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Wheel Studs May SeparateTesla has recalled 173 2024-2026 Cybertruck vehicles equipped with 18-inch steel wheels (around 5% of Cybertruck production) for a potential issue with its wheel studs. According to the NHTSA recall, the brake rotor stud holes could develop cracks, which allow the stud to separate from the wheel hub. This increases the risk of a crash. Tesla If owners continue to use their vehicle on rougher roads or subject the studs to higher cornering forces, the stud could even separate from the hub. Before losing control of the vehicle, owners may notice vibrations and noise from inside the cabin that could signal a cracked stud hole. Recall Details Tesla As with all recalls in the United States, Tesla Service will rectify the issue free of charge. Cybertruck owners impacted by the issue will receive new front and rear brake rotors, hubs, and lug nuts. If your Cybertruck is affected, Tesla will send out a notification letter by June 20, 2026. Owners may also contact Tesla at 1-877-798-3752, and provide the recall number SB-26-33-003. Tesla has not discovered any occurrences of separated studs or lugs in the field in during testing, but decided to voluntarily recall the affected vehicles out of an abundance of caution. Cybertruck Recalls This wheel hub issue is far from the first recall that has impacted the Cybertruck. Tesla's controversial pickup truck was recently recalled because the off-road light bar was not glued down well enough. That wasn't even the first glue-related Cybertruck recall, as other body parts were also detaching earlier in the year. And though it wasn't an official recall, it's hard to forget that Tesla had to temporarily stop shipping the Cybertruck with its futuristic wheel covers because they were eating into the tires. These issues could partially explain why Cybertruck deliveries have not lived up to the vehicles lofty pre-reveal expectations. View the full article

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially announced the acquisition of Empire Dragway, marking a major step in our continued growth and investment in premier racing facilities across the United States. Located in Leicester, New York, Empire Dragway has long been a staple in the Northeast racing community, known for its rich history, passionate fan base, and competitive racing environment. Under IHRA ownership, the facility will undergo strategic enhancements focused on racer experience, fan engagement, and long-term operational sustainability. “This is exactly the kind of facility we want to invest in,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “Empire Dragway has a strong foundation and a loyal racing community. Our goal is to build on that momentum. We will be bringing more opportunities for racers, bigger events for fans, and ensuring this track continues to thrive for years to come.” “Empire Dragway has meant so much to me and to this community over the years,” said Jerry Scaccia. “I’m proud of what we’ve built here, and I truly believe IHRA is the right group to take it to the next level. Their vision for the future of the sport and commitment to racers gives me full confidence that Empire is in great hands.” Already established as a stop on our national schedule, Empire Dragway will host the Outlaw Nitro Series and Small Tire BRATZ Series on July 23–25, 2026. Under IHRA ownership, that momentum will continue to build with expanded programming, enhanced amenities, and greater opportunities for racers and fans alike. Fans and racers can expect upgrades to infrastructure, enhanced safety measures, and a renewed focus on delivering a top-tier race day experience. We will work closely with local organizations, teams, and the racing community to ensure a seamless transition and continued success of the venue. This story was originally published on April 28, 2026. The post IHRA Acquires Empire Dragway, Expanding National Footprint in the Northeast first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Still no X3 MIt took a while for BMW to develop a fully-fledged M version of the X3, but it finally arrived in 2019. The third-generation G01 BMW X3 received M and M Competition models, and was even given a special internal code of F97. Its engine would later be used in the first release of the G80 M3 and M3 Competition, so the high-performance sedan owes a lot to the X3 M. When it was time to retire the previous model for the current G45 X3, we expected a new generation of the hot crossover. But nearly two years have passed since its introduction, and there's still no sign of a second-generation X3 M. Currently, there's the M50, and while its 3.0-liter turbo straight-six puts out 393 hp and 428 lb-ft, it's still quite far away from the full-on M model's 473 hp and 443 lb-ft figure, let alone the Competition's 503 hp output. The question now is, will there be a G45-based X3 M down the line? BMW An Interesting Trademark FilingWhile skimming through trademark databases, we came across a fairly recent filing from BMW that caught our attention. However, it wasn't 'X3 M' that we saw that the German automaker filed for registration. Instead, we saw the name XB3, indicating that Alpina might build the most powerful version of the X3. Those familiar with Alpina's naming conventions would've broken that down by now, with X indicating a crossover model, B standing for benzine (gas/petrol), and 3 for, well, the X3. Now that Alpina is under BMW's wing, it's possible that the mothership is exploring the possibility of passing the performance crossovers to the newly acquired company. Do note that there was also a filing for XB8, the likely successor of the slow-selling and controversial XM. It also follows Alpina's naming structure, which is why we're inclined to believe that the XB3 could effectively become the M version of the current X3. World Intellectual Property Office Alpina Made a Hot X3 BeforeIt never made it to the U.S, but Alpina had its own take for a fast X3 for the prior two generations. It was called the XD3, and as you might have guessed, the D stood for diesel. The most recent model was powered by the Euro-market-only 3.0-liter quad-turbo diesel. That engine was good for 383 hp and 568 lb-ft, making it far more potent than the twin-turbo X3 M40d from the same era. Considering that the previous-gen X3 was never really designed to accommodate a quad-turbo engine, it's quite impressive that Alpina made it work, at least for left-hand drive markets. With that in mind, the possible XB3 model won't be the company's first foray into building a potent X3. The only difference now is that this could be the first gas/petrol-powered X3 the company upgrades. If so, we're expecting at least 400 hp, since the current M50 is close to that number. Interesting times, indeed, but we're hoping BMW doesn't fully turn Alpina into its performance-crossover division. Drew Phillips View the full article

This past weekend NHRA Funny Car driver and team owner Buddy Hull took on a new challenge on the drag strip beyond wheeling his 12,000-horsepower Nitro Funny Car on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. On Saturday night the fan-favorite driver got behind the wheel of a nitrous-fed ’06 Ford Mustang at the Clash of the Titans race at Xtreme Raceway Park in Ferris, Texas. Hull made a few shakedown test passes and then jumped right into competition, winning two rounds of the unique event before rain ended racing action. “This was so much fun, and I am so appreciative to have the opportunity to race this Mustang,” said Hull, who was beaming with excitement following the round wins. “Any time you can hit the throttle and see a win light that is just fuel for my competitive nature. Nothing is like a Nitro Funny Car, but this nitrous-fed Mustang was a handful and so fun to drive. Also, all the other competitors were so cool and helpful. This is a whole new world, and I can’t want to do this again.”This was the second radial event for Hull, who competed in a radial race that was held in conjunction with the 2025 Stampede of Speed at the Texas Motorplex. Dave Vasser, owner of Nitrous Outlet, promoted this event and is a fellow Texan which also appealed to Hull. Hull raced the nitrous fed ’06 Ford Mustang that set the Ultra Street world record at the Battle of the Thrones event at Rockingham Dragway in April of 2024. While Hull didn’t set any world record times his performance on track was a solid effort. “I have to thank Dave Vasser from Nitrous Outlet for promoting this race,” said Hull. “I have only raced radial cars one other time and this was a really cool experience. The car was flawless and you can tell that JD Campbell and his team at Dynamic Racing Solutions know their stuff.” Hull, who has been racing professionally in Top Fuel and Funny Car since 2021, represented a host of sponsors that back him at the national level. The car sported the logos from Sam Pack, FS Performance, Gates Belts, Technocraft, Impact, Dynamic Racing Solutions, 360 Wraps, WS and Herricks & Campbell Racing, as well as Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull and Drag Race Bracket Bonanza. For more information about Buddy Hull’s racing schedule and appearances visit www.hullracing.com and for more information on this weekend’s race visit www.xtremeracewaypark.com. This story was originally published on April 28, 2026. The post Buddy Hull Thrills Behind the Wheel of World Record Mustang first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Auto industry CEOs are traditionally among the best paid business executives in the world, but there are significant differences between the pay packages US automakers provide to their bosses. Last year, America’s biggest automakers paid their CEOs in the tens of millions of dollars each, with General Motors’ Mary Barra earning $29.9 million and Ford’s Jim Farley bringing home $27.5 million. As for Stellantis, its new CEO Antonio Filosa received a total compensation package of €5.4 million (approximately $6.3 million), although it’s worth noting that the pay covered only half a year of work as he started in June. But compared to the CEO of Rivian, Detroit Three CEOs made peanuts last year. RJ Scaringe, who founded the EV startup in 2009, earned a total of $403 million for his work at the electric-truck maker in 2025. That’s about 13 times more than the next best-paid automotive CEO in the US, Mary Barra. RJ Scaringe Got an Elon Musk-Style Pay Deal Phillip Faraone/Getty Images According to an April 27 SEC filing cited by the Financial Times, Scaringe received $373 million in stock options and $26.6 million in stock awards as part of a deal agreed by Rivian’s board last year. Those sums were in addition to his yearly salary of $1.1 million and $1 million bonus. Scaringe’s 2025 pay package saw a massive increase over the two previous years, when he made $14.9 million (2024) and $14.3 million (2023). In 2026, his base salary is set to double to $2 million and his maximum bonus will reach $1.7 million, according to the filing. But why is RJ Scaringe making so much more money than the CEOs of much bigger automakers that have been around for more than 100 years? It all comes down to the company hitting stock price and financial targets, as those bonuses were tied to company achievements. Interestingly, RJ Scaringe could end up making much more in the coming years after Rivian’s board in November 2025 approved a package that could be worth as much as $4.6 billion over the next decade if the chief executive hits a series of ambitious stock price and financial goals. As FT points out, this system reminds of that used by Tesla, which has given its CEO Elon Musk a potential $1 trillion pay deal last year tied to seemingly unrealistic goals such as increasing the group’s valuation six times and boosting earnings 24-fold. Midsize R2 Electric SUV Is Expected to Take Rivian to the Next Level Rivian As for Scaringe’s pay package, Rivian’s directors justified it by saying it was “entirely at-risk” and the shares would only be awarded after significant price and financial improvements would be achieved; those indicators include operating income and cash flow. To get the pay package, Rivian's valuation would have to grow by $153 billion compared to its current market cap, the directors said. Rivian’s current valuation is $21 billion, down 86 percent since the company’s initial public offering in 2021. The EV maker has been losing money for its entire existence, ending 2025 with a net loss of 3.6 billion despite selling 42,000 R1T pickups and R1S SUVs last year. Rivian is hoping that the upcoming launch of its new mass-market R2 midsize SUV, which entered production last week at the company’s plant in Normal, Illinois, will help it reverse years of multibillion-dollar losses. The company also expects to make money by selling its software and autonomous systems to other companies, following a $5.8 billion software and electrics deal with Volkswagen last year. Additionally, the EV maker relies on a $1.25 billion investment from Uber, which agreed to buy up to 50,000 R2 EVs by 2030. As part of the deal, Rivian has to turn the vehicles into autonomous, unsupervised robotaxis. View the full article

Road Racing HeritageOnly a few automotive brands still left in existence can claim that they've reached 100 years in the business. Even fewer are able to reach this milestone and also tout a true racing heritage backed up by multiple wins spanning decades and legendary drivers. Maserati's story hasn't been an easy one, going through a lot more downs than ups, but here they are 100 years later, still alive and kicking. With this major achievement reached, 2026 is set to be a very special year for the brand. Maserati View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article 100 Years of the TridentHaving been through multiple ownerships in the 100 years, Maserati's current owner, Stellantis, is going all-in on the celebrations for 2026. The automotive group giant announced that "every Maserati event around the world in 2026 - from sporting events to concours d’elegance, from product presentations to cultural initiatives - will turn this special milestone into a manifesto of identity and pride shared by Trident enthusiasts worldwide." To further amplify the celebrations, there will also be a commemorative marketing campaign. Where the tagline is "100 Years of The Trident," further enhancing the messaging is that RIDE in the word Trident will be in bold letters, to evoke the refined yet sporty driving experience that has always distinguished every Maserati. The Ministry of Enterprises of Italy is also adding to the festivities by releasing a postage stamp that is dedicated to the Trident’s centenary and to Maserati's global reach in 70 markets, which the ministry recognizes as an expression of Italian excellence. Santo Facili, Maserati's COO, says that the Trident embodies the most authentic soul of Maserati. Maserati View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Born on the RacetrackFacili also points out that this soul was born on the racetrack back in 1926, where the brand also secured its first race win during the gruelling Targa Florio. The logo was conceptualized as early as 1925, but took on full form a year later. It was designed by Mario Maserati, the only brother of a member of the Maserati clan who wasn't directly involved in the car business. His first logo sketch is currently preserved in the Maserati archives in Modena. It was first displayed on the Tipo 26 race car, the car with which Alfieri Maserati entered the Targa Florio, taking first place in the 1500 cc class. It was the first in a long series of successes, including two consecutive editions of the Indianapolis 500 in 1939 and 1940, four consecutive victories at the Targa Florio in 1937, 1938, 1939, and 1940, nine Formula 1 wins, and the 1957 Formula 1 World Championship with Juan Manuel Fangio. View the full article

Unified Charging SystemOne of the most annoying parts of EV ownership has been the different charging port standards. Over the years, each brand has claimed its technology is the best option, but it only leads to confusion and frustration for owners. Some charging stations would only support a specific charging port, which might not be compatible with some EVs. In a bid to streamline charging for EV owners, brands have begun switching to a single charging port option, making it much easier for everyone to charge at most stations. Chevrolet GM Going NACSGM announced earlier this year that part of its new EV strategy is to equip all 2026 model-year cars with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port. A new announcement confirms that the recently announced 2027 Blazer EV will also include the NACS port. The Blazer EV is following in the footsteps of the Bolt EV, but officially, the first GM product featuring NACS is the 2026 Cadillac Optiq. Tesla's the biggest reason NACS is becoming the new industry standard, thanks to the sheer number of Supercharger stations across the nation. This should allow most EV owners to charge without hassle. GM does say, though, that new owners will not lose access to existing chargers that use the old CCS1 connector, as they will be providing a charging adaptor. GM says the goal is to simplify the customer experience while expanding access to more reliable charging. New Blazer owners will now have easier access to one of the biggest and broadest-reaching charging networks in America, thanks to the NACS integration, while continuing to have the flexibility to use older charging stations with the adaptor, making it easier to plan trips and go on long-distance journeys. Chevrolet Bigger ImplicationsNACS was originally a Tesla-developed and patented charging technology; it was eventually opened to others and has quickly become the go-to charging port layout for most North American EVs. GM's quick adaptation of NACS shows that the market as a whole is leaning towards NACS as the industry standard for public charging stations. Most brands, including Hyundai, Nissan, and Audi, have already shifted to NACS as early as 2025. Apart from GM, the likes of Toyota and other automotive brands have stated that NACS integration will begin with cars made in 2026. View the full article

Kia has found success in multiple vehicle segments. From cheap sedans to near-premium midsize SUVs, the company’s brave design choices and diverse powertrain lineup have seen sales surge. So, it’s especially disappointing that the brand’s first pickup, the Tasman, has been unable to achieve the same level of success as other Kias. It marks a rare misstep for the otherwise thriving Korean marque. In the latest sales results out of Australia—where midsize pickups like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger are immensely popular—the Tasman is falling far short of its sales target. Tasman’s March Sales Were Dismal Kia Kia originally hoped to sell 20,000 Tasman pickups in Australia annually. In March, only 399 Tasmans were sold Down Under, far below the monthly target and most competitors; the HiLux and Ranger moved over 4,000 units each in the same month. Other pickups like the Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton were also well ahead of the Tasman. Many observers have pointed to the Tasman’s unorthodox design as a reason for its poor initial sales. However, in December last year, Kia denied suggestions that it would fast-track a redesign of the pickup. Kia Australia CEO, Damien Meredith, says he knows where the company needs to focus to get Tasman sales up. “Lifestyle [sales] we’ve done very, very well and that’s probably been the Kia owner, the one who’s loyal to the product,” said Meredith to Carsales. “What we need to do is improve fleet, we need to improve our [agricultural] performance and we need to improve our provincial performance. Selling cars to people – not farmers – in provincial areas.” Dennis Piccoli, Kia Australia COO, said that cracking the fleet market is tough, as “existing brands that are out there are pretty well entrenched”. What It Means Kia For now, many Australians needing a no-frills, workhorse pickup are still turning to traditional, trusted nameplates. These cheaper pickups prioritize capability, reliability, and value, and it’s this area where the Tasman has so far failed to resonate with buyers. In the U.S., we’ve seen a similar level of loyalty for more established truck brands. Take Ford and Hyundai, for instance. Even though they entered the compact pickup segment at a similar time with the Maverick and Santa Cruz, the Ford has been comprehensively outselling the Hyundai for a while now. Like Hyundai, Kia is relatively new to the pickup space, so this trend potentially spells trouble for Kia’s upcoming body-on-frame midsize pickup. It may struggle to match the Toyota Tacoma on the sales charts, just as the Tasman is battling to compete with established truck rivals. In the pickup segment, no matter how accomplished your product may be, buyers tend to stick with what they know and trust. Earning that respect could take Kia years. View the full article

When you think of hands-free semi-autonomous driving technology, Tesla may be the first automaker that comes to mind, not always for good reasons, but it's not the only one working towards true self-driving. While the likes of BMW and Mercedes are scaling back their efforts in this space, General Motors isn't, and it's getting closer every day while simultaneously working to bring AI to more drivers. This week, GM customers in nearly 750,000 Super Cruise-enabled vehicles have driven 1 billion hands-free miles, or almost 2,100 trips to the moon and back, using the advanced driver aid. The data collected during these trips will be critical in helping the automaker advance on its path towards fully autonomous technology, something it's still determined to achieve despite the challenges associated with making eyes-off self-driving safe and dependable. And GM believes it'll get there sooner than you might think. The Data Behind Super Cruise's Widespread Use Cadillac GM intends to launch eyes-off driving with the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028, but the technology is intended to be available with combustion cars, too, and not only the most expensive ones like the Escalade. As with Super Cruise, which is available even on the entry-level Bolt EV, GM hopes to make self-driving in personal cars a reality, no matter how much you can afford to spend on your car. This is why the data behind today's system is so important, and there's a lot of it. GM says that over the last 12 months, customers used Super Cruise for 7.1 million hours over 28.7 million trips, logging nearly half a billion miles with Super Cruise engaged. That translates to more than a million miles every day, with the average customer spending approximately 24 minutes per trip with their hands off the wheel. But there's still plenty of room to grow. Related: WATCH: Tesla Robotaxi Tells Passenger to Exit Car at 40 MPH Over 50 percent of users activate Super Cruise weekly, and almost 85 percent use it at least once a month, with up to 40 percent of users renewing their subscription. While those figures show room for improvement, that improvement appears to be happening right now, with GM saying Super Cruise-equipped vehicles grew by roughly 70 percent over the last year, and users grew by about 80 percent. GM expects to exceed 850,000 users before the end of 2026, and in March, it began testing its next-generation automated tech, which will roll out to over 200 development vehicles. With safety as a priority, these vehicles will be supervised with a human test driver ready to take over. Upgraded AI Tech from GM and Google Cadillac Along with its progress towards self-driving, GM today announced that it will be upgrading its voice assistance tech with Google Gemini, giving some 4 million vehicles AI aids through an over-the-air software update. This won't just be for new cars, with GM saying the update will be applied to models from as early as 2022. The automaker also announced "a more deeply integrated AI experience shaped by OnStar intelligence" later in 2026. We should get more details before long, but the key takeaways from GM's announcement today are that Super Cruise usage has more than doubled year-on-year, and along with better integration of AI, General Motors is showing that it can compete with tech companies like Tesla on a bigger scale than ever. This competition will help lead to advances for all automakers, hopefully with safer, more efficient roads as the ultimate byproduct. Or are flying cars the answer? Ron DeSantis thinks so. View the full article

The three-row midsize crossover is the ideal vehicle for many American families. Some models are capable of seating up to eight occupants, you get better towing abilities than in a minivan, and there are a wide range of models to choose from. The Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-90 are three of the most trusted options in this category, but which one should you trust the most to keep your family safe? We’ve turned to the latest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to find out. These ratings are based on 2026 models. Related: Honda CR-V Vs. Nissan Rogue Vs. Hyundai Tucson: Which SUV Is The Safest? Crashworthiness: Mazda ShinesThe IIHS evaluates the crash integrity of all vehicles in three major tests: Small Overlap Front (a collision involving the front corner of a vehicle)Moderate Overlap Front (an offset crash between two vehicles)Side (side-impact test)In each category, a vehicle receives a rating of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. These can make or break a vehicle’s ability to attain a coveted Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Here’s how the three Japanese crossovers performed. Toyota Highlander Honda Pilot Mazda CX-90 Small Overlap Front Good Good Good Moderate Overlap Front Marginal Acceptable Good Side Good Good Good The Toyota and Honda struggled to varying degrees in the safety authority’s latest moderate overlap front test, automatically ruling them out of a safety award. The Highlander was especially disappointing, with the rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics achieving only a Marginal score. There was also an increase in head and neck injuries for rear passengers in this test. The Pilot was a bit better, but still stopped short of a Good rating. The Mazda was the only one of the three to achieve perfect ratings in all three tests. It’s also alone in qualifying for the top IIHS accolade, the Top Safety Pick+ award. This adds to Mazda’s growing reputation as having one of the safest car lineups on the market right now. Related: Mazda Just Took Volvo’s Safety Crown, Says Consumer Reports Crash Prevention: No Red Flags For Any Model 2025 Mazda CX-90 Mazda View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article A modern vehicle must also help the driver avoid a collision from occurring in the first place. Here, the IIHS tests the headlights, as well as the ability to avoid a crash between another vehicle and a pedestrian. Toyota Highlander Honda Pilot Mazda CX-90 Headlights Acceptable/Good (depends on trim) Good Acceptable/Good (depends on trim) Crash Prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle) Not Tested Not Tested Acceptable Crash Prevention (pedestrian) Good Good Good In these three tests, every SUV earned a Good rating for pedestrian crash prevention. Only the Mazda was tested for vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention, where it managed to avoid a collision at most speeds; at higher speeds, the Mazda could only reduce its speed but was unable to avoid a collision entirely. The Honda is the only one with Good-rated headlights, regardless of the trim. If it earns a Good rating in vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention, it will be the best of the three in this category. Related: Toyota Corolla Vs. Mazda 3 Vs. Honda Civic: Which Is Safest? Final Verdict: Mazda Bests Its Rivals Mazda While some crash-prevention results are still unknown, Mazda currently ranks as the safest of these three crossovers. It has the best crash protection in the moderate front overlap test and is the only vehicle to qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ award. Crash prevention between the three vehicles is more even, based on the tests that have been conducted so far. The Toyota and Honda are still safe SUVs, but crash-safety tests have steadily become tougher, so the older designs of these two models have been shown up in the moderate front overlap tests. View the full article

Formula 1 was on a small hiatus over the last few weeks, and it seems that Mercedes-AMG F1's Kimi Antonelli took the chance to go race dirt bikes at Valentino Rossi's off-road ranch. View the full article

EV Ambitions RecalibratedAlfa Romeo was one of the brands that once vowed to go all-electric this decade, but had to pump the brakes due to shifting market conditions. Now, the Italian marque is instead adopting a multi-powertrain approach, telling Autocar that the “world is not ready everywhere” for electric vehicles. That is because not every market has the same level of EV adoption. EVs may work in some parts of the world, while hybrids may be a better fit elsewhere. Alfa Romeo is sticking with its two long-running nameplates, the Giulia and Stelvio, which will reportedly be underpinned by Stellantis’ STLA Large platform and could be offered with combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains. “We need to find a way to satisfy the needs of our customers. What does this mean? It means BEV, and it means all the other kinds of endothermic [powertrains], so ICE, PHEV, BEV. So that's the direction,” Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili said. Alfa Romeo Flexibility Pays OffSuch a strategy has worked in favor of brands that took a more gradual approach, with Toyota making a strong case. Stellantis, meanwhile, reportedly took a $26 billion hit after overestimating EV demand. Now, the automaker is recalibrating its strategy around real-world demand, echoing Ficili’s remarks. While the STLA Large platform is designed primarily for EVs, it can accommodate other powertrain types. Both the upcoming Giulia and Stelvio are expected to use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a mild-hybrid system to meet emissions standards. For the PHEV versions, reports suggest a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine could be paired with a rear electric motor. Details on the EV options also remain scarce. Alfa Romeo The Powertrain Mix ExpandsIn addition, the models’ high-performance Quadrifoglio variants are expected to be offered with combustion and fully electric powertrains, with reports suggesting outputs of up to 1,000 horsepower from a tri-motor setup, though nothing has been confirmed. This could be welcome news for enthusiasts, especially since the Giulia Quadrifoglio is seen as a strong alternative to the BMW M3. While waiting for further developments, observers can turn to the Dodge Charger for early indicators, as it uses the same platform that will underpin the new Giulia and Stelvio. Both models are expected to be released in 2028. Alfa Romeo View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

If you have a Rex110 or a Sierra110 youth ATV in any color in your home, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has declared them unsafe.View the full article

If you're thinking that this story sounds familiar, that means you've been paying attention since at least 2024, when it also did this.View the full article

Before anyone starts yelling that there are quicker cars that have been around the Nurburgring, remember that there are only two of them and both of those cars had electric assist as a power adder. This Ford GT Mk IV does not have electric assist and is a beast. No American OEM has been quicker, and this record is the 3rd quickest of all time on the track. Pretty impressive. Video Description: The Ford GT Mk IV sets the fastest time ever run at the Nürburgring by an American OEM, and third fastest time overall. The time of six minutes, 15.977 seconds makes this the fastest car that is exclusively powered by an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Ride on board with Frédéric Vervisch in the Ford GT Mk IV for the historic moment at the Green Hell. Disclaimer: Professional driver with special safety equipment. Closed course. Do not attempt. Ford GT Mk IV shown. This is a track-only vehicle and is not street legal. It is not intended for use on public roads or highways. Very limited availability. Inquiry does not guarantee the ability to purchase. The post Check Out The Record Breaking Ford GT Mk IV Lap Around Nürburgring! 6:15 Is The Quickest Internal Combustion Vehicle Ever On Track! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

At one point, it looked as if Nissan would not survive without Honda's intervention, but since Ivan Espinosa took over as CEO on April 1 last year, things are starting to look a lot rosier. Initially, Nissan shareholders were less than impressed with Espinosa, but in the short year that he's been in charge, he's made major changes that could ultimately result in more exciting offerings, particularly for enthusiasts. As noted by Automotive News, Nissan announced that it now expects an operating profit of ¥50 billion ($313.8 million) for the fiscal year that ended March 31, a completely different result from its earlier forecast of a ¥60 billion ($376.6 million) loss. The automaker's net loss forecast has also fallen by over $60 million, so how does this translate to good news for car enthusiasts? Nissan May Soon Have the Money to Build More Exciting Cars Leroy Marion/Autoblog Nissan's new turnaround plan will see it cull 11 models but introduce many others in the years leading up to 2030, and since it was announced last week, the automaker's top executives have indicated a desire to introduce or revive coupes and convertibles that have been missing from its lineup for years. Among these could be a new Silvia sports car to compete with the likes of the Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5 Miata and a new Nissan Z convertible, but in order to make a bet on these two-door niches, Nissan USA product planning boss Ponz Pandikuthira indicated that the company would need to be as successful as possible over the next two years. Related: American Emissions Rules Are Delaying the Next Nissan GT-R Developing a worthy rival to the aforementioned sports cars from Toyota and Mazda is neither easy nor cheap, and introducing a Z convertible requires engineering and time. Even once those hurdles are overcome, there's no guarantee that they will repay their investments with tens of thousands of sales every quarter, but this new financial outlook could be the first step on the path to a place where Nissan can afford to lose a little money on the occasional passion project. How Nissan Plans to Become Successful Starts with New Products Adam Lynton/Autoblog Before Nissan has the bandwidth to launch coupes and convertibles, it must first appeal to a broader market. To get there, the automaker intends to launch a Nismo version of the Leaf EV as a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N rival, a new Rogue crossover, and a new Xterra SUV at under $40,000, among other things. Should these new products prove successful and be embraced by a large audience, Nissan will find greater freedom, but as always, there's an asterisk. Nissan managed to turn its forecast around by cutting costs and jobs. It was also the result of a weakened Japanese yen, which increases the value of repatriated overseas revenue converted from foreign currencies, and loosened U.S. emissions rules that allowed for revised regulatory liabilities. However unlikely some changes may be for the foreseeable future, any of those factors (besides staffing) could radically swing in the opposite direction. It also remains to be seen how cutting costs could affect products in the future, particularly when it comes to customer satisfaction and recalls. But with Espinosa saying the company is ahead of schedule in much of its turnaround plan, things are looking good for Nissan and, by extension, fans of fun-to-drive cars. View the full article

Styled Like a LegendOwning a classic Aston Martin DB car is the dream – timeless design and the kind of presence that draws film fans thanks to its ties to the James Bond film series. The catch is the price, as most examples trade well into six figures. That’s what makes this one listed on Bring a Trailer feel oddly compelling. This example didn’t start life as an Aston Martin, but as a 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport. It wears custom fiberglass Zagato-style bodywork built by Washington-based Simpson Design in the early 2020s. The listing doesn’t specify the Aston Martin model that inspired it, but the design appears to reference the DB4 GT Zagato, an ultra-rare coachbuilt model from the 1960s. Bring a Trailer Designed to Turn HeadsThe exterior is finished in light green, reminiscent of British Racing Green, traditionally associated with British race cars, while Italian race cars like those from Ferrari were painted red. It also rides on a set of 16-inch knock-off wire wheels similar to those on the DB4 GT Zagato. Inside, the cabin gets a more luxurious finish with beige vinyl bucket seats, woodgrain trim on the dashboard and center console, and a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel with an Aston Martin horn button. The factory stereo and air conditioning have also been retained. What wasn’t replicated, however, was the DB4 GT Zagato’s 3.7-liter straight-six. Instead, it keeps the stock 2.0-liter inline-four, which makes 166 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Bring a Trailer A More Realistic OptionAston Martin produced only 19 examples of the DB4 GT Zagato, making it especially rare. This custom Miata channels that look, but even if the craftsmanship appears well executed, it likely won’t fool enthusiasts. The NC Miata, the third-generation predecessor to the current ND, is much shorter than the DB4 GT Zagato, with the lack of a rear backlight/window arguably being the biggest giveaway. Still, this MX-5 Miata for sale could be considered an affordable way to get a classic Aston Martin, at least visually, with bidding at $23,500 as of this writing. Other details worth noting include non-functional fog lights, a digital odometer reading 26,000 miles (1,600 of which were added under current ownership), and a clean Oregon title in the seller’s name. Bring a Trailer View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The 2026 Voge R125S gets traction control, a built-in camera, and modern tech you normally find on bigger, more expensive bikes. View the full article

I’ve been fortunate enough to be at a couple of parties in the condos outside turn 2 at Texas Motor Speedway and can tell you that they are pretty cool. I went to a party in one of them where the guy who owned it also owned Danny Sullivan’s Spin and Win Indy Car and had it on display inside the condo. It was cool as hell. But it is kind of rare to see these things come up for sale in recent years, so if you always dreamed of having one of these, now is your chance. There are a bunch of amenities that come with it, but I’m sure there must be some kind of association fees that go with all that as well. It does include NASCAR race tickets as well. The info from the ad is below, but use the link if you want to contact the seller for more details. The asking price is $450,000 and according to the ad that is below market. Someone I know needs to buy this and move in so I can come visit. Ad Information: CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ORIGINAL AD ON MARKETPLACE Apartment 2 beds · 2 baths 1744 square feet Central AC Central heating In-unit laundry Garage parking Condo #909 FOR SALE only! Priced BELOW value! Motivated seller! Experience race weekend like never before from your 9th-floor luxury condo overlooking Turn 2 at Texas MotorSpeedway. This fully upgraded 2-bed, 2-bath residence was designed for both comfort and unforgettable entertaining.Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase sweeping track views, complete with electric shades. Inside, 14 stadium-style seatsline the window, giving you a private, climate-controlled viewing experience unlike anything else at the speedway. The open-concept living area features two oversized bartops perfect for hosting, along with a built-in wine fridge and beverage fridge to keep refreshments flowing all race weekend long. Ownership includes 8 tickets to every race,making this the ultimate motorsports retreat. Just in time for the major NASCAR race weekend in May! Community amenities elevate the lifestyle even further with access to a resort-style Texas-shaped pool, clubhouse, fitness center,tennis court, pickleball court, and basketball court. LIVE ABOVE THE ACTION. ENTERTAIN IN STYLE. OWN THE ROAR…Prefer it turnkey? Furnishings are negotiable. The post Buy Your Dream Apartment Condo At Texas Motor Speedway! 2 Bed, 2 Bath, 9th Floor Outside Turn 2 At TMS! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The internal combustion engine just lost another motorsport stronghold. Ford Performance has officially pushed the boundaries of battery-electric capability on the drag strip, with the entirely newly developed Mustang Super Cobra Jet 2200, shattering the quarter-mile record by running a 6.87-second quarter mile at 221 mph at the NHRA Nationals in Charlotte this past weekend, defeating their own record of a 7.623-second pass with the Cobra Jet 1800 back in September 2024. Heritage Name, All-New EngineeringHistorically, Ford has used the 'Cobra Jet' brand to signify brutal, straight-line supremacy, a tradition dating back to the late 1960s. That lineage transitioned to electricity with the 1,400-horsepower prototype and the subsequent Super Cobra Jet 1800. This latest iteration ditches incremental updates for a significant bump in output. Developed strictly for the strip, the custom twin-motor 2,200-horsepower electric monster proves that Dearborn is actively investing in its EV motorsport presence. Ford A major step up from the Cobra Jet 1800, the Cobra Jet 2200 uses two motors rather than four. Each has an attached inverter, producing 600 more horsepower while reducing weight due to fewer motors, making for a major increase in energy density. Motors aside, the Cobra Jet 2200 also uses a patented centrifugal clutch. Yes, a clutch in an EV. It is designed to allow slip upon initial delivery and then switch to a "direct drive" where there is no slip, and power is delivered with maximum efficiency. The car also has a geared transmission, and Ford says that the gearing took about a second off the Cobra Jet's quarter-mile time, as EV motors deliver maximum power at the highest revs. Are EVs Still Relevant?The timing of this run is critical, with legacy automakers constantly scrutinized over the cooling consumer demand for passenger EVs, Ford is redirecting the narrative toward raw, unapologetic performance. Pushing roughly 2,200 horsepower through a heavily revised, advanced battery system and a custom high-voltage inverter setup, the electric dragster crossed the quarter-mile threshold in a gravity-warping pass that leaves traditional combustion rivals outclassed. The domestic auto industry has to reckon with the sheer speed of this technological escalation. While traditional V8 dragsters spend decades chasing fractions of a second through mechanical forced induction and volatile fuel tuning, Ford is finding massive power gains simply by rewriting the thermal management software and upgrading the electrical architecture. The rapid turnaround time from the previous 1,800-horsepower variant to this 2,200-horsepower record-breaker underscores the terrifyingly fast development cycle of performance EVs. Ford The takeaway for the American enthusiast is stark. The eventual sunset of the V8 doesn't mean the end of hyper-aggressive, domestic drag racing. While the strip might be losing the deafening roar of a supercharged engine, the sheer violence of a 2,200-horsepower electric launch is quickly proving that the future of straight-line speed may belong to the battery. Detroit's performance divisions aren't stepping away from the quarter-mile—they are just changing the fuel. View the full article

VW's Healing Era?The last couple of years have been rough on Volkswagen. Declining sales, loss of market share, and models that alienated the VW faithful and left critics underwhelmed heavily hampered the brand's efforts. But since the present CEO, Thomas Schäfer, joined the board in 2022, he's promised to steer the company back on the right course. That said, change isn't overnight, but we are seeing some of the corrective measures being applied little by little. More recently, the ID.3 Neo got the makeover it desperately needed and turned into the car it should've been in the first place. The upcoming ID. Polo holds a lot of potential thanks to its familiar looks and name, and more models will follow a simpler, tried-and-tested philosophy. Should the company keep this up, VW will be healed in no time. Volkswagen It's the Most Important Redesign YetBut VW's future lay in the hands of its most important product, the Golf. It saved the company in 1974 and has been the brand's moneymaker (at least in Europe) since then. While the Golf is no longer the company's top-selling model, its significance alone is worth its weight in gold. That means the Mk9 Golf has a lot of weight resting on its fenders. VW cannot afford to mess it up, as its failure could effectively send the brand into a downward spiral it might never recover from. Every new Golf is important, but given the automotive climate at the moment, one can say that the Mk9 could nearly be as crucial as the Mk1. Volkswagen Mk9 Golf: The Juicy DetailsLately, though, the company has been hyping it up, despite it being at least two years away, by releasing a teaser and giving a few hints here and there. CEO Thomas Schäfer and development chief Kai Grünitz recently sat down with Motor1 Spain and shared details that could delight VW fans who have felt that the company has turned its back on them. In the interview, Schäfer mentioned that the MK.9 Golf is coming along nicely, saying, "The team is working on the car. Last year, in November, I was able to see the first full-size model, and all I could say was, 'Wow. It's so beautiful.' It was just one of the ideas—not the final model, but one of those prototypes you continue to make decisions around. But at first glance it seemed very good to me." That said, it's Grünitz who laid down more juicy details of the next-gen hatchback. He said there will be two platforms, one for ICE/electrified and another for pure electric, so it's safe to say that VW isn't forcing an EV Golf on everyone. He then added that the design will be a nod to the Mk4 Golf, which makes us believe that the Mk9 is undergoing Ferdinand Piëch-levels of scrutineering to get it right. As for the design, it's "already 96–97 percent done," in Grünitz's words. Better Days Ahead?With Volkswagen openly admitting to past mistakes and actively correcting them, one can say that the brand has a brighter outlook ahead. So far, the ID.3 Neo is looking like a preview of what we can expect from VW down the line, and we actually like what we're seeing. Instead of starting from a blank sheet of paper and trying to build wheeled smartphones, the company's new philosophy is to blend traditional traits and values with ever-evolving technologies. In other words, it's reverting to a tried-and-true formula that served it well from the '70s until the ill-advised move to go all-out on tech. Volkswagen is determined to win back the fans it had lost and instill a desire to own one of its cars in a new generation of car buyers. The future Golf Mk9, so far, is looking like a step in the right direction. Volkswagen View the full article

Of course Red Bull was involved, because why wouldn't it be? But also, ROOFTOP RACE TRACK, specifically at the Fiat Lingotto factory in Milan.View the full article

Design DNA Still IntactAutomakers have retained certain design signatures that have evolved over time, such as Alfa Romeo’s triangular “Doritos” grille and Porsche’s 911 round headlights. At Jeep, that signature is the seven-slot grille, which dates back to the CJ-2A launched in 1945. Now, it is set to evolve again with the mid-cycle update for the brand's smallest model, the Avenger. If the nameplate doesn’t ring a bell, that’s understandable, as it is not sold in the U.S., much like many subcompact crossovers available elsewhere. Still, the new grille design could hint at what to expect from Jeep’s broader portfolio, and from the looks of it, the update is subtle but gives the Avenger a more modern look, which could resonate with younger buyers, a key demographic for subcompact models. Stellantis New Glow for a Familiar ShapeThe update appears to add seven LED light strips above the grille, visually linking the daytime running lights from each headlight. The Grand Wagoneer features a similar treatment, though its light bar runs as one piece across the grille. The next-generation Compass, which is still not yet on sale in the U.S., uses a design closer to the one coming to the Avenger. For reference, the newer Compass has been delayed due to setbacks in retooling at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. The Avenger, meanwhile, is produced in Poland, but Stellantis is expanding in South America with production in Brazil. Aside from the newly teased grille design, Jeep did not provide many details about the mid-cycle update, describing it only as a “bold new vision” designed to “light up every adventure and make compact freedom shine.” Stellantis A Modern Touch for the AvengerThe Avenger is expected to retain its diverse powertrain options, including combustion, hybrid, and all-electric variants. The all-wheel-drive hybrid version, dubbed Avenger 4xe, uses a 48-volt hybrid system with up to 145 horsepower, while the EV offers a WLTP-estimated range of 248 miles. Reports suggest the facelifted model could be unveiled by the end of 2026, marking the nameplate’s first update since its debut three years ago, primarily for the European market. With the Avenger unlikely to reach the U.S., the closest thing American buyers have to an affordable Jeep is the Compass, whose current version traces its roots to the second-generation model launched for 2017. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

From Older Range Rover Sports to a Much Bigger InvestigationLast year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating a front suspension issue in 2014 to 2017 Range Rover Sport SUVs after owners reported cracks in the aluminum steering knuckle. That part is what links the main steering and suspension pieces together, so any fracture there is a big deal. The first investigation covered almost 92,000 vehicles, which eventually led to a recall of over 121,000 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport SUVs. Now, the investigation is much bigger. NHTSA has moved it up to an Engineering Analysis and is now looking at both the Range Rover Sport and the full-fat Range Rover from 2014 through 2022. That means over 330,000 vehicles are under review. Land Rover What Exactly Is FailingThe reason for the bigger investigation? According to NHTSA documents, more reports have come in, and it turns out newer models use almost the same steering knuckle design. In fact, two of the latest complaints were about 2020 and 2021 Range Rovers, so this isn’t just an old SUV problem. The main issue is cracks forming at the point where the upper control arm connects to the steering knuckle. If that spot breaks, the upper suspension arm can actually come loose. That’s when things get serious. If the upper suspension arm separates, you could lose control of the vehicle. This isn’t just about a rough ride or weird noises – it’s a real risk to steering and safety. So far, investigators have found 236 unique cases after sorting through owner and manufacturer reports. There’s been one crash linked to the problem, but no injuries or deaths have been reported. Land Rover What Owners Should DoIf you own a 2018-2022 model Range Rover, there’s no recall yet. This is still just an investigation, not a recall notice. It may or may not lead to a recall, depending on what the NHTSA discovers. Still, if you hear clunks from the front, notice steering feels off, or get sudden alignment problems or noises when turning, don’t ignore them. Those could be early signs of suspension trouble. If you have an older Range Rover, check if it’s already under recall 25V514. For now, NHTSA is still determining whether this problem is bigger than they thought and whether more Range Rover owners could be at risk. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A select group of riders will have the chance to own a Segway Xaber 300 before it’s available to the public. Here’s how you could be one of them.View the full article