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BYD’s Rise Meets Resistance at HomeBYD has been one of the most formidable success stories to emerge from China’s auto industry. Its meteoric rise has been so pronounced that it has even been linked to a potential entry into Formula 1, while also forcing Tesla to rethink its software update strategy and competitive positioning. For years, BYD’s vertical integration, aggressive pricing, and rapid model rollout gave it an edge both domestically and globally. But the latest numbers suggest that momentum is no longer as straightforward as it once seemed. According to a report from Car News China, in April 2026, BYD sold 314,100 passenger vehicles, representing a 15.7 percent year-on-year decline. That marks the eighth consecutive month of contraction compared to the same period last year. While the figure improved by 6.2 percent compared to March, the broader trend points to sustained pressure in China’s domestic EV market. The post-Chinese New Year rebound helped stabilize monthly volume, but it has not reversed the longer downward trajectory that began in late 2025. BYD Exports Surge But Not Enough to Offset DeclineDespite weakening domestic demand, BYD’s overseas business continues to expand at a rapid pace. The company recorded 134,542 passenger vehicle exports in April alone, a 70.9 percent increase year-on-year. That figure now accounts for 42.8 percent of total monthly sales, underscoring how critical international markets have become to BYD’s growth strategy. The company is clearly relying on exports to offset weakness at home. However, the gap remains significant. From January to April, BYD sold just over 1 million passenger vehicles, down 26.4 percent from the same period last year. Overseas deliveries reached 455,707 units, up nearly 60 percent, but still not enough to fully counterbalance domestic weakness. The company has set an ambitious target of 1.5 million overseas sales for 2026, signaling confidence in its global expansion. Whether that target is achievable will depend on how quickly new markets scale and how competitive BYD remains outside China. Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua via Getty Images BYD Has Its Own Competition to Worry AboutBYD is not the only Chinese car company on the up and up. Rival Chinese automakers like Geely and Chery have been gaining traction, not only in EVs but also in internal combustion and hybrid segments. China’s auto industry is evolving into a global powerhouse, with BYD still at the forefront, but the competitive landscape is becoming more complex. Domestic price wars and shifting consumer preferences are putting pressure on margins and volumes across the board. The company is betting on technology to regain its edge. Its next-generation Blade battery and ultra-fast charging systems are positioned as key differentiators, and early indicators suggest strong market interest. One of its newest SUVs equipped with the technology reportedly secured 30,000 orders in a single day. That kind of response shows there is still significant demand for innovation-driven products. The question is whether these advancements can translate into sustained sales recovery. For now, BYD’s global push is buying it time, but the real test will be whether it can reignite growth in its home market. BYD View the full article

Three-time Funny Car world champion Ron Capps entered the inaugural running of the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park seeking a fourth consecutive final-round appearance after winning two of the first four races on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour and powering to a runner-up finish in Pomona, Calif. last month. Capps and the NAPA Auto Care Funny Car team had an uncharacteristic weekend at the series’ first Valdosta outing, struggling to make it down the track throughout qualifying. Their weekend woes carried into Sunday, where Capps was up in smoke early while his opponent made a clean pass in the opposite lane, ending the 79-time race winner’s day after the first round of eliminations. Capps, who started the weekend with the points lead, will head into the sixth of 20 events ranked second in the Funny Car standings. Capps’ first trip to the South Georgia facility opened with a tire-smoking run on Friday afternoon. During the day’s second session, he experienced a loss of traction yet again, placing him in the provisional No. 13 position to start Saturday. After sitting through a lengthy rain delay, which caused NHRA to pare the schedule down to one qualifying session, teams pulled up to the line that evening ready to throw down in the stellar cool-weather conditions. The session also served as the first and only elimination round of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Without the advantage of lane choice for the Mission Foods-backed race-within-a-race, the NAPA team found themselves in the unfavorable left lane. Like most of the nitro field, the NAPA team struggled to get down the troublesome lane with their 12,000-horsepower machine overpowering the track, forcing Capps to lift off the throttle. With qualifying wrapped up, Capps, who started race day from the pole in Gainesville, Fla. and last week’s Charlotte event, found himself in unfamiliar territory, starting from the bottom half of the field for the first time all year. As the No. 13 qualifier, Capps drew Chad Green as his first-round opponent. Starting from the left lane yet again, Capps was first to hit the gas, but his car immediately went up in smoke while Green clocked a 3.925 E.T. to advance. “We had a bit of an issue with the left lane continuing to rear its head all weekend,” Capps explained after his first-round loss. “I’m sure Guido (crew chief Dean Antonelli) would’ve pulled back a little bit in that Q1 run when we were in the right lane on Friday had we known the left lane was going to be what it was. It was probably well on its way to an .85 or .86. And then Saturday, because we were in the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, and we didn’t have lane choice, we ended up in that left lane again. Obviously, there were a couple of cars that did make it down that lane today, so hats off to Safety Safari. They always seem to find a way to make the lanes as good as they possibly can be, but still, it was definitely the inferior lane during the first round this morning, and we just put ourselves behind the eight ball. The silver lining today was I got to go up to the line and cheer for Maddi (Gordon) in the quarterfinals. She’s been running so well, and it’s been fun to see what that team has been able to do in such a short period of time.” After a busy back-to-back stretch that saw Capps and Gordon visit NAPA headquarters near Atlanta with his 75th anniversary NHRA 4-Wide Nationals diamond Wally trophy earlier this week, Capps is looking forward to the weekend off before the NHRA Mission Foods Series schedule ramps up with five races over seven weeks. “We’re coming off a great run these last few races, and Guido felt really comfortable with the car leading into this weekend,” added Capps, the only repeat winner in the Funny Car category in 2026. “But sometimes, that’s just how it goes. That’s what makes the Funny Car class so tough. We have a weekend off before Chicago and the guys will be able to regroup, and then we kick off that stretch of summer races. It’ll be one of those things where, you blink and we’ll have run through several races, and you want to make sure you come out on the other side of that with the points lead like we had, or at least, high up in the standings.” Capps and the NAPA Auto Care Funny Car team compete next at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway, May 15-17, where Capps returns as a two-time winner at the Joliet, Ill. facility. This story was originally published on May 4, 2026. The post Ron Capps Looks Ahead to Chicago After Challenging Southern Nationals Weekend first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Adamastor Furia Moves Closer to RealityThere’s always another niche supercar brand trying to break through. Most disappear, some never get past digital renders, but a handful actually make it. Even Koenigsegg started out as a small project before turning into a real contender. Adamastor is one of the latest to try. The Portugal-based team has big goals for its size, and its first car, the Furia, is actually making steady progress toward production. The latest round of updates shows this isn’t just vaporware. Adamastor took Prototype #001 back to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve for tougher track sessions. Over four runs, engineers pushed the car harder each time, trying out different setups and building speed. The main result: the car ran without a hitch. No reliability problems, and the data gave the team more trust in both their own parts and those from suppliers. Adamastor Testing Progress and What We Know So FarThe second round of testing wasn’t just about chasing lap times. It was about making sure the basics worked. Engineers focused on high-speed handling, using telemetry and feedback from test driver Diogo Matos to fine-tune the setup. Matos helped turn numbers into real improvements. The Furia follows the usual supercar formula, but with a clear focus on engineering. It uses a carbon fiber chassis and keeps the weight to about 2,425 lbs in race trim. The suspension is a decoupled double-wishbone setup with ample adjustability, so it can be tuned for both road and track. Adamastor is using the same tools as bigger names: CFD, finite element analysis, and race modeling software. Their experience with advanced manufacturing, especially carbon fiber, is shaping how the Furia comes together. The Furia looks the part: low, wide, and built for a purpose. Inside, buyers will get plenty of options to choose materials and layout, so each car can be tailored to its owner. Adamastor Ford GT PowerThe Furia’s power comes from a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 from Ford Performance, the same power plant used in the Ford GT, making over 650 horsepower and 421 lb-ft of torque. The numbers: 0 to 62 mph in about 3.5 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in just over 10, and a top speed above 186 mph. Aerodynamics is a big part of the Furia’s arsenal. In race trim, the Furia can make up to 3,968 lbs of downforce at 155 mph, while the road version manages about 2,207 lbs at the same speed. Those are big numbers for a small-batch car. Only 60 units will be built, so exclusivity is guaranteed. The road-legal version starts at about €1.6 million before taxes, or roughly 1.9 million. It’s a high price, but for a first car from a new brand, the Furia is making its case one step at a time. Adamastor View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Not Quite as PlannedThe Rivian R2 is seen as the brand’s lifeline, aiming to cut into sales of the Tesla Model Y – the best-selling electric vehicle in the U.S. last year. Rivian plans to support R2 production with a new assembly plant in Georgia, but according to Automotive News, the project has just hit a hurdle. The report stated that the federal loan for the project was cut by $2 billion, bringing it down to $4.5 billion. The funding comes from the Department of Energy and is intended to help boost EV and battery production. While it may be too early to tell what the cut means for Rivian and the R2, CEO RJ Scaringe pointed to a silver lining during the company’s Q1 earnings call. Rivian Reworking the Game PlanScaringe said Rivian will be able to draw the funds earlier than expected in 2027, which could help support construction, tooling, and hiring sooner. Instead of the original two-phase plan with 200,000 units of capacity each, the funding will now be used for a single phase with an annual capacity of 300,000 units. The R2 offers a smaller, more affordable alternative to the R1. It will be available in multiple trims, starting with the top-of-the-line Performance model in spring 2026. The R2 Performance features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 656 horsepower, enabling a zero-to-60 mph sprint in 3.6 seconds. Based on preliminary EPA estimates, it can travel 330 miles on a single charge. “R2 provides the opportunity to expand the Rivian brand to millions of drivers,” the company CEO said. Rivian Breaking Into the Middle MarketIf the Georgia plant becomes operational as scheduled in late 2028, it will help support production of the R2, which recently entered production at Rivian’s plant in Normal, Illinois. The facility will also assemble a more affordable EV, the R3, which will compete in the compact crossover segment against models like the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Hyundai Ioniq 5. For now, while the R1 serves as Rivian’s flagship model, the R2 Performance starts at $57,990, with a limited Launch Edition available for early buyers. The mid-spec R2 Premium will arrive in late 2026 with a starting price of $53,990, while the base R2 Standard, starting at $48,490, won’t go on sale until late 2027. R View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Sunday at the inaugural NHRA national event at beautiful South Georgia Motorsports Park in Adel, Georgia, 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde and the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car raced to a quarterfinal finish at the Southern Nationals. Coming into race day as the No. 9 qualifier Hyde, who is solidly in the Funny Car top ten in points, knew he would need quick times to have a long race day. Through three rounds of qualifying Hyde made two solid passes and one throw away run during a rain delayed qualifying session yesterday that saw race cars in the left lane struggle to get down the track. “Everyone has to deal with the same racetrack but last night the left lane was a real challenge for a lot of the race cars,” said Hyde, runner-up earlier this season at the Arizona Nationals. “Our first two qualifying runs were solid but yesterday wasn’t super productive to get us ready for today. I felt good coming into the first round, but we knew we would need to try and hold onto lane choice.”In the opening round racing against the two-time reigning Funny Car champion Austin Prock, Hyde led the race from start to finish. He took a commanding lead with a strong .049 second reaction time and his Ford Mustang Funny Car was glued to the middle of the groove as he cruised to victory with a winning time of 3.978 seconds to Prock’s 4.101 second pass. “The first round is always nerve-wracking and seeing that win light was big,” said Hyde. “That run felt really good. I got off the line first and this Mustang Funny Car went right down the middle of the track. We were in the left lane, and Jim was able to make it work which was pretty impressive.” In the quarterfinal round it was a battle two of the rising stars in the Funny Car class with Hyde taking on Funny Car newcomer Jordan Vandergriff. It was a serious No. 9 versus No. 3 qualifier match up but Hyde was hopeful another win light was in his future. Vandergriff had lane choice and Hyde was once again back in the problematic left lane. This round the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car was not as fortunate coming off the starting line and overpowered the racetrack. Hyde had to watch as Vandergriff, who would go on to win the race, pulled away for the victory. “The track was heating up, and the conditions were just getting tricky for everyone,” said Hyde. “This is a new racetrack and while the crowds and staff were awesome everyone had to figure out the track. This weekend was a solid weekend for our team. We made some good runs, and we turned on a win light. We’ll take some time and get ready for Chicago in a couple weeks.” Hyde was pulling double duty at the Southern Nationals also racing the Pro Mod class. He drew Pro Mod standout Lyle Barnett in the first round. He was giving up lane choice but felt confident going into the opening session. Barnett grabbed a slight starting line advance but Hyde’s respectable .032 reaction time had his Team Shelton Motorsports Mustang right with Barnett. Hyde had to give his race car a quick pedal in the left lane while Barnett was on a smooth pass beside him. It was Barnett getting the win at the strip with a winning 5.991 second pass in front of Hyde’s 6.089 second run. “Any time I can get behind the wheel of a Pro Mod car I am ready to do that,” said Hyde, winner of the 2023 World Series of Pro Mod. “It helps keep you in race mode when you are constantly getting time on the track. I want to thank Team Shelton Motorsports for the chance. Lyle is a tough customer, and we knew we would have our hands full against him.” Hyde and the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car will be back in competition in two weeks at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK on May 14-17 at Route 66 Raceway. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, May 15 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, May 16. For tickets or more information on the Route 66 Nationals visit nhra.com. The post Spencer Hyde Races to Quarterfinals at NHRA Southern Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Losses to GainsLast year was a very tough year for the Stellantis group of automotive brands. Across the board, it reported a $26 billion loss, the group's first annual loss since its formation in 2021. Diving deeper, in Q1 of 2025, it lost $454 million alone, a harbinger of what was to come for the rest of the year. Eager to turn things around, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa boldly launched a recovery program that would right the ship. So far, things seem to have worked, but further changes are on the way, according to the CEO. Stellantis Cost-Cutting and Hemi to the RescueQ1 2026 saw positive gains for the group with a reported profit of $440 million. Filosa is doubling down on his strategy called the Value Creation Program (VCP), which will see Stellantis implement a cost-cutting plan across the globe. While his plan is labeled as global, he did quantify that it will mainly focus on North America and Europe, plus it'll have very "ambitious" targets. He didn't go into the nitty-gritty of the program, but Filosa did say that it'll include a "fixed cost management" element. This was announced during a quarterly sales call last April 30. More details on the VCP will be announced on May 21 in Michigan during a capital markets day. Filosa is also optimistic about the North American sales trend for 2026. He highlighted key elements driving the upward trend. He says there are now higher vehicle orders for Hemi V8 models, high-profit Jeep models, and the Dodge Challenger six-pack, their remake of the classic American muscle nameplate. According to their internal numbers, Filosa said that 40% of Ram sales in the 1st quarter of the year have been for the Hemi-powered variant. Lastly, new model launches for the Ram 1500 SRT TRX pickup, the Jeep Wagoneer extended-range EV, and the Jeep Recon electric SUV are expected to also boost profits. Stellantis Across the PondWhen it comes to Europe, Filosa is being more cautious in his optimism, citing that the region, which includes the Balkans and Eurasia, will likely reach what he calls breakeven plus in sales. Most of the controlled optimism comes from the growth of the Chinese automakers in the region, which North America doesn't have. Filosa doesn't see a partnership with a Chinese brand for North America just yet, but Stellantis' 20% stake in the Chinese brand Leapmotor is growing in Europe and South America. Stellantis View the full article

This 2020 AMB 001 represents a rare convergence of avant-garde engineering and motorsport intent, born from the landmark collaboration between Aston Martin and Brough Superior. Conceived as a track-only hyperbike and limited to just 100 units worldwide, it stands as the first motorcycle ever to wear Aston Martin’s iconic wings—an unmistakable signal of its design and performance pedigree. The example offered here—now available for sale on Bring a Trailer—is numbered #057, underscoring its exclusivity within this tightly-limited production run. Its […] The post FOR SALE: 2020 AMB 001 by Aston Martin and Brough Superior appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Pro Mod put on a show at the Southern Nationals. Jason Collins was able to pick up his first NHRA Pro Mod victory at SGMP. View the full article

The Future Of Speed Just Got Schooled By StudentsIn a competition that has quietly become a pipeline for fresh talent, Stellantis has named Felix Bucaro, a Wisconsin high school senior, as the grand prize winner of its 2026 Drive for Design contest. This year’s brief, “Design the Future of Fast,” pushed students to reinterpret performance through the lens of SRT using brands like Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler. Bucaro’s concept stood out among a competitive field, signaling both technical understanding and a strong sense of identity. He is joined by Owen Bronson of Michigan in second place and Javier Espino in third, with Bronson notably extending a three-year streak in the top three. Now in its 14th year, the program expanded beyond its traditional high school scope by introducing a junior division. Younger winners included Jaxon Brobst, Richie LeBlanc, and Catherine Codouni, reflecting Stellantis’ push to cultivate design thinking earlier. Beyond recognition, the rewards are substantial. Bucaro earns eligibility for a summer internship with the Ram and SRT design studio, while finalists receive mentorship and scholarships to the College for Creative Studies. Winners will also participate as judges at the EyesOn Design, reinforcing the program’s real-world integration. Stellantis View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Automakers Are Letting The Next Generation Shape Performance CarsAutomakers are increasingly tapping younger voices to shape long-term design direction, especially as electrification and software redefine performance. Stellantis’ leadership acknowledged that shift directly. “The imagination and talent we’ve seen over the years was seriously notched up with the SRT design theme,” said Mark Trostle, vice president of Ram Truck, Mopar, and SRT exterior design. “It adds to the excitement of the return of our in-house performance division for the next generation.” That sentiment mirrors a broader industry trend in which bold, unconventional thinking is no longer optional but necessary. The contest has also proven its credibility as a talent incubator. Past winners like Ben Treinen and Dongwon Kim have transitioned into real roles within Stellantis studios, demonstrating a tangible pathway from sketchpad to production pipeline. For younger winners, prizes such as studio visits and art support may seem modest, but they offer early exposure to a highly competitive field. As the definition of speed evolves beyond raw horsepower, these students are already exploring new visual and experiential cues that could define tomorrow’s performance cars. Stellantis View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Lowdown - The Kids are AlrightDesigning cars is like toeing a tight rope between fantasy and reality, and when Stellantis asked some promising students to design what the future of the company looks like, I think the future is going to be alright. Even as AI tools begin to accelerate design workflows, the core of automotive creativity still rests on human imagination. Programs like Drive for Design show that the next generation is not short on ideas or ambition. If anything, the bar is rising. Looking at where past winners have landed, and how current finalists are already thinking, it is hard not to conclude that the future of car design is in capable hands. YouTube: @ThrottleHouse View the full article

The Ripsaw M1 UGV is an autonomous, missile-rocking ATV that's also amphibious and fully electric. View the full article

The NHRA's Southern Nationals delivered plenty of great action. Here's a recap of who won a silver Wally at this thrilling event. View the full article

Ford’s Emissions DilemmaFord is in a strong spot in Australia, but things are getting complicated. The Ranger still tops the sales charts, but most buyers pick diesel or gasoline versions – exactly the ones that push past Australia’s tightening emissions limits. With the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard now in play in the Land Down Under, brands that depend on high-CO2 models are feeling the squeeze. Right now, only the plug-in hybrid Ranger stays under the emissions cap. Every other version just adds to Ford’s emissions total, which could mean penalties or extra costs down the line. So Ford faces a familiar dilemma: spend big on a new electrified platform, or find a quicker, cheaper solution. Ford Geely Says Collaboration Makes More SenseGeely’s offer is simple. They’re already working on a new truck platform built for electrification, and they’re willing to share it. Speaking to Carsales, Geely Auto International vice president Alex Gu didn’t leave much ambiguity. When asked whether a partnership with Ford was possible, he said: “Why not?” Gu made it clear: for established brands struggling with electrification, teaming up just makes more sense. Building a new platform from scratch takes a long time and a lot of money, so partnerships are starting to look like the smarter move. Geely is quickly building its reputation here. Their new hybrid system could deliver more power while keeping emissions in check. That’s the same formula newer players like the BYD Shark 6 are using to get ahead—more muscle, less emissions headache. Ford Talks Denied, but the Door Isn’t ClosedFord and Geely have reportedly explored collaboration in recent months, though the former has pushed back on that narrative. Ford CEO Jim Farley has already warned that Chinese automakers pose a serious competitive threat. Partnerships – whether acknowledged or not – are becoming part of the global industry conversation. Any partnership would probably depend on the market. The US-spec Ford Ranger plays by different rules, but places like Australia and Europe have much tougher emissions standards. Those, plus the ASEAN region, are the markets where a shared platform or joint project makes the most sense. Nothing’s official yet. But Geely isn’t hiding its intentions – if Ford wants to talk, they’re ready. Ford View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Top Fuel rookie Maddi Gordon’s first trip to South Georgia Motorsports Park for the NHRA Southern Nationals resulted in new career-bests in both elapsed time and speed for the driver of the Carlyle Tools Top Fuel dragster. She became only the second woman and fourth Top Fuel driver to eclipse the 340-mph barrier, hitting the mark twice across qualifying and Sunday eliminations. The Ron Capps Motorsports driver closed out the weekend with a quarterfinal exit at the fifth of 20 races on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule and leaves Georgia ranked sixth in the Top Fuel points standings. Before heading to South Georgia, Gordon joined teammate and team owner Ron Capps for a visit to NAPA headquarters near Atlanta. She also threw out the first pitch at Wednesday night’s Atlanta Braves game versus the Detroit Tigers, adding to the excitement leading up to the NHRA Mission Foods Series’ first visit to South Georgia. The hype continued when qualifying kicked off on Friday as Gordon powered to the provisional No. 1 spot with her 3.775-second pass at 329.75 mph, earning three championship bonus points for having the quickest run of the first session. Tire smoke followed in the second session, with Gordon settling into the No. 4 position to end the day. Heavy rain on Saturday pushed the remainder of qualifying into the early evening, but it was worth the wait for Gordon, who set new career-best numbers with an impressive blast of 3.748 seconds at 340.05 mph to lock in the No. 4 position for race day. Gordon paired up with Will Smith in Sunday’s first round of eliminations. She piloted the Carlyle Tools machine to more career-best numbers and another 340-mph pass, a 3.728-second run at 340.22 mph, to move on to the second round. In the quarterfinal match against Smith’s teammate, Justin Ashley, Gordon drove into tire smoke early and watched as Ashley raced by for the win. “Of course, we wanted to go further than the second round,” Gordon said. “We all thought we had a really good shot this weekend. But we’re still learning. I’ve never smoked the tires instantly before, so I got to learn what that felt like. There was no way I was going to pedal it because I saw him out there anyways, but we’ll learn from that and take it to the next one.” The energetic and optimistic Gordon found plenty of positives in the weekend, from the pre-race festivities and meeting passionate new fans at a new track to making more history with her 340-mph passes. “The 340s were really insane,” said Gordon, who credited crew chiefs Rob Flynn and Troy Fasching, car chief Chuck Grospitch, and the Carlyle Tools team. “That is such a huge milestone, especially afterwards realizing not very many drivers have done that. There are world champions out there who haven’t gone 340 yet, so to hit that milestone this early in my career was just really, really exciting and just a huge morale booster. We’ve been having a great season, but those little milestones are just so, so cool. Everything has to go perfect for that to happen.” Gordon’s rookie season with the Carlyle Tools team and Ron Capps Motorsports will continue May 15-17 at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., outside Chicago. The post Maddi Gordon Sets New Career-Best Numbers With 340 MPH Passes at NHRA Southern Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Hyundai has just posted its April sales results in the U.S., and while there has been an overall decline, there were also some notable model-specific results. The company sold 80,157 cars last month, down 2% relative to strong pre-tariff sales a year ago, but sales of hybrid and sedan sales increased considerably. A third of Hyundai sales in April were electrified models, and the Sonata Hybrid sedan had a stellar month with sales exploding by 171% year-over-year. Here’s a closer look at the numbers. Best-Ever April Sales For Hyundai Hybrids Hyundai Hyundai’s entire hybrid lineup grew by 52%, the best April for electrified models ever. Leading the charge was the Sonata Hybrid, with this sedan’s sales increasing by 171%. The Elantra hybrid (+55%) also contributed. However, Hyundai doesn’t report sales figures by powertrain alone, so it’s not known exactly how many of the 7,105 Sonatas sold last month were hybrids. That total is still some way off the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord—Honda sold 16,071 Accords last month—but it aligns with a renewed interest in affordable sedans. “Hyundai’s performance in April reflects the strength of our product lineup and our continued focus on delivering value to customers, with electrified vehicles accounting for one‑third of our total sales,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Even as the industry navigates a more challenging environment shaped by affordability pressures and broader economic uncertainty, the U.S. auto market remains resilient.” Elsewhere in Hyundai’s range, the Tucson retained its title as the brand’s most popular model with 22,024 units sold. It was followed by the Elantra (14,778) and Palisade (11,324). No SUV achieved the growth of Hyundai’s gas/hybrid sedans, though. Sonata Hybrid: An Underrated Sedan Hyundai The Sonata Hybrid’s sales in April represented its best-ever U.S. sales month, which is quite an achievement for a sedan that first debuted for the 2011 model year. Today’s 2026 Sonata Hybrid is exceptionally frugal, with a best EPA rating of 47/56/51 mpg city/highway/combined. It’s even more economical than the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid in highway driving. The Sonata Hybrid is less powerful than both Japanese rivals, though. Its 2.0-liter engine and electric motor combine for 192 horsepower, and while it’s not as engaging to drive as the Camry, the Hyundai felt a touch more premium to us in a back-to-back drive between the two cars last year. At $29,200, the Sonata Hybrid easily undercuts the Accord Hybrid—and it’s just $100 cheaper than the base Camry. What It Means Hyundai Like Honda, Hyundai is seeing some very impressive sales for hybrids and affordable sedans in recent months. This comes as many consumers gravitate toward vehicles that are cheaper to buy and run, given the high cost of gas right now. It’s why some American automakers are looking to re-enter the sedan segment after largely abandoning it for SUVs. Efficiency and value could end up being the primary drivers behind a sedan resurgence and a cooling off period for SUVs. View the full article

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series broke new ground at South Georgia Motorsports Park, as the longtime hub of outlaw and radial racing welcomed its first NHRA national event with the NHRA Southern Nationals. For decades, the Valdosta facility has been synonymous with some of the most iconic radial races in the sport, and that same energy carried over as the NHRA’s professional categories – along with the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by Elite Motorsports and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series – took center stage. Even with heavy rain disrupting Saturday’s schedule, the event delivered a weekend that felt equal parts historic and inevitable. Fans who stuck it out were rewarded with a headline-making performance from Shawn Langdon, who recorded the first 345-mph run in NHRA history before racing to the Top Fuel victory on Sunday. In Funny Car, rookie Jordan Vandergriff broke through for his first career win, while Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) added to their résumés with wins of their own. The weekend also delivered a full-circle moment in Pro Mod, where Jason Collins picked up his first NHRA victory at the same track where he once made waves in Pro 275 competition. Captured through the lens of Drag Illustrated contributing photographer and past DI 30 Under 30 honoree Kaitlyn Ward, this gallery reflects both the scale of the moment and the personality of a facility finally hosting the sport’s biggest stage. From record-setting speed to breakthrough wins, the images document a weekend that bridged eras – where radial roots met NHRA history in real time. This story was originally published on May 4, 2026. The post PHOTO GALLERY: NHRA Southern Nationals Take Over South Georgia first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Cristiano Ronaldo is not a man who does things quietly. With a net worth estimated at $1.4 billion and annual earnings of around $200 million, he has the means to back that up at every turn. The footballer's car collection spans hypercars, supercars, and luxury SUVs, estimated to be worth well over $25 million. So when a 1-of-20, bespoke open-top Mercedes-AMG G-Class becomes available, and you happen to be playing for a football club with very specific colors, ordering one in those exact colors feels almost inevitable. We were sent this image this morning by someone familiar with the project, reportedly of Ronaldo's unit. The car, finished in Al-Nassr's iconic yellow and blue, with bespoke CR7 sill plates, is said to be ready for delivery. Cristiano View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A $1.32 Million G-Wagon for the World's Highest-Paid FootballerRefined Marques, a luxury car dealer in Dubai, unveiled this bespoke project limited to just 20 units worldwide and priced at approximately $1.32 million. Under the hood, it retains the G63's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 horsepower and 850 Nm of peak torque, paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels. The idea, remarkably, was born when the CEO's five-year-old son asked if a Brabus G700 could have a soft-top roof. Development on the world’s only G63 Cabriolet took 18 months, with a team of Formula 1 and supercar engineers in Germany handling the conversion. The roof opens by simply releasing the latches, hitting the brake pedal, and pressing a button. It can also be lowered while on the move, with suicide doors at the rear rounding off the major changes. No two of the 20 units will look the same. Club Colors, Personal StatementAl-Nassr have worn yellow and blue since the club's founding in 1955, with yellow representing the sands of the Arabian desert and blue symbolizing the surrounding bodies of water. Those colors are deeply embedded in the club's identity, and on a drop-top G63, they’re likely to be stunning. The custom sill plates make the whole car feel less like a purchase and more like a commission. This isn't the first time Ronaldo's cars have been entangled with club loyalty. When Al-Nassr signed a sponsorship deal with BMW, all players received cars as gifts ranging from the i5 to the XM, with Ronaldo getting the top-tier XM Label as a special honor. But that was a gift. This G63 Cabriolet, at $1.32 million, is a choice. And for a man who owns a Bugatti Centodieci reportedly worth around $9 million and has multiple exotics in the garage, it is still one of his most deliberately personal acquisitions yet. View the full article

Polaris headed to Maui in the Hawaiian Islands to lend a hand to Maui Nui Venison in the company and island's quest to find balance with its axis deer population. View the full article

The Triumph Thruxton 400 is a modern café racer that revives the Thruxton name with a smaller, more accessible platform. It blends retro-inspired design with contemporary engineering and sits at the top of Triumph’s 400cc performance-focused lineup in terms of visual aggression and sporty intent. While its stance strongly echoes larger performance machines like the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR, its real-world character proves more approachable than its styling suggests. Engine and Performance Power comes from Triumph’s 398cc TR-series single-cylinder […] The post VIDEO: 2026 Thruxton 400 Tested: Triumph’s Entry-Level Café Racer With Big Bike Attitude appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

If you own a 2024 through 2026 Street Glide, Road Glide, Fat Boy, Breakout, or Road Glide 3, you'll want to know about this recall.View the full article

Car Owners Are Doing the MathWhile dealership servicing is often recommended, some owners prefer taking their cars to independent shops. A recent Ducker Carlisle study touched on that trend, finding that price is the main reason behind the shift. Ducker Carlisle’s Nate Chenenko told Automotive News that quick lube shops made more money from 2024 to 2025, while dealerships made less. Both quick lubes and dealers are raising prices, though the former is doing so at a slower rate. The study also found that dealers are struggling to retain customers, especially after the free maintenance period, which usually lasts up to two years, ends. Ford The Industry Is AdjustingMarket share for quick lubes, independent repair facilities, and tire chains increased from January 2025 to January 2026, with the study saying those gains came at the expense of dealerships. Interestingly, this happened even as automakers continue bringing more EVs to market. As a refresher, EVs do not need oil changes and can be more cost-efficient to maintain, thanks to fewer moving parts and fewer fluids to replace. Many manufacturers also offer warranties that cover high-voltage batteries. The overall number of transactions across the industry fell 11% from January 2025 to January 2026. Dealerships saw the steepest decline at 13%, followed by independent shops at 9.6%, tire chains at 8%, and quick lubes at 7.8%. The study also measured transaction dollar amounts, which declined 8.3% across the industry over the same period. Dealers again saw a larger drop at 11%, followed by tire chains at 6.4%, independent shops at 4.8%, and quick lubes at 3.4%. Getty Images What Dealers Can LearnFor car owners, the hope is that dealerships take this trend into account and come up with more compelling ways to keep customers in their service bays. After all, dealers don’t just rely on vehicle sales – service is a key part of keeping the business running. “Knowing this helps OEMs price – maybe they’re too expensive relative to tire chains, for example – and market themselves,“ Chenenko said. That could become even more important as more EVs enter the market, including the Rivian R2 and Kia EV3. Quick lubes may also see EV adoption as a long-term threat, though not an immediate one, given the strong demand for ICE vehicles in the U.S. Over time, that shift could give independent shops and tire chains more room to grow, especially if dealerships fail to give customers stronger reasons to keep coming back to their service bays. Getty View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Blazing the TrailThe name Chevrolet Blazer is important; this model has been one of the brand's more iconic nameplates, dating back to the late 60s and 70s. Over the years, it has taken on different form factors and has survived a lot of ups and downs, but what is notable today is that it now bears the EV powertrain for the brand. Having been in production since 2024, it is about time the mid-cycle refresh is given to the Blazer EV, and for 2027, GM is set to introduce notable updates to the aging model. Chevrolet Updated Charging and New ColorsChevrolet is changing things up a bit. We already covered that they're going to make the Blazer EV for 2027, now NACS compatible. This will give new Blazer EV owners access to Tesla's extensive Supercharging network. Part of the new updates, as reported by GM Authority are a tweak to the available color choices. The big change to the color palette sees Chevy dropping the Galaxy Gray Metallic, marking 2026 as the final year you can get it. This colorway has been part of the Blazer EV's lineup since it launched in 2024. Taking its place for 2027 is White Sands, a light beige color that is already available with the Silverado EV. According to the report, this new color option for the Blazer will be available only on the LT and RS variants, not the range-topping SS. Some of the new color options for the roof will also be adjusted; Summit White will be removed as a choice for 2027. This will effectively remove the option for buyers to pair a light-colored roof with a darker exterior tone. Staying in place will be the black-painted roof for those who want a two-tone look. In terms of availability, it'll be an option on the LT variant but standard on the RS and SS. If you aren't a fan of two-tone, Chevrolet will offer the option to paint your Blazer EV a single color. Chevrolet Uniform LookWhile not really considered significant upgrades for the 2027 model year of the Blazer EV, it seems that moving forward, Chevrolet wants to streamline the exterior combinations of the car. It might also be doing this to further distinguish the model variants from one another and eliminate design elements that overlap among the three variants. Chevrolet View the full article

Honda's Wagon HistoryHonda isn't normally associated with building station wagons, but it has made pretty good ones over the years. The U.S. had two generations of Accord Wagon, and there were the quirky Civic "Wagovans" from the '80s. North America was also fortunate enough to get the Acura TSX Sport Wagon, itself a federalized version of the European and Japanese-spec Accord Tourer. Outside North America, Honda offered many more longroofs. For instance, the European market still had a Civic Tourer until 2017, and Japan never stopped making Accord wagons until 2015. Speaking of, the home market had a whole slew of wagons, and fans of the brand will cite models such as the Orthia, Fit Shuttle/Shuttle, and Avancier as examples. However, the Shuttle was discontinued in Japan in 2022, leaving Honda without a true station wagon. That said, it does have a unique model in China, and it's more of a different take on the Subaru Outback. Well, that should count for something. Acura Its Crossover-Wagon Could Go GlobalJapanese auto website Creative311 managed to obtain spy shots of a new, wagon-like vehicle driving around the country. It's still heavily camouflaged, though, suggesting that it might be a while before it's fully revealed. Given that it was spotted in Japan, there might be a chance this tall wagon could be offered as a global model. The publication described the vehicle as 'European-like' and about the same length as the Passport. There's a fair amount of ground clearance, although not at the level of a Pilot, so this is more of a raised wagon than an outright crossover. One photo also reveals that it's right-hand drive, so it's possible it could be sold in Japan. As for the name, the possibility of calling it Avancier has been raised. これが噂のトライトンベースの新型パジェロ、、、？ pic.twitter.com/v7yJj2owqq — わち (@loop595) March 24, 2026 What is the Avancier?Honda first used the Avancier name in 1999 as a more upmarket version of the Japanese-market Accord Wagon and ceased production in 2003. The name was revived for the Chinese market as the company's midsize wagon/crossover mix. It's also known as the UR-V over there, featuring some cosmetic changes over the Avancier. With that in mind, the next generation of those models might finally be sold outside China. Currently, the Avancier and UR-V use the same platform as the previous-generation Pilot, but it's been lowered and shortened to suit the market. It was introduced in 2016 and has received two facelifts since. Now that it's a decade old, it's due for an all-new model. In terms of positioning, it slots in between the CR-V and Passport. Honda Potential Outback RivalGiven its size, it could be a good match for the Subaru Outback. The Outback is currently facing a bit of a challenge, as sales dropped by a whopping 40%. This Honda wagon/crossover could well capitalize on that, but that's if the company decides to offer it for North America. There's also a strong possibility of it coming with a hybrid powertrain - something the Subaru doesn't have, further broadening its appeal and market reach. It does make sense for the European market, too, as wagons remain strong there. If anything, there is still demand for midsize station wagons in the Old Continent, as proven by models such as the VW Passat and Skoda Superb. Honda hasn't offered a wagon in Europe for over a decade, and this model could be a good way to re-enter that segment. Honda View the full article

It took just five events behind the wheel of John Force Racing’s Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car for Jordan Vandergriff to make the final round of eliminations, and he made the best of it in capturing his first NHRA event win at the NHRA Southern Nationals in his adopted state of Georgia. Vandergriff streaked across the finish line in 4.007 seconds at 314.17 mph as J.R. Todd, the 2018 NHRA Funny Car World Champion, lost traction early and clicked it off. The win made the third generation drag racer the 13th different driver to win a Top Fuel or Funny Car event in NHRA competition for John Force Racing. Immediately after winning, Vandergriff popped out of his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car and sprinted back up the race track, much like his uncle, Bob Vandergriff Jr., did after his victories in Top Fuel. “I’m still kind of taking in just how special this is. This moment is something I thought of for a very long time, since my last final in 2019, when I lost to Billy Torrence in Dallas,” Vandergriff said. “You know, running up the track was something I always thought about doing because my uncle did it out of pure joy when he won his first, and I just had to do it. I was contemplating it in the car before the run, and I was like, I’m doing it, no matter what. Hopefully, this is just the first of many, and it’s a good one to start.” Vandergriff dedicated the victory to Adria Force Hight, team owner John Force’s eldest daughter, who passed away April 28. “Adria got this one for me, and I truly believe that,” said Vandergriff. “I had a feeling since this morning when I thought about that her and Autumn (Adria’s daughter Autumn Hight), and the Force family and everything they’ve been through this week. I was just thinking about everything Adria did for John Force Racing. She was a pivotal part of this organization and I thank her for all the hard work she put in in helping John build this amazing race team that is giving me the chance to live my dreams and represent them.” Vandergriff defeated Hunter Green in his semifinal round, making a solid 3.964-second run at 331.36 mph to Green’s 4.151-second effort. He defeated Spencer Hyde in Rd. 2, running 3.956 seconds at 332.34 mph to a tire-smoking Hyde. In Rd. 1, Vandergriff ran 3.950 seconds at 330.63 mph to Jeff Arend’s 4.154 seconds at 309.77 mph. The Atlanta resident’s only other final-round appearance was Oct. 20, 2019, in the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals while competing in the Top Fuel category for his family-owned team. He was ahead of Billy Torrence at halftrack before hazing the tires and allowing Torrence to take the win. DeJoria lined up the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car in the left lane against last week’s race winner J.R. Todd for her semifinal matchup, with Todd having lane choice. Both cars smoked the tires almost immediately and it became a pedal-fest from there. The Bandero Café Chevy swapped back and forth, eventually making contact with timing cones at halftrack, while Todd was able to cross the center line first, posting a 6.188-second run to DeJoria’s 7.878-second effort. The six-time NHRA Funny Car winner defeated Matt Hagan in Rd. 2, running 4.016 seconds at 314.68 mph while Hagan smoked the tires right at the start. In Rd. 1, she ran 3.946 seconds at 325.61 mph to defeat Cruz Pedregon’s run of 4.135 seconds at 237.80 mph. “Man, it’s been a crazy weekend, just a crap shoot,” said DeJoria. “The semifinals wasn’t a pretty run at all. We both smoked the tires right at the hit. It’s a blessing and a curse that I’ve been in so many unsettling runs to know what to do and what not to do, to keep myself on the good side of getting in a wreck. So, that being said, we came out unscathed, the Bandero Café Chevy SS body is fine. “But again, we had another long Sunday. It’s just our fifth race out, we’re building, and I have so much confidence in these guys. Our hearts are with our boss, John Force, and, uh, gaining those points, man. And, you know, and keeping our position in the 6th spot means a lot going into that Chicago race in a couple weeks.” Hart beat Leah Pruett off the starting line by nearly two hundredths of a second (.077 to .094) but the Speedmaster Top Fuel Dragster smoked the tires shortly thereafter, coasting to a run of 7.296 seconds at 77.48 mph to Pruett’s 3.996 seconds at 287.78 mph. “I fought hard for this ride with John Force Racing and Speedmaster and prayed for it even harder,” said Hart. “Now, I have the seat and our confidence is strong despite today’s unfortunate results. I love this JFR team and we will make up ground and improve together.” Beckman’s PEAK Chevrolet SS Funny Car also spun the tires shortly off the starting line to run 4.598 seconds at 183.24 mph to Matt Hagan’s 3.988-second run at 328.06 mph. “I hate to use the expression ‘throwaway weekend,’ because you try to find a silver lining,” said Beckman. “We’re going to keep digging until we find that silver lining. You want to be retrospective and say, ‘Okay, if we had to do all over again, what would we have done differently?’ I’m not sure I have a good answer for that, and those are the frustrating weekends for this PEAK Chevy team. This is a forgettable weekend and we’ll be over it soon.” The sixth of 20 races of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is the May 15-17 Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA National presented by PEAK at Route 66 Speedway in Joliet, Ill. The post Jordan Vandergriff Bags First Wally at NHRA Southern Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. 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This familiar retro twin resurfaces under Morbidelli with the same specs, same platform, and a new, surprisingly appropriate name. View the full article

A Night That Ended in SirensA report from ABC13 says several drivers were arrested for street racing on Houston’s South Loop. Under a 2023 Texas law, vehicles involved can be impounded immediately and, in some cases, permanently seized. According to Taylor Vanegas, chief prosecutor of the Vehicular Crimes Unit at the Montgomery County DA’s Office, social media has encouraged some drivers to engage in acts like street racing for attention and clicks. The numbers appear to back that up: Montgomery County filed 51 racing-related cases last year and 31 in the first four months of 2026. Harris County saw an even sharper increase, 174 cases filed in the first four months of 2026, compared with 95 last year. The Social Media EffectOn social media, the more dramatic and action-packed a clip is, the more attention it tends to attract. That visibility can boost a user’s profile, potentially opening the door to opportunities such as brand deals and monetization. However, street racing is dangerous and puts public safety at risk, which is why authorities have imposed harsher penalties, with San Diego police even crushing seized vehicles involved in dangerous road behavior. In the latest incident in Texas, a total of five vehicles, reportedly doing 90 to 100 mph or even faster, were seized – four were stopped near NRG Stadium, while the fifth was located elsewhere. The report did not specify the exact models involved, but footage from the scene appears to show an S550 Ford Mustang Mach 1, another S550 Mustang in Shelby GT350 form, a Chevrolet C8 Corvette, and a Dodge Charger. For the uninitiated, those cars bring serious muscle and performance credentials. Ford What It Really CostsIn addition to vehicles being impounded, drivers found guilty of street racing could face several months in jail for a first offense and several years for repeat offenses or if a crash results in serious injuries or worse. Vanegas also warned drivers, saying, “We’ll never know who is choosing not to race because of this, but we do know they won’t keep racing as long as we have their car.” With all that said, track days remain the best way to explore a car’s full performance safely and legally. They can be expensive, but the consequences of street racing – from fines and jail time to losing the vehicle – can often cost far more. If more drivers used social media to promote track days instead, they could even help encourage safer outlets for performance driving. Chevrolet View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article