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Nissan’s Next Nismo Is ElectricNissan has been quietly pushing the Nismo badge into more segments, and the next model in line isn’t what most would expect. After confirming last year that Nismo would reach beyond just sports cars, Nissan is now showing how that plan takes shape. The Z Nismo with a manual transmission just arrived, but Nissan’s next Nismo offering is set to take a different path. This time, it looks like the focus is on electric power. Reports from Creative Trend, a Japanese site with a track record for accurate dealer info, suggest the Nissan Leaf Nismo is being lined up for a July 2026 debut. It’s expected to use the top-spec Leaf as its base. Details are still thin for now. Nissan dealers expect more information after Japan’s Golden Week in May 2026, so specs like wheel sizes, color choices, and accessories remain under wraps. Nissan What to Expect from the Leaf NismoEven without full confirmation, the leaks give a good sense of Nissan’s direction. The Leaf Nismo isn’t shaping up to be a hardcore EV hot hatch, but rather a sharper, more aggressive take on the regular Leaf. Performance tweaks will likely come from Nismo-specific tuning for the electric power steering, VDC, and a dedicated sports suspension. The goal seems to be a more responsive drive, but without sacrificing the Leaf’s day-to-day practicality. Outside, expect gloss black aero parts and the signature red stripes seen on recent Nismo models. The package reportedly includes a front lower spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser, and gloss black fender arch moldings. An optional hood decal is also in the mix. One interesting touch mentioned in the report is the familiar center-mounted LED rear fog lamp, a styling cue often associated with motorsport-inspired models and something longtime Nismo fans will immediately recognize. Inside, you can expect sport seats with black and red stitching, a steering wheel with a red center marker, carbon fiber-style trim, and Nismo-specific graphics on the 12.3-inch LCD display. Nissan Nismo Is Becoming More Than Just Z and GT-RThis move lines up with Nissan’s bigger plan for Nismo. The brand wants Nismo to show up across more models, not just the GT-R and Z. In the US, the Armada Nismo sits alongside the Z Nismo as part of the brand’s performance range. It’s a logical move. Today's performance badges are less about lap times and more about giving everyday cars a bit more character. Toyota has the GR badge, while Hyundai has N models, such as the brilliant Ioniq 5 N – a probable target for the Leaf Nismo. For Nissan, adding Nismo to the Leaf keeps the badge relevant as the brand goes further into EVs. It also gives the Leaf a bit more personality in a segment where most choices lean toward the practical. If the July timeline holds, the Leaf Nismo could end up being one of Nissan’s more interesting launches this year. Not for outright speed, but for what it says about where Nismo is going next. Nissan View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

It's clear everyone had a very good day at the dragstrip with TTS Performance, but which supercharged beast is the fastest? Find out.View the full article

Mazda Sweetens the DealBuying plug-in hybrids is more compelling than ever, thanks to expanded electrification infrastructure and automakers like Toyota doubling down on hybrids instead of fully electric vehicles. Against this backdrop, Mazda is stepping in with a limited-time $5,000 discount on its CX-70 and CX-90 PHEV models. CarsDirect reports, citing dealer incentive bulletins, that the CX-70 PHEV now starts at $40,780, down from $45,780, including destination fees. That makes it cheaper on paper than the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, which starts at $41,500, excluding destination fees. Its three-row counterpart, the CX-90 PHEV, is priced at $47,025 with the $5,000 discount applied. Mazda Closing the Price GapNotably, the discounts bring the PHEV versions closer in price to their gasoline counterparts, even though the latter are also available with a $2,000 discount. The CX-70 3.3T Preferred starts at $43,780, and with the discount applied, it ends up roughly $1,000 more than its PHEV counterpart. Meanwhile, the CX-90 PHEV remains more expensive, but the gap narrows to around $4,500 from roughly $7,500. Both the Mazda CX-70 PHEV and Mazda CX-90 PHEV use the same 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 323 horsepower. Charging from 20% to 80% on a Level 2 charger takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Because the CX-70 PHEV is slightly smaller, it offers a marginally higher EPA-estimated electric-only range at 32 miles – about two miles more than the CX-90 PHEV – as well as a total driving range of around 520 miles, or roughly 20 miles more overall. For those seeking an alternative payment option, the two Mazda PHEVs are also available with 0% financing for up to 72 months. Kristen Brown Complexity Comes at a CostIt is worth noting, however, that plug-in hybrids tend to score lower in reliability, largely due to their added complexity compared to non-hybrid counterparts. Consumer Reports estimated that PHEVs have about 80% more issues, with the CX-90 PHEV ranking as the least reliable among full-size SUVs last year. Look past that, and PHEVs can help drivers avoid trips to the gas station on shorter journeys, making them a practical bridge before transitioning to a fully electric vehicle. Mazda still lacks an in-house EV built on a dedicated platform, though reports suggest one could arrive around 2029. For now, the $5,000 offer is set to last only through the end of the month. Mazda View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Elkshape's Dan Staton took Zero's new EV dirt bike into the spring bear woods, and brought along SurRon, too. But which e-moto reigns supreme?View the full article

There's a new Mitsubishi Outlander on the block that's a sub-$30k mild-hybrid, but if you've got one of the older Outlanders, in gas-only or plug-in hybrid form, you may have a weapon of mass concussion. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall for the crossover because the gas springs holding up the tailgate may lose pressure. Such a thing may cause the liftgate to fall slowly, but in some cases, the gas spring cylinder may rupture, causing the body panel to fall more aggressively, potentially hitting you on the head while you're loading your weekly grocery shopping. The Problem with the Mitsubishi Outlander Mitsubishi According to the NHTSA recall report on the Outlander, the issue stems from potential corrosion of the liftgate gas spring cylinder, which occurs due to saltwater penetration that accumulates under the dust cap. Because Mitsubishi Motors North America had originally not received any reports of problems in the U.S., it only intended to recall vehicles in states with high road salt usage, in the so-called "Salt Belt" region, but further investigation revealed that the problem was occurring outside this area, too. Obviously, this isn't an issue that comes to light quickly, which explains why the recall names older variants of the SUV, specifically the 2014-2020 Outlander and the 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV. As these vehicles age and are exposed to the elements, it's possible that significant corrosion could cause the wall thickness of the gas spring cylinder to be compromised, and if this happens, it could cause the high-pressure gas to rapidly escape the cylinder. It's worth noting that this recall applies to both vehicles with manual liftgate systems and electric motors. What Outlander Owners Need to Know Wieck Thus far, Mitsubishi is aware of four warranty claims and field reports related to the failing liftgate springs, but no accidents or injuries. Naturally, Mitsubishi will replace the potentially faulty left and right gas springs, which use a heat-shrink resin tube, with new components that have been treated with an anti-corrosion coating. Unfortunately, as simple as it sounds to fix this, it appears that producing the correct components for vehicles that are no longer in production will take some time, as dealers will only be notified on June 3 (the same date upon which VINs will be searchable), and owners can only expect remedy notification letters from June 17. If Mitsubishi starts building cars in North America again, something it stopped doing in 2015, perhaps basic fixes like this will be easier to implement using domestic suppliers. As always with a recall, customers won't be charged for the upgrade. View the full article

There were extra eyeballs on the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports pit box at Talladega Superspeedway. Assisting the pit crew throughout the race, was none other than Super Bowl LII champion and retired football star Jason Kelce. He was seen handing off fuel cans, working the pit sign, and even catching tires during the race. And in the end, it was that same No. 17 going to Victory Lane at Corey Day ...Keep readingView the full article

Cole Davies clinched the 250 East title while Ken Roczen moved into the 450SX points lead after a rain-hit Philadelphia Supercross round. The post Roczen takes red plate as Davies seals 250 East title in rain-hit Philadelphia appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Jordan Vandergriff took advantage of holeshot victories in both rounds of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge to earn his first victory in the race-within-a-race held in conjunction with the second day of qualifying for the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Vandergriff’s triumph was the 18th #2Fast2Tasty win for John Force Racing. He was the 24-time NHRA World Championship organization’s sixth different driver to achieve the feat, on a list that includes Robert Hight, John Force, Brittany Force, Austin Prock and Jack Beckman. “This is my first time racing four-wide, and it’s interesting, for sure,” said Vandergriff. “This last run, I was in lane two and it’s a little trickier looking across the tree, but it seemed to work out. I didn’t expect to win it. I just went up there and did what I could and that’s thanks to my Cornwell Quality Tools team giving me the right car to go out there and do it. I’m getting more and more comfortable in the car. It’s starting to slow down and I’m starting to get the handle on the steering wheel and feel for the car. It’s a whole lot of fun driving these cars. I never thought I would be a Funny Car driver, but I think after this, I can say I’m a Funny Car driver now.” All four John Force Racing teams maintained their qualifying positions from Friday’s night qualifying session. In Funny Car, Vandergriff qualified second in the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS (3.889 seconds, 328.70 mph), Alexis DeJoria maintained the fifth position in the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS (3.932 seconds, 331.20 mph) and Jack Beckman qualified the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet SS in the sixth position (3.933 seconds, 314.97 mph). Hart drove the HendrickCars.com dragster to a fourth place showing with a run of 3.733 seconds at 324.59 mph. The Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car driver cut a 0.067 light in the #2Fast2Tasty final round and streaked to a run of 3.933 seconds at 325.85 mph. Ron Capps ran quicker, 3.929 seconds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome his 0.073 reaction time. J.R. Todd ran the exact same time as Vandergriff, 3.933 seconds, but had a 0.101 reaction time. In round one, Vandergriff grabbed the holeshot over Capps, 0.061 to 0.088, and held on for the win with a run of 3.982 seconds to Capps’ quicker run of 3.957 seconds. Vandergriff’s three competitors in his Round 1 of eliminations quad are No. 7 qualifier Dave Richards, No. 10 qualifier Daniel Wilkerson and No. 15 qualifier Jeff Diehl. Hart won his #2Fast2Tasty Challenge first round with a run of 3.957 seconds at 293.15 mph against Billy Torrence (who also moved to championship round), Shawn Langdon and Tony Stewart. In the final, Hart’s 3.873-second run was no match for Clay Millican’s 3.832-second run. Hart’s three competitors in his round one of eliminations quad are No. 5 qualifier Torrence (3.748 seconds), No. 12 qualifier Stewart (3.808 seconds) and No. 13 qualifier Tony Schumacher (3.812). DeJoria lined up against Vandergriff, Capps and Chad Green in her first round of the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Her run of 3.993 seconds 329.42 mph was the third quickest of the quad. The competitors in her quad for the first round of eliminations are No. 4 Todd (3.910 seconds), No. 12 qualifier Hunter Green (4.049 seconds) and No. 13 qualifier Jeff Arend (4.080 seconds). Beckman’s #2Fast2Tasty Challenge first-round run of 3.984 seconds at 317.94 was not enough to get past Todd’s 3.935-second run or Hagan’s 3.972-second run. The 2012 Funny Car World Champion’s first round of eliminations quad includes No. 3 qualifier Hagan (3.901 seconds), No. 11 qualifier Cruz Pedregon (4.001 seconds) and No. 14 qualifier Jeff Smith (4.117 seconds). Sunday eliminations are slated for 12 p.m. ET. Television coverage Sunday, April 26, includes an event recap at 11 a.m. ET with eliminations at 7 p.m. ET. The post Jordan Vandergriff Wraps Up First #2Fast2Tasty Win at NHRA 4-Wide Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The final qualifying session of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway outside of Charlotte, NC, was rained out, locking in Jonathan Allegrucci as the No. 1 qualifier for the second race of the season. He opened the season as the Gatornationals No. 1 qualifier and raced to the quarterfinals at that race. The veteran driver is also the defending NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown champion and will roll into race day confident but not overly so. “We don’t feel as good as you’d think,” said Allegrucci. “I still think we’ve got some bugs that we need to work out. The car is obviously running fantastic because of the KSR boys, but I’m honestly not as comfortable as I’ve been in the past. But we’ll get there.”Allegrucci made a solid run in the third and only qualifier today, but it was not an improvement over his 7.716 second pass at 178.68 mph pass from Friday. As the defending champion the driver from Scott Township, Pa., is ready to take on the challenge of racing four-wide. “We just have to get up there and worry about us, not worry about anything else, and we’ll be okay,” said Allegrucci. “Racing at a facility like Charlotte doesn’t get any better. Four-wide Charlotte, North Carolina is a premier national event. Where else would you want to be? This track is perfect.” This is the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series’ lone four-wide race of the 2026 season. The second race of the season will feature some of the quickest and fastest Ford Mustang Cobra Jets, Chevrolet COPO Camaros and Dodge Challenger Drag Paks factory stock competitors from across the country. Gatornationals winner Ricky Hord will carry the $1,000 Flexjet bounty into the first round of eliminations. If another competitor can defeat Hord they will collect the bounty but if Hord holds off the field the bounty will double at the following event. After the first day of qualifying at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Allegrucci was holding down the provisional No. 1 qualifier position. After two rounds Allegrucci’s Ford Mustang had posted the quickest time of 7.716 seconds at 178.68 mph. David Davies II opened the first round of qualifying with a solid 7.730 second pass at 180.65 mph and that time held up through Friday as the second quickest elapsed time. The first round of eliminations at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will begin Sunday at zMAX Dragway. Fans can follow the racing action at www.nhra.com. The post Jonathan Allegrucci Scores Second Consecutive Flexjet Factory Stock No. 1 Qualifier of the Season first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Racing at home has impact for a driver. There is the comfort of sleeping in one’s own bed, the influx of on-site support from friends and family, the convenience of a short drive to and from the racetrack. But for six-time world champion Greg Anderson, the biggest thing about his home race – the 16th annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals – is the opportunity to shine. On Saturday at zMAX Dragway, the most winning driver in the history of Pro Stock took advantage of the spotlight, winning his first Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge of the season and racing to a third consecutive start from the No. 1 position. “There’s no place like home. It’s as simple as that,” said Anderson. “This is my home track, and I love it. We’ve always done well here, and today was no exception. Now we get to go home tonight, sleep in our own beds, and start over tomorrow and try to win another race.” The weekend kicked off with Anderson in prime form for each of the two sessions on Friday, and he powered his KB Titan Racing-prepared HendrickCars.com Chevrolet to a 6.549-second pass followed by a stunning 6.498 in the later round. Saturday’s early session took place in warmer conditions mid-afternoon, and his 6.554, 209.49 was second-best of the session — a strong pass for the conditions that was also good enough to shuttle him to the final round of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge, a bonus event that takes place on Saturdays at national events and pits the previous event’s semifinalists against one another for bragging rights and a valuable payout. The specialty race is a two-round affair, with the winner receiving accolades along with potentially critical points that will come into play when the Countdown to the Championship playoffs begin in the fall. Advancing to the final round of the challenge, which would also count as the final session of qualifying, Anderson was joined by KB Titan teammates Eric and Matt Latino, along with Elite Motorsports rival Aaron Stanfield. The HendrickCars.com campaigner’s 6.549, 207.11 was the best of the lot, landing the veteran driver the #2Fast2Tasty title and a career 143rd No. 1. The Mission #2Fast2Tasty victory was particularly pleasing for Anderson, who knows full well that championships in Pro Stock are often decided by the slimmest of margins. “There’s no way of telling; I don’t have a crystal ball,” said Anderson. “We have no earthly idea who is going to win the championship and by how much, but you need every point you can find. You just have to try to earn every last inch you can, and we’ve done good with bonus points in qualifying this year, but these Mission #2Fast2Tasty points are an important part of it. I’m going to try to get as many points as I can, as many race wins as I can, and hopefully have a chance when we come down to the end of the year. I want a shot at another title – that’s what this deal is all about.”Qualifying concluded in the nick of time as rain moved into the area, and the conditions for Sunday are slated to be dry and cool. That could set up a favorable situation for incredible racing on Sunday at the premier facility that Minnesota-transplant Anderson has called home for many years. “It’s fun to win, and I’m still having a blast doing it,” said Anderson, a five-time victor at zMAX Dragway. “It’s fun to compete in this class; these guys and gals drive the wheels off of these racecars, and it’s brutal out there. It’s hard to win, but when you find yourself in the winner’s circle, you have to give yourself an ‘attaboy.’ Tomorrow will be a whole new day, we’ll start over, and I know we’ll make the right moves. We’ve got a hotrod over here. It’s been great all year, it’s certainly been great all weekend, and I expect it’s going to be great tomorrow.” Eliminations at the 16th annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals are set to begin at noon on Sunday at zMAX Dragway. The post Home Sweet Home: Greg Anderson Wins Charlotte Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Goes No. 1 Again first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

NAPA Auto Care Funny Car driver Ron Capps earned the 39th No. 1 qualifier of his career on Saturday at zMAX Dragway during the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. The three-time Funny Car world champion scored his second pole of the season on the strength of his Friday night run of 3.883 seconds at 333.91 mph during the weekend’s second qualifying session to cement his points lead heading into Sunday eliminations. Capps and the NAPA team were solid throughout qualifying, clocking quick and consistent three-second passes in all four rounds and gobbling up seven championship bonus points in the process. Before his impressive Q2 blast, Capps opened the weekend with a 3.988 E.T. to place fourth. On Saturday, the NAPA team pulled up to the line for the third session, which also served as the first round of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Capps earned his spot in the race-within-a-race after his runner-up finish at the most recent event in Pomona, Calif. Crew chief Dean “Guido” Antonelli tuned Capps’ 12,000-horsepower machine to a 3.957 E.T., the quickest pass of the quad, to advance into the final round of the Mission Foods-backed race. Later, Antonelli sent the NAPA Funny Car down the track in 3.929 seconds at 325.61 mph, earning another three bonus points for posting the quickest run of the session, but opponent Jordan Vandergriff’s slight starting line advantage allowed him to cross the finish line beams first for the win. “Man, I had a .073 light and got beat on a holeshot. Hardball, that’s what Funny Car is nowadays, but I talked about it last night, I love having Dean Antonelli as the guy I get to go to battle with because he can adapt pretty quickly and it’s great to have a race car like we have right now,” Capps said of his team’s hot start to the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, which now includes two No. 1 qualifiers, a win, and a runner-up finish through the first four events. “Guido was upset with himself last night, feeling like he left a bunch on the table, and I’m just like ‘enjoy this for one moment,’ but it put a cylinder out down there, got on the rev limiter, did all kinds of things that he was not wanting it to do. He felt it should’ve run a 3.85 or 86, which I love to hear, but we knew conditions today would be tricky because it was overcast that second run and humid. But here we are. That’s two No. 1 qualifiers this year already. Another yellow hat; it’s cool.” Starting from the No. 1 seed, Capps and the NAPA team face a loaded quad in the first round of eliminations, lining up against No. 8 qualifier and Gainesville winner Chad Green, No. 9 Spencer Hyde, the 2025 Rookie of the Year, and No. 16 qualifier and reigning Funny Car world champion Austin Prock. “We have the toughest quad tomorrow; it’s stacked, and you just never know with the four-wides, anything can happen. There’s a lot of unpredictability. You never know what Jimmy Prock is going to do. Spencer Hyde, they really found their groove last year with that car. It’s fun to race them, I’ve known Spencer and that family since he was a kid; I’m a huge fan. And then you look at Chad Green, they’ve been running really well. You go down the list and there’s at least 12 Funny Cars that can win on any given Sunday, and that’s tough.” Capps will be looking to maintain his Funny Car points lead on Sunday as he makes a run for his fifth zMAX Dragway Wally trophy, second of the season, and 79th of his career. Eliminations kick off at noon ET. The post Funny Car Points Leader Ron Capps to Start Race Day From the Pole at NHRA 4-Wide Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The promotions of Steve O'Donnell and Ben Kennedy are not an extension of the status quo, but instead, aim to be the start of something new for the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing. O’Donnell has taken over as Chief Executive Officer from Jim France, the youngest son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. Kennedy, the great-grandson of the elder France, is now serving as Chief ...Keep readingView the full article

Top Fuel’s Clay Millican won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge for the first time in 2026 on Saturday at zMAX Dragway, picking up the victory in the bonus race on a holeshot as part of this weekend’s 16th NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Jordan Vandergriff (Funny), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also picked up Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victories, while Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) qualified No. 1 at the fourth of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Taking on a quad that included Billy Torrence, Josh Hart and points leader Doug Kalitta, who had won the first two Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge races of the year, Millican went 3.832-seconds at 325.14 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Parts Plus dragster for Rick Ware Racing, holding off Torrence at the finish line. Kalitta left first in the quad, but Millican was second with an .076 reaction time, which proved to be the difference against Torrence, who went 3.820 at 327.27 but struggled off the starting line. That meant Millican ended up with a much-needed victory, which he hopes can translate into another win on Sunday. “To win on a holeshot is crazy, but we went right down the racetrack,” Millican said. “The team is slowly but surely getting better and better. We had our struggles; I had to learn to drive a canopy car. I’m still not quite there yet. This group of people is incredible and they have no quit. Winning today gets us in the mindset for race day tomorrow. “We are planning on going back-to-back, but it’s really cool that Rick can say he won at his home race. It’s a big deal for us and it’s a big deal for Rick. The whole Rick Ware Racing family is just right down the road here. But it’s one of those things where we’ll celebrate real quick, but I promise you we’re already getting ready for tomorrow.” Langdon claimed his second No. 1 qualifier of 2026 when Friday’s run of 3.674 at 339.19 in his 12,000-horsepower Kalitta Air dragster easily held up. His opening round quad includes Spencer Massey, Jasmine Salinas and Dan Mercier, as he looks for his second win of the season. Leah Pruett qualified second with a 3.700 at 333.82 and Kalitta took third after going 3.711 at 334.73. “The car is responding really well to the things that we’re asking it to do, and Brian’s [Husen, crew chief] is making the right calls, and the guys are doing a great job putting the car together,” Langdon said. “So everything’s just kind of clicking right now. We’re just kind of doing what the car is showing us, and it’s making some really good laps.” Funny Car’s Jordan Vandergriff went one better than Millican in his final quad in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, winning on a double holeshot over Ron Capps, J.R. Todd and Matt Hagan with a strong run of 3.933 at 325.85 in his 12,000-horsepower Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS for John Force Racing. It’s the first win of any kind for Vandergriff in his NHRA career and this one was a thriller, as both Vandergriff and Todd ran identical times. Capps went a quicker 3.929, but Vandergriff left slightly earlier, with his .067 reaction time proving to be the difference in a great finale. It’s the latest standout performance for Vandergriff, who continues to make waves and show impressive progress in his fourth race in the Funny Car ranks. “This is my first time racing four-wide, and it’s interesting, for sure,” Vandergriff said. “This last run, I was in lane two and it’s a little trickier looking across the tree, but it seemed to work out. I didn’t expect to win it. I just went up there and did what I could and that’s thanks to my Cornwell Quality Tools team giving me the right car to go out there and do it. “I’m getting more and more comfortable in the car. It’s starting to slow down and I’m starting to get the handle on the steering wheel and feel for the car. It’s a whole lot of fun driving these cars. I never thought I would be a Funny Car driver, but I think after this, I can say I’m a Funny Car driver now.” Capps did pick up his second No. 1 qualifier of the season thanks to Friday’s 3.883 at 333.91 in his 12,000-horsepower NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra. Vandergriff qualified second with a run of 3.899 at 328.70 and Hagan, who is tied with Capps for the points lead, took third with a 3.901 at 326.16. “I love having Dean [Antonelli, crew chief] as a guy to go to battle with, because he can adapt pretty quickly,” Capps said. “There’s a lot of unpredictables for tomorrow. You don’t know what Jimmy Prock’s going to do when they find what they’ve been looking for, and they will. We have Austin [Prock] in our quad. There’s a lot of tough cars in this class right now. There are legitimately 12 Funny Cars that can win on any given day and it wasn’t always that way.” Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson enjoyed a stellar day at zMAX Dragway, clinching the No. 1 qualifier for the third straight race and winning for the first time this season in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, going 6.549 at 207.11 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro to get past Matt Latino, Aaron Stanfield and Eric Latino. Following Friday’s 6.498 at 211.23 – which was the only run in the 6.40s – that handed Anderson his 143rd No. 1 qualifier in his career, Anderson kept that momentum going and he’ll look for a clean sweep and a flawless weekend on Sunday. Anderson, who won the most recent race in Pomona, takes on a first-round quad that includes E. Latino, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Rodger Brogdon. “I got Dallas [Glenn] today. We got him last week in the final at Pomona and today in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, so it was a good day for GA and a good day for Hendrick Cars, and a great day for KB Titan,” Anderson said. “The run on Friday night just matched the race track perfectly. It was a little bit loose last night, but it was fast, so that’s what I think we missed today. The race track actually got better again today, and we missed a little bit and that’s why we didn’t run as well today. We’re probably overhooked on the racetrack, which is a great problem to have.” Reigning world champion Dallas Glenn qualified second with a run of 6.521 at 210.77 and M. Latino was third with a 6.527 at 210.64. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, two-time world champion Gaige Herrera got the best of a quad that included Matt Smith, reigning world champion Richard Gadson and John Hall with a run of 6.759 at 199.20 on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki. Herrera had a huge starting-line advantage with an .018 reaction time and held off Smith at the finish line to take the victory in the specialty race. “It’s a boost for the team and myself, just for working hard on, not only on the bike, but me physically,” Herrera said. “It was a tough quad between John Hall, Matt [Smith], Richard [Gadson]. I knew I had to be on the tree, but for me to run the .759 and then Matt to run the .76, that’s the kind of racing I love. “It’s awesome Mission does this. I feel like, as a racer, after Friday, it’s basically two days of racing. It’s like, you wake up Saturday and Sunday with a different attitude, that you’re going out there to push your hardest and do your best, and this just makes it a lot more fun.” Smith, the defending event winner on his Denso Auto Parts Buell, enjoyed a milestone moment on Saturday, as his run of 6.739 at 203.09 from Friday officially gave the six-time world champion his 60th career No. 1 qualifier, handing him the most in Pro Stock Motorcycle history. To do it at his home track meant even more for Smith, who looks to win for the first time in 2026 on Sunday. “It’s amazing to get this 60th number one qualifier. I’ve been doing it a while, but I don’t feel like I’ve been doing it for that long, if you know what I mean, but I’ve been very successful,” Smith said. “I’ve had a good career with at least running fast and to do this at my home track makes it even more special for it to be the 60th all-time leading number one qualifier. “I struggled quite a bit in ‘06 and I ran a couple of races in ’05, but finally got the call from George Bryson, who saw I had the potential. The very first time I rode the V-twin, I was the number one qualifier at Indy, and that was my first number one qualifier ever. I’m just happy I got to do it, and I’m proud to be here.” Ryan Oehler qualified second with a 6.752 at 201.28 and Herrera took third with a 6.756 at 200.50. Eliminations for the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. This story was originally published on April 25, 2026. The post Millican, Vandergriff, Anderson, and Herrera Take Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Wins at zMAX Dragway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Marc Márquez turned pole into Sprint victory at Jerez after a dry race suddenly became a wet-weather survival contest, with Alex Márquez, Marco Bezzecchi and others falling out in the chaos. The post Marc Márquez wins wild Jerez Sprint after rain turns race upside down appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Saturday's NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Talladega Superspeedway ended in a dramatic crash, and it was a first career win for Hendrick Motorsports driver Corey Day, making his 22nd career start. The win also featured a new crew member on the No. 17, as Super Bowl champ Jason Kelce joined Hendrick Motorsports for this race, assisting the fueler. On the final lap, Sam Mayer was ...Keep readingView the full article

The BMW iX Flow took the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show by storm. This was BMW's interestingly styled electric SUV (that has somehow not been a roaring sales success—go figure), wrapped in E Ink, with a film containing millions of color capsules that would respond to electrical signals to create either negatively charged white or positively charged black pigments. The shifting hues could create various patterns or shapes, but the tech looked fairly rudimentary in its execution, wild as it was at the time. Then we were shown the i5 Flow Nostokana, with both colors and patterns, before BMW presented the i Vision Dee in Las Vegas, a concept that gave us a glimpse of what has become the new i3's styling, but with richer colors on more advanced ePaper panels than those from CES. Now, BMW has taken another step forward with a concept called the iX3 Flow Edition and its animated hood, short videos of which are embedded a little further down. BMW Has Competition with Color-Changing Cars BMW Since 2022's show-stopping demonstration, Porsche has filed more than one patent for color-changing cars or elements thereof, and Ferrari is implementing E Ink in its Luce EV, albeit only on the key fob that acts as a starter switch. Can BMW stay at the forefront? The iX3 Flow Edition suggests so, because it shows animated graphics on a single large panel, the hood, and BMW has made the electrophoretic paint remarkably precise, with eight selectable animations available at the touch of a button, which BMW used at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show in China to show a pixelated image of the Shanghai skyline. But we could see this in America soon. BMW showed this animated hood on a regular iX3 that is not sold in the country, not the roomier long-wheelbase version that the Chinese market requires. This could indicate that BMW intends to show this technology at other auto shows around the world, including some in the U.S. Of course, another explanation could be that BMW simply began work on this concept a long time before the iX3 LWB was announced, but we doubt BMW would put this much effort into the tech for just one country. We suspect BMW now has the capability to show a Lake Como-inspired design at the Villa d'Este concours, and it could probably show a Goodwood-inspired hood theme in July, or a Monterey-inspired look at Pebble Beach. Potential Benefits of the E Ink Concept BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article We understand if you're pessimistic about costs and viability in the real world, as well as the potential for criminals to avoid detection by changing the color of their cars on the move, but the technology could be restricted to law enforcement and emergency personnel, who might be better able to blend in or stand out as needed. E Ink technology could also be used as a sales tool, with BMW potentially able to install a static vehicle wrapped in the stuff at a dealership as a full-size configurator of sorts. Whatever the end use case, BMW is continuing to use the tech as it develops, and with others also taking advantage, it could be just a matter of time before it becomes mainstream. Either that, or the world will move on to something even more fascinating. View the full article

For all the promises of a zero-emission future, the reality of electric vehicle manufacturing remains a dirty business. In South Texas, the consequences are flowing directly into local waterways. Tesla’s billion-dollar lithium refinery outside Corpus Christi—marketed by CEO Elon Musk as a clean, acid-free operation—is now at the center of an environmental crisis. Independent lab tests have detected carcinogenic heavy metals and elevated lithium levels in the 231,000 gallons of wastewater the facility discharges daily into a local drainage ditch. What's Your Poison?The regulatory blind spot enabling this discharge originated when the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) issued Tesla a wastewater permit in January 2025. Local officials at the Nueces County Drainage District No. 2 were completely unaware of the arrangement until their maintenance workers discovered an unfamiliar pipe expelling black liquid across their easement in early 2026. While the TCEQ conducted a brief investigation in February 2026, state regulators cleared Tesla of any violations because the original permit did not require monitoring for lithium or heavy metals. The controversy escalated this week following a bombshell report by Eurofins Environment Testing. Commissioned by the local drainage district, the independent lab analyzed the refinery's wastewater and found distinct traces of toxic metals. The analysis detected arsenic at 0.0025 mg/L and hexavalent chromium—the notorious carcinogen from the Erin Brockovich case—at 0.0104 mg/L. Investigators also identified abnormally high concentrations of lithium, manganese, and sodium, establishing a distinct chemical signature pointing directly back to the battery plant. Armed with this data, the Nueces County Drainage District No. 2 immediately issued a cease-and-desist letter to Tesla. The ConsequenceThe environmental and public health repercussions for South Texas residents are immediate and severe. The drainage ditch funneling Tesla's industrial waste directly feeds into Petronila Creek and ultimately empties into Baffin Bay, a critical ecological zone and longtime fishing destination whose health has already been deteriorating. The chemical discharge creates conditions 10 to 20 times saltier than normal surface water, threatening the ditch's infrastructure and its ability to protect surrounding neighborhoods from flooding. For the American consumer aggressively pushed toward EV adoption, these statistics expose a grim tradeoff: zero tailpipe emissions at the expense of localized toxic pollution. Right now, enforcement is a bureaucratic stalemate. Tesla maintains that it operates in full compliance with its state-issued wastewater permit. Because the TCEQ failed to include limits for lithium, arsenic, or chromium in its initial authorization, the state has yet to penalize the automaker or halt operations. The burden of enforcement has entirely fallen on local county officials, whose cease-and-desist order faces an uncertain legal future against the automaker. Tesla Conscious ChoicesThe electric vehicle transition cannot run on regulatory loopholes. The next time an automaker touts a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing footprint as a total victory for the environment, verify the permit details. True sustainability means demanding corporate accountability across the entire supply chain, ensuring the water flowing out of the factory is as clean as the cars rolling off the line, because the truth of the matter is the environmental cleanliness of EVs depends almost entirely on the local governance and energy generation. View the full article

Pocket Rocket Kimera Automobili's going four-wheel drive for its EVO38 Collezione Martini. That and 640 horsepower in a car that weighs less than 2,500 lbs. The new EVO38 is an evolution of Kimera's 38, which was introduced in 2024. It's also a successor to the EVO37, and picks up where that car left off. To be precise, we're looking at a curb weight of 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg), paired with a motor that drives all four wheels and delivers 640 horsepower. The Martini Kimera was a hit, and it's resulted in this pocket rocket, and diving deeper only serves to enthuse us more. Kimera Automobili The Engine Power comes from a 2.1-liter four-cylinder with a turbocharger. Of course, cooling and other heat-extrating upgrades were made to the motor, but also to the intercoolers, which have their own set of apparatus to supplement their performance. Under peak loads, water sprays from nozzles to cool the fins and keep intake charge temperatures down. Remember, colder air is denser, meaning more power. The redline for this motor is set at 8,200 rpm, 500 more than the previous iteration of the Martini Kimera. As for this engine's torque figures, Kimera says it is 22% higher than before and approaches 516 lb ft (700 Nm). Kimera Automobili View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Aesthetics As for its looks, of course, you cannot deny the Lancia look. For the EVO38, specifically, you get a front end that's "sharper and more decisive than ever," according to Kimera. New air intakes also aid cooling, and their massive cooling vents allow spectators to view the motor without removing a panel or popping a hood. In addition to the wild bodywork, Kimera's gone the extra mile to give its customers extra choice. The previous Martini special was only available in white, but this time around, there will be more color options to choose from. These colors, as Kimera puts it, are still "inspired by the visual language of the Martini brand, each with its own soul, its own character, its own light." The color options include Pearl White, Vermouth Red, and Dry Green, as seen in the official images. Kimera Automobili View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article Availability? "Vanishingly Limited Numbers" With a 38-unit production run for the prior Martini special, this EVO38 may have an even more exclusive production run – perhaps less than 38 units. Only a handful of these cars will be made, and each color may have different rarities as well. I'm sure Kimera's customers will see the value in this reimagined classic, especially in a Martini trim. I don't know if having the livery makes the car that much more valuable, but I cannot deny that a Martini livery is unquestionably classic. Kimera Automobili View the 18 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In the sprawling, transcontinental metropolis of Istanbul, where the call to prayer mingles with the roar of modern transit, the custom scene is defined by a unique kind of grit. It is a city of layers, ancient history stacked atop a surging, tech-driven future. Amidst this architectural and cultura... View the full article

The Spring Fling at GALOT is LIVE right now with big money bracket racing going on through the weekend! If you want to see great drag racing action from one of the nicest dragstrips in the country, then you need to watch the free livestream below. Darana Motorsports Park, aka Galot, is home to the Spring Fling and this event promises some really hot action this weekend. That’s right, it is Spring Fling time and that means some of the hottest bracket racers in the country are going to be battling it out for big money at Galot where the Spring Fling is going on this weekend. Racing action starts Tuesday, right here and we’ll have all the action for you all the way through Saturday. The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: Big Money Bracket Racing From The 2026 Spring Fling at Galot – $40,000 Saturday! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Trump Policies Push Ford’s U.S. Production to New HighsAn exclusive report from the Washington Reporter claims that trade and tariff policies under Donald Trump are reshaping the auto industry’s manufacturing footprint. The data, sourced from S&P Global Mobility, shows that Ford Motor Company imported just 378,123 vehicles into the United States in 2025. That figure places Ford among the least import-reliant major automakers, trailing only Tesla and BMW. Ford built roughly six vehicles in the U.S. for every one it imported. In total, more than 2 million vehicles were assembled domestically, representing 83% of its U.S. sales. Political figures cited in the report credit tariffs and tax incentives for accelerating reshoring. The White House continues to position these figures as proof of a broader manufacturing revival ahead of the midterm elections. Ford A Harsh Financial RealityFord CEO Jim Farley has not been passive in the face of tariffs. He has publicly outlined strategies to offset rising costs, including supply chain adjustments and localized production. These moves were designed to cushion the company from the volatility tied to trade policy and shifting global sourcing. However, those efforts have not fully insulated the balance sheet. Ford reported a staggering $8.2 billion loss last year, underscoring the financial strain of operating under tariff pressure. The company has responded by increasing prices on key models, passing some of the burden onto consumers. Despite this, Ford continues to push forward with domestic production plans and major facility investments across the United States. Getty Images Tariffs Carry a Steep CostThe broader industry impact is significant. Tariff policies tied to local manufacturing have cost automakers more than $35 billion since 2025. These expenses stem from higher material costs, disrupted supply chains, and the need to reconfigure production strategies to comply with domestic requirements. Complicating matters further, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled aspects of these tariffs unconstitutional. Even so, the ruling has not translated into immediate price relief for consumers. Automakers remain locked into higher cost structures, and pricing adjustments continue to reflect that reality. The gap between policy intent and market outcome remains evident. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images Resilience Comes at a PriceFord’s trajectory stands out in a market where other manufacturers are struggling to justify U.S.-based production. Nissan admitted that it finds it difficult to build affordable vehicles domestically, citing labor and material costs. Against that backdrop, Ford’s commitment to American manufacturing appears unusually resilient. That resilience comes with caveats. Higher production costs and elevated vehicle prices remain sticking points. If pricing begins to stabilize, the narrative could shift toward a more favorable outlook for both consumers and domestic manufacturing. Until then, Ford’s strategy reflects both the promise and the friction of a reshored auto industry. View the full article

2025 on the BlackStellantis has been working to get back on track after a tough run, despite 2025 showing slightly positive signs, especially in the US. Jeep, Ram, and Dodge have been doing the heavy lifting, driving up shipments and building momentum after months of inventory headaches, pricing problems, and slow EV sales. Ram and Jeep are still the main profit engines in North America, while Peugeot and Fiat hold things down in Europe and Latin America. So this latest report isn’t really a shock – it just confirms what’s already been happening. The report says Stellantis is gearing up to put most of its money behind just four brands: Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, and Fiat. That’s a big change for a company that’s always bragged about having 14 brands under its belt. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Regional Roles Could Replace Global AmbitionsAccording to Reuters, brands like Citroën, Opel, and Alfa Romeo aren’t going anywhere, but they’ll be more like regional players instead of global stars. Instead of getting big budgets for new models, they’ll have to lean on shared platforms and tech from the main four. That probably means more badge engineering, more region-specific models, and picking markets where each brand actually sells. The report also mentions rebadging cars for certain countries, as well as tweaking designs and tuning to keep each brand’s identity intact. CEO Antonio Filosa is reportedly on board with this plan, but he’s not looking to axe any brands outright. Some investors want to cut the weaker names, but Filosa seems to think they’re still worth keeping around where they make sense. We’ll see the full game plan in Detroit on May 21. The Bigger Question Might Be ChryslerBut here’s what really jumps out: Chrysler isn’t on that list. Chrysler used to be the name in American family cars and big sedans, but now it’s almost silent. In the US, the Pacifica is doing all the work, the 300 is gone, and there’s nothing new on the horizon. Dealers have been begging for something fresh, but the wait just drags on. That’s why this four-brand focus is worrying. If Chrysler isn’t getting real investment, it could fade away completely. Stellantis keeps promising new electric models and flashy concepts, but that doesn’t help when showrooms need cars people can actually drive home. Adam Lynton/Autoblog View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Jordan Vandergriff and the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car team led John Force Racing’s first-day qualifying efforts for the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway but all four teams’ solid runs Friday night positioned them for success in Saturday’s final two qualifying sessions and Sunday’s first round of eliminations. Vandergriff ran 3.899 seconds at 328.70 mph for the second-quickest Funny Car run of the day. Alexis DeJoria and the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car team sit fifth with their run of 3.932 seconds at 331.20 mph while Jack Beckman and the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet SS Funny Car team are sixth with their run of 3.933 seconds at 314.97 mph. “This was my first night session run in a Funny Car and it’s a lot different,” said Vandergriff. “The header flames make it a lot brighter, which kind of narrows your vision but it’s really cool driving these things at night. It’s been a great weekend so far for the Cornwell Tools team here in Charlotte.” Josh Hart and the HendrickCars.com Top Fuel team established the fourth-quickest run of their class with a Friday evening run of 3.733 seconds at 324.59 mph. “We wanted a little bit more, but I can’t put into words how proud I am to be flying the HendrickCars.com flag this weekend,” Hart said. “I got to meet Rick Hendrick for the first time and Kyle Larson was hanging out with us, too, so lots of cool first-time experiences. The car looks amazing. The fans here are awesome so It’s always great to be in Charlotte.” Saturday’s qualifying sessions are scheduled for 12:30 and 3 p.m. ET. Sunday eliminations are slated for 12 p.m. ET. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24, and 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, April 26, with eliminations action at 7 p.m. ET to follow. This story was originally published on April 25, 2026. The post Jordan Vandergriff Leads John Force Racing in Friday Qualifying at zMAX first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Engineered ScarcityThe Lamborghini Temerario is supposed to be the brand's "entry-level" option, slotting below the flagship Revuelto. It effectively replaces the Huracan, which was a bestseller for Lamborghini during its long run as the entry model. It made its official debut in 2024, and here we are two years later with the brand employing an interesting production and sales tactic. Engineered scarcity is a new term and internal process used by most luxury brands. It simply means that they are limiting the production and supply of a specific product. EuroCar Used Worth More Than New?Lamborghini is employing this so-called tactic without shame; in fact, brand executives are openly admitting that engineered scarcity is necessary to protect residual value and the brand's exclusivity as a luxury high-performance car maker. This has led to the Temerario being in high demand, and exposing buyers to extremely long wait times for their brand-new Lambos. Since demand continues to increase and supply remains on the same strategy, some people are looking elsewhere. Interestingly, some people who've already gotten their Temerarios are selling theirs on the second-hand market. What seems like a strange move might actually be smart, because these barely used examples are selling for higher than sticker price. Two Temerarios are listed on Eurocar, a high-end dealer in California. The first one is listed at $590,000, which is $210,000 more than the car's MSRP ($380,000). This particular one has some added extras to boot, like the special Blu Glauco paint, passenger display screen, parking pack, leather pack, and a Sonus Faber sound system. A pretty loaded Temerario, with just 55 miles on the odometer. EuroCar View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article It Takes TwoThe second car up for sale, also on Eurocar, is finished in the Giallo Auge Metallic. Although it has fewer options than the first listing, it's still being sold for higher than sticker price at $499,000. Demand for the Temerario is no surprise, considering that, despite being the baby Lambo, it delivers huge performance, with over 900 hpfrom the twin-turbo V8 assisted by hybrid power. Currently, the wait time for a brand-new Temerario is around 6-12 months, and this isn't limited to the U.S. market. So if you're too excited to wait, these two from Eurocar are waiting, but be ready to pay above asking. EuroCar View the full article

Reshaping Tesla’s RoadmapElon Musk used Tesla’s April 22 earnings call to outline a future that leans heavily into autonomy. The headline claim? The upcoming second-generation Tesla Roadster will be the only model in the lineup designed for full human control. Everything else is expected to transition toward self-driving capability through software and hardware evolution. He also framed the Tesla Cybercab as the brand’s de facto compact car. It is a two-seat vehicle that prioritizes space efficiency, based on Tesla’s claim that 90% of trips involve one or two occupants. Vehicles built before 2023 are limited by older hardware. Newer models equipped with Hardware 4 are expected to unlock full autonomy via updates to Full Self-Driving. For legacy owners, Tesla is offering retrofit pathways, trade-in credits, or camera upgrades. Musk also revived his most provocative idea yet. He suggested future Teslas could incorporate some form of flight capability. The Long-Delayed RoadsterTesla has spent years building anticipation around the new Roadster. First shown in 2017, the car has become a symbol of the company’s ambition rather than a product on the road. Musk has teased what he calls an “epic” reveal, claiming the car will redefine performance benchmarks for electric vehicles. Musk has openly stated that the Roadster is not being engineered with safety or autonomy as its primary focus. That runs counter to Tesla’s broader strategy. Instead, the Roadster is framed as a purist machine. It is meant to celebrate driving at a time when the rest of the lineup is moving away from it. That contrast is deliberate. It turns the Roadster into both a halo product and a philosophical outlier. Top Gear Tesla Is Betting Everything on AutonomyTesla’s confidence in its self-driving stack has grown more visible in recent years. Demonstrations of long-distance drives using Full Self-Driving with minimal or zero human intervention are becoming central to its messaging. These tests are designed to validate a camera-based approach that avoids the expensive sensor suites used by rivals. The Cybercab concept pushes that idea further. It removes traditional controls entirely. No steering wheel, no pedals, and no expectation of human override. The result is a cabin that feels unfamiliar, even unsettling, because it removes the driver from the equation entirely. For Tesla, that is the point. The company is no longer iterating on the car as we know it. It is redefining what a car is supposed to be. Out of Spec Reviews / YouTube Ambition Meets UncertaintyThe idea of a flying Tesla still sounds speculative. Even by Musk’s standards, it stretches credibility. Yet the Roadster has been linked to unconventional propulsion concepts, or maybe even "fly" before. That leaves just enough ambiguity to keep the conversation alive. Tesla thrives on that edge between plausibility and hype. There have been high-profile incidents, legal challenges, and ongoing scrutiny of Tesla’s systems. Critics argue that the technology is being deployed faster than it can be safely validated. Musk, for his part, remains one of the industry’s most effective marketers. He frames the future in bold terms and lets the market respond. Whether that future arrives as promised is still an open question. Getty View the full article