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A Pacific cold storm hammering the Sierra Nevada is in its peak phase today, Monday, May 4, 2026, with the Weather Prediction Center flagging both today and Tuesday at HIGH heavy snow risk, the top of the four-tier scale, a notable upgrade from the original outlook. The same upper-level low then reloads over the Colorado Rockies for a second-act event Tuesday into Wednesday, extending the impact zone from the Northern Sierra all the way to the I-70 corridor west of Denver. Peak Driving Danger WindowThe worst window runs Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning across I-80 at Donner Pass and Highway 50 at Echo Summit, where 80 MPH crest gusts and snow levels crashing to 4,500 feet will combine to produce near-zero visibility and triple-digit accumulation rates above 7,000 feet. What to ExpectSnow totals: Up to 48 inches at the highest Sierra peaks, 24 to 36 inches at pass level, 12 to 18 inches in the Tahoe basinWind gusts: 80 MPH along the Sierra crest, 50 to 60 MPH at pass levelSnow level: Dropping to 4,500 feet by Tuesday morningWorst corridors: I-80 Donner Pass, Highway 50 Echo Summit, I-70 Vail Pass and Loveland Pass on the back endRisk category: WPC HIGH (top tier) for both Monday and TuesdayNWS Sacramento covers the West Slope warnings, NWS Reno covers Tahoe and Mono County, and NWS Hanford covers Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia. The system is pulling subtropical moisture into the Sierra at unusual intensity for early May. Road ConditionsI-80 over Donner Pass and Highway 50 over Echo Summit face likely full closures Monday into Tuesday during the peak burst, with chain controls almost certain on either side of the closure window. Caltrans is staging plow rotations; check QuickMap before any Sierra crossing. Refreeze risk is elevated Tuesday night as snow level crashes and standing water locks up. If you're unsure how your drivetrain handles deep snow, the AWD vs 4WD distinction is worth a refresher. The Two-Act Storm: Rockies NextThe same upper-level low will track east and redevelop over Colorado Tuesday into Wednesday, with NWS Boulder and NWS Grand Junction issuing watches and warnings for the I-70 corridor. WPC has Colorado in the same HIGH risk classification for Tuesday, putting Vail Pass, Loveland Pass, and the Eisenhower Tunnel approach at major operational risk midweek. Winter Driving TipsTread depth matters more than tire age. The Lincoln-head test sets the legal floor at 2/32, but anything below 4/32 loses meaningful grip in unpacked snow. Drop tire pressure 1 to 2 PSI per 10 degrees of temperature drop to maintain proper contact patch. Triple your following distance on snowpack and double it on wet pavement. Our best vehicles for snow roundup and winter driving fundamentals guide cover equipment and technique. Colorado-bound drivers should bookmark COtrip.org for live I-70 status. TimingThe Sierra peak runs Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, with refreeze risk Tuesday night. The Colorado event ramps up Tuesday afternoon, peaks Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, and tapers Wednesday afternoon. A drier pattern arrives by late Thursday. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Tuesday evening is Cinco de Mayo, and the storm peak overlaps with it. Anyone driving in the zone after dark will be sharing the road with holiday traffic on top of active chain controls and deteriorating mountain routes. Affected ZonesNorthern Front Range and RMNP — 10 to 24 inches across the foothills, isolated to 30 inches in the higher mountains of Boulder and Larimer counties. Includes Estes Park, Nederland, Cameron Pass, Red Feather Lakes, and Rocky Mountain National Park. NWS wording: travel could be very difficult, especially Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. I-70 Continental Divide — 6 to 18 inches, heaviest along and north of I-70: Eisenhower Tunnel, Loveland Pass, Berthoud Pass, Vail Pass, Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Breckenridge, Winter Park. Travel could be "very difficult to impossible." West of the Divide, Glenwood Canyon and the Vail Valley are also under chain controls and intermittent closures. Denver metro and DIA — 4 to 8 inches across most of the metro, locally up to 12 inches near the foothills and along the Palmer Divide. The NWS Denver/Boulder warning explicitly names Denver International Airport in its coverage area. Warning runs Tuesday evening into Wednesday afternoon. Slick conditions for the Wednesday morning commute, sporadic power outages from heavy wet snow on tree branches. WPC Pikes Peak and southern Front Range — 8 to 14 inches on Pikes Peak and Teller County. 5 to 10 inches across northern El Paso County, including Black Forest and Monument Hill on I-25. Pikes Peak Highway closures are decided ad hoc by the operator. Realistically nobody is driving up Pikes Peak in this weather anyway. Southern Wyoming — I-80 Summit between Cheyenne and Laramie 7 to 17 inches; Elk Mountain and Arlington 5 to 10 inches; Snowy Range 10 to 18 inches above 9,000 ft; Cheyenne itself 4 to 10 inches. Warnings run through Wednesday. Full I-80 freight corridor detail in the winter storm warning coverage from May 4. Affected HighwaysI-70 west of Denver — chain controls, possible multi-hour closures Tuesday into WednesdayI-70 through Glenwood Canyon — chain controls, intermittent closuresI-25 Denver to Colorado Springs — slick conditions on Monument HillI-80 Cheyenne to Rawlins — light/high-profile vehicle restriction expected, full closure likelyUS-34 through Rocky Mountain National Park — likely closed TuesdayCO-7 / Peak to Peak Highway — chain controlsHighway 14 over Cameron Pass — summit closure likelyPikes Peak Highway — closure possible, status updated by the operator AAA Through-TrafficWith the I-70 corridor and Wyoming I-80 both under warning, east-west travel across the central Rockies will be a mess through Wednesday. The realistic detours are I-90 to the north or I-40 to the south. Either one adds several hundred miles depending on where you started. Sierra warnings on the western side of the same storm system also remain active through Tuesday. If You Are on the RoadCheck before every leg, not the night before.cotrip.org, wyoroad.info, or 511For DIA passengers, check flight status before leaving for the airport and budget extra time for de-icing delays Tuesday eveningFor I-70 ski traffic, if you are coming down from Summit County or Winter Park today, leaving early in the day will be easier than waiting for the evening windowCarry chains regardless of drive type. Colorado's Traction Law runs through May 31, and AWD doesn't exempt youThe storm winds down Wednesday afternoon, and on Thursday it warms back up. Live Road StatusColorado: cotrip.org or 511Wyoming: wyoroad.info or 511DIA flight status: flydenver.comThis article will be updated as conditions evolve. Sources: NWS Denver/Boulder, NWS Pueblo, NWS Cheyenne, NWS Grand Junction , Weather Prediction Center heavy snow outlook. View the full article

Moto News Weekly Wrap May 5, 2026 What’s New: AusProMX on the way to South Australia Speedway GP gets underway Hell’s Ride Hard Enduro Old Gray GNCC Italian Pro Prestige MX Aussie rookies headed for TdN 2026 HEWC calendar updates AMA SX Round 16 – Denver Wrap EnduroGP of Spain – Round Two Wrap HEWC […] The post Moto News | GNCC | SX | MX | Hard Enduro | EnduroGP | Speedway appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

A Pacific cold storm hammering the Sierra Nevada is in its peak phase today, Monday, May 4, 2026, with the Weather Prediction Center flagging both today and Tuesday at HIGH heavy snow risk, the top of the four-tier scale, a notable upgrade from the original outlook. The same upper-level low then reloads over the Colorado Rockies for a second-act event Tuesday into Wednesday, extending the impact zone from the Northern Sierra all the way to the I-70 corridor west of Denver. Peak Driving Danger WindowThe worst window runs Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning across I-80 at Donner Pass and Highway 50 at Echo Summit, where 80 MPH crest gusts and snow levels crashing to 4,500 feet will combine to produce near-zero visibility and triple-digit accumulation rates above 7,000 feet. What to ExpectSnow totals: Up to 48 inches at the highest Sierra peaks, 24 to 36 inches at pass level, 12 to 18 inches in the Tahoe basinWind gusts: 80 MPH along the Sierra crest, 50 to 60 MPH at pass levelSnow level: Dropping to 4,500 feet by Tuesday morningWorst corridors: I-80 Donner Pass, Highway 50 Echo Summit, I-70 Vail Pass and Loveland Pass on the back endRisk category: WPC HIGH (top tier) for both Monday and TuesdayNWS Sacramento covers the West Slope warnings, NWS Reno covers Tahoe and Mono County, and NWS Hanford covers Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia. The system is pulling subtropical moisture into the Sierra at unusual intensity for early May. Road ConditionsI-80 over Donner Pass and Highway 50 over Echo Summit face likely full closures Monday into Tuesday during the peak burst, with chain controls almost certain on either side of the closure window. Caltrans is staging plow rotations; check QuickMap before any Sierra crossing. Refreeze risk is elevated Tuesday night as snow level crashes and standing water locks up. If you're unsure how your drivetrain handles deep snow, the AWD vs 4WD distinction is worth a refresher. The Two-Act Storm: Rockies NextThe same upper-level low will track east and redevelop over Colorado Tuesday into Wednesday, with NWS Boulder and NWS Grand Junction issuing watches and warnings for the I-70 corridor. WPC has Colorado in the same HIGH risk classification for Tuesday, putting Vail Pass, Loveland Pass, and the Eisenhower Tunnel approach at major operational risk midweek. Winter Driving TipsTread depth matters more than tire age. The Lincoln-head test sets the legal floor at 2/32, but anything below 4/32 loses meaningful grip in unpacked snow. Drop tire pressure 1 to 2 PSI per 10 degrees of temperature drop to maintain proper contact patch. Triple your following distance on snowpack and double it on wet pavement. Our best vehicles for snow roundup and winter driving fundamentals guide cover equipment and technique. Colorado-bound drivers should bookmark COtrip.org for live I-70 status. TimingThe Sierra peak runs Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, with refreeze risk Tuesday night. The Colorado event ramps up Tuesday afternoon, peaks Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, and tapers Wednesday afternoon. A drier pattern arrives by late Thursday. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

The Outback Has A Bounceback Chase Bierenkoven Subaru published its April 2026 sales figures, and the midsize Outback had its best month of the year (so far) with 10,552 units sold. That number represents a slight decrease of 8.3% from last April when it moved 11,501 units, though 2025 was a fairly impressive year for the Outback given it was in the final model year of its sixth-generation. Model April 26 April 25 YTD 26 YTD 25 Outback 10,552 11,501 37,626 51,435 Even still, the Outback is starting to bounce back after a rocky start to 2026, which has seen the popular model move just 37,626 units through April, down 26.9% compared to 2025 when it sold 51,435 units in the first four months. Critics of the seventh-generation Outback might claim the drop in sales can be attributed to the new model's styling, which is more aggressive and less wagon-like than ever before. This rebound in April could show the sluggish sales were due to the model year changeover and a lack of inventory, not a lack of demand. New EVs Hit Dealers Subaru View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article April 2026 also represented Subaru's best-ever month for electric car sales with 2,053 vehicles sold. The Subaru Solterra moved 1,128 units, an 18.9% gain from the same month in 2025. Subaru has sold 4,169 Solterras so far in 2026, which is an increase of 2.2% from the same period last year, an impressive feat considering the company no longer has the $7,500 federal tax credit to entice customers. That could be partially due to some impressive lease deals. Model April 26 April 25 YTD 26 YTD 25 Solterra 1,128 949 4,169 4,080 Trailseeker 406 N/A N/A N/A Uncharted 519 N/A N/A N/A The Solterra is joined by two brand-new models, the Trailseeker and Uncharted, which debuted this month with 406 and 519 units sold, respectively. These are modest sales numbers, but it's a start for two fresh nameplates. Both the Trailseeker and Uncharted ride on Toyota platforms, sharing architectures with the bZ Woodland and C-HR. A Down April Subaru View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Overall, Subaru's sales in April dropped to 52,733 units, down from 5.9% from 56,011 units in 2025. Year-to-date, the Japanese automaker has sold 194,683 vehicles, a drop of 12.7% form last year. There are a few bright points in the lineup, like the affordable Forester, which is up 4% year-to-date to 71,989 units, though it did see a drop in 7.7% drop in April to 17,837 units. Model April 26 April 25 YTD 26 YTD 25 Crosstrek 15,667 14,935 54,164 58,547 Forester 17,837 19,330 71,989 69,195 WRX 1,178 772 4,680 5,599 The sporty WRX saw a surprise 52.6% increase in April to 1,178 units, though the all-wheel-drive sedan is currently down 16.4% YTD to 4,680 units. The Crosstrek also saw a nice 4.9% bump in April due to an affordable lease, hitting 15,667 units, though sales are still down 7.5% YTD. View the full article

Kyle Ryde made a perfect start to his British Superbike title defence with three wins from three at Oulton Park, while Jason O’Halloran and Josh Brookes both scored points for Honda. The post Ryde sweeps BSB opener as Oulton Park delivers action across all classes appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Carson Hocevar has been quite busy in recent weeks. At Talladega Superspeedway, Hocevar became the 208th different driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race in the sport's history, and celebrated with one of the most memorable burnouts in years -- hanging out of the car while driving along the frontstretch. One week later, the 23-year-old rising star won the Texas Truck race and earned pole ...Keep readingView the full article

Like Toyota, BMW didn’t put all its eggs in the same basket when it came to electrifying its lineup. Despite being one of the pioneers of modern electrification, BMW approached it wisely, refusing to go all-in on battery electric vehicles. Through its “Power of Choice” strategic approach, BMW has given customers a broad choice of powertrains, including gas, plug-in hybrid and battery electric, often across a single platform. This has allowed it to navigate the EV downturn better than many of its rivals. And even with the launch of the Neue Klasse dedicated BEV platform—its largest single investment in history at almost $12 billion—BMW continues to adopt a flexible approach. The upcoming BMW M3 is a very good example of that, as the automaker will offer it as two distinct models: a Neue Klasse-based EV (codenamed ZA0) and a gas-powered model (G84) based on the established CLAR platform. Electric M3 Price "in the Same Ballpark" with Gas-Powered Model BMW For the first time ever, BMW M enthusiasts will have two different M3 models to choose from, even though they will look very similar. And now we also learn that they will cost roughly the same. BMW sales boss Sylvia Neubauer told Autocar that the electric M3 and the six-cylinder M3 will cost roughly the same, which basically means that customers’ personal preference will be the main purchasing decision factor. “The good news is that from a pricing perspective, that are in the same ballpark,” Neubauer said, without providing an estimate. She added that offering the two M3s alongside each other will give customers “the choice.” BMW While the two cars will look nearly identical, there will be slight styling differences related to their powertrain type, though. "There will be functional differences that lead to a different design in some areas of the car, but when you look at them, you will see that they are twins,” the executive told Autocar. Neubauer also pointed out that regardless of the powertrain the choose, customers can be sure that they will be getting a a true BMW M car. “When we talk about the BMW M3, it’s the M3 no matter the drivetrain. The driving experience must be true, and you decide it you want EV or ICE,” she said. Asked how will BMW win over existing BMW M owners who may be reluctant to switch to an all-electric architecture, Neubauer suggested that a test-drive should suffice. “We need to get you into the cars,” she said. All-Electric M3 Will Debut First With a Lot More Power SH Proshots/Autoblog The all-electric BMW M3 will feature a four-motor powertrain with somewhere between 800 and 900 horsepower, according to unnamed sources cited by BMW Blog. That will easily make it the most powerful BMW M production car ever built. The setup will enable both AWD and RWD modes, electronically controlled torque vectoring and blistering acceleration, with a 0-60 sprint likely in under 3 seconds. The all-electric M3 is rumored to enter production in Munich in March 2027. SH Proshots/Autoblog The gas-powered BMW M3 (pictured above as a test prototype) is likely to carry on with the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, although BMW Blog sources claim it will come as a mild-hybrid for the first time, with a with a 48-volt electric motor integrated directly into the 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW reportedly went down the mild-hybrid route after the plug-in hybrid M5 was widely criticized for being overweight. The base model is expected to deliver around 525 hp, though CS and CSL variants will likely deliver more. Sadly, most sources claim the gas-powered BMW M3 won’t offer a manual transmission. The G84 M3 is expected to enter production in July 2028, more than a year after its all-electric sibling. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the full article

America’s Ring Rivalry Heats UpSince last year, Chevrolet and Ford have been going back and forth over who has the best American car at the Nürburgring in Germany. Both brands have clocked sub-7-minute lap times, but the last laugh currently belongs to the Blue Oval after the Mustang GTD Competition secured the fastest time for an American road-going model at 6:40.835. Now, it seems Czinger wants to join the fray after a 21C was spotted making laps at the Green Hell. The California-based automaker is no stranger to lap records, having set records with the 21C at the Circuit of the Americas, Laguna Seca, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. As such, it would be interesting to see how the hypercar would fare on the ultimate proving ground. Enter the New ChallengerPowering the Czinger 21C is a 2.88-liter twin-turbo V8 engine paired with three electric motors (one of which acts only as a generator), delivering a combined output of 1,250 horsepower. That matches the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, which set a 6:49.275 lap time at the Nürburgring. Ford has not revealed the horsepower figure for the Mustang GTD Competition, though it is said to make more than the original GTD’s 815 horsepower. Given that the track is 20.8 kilometers, or 12.9 miles, long, the 21C’s electric-motor setup could help it deliver power in slower sections before the twin-turbo V8 comes in with more boost. But then again, whether the 21C can put up a strong showing for the U.S. at the Ring is still up in the air. Car setup can make or break a record, while factors like weather, track conditions, and the driver also play a role. Czinger The Benchmark Is BrutalWhile the Ford Mustang GTD Competition is the fastest American road-going car at the Nürburgring, it sits second overall behind the Mercedes-AMG One in their respective category, which set a 6:29.090 lap time in 2024. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is sixth fastest, with the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Manthey Kit, Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey Kit, and Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series slotting in between. Mentioning those nameplates makes it clear the Czinger 21C has a tall task ahead. But if anything, it feels like the right time for American brands to make more noise around the Ring. Only 80 examples of the 21C are planned to be produced, so seeing one, courtesy of CarSpyMedia, is pretty cool, and definitely something to keep an eye on. Czinger View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Most cars tend to be replaced by new generations every five or six years, typically with facelifts at the halfway point, but at Honda, some of its most popular nameplates will be stuck at the back of the revitalization queue much longer. According to a supplier memo seen by Automotive News, several high-volume vehicles will be living on until the end of the decade at the earliest, including the Odyssey, Accord, and HR-V. The same will reportedly be true of the Acura MDX and Integra, which will forgo next-generation updates until after 2030. The Vehicles Honda Is Keeping on Life Support and Why Honda Honda had been hoping to capitalize on a shift toward all-electric power, but the market hasn't followed Honda's predictions and subsequent investments, leading to the automaker's first-ever net loss. Honda has canceled three EVs for North America and instead decided to focus on hybrids, planning to launch 13 vehicles with next-gen hybrid technology from 2027. So, how does this affect the cars mentioned in the introduction? For the Odyssey, which has been updated twice since its last redesign in 2017, Honda will do little for the time being, with that new hybrid tech expected to arrive in March 2030. Honda had reportedly considered axing the Odyssey until it could launch an all-new model, but that was deemed too risky and may have led to Honda losing market share to the likes of the Toyota Sienna or Chrysler Pacifica. Related: 2026 Honda Passport vs. 2026 Honda Pilot: 5 Major Differences As for the Accord, this may go hybrid-only by early 2030, with the supplier memo indicating that the gas-only model will live a year longer than previously expected, through March 2030. The HR-V has also seen its production extended, but by two years, not one, with a redesign now expected by early 2032. Over at luxury arm Acura, the three-row MDX SUV will have been around for 10 years by the time a next-gen model arrives in early 2031, while the Integra sedan will get three more years of life, being produced through March 2032. Presumably, that means the Honda Civic will be mostly unchanged for the near future, too. What Comes Next for Honda's Big Sellers Honda View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article According to AutoNews, the Odyssey and Pilot will benefit from the development of a new V6 hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive. This is expected to deliver over 30 percent better fuel economy with a 10 percent acceleration boost versus the contemporary gas-only products, but no details on the other models mentioned in the memo were revealed. The problem is that, until the new Odyssey arrives in the next four years, dealers are losing customers to the AWD Toyota Sienna simply because front-wheel drive is the only choice. For the Accord, there is at least a hybrid version to compete with the Toyota Camry, which is hybrid-only, but it, too, will be showing its age by the time a redesign happens; the 11th-generation Accord was revealed in 2022 for the 2023 model year. Meanwhile, the third-gen HR-V has been around since 2021, though it only reached North America the following year. The Acura MDX also arrived in 2022 in its fourth generation, as did the Integra, both of which were launched for the 2023 model year. Clearly, all of Honda's most popular vehicles are already due for revision, and Honda will likely give all of them updates within the next year or two, but will tweaks be enough to retain buyer interest? Acura View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

From the ArchivesBMW North America has a whole treasure trove of classics we'd like to drive someday. From early pioneers such as the 2002 and E9 Coupes, to modern classics like the E39 M5. The company is currently running a YouTube series on these, featuring some of the many cars in the collection. The series stars Steve Saxty, the author of countless automotive books, including BMW by Design, and Tom Plucinsky, the head of BMW Classic North America, a legend within the company's halls, and an all-around car guy. So far, the duo has covered the 2002 tii, 3.0 CSL, E26 M1, E39 M5, and most recently, the E52 Z8 and E86 Z4 M. It's definitely worth watching, especially if you're a huge fan of the brand. BMW/Youtube The Spotlight on the Z8 and Z4 M CoupeAs mentioned, the latest episode features the limited-run Z8 and not-so-limited Z4 M Coupe. On the surface, the two cars couldn't be more different, but Saxty and Plucinsky mentioned that they are intertwined in ways that connect the past to the present and even to the future of BMW sports cars. More specifically, the Z8 featured in the episode was an Alpina Roadster V8, an even rarer version of the Z8, wherein only 555 were ever made. As for the Z4 M Coupe, one can say that it's the opposite of the Roadster, in a cool way, though. Alpina Roadster V8Many Alpina models have defined the brand over the decades, and it's safe to say the Roadster V8 is one of them. Sure, there are rarer models that wore the Alpina badge, but this was the one and only time the company built an eight-cylinder roadster. It's easy to dismiss this model as a soft boulevard cruiser because of its automatic transmission. At the same time, it doesn't use the E39 M5's S62 V8; under the hood is an M62 V8 found in a 540i or 740i from the same era. Mind you, it's fettled by Alpina, meaning it's bored up from 4.4-liters to 4.8-liters, and power rose to 375 hp and 384 lb-ft. The design, done by Henrik Fisker, was unashamedly retro, marking a clear link to the 507 Roadster from the '50s. It's possibly the only time a BMW production model was intentionally designed to look like a classic model, and one that deliberately looked to the past to build a model for the present. Alpina BMW Z4 M CoupeThe BMW Z4 stands in stark contrast to the Z8 in design. It's also worth noting that Z8 production ended the same year the Z4 started, in 2003. Think of this then as a passing of the baton of sorts, even if the Z4 was smaller. But instead of looking to the past for its design, BMW looked ahead to define its modern roadster. It was, of course, designed at a time when Chris Bangle was at the helm of the company's design studios. Radical ideas were welcomed, and Anders Warming certainly got the memo when he penned the Z4 Roadster. We had to wait until 2005 for the Coupe, though, and that one was designed by Thomas Sycha. Then, in 2006, both M versions of the Z4 were finally unleashed. The Z4 M was effectively an antithesis to the Z8 Alpina Roadster V8. It was exclusively manual and had the same screaming naturally-aspirated S54 inline-six from the E46 M3. With its lighter body making better use of 330 hp and 262 lb-ft, it was raw, twitchy, and a thrill-a-minute ride when pushed. The irony here is that the Roadster V8 had a more relaxed and mature persona wrapped in a retro body, whereas the Z4 M offered old-school thrills with a futuristic (at the time) and forward-looking design. Legends in Their Own RightYou can like one over the other, but both the Roadster V8 and Z4 M deserve respect and attention. These cars were made during a time when BMW was a tad more adventurous, not just in design but also with products that were truly thrilling. It'll be a while before BMW even considers returning to the roadster market. The Neue Klasse was a massive investment for the brand, and niche models such as these will be taking a back seat in the meantime. Still, at least we can admire these fine roadsters that linked the past and the present, laying the foundations for the future. Tom Wood/RM Sotheby's View the full article

For over a decade, the global automotive industry had committed to and invested in the battery electric vehicle concept. That narrative has now all but collapsed, confronted with fading consumer demand, volatile supply chains, and infrastructure bottlenecks. OEMs are now pulling capital out of the BEV fad and moving toward hydrogen and synthetic fuels. Hyundai What Does the Money Say?The capital reallocation is significant, with Honda's investment in an independent hydrogen program for commercial and passenger vehicles following the end of its partnership with GM. Further, Toyota and Isuzuinking a partnership for commercial HFC (Hydrogen Fuel Cell) vehicle development, the heavyweights are signaling to the market that the margin-crushing battery electric model no longer convinces their board members. Hyundai, similar to Toyota and Honda, is shifting focus to the commercial adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Recently signing an MOU with the Georgia Institute of Technology, Hyundai is donating a fleet of NEXO HFC SUVs and a dedicated hydrogen electrolyzer to the campus. Hyundai is doubling down on its hydrogen plan for localized commercial and fleet ecosystems across the country. BMW What About Passenger HFC Vehicles?In the policy-stricken EU market, BMW and Toyota are continuing to fortify their alliance. BMW is actively developing a mass-market hydrogen FCEV targeted for 2028, leveraging Toyota's fuel cell architecture to insulate itself against lithium-ion dependency. Toyota, long criticized for lagging in the pure-BEV race, continues to refine its Mirai hydrogen platform and experiment with hydrogen combustion engines alongside its successful hybrid-first strategy. On the enthusiast front, the rebellion is being fueled synthetically. Porsche refuses to let the internal combustion engine die quietly. The German powerhouse has industrialized the production of e-fuels—synthetic liquid fuels produced from renewable hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide—at its Haru Oni plant in Chile alongside HIF Global. As of 2026, Porsche has officially deployed these near-carbon-neutral e-fuels into the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, proving that high-performance internal combustion can survive the zero-emission era without a heavy battery anchor. BMW UK The Road AheadThe reality of deploying these alternative fuels at scale remains brutally unforgiving. There is massive momentum right now for commercial hydrogen fuel cells, with major players looking to mass-produce the technology for heavy transport. Yet, the consumer infrastructure is collapsing under its own weight. Recently, three major hydrogen fueling stations in the California Bay Area—operated by True Zero, the state's largest provider—have gone offline indefinitely due to localized supply chain and compressor issues. This station shutdown highlights the severe disconnect between commercial ambitions and consumer reality. The takeaway for the American auto industry is interesting. The "all-EV" mandate is dead. If legacy automakers fail to aggressively diversify their powertrains, they are essentially outsourcing their entire future to a fragile grid. The internal combustion engine and the fuel cell aren't artifacts of the past or concepts of the future—they are the multimillion-dollar insurance policies keeping the global auto industry afloat. View the full article

While some U.S. automakers are set to enjoy up to $2.3 billion in tariff refunds, European automakers that have been dealing with a 15 percent import tariff may see that fee jump to 25 percent after President Trump's latest threat. That's a huge hit, according to Automotive News, which reports that analyst company Bernstein has calculated the move could cost EU carmakers an additional €3.5 billion ($4.1 billion) in profits this year, and another €5.7 billion ($6.6 billion) in 2027. The move is intended to force European automakers to move production to the U.S. "much faster," Trump told reporters, but the increase isn't set in stone just yet, which is good news, as it could force automakers to radically revise pricing. America and the EU Are at Odds Getty Trump posted to his Truth Social network that the EU hadn't fully complied with a U.S. trade agreement, but the EU says it's unclear on how it's not holding up its end. One potential reason may be that the EU has not yet ratified the September 2025 agreement that would see the tariffs on EU-made vehicles lowered from 27.5 percent to 15 percent in exchange for the EU dropping tariffs on all U.S.-made products. But legislation in the European Union takes a long time to be approved. To find more clarity, EU negotiators will meet in Brussels this Wednesday, hopefully finding a solution soon, because European automakers' lobbying group ACEA says the U.S. made up 18.4 percent of the EU export market last year, second only to the United Kingdom. Related: Porsche 911 Surges—but the Brand’s Sales Are Still Falling According to Matthias Schmidt, an independent auto analyst in Germany, Audi and Porsche are among the most exposed automakers because they do not currently produce any vehicles in North America. Porsche has its hands very much tied because much of the prestige of the brand is based on the fact that all its cars are made in Germany. BMW Manufacturing, meanwhile, is still the largest U.S. automotive exporter by value for the 12th year running, with its Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant accounting for almost 200,000 vehicles, or $9 billion. So, how will this affect the automakers and, subsequently, buyers? Big Losses Expected for BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and VW Mercedes-Benz View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article According to Bernstein, BMW Group's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) could fall 12 percent in 2026 and 15 percent in 2027. Mercedes-Benz Group could see earnings drop 14 percent this year and 18 percent in 2027, while Porsche could take a 16 percent hit this year and a further 21 percent in 2027. Volkswagen Group could face a 9 percent headwind this year and an 11 percent hit next year, and Stellantis could be hit with a 21 percent drop in earnings in 2026 and a 19 percent hit in 2027. Bernstein says at least half of these costs could be passed on to buyers. Of course, automakers, including Stellantis and Mercedes, have also been able to book anticipated refunds for Q1 2026 after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in February that many of Trump's tariffs were illegal, but that will be of no comfort to buyers who have already been saddled with increased sticker prices. View the full article

Quick Lube ConvenienceIf you’re not heading to a dealership to service your car, quick lube shops are the usual next stop. They’re quite accessible and generally cheaper, making them the go-to for basic jobs like oil changes. But there’s a tradeoff. Once you leave the dealer network, things get messy if something fails. Warranty claims can fall apart quickly, especially if the shop used non-OEM parts or skipped a step. That’s exactly what happened to this engine teardown of a 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid by I Do Cars. Though mileage wasn’t disclosed, it’s just two years old, and its engine has already been pulled from the car and is no longer under warranty. A Clean Engine with a Hidden ProblemThe damage to the engine wasn’t apparent outside. The engine still turned over, albeit roughly, but the initial teardown didn’t set off any alarms. The spark plugs looked fine, plus the intake ports were clean, especially for a direct-injection engine. Under the valve cover, everything looked almost new, with no sludge and only minor cam lobe wear. Timing components were also in good shape. However, things changed once the cylinder head came off. The combustion chambers showed marks, especially in the center cylinders – clear signs the pistons made contact with the head. That pointed straight toward instability in the bottom end. A quick turn of the engine showed that some pistons sit lower than others, moving out of sync. After dropping the oil pan, the real story came out: bearing debris everywhere, crank and rod bearings scorched and – classic signs of oil starvation. Oddly, the oil pump and balance shafts looked mostly untouched. That hints they weren’t moving oil at all – just pushing air through the system. I Do Cars/YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article A Small Mistake with Expensive ConsequencesThen, there’s the rub. The oil filter looked new, with clean oil and minor contamination, but the O-ring showed signs of being pinched during installation, which should be enough to compromise oil pressure. Lose oil pressure, and lubrication goes out the window. Bearings wear quickly, heat builds, and clearances shift. Here, that meant pistons hitting the head and damage spreading everywhere. Odds are, the engine started failing not long after that oil change. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any info about what happened to the Accord, but the lesson here is simple: quick lube shops have their place, but there’s almost no room for mistakes. One small slip can wipe out an engine that should have lasted for years – something less painful if it were done under warranty. Honda View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Conventional wisdom usually dictates waiting until after the Coca-Cola 600 to make any wide-sweeping declarations about the NASCAR Cup Series season but the sample size is becoming prescient. After 11 races, the dice have been largely cast, and a hierarchy has been established with 15 races remaining until the new-look Chase for the Championship. Remember, when NASCAR simulated thousands of ...Keep readingView the full article

Reports indicate that Hyundai's N division is expanding its high-performance electric vehicle strategy to be more accessible. Following the launch of the flagship Ioniq 5 N and the anticipated Ioniq 6 N, Hyundai has reportedly tasked its N-division with developing an entry-level performance EV expected to sit beneath the current lineup. Hyundai Hyundai's N-Division LineupThe current lineup is led by the Ioniq 5 N, a dual-motor electric crossover delivering a standard 601 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque, with on-demand boost - output peaks at 641 horsepower, enabling a 0–60 mph sprint in approximately 3.25 seconds. For the 2026 model year, the Ioniq 5 N carries an MSRP of $66,200, positioning it as a high-performance flagship within the domestic portfolio. Expanding this high-output tier is the 2026 Ioniq 6 N, a performance-tuned sedan that shares the 84 kWh battery and 641-horsepower peak output of its crossover sibling. While the standard Ioniq 6 sedan has been temporarily discontinued in certain configurations for the 2026 U.S. model year, the N variant is confirmed for a spring 2026 release. Estimated pricing for the American market starts at approximately $70,000, reflecting its status as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3 Performance and premium European sport sedans. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What's Cooking?Following the discontinuation of affordable internal combustion models like the Veloster N, Hyundai is reportedly developing a new entry-level performance EV, gleaned from an interview Hyundai's Australia product manager gave CarExpert. This model, potentially based on the Ioniq 3 platform, aims to deliver "hot hatch" dynamics at a significantly lower price point. To manage costs, the vehicle may use a 400-volt electrical architecture rather than the expensive 800-volt system found in the Ioniq 5 and 6. Expected power for this entry-level N model is projected to range between 200 and 270 horsepower, likely utilizing a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup to maintain agility and weight targets suitable for a compact performance car. Hyundai Motor Europe View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The estimated pricing for this upcoming entry-level performance EV is targeted between $35,000 and $45,000. This strategy aligns with Hyundai’s broader "Hyundai Motor Way" initiative, which seeks to balance extreme performance with affordability as the brand transitions to an all-electric future. By offering a tiered N-division catalog—ranging from the $40,000 entry-level hatch to the $70,000 Ioniq 6 N sedan—Hyundai intends to maintain its foothold among driving enthusiasts while scaling its EV production through the new Metaplant facilities in Georgia. View the full article

After 267 laps of racing and seven cautions, just four tenths separated Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin at the checkered flag as the two drivers finished 1-2 for the second time this year. It was a race with a lot of movement throughout the field and ever-shifting strategies. Stage finishes were hectic, fast cars were eliminated in strange ways, but in the end, it was some of the top drivers in ...Keep readingView the full article

NHRA Funny Car driver and Hull Racing team owner Buddy Hull traded nitro for NASCAR this Sunday, taking in the Wurth 400 Presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway as a special guest of Ford Racing. Hull, joined by his wife Madi, experienced a behind-the-scenes look at the NASCAR Cup Series, beginning with an exclusive tour of the media center before heading to pit road. The highlight of the afternoon came as Hull watched the race from the pit box of Austin Cindric, driver of the No. 2 Ford for Team Penske. “It was an incredible experience from start to finish,” said Hull. “I’m really thankful to Ford Racing for having Madi and me out here today. Getting to see how another form of motorsport operates at this level is something I’ll always appreciate.” In addition to the race-day action, Hull spent time in the NASCAR Fuel for Hospitality area and had an in-depth conversation with Ford Racing engineer Thomas Ciccone. The discussion centered around the extensive data and technology that drive performance in the NASCAR Cup Series. “As a driver and team owner, I’m always interested in the technical side of racing,” said Hull. “Talking with Thomas about the data, the strategy and everything that goes into making these cars competitive was fascinating. There are definitely parallels to what we do in the NHRA, but also a lot of differences that make it unique.”The Hulls were joined by Brian Huth, general manager of Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford, one of Hull Racing’s most supportive partners. “Brian and the rest of the team at Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford have been instrumental in helping me to get my program off of the ground,” said Hull. “Any time I get to spend with him and his lovely wife, enjoying racing, is time well spent.” While Hull is most at home behind the wheel of his 12,000-horsepower Nitro Funny Car, he embraced the opportunity to enjoy a different kind of racing environment. “Of course, I’d rather be strapped into my Funny Car making a run down the track,” said Hull. “But if I’m going to spend a Sunday away from the driver’s seat, this is about as good as it gets. Being here, feeling the energy, and seeing it all up close, it’s the next best thing.” Hull Racing will return its focus to NHRA competition in the coming weeks as the team continues its 2026 campaign. They have not yet set a return date after their debut at the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals. As decisions are made, they will keep their fans updated via social media and HullRacing.com. For tickets or more information on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, visit nhra.com. The post Buddy Hull Enjoys NASCAR Cup Series Action at Texas Motor Speedway as Guest of Ford Racing first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Alexis DeJoria continued her consistent start to the 2026 season Sunday at the NHRA Southern Nationals, guiding the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car to a semifinal finish at South Georgia Motorsports Park. At the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ debut event at the facility, DeJoria navigated tricky track conditions to advance to the semifinals for the second time this season while holding onto sixth in the championship standings for John Force Racing. DeJoria, who previously raced at South Georgia when she competed in Top Alcohol Funny Car, started Friday qualifying in the No. 8 spot after the first session. In the quicker second session, she improved her numbers with a 3.968-second pass at 326.63 mph. DeJoria’s machine then went up in tire smoke early on her third qualifying attempt and secured the No. 10 position on the ladder for race day. In the first round of eliminations, DeJoria was the first of just two drivers to win out of the tricky left lane. She left the starting line a tick ahead of past world champion Cruz Pedregon and charged to a weekend-best 3.946 E.T. at 325.61 mph to get the win and gain lane choice for the next round. Lined up against four-time world champion Matt Hagan in the second round, DeJoria wheeled the Bandero Café Funny Car to a winning 4.016-second pass at 314.68 mph. That sent DeJoria to the semifinals for the second time this season. She went into the match against J.R. Todd with an 11 – 8 record over her former teammate. The two drivers went up in smoke, leading to a wild pedalfest that saw DeJoria’s car cross the centerline. She used her veteran driving skills to wrangle it in and safely guide it back into her lane while Todd crossed the finish line beams in 6.188 seconds to advance. “Another long Sunday of going rounds,” DeJoria said. “I’ve had a lot of not-so-great runs to know what to do and what not to do, but sometimes these cars have a mind of their own and you’ve got to somewhat finesse them. You’ve got to have patience, but you also have to be on top of the car. The left lane has been tough all weekend. In the semifinals, the car smoked the tires right at the hit. Those types of runs are really hard to recover from, but it’s eliminations. I tried to let the car settle down, got back on it, and, then it broke loose again. I lifted, got back on it again, and then it started to go sideways, so I lifted. At that point, the car was ready to go into a tank-slapper and it just flung me over the centerline. Obviously, I was out of the throttle, knowing that I’m going in that direction. The car hit two cones, but I got it back to my lane. The body’s good, so we’re leaving here in one piece. We gained some good points and we have good rhythm leaving here.” DeJoria was quick to praise teammate Jordan Vandergriff, who earned a meaningful win for John Force Racing following the recent passing of John Force’s oldest daughter, Adria. “I’m so happy for Jordan getting his first win in Funny Car,” DeJoria said. “Really proud of him for bringing home a win this weekend for John and the whole Force family in memory of Adria.” DeJoria and the John Force Racing Bandero Café Funny Car team will move on to the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK, May 15-17, at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., near Chicago. The post Alexis DeJoria Reaches Funny Car Semifinals at NHRA Southern Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

In October 2025, Toyota recalled certain Sienna minivans for defective second-row seat rails that could prove dangerous in a crash. Over half a year later, a new class action lawsuit has been filed against the automaker for the same issue, alleging that as of April 1, not a single Sienna seat rail has been replaced. One owner of three children says their Sienna has been “unusable” for their family for over 80 days as the automaker is still searching for a resolution, and many more owners have expressed their concerns. Here’s everything we know about the minivan’s ongoing safety issue. Toyota’s Remedy Is Taking Too Long Toyota The lawsuit, which includes all Ohio and South Carolina entities and was shared by Car Complaints, is centered around how long it’s taking for Toyota to replace the potentially defective seat rails. 54,600 Sienna models in the U.S. were implicated in the original recall, which states that one of the second-row seats could lose structural integrity in certain high-speed crashes, increasing the risk of an injury. Recall letters were sent to customers on December 4, 2025, but these did not state when repairs would be available as Toyota had to acquire the relevant parts and ship them to dealers. This process has dragged on for months, with numerous complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website from frustrated owners still waiting for a fix. “Toyota has instructed owners not to use the second-row seats until a repair becomes available,” said one Sienna owner. “I am a parent of three children, including an infant who requires a rear-facing car seat. Without the ability to use the second-row seats, the vehicle is unusable for my family. As of today, the vehicle has been out of service for over 80 days, and Toyota has confirmed that there is still no repair remedy available and no timeline for resolution." This owner was provided with a RAV4 loaner vehicle, but argues that this compact crossover isn’t comparable to the much larger Sienna which has three seating rows. The owner says they’ve had to continue making monthly payments of around $900 for a vehicle they can’t use. Complaints Pile Up Kristen Brown We checked the NHTSA’s website, with the most recent complaint from a Sienna owner dated April 29, 2026. The owner said that parts were not yet available. Another owner said on April 26 that they’re uncomfortable placing their newborn in the middle row and that using the third row is difficult. “7 months without a remedy is unacceptable,” said the Sienna owner from Norfolk, Virginia. Understandably, many minivan owners have young children that are typically seated in a car seat in the more spacious second row. The third row is smaller and more challenging to access, while some families have multiple children so are unable to avoid using the second row. Even worse is that both the left- and right-hand seat rails could be affected, so there’s no safer side to sit on in the second row. The lawsuit has been filed by Ohio plaintiff Juliet Kelsten and South Carolina plaintiff Adam Hamblin. What It Means Toyota The new lawsuit highlights the logistical challenges when large, mass-market automakers like Toyota are hit with a recall. If an issue can’t be corrected with an over-the-air fix, sourcing replacement parts for tens of thousands of models can drag on for months, putting owners of these vehicles in an uncomfortable position with the knowledge that their safety could be compromised. Vehicle safety is important regardless of the body style, but expectations are even higher in a vehicle that can seat up to eight people—especially with kids often occupying the back seats. The amount of time it’s taken to resolve the Sienna’s seat defect is concerning, and the automaker’s legal troubles will only get worse if it doesn’t initiate a fix soon. Related: No Minivans Make IIHS Safety List as Rear-Seat Safety Falls Short View the full article

Coming Soon: Audi Q9As if Audi couldn't add more crossovers to its lineup, the company will soon be adding the Q9 to the range. It's been confirmed by the company, and it's only a matter of time before its world premiere. Based on a previous report, it's primarily aimed at the North American market, as it's set to debut in the U.S. The exact launch date is yet to be determined, but Audi did say it'll be sometime this year. It's likely that it'll be shown towards the end of 2026, and it'll be for the 2027 model year. The Q9 is also touted as the spiritual successor to the A8, since no direct replacement has been made for the sedan for the time being. SH Proshots/Autoblog Performance Model ExpectedThe Q9 will be up against the likes of the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, so expect it to be far larger than the already relatively sizable Q7. That's pretty much a given with its name, but, as it turns out, Audi might have another version in store down the line. Audi filed the trademark for the name SQ9 just a few weeks ago. The file was dated on April 21, 2026, in the Madrid office of the World Intellectual Property Organization. If the company intends to use the name, it's safe to say that it'll be for a high-performance version of the upcoming crossover. SH Proshots/Autoblog Is it Really Needed?Performance crossovers are pretty much normal these days. Every luxury automaker does it, and there's no shortage of these in Audi's own stable. Currently, there's the SQ5, SQ7, SQ8, and RSQ8, but is there a need for a large, three-row performance crossover? The logical answer is no, but to say there's no market for it would be foolish for any luxury brand to dismiss. Should Audi actually build the SQ9, it already faces pretty serious competition. Alpina seems set to build a new-generation XB7 based on the second-generation BMW X7. There's also Mercedes-Benz with the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, and let's not forget America's hat into the ring in the form of the Cadillac Escalade-V. Yes, these models are niches, but they have proven to be strong sellers for their respective brands. For example, the Alpina XB7 often saw demand that outstripped supply, Cadillac brings in a lot of bucks with the Escalade-V, and Mercedes shifts a good chunk of GLS 63s every year. With that in mind, Audi should just go right ahead and build it as soon as possible. Besides, Porsche will also be using the Q9's platform for its own large three-row SUV, and you can bet it'll get hot versions as well. View the full article

We were kicking it after hours this week and returned to a conversation that comes up every year around this time—the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE (obviously). As per usual, I repeated my closing argument that it’s, without a doubt, the motorcycle I would buy across all segments if someone el... View the full article

Muscle Car IconPlymouth was once an American automotive powerhouse, founded in 1928 by Chrysler. It was supposed to be the entry-level fighter against Ford and Chevrolet. During the early years, it even saved Chrysler as a whole, as the only profitable brand in the portfolio during the Great Depression. When muscle cars emerged in the late '60s and '70s, Plymouth played a pivotal role by introducing muscle-car icons such as the Cuda, Superbird, Road Runner, and GTX. The latter of which was a rarer choice for buyers back then, and examples sold today are sought after. Mecum Auctions Final ProductionMecum Auctions has just listed a very rare Plymouth, a 1971 GTX Hemi with a four-speed manual transmission. This is a late-production model car that was already on its way out by 1971, as was the 426 Hemi "Elephant" V8. Since the GTX wasn't the go-to choice for muscle car buyers back in the day, it didn't sell in huge numbers; a total of just 2,942 were made in 1971. Those with the Hemi are even more rare, with a total of just 30 being built. The car up for sale is the rarest specification, with a 4-speed pistol grip manual transmission; it is just one of eleven ever produced. That 426 Hemi produces 425 hp, which, for the time, was massive. One unique feature of this particular car is that it comes with the Super Track Pack, which means it gets a 4.10 gearing ratio and a Super grip limited-slip differential, rare for cars back in the 70s. It is also reportedly the only 1971 Hemi GTX that comes in Winchester Gray. Some other notable features of the GTX include power steering, power brakes, and the very cool Air Grabber intake that pops out of the hood, complete with graphics. Mecum Auctions View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Priced AccordinglyThe GTX was introduced in 1967 and was intended as a more upmarket muscle car option compared to the entry-level Road Runner, which was launched a year later. In reality, the GTX was more of a competitor for the likes of the Pontiac GTO and Oldsmobile 442. Any rare car commands top dollar value on auctions, and the 1971 Plymouth GTX Hemi is no exception. Mecum Auction lists the estimated sale price between $325,000 and $350,000; some models have even sold for as high as $374,000. Mecum Auctions View the full article

Katherine Legge is one of 17 women who have competed in the top level of NASCAR, and the IndyCar and IMSA veteran is the most recent. Legge, 45, will pilot the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet in this weekend's Cup race at Watkins Glen International. Legge made seven Cup starts during the 2025 season (all with Live Fast Motorsports), but this will be her first appearance in 2026. E.l.f ...Keep readingView the full article

The 16-turn, 3.4-mile circuit that is set to be built inside Naval Base Coronado in San Diego will be known as Qualcomm Circuit. The San Diego-based technology company will have the naming rights as the Official Circuit Partner of NASCAR's San Diego race weekend. The company develops and designs technologies for global communications and computing, including next-generation mobile networks ...Keep readingView the full article