StreetNewsReporter

If you're a pessimist, the news that Nissan is cutting 11 models as part of a turnaround plan might sound desperate, but if you see the glass as half full, doing so allows the automaker to work on interesting vehicles like the new Xterra and the new Skyline. And they may not be the only exciting developments in the pipeline because Nissan told numerous media outlets that it is taking seriously the idea of a proper sports car lineup that could bring the Silvia back to complement the Nissan Z and the next GT-R. Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa is described as "a real car guy," and he's indicated a desire to revive the Silvia nameplate before, but now, the carmaker's chief of product planning is teasing its return, and that's arguably even more of a big deal because it means Nissan is on the path to more sports cars, not just thinking about it. Why Nissan Is Creating a Buzz With Sports Car Enthusiasts Ideogram/Sebastian Cenizo Nissan seems to understand what car enthusiasts want, finally giving the Z Nismo a manual transmission, and it intends to build on that momentum, with the company's global head of product strategy, Richard Candler, telling Motor1the following: "We are really deeply looking at a sports lineup again. We want to do some cool cars. The first car I ever bought was a Silvia, so I'd love to bring back that nameplate. I do think it's really valuable... I think there's still space for Silvia, and we need to find the right solution for it." Similarly, The Drive reports that Candler said the announcement of the Skyline "has been a big passion product for [Nissan]," adding that, with the new Z and now a Skyline on the way, Nissan is "[starting] to bring back a good lineup." The tricky bit will be developing a sports car that stays true to the Silvia's ethos of fun and affordability (potentially as a Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5 Miata rival), and those two things are difficult to put together. "We need to find the right positioning," said Candler, before hinting that more enthusiast-focused cars could find their way to production. Nissan Has Strong Back Catalog, Could Launch Smaller-than-Silvia Sports Car Ideogram/Sebastian Cenizo "In terms of the rest of the sports car lineup, we've got some pretty great names that we would like to develop further," said Candler. Besides all the obvious Z variants (240Z, 260Z, 280Z), there have been RS, GT, GT-X, GTS, and GTS-R versions of the non-GT-R Skyline, but the 300ZX is also worth mentioning independently, as this took the Z badge to new levels of performance and luxury. We should also note the Datsun SSS, an icon in its own right. Indeed, Nissan has a rich history from which to draw, and it is preparing to leverage that. "We’re going to shrink our portfolio a bit. We’re going to stop cars that you probably won’t even notice and then reinvest that money into a few passion projects," said Candler, adding, "All of those cars [we are going to kill] consume money, for the company to keep them on, to keep them going, keep them homologated, latest requirements, standards, etc. That takes up a certain amount of resources. 
We could sort of stop those without a lot of business impact and then bring in, you know, let’s invest in the Silvia or let’s invest in something even smaller. I mean, I've also got an ambition personally to find something maybe even smaller than that." We hope to see the fruits of these ambitions soon. Ideogram/Sebastian Cenizo Note: The images in this article are AI-generated renders and should not be considered official Kia concepts. View the full article

With the supercharger wars raging in the Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series’ WS Construction Pro Boost presented by P2 Contracting and Ty-Drive category, Melanie Salemi scored a No. 1 qualifier award for Team Screw Blowers Friday night at the Summit Racing Equipment East Coast Nationals presented by FuelTech. With a brand-new engine between the frame rails in Eddie Whelan’s Al-Lee Installations “Purple Reign” ’68 Firebird, Salemi powered to a 3.580-second pass at 208.68 mph in the final qualifying session at Darana Motorsports Park – Benson, NC to lead Pro Boost into Saturday eliminations. Marcus Butner (Switzer Dynamics Pro Nitrous presented by Jerry Bickel Race Cars), Andy Mac (Liberty’s Gears Pro Street presented by KTR Drag Racing), Jeff Pittman (PDRA Pro 632 presented by Mark Williams Enterprises), and Connor McGee (1320 Fabrication Super Street presented by Brian’s Heating & Cooling) also collected No. 1 qualifier awards in the professional classes. Between Thursday and Friday, the PDRA’s sportsman categories also completed three qualifying sessions, with No. 1 qualifier awards going to Jamie Fowler in MagnaFuel Elite Top Sportsman presented by PAR Racing Engines, Bruce Westfall in Greenbrier Excavating & Paving Elite Top Dragster presented by American Race Cars, Mike Alexander Jr. in MagnaFuel Top Sportsman 32, and Taylor Holland in ATI Performance Products Top Dragster 48 presented by TBM Brakes. The PDRA Jr. Dragster ranks were as competitive as ever in Friday qualifying, with a pair of siblings using perfect efforts to qualify No. 1 in their respective divisions. In Pro Jr. Dragster, where a 7.90 index is used to set the field, 40 drivers turned up to fight for 32 spots on the ladder. McKenzee Hogan ran dead-on the index with a 7.900 to take the No. 1 spot in her Dudley, North Carolina-based ’23 Mike Bos dragster. Reaction time is the name of the game in Classic Graphix Top Jr. Dragster qualifying, and Jayden Hogan’s perfect .000 reaction time set the bar high. PRO BOOST A long day of trials and tribulations for defending Pro Boost event winner Melanie Salemi ended with a rewarding No. 1 qualifying pass in Eddie Whelan’s screw-blown Al-Lee Installations “Purple Reign” ’68 Firebird. She didn’t make it down the track in the first qualifying session, then she wounded an engine in dramatic fashion in the second session. Her family-based team swung a new motor in, but when something didn’t sound right on the warmup, they swapped in a different brand-new engine, fired it up, and headed to the lanes. The first pass it made was the 3.580 at 208.68 that put Salemi at the top of the qualifying order. “It was a sigh of relief, honestly, when I looked up at the scoreboard and saw the .58 come up,” Salemi said. “Of course, we get back to the pit and we’re expecting everybody’s gonna keep going faster. I had not done very well during the day so I was one of the first cars out there. It was really cool to be able to come back to the pit and we had our ears glued to the PA system and trying to just keep our morale. I think we had a bigger party in our pit after the last pair went down than we’ve had in a while. It was pretty cool.” Two-time Pro Boost world champion Jason Harris was just a tick behind Salemi with his 3.586 at 210.50 in the Harts Charger-boosted “Party Time” Harold Denton tribute ’69 Camaro. Johnny Camp, winner of the postponed Carolina Nationals on Thursday night, qualified third in his Brandon Stroud-tuned, ProCharger-boosted “Hells Bells” ’69 Camaro with a 3.594 at 211.10. PRO NITROUS Marcus Butner’s Pro Nitrous world championship defense season is off to a strong start, as the Tobaccoville, North Carolina-based driver raced to a semifinal finish at the season-opening Carolina Nationals and kicked off the East Coast Nationals with a No. 1 qualifying effort. He sat outside the 16-car field after the first session, but under the lights in the final session, Butner and tuner Jay Cox swung for the fence with a 3.636 at 208.20 in the Musi-powered Butner Construction “Heartbreaker” ’69 Camaro. “I try not to think about [defending the championship] because it is pressure,” said Butner, who thanked Red Line Oil, Pat Musi Racing Engines, Liberty’s Gears, Ty-Drive, PST, Racestar Wheels, and his wife and kids. “At the end of the day, I’d love nothing more than to win another championship, back-to-back. Several people have done it. What do they say – the first one may be a mistake, the second one ain’t? We’re just gonna take it one round at a time. Everybody out here can run just as good as anybody else, any time of the day. It’s gonna be so hot. We ran good today here in the heat, but it’s tricky. We won’t just play it safe, treat everybody the same because anybody can beat you any time.” Defending event winner Tim Paap saw his team’s offseason upgrades pay off with a No. 2 qualifying position as he posted a 3.642 at 206.32 in his Jeffrey Barker-tuned, Musi-powered Paap Auto Body Corvette. “Mountain Man” Mike Achenbach, who won Thursday night’s postponed Carolina Nationals final round, qualified third in his Brandon Switzer-tuned, Fulton-powered ’20 Camaro with a 3.644 at 206.32. PRO STREET After retired Super Bowl champion Fletcher Cox won the delayed Carolina Nationals Pro Street final round Thursday night, he handed the proverbial keys to longtime crew member and veteran grudge racer Andy Mac, who took the opportunity and ran with it. In the third and final qualifying session on Friday night, Mac wheeled Cox’s Phil Shuler-tuned, nitrous-fed “Training Day” ’69 Camaro to a 3.895 at 193.74 to secure his first No. 1 qualifier award and the car’s fourth. Cox, meanwhile, plans to make his Pro Boost debut at the next race. “It’s pretty special to carry on something that [Cox] started, that we started with him,” Mac said. “Just being in the right spot at the right time and taking the opportunity to carry on where he left off. I just want to thank Fletcher for trusting and allowing me to drive his car and being part of a winning team. It’s not just one person that does this. We all do it. There’s endless hours and nights that go into this stuff. Winning is not done at the racetrack. It’s won at the shop. We just bring what we do there to here and let everybody see us perform and try to win.” Class E.T. national record holder Richard Reagan charged to a 3.927 at 196.85 in his screw-blown ’91 Mustang to take the No. 2 spot. Another nitrous-assisted driver, Blake Denton, piloted the Musi-powered “Bonnie” ’69 Camaro previously driven by the late Lizzy Musi to a 3.959 at 201.19 to qualify third. PRO 632 Jeff Pittman has been steadily gaining ground in Pro 632 since he joined the class last season as a teammate to Alan O’Brien’s championship-winning Greenbrier Excavating & Paving operation. Pittman, who previously competed in Top Sportsman, raced to a runner-up finish in the postponed Carolina Nationals Thursday evening and followed that up with his first career No. 1 qualifier award on Friday night. With Patrick Barnhill tuning and Barry Allen providing the horsepower in his Hickory Enclosed Trailers ’68 Chevelle, Pittman ran a 4.147 at 171.29 to take the top spot. “It’s really a good thing,” said Pittman, who thanked the Greenbrier team, Hickory Enclosed Trailer Sales, and RPM Racing Performance Motorcoaches. “We’ve come close several times and just got knocked out. This year we’ve really kind of tuned the program up. It seems to be going a lot smoother, things are working a little bit better, and I’m a whole lot more comfortable in the car. This whole deal is about little bitty bits and pieces of rewards here and there. I think we’ve got a good piece to go into race day with, and we came pretty close the other night in the finals for the Darlington race. So I hope we can one-up that position. That’s our goal.” JC Beattie Jr., who had a career-best weekend with a No. 1 qualifier award and win at the Carolina Nationals, qualified second with a 4.169 at 170.45 in his Reher-Morrison-powered ATI Performance ’18 Camaro. Young gun Carson Hoyle ran a 4.178 at 169.23 in his Musi-powered ATI Performance ’69 Camaro to sit third. SUPER STREET Connor McGee, both the defending world champion and defending event champion in Super Street, already has an event win, a No. 1 qualifier award, and the first leg of a new class E.T. national record racked up before East Coast Nationals eliminations begin. On Thursday night, McGee secured the first win of the season when he won the postponed Carolina Nationals from Darlington Dragway. McGee, in his Fulton-powered Brian’s Heating & Cooling ’90 Mustang, kept it rolling in Friday qualifying, posting a dominant 4.467 at 160.29 to set the first end of a new record. He’ll need to run a 4.511 in eliminations to back up the record. “Really what it takes is what everybody doesn’t see,” McGee said of the effort that resulted in the No. 1 qualifying pass, going on to thank Fulton Competition Engines, Abby’s Performance Engines, Driving Racing Oil, Bucked Up Energy, and Tub O’ Towels. “We went into Darlington testing, made some good runs, tested some things out. But what people don’t see is the 10 times we’re going to the track in the offseason to get runs, make 330 hit after 330 hit and blow stuff up and try new things and change stuff. All the stuff that we do outside of the scheduled events is what really makes things happen. You can’t just show up and expect to be good. You have to go in, practice, and be ready.” Austin Vincent, who finished second in the Super Street championship battle last season, laid down a 4.548 at 152.80 in his Vincent Performance ’88 Mustang to qualify second. Ryan Altman ended up third with a 4.657 at 150.51 in the Greenbrier Excavating & Paving ’02 Camaro. TOP SPORTSMAN A trio of different power adder and engine combos led the way in Elite Top Sportsman, each posting 3.77-second passes. For the second consecutive race, Jamie Fowler secured the No. 1 position in his nitrous-fed, Fulton-powered Pee Dee Fleet ’69 Camaro with a 3.772 at 198.41. Another South Carolina-based driver, Scott Duggins, posted a 3.773 at 196.19 in his ProCharged PAR Racing Engines ’63 Corvette to take the No. 2 spot on speed. Reigning world champion Bryan LaFlam in his roots-blown Big Stuff TPM ’67 Mustang qualified third with a 3.773 at 195.68. Mike Alexander Jr. just missed out on the 16-car Elite Top Sportsman field with his 4.172 at 172.30, but that pass in his ProCharged ’63 Corvette put him No. 1 in the Top Sportsman 32 field. TOP DRAGSTER After qualifying just outside the top three at the season opener, Granville, Ohio’s Bruce Westfall picked up his first No. 1 qualifier award in Elite Top Dragster on the strength of a 3.719 at 196.53 in his supercharged ’25 Race Tech dragster. Josh Duggins, who qualified No. 1 at the season opener, ended up No. 2 in his ProCharged PAR Racing Engines ’14 Maddox dragster with a 3.725 at 200.62. Gray Kimble rounded out the top three with a 3.761 at 198.23 in his ProCharged Finney Builders ’18 Miller dragster. Taylor Holland was the quickest of the drivers who qualified outside the Elite Top Dragster field, running a 4.168 at 168.60 to qualify No. 1 in Top Dragster 48. Saturday’s schedule begins with Jr. Dragster final qualifying at 9 a.m. followed by Edelbrock Bracket Bash presented by Philadelphia Racing Products time trial, and the first round of sportsman eliminations. Pre-race ceremonies and first round of pro eliminations will begin at noon. Saturday general admission tickets are available for $30. Discounted Junior and Kids tickets are also available, while kids 5 and under get in free. Purchase tickets at www.PDRA660.com or at the gate. PDRA fans around the world can catch all the action live on the official event live stream through www.FloRacing.com. This story was originally published on April 17, 2026. The post Salemi, Butner, Mac, Pittman and McGee Qualify No. 1 at PDRA East Coast Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

A widespread severe thunderstorm outbreak is unfolding across nine states from the southern Plains into the Upper Mississippi Valley today, Friday April 17, 2026, with the Storm Prediction Center flagging the threat of strong tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds through tonight. The SPC has upgraded the southern and central Plains to a Moderate Risk, the second-highest category on the severe weather scale and a designation issued only a handful of times per year. A Tornado Watch is already active across much of eastern Iowa, with a separate Severe Thunderstorm Watch covering eastern Minnesota and central-to-northern Wisconsin including Rochester, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, where hail up to 2 inches in diameter and isolated 70 MPH wind gusts are the primary threats. Peak danger window: Friday afternoon through Friday night across I-35 from central Texas to Kansas, I-29 through Iowa, and I-94 across Minnesota and Wisconsin, where initial supercells could produce strong tornadoes before merging into a damaging wind squall line after dark. What to ExpectTornadoes: 10% probability across the moderate risk zone, with strong (EF2+) tornadoes possible from initial supercells in Wisconsin, Iowa, and prefrontal storms in IllinoisHail: 30% probability of severe hail, with stones up to 2 inches in diameter (hen egg size) reported in active watchesDamaging winds: 45% probability, with 70 MPH gusts forecast as storms merge into a squall line tonightWorst corridors: I-35 (central Texas through Oklahoma into Kansas), I-29 (Iowa), I-80 (eastern Iowa to Illinois), I-94 (Minnesota and Wisconsin), I-90 (southern Minnesota to Wisconsin) NWS The synoptic setup is textbook for a major outbreak. A strong upper trough oriented from Montana to the Southwest will eject eastward into the Plains tonight, with 40-60 knot southwesterly flow at 850-700 mb intensifying ahead of it by late afternoon. A surface dryline will extend from a High Plains low through the western Oklahoma/Texas panhandle border into central Texas, while a cold front will run from eastern Minnesota into central Kansas at midday. Ahead of these features sits a broad warm sector with mid-to-upper 60s dewpoints and temperatures climbing into the 80s, the recipe meteorologists describe as a strongly sheared and deeply unstable environment. Road ConditionsThe most dangerous road conditions will arrive in two distinct phases. Initial supercells across the warm sector are capable of dropping golf-ball to hen-egg-size hail with little warning, which can shatter windshields and disable visibility instantly on rural highways. As the cold front overtakes the storms tonight, the threat shifts to a fast-moving squall line with damaging straight-line winds capable of pushing vehicles out of lanes and knocking over high-profile trucks and trailers. Squall lines move at 40 to 55 MPH, leaving almost no reaction time once they appear on radar near your location. Flash flooding is also a real concern with 1-2 inches per hour rainfall rates, and even a foot of moving water can sweep a car off the road. Hail Damage Risk to VehiclesTornadoes get the headlines, but hail is the single most expensive weather hazard for vehicles in the United States. State Farm paid out more than $1.2 billion in auto hail claims nationally in 2024, and Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma recorded the most hail events that year, all of which sit inside today's threat zone. A single hailstorm can total a vehicle on paper without affecting the engine at all, because adjusters total the cost of every dented panel, cracked light housing, and shattered windshield, and if that figure exceeds the car's actual cash value, the insurer writes a salvage check. Only comprehensive auto insurance covers hail damage, and insurers will not let you add comprehensive coverage once a severe weather event is already in the forecast. Autoblog's guide to storm damage and car insurance breaks down exactly what your policy covers and how to document damage for a claim. Tropicaltidbits Severe Storm Driving TipsIf you are driving in the threat zone today, the most important rule is simple: get off the road before the line arrives. A supercell can cross a highway in minutes, and the difference between baseball-size hail and missing the storm entirely can be a matter of a few miles. If you see a dark, rotating wall cloud ahead of you, do not drive into it. Exit the highway and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If hail begins, pull over under any available cover. A gas station canopy or parking garage can prevent thousands of dollars in body and glass damage. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your location, never shelter under an overpass. Wind speeds actually accelerate through the narrow channel beneath a bridge, and you lose all debris protection. Pull well off the road, angle your vehicle away from the direction of the storm, keep your seatbelt on, and get below window level. For a fuller breakdown of severe storm driving protocol, Autoblog's recent severe storm corridor coverage covers the I-35 and I-44 playbook in detail. Monitor local NWS alerts on your phone and have a clear shelter plan before you depart. TimingInitial supercells are already firing across eastern Iowa and the upper Mississippi Valley this afternoon, with the Plains threat ramping up through the evening hours. The tornado and large hail risk is highest during the discrete supercell phase from late afternoon through about 9 PM local time. As the cold front overtakes the storms tonight, the threat will transition to a damaging wind squall line that will sweep east through the overnight hours, reaching the lower Missouri Valley and Midwest by Saturday morning. Conditions will improve behind the front Saturday, but additional severe weather is possible Sunday across the Mid-South as the system progresses. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Up to two feet of snow and temperatures plunging 25 degrees below the mid-April average are slamming 11 western and northern states today, Friday April 17, 2026, as a late-season "cold storm" presses from the Cascades and Northern Rockies into Colorado and the Northern Plains. The Weather Prediction Center is headlining late-season snow for the Northern Rockies, Central Rockies, and Northern Plains, with mountain passes from Washington and Oregon east through Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado all in the impact zone through Friday night, plus snow and ice probabilities extending into North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Peak danger window: Friday afternoon through Saturday morning across I-70, I-80, and I-25 in Colorado and Wyoming, where 70-degree highs Thursday will collapse into the 30s Friday and refreeze wet pavement after sunset. What to ExpectSnow totals: 1-2 feet across the Cascades and Northern Rockies; 8-16 inches cumulative across Utah and Colorado mountains; 4-8 inches in Yellowstone National ParkLower elevations: Light accumulations expected in Boise, Pocatello, Great Falls, Salt Lake City, Laramie, Cheyenne, and AspenTemperature crash: 40-degree drops in under 24 hours across eastern Wyoming and ColoradoWorst corridors: I-90 across Montana, I-84 through eastern Oregon and Idaho, I-80 across Wyoming, I-15 through Utah and Idaho, I-70 over the Colorado RockiesThe storm's heavy snow focus is shifting south and east through Friday, with Colorado terrain taking the brunt as the Utah and Wyoming snow tapers off. Snow squalls and convective bands hammered Utah and Wyoming overnight, and the WPC is flagging Day 1 snow probabilities of 10-20% for greater than 4 inches over central North Dakota, with ice probabilities of 10-30% for greater than 0.1 inches stretching from northeast North Dakota through northwest Minnesota. Per OpenSnow's multi-day breakdown, southwest Montana, northwest Wyoming, and northern Utah saw the heaviest accumulation Thursday, with Colorado now in the firing line through end of day Friday. Road ConditionsMountain passes in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado will see accumulating snow throughout the day, with rapid changes in surface conditions on bridges, overpasses, and shaded stretches. Even AWD and 4WD vehicles need winter-rated tires to stop on ice, which is the threat that builds across the impact zone after dark. Autoblog's AWD vs. 4WD breakdown covers what each system actually does and doesn't do in this kind of weather. Drivers should allow extra travel time, keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, and avoid travel altogether during peak accumulation windows if possible. US NWS Temperature Whiplash on the Front RangeCheyenne, Laramie, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aspen are the textbook examples of why this event is dangerous well beyond the snowfall totals. A 40-degree temperature swing in 24 hours over wet pavement is the recipe for late-evening black ice on roads that looked perfectly drivable at lunch. If you're traveling I-25 between Cheyenne and Pueblo Friday afternoon or evening, or heading west on I-70 toward Vail and Glenwood Springs, plan to either be off the road by sunset or to slow your stopping calculations dramatically as temperatures cross freezing. Winter Driving TipsIf you are driving into the impact zone today, your tires are the single most important variable. AWD will help you accelerate on snow, but it does nothing to shorten stopping distance on ice, which is exactly the threat you'll face on I-80 in Wyoming or any pass along I-70 in Colorado as temperatures crash overnight. Autoblog's winter car readiness checklist recommends a minimum of 4/32 inches of tread depth for safe winter driving, and cold temperatures will drop tire pressure by roughly 1 to 2 PSI for every 10 degrees, so check your pressures before you leave a warm garage. Give yourself at least triple the stopping distance you would use on dry pavement, and double that again on ice. If today's storm is the reminder that your vehicle isn't set up for winter, Autoblog's full breakdown of the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving is worth a read, and our best practices for driving in snow, ice, and rain guide covers everything from skid recovery to what to keep in your trunk for emergencies. The smartest call on a day like today, if your schedule allows, is to wait out the peak refreeze window entirely. TimingThe system is moving through the western U.S. today, Friday April 17, 2026, with Colorado snowfall winding down by Saturday morning as the storm exits east. The Cascades and Northern Rockies are tapering after their Thursday peak. However, the National Weather Service notes a new storm system arrives by Sunday, bringing additional rain and mountain snow to the West Coast, so this is not the last round. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

The IHRA has made the decision, in coordination with management at Montgomery International Dragway, to relocate the third race of the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series and IHRA Small Tire BRATZ Series from Montgomery, Alabama. The event, scheduled for May 7–9, will now take place at Darana Raceway in Hebron, Ohio (National Trail Raceway). Testing will be held on Wednesday, May 6. This decision follows a recent shooting at the Montgomery facility. While the situation is unrelated to our operations, we agreed alongside track leadership that relocating the event is the most responsible course of action out of an abundance of caution. The safety of our racers, their families, crews, partners, fans, and staff remain our top priority. This decision reflects our commitment to providing a safe and professional environment for everyone involved. With this move, the May 7–9 event in Hebron will now be branded as the IHRA Spring Nationals.As the third race of the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series season, this event remains a key stop on our national schedule, and championship points will continue as planned. Due to the relocation, adjustments have been made to the existing event schedule at Darana Raceway to accommodate the IHRA national event weekend. “To support the IHRA National Series, we’ve adjusted our schedule by moving our points race weekend to June 12-14 and canceling the Darana Triple 5’s event,” said Derrick Beach, General Manager of Darana Raceway. IHRA will communicate additional details, including schedule updates and ticketing information, directly with racers, teams, and ticket holders. All current ticket holders will be contacted via email with options to receive a refund or transfer their tickets to another IHRA event. For any questions, please contact [email protected]. We’re looking forward to bringing the IHRA Spring Nationals to Hebron and delivering a strong weekend of IHRA competition. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of ourracers, teams, partners, and fans. This story was originally published on April 17, 2026. The post IHRA Relocates Montgomery Event to Hebron, Ohio; Race to be Branded as IHRA Spring Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

A widespread severe thunderstorm outbreak is unfolding across nine states from the southern Plains into the Upper Mississippi Valley today, Friday April 17, 2026, with the Storm Prediction Center flagging the threat of strong tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds through tonight. The SPC has upgraded the southern and central Plains to a Moderate Risk, the second-highest category on the severe weather scale and a designation issued only a handful of times per year. A Tornado Watch is already active across much of eastern Iowa, with a separate Severe Thunderstorm Watch covering eastern Minnesota and central-to-northern Wisconsin including Rochester, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, where hail up to 2 inches in diameter and isolated 70 MPH wind gusts are the primary threats. Peak danger window: Friday afternoon through Friday night across I-35 from central Texas to Kansas, I-29 through Iowa, and I-94 across Minnesota and Wisconsin, where initial supercells could produce strong tornadoes before merging into a damaging wind squall line after dark. What to ExpectTornadoes: 10% probability across the moderate risk zone, with strong (EF2+) tornadoes possible from initial supercells in Wisconsin, Iowa, and prefrontal storms in IllinoisHail: 30% probability of severe hail, with stones up to 2 inches in diameter (hen egg size) reported in active watchesDamaging winds: 45% probability, with 70 MPH gusts forecast as storms merge into a squall line tonightWorst corridors: I-35 (central Texas through Oklahoma into Kansas), I-29 (Iowa), I-80 (eastern Iowa to Illinois), I-94 (Minnesota and Wisconsin), I-90 (southern Minnesota to Wisconsin) NWS The synoptic setup is textbook for a major outbreak. A strong upper trough oriented from Montana to the Southwest will eject eastward into the Plains tonight, with 40-60 knot southwesterly flow at 850-700 mb intensifying ahead of it by late afternoon. A surface dryline will extend from a High Plains low through the western Oklahoma/Texas panhandle border into central Texas, while a cold front will run from eastern Minnesota into central Kansas at midday. Ahead of these features sits a broad warm sector with mid-to-upper 60s dewpoints and temperatures climbing into the 80s, the recipe meteorologists describe as a strongly sheared and deeply unstable environment. Road ConditionsThe most dangerous road conditions will arrive in two distinct phases. Initial supercells across the warm sector are capable of dropping golf-ball to hen-egg-size hail with little warning, which can shatter windshields and disable visibility instantly on rural highways. As the cold front overtakes the storms tonight, the threat shifts to a fast-moving squall line with damaging straight-line winds capable of pushing vehicles out of lanes and knocking over high-profile trucks and trailers. Squall lines move at 40 to 55 MPH, leaving almost no reaction time once they appear on radar near your location. Flash flooding is also a real concern with 1-2 inches per hour rainfall rates, and even a foot of moving water can sweep a car off the road. Hail Damage Risk to VehiclesTornadoes get the headlines, but hail is the single most expensive weather hazard for vehicles in the United States. State Farm paid out more than $1.2 billion in auto hail claims nationally in 2024, and Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma recorded the most hail events that year, all of which sit inside today's threat zone. A single hailstorm can total a vehicle on paper without affecting the engine at all, because adjusters total the cost of every dented panel, cracked light housing, and shattered windshield, and if that figure exceeds the car's actual cash value, the insurer writes a salvage check. Only comprehensive auto insurance covers hail damage, and insurers will not let you add comprehensive coverage once a severe weather event is already in the forecast. Autoblog's guide to storm damage and car insurance breaks down exactly what your policy covers and how to document damage for a claim. Tropicaltidbits Severe Storm Driving TipsIf you are driving in the threat zone today, the most important rule is simple: get off the road before the line arrives. A supercell can cross a highway in minutes, and the difference between baseball-size hail and missing the storm entirely can be a matter of a few miles. If you see a dark, rotating wall cloud ahead of you, do not drive into it. Exit the highway and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If hail begins, pull over under any available cover. A gas station canopy or parking garage can prevent thousands of dollars in body and glass damage. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your location, never shelter under an overpass. Wind speeds actually accelerate through the narrow channel beneath a bridge, and you lose all debris protection. Pull well off the road, angle your vehicle away from the direction of the storm, keep your seatbelt on, and get below window level. For a fuller breakdown of severe storm driving protocol, Autoblog's recent severe storm corridor coverage covers the I-35 and I-44 playbook in detail. Monitor local NWS alerts on your phone and have a clear shelter plan before you depart. TimingInitial supercells are already firing across eastern Iowa and the upper Mississippi Valley this afternoon, with the Plains threat ramping up through the evening hours. The tornado and large hail risk is highest during the discrete supercell phase from late afternoon through about 9 PM local time. As the cold front overtakes the storms tonight, the threat will transition to a damaging wind squall line that will sweep east through the overnight hours, reaching the lower Missouri Valley and Midwest by Saturday morning. Conditions will improve behind the front Saturday, but additional severe weather is possible Sunday across the Mid-South as the system progresses. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Earlier this week, Volkswagen reported Q1 2026 sales for its lineup in the United States. Overall sales were down by 16.1%, but sales of the Jetta sedan fell even further than the brand’s lineup as a whole, with a drop of 34.9% relative to the same quarter last year. The sedan’s sales figures already fell by 24.4% throughout 2025, and that decline is continuing in 2026. Since so many sedans have been discontinued in the U.S. in recent years, there were legitimate concerns that the Jetta could be next, but VW isn’t ready to throw in the towel on one of its longest-running nameplates. That’s based on recent comments made by one of the company’s top executives. Jetta Still Plays an Important Role Volkswagen In a recent interview with CNBC, Petar Danilovic, the senior vice president of North American product marketing for VW, explained why the compact sedan still has a place in the automaker’s lineup. “Jetta is one of our most important nameplates,” said Danilovic. “Every car has a different role in the portfolio. And the Jetta, for example, is of course important to also attract entry customers. So hopefully to be able to grow them in the brand from a Jetta maybe to a Tiguan to an Atlas. So this is also the logic behind it.” Despite its age, VW still displayed the Jetta at the recent New York International Auto Show. It was overshadowed by the new Atlas, but the decision to show the compact sedan at this prominent event is another sign that the company isn’t willing to follow the likes of Ford by abandoning this segment. Jetta Still Keenly Priced Volkswagen Starting at $23,995, the Jetta remains VW’s most affordable new car. It undercuts the Taos by over $2,500 and is over $5,000 cheaper than the Tiguan. It’s not the cheapest compact sedan, though. Toyota’s Corolla starts at $23,125 and the much newer Kia K4 begins at $22,290. The Jetta does have a more premium feel than these rivals, though. A standard turbocharged engine isn’t available in many rivals, but the Jetta has one, giving it decent overtaking punch. Despite VW’s optimism about the Jetta, one has to wonder how long the sales slide will be acceptable. The sedan is also aging, with the current generation having been introduced in 2018. Several small upgrades have kept it fresh, but this hasn’t been enough to create sustained interest from buyers in this segment. Volkswagen either needs a new Jetta, or the current model should get a more comprehensive overhaul. It also lacks a hybrid to compete with the Civic and Corolla, part of a slower-than-ideal rollout of electrified models throughout the VW lineup. For now, the Jetta lives on, keeping a household name alive that was first introduced to America back in 1979. View the full article

Hyundai’s Ioniq family of dedicated all-electric vehicles has grown spectacularly in recent years, but up until now the automaker has focused mainly on mid-range and high-end models. That is about to change, because the smallest member of the Ioniq range yet—the Hyundai Ioniq 3—is only days away from its world premiere. Hyundai will officially unveil it on April 20 at the 2026 Milan Design Week in Italy, with the market launch in Europe following later in the year. World Premiere at 2026 Milan Design Week The model has been confirmed for Australia as well, where it will debut in early 2027. “Our existing EV line-up already covers 85 per cent of the market, and with the introduction of the Staria commercial van later this year and Ioniq 3 hatch early next year, we expect to reach 96 per cent overall EV market coverage,” said Hyundai Motor Australia director of sales David Rodda in a statement to local media cited by Drive. While the teasers shared by Hyundai Europe on Instagram only provide pieces of the puzzle, the automaker's Concept Three that debuted in September 2025 provides a rough sketch of the compact EV that’s about the size of a Hyundai i30. The styling will be bolder than that of a typical compact hatchback, with the Concept Three adopting a low-slung hatchback shape that resembles more a Hyundai Veloster than an Elantra GT. SH Proshots/Autoblog As it usually happens when a concept vehicle morphs into a production model, the Ioniq 3 will be significantly toned down compared to the Concept Three, though. For practicality reasons, the Ioniq 3 will ditch show car elements like the rear-hinged rear doors, the extreme over-fenders, as well as the aggressive bumpers and ducktail spoiler. As spy shots have shown so far, the electric hatch will be taller and less edgy, and it will have a more generous glasshouse. Still, it will retain the concept's coupe-like silhouette. Expect the interior to be toned down as well for more functionality. Expected to Share E-GMP Platform and Powertrains with the Kia EV3 Details on the production Ioniq 3’s range and performance are yet to be confirmed, but most reports claim the compact hatch will share hardware with the Kia EV3 compact crossover. If that is the case, the Ioniq 3 should use the same 400-volt E-GMP platform, which means that battery options could include a base 58.3-kWh version and a long-range 81.4-kWh option. On the EV3, the big battery enables a range of up to 375 miles, while the entry-level pack is good for 270 miles (both figures calculated according to Europe’s WLTP cycle). SH Proshots/Autoblog As with the Kia EV3, the Ioniq 3 should offer a single-motor FWD powertrain, while a dual-motor AWD setup may arrive later, likely borrowing the EV3 GT range-topper’s 288-hp powertrain that enables a 0-62 mph sprint in 5.7 seconds in the crossover. Until the EV3 GT arrives, the regular EV3 is FWD-only for now and delivers 201 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Ioniq 3 will be assembled at the automaker’s plant in Izmit, Turkey, whereas the Kia EV3 is made in South Korea. Unfortunately, while the EV3 is coming to the US for the 2027 model year, Hyundai does not have any plans to sell the Ioniq 3 here mainly due to import tariffs and a focus on larger vehicles in America. View the full article

Ron Capps, one of the most accomplished and respected drivers in NHRA Drag Racing history, will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s (MSHFA) Class of 2027, it was announced today at a press conference held at the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Capps is one of 10 individuals who will receive the prestigious honor recognizing those who have made a lasting impact on American motorsports. Fellow inductees into the MSHFA Class of 2027 include Gary Bettenhausen, Rob Dyson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Herb Fischel, Harry Hartz, Steve Hinton, Angelle Sampey, Lyn St. James, and Robert Yates. The esteemed group will take their place in history among some of the industry’s greatest names at an induction ceremony in Daytona Beach, Fla. next March. “This is truly one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Capps, who drives the NAPA Auto Care Funny Car in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. “When you look at all the people who have been inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, it’s hard to put into words what it means to be included among them. And the coolest part about it is, both my former team owners, Don ‘the Snake’ Prudhomme (class of 1991), and Don Schumacher (class of 2019), have both been inducted. This feels like a full circle moment for me, now as an NHRA team owner, to join them on the list.” A three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion, Capps has built a Hall of Fame-worthy career spanning more than three decades at the sport’s highest level. Known for his quick thinking behind the wheel, affable personality, and dedication to his partners, the California native ranks among the winningest drivers in NHRA history with 78 overall career victories (one Top Fuel) placing him second all-time in Funny Car wins and among the leaders in overall round wins across the sport’s four professional categories. He was also named to NHRA’s prestigious Top 75 Drivers list in early 2026 and is the winningest pro driver at Bristol Dragway. After earning his first professional Wally trophy in Top Fuel in 1995, Capps was tapped by Prudhomme to drive a Funny Car full-time, where he went on to secure 13 victories. He later joined Don Schumacher Racing in 2005, where he became a cornerstone of the powerhouse organization and captured two world championships. Early in his tenure with Schumacher, Capps’ Funny Car carried backing from the iconic Brut cologne before beginning what would become one of the longest-running partnerships in motorsports. In 2008, NAPA Auto Parts joined forces with Capps, launching a partnership that is approaching 20 years. The 2026 season marks Capps’ 19th year representing the NAPA brand, during which he has become one of the most recognizable ambassadors in the sport. Following his 2021 championship season, Capps took the next step in his career, transitioning from driver to owner-driver with the formation of Ron Capps Motorsports. The team made an immediate impact, capturing five victories in its debut year, including the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, and securing Capps’ third world championship title in 2022. Continuing to grow his organization, Capps expanded to a two-car operation in 2026, adding a Top Fuel entry with rookie Maddi Gordon to the team’s lineup. “I’ve had the chance to work with legends, race against the best in the world, and be part of some incredible moments in this sport,” Capps added. “To now be recognized in this way is something I’ll never take for granted. I know when I get up there on the stage in Daytona Beach next March, it’ll all just feel so surreal; a pinch-me moment for sure. A huge thank you to my family and everyone who supported me along the way and of course, NAPA Auto Parts. It’s because of them that I have the coolest job in the world, driving 330 mph for a living.” “Ron’s induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is truly a well-deserved honor for one of the most accomplished and respected competitors in NHRA history,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “Ron’s success on the track certainly speaks for itself, but his contributions to the sport run much deeper. His passion for the sport and his connection with our fans has been incredible for more than three decades. “He has been a remarkable ambassador for NHRA Drag Racing his entire career, representing our sport with enthusiasm, integrity and as the ultimate professional, exemplified by his longtime partnership with NAPA and desire to push the sport forward by bringing in a rookie like Maddi Gordon to his team. We’re thrilled to see him get his recognition among the greats in motorsports and celebrate this special moment with him.” This story was originally published on April 17, 2026. The post Ron Capps to be Inducted Into Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Class of 2027 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Nichols N1A is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Designed by Steve Nichols, the mind behind the dominant McLaren MP4/4 Formula One car, the N1A shares a similar mantra. In photos, the N1A looks like a car that belongs on a track or in a museum. Seeing it in person at the 2026 Salon Privé Concours only reinforces that impression. It's striking, low to the ground, compact, has an engine with way too much power, and only comes offered with a manual transmission. Did we mention it's road-legal, too? The Nichols N1A Prototype Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog The car on display was the final development prototype, the one Nichols Cars will use to complete validation before customer deliveries begin in mid-2026. In other words, what you’re looking at is essentially the finished product. And up close, you'll notice it's just 4.3 meters (14.1 feet) long and under a meter tall (3.25 feet) – your face will be exposed to the elements – and has a very steep front end. The exposed simplicity is part of the appeal, as is the stance, helped by staggered wheels with tires measuring 245 at the front and 305 at the rear. Adam Lynton/Autoblog Underneath, a bonded aluminium and carbon fibre chassis keeps the weight to around 900 kg (1,984 lbs). Mechanically, it stays true to its philosophy. A six-speed manual is standard, with no automatic option – even power steering is optional. Buyers can choose between a naturally aspirated Chevrolet LT1 V8 that makes either 454 hp or 513 hp, or step up to a 7.0-litre unit producing over 640 hp. ICON 88 And A Near-Perfect Season Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog Prices start at $500,000, and production will be limited to 100 units, with the first 15 cars forming the ICON 88 series. These limited-run examples will benefit from more standard equipment, including carbon wheels, carbon brakes, an Inconel exhaust, and, of course, the 641-hp 7.0-liter V8. Each will be individually tailored and numbered to reflect one of the 15 victories achieved by the McLaren MP4/4 during the 1988 season in the hands of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. That season had 16 races, and should have been a clean sweep, but its perfect record was broken at Monza after Senna had an altercation with a backmarker. This N1A prototype represents the “16th race,” closing the gap nearly four decades later, in spirit at least. A Road-Legal F1 Car In Spirit Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog Adam Lynton/Autoblog Seeing the N1A emphasises that it truly is as uncompromising as it looks. No screens, no driver aids, no creature comforts, and a body that looks nearly identical to an old F1 car. And it really does make you wonder how Steve Nichols and his team managed to make a car that looks like this road legal. According to Nichols, buyers can customize their N1A however they want, whether it be a bespoke color, material, or finish – you can even spec yours with a custom livery. Chances are, most of the 100 N1A units will hibernate in a garage and appreciate. But to the handful of owners who actually drive them, it will be a reincarnation, reminding them of a time that existed long, long ago. View the full article

Up to two feet of snow and temperatures plunging 25 degrees below the mid-April average are slamming 11 western and northern states today, Friday April 17, 2026, as a late-season "cold storm" presses from the Cascades and Northern Rockies into Colorado and the Northern Plains. The Weather Prediction Center is headlining late-season snow for the Northern Rockies, Central Rockies, and Northern Plains, with mountain passes from Washington and Oregon east through Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado all in the impact zone through Friday night, plus snow and ice probabilities extending into North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Peak danger window: Friday afternoon through Saturday morning across I-70, I-80, and I-25 in Colorado and Wyoming, where 70-degree highs Thursday will collapse into the 30s Friday and refreeze wet pavement after sunset. What to ExpectSnow totals: 1-2 feet across the Cascades and Northern Rockies; 8-16 inches cumulative across Utah and Colorado mountains; 4-8 inches in Yellowstone National ParkLower elevations: Light accumulations expected in Boise, Pocatello, Great Falls, Salt Lake City, Laramie, Cheyenne, and AspenTemperature crash: 40-degree drops in under 24 hours across eastern Wyoming and ColoradoWorst corridors: I-90 across Montana, I-84 through eastern Oregon and Idaho, I-80 across Wyoming, I-15 through Utah and Idaho, I-70 over the Colorado RockiesThe storm's heavy snow focus is shifting south and east through Friday, with Colorado terrain taking the brunt as the Utah and Wyoming snow tapers off. Snow squalls and convective bands hammered Utah and Wyoming overnight, and the WPC is flagging Day 1 snow probabilities of 10-20% for greater than 4 inches over central North Dakota, with ice probabilities of 10-30% for greater than 0.1 inches stretching from northeast North Dakota through northwest Minnesota. Per OpenSnow's multi-day breakdown, southwest Montana, northwest Wyoming, and northern Utah saw the heaviest accumulation Thursday, with Colorado now in the firing line through end of day Friday. Road ConditionsMountain passes in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado will see accumulating snow throughout the day, with rapid changes in surface conditions on bridges, overpasses, and shaded stretches. Even AWD and 4WD vehicles need winter-rated tires to stop on ice, which is the threat that builds across the impact zone after dark. Autoblog's AWD vs. 4WD breakdown covers what each system actually does and doesn't do in this kind of weather. Drivers should allow extra travel time, keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, and avoid travel altogether during peak accumulation windows if possible. US NWS Temperature Whiplash on the Front RangeCheyenne, Laramie, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aspen are the textbook examples of why this event is dangerous well beyond the snowfall totals. A 40-degree temperature swing in 24 hours over wet pavement is the recipe for late-evening black ice on roads that looked perfectly drivable at lunch. If you're traveling I-25 between Cheyenne and Pueblo Friday afternoon or evening, or heading west on I-70 toward Vail and Glenwood Springs, plan to either be off the road by sunset or to slow your stopping calculations dramatically as temperatures cross freezing. Winter Driving TipsIf you are driving into the impact zone today, your tires are the single most important variable. AWD will help you accelerate on snow, but it does nothing to shorten stopping distance on ice, which is exactly the threat you'll face on I-80 in Wyoming or any pass along I-70 in Colorado as temperatures crash overnight. Autoblog's winter car readiness checklist recommends a minimum of 4/32 inches of tread depth for safe winter driving, and cold temperatures will drop tire pressure by roughly 1 to 2 PSI for every 10 degrees, so check your pressures before you leave a warm garage. Give yourself at least triple the stopping distance you would use on dry pavement, and double that again on ice. If today's storm is the reminder that your vehicle isn't set up for winter, Autoblog's full breakdown of the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving is worth a read, and our best practices for driving in snow, ice, and rain guide covers everything from skid recovery to what to keep in your trunk for emergencies. The smartest call on a day like today, if your schedule allows, is to wait out the peak refreeze window entirely. TimingThe system is moving through the western U.S. today, Friday April 17, 2026, with Colorado snowfall winding down by Saturday morning as the storm exits east. The Cascades and Northern Rockies are tapering after their Thursday peak. However, the National Weather Service notes a new storm system arrives by Sunday, bringing additional rain and mountain snow to the West Coast, so this is not the last round. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

It's already been nearly two months since the all-electric i3 sedan debuted, and now a leak from a reliable insider has spilled the tea on what to expect in terms of performance from the combustion-powered BMW 3 Series. A user on the Bimmer Post forum claims that the eighth-generation G50 3 Series will launch with three models, with others to follow in due course: 318, 320, and M350 (we've known for some time that the 'i' suffix is being dropped from gas Bimmers to prevent confusing them with their electric brethren), with the latter reportedly getting more power than was previously reported. BMW M350 Will Be Boosted Beyond 400 Horsepower SH Proshots/Autoblog Spy photographers reported in June last year that the current range-topping 386-horsepower M340i would be replaced by an M350 delivering 400 hp from a mild-hybrid powertrain, but the new information leaked online is more specific, claiming that the M Performance 3er will get the B58B30M3 straight-six turbo engine with a total of 420 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. While that is higher than previously understood, the discrepancy may be a result of Euro 7 emissions regulations, with European-market models potentially getting less performance than the unshackled U.S.-spec models, as is the case with the current G20 M340i. As for the rest of the range, a four-cylinder turbo will continue. Related: BMW's High-Performance Electric X5 Is Getting Tires Not Even Supercars Have Yet The forum update says the 318's mild-hybrid, featuring the 2.0-liter turbo B48B20M3 engine, will make 154 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the 320 will reportedly develop 208 hp and 243 lb-ft, with both four-pots being assisted by an electric motor producing an extra 11 ponies. The latter is expected to be offered in both rear-wheel-drive and xDrive formats. In the U.S., those figures may not be potent enough, but don't forget, these are just the launch models, and it's almost certain that a 330 model with a more powerful setup will follow. This, too, is likely to be offered in RWD and AWD configurations, and a 330e plug-in hybrid is also expected to make production. So, when will these rumors be officially confirmed or denied? Gas BMW 3 Series Coming After X5 Debut SH Proshots/Autoblog The new G50 3 Series has already been teased by BMW, and a major leak in February of this year confirmed that it will arrive in xDrive form for the 2027 model year. This is expected to occur after the new X5 is launched, and that enters production in August, with a reveal happening in the summer (so anytime from late June). With 3 Series production scheduled for November, we don't expect the all-new 3 Series to break cover before the fall. View the full article

So you want to join the ranks and buy yourself a cafe racer. I can hear it already: “What? You’re not building your own?” Building a cafe racer isn’t for everyone. It takes time, patience, and most importantly, skill in order to build a truly custom cafe racer motorcycle. Sometimes it’s easier to peruse another enthusiast’s properly built project and make it your own. You love the look, you’ve looked through listings, and it’s time to make a decision. However, […] The post What To Consider Before Buying A Cafe Racer Motorcycle appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

OEM Plus Hyundai has a new parts catalog for 2026. The recipients of these new pieces include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the Elantra N. We have yet to see the Ioniq 6 N, but perhaps we'll see a new catalog dropping from the South Korean brand soon enough as models make their way to owners and dealers. The Elantra N and the Ioniq 5 N are both stellar forays into Hyundai's performance vehicle category. The brand's N Division continues to generate excitement among its "Nthusiasts" by providing several accessories designed and engineered by Hyundai N. These products will be made available at select U.S. Hyundai dealers that sell Hyundai N cars. Hyundai New Dress Up Bits Both the Hyundai Elantra N and the Ioniq 5 N receive dress-up parts and hardware in Hyundai's published catalog of parts. These are model-specific pieces that align with the "Just Drive" tagline of Hyundai's performance-driven brand. Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N N Performance Black Wheel Nuts Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N N Design Floor Mats Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N Metal Door Scuff Plates Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N Wheel Caps Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N Alcantara Steering Wheel Ioniq 5 N / Elantra N N Performance Decals “Hyundai’s new N Performance Parts are specifically engineered to meet the discerning demands of our Hyundai N Nthusiasts,” said Joon Park, Vice President of N Management Group, Hyundai Motor Company. “These rigorously engineered N Performance Parts deliver high performance and motorsports-inspired designs for N owners who crave more performance and a higher degree of design personalization. The biggest ticket item of the bunch is the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel which will replace the stock leather-wrapped unit. Along with that, we also get floor mats, metal scuff plates, wheel caps, decals, and even black wheel nuts. Hyundai N Performance Parts (IONIQ 5 N Alcantara® steering wheel) Hyundai View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Elantra N-Specific Upgrades Hyundai is rolling out more upgrades for the Elantra N. The platform is reaching a certain level of maturity with owners. You could say it's the right time for an upgrade. If you didn't get the Elantra N TCR, full assemblies for the rear wing and carbon fiber side mirrors will be available for purchase. Interior bits that might have been worn down over time can now be refreshed with Alcantara-clad parts. Elantra N Carbon Fiber Rear Wing Elantra N Carbon Fiber Side Mirrors (without camera) Elantra N Alcantara Gear Knob & Shift Boot (M/T or A/T) Elantra N Alcantara Parking Lever Elantra N Alcantara Center Armrest Elantra N 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels (Matte Black) The biggest upgrades in this bunch are the 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels and the Carbon Fiber Rear Wing. You have to remember that the rear wing on the Elantra N is actually a functional bit of aero. The wheels are also forged, and an upgrade over the stock set. Hyundai N didn't publish fitment specifications for the new set of 19s, but zooming in on the press photos, you'll see it's wrapped in 245/35 R19-series tires, which are close to stock size. The kicker is that the OEM-plus set is forged, so you'll save a bit of unsprung mass there. Hyundai N Performance Parts (Elantra N 19-inch matte black forged alloy wheels) Hyundai View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Simple and UnderstandableI'd like to think that one of the hardest automotive processes is naming the actual car. As simple as it may be, I'm sure countless man-hours and meetings have been spent on naming. Some brands like to use words and come up with unique names, while others prefer to keep it simple with a combination of letters and numbers. This is usually reserved for the premium brands, but Infiniti is looking to shake things up. After years of using letters and numbers, a change to a more streamlined type of naming process. Adam Lynton/Autoblog Internal ConfusionWhile it's understandable that some people are confused by the numbers-and-letters naming style, most have gotten used to it by now. However, it has come to light that some Infiniti executives have expressed confusion about how the brand names its models. In a report by Edmunds, they were able to attend a media session with Nissan Americas' chief product and planning officer Ponz Pandikuthira. Pandikuthira candidly admitted to the assembled media that he was frustrated with the current naming process and that Infiniti is working to change it. He isn't alone in feeling this frustration; he notes that Nissan Americas' chairman, Christian Meunier, isn't a fan of this "alphabet soup," which doesn't stick to people or resonate with buyers. Most of the confusion centers on the "Q" and "QX" models, introduced in 2012 to streamline the lineup. This naming convention debuted in 2014, when the G became the Q50, the M transformed into the Q70, and the crossover and SUVs took on the QX (add number here) names. Pandikuthira says that Nissan banks on a lot of great nameplates, that Infiniti lost our on by going alphanumeric, lamenting the loss of the FX, which he claims stood for something. Cole Attisha Using Midjourney 7.0 and Gemini 3 Pro What Now?There are a few cars slated for launch still under the current naming convention: the QX65 and the Skyline-platform Q50 are set to make a return. After that, nothing is clear, which could provide Infiniti the opportunity to fix its naming problems. Some will argue they understand Infinit's model lineup, but looking at the competition proves Pandikuthira's point. Alphanumeric works if it provides a clear distinction between models. For example, you understand that the BMW 2-series is different from the 3-series, that the Audi Q5 is different from the Q7, and that a Lexus IS is not the same as an LS. Infiniti View the full article

When working with motorcycles sourced from bank auction vehicles, completing repairs is only the first step. Before a salvage bike can be legally ridden or resold, it must pass a rebuilt title inspection — a process that verifies the motorcycle’s identity, parts, and documentation. In many regions, this inspection goes far beyond a basic safety check. It is a detailed evaluation where officials confirm VIN numbers, review repair records, and ensure that all replaced components are properly documented. Understanding this […] The post Navigating the Rebuilt Title Inspection: What Authorities Check in Your Motorcycle Restoration appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

"Wings" Trademark disputes are quite interesting to cover. On the one hand, there are the outright copycats who deserve to be served, while on the other hand, there are more finicky situations, such as the one that Geely finds itself entangled in. Aston Martin is suing Geely because the Chinese brand's new badge looks a little too similar to Aston Martin's classic wings logo. Bentley may have wings on its logo, but it's nowhere near the shape of Aston Martin's. You could argue the same for the London Electric Vehicle Company's emblem as well. London Electric Vehicle Company Too Similar?The dispute was served to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group by Aston Martin, arguing that the new logos that the Chinese brand wants to use on its cars are too close in design to the British marque's famous wings emblem. Geely plans to use its new "Aston-like" logo for its London taxi subsidiary, London EV company. Whereas Aston's logo is slim and has the brand's name on it, Geely's "copy" features a horse's head in the center of the wings, and it's a much fatter set of flappers to boot. Different enough, but not dissimilar enough to – potentially – confuse buyers. You could say that Aston has a case if you consider the logos alone. However, would you really confuse an electric taxi with a wings logo for an Aston Martin? London Electric Vehicle Company Since 2022 The Telegraph reported that the dispute was first filed in 2022, when Geely attempted to register the logos with the U.K.'s intellectual property office. In 2023, Aston Martin blocked this, stating that the Chinese automaker infringed on its logo design. The court ruled in Geely's favor, however. Again, the argument was that car buyers are unlikely to mistake an EV taxi for an Aston Martin. In the following year, Geely bought a 17-percent stake in Aston Martin for $310 million, putting it squarely on the list of majority shareholders. Ironically, Aston Martin also "lost" James Bond to BYD – in a manner of speaking. The addition of Aston Martin to Geely's portfolio during this time is only one of the few British brands the Chinese company has managed to secure, which also includes Lotus. Even if Geely owns part of Aston Martin, the brand isn't backing down and still wants to block the logos. The British brand declined to discuss the case further, while Geely stated that it's just a routine trademark dispute. Despite the kerfuffle, Geely is committed to maintaining a professional relationship with Aston Martin as a business partner and part-owner. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Cadillac Prices Are Climbing FastCadillac is seeing a serious spike in what buyers are paying. According to a report from Cox Automotive, in March 2026, the average transaction price hit $84,139, up 11.6% from last year and 3.0% from February, a big jump in a short time. It aligns with a broader industry shift in which expensive vehicles, especially SUVs, are dominating. Cadillac, with its lineup of premium models, is right in the sweet spot of that trend. Cadillac The Market Is Starting to Look Like a Luxury ClubThis is where things get more interesting. The U.S. new car market itself is starting to behave like a luxury business. Higher-income households now make up a much larger share of buyers, while lower-income buyers are being pushed out or opting for used instead. That shift helps explain why brands like Cadillac are thriving. There’s a growing gap between buyers who can afford these vehicles and those who can’t. In fact, studies show that 70% of buyers are cutting back on everyday expenses just to afford a car, which tells you just how far people are stretching to stay in the new-car market. Cadillac Buyers Are Stretching, And It’s Propping Up PricesAnother possible reason prices keep climbing? Financing. Buyers aren’t necessarily earning more; they’re borrowing more. Longer loan terms, some stretching 72 to 84 months or more, are helping people afford vehicles that would otherwise be out of reach. The result is a market that looks strong on the surface, but is being supported by bigger loans and higher monthly payments. That’s helping keep prices elevated and not just for luxury brands like Cadillac, but across the entire industry. Cadillac No Real End in SightAll signs point to this trend continuing. Average new car prices have already crossed the $50,000 mark, and there’s little indication they’re coming back down anytime soon. Put it all together, and Cadillac’s rising prices act as a snapshot of where the entire market is headed. More expensive cars, wealthier buyers driving demand, and everyone else trying to keep up. Cadillac View the full article

We’ve got live drag racing coming to you from Division 7! It’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing at it’s finest and every pair that goes down the race track is right here live. If you like Sportsman Drag Racing, where wheels-up action is the norm, then this is the racing for you. We’re talking Stock, Super Stock, Comp, Alcohol classes, and more right here from The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Check it out and let us know what you think! Video Description: Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 7 From Las Vegas Motor Speedway Friday on YouTube. https://www.nhra.com/schedule/2026 The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 7 Regional From The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Friday appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Show Cars with a PointOne-off show cars usually exist to test boundaries, not rack up sales. They’re rolling design exercises that let brands explore ideas without worrying about production realities. In the case of Mini, that idea has always revolved around individuality. Mini Mini teamed up with Austrian design studio Vagabund to create two Countryman SUVs that look nothing like what you’d find at a dealership. Vagabund is known for turning the ordinary into something expressive, and here, they’ve injected a strong dose of culture and lifestyle into the mix. The end result? Two Countryman builds that treat the SUV as a blank canvas. Underneath, it’s still a Countryman, but the purpose is on a whole different level. Mini A Louder, Wider, More Theatrical CountrymanBoth builds start life as a Mini Countryman S ALL4, but that’s about where the stock story ends. The body gets wider arches, new bumpers, and a stance that looks ready for a show, not a school run. Ride height is up, and those 20-inch wheels with 3D-printed covers look like they belong on a speaker, not a crossover. Each build has its own personality. One goes for a lighter Melting Silver with sand and white accents, while the other is all-in on Midnight Black. Put them side by side, and you get a clear contrast: playful versus technical, open versus precise. But the real highlight is the sound system. Instead of rear-side windows, you get a custom audio setup designed to project music outdoors. Tweeters and mid-range speakers are built right into the body, and subwoofers in the back turn the tailgate into a mini stage. Even the roof rack gets in on the act. It’s laser-cut aluminum with mesh details that look like speaker grilles. There’s even a Walkman tucked into a 3D-printed case on one side – a small touch that brings a bit of old-school nostalgia to this modern build. Mini More Than Just a Design ExerciseBut it’s not just about looks. Mini and Vagabund want these builds to be platforms for connection – bringing people together through music and shared experiences, with the cars as the centerpiece. Just as wild as the looks are the materials used in the project. The speaker housings are made from cast polymer granite, chosen for its sound, not just its looks. Each car works on its own, but together they create a bigger, more immersive setup – almost like a two-car stage. One of these will debut at Auto China 2026 in Beijing next week, together with other wild concepts, with additional showings planned afterward. Production isn’t on the table, nor do we hope it would be, because frankly, this isn’t something you’d want in your garage, more so in your neighbor’s. Mini View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Here’s the 4th, and final, gallery of photos from the PDRA Carolina Nationals at Darlington. Check them out below and if you missed the previous photos we’ve got a link for that too! (Photos by David Whealon) – The PDRA Carolina Nationals from Darlington were cold and challenging, but we’ve got a bunch of photos from David Whealon showing just how cool the cars and racing action were. While they were not able to finish the event, because of weather and cold track temps, the final two rounds of eliminations will be contested at this weekend’s East Coast Nationals at Darana Motorsports Park GALOT. That means fans and racers are in for three big days of racing with Thursday’s action finishing up the Carolina Nationals eliminations, followed by qualifying and eliminations for the East Coast Nationals themselves. With Pro Nitrous, Pro Boost, Pro Stock, Outlaw 632 and more on hand, you know that some awesome racing was happening. The car counts were strong and the competition was unrelenting throughout eliminations in all categories. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED THE PREVIOUS PDRA PHOTOS The post Drag Racing Photos: Our Final Gallery Of Photos From The PDRA Carolina Nationals 2026 At Darlington Dragway! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

There’s nothing quite like the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway and the massive sensory overload is coming quick, with the spectacular spectacle set to take place on April 23-26 at the “Bellagio of Dragstrips.” An event as wild and unique as this one always makes for a memorable experience for every fan, especially this season during NHRA’s special 75th anniversary season. But just in case you needed a reminder, here are 4 reasons you can’t miss this year’s 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway: The only 4-wide of the year: It’s the wildest spectacle in motorsports and words don’t do it justice when four nitro-burning machines blast down the dragstrip, showcasing nearly 50,000-horsepower at once while reaching speeds of more than 340 mph. This year, though, April 24-26 is the only chance to see the most unique event in drag racing – and at the birthplace of four-wide racing, zMAX Dragway. It’s the only Charlotte stop during NHRA’s 75th anniversary tour, giving you one opportunity to watch the incredible four-wide experience. Plus, it’s the only chance to see the biggest names of the sport, including racing legend Tony Stewart, who just won in Pomona, Antron Brown, Ron Capps, Erica Enders, Austin Prock, Leah Pruett, local racers Greg Anderson, Dallas Glenn, Matt Hagan, and Matt and Angie Smith, as well as rookie sensation Maddi Gordon and Funny Car newcomer Jordan Vandergriff, and many more. With qualifying on Friday and Saturday, and eliminations on Sunday – all at the only four-wide race of the year – it’s an experience that everyone should enjoy. “It’s my home track and it’s such a great place,” Hagan said. “This place, it’s always just top-notch. The facilities are great, the fans are great, so we’re really looking forward to it.” NHRA’s 75th anniversary celebration: The milestone year means plenty of celebrating, honoring drivers and memorable moments. There’s the impressive diamond Wally on the line for all competitors, while fans will get to meet legends like Hagan, Darrell Gwynn and Frank Manzo in Charlotte. Plus, Hagan’s historic run from 2011 at zMAX Dragway, will be celebrated, marking the 15th anniversary of Funny Car’s first 3-second run. To add to the celebration, on Sunday, a free, limited-edition NHRA schedule magnet will be given to the first 5,000 fans in attendance. Access galore: Of course, every ticket to the 4-Wide Nationals is a pit pass, putting fans right in the thick of the action as they watch teams work on their cars between rounds, meet drivers and experience all off-the-track thrills in store. In Charlotte, that also includes the Dodge Thrill Rides near the pit area, as race fans can experience SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack Dodge Thrill Rides, hopping in for a front-row seat as professional drivers unleash burnouts, donuts and the full power of the new twin-turbo 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack. It’s a heart-pounding experience that sets the mood perfectly for four-wide racing. There’s also the special RevZilla display in Charlotte, which will feature the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and allow fans to learn how to ride a motorcycle from licensed instructors, emphasizing a true hands-on experience. Right Trailers Outlaw Street debut: Fans will get an amzing opportunity to see the debut of the Right Trailers Outlaw Street Series, which features the biggest names from the famous Street Outlaws franchise, including Shawn Ellington, Ryan Martin, Scott Taylor, Paige Coughlin and Jeff Lutz. The new showcase in 2026 will feature 10 drivers, with three rounds of qualifying and eliminations over the course of the weekend. For fans of the series, it gives them a chance to see their favorite drivers in action, with nearly 50,000-horsepower of nitro coming later as a bonus. Last season, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Prock (Funny Car), Glenn (Pro Stock) and Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won at the famed facility. This season’s race will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 26. It is the fourth of 20 events in 2026, with two rounds of qualifying set for Friday, two rounds on Saturday – as well as the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge – and eliminations on Sunday. The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will also feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:15 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 25 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 26. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 11 a.m. ET on Sunday with eliminations action at 7 p.m. ET to follow. To purchase tickets to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, please visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-3267. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. The post Four Reasons You Can’t Miss the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ford has just revealed a new version of the electric Explorer in Europe. But don’t be fooled, this isn’t aimed at families. It’s a commercial vehicle. And oddly enough, if you add some seats in the back, it might be closer to what some buyers hoped the Mustang Mach-E would be from the start. A Simpler, More Useful Explorer EV The new Explorer Van is essentially a two-seat version of the standard electric SUV, reworked for fleet use. The rear seats have been replaced with a flat load floor, while a full bulkhead separates the cabin from the cargo area, making it perfect for light-duty work. Because it features a partition behind the driver and no rear seats, it’s classified as a van in Europe. That's also why it has the yellow lug nut indicators on its wheels. The all-wheel-drive version produces 335 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, while the rear-wheel-drive model can travel up to 374 miles on a single charge. Payload capacity tops out at 650 kg (1,433 lbs), and towing capability reaches up to 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs). The numbers aren’t meant to rival larger petrol-powered or hybrid vans, but they don’t need to. The EV Americans Might Actually Want Ford While this model is designed for European fleets, it unintentionally hits a sweet spot for American buyers, assuming it regains rear seats. If this were to become a reality, the almost station-wagon-looking Explorer EV could do everything the Mustang Mach-E does, just better. The size and simplistic design are much closer to what US consumers typically prefer, especially given the mixed reception to the Mach-E. And best of all, no more blasphemed Mustang name. The Possibility of It Coming To The States Ford will introduce a new affordable four-door model in the States, rumored to be a sedan. As it stands, the Explorer Van is unlikely to make its way to the United States. It has been developed specifically around European regulations. Although America gets the gas-powered Explorer, the Explorer EV, and its van variant join the list of Euro-only Ford SUVs, including the Puma, Kuga, and Capri (you can keep that one). Not every buyer is looking for something flashy or overdesigned. Sometimes, a clean, practical EV with the right size and shape is exactly what’s missing. View the full article

Shannon and Jess are moving right along on the FJ40 and things just keep getting better. If you like a Landcruiser, you’ll dig this one. But if restored to factory is your jam, this one might not be quite up your alley. We dig them all, so we are in. Check it out as they put together some new crossmembers, rear 4-link, and front suspension. This beast is about to become a roller in this episode of the build! If you missed this FJ40 project that Shannon Campbell is working on, we’ve got a link below, but if you are back for the next installment in this build series you are in luck as well. I think this is going to be a fun project, because I love FJ40s, but if you have any ideas of building a custom chassis for your FJ or Jeep, you should check this one out. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE UPDATES ON THIS FJ40 PROJECT SO FAR The post FJ40 Land Cruiser Custom Fabrication: From Chassis to Rolling! 4 Link, Axles, Crossmembers & More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Working with the UK's Liam Doran, Travis Pastrana just took possession of a Suzuki Hayabusa-powered mini truck and it does drift wheelies, which are awesome. View the full article