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Denny Hamlin was surprised that NASCAR issued a $50,000 fine and 25-point penalty to Ryan Preece, and believes it should be overturned or reduced on appeal, but also concedes from experience that the deck will be stacked against them. Preece was issued the penalty because the Sanctioning Body believed there was intent based on what the driver said over the radio, supplemented by SMT data ...Keep readingView the full article

Round 2 of the FIA World Endurance Championships was held at SPA, aka Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, and did not disappoint. This is an epic race track, and the action here is always great, and this series is fun to watch. Check out all the racing action highlights in the video below and let us know what you think. Video Description: The race highlights of the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps 2026, round 2 of the FIA WEC. The official YouTube channel of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The FIA World Endurance Championship is the world’s premier international sportscar championship, contested over eight rounds across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. With multiple cars across two categories (Hypercar and LMGT3) all on track at the same time, the WEC is a sports car extravaganza that offers action, overtakes, excitement and entertainment for fans worldwide. Watch FIAWEC+ here: https://plus.fiawec.com/en/login. Your global home of live and on-demand coverage for the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, the European Le Mans Series, and the Michelin Le Mans Cup. Watch every FIA WEC race, wherever you are in the world. The post FIA World Endurance Championships Highlights From TotalEnergies 6 Hours of SPA – Wheel To Wheel Racing Action appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Toyota's bZ3X has had a year that most automakers would kill for. Launched in China in March 2025 under the GAC-Toyota joint venture badge, the compact electric SUV crossed 80,000 deliveries within its first year on the market. Since September 2025, it has held the top sales position among all joint-venture new energy vehicles in China, a run now stretching seven consecutive months. In April 2026 alone, it moved 10,027 units, a new monthly record. Who Is GAC-Toyota, and Why Does the Label Matter?In China's EV landscape, automakers are sorted into two very different buckets. Domestic brands like BYD, Geely, and Xpeng operate without a foreign partner and dominate the new energy vehicle market. BYD alone commanded around 29 percent of China's NEV market share in 2025. Joint-venture brands, by contrast, are foreign automakers paired with a Chinese state-owned company, and they are tracked separately because the competitive dynamics are completely different. GAC stands for Guangzhou Automobile Group, one of China's largest state-owned car manufacturers. Its partnership with Toyota, GAC-Toyota, has been selling vehicles in China for over two decades. But in a market where domestic brands are widening their lead every quarter, simply being Toyota is no longer enough. The bZ3X is the joint venture's badge-engineered answer to that pressure, based on the GAC Aion V and outselling it in GAC's home market. GAC What the bZ3X Actually IsThe bZ3X is roughly RAV4-sized, and it comes loaded. Seven trim levels, a 14.6-inch floating infotainment screen, 32-color ambient lighting, and Toyota's first integration of the Momenta 5.0 driver assistance system. Two battery options cover ranges of 267 miles and 379 miles on the CLTC cycle. Pricing starts at 109,800 yuan, around $15,000, with a limited offer price of 99,800 yuan, or roughly $14,500. For reference, Toyota's flagship bZ7 EV starts at just over $21,000 and is set to break some records all of its own. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What Americans Will Actually PayThe bZ3X will not come to the US. It is made in China, which rules it out immediately under current tariff structures. Toyota does sell EVs stateside, but the price gap reality is jarring. The 2026 Toyota bZ starts at $34,900, and the C-HR at $37,000. And while both are solid EVs, neither is a $15,000 electric SUV. View the full article

This is a cool episode of Capturing Car Culture if you are like us and love to see factory and how its made videos. I’ve been on several automotive assembly plant tours and can tell you that regardless of what they are building it is fun to watch. But this assembly line and area are a bit different than the norm, because rather than spending seconds per station, these cars are being built to go fast and that means putting them together slowly. The GR line of Toyotas are special built performance vehicles, and while most folks probably think they just take an off the line Yaris or Corolla and slap a few extra parts on, that is NOT the case. In fact, these cars get more welds, more structural adhesive, and a bunch of upgraded parts and that means these cars start off as parts that come together into a GR Corolla or Yaris, not a production car that gets modified. In typical Larry Chen fashion, you’ll get access you wouldn’t otherwise have and as always he delivers the scoop. Check it out below. Video Description: For the first time, Toyota has allowed cameras inside the Toyota GR factory, giving you an exclusive look at how every GR model is prepared, assembled, and tested before release. The plant relies more on human craftsmanship than robotics to ensure the quality and consistency expected from Gazoo Racing. Larry is also given an impromptu ride in a prototype mid-engine Toyota GR Yaris on Toyota’s private test track. He even gets access inside the MN Garage, an area not even most employees are allowed to visit. A true look behind the curtain and a rare insight into Toyota’s passion for motorsport. Get a Quote Today: http://hagerty.com The post Capturing Car Culture With Larry Chen: First Cameras Allowed in Toyota’s GR Factory: Minimal robots & More Humans appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Shane van Gisbergen is now the winningest driver in Trackhouse Racing history, surpassing Ross Chastain with his seventh career win -- all on road courses. It's truly incredible to see just how unbeatable the three-time Supercars champion has been over the past two years, even with how close the field is in modern NASCAR. He has only last one of the last seven road/street course races, and ...Keep readingView the full article

The number of medium-duty commercial trucks available in the U.S. will get smaller this fall as Chevrolet will discontinue its line of Silverado 4500 HD, 5500 HD, and 6500 HD models. Production of Silverado medium-duty Class 4, 5, and 6 commercial trucks, which are co-developed with the International CV Series trucks, will reportedly end on September 30 at International Trucks’ plant in Springfield, Ohio, according to TFL Truck. International Trucks Will Build GM's Medium-Duty Only Until September Chevrolet A report from Transport Topics notes that GM did not renew its contract with International (formerly Navistar), which was signed in 2015. As a result, the factory will also stop making International CV Series trucks on September 10, since most of the factory’s capacity was dedicated to Chevrolet Silverado MD trucks. This was a major factor in International selling the Ohio factory to Canadian defense contractor Roshel on March 30. The obvious question here is why GM opted not to renew the contract with International Trucks, and dwindling sales are the most logical answer. Chevrolet sold just 1,273 Silverado MD trucks in the first quarter of 2026, down 37.4% over Q1 2025. For comparison, Ford sold 2,331 F-650 and F-750 trucks in the first quarter of this year, according to TFL Truck. Chevrolet The Chevrolet Silverado 4500 HD, 5500 HD, and 6500 HD trucks are powered by a Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 rated at 350 horsepower and 750 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is available, as well as a choice of regular cab, double cab and crew cab configurations with wheelbases ranging from 165 inches to 243 inches. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ranges from 14,001 to 16,500 pounds for the Silverado 4500 HD, 17,500 to 19,500 pounds for the 5500 HD, and 21,000-23,500 pounds for the 6500 HD. Chevrolet Will Continue Offering the Isuzu-Developed LCF 3500, 4500, and 5500 It’s worth noting that after production of the Silverado MD line ends in September, GM won’t be left without a medium-duty truck. As part of the long-standing commercial vehicle partnership with Isuzu, GM will continue selling the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward (LCF) Class 4, 5, and 6 trucks. Those include the LCF 3500, 4500, and 5500 models, which are rebadged versions of the Isuzu N-Series, and the heavier duty LCF 6500XD and 7500XD, which are rebadged Isuzu F-Series trucks. As for International Trucks, it won’t remain without medium trucks on sale after the discontinuation of its CV Series, as the company’s MV Series will remain available in the Class 6 and 7 segments. View the full article

When the Indian Scout first rolled out in 1920, it didn't just move people—it started a revolution. Designed by Charles B. Franklin, the original Scout was a marvel of low-slung agility and reliability. Fast forward nearly a century, and under the stewardship of Polaris, the modern Scout has returne... View the full article

Summit Motorsports Park hosted the inaugural Turn & Burn drag-and-drive. We've got the event recap that features all the winners. View the full article

Monday marks the one-year mark since Kyle Larson last won a NASCAR Cup Series race, a triumph that came on May 11, 2025 at Kansas Speedway, and the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 team is still working through things early this season too. Larson finds himself eighth in the championship standings, needing to be within the top-5 by the end of the regular season to be a bonafide championship ...Keep readingView the full article

What do a Harley Sportster, a war-issue Triumph and a trio of Royal Enfields have in common? Seemingly not much, but something about each of these bikes stuck out to our readers, making them our most-viewed custom motorcycles of the month, and we would never argue with y’all. Obviously, it... View the full article

The First Ford Ride for Some AmericansFord recently claimed that 53% of emergency vehicles nationwide wear a Blue Oval badge. That underscores the need for reliable, purpose-built vehicles that can serve the public in critical situations, especially when some are used to respond to childbirth emergencies – and when some babies are even born inside Ford vehicles. The Dearborn-based automaker said thousands of Americans are born inside ambulances each year, including Christie’s daughter, whose place of birth was later listed simply as “ambulance.” The company said its emergency-vehicle presence reflects the trust it has earned and the responsibility it takes seriously. Built for the Toughest CallsFord offers several vehicles for emergency-response use, including the F-Series Super Duty and the larger F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks. The F-750 is the largest of the bunch, making it well-suited for large ambulance upfits that require more rear cabin space for medical crews, equipment, and patients. Ford These models can be ordered in chassis cab, stripped chassis, or cutaway configurations, giving upfitters greater flexibility when building emergency-response vehicles. The automaker also offers the 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 across several heavy-duty applications, including a High Output version in Super Duty pickups that produces up to 1,200 lb-ft of torque for heavy hauling and towing. Ford’s emergency fleet presence goes beyond ambulances, too. Other models are used in public-safety roles, including Broncos deployed for search-and-rescue operations. The Ford Transit is also a practical option for agencies needing generous interior space, though it is not as heavy-duty-oriented as the brand's pickup-based alternatives. In the press release, Rich, a firefighter and EMS worker, said, “It was absolutely amazing. Such a cool thing to be a part of – to know that you helped bring a life into the world.” Ford Rewards for the Front LineFord also offers a First Responder Recognition Program, which gives eligible first responders a cash reward toward the purchase or lease of select new Ford or Lincoln vehicles. Buyers need to verify their status through ID.me, receive a certificate, and use it with a participating dealer. Beyond emergency vehicles, Ford may also be eyeing the military sector again. CEO Jim Farley reportedly said the company is in early talks with the U.S. government on defense-related projects, though no specifics have been announced. The brand has historical ties to military production, including Model T-based transporters, ambulances, and engine manufacturing for military use. Ford View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Honda HRC will chase a fifth consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory with Takumi Takahashi, Johann Zarco and Jonathan Rea aboard the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. The post Honda confirms star-studded Suzuka 8 Hours line-up appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Icons of the ‘70sThe '70s produced some of the most iconic cars ever made, including the Lamborghini Countach – the poster car that hung on countless bedroom walls – and the Ferrari Dino 246. The decade also gave rise to infamous machines like the Porsche 930 Turbo, nicknamed the “Widowmaker” because some drivers struggled with its turbo lag and unforgiving handling characteristics. With so many legendary nameplates emerging from that decade and so much time having passed, it is easy to see why some great cars have been overlooked. Arguably, the Alfa Romeo Montreal belongs on that list. It was priced in the same premium territory as the Ferrari Dino 246 when new, but depreciated far more – partly because it did not wear a Prancing Horse badge. Now, one example is up for grabs on Piston Heads. PistonHeads Before the Giulia, There Was ThisThe Alfa Romeo Montreal debuted at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show and was designed by Marcello Gandini, the same designer behind the Lamborghini Countach. This particular MY1975 example is finished in Arancio Miura, a color believed to be a nod to the Lamborghini Miura. But perhaps its most interesting feature is the cross-plane V8 with a dry-sump setup, related to the original Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale – not the recent revival model. Paired with SPICA fuel injection, the engine produces 200 horsepower, which may not sound like much by today’s standards, but in the 1970s, that put it in the same ballpark as the Ferrari Dino 246 and, considering emissions-era detuning, some versions of the Chevrolet Corvette C3. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed ZF manual gearbox with a limited-slip differential. PistonHeads Ferrari Money Then, Not NowThis Montreal is listed at £84,995, or approximately $115,000 at current exchange rates. The car reportedly had only one registered owner, an academic from Austria, and shows 54,300 miles. It also comes with a collection of invoices documenting maintenance and has recently undergone “thorough recommissioning work.” The only downside for interested U.S. buyers is that the vehicle is currently located in the U.K. For newer Alfa Romeos, there are the Giulia, Stelvio, and Tonale. However, the performance-oriented Quadrifoglio variants – seen as alternatives to BMW M models – are no longer available stateside as the Giulia and Stelvio prepare for major overhauls expected sometime around 2028. PistonHeads View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

There's no doubt that Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen was fairly calm, as only one driver failed to reach the checkered flag and 32 of 38 starters finished on the lead lap. There were only two natural cautions -- one for flying debris from the infield, and another for a tire carcass at the side of the track. But there were several moments that the TV coverage either missed ...Keep readingView the full article

Nobody knew exactly what to expect when the BMW Group assumed ownership of Alpina, but we now know when we’ll get our first clear glimpse of BMW Alpina’s future. On May 15, the Vision BMW Alpina will be unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. The company also shared a teaser image and video of this model, which seemingly has the proportions of a large coupe like the 8 Series. Given that the standard BMW 8 Series has been discontinued, a flagship coupe of this kind could be the perfect way to kick off the BMW Alpina era. Not Just A Fancier BMW The teaser image suggests a vehicle that won’t share its basic lines with any other BMW currently in production. It appears to have a tall front fascia, a long, flowing roofline, and a unique rear lighting signature. Two or four doors are possible, but BMW concealed just enough in the teasers to make it hard to tell. The “Vision” part of the name strongly suggests this will be a concept, but a production version is likely. Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como is a telling location to reveal the new car, as the event is often associated with concept cars specifically centered around dazzling design. It suggests the Vision BMW Alpina will be an object of desire first, with its undoubtedly impressive performance credentials possibly taking a back seat at the event. Alpinas have traditionally been the perfect blend between standard BMWs and hardcore M cars. We anticipate a vehicle with no shortage of speed but with more of a bias towards comfortable, cross-country trips than the canyon-carving capabilities of an M car. High-End Underpinnings BMW Alpina Another sign that this will be an 8 Series-sized vehicle came a few months ago, when BMW Group R&D boss Joachim Post said the first new Alpina models would be based on the 7 Series and X7. In other words, they’ll be larger, lower-volume models with high price tags but the very best in technology, comfort, and performance from the BMW Group. The coupe-style concept, then, will likely have 7 Series underpinnings. This also opens the door for an electric Alpina coupe, since the 7 Series is also offered as the electric i7. Launching this new Alpina era with an electric powertrain may be a bit hasty, though. It’s more likely that a larger coupe of this kind will have a specially tuned version of BMW’s turbocharged V8. BMW Alpina teased its iconic quad elliptical exhaust earlier this year, further bolstering hopes that a big V8 powers the concept. Autoblog’s Take BMW Alpina Alpina made a name for itself by releasing refined, powerful versions of already iconic BMW sedans and coupes in the 1980s and 1990s. It’s appropriate, then, that the new era is starting off with a coupe or gran coupe of sorts. We expect the Vision BMW Alpina to adhere to trademarks of the brand, from fine craftsmanship to effortless performance—and an exclusive design that distances it from regular BMWs. All will be revealed later this week. Related: As BMW Takes Over Alpina, These Cars Defined the Brand View the full article

2023 Daytona 500 champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with Hyak Motorsports, keeping him as the driver of the No. 47 Chevrolet. “Ricky has been a huge part of what we’re building at Hyak Motorsports, and we’re proud to continue this partnership for years to come,” said Gordon Smith, owner of Hyak Motorsports. “He brings experience, leadership ...Keep readingView the full article

Bobby Dodrill was unhurt after a violent crash in his four-wheel-drive “Miss Misery” C10 during Battle For The Thrones at U.S. 60 Dragway.View the full article

China Dominates Parts Supply Chains "Made in China" may be one of the most common pieces of printed literature in the world right now. Even if it was assembled in the good ol' U.S.A., what about the sum of its parts? What about Chinese-made American-branded cars from General Motors' portfolio? Or perhaps the OEM or replacement parts that come from China that are circulating all over the globe? American, Japanese, Korean, and European cars are in the U.S., but Chinese cars aren't, at least not the true Chinese brands. While Chinese car brands aren't available in the United States for now, the country's parts dominate the supply chains for pretty much any brand you can think of. You may not know it, but there are quite a few cars that are quantifiably Chinese in the United States, even if their assembly point of origin begs to differ. On the Flip Side Chinese automakers are nowhere to be found in the U.S. Sales reports, at least not for now. While BYD, Geely, and SAIC Motor are major players in China and throughout the rest of the world, the U.S. market has been noticeably resistant, with established players urging the American government to keep them at bay. On the other side of the coin, more than 60 U.S. auto suppliers are owned by Chinese companies. Things like airbags, auto glass, steering systems, suspension dampers, and more are more often than not sourced from China. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, "Chinese companies have amassed ownership stakes in about 10,000 suppliers in America, according to data, including stakes as small as 5%." Automotive industries dominated by China include electric-vehicle battery manufacturing. CATL is one of the largest battery manufacturers in the world, and it said that U.S. automakers continued to turn to it even after tariffs. CATL Eliminating Chinese Parts U.S. lawmakers have recently been considering eliminating Chinese parts from the supply chain. A U.S. Senate bill was filed that would ban Chinese-made cars and safety components, which include airbags and seatbelts. The WSJ also reported that more than 50 House Republicans urged the Trump administration to "block Chinese automotive and battery companies from manufacturing in the U.S." Doing so would put domestic industries at risk, prompting the U.S. government to urge automakers to de-emphasize the use of Chinese parts in their vehicles. On top of that, the letter urges the current administration to "reject any attempts by China to establish vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the United States, or the broader North American market." Brands like Tesla have started requiring their suppliers to exclude China-made parts and components in their U.S. manufacturing operations. Meanwhile, GM's CEO, Mary Barra, stated that the company had reduced its direct spending on Chinese parts for U.S.-made cars to less than 3%. The result is that GM will source locally-sourced parts from the country in which it builds its cars. MICHAEL MACOR/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images American Cars, Chinese Parts While Ford's CEO is urging the U.S. Government to keep Chinese cars out, the Blue Oval remains open to the idea of allowing Chinese automakers to build cars in the United States, which could also help it compete in Europe. While the current collaborative landscape isn't exactly cut-and-dry, the numbers the WSJ gathered tell a different story. The latest Ford Mustang GT uses a six-speed manual transmission sourced from China. Even some American brands, such as General Motors, show up to 20% Chinese parts in some of their cars. Ford's working with American lawmakers on the Chinese car bans, while GM reportedly declined to comment, according to the report. Given GM's manufacturing operations in China and its several brands with Chinese backing, its decision to remain quiet on the topic is expected. It's crazy to think that a few decades ago, Chinese auto part makers weren't taken that seriously. Once viewed as a cheaper, good-enough alternative, it now has established players trying to resist, while still buying parts from China for its cars. Ford View the full article

The IHRA Spring Nationals put on one heck of a show despite challenging weather conditions. Here's a recap of all the action.View the full article

Another Small Car Returns TallerSince the start of the decade, demand for crossovers has been undeniable, so much so that several automakers like Ford have discontinued their sedan lineups in the U.S. Meanwhile, some brands have leaned on nostalgia by reviving old nameplates as crossovers, such as Mitsubishi with the Eclipse Cross – a move that can be good or bad, depending on the context. Over at Chevrolet, the Bowtie brand has debuted a new crossover called the Sonic, essentially reviving the nameplate from the subcompact hatchback/sedan that was axed in the U.S. after the 2020 model year. The new Sonic is now a subcompact coupe-style crossover that Chevrolet says has the potential to become one of the brand’s best-selling models, at least in the South American region. Chevrolet Brazil Sonic Goes SleekThe new Sonic has been introduced in Brazil with two trims: Premier and RS. Chevrolet customers may already know Premier as the more premium-looking trim, while RS is aimed at buyers who want a sportier appearance. Its coupe-like styling gives it a sleeker look compared with boxier rivals such as the Hyundai Venue. One of its standout features is the debut of the new-generation Chevrolet Intelligent Driving System, which is said to include improvements to its advanced driver-assistance features aimed at helping prevent accidents. Powering the Sonic is a 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-three engine producing 115 horsepower. That may not sound like much, but for a vehicle weighing 1,139 kg (2,511 lbs) and measuring 4.23 meters (13.9 feet) long, it should be sufficient. The setup also enables fuel economy of 14.8 km/L, or roughly 34.8 mpg, under Brazil’s Inmetro cycle. Chevrolet Brazil The Sonic Name Lives AgainChevrolet is offering the 2027 Sonic with a starting price of 129,990 Brazilian reals (about $26,500 at current exchange rates) for the Premier trim, while the RS starts at 135,990 reals (roughly $27,500). That undercuts the U.S.-spec Equinox, though Brazil’s different market conditions make the comparison less direct. Plus, the Equinox is a step up in the compact crossover segment. Given the U.S. market’s preference for larger vehicles, the Sonic seems unlikely to arrive stateside anytime soon. After all, Chevrolet already offers two subcompact crossovers in the U.S. – the Trax and Trailblazer – both of which are built in South Korea and exposed to import tariffs. Chevrolet Brazil View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Designed by former Pininfarina talent, the ANY LUV1 targets urban drivers looking for a car alternative with a scooter-type shape and function.View the full article

Volvo and Geely’s Lovechild Launching Another SUVWhen Geely and Volvo teamed up in 2016 to launch Lynk & Co, it looked like another ambitious Chinese startup with a bit of Scandinavian influence. But after a few years, the brand has quietly become much more than that. We’ve spent time behind the wheel of a few Lynk & Co hybrids and EVs before, and the products are more than just decent. Some models actually feel more sorted than what you get from established brands. Unsurprisingly, there’s a strong Volvo influence throughout. Now, Lynk & Co is getting ready to add another model to its lineup: the all-electric 20. It just showed up in Chinese regulatory filings, which gives us an early preview of what looks like a direct competitor to compact premium SUVs such as the Lexus NX. Lynk & Co Lidar, Fresh Styling, and Plenty of PowerThe 20 goes head-to-head with the Lexus NX in terms of size, but Lynk & Co seems to be pushing the tech angle even further. Based on the filings, it’s already packing hardware that could leave some established luxury brands playing catch-up. The latest images show the Lynk & Co 20 with a refreshed look compared to the Z20 it’s built on. Up front, there’s a split-headlight setup joined by a light strip, and there’s even a bright yellow paint option that makes no attempt to blend in. The most obvious clue is the LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof. That suggests Lynk & Co is gearing up for more advanced driver-assistance and semi-autonomous features. Whether those systems will actually beat the competition is still an open question, but the hardware is already in place. Under the hood, there’s a single electric motor with 328 horsepower, paired to a lithium iron phosphate battery. Top speed is 125 mph, which is more than enough for a compact luxury SUV that will likely spend most of its time in city traffic. China's MIIT/Autohome America Probably Won’t Get It, but Canada MightThere’s still a strong chance the Lynk & Co 20 won’t make it to the US. Chinese EV brands are still running into political and trade hurdles in the US, and that doesn’t look like it will change soon. That said, North America isn’t completely off the table. Geely is already bringing China-made Lotus EVs into Canada, which could open the door for other brands in its group, including Lynk & Co. The Lynk & Co 20 would likely find buyers in North America. Compact luxury SUVs remain in high demand, and a tech-focused EV with Volvo-inspired engineering could appeal to those seeking something different from the usual German or Japanese options. China's MIIT/Autohome View the full article

Kia’s lineup in the United States is on a roll, with the Korean marque shattering sales records almost every quarter. But there’s been a void ever since the fun but underrated Kia Stinger sedan was discontinued in 2023. Easily one of the most desirable Kia models, the Stinger boasted engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics and an alluring design. No successor has arrived, but that could change in the not-too-distant future, as Kia plans to build a production version of the exciting Vision Meta Turismo concept first revealed last year. Kia Believes There’s Opportunity Beyond SUVs Kia Ever since the Vision Meta Turismo concept was revealed, its sporty proportions hinted at an electric revival of a sports sedan in the vein of the previous Stinger. That’s now more than a dream, as Karim Habib, Kia design chief, said such a flagship sedan is in the works—but only once its pricing becomes viable. "At this point, it is more strategic,” said Habib when asked by Autocarwhat’s stopping the company from putting the four-door GT into production now. “It's a pure EV and the price of doing a high-performance EV is what is slowing us down. Hopefully, the upward movement of EVs keeps going. I think there will be more openness to this [type of] car.” Kia Habib also spoke about Kia’s current success with SUVs, which he acknowledged as a positive. However, it doesn’t sound like Kia will follow brands like Buick and Lincoln by having an SUV-only lineup. "We have a small history of doing cars like the Stinger and that's something we don't want to give up on,” said Habib. “The Meta Turismo is our idea of a sports sedan for the gamer generation. A few years ago, we started thinking about what could we do beyond SUVs? We do produce and sell a lot of SUVs, which is good, but we also believe that there's more than that." Next-Generation Kia Design Kia The Vision Meta Turismo embodies the next chapter of Kia’s “Opposites United” design language. The stance is explicitly low and wide, hinting at a sporty performance character; the interior does the same, whereby the driver’s area has its own color scheme, which differs from the rest of the cabin. We expect elements like the dramatic glass roof with geometric panels to be toned down for production. Kia is considering implementing elements of the highly minimalist and tech-forward interior for production, too. There’s no word on the powertrain or technical specifications yet, but Kia has already produced the 641-horsepower EV6 GT, and we would expect the Stinger’s spiritual successor to be at least as powerful as that EV. Kia doesn’t have a performance division like Hyundai’s N, though, so this may be more of a rapid GT than a true track weapon. What It Means Kia If Kia was all about profits and sales, it would simply double down on SUVs. But this is a courageous brand with a sporting side, and recreating what the Stinger represented for a new generation will showcase that. The Vision Meta Turismo’s jaw-dropping design is a great starting point, but it may be a while before Kia can package it as a production model—and at a feasible price point. If Kia gets the recipe right, we could be looking at a formidable EV with the performance of a BMW i3 or Tesla Model 3 Performance. View the full article

Honda’s latest utility ATV range continues prioritizing durability and long-term reliability. Here's everything you need to know. View the full article

The Watkins Glen weekend was full of highs and lows for 19-year-old Connor Zilisch. After leading the most laps in Friday's Truck race, he lost out to Kaden Honeycutt in overtime. However, he won Saturday's NASCAR O'Reilly race with a dramatic pass on Jesse Love in the final corner of the final lap. And then there's the Cup race. Zilisch entered the Glen outside the top 30 in points, and still ...Keep readingView the full article