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BMW just put a powertrain specialist in charge, and that may tell us exactly where motorcycles are headed next. View the full article

Chris King is ready to make his 2026 NHRA debut. The Chicago native is excited to race at Route 66 Raceway in front of his friends and family.View the full article

BMW may have just leaked the biggest, most unhinged cafe racer of the modern era through an Instagram post by none other than Markus Flasch. View the full article

A Small Recall That Reaches Across Nearly Every GM BrandHot on the heels of Ford’s recall for older F-150s, GM is now facing its own recall – this time covering a wide range of Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles. The issue isn’t limited to just one type of vehicle; it stretches from full-size SUVs to half-ton pickups. The silver lining: despite the long list of models, only 66 vehicles are actually involved. That includes a few older trucks and SUVs, plus some of the latest 2026 models. This recall is focused on four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models; two-wheel-drive versions are in the clear. The list covers 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, along with 2026 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, and Escalade. According to GM, one replacement transfer-case assembly may also have been installed in an older truck or SUV during a previous repair, which widened the recall beyond current-production vehicles. Missing Transfer-Case Part Could Cause Wheel Lock-UpAccording to NHTSA’s recall report, a missing oil pickup tube inside the transfer case was the main culprit for the recall. Without it, key bearings don’t get the lubrication they need, which can cause internal damage and, in the worst case, make the wheels lock up while you’re driving. GM says you might hear a grinding noise before things get serious, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get any warning before the wheels suddenly lock. GM traced the root cause to changes on the supplier’s assembly line at Magna Powertrain de México. Some transfer cases left the factory incomplete because standard procedures and error checks weren’t followed during production. The issue first showed up when a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 locked up its wheels in a parking lot. When GM tore down the transfer case, they found the missing oil pickup tube. That discovery kicked off GM’s safety investigation in April 2026. So far, GM has found four field complaints that might be tied to this defect. The good news: there haven’t been any crashes or injuries reported. Chevrolet GM Says Owners Should Not Drive Affected VehiclesGM isn’t taking any chances. Owners are being told not to drive their trucks or SUVs until a dealer can check the transfer case and make repairs if needed. Dealers will inspect the transfer-case assembly and replace it if needed. GM says replacement parts either come from production batches outside the suspect manufacturing window or have already been rebuilt to fix the issue. The automaker also noted that supplier process corrections and additional validation checks were completed on April 2, 2026, meaning newer production vehicles should no longer carry the defect. Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on June 22, 2026. In the meantime, affected owners can check their VINs through GM or NHTSA recall databases to see if their vehicle is included. General Motors View the full article

The new "non-running bike" restart rule could incentivize riders to hug a bike as it careered across the track to save precious time during qualifying. But at what cost?View the full article

Honda Needs a Shot in the ArmHonda's EV gamble had ended in disaster. Not only that, the collaboration with Sony is as good as dead. As a result, the Japanese automaker had suffered its first loss in nearly 70 years. The next couple of years will be tough, for sure, but we're pretty sure Honda won't take its current situation lightly. During the company's recent business update conference, CEO Toshihiro Mibe revealed two concepts that will shape its future. One is called the Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype, and the other is the Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype. Sure, the names aren't the most imaginative, but they give a sneak peek of what lies ahead. Honda Honda Hybrid Sedan PrototypeHonda didn't say much about the car other than simply showing it. There was no explanation of which model it previews, nor were any technical specifications mentioned. That said, we reckon this might be a glimpse of what Honda plans for the next-generation Civic. Should that be the case, we might be looking at a very radical redesign of the compact sedan. The sharp, angular lines and the fastback shape are a massive departure from the current Civic, and if Honda goes for this look, it'll certainly raise some eyebrows. Curiously, it comes with those DOT side markers, hinting at Honda's focus on the North American market. Honda There's also the possibility that it's the next-generation Accord. In photos, at least, the car looks large, although the modern Civic is bordering on midsize in length. However, it's worth noting that the eleventh-generation Civic is now four years old and is closer to a full model change than the Accord. Honda Acura Hybrid SUV ConceptLike the Honda, the Acura concept had close to no details mentioned. However, it's easier to predict what next-generation model it could eventually become. Our best guess is that it'll be the fourth-generation RDX, given the model's proportions. At the same time, Acura announced the redesigned crossover will arrive 'in the next couple of years.' The concept also aligns with the teaser photothe company released earlier this year. The shape of the headlights is identical, and the distinct shoulder line on the quarter panel matches that of the car that was just displayed. Of course, we'd like to see more angles of the crossover, but Honda only provided one photo of each. Honda When Can We Expect These?According to Honda, we can see the production versions of these concepts within the next two years.' Looking at the product timelines for Honda and Acura models suggests we're looking at the future Civic and RDX. Two years from now, the eleventh-gen Civic will be seven years old, while the RDX was put on hiatus until the arrival of the all-new model. Given Honda's current situation, it needs a raft of redesigned models to turn the ship around. Its midsize models will have to hang on for a little longer in their current iterations. However, it appears that Honda will put more effort into fine-tuning its compact offerings. Acura View the full article

This Audi R8 was taken to a new level by Cicio Performance. Check out what Cicio did to JR Pines R8 to make it crank out 1,400 horsepower.View the full article

Honda’s Rough Year is Forcing a Change in DirectionHonda is now in rebuilding mode after a $2.5 billion loss for fiscal 2025 – the biggest in its history. The company’s rapid EV push, mixed with softer demand and higher costs, has put it in a spot that looks a lot like where Nissan found itself not long ago. Honda isn’t in a full-blown crisis, but it’s definitely making course corrections. At a business meeting in Japan, Honda announced its plan for the next few years. As one of Honda’s most profitable markets, North America is at the heart of this reset. That said, Honda is now shaping its future lineup around what people are actually buying. That means hybrids take priority over a full-speed EV rollout. For Honda, the goal by the end of fiscal 2029 is to return to a record-high operating profit of over 1.4 trillion yen, or around $8.9 billion at today’s exchange rates. Honda North America is the Priority for Honda’s Hybrid PushThe biggest shift is Honda’s pivot to hybrids, especially for North America. Development and production resources are being redirected right away, with a new wave of next-gen hybrids set to arrive starting in 2027. By 2029, Honda will roll out 15 new hybrid models globally, most of which are headed to North America. More importantly, bigger D-segment hybrids are coming, which means midsize hybrid SUVs and possibly large, family-focused crossovers aimed at American buyers. Honda also previewed two upcoming products: the Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype (probably the next Civic Hybrid) and the Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype (the RDX Hybrid). Both are expected to arrive within the next two years and will introduce the brand’s next-generation hybrid system. Honda says the new hybrid system will cut costs by more than 30% and boost fuel economy by over 10% compared to current models. The new platform and electric AWD are also supposed to sharpen driving feel – something Honda has always been known for. Honda’s manufacturing is shifting as well. All North American plants will eventually be set up to build hybrids, and the Ohio plant will use its extra capacity for both hybrid and gas-powered models. Even the US battery partnership with LG Energy Solution is being reworked to support hybrids, not just EVs. Honda Trying to Stabilize FinancesHonda is also moving resources to Japan, India, and China as part of its recovery plan. In Japan, the focus is on expanding the EV lineup with kei cars like the N-BOX EV, due in 2028. Future models, starting with the next Vezel (HR-V), will get updated hybrid systems and new driver-assist tech. Honda also wants to boost profits with higher-margin trims like Sport Line and Trail Line. In China, Honda plans to cut costs and speed things up by using more local parts, regional tech, and partner-developed platforms. On the financial side, Honda’s next three years are all about rebuilding the car business before trying to grow again later on. The plan is to cut back significantly on EV spending and allocate more money to hybrids, combustion engines, and software. This is a clear shift from Honda’s earlier all-in EV strategy. Instead of going all-out on electric right away, Honda is now balancing hybrids, gas engines, and new software while waiting for EV demand to settle. For North America, that’s probably a better match for what most buyers want right now. Honda View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The 2026 Kawasaki Z900RS SE keeps the Z1-inspired look but gains the electronics, throttle refinement and extra polish the retro Zed has long deserved. The post 2026 Kawasaki Z900RS SE Review | Old-school Zed, new-school polish appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Electric off-road bikes do away with engine oil, fuel and plenty of traditional service items, but Stark has confirmed its VARG machines still rely on specific MOTOREX gear oil, coolant and brake fluid. The post Stark VARG still needs oil — just not where you might expect appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

MotoGP heads to Catalunya with Aprilia carrying major momentum after its Le Mans podium lockout, Ducati missing Marc Marquez, and Jorge Martin closing to within a point of Marco Bezzecchi. The post Catalunya next test for Aprilia as Ducati regroups without Marc Marquez appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

KTM’s 2027 XC and XC-F cross-country line-up has been revealed, with the Australia-only 125 XC a surprising but welcome addition to the range. The post KTM sharpens cross-country line-up with 2027 XC and XC-F range appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

For the sixth annual Overland Expo adventure vehicle "Ultimate Build," Nissan has come to the party with a special 2026 Frontier PRO-4X, modified to be the ideal home base for those who like taking the road less traveled. The special build makes its public debut at Overland Expo West this weekend (May 15-17) in Flagstaff, Arizona, before it tours other Overland Expo events and is used for media drives. So what did Overland Expo change, exactly? Not anything under the hood, where the durable 3.8-liter V6 engine (Nissan's favorite) provides 310 naturally aspirated horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, though a Borla exhaust system upgrade did get the nod. Aftermarket Upgrades and Accessories Take Frontier PRO-4X Further Nissan NISMO rock sliders and underbody skid plates help keep the build going in precarious situations, while a heavy-duty winch system was added to the front of the Frontier (sorry, couldn't resist) to help pull the pickup out of trouble if it gets stuck. Black Rhino 17-inch alloy wheels in a satin grey finish and Lava Red lettering are shod in Hankook Dynapro AT2 all-terrain tires, and Bilstein suspension upgrades designed to provide greater wheel articulation and overall composure also appear. A steel front bumper makes the truck even more rugged, and to make the vehicle more livable, it gets a bed-mounted pop-up camper, and additional lights help get to the campsite in the dark and see around it once home base is all set up. The bed-mounted accessories also include multiple jerry cans in case the adventure leaves the V6 too thirsty for just one tank of fuel. Nissan View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Not too much else is necessary because the PRO-4X variant gets an electronic locking rear differential, an off-road mode that can be used at speeds of up to 12 mph, and a surround-view monitor that helps the driver see obstacles around the truck. "The Frontier PRO-4X is one of the most honest overland platforms on the market," according to Anthony Sicola, Ultimate Vehicle Build project manager at Overland Expo. "It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not – and that’s exactly why it works so well. It’s capable, comfortable, and adaptable, which makes it a perfect canvas for long-term overland travel." Overlanding Nissan Frontier Will Be Up for Grabs Nissan View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article If you like what you see in these images, the Ultimate Overland Vehicle will be auctioned on Bring-a-Trailer later this year, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Overland Expo Foundation, which "protects and advances the overland community." If you'd rather build your own off-road Frontier, the 2026 model carries a base MSRP of $32,150, though the PRO-4X is a little pricier, starting at $38,570 in 4x2 form and $41,870 with 4x4. There's also a Long Bed version of the latter for $42,370. If you don't mind waiting, details on the 2027 Nissan Frontier are coming soon, so stay tuned. Nissan View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The 2026 Pro Motocross Championship is loaded with storylines as Jett Lawrence returns from injury, Hunter Lawrence seeks redemption, Haiden Deegan steps into the 450 class, and Kiwi Cole Davies takes his Supercross-winning form outdoors. The post ANZAC attack sharpens for 2026 Pro Motocross opener appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Ducati’s Multistrada V2 has been reinvented around a new 890 cc twin-cylinder engine, lighter chassis package and broader ergonomic adjustment, with the V2 S adding Skyhook electronic suspension. The post Unlock Everyday Adventure with the Ducati Multistrada V2 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

There's been a lot of talk about a new electric Golf over the last few years, potentially even as a replacement for the combustion version. Volkswagen is no longer talking about it as a replacement, instead saying an electric and a gas Golf will coexist, with the latter recently becoming a hybrid and the former being delayed. The delay was reportedly due to budget constraints that would come under too much additional pressure if EV-building upgrades to the Wolfsburg plant were to go ahead. But now Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer has said the electric Golf is not necessary now, next year, or even in 2028. VW Boss: No Need for Electric Golf With Current Lineup Volkswagen According to Autocar, Schäfer said at the FT's Future Car of the Car event in London, "We have a fantastic lineup now that we do not need an electric Golf in 2028. We are well set with what we have in our portfolio with our vehicles." Turning the Golf electric is a double-edged sword for VW. On the one hand, it's an iconic, instantly recognizable, and globally loved nameplate that could help increase interest in EVs. On the other hand, that exact reputation could be smeared if the electric Golf does not meet expectations (yes, VW did produce an e-Golf in the past, but that was when competition in the compact segment was not as intense as it is today, and while that e-Golf was decent as an addition to the Golf menu, other automakers have since made compact EVs that are brilliant). Fortunately, Volkswagen does not see the need to take that route just yet. Related: This Is Your First Look at the Volkswagen Golf 9 Along with the ID.4 and ID. Buzz, for example, Volkswagen will be expanding its EV lineup this year with cars including the ID. Polo, the ID.3 Neo, and the ID. Cross, with others like the ID. Tiguan expected to join later. Schäfer's comments not only indicate that an electric Golf is unnecessary right now, but also that it is inevitable. Perhaps VW is worried that an ID. Golf would be too popular, taking some of the limelight off the likes of the ID. Polo. Another reason could be that the Scalable Systems Platform architecture atop which the Golf EV will sit still needs more work, hinted Schäfer. VW's Next-Gen Golf EV Should Be Worth the Wait Volkswagen The SSP system will be an 800-volt setup with more advanced battery technology and, after VW's attempt at in-house software development with the Cariad division fell apart, a new software architecture developed alongside Rivian, which VW is now the biggest shareholder in. However, the Golf won't be the first product we see from these efforts, with Audi and Porsche getting first dibs, according to Schäfer. "SSP, we will roll it out across the brands. We will start with the premium brands first," he said, adding, "It will start with Audi, then Porsche, then us [Volkswagen] and on and on." With "increased competition" from Chinese EV brands, VW needs to find ways to make cars more affordably, and sharing costs with other automakers in the VW Group is just one of the methods VW has to employ. View the full article

Toyota's Performance Car ResurgenceAbout 20 years ago, Toyota's performance car offerings had all but dried up. The MR2 Spyder had been discontinued in the U.S, and the Celica was on its last legs. The next couple of years saw Japan's biggest automaker roll along without any models that would get the heart racing. Thankfully, that was rectified with the GT 86, initially called the Scion FR-S in America. What followed was a flurry of sports models that, in many ways, brought back Toyota's mojo. After the 86, the Supra returned in 2017, and its first serious hot hatch, the GR Yaris, followed in 2020. The GR Corolla debuted in 2022, and now the first standalone GR model has been revealed: the GT. Toyota, of all brands, is waving the flag for Japanese performance cars worldwide. Toyota Built by SpecialistsHagerty, specifically Larry Chen, was recently granted exclusive access to the GR assembly line. There, we not only see how the cars are made but also how seriously Toyota takes its performance cars. By the time you finish the video, there's a good chance you'll have a greater appreciation for the GR models. For starters, the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and Lexus LBX Morizo RR aren't built on the same assembly line as their more pedestrian counterparts. These cars are built in a dedicated facility within the Motomachi plant. It's something that Toyota didn't need to do to save costs, but did anyway. That said, it's worth mentioning that the new U.S-bound GR Corollas are made in England, not Japan. Chen noted that GR models are built more by hand than by robots. That's because the structures of these cars are much stiffer than standard ones. There's additional spot welding done, and there's heaps more structural adhesives to make the cars as rigid as possible. But what amazes the most is the speed of the line workers, and the attention to detail given by those who build the cars is truly something else. The entire video is over 40 minutes long, but every minute is worth watching. Bonus ContentIf that wasn't enough, Chen was also allowed to do a ride-along with a mid-engined GR Yaris prototype. Mind you, the test mule doesn't have the new G20E; instead, sticking with the G16E. Still, that's one heck of a privilege, and Chen said that the car moves differently, completely transforming the small hot hatch. If Toyota is, indeed, working on an MR2, it's looking very promising. The video also explored the passionate engineers of GR. Turns out, there are amateur and professional racing drivers who build and develop the cars. If anything, the entire operation is run by people with fuel in their veins and not merely people doing a job for the sake of it. Of course, it helps that the chairperson doesn't just have his family name on the building, but is also a hands-on car guy. Oh, there's even a quick tour of Akio Toyoda's 'man cave' within the facility. Toyota View the full article

Every country that sits next to a hostile neighbour needs a credible army. South Korea has known this for seven decades, maintaining one of Asia's largest standing forces through mandatory military service. But numbers are slipping fast. Troop strength has fallen roughly 20 percent over six years, sitting at around 450,000, and that figure is projected to drop further. The reason isn't conflict or desertion. It's demographics. South Korea has the world's lowest birth rate, and that means fewer bodies available to serve today. It’s what makes the conversation now happening with Hyundai Motor Group so significant. Hyundai Hyundai's Robots Are Already Built for ThisIt is a strange thing to imagine a car company helping to defend a border. But Hyundai's ambitions long ago outgrew the factory floor and the showroom. The group's robotics arm has spent years developing platforms that, with very little modification, map neatly onto non-combat military needs. A wheeled logistics bot built for last-mile deliveries becomes a supply runner in forward positions. An exoskeleton designed to stop warehouse workers throwing their backs out becomes a load-bearing kit for soldiers on the move. Boston Dynamics' Spot, the dog-like robot Hyundai snapped up in 2021, was already being used in industrial inspections and emergency response. The AI-powered Atlas, suitable for a variety of jobs on the floor and capable of learning, could be a reconnaissance tool. These are not prototype concepts being reverse-engineered for defence. They are working machines finding a new employer. Hyundai View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Where Cars End and Defence BeginsWhat makes Hyundai so well placed for this is the same thing that makes its EV division competitive globally. The electric and electronic architecture developed for autonomous vehicles transfers into robotic platforms with unusual speed. Hyundai is already testing humanoid robots in its shipyards through HD Hyundai affiliates, and in early 2026 donated unmanned firefighting machines to Korea's national fire agency. The line between carmaker, tech company, and defence supplier is getting very thin. For Hyundai, robots are simply the next frontier after engines. View the full article

Santa Pod Raceway’s 60th Anniversary season hits the launch button over the next two weekends. First comes this weekend’s THE DOORSLAMMERS, featuring full-bodied cars with working doors, sprung chassis, serious intent and a serious prize purse of £100,000! That’s just the start. Next comes an extended Bank Holiday weekend featuring two race meetings in one. The brand-new Carl Cox Motorsport Series provides the opening salvo on Thursday and Friday. Then, running from Friday to Bank Holiday Monday, The Main Event brings over 300 car and motorcycle teams from 18 countries to contest the first round of the FIA/FIM European Drag Racing Championships. The multi-disciplinary Carl Cox Motorsport stable includes luminaries such as Isle of Man TT hero Michael Dunlop, but drag racing is the superstar DJ and motorsport entrepreneur’s personal enthusiasm. Hardly have Europe’s fastest door cars – Pro Mods – cooled their motors from their DOORSLAMMERS exertions than they are fired up again to chase a £20,000 bounty placed on the line by Cox in the Carl Cox Motorsport Series. Cox himself races regularly in the Pro Mod class in Australia and is introducing an Australian-style format, run to a 5.90-second index, for this competition. For drag racing’s most expensive ‘door car’ class, Cox hopes this new series and prize money will help support and grow the Pro Mod category, particularly for teams operating on more limited budgets. Owing to music commitments, the DJ misses this first contest in the three-race series and a respected substitute will drive his US-built car. However, Cox climbs back behind the wheel in the next two races scheduled for July and September. All manner of cars – door cars, dragsters, altereds, roadsters – and motorcycles too will fill the paddock when The Main Event presents the opening round of 2026’s FIA and FIM European Drag Racing Championships. The entry list currently stands at 305, with 18 countries represented. Machinery ranging from the most powerful two- and four-wheeled vehicles on the planet – Top Fuel Dragsters and Bikes – right down to their miniature Junior Dragster and Dragbike counterparts – drivers and riders starting from age eight – populate a rich and diverse racing programme with an array of entertainment attractions attached. Europe’s two fastest women drivers headline the 11,000-horsepower Top Fuel Dragster show. Sweden’s Susanne Callin (320.20mph) and Switzerland’s Jndia Erbacher (320.15mph) have wrapped up the past two seasons’ FIA European Championships between them. While Erbacher is the quicker of the two over the 1,000-foot course which, for safety reasons, these behemoth cars nowadays run – a career-best 3.817 seconds to Callin’s 3.840 – the fractional differences in elapsed time and terminal speed count for nothing when it’s winning the race to the finish line that matters. Meanwhile, Colin Millar maintains his quest to be Scotland’s fastest driver. The popular Outlaw Anglia racer has burnished his brand name The Flyin’ Fyfer on the flanks of a Top Fuel Dragster in a bid to earn his Top Fuel licence and run with the fast ladies. Pro Modified will be a thrill show throughout Saturday’s and Sunday’s qualifying sessions as 20 entries – saloon cars in silhouette but livid, all-out racing machines beneath the skin – fight their way into 16 available spots in Bank Holiday Monday’s eliminations. The Main Event combines two Pro Mod races in one: round one of the FIA European Pro Mod Championship and round two of the FuelTech Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship. Finland’s reigning European champion Jere Rantaniemi seeks a hat trick of FIA crowns. Estonia’s Andres Arnover is the 2025 Motorsport UK British champion as well as Europe’s quickest-ever Pro Mod racer, at 5.695sec over the classic quarter-mile, a mark set at Santa Pod last year. Both have 250mph-plus terminal speeds to their credit – so has Santa Pod-local Jon Webster, Britain’s only Pro Mod star to top that magic barrier. Fields of Top Methanol and Pro Stock cars complete the FIA championship programme. Germany’s past Top Methanol champion, Timo Habermann, makes a notable return after several seasons out. Ground-pounding nitro Funny Cars head the accompanying on-track programme with a range of UK national championship Sportsman classes in support. Jet Cars are an added attraction. On two wheels, the FIM European Championship brings entries in Top Fuel Bike, nitro SuperTwin, Pro Stock and Super Street bikes. Sweden’s Top Fuel Bike star Rikard Gustafsson returns with Europe’s quickest, fastest competition motorcycle, 5.638sec/260.65mph, to defend his European title. That’s 0-260 in 5.6 seconds on two wheels. Round one of the Carl Cox Motorsport Series takes place from Thursday 21st to Friday 22nd May. https://santapod.co.uk/results/carl-cox-motorsport-series/ FIA/FIM The Main Event takes place from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th May. https://santapod.co.uk/main-event.php. Both races take place at Santa Pod Raceway, near Wellingborough NN29 7XA, with a wide range of off-track entertainments complementing the racing action.Book in advance, online at https://santapodtickets.com/ or by telephoning the Box Office at 01234 782828. Paddock access is free for a close-up view of all the pitside action. The post Santa Pod’s 60th Anniversary Season Lifts Off With Two Bumper Race Weekends first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

After the new Mustang GTD Competition variant smashed the Corvette ZR1X's Nürburgring lap time to become the fastest American car ever to lap the Green Hell last month, Ford is introducing an updated look for the GTD Spirit of America. The new look comes in the year that America celebrates 250 years of independence, and the theme incorporating the colors of the flag is truly striking. Things under the hood remain unchanged, so let's take a closer look at what has been revised. Mustang GTD Spirit of America 2.0: Subtle Updates Ford The red, white, and blue livery on the GTD Spirit of America's new look is an asymmetrical one, with Lightning Blue stripes running along the driver's side of the vehicle and down the middle, with a narrower Race Red stripe on the passenger side of the Performance White body. The thicker of the blue stripes and the red stripe stop at the vents on the hood, and this offset pattern is also meant to reference the iconic tri-bar seen on the classic Mustang logo. The mirror caps are finished in red, as are the end plates on the enormous top-hung rear wing, but this is not a change from the previous Spirit of America look. In case you don't recall the old look, this had just two narrow stripes, one red and one blue, both running along the middle of the car, from front bumper to hood, roof, trunk, and rear bumper. Related: Ford Might Be Turning Its Track-Focused Mustang Into a Convertible Everything else has been left alone, including the MUSTANG script under the wing and all the exposed carbon fiber elements, which include the front splitter and dive planes, side skirts, rear wing, and fender louvers. As standard, the Mustang GTD Spirit of America comes with the Performance Package, which includes the aforementioned dive planes and splitter, as well as the drag reduction system on the rear wing. Underbody flaps are included, too, as is a lightweight package that removes sound deadening and 20-inch magnesium wheels. Mustang GTD Spirit of America Applications Are Open Ford View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Until May 18, Ford has opened the application window for potential North American buyers, and if approved, they'll get a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 with a claimed 815 horsepower (though the GTD may actually deliver more), propelling the most expensive and most extreme Mustang yet to a top speed of 202 mph. The 'regular' GTD starts somewhere north of $300,000 before the Spirit of America upgrade, but if you have loads of cash to spend, you can also opt for some truly exceptional paint finishes, as a Mustang GTD in Lamborghini Viola Pasiafae (purple) showed last month. There's also the undoubtedly expensive Liquid Carbon option, which provides the GTD with exposed carbon fiber. These sorts of options certainly place the GTD deeper in true supercar territory, and we hope to see owners showing the GTD's prowess at track days over the coming months and years. After all, that's what it was built for. View the full article

Smarter Than Small TalkRivian has built its reputation around software-defined vehicles, and its latest AI assistant could be one of its most notable upgrades so far. That’s because the system can control many vehicle functions through simple voice commands from the driver – something Tesla’s Grok integration has yet to match. While Tesla’s Grok currently cannot control climate settings or media playback, Rivian Assistant can handle those functions, along with changing drive modes and adjusting ride height. It can also answer in-vehicle troubleshooting questions, making it not only functional but genuinely useful for drivers. Rivian AI That Learns The DriverThe Rivian Assistant is built directly into the vehicle’s hardware and software, unlike phone-mirroring voice systems such as Apple CarPlay’s Siri. Rivian says the system can learn a driver’s preferences over time and better understand complex, contextual voice commands, such as “Make everyone’s seat toasty except mine.” Other notable capabilities include summarizing local news, handling more advanced navigation requests, and sending text messages in the owner’s preferred tone. As cars become more advanced, Rivian Assistant could help the brand keep pace with, if not move ahead of, many of its rivals. It could also prove crucial in attracting more buyers to the brand, especially with the upcoming R2, which is expected to become Rivian's volume seller. At the end of the day, some buyers will appreciate AI and the convenience it brings, while others may still prefer a more analog driving experience. Rivian The Cost Of Smarter CarsFor those willing to bet on the AI-powered assistant, Rivian offers it only through a Connect+ subscription. The service is essentially Rivian’s version of Tesla’s Premium Connectivity, enabling cellular-based features and enhanced in-car software functions. Connect+ costs $14.99 per month, about $5 more than Tesla’s monthly Premium Connectivity plan. It is worth noting that services like these require data collection. However, Rivian said privacy measures are available, including the ability to disable the “Hey Rivian” wake phrase, limit location sharing, or turn off the memory feature. Rivian Assistant is compatible with Gen 1 vehicles (built through the 2024 model year) and Gen 2 models (introduced for 2025 onward). Rivian’s current all-electric consumer lineup includes the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, while the upcoming R2 crossover is competing directly with the Tesla Model Y. Rivian View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Peaks and ValleysNissan is fresh off its financial report for FY2025, and there's reason to be a little bit more optimistic for the Japanese automaker. Of course, it's not all good news, as the company still copped losses worth 533.1 billion yen ($3.376 billion), but on the other hand, there are positive signs towards recovery. With that, Nissan actually has a positive forecast for FY2026, and the company has even stated that its recovery is "ahead of schedule." It's not out of the woods yet, of course, and the slew of new models must perform exceptionally well to bring the brand back into the green. Nissan The LossesBefore we get to the good news, we'll take a look at the reasons for the losses. The biggest factor that slowed down Nissan's progress was, unsurprisingly, tariffs. On that alone, it cost Nissan a whopping 286 billion yen, or just over $1.8 billion, an amount that could've easily halved the company's losses. Sales were also down by 5.8%, from 3.346 million units to 3.151 million units. The biggest sales losses came from Japan, with home market sales dropping by 13.5%. Europe was the second-largest loss, with sales down 9.7%. The market with the smallest decline was North America at 0.9%. Lower sales during FY2025 cost the company another 35 billion yen ($221.7 million). Foreign exchange added to further losses, as did rising raw material costs and inflation. Nissan The Good NewsDespite those factors, Nissan reported positive cash flow during the second half of the financial year. It rose by 112 billion yen ($709.5 million), indicating promising signs of early recovery. As a whole, the company reported 58 billion yen ($367.4 million) in operating profit with consolidated revenue at 12 trillion yen ($76 billion). Nissan also managed to save 200 billion yen ($1.2 billion) in fixed costs and 55 billion yen ($348.4 million) in variable costs. Engineering costs per hour have also been reduced by 18%, and the consolidation of several production sites has saved the company more money. Nissan The Bright SideSo the momentum is there, which is why Nissan's outlook is positive. For FY2026, the company is aiming for net revenue of 13 trillion yen ($82.3 billion), operating profit of 200 billion yen ($1.2 billion), and net income of 20 billion yen ($126.7 million). Those numbers look far better than previous forecasts. Of course, there are still headwinds. The war in the Middle East isn't helping matters, as well as the oil situation. Tariffs also remain a massive hurdle for Nissan, as they do for everyone else in the car business. With that in mind, Nissan will continue implementing its cost-saving measures by streamlining additional operations to improve efficiency. The good news is that Nissan won't be facing the challenges of a dated model lineup. There's a lot to look forward to from the brand. The redesigned Juke aims to bring back European customers into its showrooms, while the new-generation Rogue (X-Trail in most markets) will be a key model for the company's sales rally. Redesigned and updated region-specific models are also underway, and more cars from China will be exported to maximize production capacity. Of course, we're looking forward to the Xterra revival, as well as the rebooted Skyline that will make its way to the U.S. as an Infiniti. Nissan/Youtube View the full article

Justin Ashley heads to this weekend’s Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK at Route 66 Raceway feeling good about the path his SCAG Racing team is on. There have been adjustments with new crew chiefs and new team members, but the Top Fuel standout continues to thrive, especially over the past three races. After a slow start to the year, Ashley has picked up steam in his 12,000-horsepower dragster, advancing to two semifinals and a final round in the loaded Top Fuel category. This weekend’s race in Chicago also marks a massive event for the SCAG team, as hundreds of employees will be on hand at Route 66 Raceway. Ashley loves the opportunity to put on a show for them as he seeks his first win of the season and at the fan-favorite facility. “I think we’re on a good path,” Ashley said. “Tommy (Delago, crew chief) and Jason (McCullouch, co-crew chief) have a plan and I love the plan they’re following. It’s like building a new house. It’s a brand new combination and we started everything from scratch. We’re laying that foundation and I think you’ll see more of it start to come to fruition the next few races. “I’m happy with how we’re doing and I know there’s areas where we’ll continue to improve. It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve really enjoyed this whole process through the first five races. We’ve got a championship group and we have a lot of fun together. We enjoy being around each other and it’s a great culture with this team.” Last season, Tony Stewart (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claimed wins in Chicago. The event will again be broadcast on FS1, with final elimination coverage on Sunday, May 17, beginning at 5 p.m. ET. It is the sixth of 20 races during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season and fans can look forward to a number of highlights in Chicago, including: An appearance from NHRA legend and Chicago native “The Greek,” Chris Karamesines, as NHRA honors his long career and accomplishments. Karamesines will also be featured on the unique commemorative ticket for the race. Fans can scan the on-site signs at the track to purchase the commemorative ticket, which will be distinctive to each event. On Sunday, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a free, limited-edition NHRA can cooler. A new-look Nitro Mall, special 75th anniversary displays and more. Ashley will also get to take part in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, taking on reigning world champion Doug Kalitta in a semifinal rematch from the most recent event at South Georgia Motorsports Park. Ashley will try to avenge that defeat and then parlay that into a victory against a field that features a host of standouts, including points leader Shawn Langdon, who won in Georgia and made the fastest run in NHRA history with an incredible blast of 345.00 mph. Others to watch include Leah Pruett, defending event winner Stewart, Gainesville winner Josh Hart, four-time world champion Antron Brown, rookie Maddi Gordon, Clay Millican and Chicago native Tony Schumacher. But this is an important race for Ashley and SCAG Racing, with their headquarters not far from Route 66 Raceway. That means a great deal of their employees will be in attendance, which is something Ashley treasures, especially if he can bring him a victory. “It’s definitely an honor,” Ashley said. “We’re out here representing this company and this is the first real opportunity to express our gratitude. There’s hundreds of employees at Metalcraft of Mayville who work hard and diligently at their jobs, and we’re looking forward to spending time with them.” Funny Car’s Beckman will look for a repeat win against a field that features points leader J.R. Todd, and 2026 winners Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, Jordan Vandergriff and Chad Green. Reigning Pro Stock world champion Dallas Glenn has continued his success on track this season with two wins on the season. His KB Titan Racing teammate and six-time world champion Greg Anderson is second after nabbing a win in Pomona. Matt Hartford has wins in Gainesville and Charlotte and is third. Two-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Gaige Herrera has yet to lose a round at Route 66 Raceway. Last season, he won his third consecutive race, defeating rival Matt Smith. Herrera won seven races last season, but it was his teammate, Richard Gadson, who earned the world title. Herrera, Gadson and Smith have wins in 2026. The event will also feature competition in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, along with the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown. Race fans in Chicago can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two rounds of qualifying at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday, May 15, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 16 at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. CT. Eliminations will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Sunday, May 17. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday and Saturday at 11:30 p.m. before eliminations coverage at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday. To purchase tickets to the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK on May 14-17 at Route 66 Raceway, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, including the full 2026 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com. The post Top Fuel’s Justin Ashley Likes Team’s Progress Approaching Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is undoubtedly one of the most capable track-focused cars on the planet, capable of beating cars with more than twice the horsepower around tracks like the Nürburgring, but one owner in Switzerland has turned the most extreme 911 into something else entirely with the help of Porsche's Sonderwunsch department. The new creation is arguably closer to Pagani than Porsche, turning the GT3 RS into a statement of style rather than speed. A new kind of carbon fiber was created to make this GT3 RS truly unique, and the entire car is lathered in brown, from its leather-rich interior to its stunning bodywork. It looks incredible, but ultimately, specifying a GT3 RS this way makes it arguably too pretty to do anything with it but preserve it. Porsche Turns the GT3 RS Into a Chocolate-Colored Masterpiece Porsche The color of the body is called Macadmiametallic (one word, for some reason), and as you might have guessed, it comes from Porsche's Paint to Sample range. Black carbon fiber would have looked out of place, so Porsche has infused the clear coat of the carbon with brown pigments, developing the finish specifically for this car. The stunning effect appears on the hood and the rear wing, which gets Pastelorange Weissach logos on the end plates and an orange PORSCHE script under the uppermost element. The same color reappears on the brake calipers and in the accent rings of the LED headlights, and it's used to add a splash of color to the cabin, too. Related: WATCH: Porsche Just Took Back the Nürburgring EV Record With a 6:55 Lap Inside, the cabin is dressed in sumptuous Truffle Brown leather and Race-Tex suede, with orange decorative stitching. Orange also appears on the contrast piping of the seats and floor mats, as well as in the air vents and the Sport Chrono clock atop the dash. Orange is also used on the sill plates and headrests, but unlike the body, Porsche has not tinted the interior carbon fiber brown, instead keeping it its original black color. Perhaps brown carbon fiber would have been too excessive, given how much of the shade appears elsewhere in the car. Brown seems to be regaining popularity of late, as shown in a matching BMW M3 Touring and 911 Carrera pair seen earlier this year. Porsche Sonderwunsch Makes Dreams Come True Porsche View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Porsche has not revealed how long it took to complete this unique GT3 RS, nor what it cost, but if price is no object, Sonderwunsch will do just about anything you like. That includes completely rebuilding something like a Carrera GT and resetting the odometer to zero, or crafting a one-off 911 S/T inspired by the automaker's racing history. These projects require immense attention to detail and take months to complete, but while we can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into custom projects like these, it feels a little out of place on the GT3 RS. Sure, it's a car that can cost well over $300,000 with options, but it was designed to be driven in anger, and giving it a bespoke look inside and out like this means it'll never risk rock chips on the track or even the road, and that seems a little wasteful. Porsche Porsche Porsche Porsche View the full article

John Force Racing is ready for the Route 66 Nationals. Here's a breakdown of how each team is approaching the event. View the full article