are clearly worthwhile, though you wouldn't necessarily tell the Edition 50 apart from a regular GTI at first glance. Related: Volkswagen Golf R's Most Extreme Version Yet Is Heading to the Nürburgring The Volkswagen badges are darker, and along with additional gloss black accents, the car is differentiated by an ombré red decal running along the bottom of the doors. In the cabin, buyers enjoy red seatbelts, a smattering of Edition 50 logos, and pedals with red faces. As a DSG-only vehicle, you only get two pedals. Not that it matters much in America - the special edition is no longer available, and when it was, it could only be ordered overseas, where it started at €54,540, or roughly $64,220 before Germany's 19 percent value-added tax. Golf GTI (and Golf R) Will Keep Combustion Power Volkswagen While we patiently await information on the next, ninth-generation Golf, we know a few things. First, it will bring back simple design cues, taking styling inspiration from the Mk. 4 Golf. Secondly, both the GTI and the R hot hatches will remain combustion-powered well into the next decade, both in Europe and here in America. Whether the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will avoid electrification is another matter entirely, but time will tell. Hopefully, the next GTI will be powerful and light enough to retain its crown at the 'Ring. Volkswagen View the full article

One of the main reasons many buyers are still reluctant to purchase an electric vehicle is depreciation, since battery-powered cars tend to lose value faster than gasoline cars. While the industry average depreciation is 46% over five years, EVs can depreciate by approximately 59% during the same period, making the resale value a legitimate concern for buyers. How to Lose $50K in One Year, the Dodge EV Way Stellantis Of course, some EVs depreciate more quickly than others, so it’s always a good idea to have that in mind before committing to a purchase. For example, fans of the Dodge Charger Daytona EV should pay particular attention to this aspect, as Edmunds has learned at its own expense. The car-shopping platform bought a 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack 2-door for $85,000 and ran it for 12 months as part of its One-Year Road Test fleet to provide its readers with first-hand observations of the electric muscle car’s ownership experience. After one year of living with the Charger Daytona EV, which Edmunds likened to “death by a thousand cuts,” the time came to let it go. Here’s where things got really painful, as the electric Charger, which had covered only 7,000 miles since new, sold for just $35,000, losing $50,000 of its value in only one year! Even though Edmunds had to contend with a shocking depreciation of 59%, the staff was actually happy to see it go away. “The majority of the comments in this car's logbook have themes of disappointment, frustration or downright hate,” the publication wrote in an article about the Charger Daytona EV’s depreciation. Dodge Charger EV Was a "Big, Expensive Disappointment" The list of issues is very long, from buggy interior tech like an infotainment screen that’s prone to freezing and a backup camera that occasionally stutters, to stuff like unintended acceleration—something Dodge says is actually a feature called “Drive by Brake”—and a dead 12-volt battery, the Charger Daytona EV was not easy to live with. One reviewer also described the car as “boring,” which is “the last thing a car like this should be,” while another complained of many inconsistencies such as the radio scrolling stations on its own and the creep function randomly engaging while stopped—that sounds dangerous. Finally, there were also complaints about the noisy climate control system, an annoying “clunk” produced by the motors every time the car moves away from a stop, and a “problematically awful" turning radius, among other things. “The Charger was a big, expensive disappointment. We won't miss having this thing in our fleet,” Edmunds concluded in its report. Yikes! View the full article

In 2026, the café racer segment sits at a fascinating crossroads. What began as a post-war British subculture—defined by stripped-down bikes, low clip-ons, and ton-up aspirations—has evolved into a diverse category blending heritage design with modern engineering. Today’s buyers don’t just want vintage aesthetics; they expect reliability, electronics, and real-world usability. The result is a spectrum of machines that interpret the café racer ethos in dramatically different ways. Below is a curated, price-ascending analysis of ten of the most compelling […] The post The Best Café Racers of 2026: Retro Soul Meets Modern Performance appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Kengo Kimura is one of the world’s most versatile bike builders. He can create high-end customs that win ‘Best In Show’ prizes at Mooneyes.He can also build wild concepts for the likes of BMW. And then he can take a humble commuter bike and make it look like a million dollars.This elegant little scr... View the full article

The Norton Dominator ‘Naked’ is one of the most exclusive expressions of modern British café racer design, emerging from the marque’s Donington-era revival as a truly artisanal machine. With a production run believed to be limited to just 24 hand-built units worldwide, it occupies a rarefied space where craftsmanship, heritage, and performance converge. According to the listing on Collecting Cars, this particular example was first registered in January 2019 and still remains with its original owner while showing just 124 […] The post FOR SALE: 2019 Norton Dominator ‘Naked’ appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

The Problem With TechWe've gotten used to the fact that almost all new cars these days are loaded with as much technology and software as possible. Brands will say that these things are necessary and that owners and drivers will ultimately benefit from them. In reality, we don't notice most of the software our cars use because some of it operates behind the scenes. What's scary about those background tech features is that when they go wrong, we really aren't sure where the issue stems from. Cadillac's Optiq model is experiencing an issue with braking performance that's not readily apparent. Cadillac Low-Speed BrakingGM Authority reports that some Optiq models are experiencing braking system issues. Specifically, braking performance is noticeably reduced during low-speed driving conditions. GM has issued a service bulletin to address the issue, service update N252528241. This advisory states that there is a specific issue with the vehicle’s brake system control module. Furthermore, only 2026-year models of the Optiq are affected, and the fix is listed as a software update. Some of the listed symptoms, according to the bulletin, arise when transitioning from a smooth driving surface to a rough or uneven road. During this, drivers may experience inconsistent braking response. What's important to understand is that there is no issue or weakness with the braking hardware itself. According to GM, it really stems from the brake system control module adjusting to changing surface types and conditions. Cadillac Not a RecallAnother thing the report states is that this is not a recall advisory; GM's protocol to address this is to have dealers reprogram the brake module with a software update. The update itself will be applied to vehicles still on dealer inventory and sold units as well. Owners will also have the option to receive the update via over-the-air (OTA) update, saving them a trip to the dealership. The update itself will have a verification process and, in totality, will take 30 minutes to complete Kyle Edward View the full article

This 1979 Yamaha RD400 reimagines a two-stroke icon through the lens of modern craftsmanship, emerging from a meticulous three-year commission by Gaston Motorcycle Werks in North Carolina. The result is a purpose-built street tracker that balances vintage character with contemporary performance engineering. At its core lies a fully rebuilt 398cc air-cooled parallel-twin, a powerplant revered for its sharp throttle response and unmistakable exhaust note. Here, it’s elevated with DG radial cylinder heads, Lectron carburetors, and VForce3 reed valves, complemented by […] The post Bike of the Day: 1979 Yamaha RD400 Street Tracker By Gaston Motorcycle Werks appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Bentley's first all-electric production vehicle is making significant progress. In July last year, we spied a pre-production development mule wearing a Porsche body, and earlier this year, our spy photographers caught a more resolved prototype undergoing cold-weather testing in Northern Europe. Now, the electric SUV has taken to the Nürburgring to ensure its handling dynamics are sporty enough for the British brand, and without a large LED lightbar on the nose, we can get a closer look at the styling, though this is still far from the finished article. The bit that stands out the most is the oval recess between the headlights, which seems to be an enormous placeholder for the Bentley wings. This could be the most overt piece of self-branding we've seen on a legacy automaker's EV yet, or just something meant to throw us off. Either way, the SUV is making steady progress. Bentley's Electric City Slicker May Already Have a Name SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Bentley has given its first EV a placeholder name: Urban Luxury SUV. But it's widely believed that the production vehicle will be called Barnato, thanks to whispers from inside the company and trademarks filed a little over a year ago. Alongside the gas-powered Bentayga, alliteration will allow buyers to quickly associate the EV as an SUV from the Bentley stable, while also paying tribute to one of the most important figures in the brand's history, Woolf Barnato. He was one of the famous Bentley Boys who won Le Mans three times in a row in one of Crewe's creations and, as chairman of the company, helped keep the company alive in the mid-1920s. Unlike its namesake, the Barnato SUV won't use combustion to seek glory, instead relying on the 800-volt Premium Platform Electric architecture that sits beneath the Porsche Cayenne EV, which produces up to 1,139 horsepower. Related: You Can Now Spec a Bentley With Diamond Interior Trim The Barnato will be roughly five inches shorter than the Bentayga, but that will make all the difference to city-dwelling buyers, who will be able to legally park the vehicle on European city streets. Here in America, the key will be its looks; buyers spending six figures on an SUV want it to make a luxury statement. Fortunately, it appears the Barnato won't look like much else on the road. Bentley Barnato Styling Will Break with Tradition SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article While Bentley's existing products have round headlights, this one has semi-circular clusters with four LED lights creating a plus shape. Atop the headlights, it appears that a solid LED eyebrow will run into the fenders, and lower down in the fascia, the intakes will have diamond-shaped mesh. This prototype also shows a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and the wheel arches will be pronounced for a more athletic look. At the rear of the front fenders, we see what appears to be the Flying B logo, helping this EV fit in with the rest of the Bentley family. At the back, it's a little trickier to tell what Bentley has planned, as significant cladding hides the true forms of the taillights, tailgate, and rear fender sculpture. Nevertheless, a prominent diffuser panel is evident. We expect the end result to become clearer in the coming months, as a reveal is likely to happen before the end of the year. View the full article

Nissan’s legendary V6 engines are now getting their own holidayFor Nissan, the V6 engine has long been the beating heart of some of its most iconic vehicles. From the burbling 300ZX to the tire-shredding GT-R and today’s rugged Frontier and Armada, six cylinders have defined the brand’s performance identity for decades. Rumors already suggest the upcoming R36 GT-R could continue that tradition with a high-performance V6 hybrid setup, underscoring Nissan's commitment to combustion-powered excitement even as the industry races toward electrification. Now the Japanese automaker has taken that passion a step further by officially declaring May 6 as “V6 Day.” Nissan says the new annual celebration recognizes the power, durability, and emotional connection its V6 engines have delivered to generations of drivers. Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier called the V6 the “beating heart” of the company’s lineup and confirmed the engine will continue playing a major role in future products. That includes the return of the Nissan Xterra, which is already confirmed to offer a V6 powertrain. Nissan is one of the few automakers still proudly flying the V6 flagAt a time when many automakers are downsizing to turbocharged four cylinders or going fully electric, Nissan continues to offer one of the broadest V6 lineups in the business. The current range stretches from the Nissan Z sports car to the Pathfinder, Armada, and Frontier. According to the company, that commitment is deeply tied to its manufacturing heritage in the United States. Nissan revealed that its Decherd, Tennessee powertrain facility recently produced its 20 millionth engine, appropriately a V6. Since opening in 1997, the plant has built nearly 6.5 million V6 engines alone. Nissan also highlighted the legacy of its famous VQ series engine, which earned a staggering 14 straight appearances on the WardsAuto 10 Best Engines list between 1995 and 2008. At the top of the food chain sits the GT-R’s hand-built twin turbo VR38DETT V6, assembled by Takumi master craftsmen and regarded as one of the greatest Japanese performance engines ever made. Nissan View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The LowdownGas prices may be pushing more Americans toward EVs, but Nissan clearly understands that many buyers still are not ready to let go of combustion engines. While countries like Norway have nearly completed the transition to electric vehicles, the United States remains heavily attached to gasoline-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs. Survey after survey continues to show that most Americans still prefer gas vehicles over EVs for reasons ranging from convenience to affordability and long-distance usability. Nissan’s creation of V6 Day feels like more than just a marketing stunt. It shows that the company still values the raw character, sound, and emotional pull that made enthusiasts fall in love with its vehicles in the first place. In an era where many automakers are abandoning internal combustion entirely, Nissan is choosing to celebrate it. That decision alone will likely resonate with loyal fans who still believe there is nothing quite like the feel of a proper V6 under the hood. Nissan View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A lawsuit involving the seat heater in a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is proceeding to trial, with the judge dismissing only part of the full complaint. The plaintiff, Emily LaPrade, claims to have suffered second-degree burns due to the heated seat’s defective design. The incident occurred in September 2023, but the case has dragged on after VW denied the seat was defective. As the plaintiff was left paralyzed from the waist down after an unrelated 2014 car crash, she couldn’t detect the seat heaters in the Tiguan and this led to her being burned. Here’s what we know about this case. VW Tiguan Seat Heater Lawsuit Volkswagen It’s important to understand the plaintiff’s earlier injury, which was sustained prior to the Tiguan incident. On New Years Day in 2014, LaPrade was involved in a car crash that left her paralyzed below her hips and with no sensation below her T10 vertebra. According to her, she can only feel a “ little bit of tingling” from her T10 vertebra to her hips. Due to this condition, she was trained to be hyper vigilant of her legs as sharp objects or something too hot could injure her without her feeling it. In September 2023, the plaintiff and her husband were driving home in their Tiguan. She allegedly turned the seat heater on to the highest of three settings for 20 to 30 minutes, before turning it down to the middle setting for approximately an hour. LaPrade says she only noticed an injury when she got back home to find a blister on her buttocks. The next morning, the outer skin of the blister had peeled off, leading to her claim of having suffered second-degree burns. VW The plaintiff claimed that the automaker didn’t provide adequate warnings or instructions about the seat heater, but eventually admitted she and her husband did not read the vehicle’s owner’s manual. The manual explicitly warned that “anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature should never use the seat heating.” Unsurprisingly, this part of the lawsuit was dismissed by the judge. However, the claim related to the seat being defective was not dismissed, despite VW saying there’s no evidence of any defect. "The plaintiffs’ design defect claim may proceed to trial. Plaintiffs’ defective warning claim and Mr. LaPrade’s claim for loss of consortium are DISMISSED with PREJUDICE,” stated the judge, Tiffany M. Cartwright. VW argued that the plaintiff’s expert who testified about the seat temperature being too high was not qualified. Previous Seat Heater Concerns VW Burns caused by seat heaters are rare but not unheard of. In a previous report by Edmunds, it was found that 138 complaints about malfunctioning seat heaters were sent to the NHTSA between January 1, 2005 and March 31, 2011. These included incidents of a burning smell from the seats and even visible flames in some cases. At the time, the president of Safety & Research Strategies Inc. and a doctor at Shriners Hospitals for Children wrote that the risk to people with little to no sensation in their lower extremities is particularly high. Most of those complaints involved Mercedes-Benz and BMW models, with Mercedes saying that a wearing out of the seating surface over time could break the electrical wire of the heating mat. It’s entirely plausible that the seat in the Tiguan could have burned LaPrade, which brings into question whether there was a defect or if the standard heating threshold is simply too high; if it's the latter, this could be a bigger safety concern to look into, given how popular heated seats are. View the full article

Lucid Motors had its first-quarter 2026 earnings call on May 5, and the biggest takeaway by far is the fact that the EV maker does not have a production guidance for this year anymore. While Lucid said in February 2026 that it expected to build between 25,000 and 27,000 vehicles this year—a significant bump over the roughly 18,000 vehicles sold in 2025—the company has now suspended the prior annual guidance “pending a comprehensive strategic review by incoming CEO Silvio Napoli.” As a reminder, Lucid Group announced on April 14 that Silvio Napoli, a former CEO of elevator manufacturer Schindler Group, will be its next CEO. Napoli will take over in the coming weeks, although no exact start date has been announced. Lucid Produced Way More Vehicles in Q1 Than It Could Deliver Lucid Motors “With Silvio now on board and conducting his review of the business, we are suspending our prior guidance and we provide a full updated outlook at our Q2 earnings call,” said Lucid chief financial officer Taoufiq Boussaid. He emphasized that the suspension of the annual guidance was a “governance decision,” adding that “a full updated outlook” will be provided during the second-quarter earnings call in a few months. Lucid produced 5,500 vehicles in the first quarter of this year, up 149% from the first quarter of 2025 thanks to the launch of the Gravity SUV. The company only managed to deliver 3,093 vehicles in the quarter, though. While January and March deliveries exceeded prior-year periods, February delivery timing was affected by a production disruption and a temporary stop-sale due to problems with a seat supplier that affected Gravity SUV deliveries for 29 days, according to TechCrunch. Building more vehicles than it was able to sell resulted in an inflated inventory, something Lucid will have to correct going forward. “Near-term demand conditions remain uneven, and we are managing our production cadence accordingly. Our 2026 objective is unchanged. We continue to work to closely align production with demand to avoid excess inventory. We are not constrained on capacity,” Boussaid noted. Why 2026 Is a Very Important Year for Lucid This year has been complicated so far for Lucid, which has announced a company-wide cost-cutting push. In February, the EV maker said it would lay off 12% of its global salaried workforce due to declining U.S. demand. In a May 5 SEC filing, Lucid disclosed that the layoffs would cost the company around $40 million in the near term, but noted that the cuts would ultimately save as much as $500 million over the next few years. It’s worth noting that the cuts did not include manufacturing jobs, as Lucid previously said it would start building its first high-volume vehicle before the end of this year, a midsize EV priced below $50,000. On the earnings call, the company said the production ramp-up of the new model will follow in 2027. “The plan remains to ramp up midsize vehicle production in 2027,” said interim CEO Mark Winterhoff. In March, Lucid said its midsize platform would underpin three vehicles: Cosmos, Earth and an as-yet-unnamed model. Lucid also confirmed yesterday that it remains on track to start production of an autonomous version of the Gravity SUV in the fourth quarter. The self-driving EV will be used by a robotaxi service the company plans to start with Uber and Nuro by the end of this year. The partnership will include at least 35,000 vehicles, including Gravity and midsize vehicles. View the full article

Letting Subaru ExplainDepending on how well you keep up with automotive news, you may already be aware that sales for the 2026 Subaru Outback are down through the first four months of 2026. Several outlets and readers alike have come to the conclusion (without evidence) that the Outback's bold redesign is to blame for the sales dip, but what if there are other factors to consider? Chase Bierenkoven Month 2026 2025 Percentage Change January 8,283 10,794 -23.3% February 8,787 11,601 -24.3% March 10,004 17,539 -42.9% April 10,552 11,501 -8.3% Though there might be some truth that consumers preferred the outgoing Outback's more wagon-like styling, we have trouble believing such a change would result in the 42.9% sales drop that occurred in March of this year. Autoblog gave Subaru the chance to explain what's been happening to Outback sales in its own words, and the Japanese automaker painted a much fuller picture of the situation. "We shifted Outback assembly from our plant in Indiana to Japan last year. Retooling and bringing a line up to speed generally takes time for any manufacturer. Additionally, the 2026 Outback Wilderness didn't reach retailers until late January, which historically accounts for roughly 15%-20% of overall Outback sales," a Subaru spokesperson told Autoblog. Shifting Production For those who are unaware, conducting a model changeover from one vehicle generation to the next is not an easy process, and sales tend to dip while the process is ongoing. A factory can not produce at maximum output while it phases out a previous generation model and brings in new tooling, stamping, and other equipment to produce the next-generation vehicle. This process takes long enough when you keep production at the same factory, but Subaru also had to deal with the logistics of moving the Outback from the US to Japan. Not only does that introduce new supply chain difficulties, but unlike previous years, Subaru now has to consider the impacts of tariffs. Subaru had to prepare Gunma plant to build the Outback, which can not happen overnight considering the Yajima facility within already builds the Legacy, Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester. Gunma also contains the Oizumi engine/transmission plant, Kitamota transmission plant, and main plant that builds the Levorg, Impreza, Crosstrek, WRX, and BRZ. Skewed Numbers Cole Attisha Not only did Subaru begin 2026 at a disadvantage, having to shift Outback production to a different country, so it knew to expect a dip in sales. That dip is going to look worse when compared against the early part of 2025, which was particularly strong for Subaru. "Year-over-year comparisons for 2026 aren't apples-to-apples. Around this time last year, many new-vehicle purchases were pulled forward due to announced tariffs, and customers rushed to make those purchases, which was reflected in our Q1 2025 sales. For example, March 2025 was Subaru's best sales month in the company's history. We knew there'd be a dip due to pull-ahead sales from last year, and I think the overall industry numbers from almost every other OEM reflect that," the spokesperson explained. If you look at March 2024 sales, the Outback sold 13,501 units, far less than the 17,539 sold last year in 2025. That means the Outback's 2026 sales only represented a 26% drop from a "normal" sales year like 2024; this sounds less worrisome than a 42.9% decrease. Trending In The Right Direction Subaru While not fully recovered, it does appear from the outside that Outback sales have bounced back recently. Sales in April were within 1,000 units of their 2025 total, down just 8.3% from one year ago. Subaru feels confident it can maintain this upward trajectory, and the early part of 2026 may be a blip on the radar due to the aforementioned changeover issues. "The year ahead for the new Subaru Outback looks strong. As inventory and awareness increase, we expect Outback to maintain its momentum throughout the year. The changes we made to the 2026 Outback are among the most comprehensive in the model's history, including new driver-assistance features, interior technology and comfort enhancements, and added capabilities for our Outback Wilderness. Our customers are loving the new Outback and we're encouraged for the rest of 2026, said Tim Tagye, Vice President, Field and Distributor Operations, Subaru of America, Inc. View the full article

Maybach V12 Soldiering OnWhen Mercedes confirmed the V12 would live on in the Maybach S680, we car nuts had reason to celebrate. These days, downsizing and electrification are the default, so seeing a 12-cylinder luxury sedan stick around feels almost defiant. The V12 isn’t just an engine for Maybach – it’s part of what makes the brand special. There’s just something different about a flagship sedan with a big, twin-turbo V12 up front. But it’s not just enthusiasts who care. Real Maybach buyers still want twelve cylinders, especially in the US. Mercedes-Benz Customers Specifically Ask for Twelve CylindersSpeaking during a media roundtable, Mercedes-Maybach boss Markus Bauer said demand for V12-powered Maybachs remains strong in key markets. Road & Track reported Bauer saying, “If somebody comes in and says, ‘I want a V-12,’ it’s hard to convince them to buy a V-8,” Bauer said, according to Road & Track. He also added that the company is happy the US remains one of the strongest markets for the engine. At the moment, the Maybach S680’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 puts out 621 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. You can still get it in North America, China, South Korea, Japan, and the Middle East. Europe, on the other hand, has moved on to electrified six-cylinder and V8 options. Mercedes points out that some of its latest electrified V8s come close to matching the V12’s performance. The new flat-plane-crank 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, for example, makes over 530 horsepower. Still, Bauer says the V12 just fits the Maybach flagship. In his words, “The V-12 and Maybach go very well together. Our ambition is always to offer the V-12.” These days, there aren’t many four-door luxury cars left with twelve cylinders. Rolls-Royce still has them in the Ghost and Phantom, but BMW has dropped the V12 from the 7 Series, and Bentley’s W12 is history. That makes the Maybach S680 one of the last classic luxury sedans still flying the flag for twelve cylinders. Mercedes-Benz Emissions Rules Catching Up With the V12The reason Europe is losing the V12 Maybach largely comes down to regulations. Mercedes confirmed that incoming Euro 7 emissions standards would make the M279 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 noncompliant in European and Certificate of Conformity markets. Countries following those standards will instead receive the updated V8-powered version as the range-topper. Mercedes also admits that demand for V12s in Europe has dropped off compared to places like the US and China. That probably made it tough to justify reworking the engine to meet stricter rules. For now, America’s ongoing love for big engines is helping keep the V12 alive. Whether it sticks around for a few more years or fades out by decade’s end, Mercedes-Maybach looks set to offer twelve cylinders for as long as the rules let them. Mercedes-Benz View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Kyle Loftis, the founder of 1320Video and one of the most influential media figures in modern street car and drag racing culture, has passed away. 1320Video announced Loftis’ passing Wednesday afternoon, stating that Loftis died Tuesday night. “Kyle’s passion for motorsports inspired millions of people around the world and we will never forget what he has done to grow our beloved sport,” the company said in its statement, adding that Loftis’ “enthusiasm, kindness and creativeness was contagious.” Loftis founded 1320Video in 2003, long before YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and other social platforms became the dominant distribution points for automotive media. What began as one enthusiast shooting photos and sharing them on message boards grew into one of the most recognizable brands in grassroots performance, street car, and drag racing coverage. Based in the Midwest, 1320Video built its identity around documenting the cars, drivers, events, and culture that were often overlooked by traditional motorsports media. Its coverage stretched across drag racing, street racing, dyno shootouts, car shows, roll racing, and major enthusiast events. The platform’s rise coincided with a major shift in the way fans consumed motorsports content. As social media and video platforms grew, 1320Video became a bridge between underground street car culture and a global audience. The brand’s coverage helped introduce countless fans to events like Hot Rod Drag Week, Race Week, TX2K, FL2K, Cash Days, Street Car Takeover, and other gatherings that became central to the modern street car movement. It also helped launch the superstar status of Cleetus McFarland, the alter ego of Garrett Mitchell, who was working for 1320Video when he filmed his first video as Cleetus McFarland. “Completely shocked about the loss of Kyle,” Mitchell said on Facebook. “The most influential person on my life. We’re crushed. Please pray for his Mother and close friends, they need it most.” By 2026, 1320Video had built a massive following across multiple platforms, including more than 6 million Facebook followers, nearly 4 million YouTube subscribers, and nearly 3 million Instagram followers. Loftis built a team of similarly talented and hard-working content creators to help him in his mission to take car culture to a new level. “I don’t have words to convey the feelings I’m having right now,” said Scott Witty, one of 1320Video’s lead photographers. “Nothing I write seems like it’s enough. The last 15 years of my life have been spent with 1320 Video and every bit of it has been a dream. Today feels like a nightmare as we have lost Kyle Loftis. My friend and boss who allowed me and everyone else at 1320 to live out our dream lives. My car, my house, and everything else I have is because of what Kyle Built here at 1320. Kyle was one of the most kind hearted passionate people I’ve ever met and the racing world will not be the same without him.” For many racers, fans, builders, tuners, and event promoters, Loftis and the 1320Video team did more than document the scene. They helped define how a generation viewed it. The brand’s videos gave visibility to cars and personalities outside the traditional national-event spotlight, bringing small-tire racing, street car shootouts, road trips, grudge races, and drag-and-drive events to audiences far beyond the local tracks and message boards where that culture first took shape. Loftis’ influence was also felt throughout the media side of the sport. His work showed that handheld cameras, road miles, access, consistency, and a genuine feel for the scene could build an audience as effectively as traditional broadcast production. In doing so, 1320Video helped open the door for the creator-driven motorsports coverage model that is now a major part of drag racing and automotive media. Loftis was also a philanthropist, as his Ice Cream Cruise event has raised more than $750,000 for Omaha non-profits over its 20-year history. Tributes from across the automotive and racing communities began appearing almost immediately after the news was announced, with fans and industry figures remembering Loftis for his impact on the sport, his energy at events, and his role in helping bring street car culture to a worldwide audience. Drag Illustrated extends its condolences to Loftis’ family, friends, the 1320Video team, and the countless racers, fans, and creators impacted by his work. This story was originally published on May 7, 2026. The post 1320Video Founder Kyle Loftis Passes first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article