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The S58 inline six-cylinder engine in some of BMW’s most engaging M cars needs no introduction. Produced since 2019, this charismatic turbocharged mill has powered everything from the M2 to the M3, M4, and even the mighty BMW 3.0 CSL. But performance engines like this one are threatened by ever-stricter emissions regulations. BMW knows how important six-cylinder power is for these M cars, though, so it will be introducing a revised version of the S58 in mid-2026 that meets the European Euro 7 standard and boasts better efficiency—without affecting power and performance in any way. Related: The 7 Best BMW Engines of the 21st Century M Ignite Pre-Chamber Ignition System BMW Known as the “M Ignite” system, the innovative design update is based around a new pre-chamber in the cylinder head. Connected to the cylinder’s main combustion chamber by overflow openings, the pre-chamber has its own spark plug and ignition coil. Effectively, this means the engine has two ignition systems. “At low and medium revs, the conventional spark plug in the main combustion chamber fires before the spark plug in the pre-chamber,” says BMW M. “At higher revs and loads, the pre-chamber ignition takes over the lead role. In this process, a part of the fuel-air mixture, which is channeled into the pre-chamber through the openings, is ignited there. The flames generated as a result then exit the pre-chamber at around the speed of sound.” BMW BMW Following this, “ignition jets” ignite the mixture in the main combustion chamber, which occurs above the piston at multiple points at the same time. This leads to much higher combustion speeds. Furthermore, BMW has added new exhaust gas turbochargers with a variable turbine geometry—a first for the S58. If you’re worried that these changes will affect the engine’s soundtrack, think again. BMW M claims that the dual ignition systems actually create a throatier sound at high revs, which you can listen to here. Track Days Just Got More Affordable BMW Heavy loads and high revs typically have a drastic effect on the gas mileage of turbocharged cars. This will be obvious in a track environment, where your M2 or M3 will use a lot more gas. However, BMW says the M Ignite system will result in substantially lower consumption under high load. While few specific claims were made, the company published a figure for the M2 of 10.2 liters per 100 km, which translates to 23 mpg. The current M2 gets 19 mpg combined, so if the 23 mpg is a combined figure and based on EPA standards, that would be a noticeable improvement. More realistically, a 1 to 2 mpg improvement is on the cards. “With M Ignite, we are transferring combustion engine technology from motorsport to our high-performance road vehicles,” said Alexander Karajlovic, Head of Development at BMW M. “With M Ignite in the S58, we are offering our customers a purist combustion engine without hybridization that meets our high standards for an M powertrain.” The M3 and M4 will be the first models to benefit from the upgraded S58 engine in July 2026. A month later, the M2 will receive the new M Ignite system. All will have the same 3.0-liter displacement and power outputs as the existing models. What It Means BMW Mercedes-AMG found out the hard way that simply moving to a smaller-capacity, hybridized setup to achieve better emissions wasn’t the solution fans wanted for models like the C63, which had always had a V8. Rather than go the same route, BMW has re-engineered its classic straight-six for another generation, while retaining the character of these smaller M cars. BMW M boss Frank van Meel promised that keeping the six-cylinder and V8 M engines around was a priority, and the new M Ignite system shows he’s making good on that. Related: BMW M Will Do Anything To Keep Straight-Sixes Singing And V8s Roaring View the full article

There's a new report that, after Liberty Media's takeover of MotoGP last year, that it may be looking to put Red Bull Racing's former team principal, Christian Horner, in as CEO for the motorcycle racing series. View the full article

From Eddie Bauer to...Carhartt?It's safe to say that the Ford and Eddie Bauer collaboration has been one of the most popular tie-ups between a car manufacturer and automaker. The cross-branding partnership ran from 1984 to 2010, and Ford hasn't had a clothing partner since. This year, however, things are about to change. For the 2027 model year, the Super Duty pickup gains a new special edition, the Carhartt. Yes, that Carhartt, and with that, Ford goes from partnering up with an outdoor brand to a company that's best known for work wear. Ford The Super Duty CarharttUnlike Eddie Bauer Fords, which served as the top-of-the-line models back in the day, the Carhartt is more of a special package. It's available for the Super Duty XLT Crew Cab, specifically single-wheel versions with four-wheel drive. Interestingly, it's the first time the Super Duty gets an apparel collab, as the truck was never offered with an Eddie Bauer version. Ford says this package is 'centered in function, not decoration,' although the results of the tie-up are made clear the moment you take a look at it. There are Carhartt logos on the fenders, along with textured graphics on the doors and tailgate to let everyone know that this is a different kind of Super Duty. Those graphics are also said to offer a layer of protection from dirt and other road debris. Other exterior upgrades? There's a spray-on bedliner that's adorned with a Carhartt logo, and the matte black grille is another touch to this model. Those wheels are worth talking about, too, as they're exclusive to this model and we're willing to bet those will be worth a pretty penny someday. Ford Of Course, It's Got Carhartt Threads InsideInside, the seats are trimmed in Carhartt fabrics, so you can bet that they'll be hard-wearing. At least, that's what we expect given the brand's reputation for its workwear. There are triple-stitch patterns on the seats and on the door trims. As for the fabric used, Ford says it's drawn from Carhartt's latest tool bag. Further emphasizing this tie-up are embossed logos on the headrests and on the map pockets at the backs of the front seats. The heavy-duty rubber floor mats also get Carhartt logos. Ford Will There Be More Ford-Carhartt Models?Ben Ewy, Carhartt's vice president of global product design, said: "Both brands are coming to life in a bigger way with us coming together." While it's not a confirmation of further collaborations, there is a glimmer of hope that it will happen should it prove successful. In the meantime, it's reserved for the Super Duty, and we have to say it's pretty fitting for the supersized pickup. Of course, an F-150 or Expedition Carhartt edition would be neat. Ford View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A dramatic fusion of engineering theatre and collectible design, the Lotus C-01 remains one of the most visually arresting motorcycles of the modern era. Conceived by Lotus Motorcycles and styled by renowned automotive designer Daniel Simon, the C-01 blurred the line between superbike and rolling sculpture, with production limited to approximately 100 units worldwide. Developed by German race constructor Kodewa in partnership with motorcycle engineering specialist Kalex under the licensed Lotus name, the C-01 paired futuristic aesthetics with serious mechanical […] The post Bike of the Day: 2015 Lotus C-01 appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

The new QJ Motor SRK 600 RS sits in the sweet spot between beginner bikes and high-performance sportbikes.View the full article

Sum Of All PartsThere are many parts that make up a car; each needs its own maintenance to ensure it operates well under any conditions. A vital part is the braking system, which relies on accredited and tested brake fluids to ensure that the car's braking performance is as consistent and dependable when needed. When the brakes are compromised in any way, braking or slowing the car down will not be as easy or safe as it should be. GM is issuing a recall on brake fluid that seems to affect the system as a whole. GM ACDelco Brake Fluid RecallAccording to a report by GM Authority, General Motors has issued a recall for a specific type of brake fluid. The recall is for ACDelco's GMW DOT 3 brake and clutch fluid. This was after federal regulators from the NHTSA found visible sediment, which they determined could reduce braking performance. The total recall amounts to 40,440 containers of the brake and clutch fluid. The part number is also listed as 19353126 and was produced between October 19th, 2022, and December 28th, 2022. An issue first came to light on August 7, 2025, coming after GM was notified by the NHTSA that samples of the affected brake fluid had failed the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116. It was a routine safety test conducted by a third-party laboratory in June 2024. GM immediately opened an investigation into the matter. During the investigation, GM tested the unopened brake fluid samples. It was determined that these samples did, in fact, confirm the presence of a sediment. Furthermore, GM found the cause of the sediment: the product of two additives added to the fluid itself,a not external contamination. Cause UnknownWhile it was determined which brake fluid additive caused the sediment, the specific reason why these additives performed that way remains unknown to GM, even after the investigation and testing. Both the NHTSA and GM note that sediment can compromise brake performance, increasing the risk of an accident. On May 6, dealers were notified of the recall, while direct buyers will receive their notice by June 8. Instead of replacing the fluid, GM will reimburse the dealerships and the direct buyers of the affected fluid. View the full article

Thursday at the North West 200 was overshadowed by tragedy before the evening qualifying programme finally ran, with Dean Harrison, Michael Dunlop, Peter Hickman and Alastair Seeley ending up fastest across the main classes. The post North West 200 qualifying: Harrison takes Superbike pole after sombre Thursday appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The post Royal Enfield | Hunter 350 Tokyo Black – Now Available appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Motorcycle Recall Notices Harley-Davidson Softail Recall Recall number – REC-006594 Campaign number – 0192 Original published date – 23 April 2026 Supplier details – Harley-Davidson Australia Pty Limited Contact name – Harley-Davidson Dealership Contact phone – 02 9886 0600 Contact email – [email protected] Contact website – https://www.harley-davidson.com/au/en/index.html Harley-Davidson Softail Variants 2025 – FLHC, FXBB, FXLRS, […] The post Recall Round-Up: Harley Softail, BMW K 1600 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

If there’s a place where horsepower meets heart, it’s the annual Truckin’ For Kids Charity Show & Drags – and the 45th edition didn’t lift. It stood on the diesel pedal and never looked back. Held May 2-3 at Famoso Dragstrip and presented by 10-4 Magazine, the Bakersfield staple once again proved that big rigs, big smoke, and big speed can drive an even bigger purpose. With all net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s Hospital in Pasadena, the weekend blended show-and-shine polish with full-throttle action down the quarter-mile. Sunday’s dragstrip program brought the noise. Diesel trucks stormed the historic Famoso surface, laying down thick clouds of smoke with burnout displays that had the crowd leaning on the fence. These weren’t just parade laps – these were full-send passes from machines built to work hard and play even harder, putting torque and attitude on full display. Then came the fire. Two jet cars lit off and turned the volume to max, ripping down the strip in a pair of flame-throwing exhibition passes that shook the ground and snapped every head in the house. It was pure sensory overload – heat, sound, and speed – exactly the kind of show that’s become a signature of Truckin’ For Kids. While the on-track action delivered, the mission remained front and center. Event organizers estimate this year’s event will generate between $65,000 and $70,000 for Shriners Children’s Hospital in Pasadena. From chrome-heavy show trucks to smoke-filled dragstrip action, Truckin’ For Kids once again proved it’s more than just an event – it’s a movement. One where diesel power meets generosity, and every pass down Famoso’s quarter-mile helps push something far more important across the finish line. This story was originally published on May 7, 2026. The post Diesel Thunder and Jet Fire: Truckin’ For Kids Delivers Power and Purpose at Famoso first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

A fatal head-on crash on I-70 westbound in Washington County, Pennsylvania closed about five miles of the corridor for three hours today, Thursday, May 7, 2026, and the highway is still running on a single lane. Pennsylvania State Police say a Ford Focus crossed the grass median near mile marker 10.5 in Buffalo Township at 1:22 PM EDT and collided with a westbound tractor-trailer. What HappenedTime and location: 1:22 PM EDT, mile marker 10.5, Buffalo Township between Pittsburgh and the West Virginia state lineVehicles: Ford Focus eastbound, tractor-trailer westboundMechanism: Median crossover into oncoming westbound trafficOutcome: Ford Focus driver pronounced dead on scene; tractor-trailer driver treated for minor injuriesClosure: I-70 westbound between Exit 11 (Taylorstown) and Exit 6 (Claysville)Detour and Corridor StatusPennDOT routed traffic onto Route 40, the parallel two-lane that traces the original National Road through Claysville and Taylorstown. The detour adds roughly 20 minutes off-peak and significantly more under truck load. This stretch of I-70 carries heavy Pittsburgh-to-Wheeling freight and runs without cable median barrier, which PennDOT District 12 has flagged in prior corridor safety reviews. Single-lane operation continues through the evening commute. Live status is on 511PA. Median Crossovers and Driver SafetyMedian-crossover crashes are among the deadliest on rural interstates, and head-on impacts at highway speed routinely exceed survivable forces even with modern airbags and crumple zones, particularly against a fully loaded semi. Lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning cut median departures by roughly half in IIHS testing, and body-on-frame trucks and SUVs measurably outperform unibody sedans in cross-over impacts. TimingWestbound I-70 reopened to a single lane at 4:25 PM EDT and the corridor is expected to stay restricted through the evening as state police complete reconstruction and the coroner's office concludes scene work. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

NASCAR's decision to move Watkins Glen to the spring will not last, as the historic road course confirmed plans to move the Cup date to the fall in 2027. WGI will be part of the Chase for the Championship, and unless there is a dramatic change to the schedule, it will likely be the only road course in the Chase. This year, there are no road courses in the ten-race Chase after the Charlotte ...Keep readingView the full article

‘Doorslammer’ is a drag racing term for a full-bodied car with functioning doors – in other words, your bog-standard saloon. Yet nothing is remotely bog-standard about the ‘saloon cars’ heading to Santa Pod Raceway from across Europe this month for the venue’s annual big-money bonanza shootout, THE DOORSLAMMERS – powered by FuelTech. Yes, they all have roofs and doors, sprung chassis too, but that’s where resemblance ends. A £100,000 prize pot beckons, ‘powered by FuelTech’, the Brazilian/American manufacturer of high-performance engine management and motorsport electronics systems which makes its debut as supporting partner to the event. FuelTech also sponsors the Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship and the championship’s 250mph, V8-powered Pro Modified cars will be prominent among the heavyweights in THE DOORSLAMMERS’ premier VP Racing Pro Doorslammer division. Unlike regulated championships, however, THE DOORSLAMMERS is an outlaw event, a high-performance free-for-all. If racers want to pep up their motors, twist up their turbos, in pursuit of the big payout, they can. In another detour from rulebook standards, qualifying results do not determine pairings on an eliminations ladder. Instead, pairings are drawn at random for each round, piling on the instant knockout drama. Yet drag racing does not only revolve around thumping V8s. Europe’s potent quarter-mile menu offers many different flavours. THE DOORSLAMMERS features seven other classes: Turbosmart Pro Street; True Street; Coated Race Bearings Front-Wheel Drive; Four-Cylinder; Tom Wrigley Performance Five/Six-Cylinder; Jeff Bull Race Engines 7.60 Heads-Up; and Williams Bros Big Bracket. Plus, there’s a selection of Scandinavian Top Doorslammers showcasing their own racing style over the eighth-mile. Entries range from the Nordics to the Baltics, Poland to Portugal, and even out to Bulgaria. A wealth of multi-cylinder and FWD ingenuity and innovation exists in Eastern Europe, often overlooked in drag racing’s conventional western scene, and THE DOORSLAMMERS is a beacon for racers eager to swap bumpy airfield runways for Santa Pod’s pristine, championship-quality concrete. Rules governing the Turbosmart Pro Street and True Street classes sound unlikely in such company, but they demand proof of MOTs and road tax. Participating vehicles are indeed road-legal. Meanwhile the Jeff Bull Racing Engines 7.60 Heads-Up class is open to track cars racing on a 7.60-second index and the Williams Bros. Big Bracket is a catch-all for entrants dialling in between 6.99 and 11.99 seconds. THE DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech takes place from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May 2026 at Santa Pod Raceway, NN29 7XA, and shares the weekend with the Volkswagen festival VW Breakout. Tickets are bookable only online or by phone – visit https://santapodtickets.com/p/thedoorslammers or telephone the Box Office at 01234 782828. Full event information can be found at https://santapod.co.uk/events/doorslammers/. The post £100K beckons Europe’s fastest door cars to Santa Pod’s DOORSLAMMERS first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

I look at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall portal every day to see what's gone wrong with the cars sold in America, and things are not looking good for Ford. At the time of writing, the NHTSA site shows that Ford has already issued 34 recalls in 2026, almost triple the next worst offender. For the record, General Motors, Chrysler, and Toyota take up the next three spots on the list with 12 recalls each, followed by Hyundai with 10 recalls and Volkswagen with nine. After Ford claimed an unwanted record by issuing 153 recalls in 2025, almost doubling the previous record held (77 recalls) by GM since 2014, one might have expected 2026 to be better, but it may actually get worse. Ford Has Already Recalled Almost 10 Million Cars in 2026 Ford Over all of last year, Ford recalls impacted almost 13 million vehicles, but according to new analysis by Motor1, the Blue Oval is already well on its way to beating that number, with its 34 recalls so far impacting a whopping 9,812,890 vehicles, and we're barely more than a third of the way into 2026. The biggest recall so far affects 4.3 million pickup trucks and SUVs that have a software error, which could cause the trailer brakes and exterior lights to stop working. While this is an admittedly simple issue that is being resolved via an over-the-air software update, it's still concerning that so many vehicles can be rendered noncompliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Other recalls have not been so simple. Related: Ford Gave Us an Inside Look at Its Plan to Build $30,000 EVs Roughly 180,000 Broncos and Rangers were recalled last week for loose front seat height-adjustment pivot link bolts, and in March, Ford recalled thousands of Super Duty pickups for failing high-pressure fuel pumps. More recently, Ford recalled some 422,613 pickups and SUVs over faulty windshield wiper arms, and the Bronco Sport and Maverick were recalled last month due to airbag-related issues. Ford Says Recalls Are a Good Thing Ford Ford's troubles have attracted plenty of media attention, but the automaker says that these recalls should be viewed as harbingers of future quality improvements. Ford says it's more than doubled its team of safety and technical experts over the last two years and put its critical systems through much tougher tests to find problems before vehicles are shipped to customers. Of the vehicles that do reach the road, Ford says it has chosen to recall vehicles early instead of waiting for real-world issues to become impossible to ignore. The Blue Oval is also working to make same-day repairs easier to achieve. Back in 2022, Ford CEO Jim Farley told engineers that fixing quality was his number 1 priority, but that seeing the fruits of these efforts would "take several years." It's been a few years since he made that statement, and Farley said in late 2025 that powertrain durability is now "competitive with Toyota." Based on the way 2026 is going, however, Ford still has a long way to go. View the full article

NHRA officials are excited to announce that newly-reopened Thunder Road Raceway has joined the NHRA Member Track Network in NHRA’s West Central Division (Division 5) Located in Sturgis, S.D, Thunder Road Raceway is preparing for an exciting new chapter as the historic facility, which closed in 2023, has reopened under new ownership and management, bringing 1/8-mile drag racing back to the Black Hills region for the 2026 season and beyond. Formerly known as Sturgis Dragway, the facility first opened in 1987, originally serving as a racing destination during the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The track is in the middle of significant updates and renovations under the leadership of William Lippold and Scott Flockhart, with day-to-day operations led by Jene Hammond. With a shared vision focused on long-term growth, racer experience and community engagement, the new team is committed to restoring and elevating the facility’s presence in the region. “Although I grew up at Bandimere Speedway, my second home track has always been Sturgis Dragway. Its closure in 2023 left a real void in our racing community,” said Jene Hammond, Operations Manager for Thunder Road Raceway. “Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers and the racing community, we now have the opportunity to bring it back. Being part of this effort and giving back to a place that means so much to me is incredibly special. This marks a new chapter for both the track and the city of Sturgis.” The revitalized 1/8-mile facility will host a variety of racing programs, including the popular Summit E.T. Series, presented by Hoosier, alongside additional events designed to serve both seasoned competitors and new racers entering the sport. As final touches continue, the team is working to finalize plans for a full season of competition and events, youth programs and education, signaling a strong return for one of the region’s most recognizable racing venues. With a renewed focus on safety and accessibility, the track aims to provide a welcoming environment for both racers and fans. Thunder Road Raceway is also expected to play a key role in supporting regional motorsports and motorcycle culture, offering opportunities for community involvement and continued growth of grassroots drag racing in South Dakota and the surrounding areas. “This project is a testament to the strength and passion of the Sturgis drag racing community,” said Nick Duty, NHRA West Central Division Director. “The group behind this effort refused to let the facility sit idle. They’ve taken on the challenge of revitalizing the track with the right priorities in mind — serving racers and fans. We’re excited to welcome Thunder Road Raceway back into the Division 5 family.” For more information on NHRA, including the full 2026 schedule, visit www.nhra.com. The post Thunder Road Raceway Set to Join NHRA Member Track Network first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

New EraMuch has been said about BMW's renewed plans for electrified mobility. Neue Klasse models are touted as the brand's definition of what the next era of EVs should be, and the first car comes off strong right out of the gate. The iX3 is the first car in the Neue Klasse line that will eventually expand; it already draws a lot of attention for its design, capabilities, and price. On paper, the base price is very competitive, but we decided to find out how expensive the iX3 can get. Build Your iX3To see just how expensive the iX3 can become, we played around with BMW USA's configuration/builder function. Before we get into the details, the listed MSRP of the 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive is $61,500 (before destination charges). That price, as mentioned, is very competitive, with most competitors costing a few grand more, with the Tesla Model Y Performance, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Cadillac Lyriq as the only models that cost less than the BMW. Before anything else, you immediately choose which BMW iX3 variant you want; the most expensive is the M Sport pack, which adds $4,000 right off the bat. Things continue to add up from there: the Frozen Space Silver Metallic paint is $3,600, and the 22-inch rims are $3,500. Inside, there are also top-dollar add-ons; the Black BMW Individual Interior Design with Leather is $1,500. After the interior page, you'd think you'd almost be done configuring your iX3, but wait, there's much more. The final two pages feature a mix of smaller but equally pricey options; prices range from $250 for floor mats to $2,500 for the Driving Assistance Professional Package. As you round out your build, you will need to choose your aftersales package; BMW Ultimate Care +4 provides an additional 4-year coverage of up to 89,000 miles beyond the free 2-year coverage, at a cost of $2,749. Last but not least is the $1,350 destination and handling fee. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article The Cost Of IndividualityWhile it's fun to dabble in customizing your own iX3, the total price we got for our fully loaded version is $87,879, a full $26,379 just for optional extras. Obviously, we went overboard with the specs. You can still build your iX3 to a reasonable spec, with just the essentials and a few "indulgences." We expect many people to be playing around with the configurator, given that sales of the iX3 are rising and even competing with the X3 model, according to BMW's Q1 sales report. View the full article

The First EV GTIIn case you missed it, the Volkswagen ID.Polo has made its world premiere. There was even a tiramisu-covered person who attended the event for, um, reasons. That aside, the subcompact electric hatchback presents a new chapter for VW, mainly because it aims to correct all the past missteps the company made from the late 2010s to early 2020s. With a new Polo also comes with it the inevitable GTI version. But as the ID.Polo is electric, the 'I' no longer stands for 'injection' as in fuel injected. In this case, it now means 'intelligent,' and the first-ever EV GTI has a lot riding on its fenders. Volkswagen Any Specs Yet?Why yes, and for a junior hot hatch, it's pretty good. Of course, you'd like to know the power figures, and it's 223 hp and 214 lb-ft. It doesn't sound like a lot on paper, but as it weighs under 3,400 lbs and has the benefit of offering near-instant power delivery, it should get off the line fairly quickly. As for battery size, it gets the largest pack as standard which is 52 kWh. Estimated range is 'over 260 miles,' although that's according to the somewhat optimistic WLTP cycle. Power is delivered to the front wheels, sticking to the classic hot hatch layout. It then rides on 19-inch wheels with 235-section tires for more bite. The suspension is lowered by 0.6 inches, while the springs and shocks have been stiffened as well. A proper torque-vectoring front differential is also standard in the ID.Polo GTI, as well as adaptive dampers. Volkswagen So, How Does it Drive?Autocar managed to gain exclusive access to the ID.Polo GTI, and the publication's impressions are, indeed, promising. It described the ride as firm, but not in a way that it's jittery. One can thank the adaptive dampers for soaking up England's bumpy and wavy back roads. Autocar lauded it for its great body control. The term 'energetic' was used when it came to describing performance. The publication didn't go into deep details as to how it pulled, but we're imagining something in the lines of the Fiesta ST, albeit with sharper responses. Don't expect it to scare a Golf R, though, but perhaps it can get close to a Golf GTI off the line. But Autocar was most impressed with the driving dynamics. According to them, the front diff did wonders for the junior hot hatch. As it's mechanical, the magazine said that the car doesn't have to lean heavily on electronic aids to make it drive as well as it did. This suggests a rather organic driving feel with a decent amount of feedback, and driver engagement is what a sporty compact car is all about. Volkswagen A Promising SignThe bad news is, the U.S won't be getting the ID.Polo GTI. The country had pretty much turned its back on subcompact vehicles that aren't crossovers, which is a bit of a shame, if you ask us. Frankly, there's heaps of fun to had with tiny hot hatchbacks, and those who say otherwise are missing out. But given the impressions, it does suggest that VW is getting its mojo back little by little. There's a clear emphasis on making the car feel fun to drive even if it doesn't have heaps of power. As development continues for the all-new Golf, the ID.Polo makes us hopeful for the next-generation model, and maybe, we could get even better VW products down the line. Volkswagen View the full article

RFK Racing has announced plans to appeal the penalties NASCAR issued against Ryan Preece this week. The driver of the No. 60 Ford Mustang was involved in an incident with Texas Motor Speedway where he spun Ty Gibbs into the outside wall. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver suffered significant damage. Radio chatter from before the incident seemed to indicate that he intended to turn the driver of ...Keep readingView the full article

Approved? How? If you didn't already know, Ferrari is very strict about aftermarket modifications. Even if you've fully paid for your car, you could say that you don't outright own it. That's why some people, celebrities, and influencers are downright banned from ever owning another Prancing Horse ever again. While it is possible to modify a Ferrari, you have to keep in mind that the modifications should not infringe on or destroy the brand and design identity of the vehicle. Failing to follow Ferrari's guidelines or outright destroying the car's image will land you a spot in the blacklist, which means that you will be banned from purchasing another Ferrari in the future, and perhaps even banned from receiving services. Bring a Trailer View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article The Blacklist Just a quick tangent, to get on Ferrari's bad side, you can engage in distasteful or image-destroying modifications or even engage in unauthorized resale before the ownership period is up. Ferrari makes it a point that the customers who can afford to buy their cars keep them for a period of time before they sell them. Ferrari makes no exceptions, and even celebrities have found themselves on the Italian automaker's blacklist. No matter who you are, Ferrari will be Ferrari, no exceptions! If you want to modify your car, you have to write a letter to Ferrari, asking for permission from the brand to modify your car. Bring a Trailer Unless... Then there's this thing. While I won't outright say it's "bad" or "distasteful," I will say that it's just not my cup of tea. It might have been to someone at some point, and maybe someone from a different era would fully appreciate modifications like this, but for me, I think there are some things better off unsaid. Anyway, Koenig Specials handled this car. It's a 1999 Ferrari 360 Modena, and in stock form, it's regarded as one of the brand's greatest hits, but modified, I'm not too sure anymore. The modifications were done in 2003, which involved a twin-turbocharger setup, a revised rear end, a carbon fiber roof intake, and an N-GT-Style body kit that changed up the 360's face. While the engine modifications and the body modifications may pass scrutiny, it's the color palette that was chosen that might leave some questions. Finished in Viola Hong Kong paint, which is an official Ferrari paint code, it should look good on its own. However, whoever modified the car decided to make it pop more with gold accents on the wheels and on its decals. That's not all, because even the interior received the same treatment. Done in a combination of purple and gold accents, the interior features purple Alcantara and gold-colored inserts. The seats are also aftermarket from Sparco, and there's even a custom gear lever in the center console. Koenig's emblem also adorns the steering wheel. Bring a Trailer Plot Twist: Ferrari Approved As consistent as Ferrari has been through the years in enforcing its rule, this is one of the exceptions. It has a factory color from the Prancing Horse, and you'd think that the gold accents may have slid under the radar, but apparently, it was done by Scuderia Baldini & Co., an official Ferrari dealership and luxury car showroom in Rome. On top of that, Koenig Specials, founded in 1977, is known for "special" projects like this one, and if you've followed the brand back then, you might have seen some of its other extreme modifications on popular nameplates from the 80s and 90s era supercars from Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes, and, of course, Ferrari. The real plot twist, however, is that it looks like someone actually put up money to buy this thing on Bring a Trailer. On May 6, 2026, the 360 Modena was sold to A JHHoward for a sum of €150,000 or about $176,000. Prior to that, it looked like there was a bidding war happening. While the paint and color scheme of the car might not be to everyone's taste, it does have a good bedrock of parts to start from. Considering that the modifications are also Ferrari-approved does carry some weight as well. Bring a Trailer View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The war for electric vehicle market share has spilled out of the assembly line and into the halls of government. In Japan, the narrative that domestic buyers were ignoring battery-electric vehicles just shattered. For the first quarter of 2026, Japan’s domestic EV sales rocketed by 80 percent year-over-year, hitting a record 26,959 units, including Toyota's standout 3,300 percent year-on-year increase in EV sales. As per Nikkei Asia reports, Toyota's EV sales went up to over 7,000 units from a measly 212 units in Q1 2025, while BYD was only up 16 percent year-on-year in Q1 2026, moving approximately 5,100 units. Toyota Government SupportAs far as catalysts go, a heavily funded subsidy plan proved to be enough incentive for consumers to make the switch. At the absolute top of that sudden surge sits Toyota, a legacy giant long criticized for lagging in the electric vehicle race. Historically, BYD has weaponized aggressive pricing to secure footholds in emerging and legacy markets alike. The Japanese government, however, just fundamentally rewrote the math. In January, regulators significantly expanded the national EV purchasing subsidy, capping it at 8,320 USD (1.3 million yen). Toyota The financial windfall was meticulously localized. Toyota’s bZ4X qualifies for the absolute maximum 1.3 million yen payout, effectively dropping its retail price to a highly competitive $22,400 (3.5 million yen). Meanwhile, BYD’s lineup was left out in the cold, with incentives for the Chinese automaker remaining stagnant at between $2,250 to $2,460 USD (350,000 to 450,000 yen. That strategic exclusion creates a massive 950,000-yen gap—roughly $6,000 per car—between the government aid handed to a domestic Toyota and an imported BYD. What This MeansThe market data proves this targeted intervention worked flawlessly. While Toyota sales grew by 3,300 percent, BYD managed a meager 16 percent increase in the same quarter. Even Tesla, which saw its own subsidy bracket increase under the new rules, capitalized on the shifting landscape with a 140 percent sales jump to approximately 5,100 units. Toyota These numbers confirm that consumers will adopt electric platforms when it makes sense for their wallets. This has historically always been the case with EV adoption; sales eventually tail off when subsidies are withdrawn. As Chinese manufacturers attempt to export their massive domestic production capacity, legacy automotive nations are abandoning free-market pretense. From Washington to Tokyo, governments are erecting highly targeted financial firewalls to shield their domestic automakers. If you want to compete on foreign soil in 2026, building a cheaper, more efficient electric vehicle is no longer enough; you have to outmaneuver the host country's treasury. View the full article

NASCAR is back on a road course this weekend with the Cup, O'Reilly, Craftsman Truck, and ARCA Menards Series at Watkins Glen International. This is the earliest WGI has ever appeared on the schedule, and the weather looks iffy with some rain expected. Shane van Gisbergen is the defending Cup winner at Watkins Glen, and he is hoping to secure his first win of the 2026 season this weekend ...Keep readingView the full article

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series announced today that Fletch Racing will provide guaranteed bonuses for the winner and runner-up teams competing in the John Scotti Canadian Championship Series during the NHRA National Open double-headers at Toronto Motorsports Park at Cayuga, scheduled for the Victoria Day Weekend of May 16-17. The winning Quick 32 Sportsman Series (Top Dragster and Top Sportsman) team will receive a $2,000.00 bonus, and the runner-up will receive a $1,000.00 bonus, over and above the posted purse each day. “We are pleased to support the Quick 32 Sportsman Series (Top Dragster and Top Sportsman), which features outstanding teams,” said Bill Fletcher of Fletch Racing. “The May 2-4 Victoria Day Weekend at Cayuga is a valued tradition that marks the start of summer, and we are proud to be involved.” The event will feature two days of qualifying and eliminations on Saturday and Sunday, with a Test & Tune session on Friday. “Bill Fletcher and his Fletcher Family have always had the best interest of the teams and the track for many decades,” said Bruce Mehlenbacher of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series. “The Quick 32 Sportsman Series is excited for the support of Fletch Racing. A nice bonus for the teams making a special effort to get to the first event.” The Quick 32 Sportsman Series will compete at the John Scotti Canadian Championship Series during the NHRA National Open double-headers at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario. Events are scheduled for Victoria Day Weekend, May 15-17, and Labour Day Weekend, September 4-6, 2026. The John Scotti Canadian Championship Series at the NHRA National Open double-headers at Toronto Motorsports Park will feature classes such as the Quick 32 Sportsman Series (Top Dragster and Top Sportsman), Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series, Nostalgia Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, and Junior Dragster. Competitors can earn NHRA grade points, which help determine their eligibility for major NHRA events and give them a chance to win a Wally, the most prestigious trophy in drag racing. This story was originally published on May 7, 2026. The post Fletch Racing Set to Provide Bonus to Quick 32 Sportsman Series Teams first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Corolla Turns 602026 is a huge year for the Corolla. That's because it celebrates its 60th anniversary, making it one of the longest-running nameplates within Toyota and in automotive history. It's long been a stalwart for the Japanese automaker, and over 55 million have been made since 1966. It was the Crown that kicked off Toyota's global ambitions, while the Land Cruiser made it a global brand. But it was the Corolla that showed the world that Japan was to be a force to be reckoned with in the automotive world. The empire that Toyota had built wouldn't have happened without it. Toyota Where's the Party?It's a milestone occasion, indeed, but Toyota in Japan has been rather muted about it. Apart from some minor equipment enhancements, we've yet to see a grand event celebrating its best-selling product of all time. We're sure it'll happen, though, and we're certain that it'll be a massive party. But perhaps not wanting to wait too long, Toyota Taiwan kicked off its own celebrations to get things started. Over there, it rolled out three 60th anniversary models, one for each body style. There's a special edition for the sedan, hatchback, and yes, even the Corolla Cross. Toyota Gold, Gold EverywhereSo, how does Toyota Taiwan commemorate the Corolla's 60th birthday? With a lot of gold, of course, although in this case, it's gold-effect bits. For all cars, there are gold stickers applied and 60th Anniversary badges, while the sedan and Cross models get gold-colored grille trim pieces. Inside, it seems that only the sedan and crossover get some changes. Like the exterior, there are gold highlights, specifically on the steering wheel and some bits on the dashboard. Nothing too dramatic, then, but enough to set it apart from standard models. You might have noticed that the Corolla sedan looks different from the one sold in Japan and the U.S. Badged as Corolla Altis in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, this 'Prestige' front end is applied in certain markets, namely Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and China. What the U.S, Canadian, Latin American, and Japanese markets get is the 'Sport' look. Toyota What's Next for the Corolla?We're not in the 12th generation of the Corolla, and it made its premiere way back in 2018. That means it's already eight years old, so it's defenitely no spring chicken. Most of its rival have undergone significant changes this decade, so it's in dire need of a new generation. Toyota did reveal a radical Corolla Concept during the Japan Mobility Show last year. While we're not expecting the thirteenth-generation to look exactly like it, it does show that Toyota still takes the nameplate seriously. Reports have indicated that the all-new version could be revealed by late 2026 or early 2027, but it's safe to say that it'll arrive before the end of the decade. As for the Corolla Cross, it will live on for another generation, likely going hybrid-only. 2026 Toyota Corolla Touring (Japanese Market View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Porsche is extremely familiar with the Nürburgring Nordschleife, capturing several records over the years, but it was upstaged by the Chinese when the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra with Track package stole its EV lap record, setting a time of 7:04.957. That was considerably quicker than the Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach package managed (7:07.55), but instead of accepting defeat, Porsche and Manthey Racing have come up with something even faster, setting a new lap record for electric production cars at the Green Hell with a scarcely believable time of 6:55.533. Porsche development driver Lars Kern achieved the feat on the 12.04-mile circuit in a Taycan Turbo GT that had both the Weissach Package and the new Manthey Kit, or Porsche's most insane EV yet. A video of the record-breaking lap is embedded at the bottom of this article. Manthey Kit Gives Taycan Turbo GT Even More Performance, and Not Just Aerodynamically Porsche View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article When a Porsche gets a Manthey upgrade, the changes never extend to the powertrain, focusing only on handling and aerodynamic stability, but that has changed with this new Taycan. The high-voltage battery, control unit, and pulse inverters have been optimized to increase maximum discharge current from 1,100 to 1,300 amps. As a result, total system output rises by 26 horsepower to 804 hp, and maximum torque with launch control rises by 22 lb-ft to 936 lb-ft (though peak horsepower with launch control activated remains at 1,019 hp). In Attack Mode, an extra 174 hp is deployed for 10 seconds, bringing peak performance to 978 hp, up from 938 hp. Porsche To keep the car glued to the track, the Manthey Kit increases downforce more than threefold compared to the standard Taycan Turbo GT. At 124 mph, downforce has increased from 209 to 683 lbs, and at top speed (up to 192 mph from 189 mph), the upgrades contribute to a total downforce figure of 1,631 lbs. These feats are achieved, in part, through a revised front diffuser, a massive new rear wing with bigger end plates (both of which can be adjusted), an optimized rear diffuser with longer fins, and bigger air deflectors on the underbody. To minimize drag, the rear wheels have gained Manthey's trademark carbon fiber aerodiscs. Speaking of the wheels, new 21-inch forged aluminum wheels developed by Manthey have been fitted with titanium bolts, and although larger than standard, the wheels deliver lower unsprung weight, weighing roughly six pounds less than the standard Taycan Turbo GT Weissach wheels. Finally, the 9.5-inch-wide front and 11.5-inch-wide rear wheels get rubber that is 1.5 inches and 1.1 inches wider, respectively. Manthey Gives the Taycan Turbo GT Better Agility and Braking Porsche View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Naturally, the Porsche Active Ride system has been refined to gel with these upgrades, as have the front and rear steering systems and the all-wheel-drive control unit. At the front, the brake discs are 20 millimeters bigger, measuring 440 mm, while the 410 mm standard rear discs have been retained, with performance brake pads on all four corners. Visually, the Manthey Kit also changes things up with upper and lower wheel arch vents, front and rear wheel arch extensions, wider side skirts, and a one-piece front lip suspended with carbon fiber struts. It looks insane, and you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a genuine racing car. What does all this cost? Porsche hasn't said, but given the 2026 Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach package starts at $245,950, this ultimate EV will surely breach the quarter-million-dollar mark. View the full article

Cadillac’s F1 Sedan Gets a Little More SeriousCadillac’s Formula 1 entry gave them a reason to turn up the heat on the already wild CT5-V Blackwing. The F1 Collector Series keeps the essentials that matter to enthusiasts: supercharged V8, rear-wheel drive, and a real six-speed manual. But this time, Cadillac decided 668 horsepower just wasn’t enough. The F1 Collector Series is now the most powerful Blackwing you can buy, with 685 hp and 673 lb-ft of torque. The numbers might not look huge at first glance, but Cadillac didn’t just tweak the boost. They worked with GM Motorsports to rework the LT4 supercharger for better airflow and cooling, especially for drivers who plan to push hard on track. What Changed Under the HoodThe main upgrade for the power boost is the Eaton TVS R1740 supercharger on the 6.2-liter LT4 V8. The stock setup already gives sharp throttle response, but Cadillac’s engineers managed to squeeze out even more performance. The main mechanical change is a smaller supercharger pulley. Dropping the diameter bumps the drive ratio from 3.14 to 3.24, spinning the rotors faster. That means more airflow and more boost for the engine. Cadillac also reworked the supercharger lid. The new CNC-machined billet cover is taller, which increases the air volume inside. That extra space helps keep charge-air temperatures in check during repeated hard laps or aggressive driving. Of note, supercharged engines usually lose their edge when heat builds up, especially during long track sessions, so the latter upgrade matters more than you think. Cadillac says the new housing helps the car stay consistent, not just fast for a single lap. Cadillac Extremely Limited NumbersOn the outside, the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series gets a Midnight Stone Frost paint, carbon flash wheels, and gloss black accents, giving it a stealthier look than the standard CT5-V Blackwing. F1 and FIA branding show up inside and out, but Cadillac kept the details subtle. Cadillac will only build 26 of these worldwide, making it one of the rarest modern Cadillacs. The number matches Cadillac’s first Formula 1 season and the last years of this Blackwing generation. Pricing isn’t out yet, but expect it to land well above the standard Blackwing. With the extra engineering, rarity, and Formula 1 connection, that’s no surprise. Cadillac View the 11 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article