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After reaching the final quad at last year’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway, Alexis DeJoria entered Sunday’s eliminations looking to replicate that success at the season’s only four-wide event. Backed by a strong qualifying performance that secured the No. 5 seed, DeJoria and her Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car team advanced out of the opening round before falling short of a return trip to the final elimination quad. DeJoria rebounded from early traction issues in Friday’s opening qualifying session with a standout 3.932-second pass at 331.20 mph under the lights, vaulting from 14th to fifth in the order. Crew chiefs Mike Neff and Jonnie Lindberg sent DeJoria on another good run during Saturday’s first session where she posted a 3.993 E.T. before traction problems followed in the final round. With the No. 5 qualifying position locked in, DeJoria matched up against No. 4 qualifier J.R. Todd, No. 12 qualifier Hunter Green, and No. 13 qualifier Jeff Arend in the opening quad where she delivered a clean and competitive 3.962-second pass at 324.36 mph to advance alongside Todd. In the quarterfinal round, she made a decent 3.980-second run, but it wasn’t enough to outpace Todd and Ron Capps, who posted quicker E.T.s to advance, ending her bid for a first 4-Wide Wally trophy. “Ran a little slower than we had planned,” said DeJoria, who reached the final round at the season-opening Gatornationals with her new John Force Racing team last month. “It didn’t drop a hole, but it was pushing me downtrack. I was getting pretty close to the centerline, but luckily it was towards the end. I was giving the wheel input, and it was just not reacting, so right before I thought I was going to cross the centerline, I lifted and fortunately, missed it, but it wouldn’t have mattered anyway because we ran a 98. We’re doing well, we just need to touch up on some areas and get this thing going a little quicker. It’s consistent; we’re getting down the race track, we just need to get down there a little quicker.” DeJoria won’t have to wait long for another shot at the winner’s circle as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heads to Adel, Ga. near Valdosta this week for the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park, May 1-3. She will start the weekend ranked sixth in the Funny Car point standings, up one spot from the previous event. The post Alexis DeJoria Qualifies No. 5, Secures Quarterfinal Finish at NHRA 4-Wide Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Jasmine Salinas returned to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour this weekend for the 4-Wide Nationals near Charlotte, marking the second-generation driver’s first time back in the seat for an NHRA event since the season-opening Gatornationals in Florida last month. Salinas and the Scrappers Racing/Valley Services Top Fuel team looked strong in qualifying at zMAX Dragway, making three solid passes out of four, but a parts malfunction during the first round of eliminations on Sunday ended their race day early. With 19 cars vying for a spot in the 16-car field, competition was at an all-time high at the season’s only four-wide event. In the opening round of qualifying, Salinas’ machine lost traction early to place her on the bump heading into Friday night’s session under the lights, but the team rebounded quickly with crew chiefs Todd Okuhara and Adem Cave sending Salinas on a 3.783-second at 331.77 mph ride to launch from 16th up to the No. 8 position. The team’s strong performance continued into Saturday with the third-year Top Fuel racer posting a run of 3.833 seconds in the heat of the day, which held up to be low E.T. of the round, before laying down another strong run of 3.864 seconds in the final session. With qualifying wrapped up, Salinas settled into the No. 9 spot, pitting her against No. 1 qualifier Shawn Langdon, No. 8 qualifier Spencer Massey, and No. 16 qualifier Dan Mercier in her first-round elimination quad. Salinas was looking to keep the momentum rolling Sunday morning, but a parts malfunction caused the engine to let go, ending the team’s hopes of advancing into round two. “It feels really good to be back running on the NHRA tour,” said Salinas, who spent her NHRA absence gaining seat time on the IHRA tour where she powered to a runner-up finish from the pole at the series’ season opener. “The four-wides have typically been pretty good for us. First round didn’t go our way, we ended up breaking a rear end, which then caused this whole chain reaction, and we hurt a bunch of parts. For a part-time team like ours, that really hurts our pockets. We really try hard not to do that. We have three weeks until we’re back on the track again for the IHRA Triple Crown, so we’re going to try and get some new parts between now and then. We haven’t been able to replenish any parts this year, so while that’s obviously not ideal, it does make us feel good that when you look at our competitors and what the top cars out here are running, we’re right there with them and we’re doing that on old parts. So, when we do get those new parts, we know we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with. “In qualifying, in Q3, we were low of the entire session and that was with the blower belt coming off at 800-feet, so that right there shows we’ve got a great car and a great program. I’m gaining a lot more confidence and a lot more seat time this year doing this hybrid schedule between the two series. The team that we’ve got is very seasoned and really badass, and to see that we’re a part-time team keeping up with a lot of these full-time cars with much bigger budgets, it’s giving us a lot of motivation and excitement. We’re going to keep working hard, and try and get the car together. I’m going to keep working to find sponsorship and get the money that we need to replenish our parts and hopefully, add more NHRA races to our schedule, but I’m really excited about our program this year.” Salinas will be back on track May 22 in Reading, Pa. for the IHRA Triple Crown. In Pro Stock Motorcycle competition, Salinas’ sister, Jianna Evaristo, advanced into round two after taking her bike straight down the groove in 6.788 seconds at 199.37 mph to win her quad. She then posted another good pass of 6.825 seconds, but it wasn’t enough to score a spot in the final round. The post Strong Qualifying Effort Highlights Jasmine Salinas’ NHRA Return at Charlotte 4-Wide Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Jack Link's 500 at Talladega was another memorable superspeedway race with high-drama, big wrecks, a new winner, and some of the same frustrations we've come to expect in these events. While Carson Hocevar became the 208th different winner in NASCAR Cup Series history, Chris Buescher just missed out on ending RFK's win drought. Here's a look back at the biggest winners and losers from ...Keep readingView the full article

Greg Anderson and his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro had a great weekend at zMAX Dragway, his home track that also happens to be in the backyard of Rick Hendrick and his HendrickCars.com group. On Saturday at the 16th annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Anderson drove to the 143rd No. 1 qualifier award of his career and grabbed the coveted Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge title as well, locking in valuable points that will come into play when the Countdown to the Championship begins in the fall. Sunday’s performance made it nearly a sweep for the most winning driver in the history of the class as he reached the final round of the main event. The four-wide format is known to throw even the most seasoned drivers a curveball or two, but in the first round of eliminations, Anderson was unhindered. His .028-second reaction time in his powerful HendrickCars.com Chevrolet was coupled with a 6.531-second pass at 209.46. That sent him ahead to round two, where his quick and fast 6.527, 209.39 vaulted him right into the four-wide final. There in the last round of the day, it was an all KB Titan Racing showdown that saw Matt Hartford defeating Cody Coughlin, (.024) 6.526, 210.05 to (.048) 6.529, 210.14, while Anderson was third (.060) 6.529, 210.31 and Matt Latino finished fourth (.021) 11.390, 78.39. Drivers who finish first and second in the final-round quad count the results as a final round, and the drivers in the No. 3 and No. 4 position are recorded by NHRA as semifinalists, despite competing in the last round of the day. “It was a great end of the weekend for KB Titan Racing, but I’m a little disappointed to not have that 75th anniversary Diamond Wally to hand to Mr. H,” said Anderson, who shifts his focus to the NHRA Southern Nationals, which will take place just one week from now. “When you have a car like I have, you’re excited to get to the next one. It’s a little easier to pick up your chin when you know you can try again in just a few days.” The next event on the 2026 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta, Ga., May 1-3. This story was originally published on April 27, 2026. The post HendrickCars.com Campaigner Greg Anderson Comes One Win Light Shy of a Charlotte Sweep first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Case Just Got SmallerThe lawsuit against the 2022–2023 Volkswagen Tiguan over alleged excessive oil consumption has received a new update in court. According to Car Complaints, a judge dismissed the nationwide class action and narrowed the case to seven states: Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania. By limiting the class-action lawsuit to fewer states, fewer owners could potentially be covered, resulting in a smaller payout and reduced financial risk for Volkswagen. The German marque argued that the plaintiffs cannot sue on behalf of Tiguan owners in other states because they “have suffered no injuries,” though the plaintiffs claimed that argument was premature. As the latest development shows, the court sided with the automaker. Volkswagen Under the HoodFor context, the plaintiffs argue that the 2.0-liter EA888 TSI engines in their 2022–2023 Tiguan SUVs burn too much oil due to insufficient piston ring tension, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber. As a result, carbon builds up and oil levels drop faster, increasing maintenance and repair costs for owners while potentially affecting the vehicles’ resale values. While the nationwide class action has been narrowed, Volkswagen is still facing challenges in the case. The company argued that the plaintiffs failed to establish that their vehicles are likely to consume excessive amounts of oil in the future, but the judge disagreed. Another claim asks the court to “compel” Volkswagen to issue a recall to fix the issue. The automaker pushed back, arguing that no judge or jury has the authority to order a recall, since that responsibility falls to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Volkswagen The Recall DebateIf a recall were eventually issued, it would cost Volkswagen, as safety campaigns require free repairs and often reimburse owners who already paid out of pocket to fix the problem. It would also deal the brand a reputational blow, especially as it is already facing recalls of its all-electric ID.4 over reports of vehicles potentially catching fire, even when parked. While the case continues to develop, the EA888 TSI is also found in other Volkswagen models, such as the Jetta GLI, as well as in Audi vehicles, such as the Q3 and Q5. The engine was also the subject of a separate lawsuit over premature turbocharger failures, often caused by wastegate corrosion. That case was already settled in late 2025. Volkswagen View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

While Triumph’s official "Scrambler" models have been a mainstay of the modern classic scene since 2006, the term "scramble" is, at its heart, a verb. It describes the act of taking a road-going machine and preparing it for battle against dirt, sand, and mud. In the 1960s, this meant stripping a Bon... View the full article

Tesla’s Premium Charging Perk Moves Down the LineupFor a long time, free Supercharging was one of those small but meaningful extras that set the Model S and Model X apart. Even if it only lasted a year, complimentary charging made a real difference for owners who paid top dollar for Tesla’s flagship EVs. That era is wrapping up, though. Tesla is selling off the last Model S and Model X units, and even the $159,000 Signature Editions are already gone. Thankfully, one of their better ownership perks is now finding a new home. Tesla North America now says buyers of the Model 3 Premium and Performance in the US get a full year of free Supercharging. That’s a big change, since the Model 3 has always been the more affordable, mainstream option – not a flagship. New orders of Model 3 Premium & Performance now come with 1 year of free Supercharging 🇺🇸 Also, all Teslas pay the lowest Supercharging rates – all others pay a ~40% premium or need a subscription — Tesla North America (@tesla_na) April 24, 2026 But Not All Model 3 TrimsThe deal is for new orders from April 24 onward, but only if you pick the Premium (Long Range) or Performance Model 3. Standard Rear-Wheel Drive buyers miss out, and current owners don’t get the perk either. Tesla shared the update through its North America account on X, framing it as another advantage of staying within the Tesla ecosystem. Beyond the free year, the company also highlighted that Tesla owners continue to receive the lowest Supercharging rates across the network. Non-Tesla EV drivers using Superchargers typically pay roughly 40% more per kWh unless they subscribe for better access. That pricing gap reinforces one of Tesla’s strongest long-term advantages: direct access to the company’s massive fast-charging network without extra hoops. For most owners, the savings add up. If you drive a Model 3 for 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, you could save around $800 to $1,200 on charging in that first year, depending on how much you use Superchargers. A Strategic Move as Tesla Looks AheadThe timing here is worth a closer look. Tesla usually uses free Supercharging to help sell its premium models, so seeing it offered on the Model 3 raises some questions. Some think Tesla might be getting ready to update the sedan and wants to move current inventory before the new version lands. But it could just come down to demand. The Model Y is still Tesla’s sales leader, but the Model 3 has it tougher now that the $7,500 federal EV tax credit is gone. Free charging gives buyers a reason to jump in without Tesla having to cut prices. Meanwhile, Tesla is investing more in self-driving and robotaxi projects. Perks like free charging don’t just help sell cars – they also get more owners using Superchargers, which means more real-world data for Tesla’s software team. Tesla View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Different Kind of M3Countless unorthodox car builds have surfaced over the years, and this one from Bleumode and NightRide.pl fits right in. Unveiled at Ultrace Germany last weekend, it features a BMW E30 M3 riding on four Suzuki GSX-R bikes. Not everyone will like it, but that reflects the nature of car culture – it is not meant to be one-size-fits-all. Just as some enthusiasts are not drawn to slammed cars with extreme camber, others may not connect with this concept. Still, Ultrace is exactly the kind of event where such builds belong, with organizers narrowing a massive global applicant pool into a little over 1,000 selected cars. This year also marked the first time in the event’s 15-year history that Ultrace was held outside Poland. A Build With Racing FlavorThis E30 M3 build blends car and motorcycle culture, finished in the orange Jägermeister livery made famous by BMW’s early-1990s touring car history. It evokes the same nostalgic motorsport appeal as liveries like the now-banned Marlboro scheme. Trying to justify the creation is a challenge, especially since even the builders do not offer a clear definition. NightRide.pl, a Poland-based crew known for working on cars like the BMW E30 and Honda Civic, said, “If you’re wondering what this is, I’m wondering the same thing.” The most fitting description may simply be an interpretation of combining a car and a motorcycle – described by the team as “just a cool thing, cool piece to look at.” As for functionality, the build does not appear to be drivable in its current form. The E30 M3 body was mounted on a custom frame supported by four Suzuki bikes. Larry Chen/Instagram Hit or Miss?It may not have served the conventional purpose of being driven, but it still drew attention to the event, whether for better or worse. For those less interested in experimental builds, Ultrace Germany also featured a wide range of standout cars, from classics like the Bugatti EB110 to widebody track-focused machines. BMW also showed up to the event to celebrate the M3’s 40th anniversary, which made the wild car-bike E30 build even more amusing. It is probably safe to say the Bavarian automaker never imagined an M3 being reinterpreted this way – but that is what gives the build its personality. Larry Chen/Instagram View the full article

Ron Capps’ red-hot start to the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season rolled on at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Sunday afternoon at zMAX Dragway as the three-time world champion secured his second win of the year in his third consecutive final round. Driving his NAPA Auto Care Funny Car at the fourth of 20 races this season, Capps qualified No. 1 and carried that momentum through eliminations. He defeated fellow past world champions Jack Beckman, Matt Hagan, and J.R. Todd in the final quad to score his 79th career victory, extending his points lead in the process. Capps posted a solid 3.988 E.T. at 321.65 mph on the board in Friday’s first qualifying session before throwing down a 3.883-second blast at 333.91 mph, one of just two 3.8-second passes in the second session, to finish Friday as the provisional No. 1 qualifier, earning three championship bonus points in the process. In the third qualifying session, which also counted as the first round of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Capps recorded the quickest pass of the quad, a 3.957 E.T., to advance. He was the quickest of the quad again in the final with his 3.929 E.T., but came up just two-thousandths-of-a-second short to Jordan Vandergriff, who won on a holeshot. Capps was also the second-quickest and quickest driver overall in Saturday’s two qualifying sessions, respectively, earning another five total bonus points. Qualified No. 1, Capps and crew chief Dean “Guido” Antonelli continued their class-leading performance in Sunday’s opening round of eliminations as Capps fired off low E.T. of the round, a 3.865-second pass at 333.00 mph, to defeat Chad Green, Austin Prock, and Spencer Hyde. His 3.923 E.T. in the next round was the second-quickest of the semifinal quad, sending him into the final round. The finals were a showdown featuring four of the most accomplished drivers in the class. Capps moved first off the starting line and charged to a 3.905-second pass at 334.90 mph to finish first ahead of Beckman, Hagan, and Todd, and clinch his fifth zMAX Dragway victory. “The secret to this success is just surrounding yourself with great people,” said Capps, who will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s Class of 2027, it was announced last week. “I’ve been that way my whole career. I can’t believe I have as many trophies as I have, and it’s with all great people. The great Roland Leong taught me a lot about racing, how to be a great racer overall and a great person while you’re doing it, and to really respect everybody. Guido and the NAPA Auto Care guys gave me a great car today and I just didn’t want to mess anything up.” Charlotte was the fourth race for Ron Capps Motorsports as a two-car operation after adding Maddi Gordon and the Carlyle Tools Top Fuel team to the roster over the offseason. What could’ve become a distraction has instead strengthened the fifth-year organization. Capps started the season as the No. 1 qualifier at the Gatornationals, won the Arizona Nationals, reached the final round at the Winternationals, and now won the 4-Wide Nationals. “This all happens in December. I said that in Phoenix,” explained Capps, one of the recent additions to NHRA’s Top 75 Drivers list. “It’s all the effort during the off-weeks. To add a team like we did with Maddi and to watch that all come together with the partners we have like NAPA Auto Parts and Carlyle Tools and then Monster Energy coming on board, it’s special. We had Casey (VanKeuren) from Monster Energy here. She brings good luck for us all the time. We also had NAPA Premium Brakes Booster with Motorcar Parts of America, and Okuma on board this weekend. Maddi and I get to go visit NAPA headquarters this week, and to take this 75th anniversary diamond Wally there is going to be pretty awesome.” Following the midweek trip to NAPA Auto Parts headquarters in Atlanta, Capps and the NAPA Auto Care Funny Car team will roll into South Georgia Motorsports Park for the first time as it hosts the NHRA Southern Nationals, May 1-3. This story was originally published on April 27, 2026. The post Ron Capps Extends Funny Car Points Lead with Second Win in Four Races at NHRA 4-Wide Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Bartone Bros. Racing driver Sean Bellemeur drove his way into the NHRA history books this weekend at the zMAX Dragway NHRA Nationals, securing his 50th career national event victory. With the milestone win, Bellemeur becomes just the 25th racer in NHRA history – and only the third in the Top Alcohol Funny Car category – to reach the magic number. Bellemeur, the five-time and reigning Top Alcohol Funny Car world champion, piloted Tony Bartone’s famed “Pirate Ship” to victory with a pass of 5.38 seconds at 269 mph, further cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant drivers in the professional ranks. Entering the 2026 season with 48 wins, Bellemeur’s pursuit of 50 was one of the central themes of the team’s “#DriveFor6in26” championship campaign. “This team!” Bellemeur said. “That is what the hardest working team in drag racing, let alone Top Alcohol Funny Car, will get you. Here, at the shop and beyond, everyone involved has a piece of this milestone win. They deserve this more than I do. I am just along for the ride. I am a very lucky guy. “The game plan coming into the weekend was the same: just focus on the next run. We had a little adversity in the first run; the car didn’t want to go down the racetrack. Steve (Boggs) looked at it, and in the semifinal it ran pretty good, but I drove like an idiot – my words, not his. Man, we lit up that scoreboard in the final with a run of 5.38!” With this victory, Bellemeur joins a pantheon of drag racing legends. According to NHRA records, he is the 25th driver overall to reach 50 wins and the first in the Top Alcohol Funny Car class since Bob Newberry. Bellemeur was also recognized as one of NHRA’s top 75 drivers in history. He joins the late Pat Austin (75 wins) and Hall of Famer Frank Manzo (105 wins) as the only drivers in the Alcohol Funny Car category to reach the 50-win plateau. The 50th win caps a remarkable run for Tony Bartone’s team. Known as the “Killer B’s,” the team won the Gatornationals and followed up with a Baby Gators regional win to start the season. They are now undefeated in the first three events of the season. “We have a great crew, a strong crew chief and a fast driver. I knew we would do it; I just didn’t know when,” said team owner Tony Bartone. “The team worked hard on the car all weekend, and it resulted in a fast run. Getting Sean his 50th win is just an added bonus in a very young season. I am proud of this team and the effort they bring every weekend.” “We have a great crew of guys and girls on this ‘Killer B’ team,” Bellemeur continued. “It starts with Tony Bartone. He is a competitor and a winner. His drive and support, and just knowing what it takes to win, powers this whole organization. Hall of Famer Steve Boggs, and team members Troy Green, Nick Stoms, Justin Taylor, Garret Bateman, Brian Gawlik, Lauren McMaster and Matt Krebs all work so hard that driving this ‘Pirate Ship’ is just an honor.” The team extended a heartfelt thank you to its sponsors: Red Line Synthetic Oil, Roger Dean Chevrolet, Talon Air LLC, NGK Spark Plugs and McLeod, along with product supporters Simpson Performance Products and Taylor Motorsports Products. This story was originally published on April 27, 2026. The post Sean Bellemeur Powers to 50th NHRA National Event Win at Charlotte first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ten races into the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, Richard Childress Racing has just one top ten finish as an organization -- a tenth by Kyle Busch this past weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Jim Pohlman, who left behind a successful career as crew chief for Justin Allgaier in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series to take over crew chief duties for Busch, is now being moved off the pit box. Pohlman, who won ...Keep readingView the full article

Sean Bellemeur added another big line to his racing resume at zMax. Bellemeur recorded his 50th NHRA national event win. View the full article

America has the Wilderness, Japan has...If there's something to be said about Subaru styling, it's either conservative or downright polarizing. On the one hand, you have models like the Crosstrek and Forester, and then you have the new Outback, which has drawn some, er, interesting comments. Either way, the company makes an effort to jazz up the look by introducing special trims. In most parts of the world, including North America, there's a Wilderness Edition that beefs up the styling and adds off-road goodies. But over in Japan, Subaru goes far beyond that. In its home market, the Forester has several design packages that range from amusing to downright strange, at least in our eyes. Subaru "STI" GoodiesWe'll kick things off with the STI Performance Parts for the popular crossover. Right off the bat, we'll tell you that none of these add power to the Forester, so don't get your hopes up. The performance parts are compatible with both the hybrid (badged e-Boxer) and the Japan-exclusive turbo versions. For that, there's an aero kit that adds a deeper front chin, side skirts, rear bumper diffusers, and a more prominent tailgate spoiler. Also available are various chassis upgrades, such as strut tower bars and a rear chassis brace. Exhaust kits can also be fitted to both turbo and hybrid models, and there's a selection of 18-inch STI wheels to spice up the most recent Japan Car of the Year winner. Think of this then as the opposite of the Wilderness Edition. Subaru It Gets Stranger From HereWe won't shock you immediately by showing you the most shocking package, so we'll start with the mild Accent Color Package that adds, well, accents to some exterior bezels. After that, it's the Adventure Style decal package that, to the surprise of no one, slaps on decals all over the place. There's one on the hood, another set on the doors, and another on the tailgate. One can even put on mountain decals if that's still not enough. Last but not least is the complete Adventure Style Package that gives the Forester a grille that's up for discussion, along with chunky door guards that are far from subtle. Subaru adds that those door guards can be used as a hanger of sorts. If that's still not enough, the package also includes headlight and taillight garnishes, said to be protective, as well as a roof edge protector. If we were to describe it as kindly as possible, we'd call it functional.. .to a degree. What's interesting here is that these packages can be mixed and matched to the buyer's desire. That means you can get the STI Performance Parts and Adventure Style Package to create, er, something unique, which is exactly what we did in the configurator. That said, you can choose to get bits and pieces individually if that's all too weird. Subaru Subaru View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place's "But Why?" gif is all I can think of when I saw that CFMoto has a cleaning polish designed specifically for your off-roading side-by-side.View the full article

Longevity WinsOne of the saddest automotive deaths we've recently had to mourn was the R35 GT-Rs. Never did we envision a world without the GT-R, but sadly, it's a reality. The R35 generation might not be the best for everyone, but it certainly marks a milestone as the longest-running GT-R model ever, having been in production in various shapes and specs for over 18 years. Debuted in 2007 as the all-rounder supercar, it garnered praise for its incredible performance at a much lower price than European competitors. It's definitely returning, that's for sure, but at a snail's pace, and we're now finding out why. Infiniti Political ImplicationsNissan's outspoken Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for Nissan North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, went on The Drive's podcast and dropped some shocking revelations about what is holding up the development of the next GT-R. Pandikuthira goes on at length to explain that the main reasons generally revolve around emissions, with a particular focus on American laws regulating them. He started by saying that the R35 generation was hampered by the emissions standards that require cars to be less harmful to the environment. Considering the age of the R35's engine, it would have significantly impacted the overall output and performance of the GT-R if they reworked the engine to pass the current emissions regulations. The idea of choking the powertrain would have negatively affected the R35 GT-R; thus, putting it out to pasture was the right move in the meantime. Still banking on the same principle of keeping the next-generation GT-R in production for a long time, Pandikuthira says Nissan plans to make it future-proof by making it easy to continually evolve. Easier said than done, says the executive, because the biggest roadblock to that is the direction of where the emissions standards are headed. He acknowledges that the current administration has eased restrictions, allowing them to do a lot in the current climate, but isn't sure whether that will continue come 2028 and 2032. Nissan Dedicated GroupThose unknowns are the core reasons for slowing down the development of what Nissan wants the next-generation GT-R to be. However, it has also come to light that a dedicated group of Nissan people is working hard on bringing Godzilla back to production, who, according to Padikuthira, are "completely nuts about the car." More details about the new GT-R have been coming out in the past year and months. In 2025, it was announced that the new model would be a hybrid; then, more recently, they said that the current VR38 engine block will be retained as well. Despite the delay and the uncertainty about regulation, I think it's safe to say we're all relieved that the next GT-R will still be powered by gasoline. Nissan View the full article

Factory Stock made its return to the NHRA this weekend. Jonathan Allegrucci brought home the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals win.View the full article

Not All Batteries Fade the SameLike smartphones, electric-vehicle batteries degrade over time, causing range to decline. But according to InsideEVs, citing a study from Recurrent, modern EVs barely lose range even after five years of ownership. Based on data from more than 1 billion miles of real-world driving, the report found that EVs retain 97% of their range after 3 years and 95% after 5 years. That means a 300-mile EV would still offer about 291 miles after three years and 285 miles after five years. Hyundai The Everyday ImplicationThat matters because many owners replace their vehicles within about six years, meaning many EVs may still retain most of their original range by the time they are replaced. The study could also ease range anxiety among buyers who assume EVs lose significant range within just a few years. The stronger range retention is attributed to several factors, including strategies used by some automakers. One is the use of over-the-air software updates, which can release battery capacity and refine range estimates over time. The report also notes that many batteries have an unused capacity buffer that can help slow visible degradation. Improvements in thermal management and aerodynamics also play a role. Brands like Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and Rivian reportedly showed no significant range loss after five years. Driver habits also matter. Constantly charging to 100% keeps the battery at high voltage, which can accelerate chemical reactions and stress the cells. Frequent DC fast charging can also add heat and strain, so slower AC charging at home, often to around 80%, is usually better for routine charging. Spirited driving can also drain the range more quickly. Rivian The Human FactorAutomakers continue to improve EV battery technology, but owners can help preserve range by adopting better charging and driving habits. That can slow degradation and potentially support resale value. Many modern EVs now offer around 300 miles of range, which is already plenty for many drivers. Since the average American drives about 30 to 35 miles per day, a 300-mile EV could last roughly a week between charges. Longer-range options are also available, led by the Lucid Air at 512 miles, followed by the Chevrolet Silverado EV at 493 miles and the Cadillac Escalade IQ at 460-465 miles. Lucid View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Audi’s best-selling EV worldwide, the Q4 e-tron, has received a major styling, tech and powertrain overhaul for its mid-cycle makeover. The updates apply both to the Q4 e-tron SUV and its coupe-flavored Sportback sibling, both of which are built on Volkswagen Group's MEB architecture. The facelifted Q4 e-tron’s most obvious updates are the ones you can see, namely the sharpened-up exterior and interior. On the outside, the 2027 Audi Q4 e-tron gets new optional Matrix LED headlights with four digital DRL signatures and second-generation digital OLED taillights that warn following vehicles if they come too close to a stationary Q4 e-tron when fitted with optional proximity lighting. A body color-matched Singleframe grille is also new, as are several accent trims depending on the trim level. Three new exterior colors and five new wheel designs have also been thrown into the mix. The Cabin Gets the Bulk of Updates Audi View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article The interior updates are more extensive and focus around the reimagined driver-oriented digital dashboard consisting of a new panoramic display that pairs an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch MMI touch display featuring large tiles for better visibility and usability. For the first time in this segment, Audi also offers an optional 12-inch passenger display—the largest ever in an Audi. Audi Q4 e-tron customers can also spec an optional augmented reality head-up display that projects information onto the windshield in two layers that appear on top of the real environment and look like they’re floating around ahead of the driver. The infotainment system is based on Android Automotive OS and includes an AI-powered voice assistant with ChatGPT integration. Third-party apps are accessible directly through the Audi Application Store in the MMI – no smartphone required. Audi has also redesigned the air vents, which are now vertical on the sides and horizontal below the main screen, while the rising center console has been rearranged for a more seamless look and improved functionality—it includes two cooled inductive charging trays (up to 15 watts each) and two cupholders. There are also two USB-C ports under the center armrest, while two additional C ports are optionally available in the rear. Beyond the functional upgrades, the interior gets a more premium touch thanks to cushioned knee pads, premium stitching and scratch-resistant surfaces. Sport seats come standard, while a Sonos premium sound system is available. More Range and Faster Charging View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article Moving on to the powertrain updates, the facelifted Audi Q4 e-tron has received a more efficient rear electric motor. Standard on both the single-motor RWD model and the dual-motor AWD model, the new APP350 permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) contributes to enhanced range and more torque in the Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron quattro. The facelifted EV also features new power electronics, including a pulse inverter that uses silicon carbide semiconductors, which reduce switching losses and improve efficiency, especially under partial load. In addition, energy consumption is further optimized by new software functions. Furthermore, a new low-viscosity lubricant for the transmission is said to reduce friction losses, extending range by up to 7 miles with a fully charged battery, especially in cold weather. Audi Overall, efficiency has improved by around 10 percent versus the previous model, resulting in a gain of around 18 miles for the Q4 SUV e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron with rear-wheel drive, and 10-20 miles for quattro models, depending on the variant. The longest-range variants are the Q4 SUV e-tron performance and Q4 Sportback e-tron performance, with up to 368 miles each. The facelifted Q4 e-tron’s charging capacity has also increased from 175 kW to 185 kW in the Q4 SUV e-tron quattro performance and Q4 Sportback e-tron quattro performance, resulting in a DC fast charging time of 27 minutes from 10-80%. This means that it is possible to add 115 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The First Audi to Get Bidirectional Charging View the 12 images of this gallery on the original article Another important update is the introduction of bidirectional charging, making the Q4 e-tron Audi’s first model to support this technology. As a result, the high-voltage battery can both receive energy from the grid and feed it back to external devices with the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the Q4 e-tron also offers a Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) function enabling it to serve as a home battery supplying stored energy to the household. As before, the facelifted Audi Q4 e-tron comes with two battery sizes: 63 kWh and 82 kWh. Quattro models get an increased towing rating of 3,968 pounds and a standard power tailgate. US prices and market-specific details haven’t been announced yet, but in Germany, the Q4 e-tron SUV with the standard battery starts at €47,500 ($55,800) while the Q4 e-tron Sportback in the same configuration is priced from €49,450 ($58,000). Orders open in May in Europe, with deliveries expected to begin in the summer. Audi View the full article

The NHRA Pro Mod racers went four-wide racing at zMAx Dragway. Here's a recap of all the action from the NHRA 4-Wide NationalsView the full article

A 21-year-old motorcycle rider in Germany was arrested after the investigators found his motorcycle listed for sale eight months after fleeing and causing police to chase.View the full article

Not Good EnoughThe intentions of GM in launching the Buick Envision were good; it was meant to be a more premium offering than the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4, but with specs matching those of European marques without the European pricing. On paper, this sounds like a winning decision and recipe, using the upscale name and branding Buick is known for, but at more affordable prices. While it may have worked on the onset of Envision's life, it seems people are no longer taking to it. Cole Attisha Sales DeclineGM Authorityreports that Buick is having a tough time selling the Envision, with stock mounting and piling up in dealer lots across the country. The rate of loss of sales momentum is alarming, with a drop of almost 81% from the same quarter last year. In Q1 of 2026, deliveries of the Envision totaled just 4,485 in the United States, as opposed to last year's 15,485 units in the same period. This has translated into stocks either sitting or moving around the country; the numbers point to 16,873 cars unsold nationwide. Which estimates for the sales of these units take around 330 days to clear, almost a full year. This is an issue, as it affects one mainstream model; it might also be tough to clear the inventory without a price and production reduction. A lot of factors are contributing to the sales slowdown, chief among which is the price. The Buick Envision's pricing has increased over the year, driven mostly by import tariffs. This is because the Envision is actually built in China, and the segment that it competes in is a highly price-conscious one. Buick Unfavorable TermsInitially, its Chinese assembly didn't deter buyers, as evidenced by last year's Q1 sales, but unfortunately, the Envision doesn't enjoy the same U.S. tax advantages as domestic models. Another key factor might be the model's age, first introduced in 2021. This mid-cycle refreshed model is nearing the end of the current generational cycle. In a segment filled with choices and newer competitors, the Envision might be struggling to match what others can offer in features as well. Cole Attisha View the full article

The NHRA visited zMax Dragway for the 4-Wide Nationals. Here's a recap of all the action for this weekend's NHRA national event.View the full article

Solar Charging Isn’t New, But Toyota Wants to Fix Its Weak SpotsSolar charging for EVs sounds like something out of the future, but automakers have been chasing this idea for years. We’ve seen solar roofs, solar-assisted charging, and even body panels meant to soak up sunlight as you drive or park. Nissan rolled out a concept EV with onboard solar tech last year, while Mercedes-Benz is testing solar paint that could turn the whole car into a power source. Nissan’s also been working on making solar panels blend in, so they don’t stick out like an afterthought. Toyota, on the other hand, is looking at a different angle. Rather than just chasing more solar power, the company is zeroing in on how to make the system last and work better in the long run. Toyota filed this patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office in June 2025 (patent no. 20260112895, if you want to check). It was published in April 2026. The focus isn’t on the solar panels themselves, but on the hardware that turns sunlight into battery power. It might not sound flashy, but this is probably the real hurdle to clear before solar EVs can go mainstream. Toyota Toyota’s Idea Is About Heat, Not Just SunlightIn Toyota’s patent, multiple solar panels feed electricity into a battery through several power conversion devices. These converters convert solar power into usable electricity for the vehicle’s battery pack. The catch is heat. These converters get hot, and not all at the same rate. Some work harder because of where they’re placed, how efficient they are, or how much they’ve been used. Too much heat over time can wear out the system, damage connections, and shorten its lifespan. Toyota’s solution? Instead of cutting power evenly across all converters, the system singles out the one working hardest and dials it back more than the rest. So instead of every converter dropping power by the same amount, the hottest one gets the bigger reduction while the cooler ones keep doing more of the work. In extreme cases, the system could even temporarily shut down one heavily loaded converter and let the others handle the job. While other brands are busy adding more panels or chasing higher solar output, Toyota is focused on making sure the system actually lasts through years of real-world use. Toyota Will It Actually Reach Production?Whether this idea makes it to production is anyone’s guess. Patents usually give us a peek at what engineers are working on, but most never see the light of day. Some get watered down and show up years later, others just gather dust. Toyota’s no stranger to solar charging. The company has already tried it with hybrids and plug-in hybrids, so this patent fits into a bigger picture rather than coming out of nowhere. There’s still no word on whether this exact setup will make it into a production EV soon. But if solar charging is ever going to be more than a gimmick, fixing reliability problems like this will count for more than just slapping on bigger panels. View the full article

Clearly, this is the height of machined, anodized aluminum bits you can utilize to tell the world (via your motorcycle) how much you love cats.View the full article

Auctions Can Be a Bargain, Until the System Isn’tAuctions have long been one of the smartest backdoors into cheap motoring. Police impound lots and lien sales can turn up everything from barely used commuter cars to forgotten project vehicles at a fraction of market value. For buyers willing to do the homework, it is a proven way to score a deal. But the latest reporting from CalMattersshows that the system behind those bargains is not always as clean as it looks. The investigation highlights how California’s Department of Motor Vehicles has been quietly collecting surplus proceeds from auctioned vehicles. These are cars that were towed, accrued fees, and were eventually sold off. Once debts were covered, any extra cash did not go back to the owners. Instead, the state kept it without notification. Between 2016 and late 2024, that added up to more than $8 million from roughly 5,300 vehicles. For many owners, there was no indication that money was even available to claim. Eric Thayer/Bloomberg via Getty Images A Familiar Pattern of ControversyThis is not the first time the DMV has faced scrutiny over how it handles revenue streams tied to motorists. The new bill introduced by Senator Kelly Seyarto aims to close what lawmakers describe as a serious consumer protection gap. It would require the DMV to notify owners within 14 days if their vehicle sale generated surplus funds, using certified mail and clear instructions on how to claim the money. SB 1029 would require the DMV to send certified notice within 14 days of receiving lien sale proceeds, informing the registered owner that surplus funds may be available and providing instructions on how to file a claim. pic.twitter.com/E9ZbQRLgN4 — Senator Kelly Seyarto (@SenatorSeyarto) March 5, 2026 Owners had up to three years to claim surplus funds, but without any notification, most never knew the money existed. After that window closed, the funds were forfeited. While the DMV has since launched an online lookup tool following the exposure, the move is reactive. The proposed legislation is designed to formalize transparency rather than rely on voluntary fixes. YouTube @WPLGLocal10 Revenue GenerationFrom an industry perspective, this is another example of how revenue generation can quietly creep into systems intended to serve motorists. The DMV has already faced criticism for monetizing driver data. Now, even the overlooked corner of lien sale auctions is under the microscope. It paints a picture of an agency that has become increasingly comfortable extracting value wherever it can. At a time when used car prices remain stubbornly high, buyers are hunting harder than ever for value. Auctions should be part of that solution. Instead, stories like this undermine trust in one of the few remaining bargain channels. If even government-run processes are opaque, it raises serious questions about accountability. For car buyers and owners alike, transparency is not a luxury. It is the baseline expectation. Kevin Carter/Getty Images View the full article