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Can-Am's parent company, BRP, found two separate front brake caliper support failures in testing, and further investigation resulted in this recall.View the full article

It's Really HappeningFor the longest time, Nissan kept mentioning the return of the Xterra. Since then, many renders of the SUV have been made, including from us, and we've been waiting for the day the company shows us at least a snippet or two. It finally happened during the global launch of the all-new Rogue and Juke. On screen was a small section of its front end, giving us the glimpse we've all been waiting for. Safe to say we haven't been this excited about a Nissan product for so long, and it's a simple, honest-to-goodness body-on-frame SUV. Nissan/Youtube But Wait, There's MoreAt the time of the announcement, Nissan showed just one part of the upcoming SUV. There were even more bits of the future Skyline/Q50 shown during the presentation that gave us a better idea of what the sport sedan might look like. Still, that one photo was more than enough to get everyone's attention. But for those wanting a few more views of the Xterra, we have Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier to thank. Meunier posted a different teaser photo of the SUV on his LinkedIn profile, one that wasn't shown during the event and not yet posted on any of the company's press sites or social networking sites. The executive called it a "badass," and finally, we know its shape. Nissan Look Out, Bronco and 4Runner?Now, we tried to enhance the photo to see if we can pry more details out of it. Perhaps Nissan figured that many would try to do the same, and blacked out significant details of the revived Xterra. Oh well. Still, we see a boxy profile with straight and honest lines. It looks like it has good approach and departure angles, too, a must for off-roaders. Fingers crossed that's a chunky roof rack up there, and we're hoping the 'kick-up' roof makes a return here. Interestingly, the spare tire is mounted on the tailgate, which wasn't present in previous models. Christian Meunier/LinkedIn First of ManyNissan has committed to expanding its SUV/pickup range with a new ladder frame platform that will underpin more models. The Xterra will be the first of four models that will ride on this new chassis. The next-generation Frontier will ride on this frame, as well as the reportedly more off-road-oriented version of the future Pathfinder. There will also be an Infiniti version. For powertrains, it has been confirmed that Nissan won't take the downsized turbo-four route with the Xterra. Instead, it'll be a V6 that'll reside under its hood, though its displacement remains unknown. Of course, Nissan is aware that there are some folks out there who'd like an electrified version; hence, a V6 hybrid has also been touted. Nissan calls the Xterra "A Heartbeat model for the U.S, offering an adventurous spirit, body-on-frame strength and purpose-driven design." Given all the buzz and hype surrounding it, we're inclined to agree. As for the debut, it'll likely be sometime in 2027, and the SUV will be for the 2028 model year. Nissan View the full article

A new 1/8-mile no-prep dragstrip is set to open outside Denver at Colorado National Speedway. It's designed to simulate street racing. View the full article

If you commute Victor to Jackson, haul freight through Togwotee, or planned a late-season ski trip to Grand Targhee this weekend, the next 48 hours are the problem. Everyone else has less to worry about than the warning text suggests. The National Weather Service in Riverton issued its Winter Storm Warning on April 15 for the Absaroka Mountains, the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains and Yellowstone National Park, in effect from 6 PM Wednesday to 6 AM MDT Friday. NWS Billings has a parallel warning on Montana's Absaroka/Beartooth and Crazy Mountains from noon Wednesday through the same Friday cutoff. Snow totals above 8,000 feet could reach 20 inches across the Wyoming ranges, with 12 to 24 inches above 9,000 feet in the Absaroka/Beartooth. Gusts hit 30 to 50 mph, ridges touch 55. Three corridors matter: US-26/287 over Togwotee Pass, WY-22 over Teton Pass, and I-90 through western Montana. Chain law level 1 is close to guaranteed on the Wyoming passes by Wednesday night. Whether WYDOT escalates to level 2 depends on how hard the wind hits Thursday afternoon, and that call often comes with less than an hour's notice. The Stormthe Northern Rockies. It is the same system currently burying the Oregon and Washington Cascades under a Winter Storm Warning of their own, with NWS Portland forecasting up to 22 inches above 2,500 feet through Thursday morning. By Wednesday evening the system reaches Wyoming and Montana, and it slows as it climbs the spine of the Rockies. Snow keeps falling for roughly 36 hours. Snow levels stay above 6,500 feet through most of the event, so valley floors in Jackson, Dubois, Cody and Bozeman mostly see rain or light wet snow. The damage is concentrated at pass level, between 7,500 and 10,000 feet, where ridge-top winds push snow horizontally across exposed highway segments. The heaviest period runs from late Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Zone ForecastsThe headline numbers come from two NWS offices. NWS Riverton has 9 to 18 inches across the Absaroka, Teton/Gros Ventre and Yellowstone zones with up to 20 inches at the highest elevations, gusts 30 to 50 mph, and travel impacts specifically called out for Teton Pass and Togwotee Pass. NWS Billings is the heavier side: 12 to 24 inches in the Absaroka/Beartooth with the heaviest totals above 9,000 feet, the same range in the Crazy Mountains, and an explicit note about increased avalanche danger on both. I-90 sits outside the Warning zone but not outside the storm. NWS Missoula has a Winter Weather Advisory covering the interstate from Lookout Pass to Haugan with 6 to 12 inches forecast, and a separate advisory on Bozeman Pass with 2 to 6. Winter Storm Watches extend across the Gallatin and Madison County Mountains with 10 to 15 inches in higher terrain. NWS View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The HighwaysUS-26 and US-287 over Togwotee Pass (9,655 feet). The primary link between Dubois and the Jackson Hole valley, and the most direct route to Grand Teton National Park from eastern Wyoming. With 9 to 18 inches forecast at pass elevation and ridge winds to 55 mph, chain law level 1 should be considered a baseline. Togwotee has a long history of multi-day closures during blizzards. Expect chain requirements Wednesday night with possible closure Thursday. Check status at wyoroad.info. WY-22 over Teton Pass (8,431 feet). Some of the steepest grades of any highway in the continental US, between Wilson and the Idaho state line. The pass reopened on its permanent rebuilt alignment in late June 2025 after the June 2024 Big Fill landslide, and WYDOT has remained aggressive about closures during heavy snow events. The permanent road used lightweight foamed-glass aggregate fill designed to reduce the risk of recurrence, but the pass's steep grades and heavy storm exposure mean it shuts down readily when visibility drops. Expect chain law level 1 starting Wednesday evening and treat the pass as high risk through Friday morning. I-90 through western Montana, including Lookout Pass and Bozeman Pass. The interstate itself is not under a Winter Storm Warning, but advisories are in effect for the Lookout Pass segment (6 to 12 inches forecast) and for the Bozeman Pass area (2 to 6 inches). I-90 has a history of closures between Bozeman and Park City during mountain storms of this intensity, and MDT will likely impose chain requirements and single-lane operations in the worst stretches on Thursday. Live conditions at 511mt.net. I-90 and US-191 approaches to the Absaroka/Beartooth. Routes climbing south from I-90 into the warning zone, including access toward Red Lodge, Cooke City and the north entrance of Yellowstone, run straight into the heaviest accumulation area. Expect significant slowdowns and potential short closures on mountain approach segments. US-212 Beartooth Highway (10,947 feet). Seasonally closed and not a travel option this week. NWS Billings forecasts up to 24 inches of fresh snow at those elevations, which would make it impassable regardless of classification. When to DriveWednesday afternoon is the last clean window — snow levels are still above pass level through late afternoon, and anyone with business on the far side should move now. The storm hits at pass elevations Wednesday evening, and chain law level 1 likely starts on both Wyoming passes by late that night. Thursday is the worst of it: wind gusts peak on exposed ridges, visibility drops toward zero in bursts, and this is when WYDOT closures are most likely on WY-22 and US-26/287. MDT may close I-90 segments between Bozeman and Livingston during the Thursday afternoon peak. Snow eases Thursday night into Friday morning as the system pulls east, but lingering chain requirements and single-lane operations are likely through sunrise. Both warnings expire at 6 AM MDT Friday. Photo by groveb on Getty Images Why This Storm Lands Harder Than the Numbers Suggest A 24-inch spring dump across the Northern Rockies is not itself unusual. What makes this one different is the timing, and the timing is the story. Montana snowpack hit record-low levels across a third of long-standing monitoring sites this month, with some lower-elevation stations completely melted out by April 1. Bridger Bowl closed three weeks ahead of schedule after a mid-March warm spell. Livingston is running its warmest year-to-date since records began in 1948. That is the context this storm drops into: dry soil, early-melting snowpack, a ski season already closed out in several places. 24 inches of fresh snow above 9,000 feet will not reverse that pattern — it reshuffles where the problems land, not whether there are problems. Avalanche risk climbs sharply in terrain that had settled into late-season conditions, and snow dropping onto saturated soil at lower elevations after Friday's warm-up is the kind of combination that produced the Teton Pass Big Fill landslide in June 2024. The second thing worth flagging is the parallel event in the Pacific Northwest. The same Gulf of Alaska trough feeding 10 to 22 inches onto the Oregon and Washington Cascades is what drives this storm. Both regions are under simultaneous Winter Storm Warnings, which is not coincidence — it is the same continental-scale moisture plume clipping both mountain systems. View the full article

A Yamafest test day at Sydney Motorsport Park was meant to be all about Yamaha’s new R9, but it was the XSR900 GP that kept drawing Wayne back in. Retro looks, CP3 punch and a planted chassis make for a very compelling package. The post Yamaha XSR900 GP Review | The retro Yamaha that stole the show at Yamafest appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The post Rieju Aventura Rally 307 – Coming Soon 💥 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

MV Agusta has unveiled the 2026 Rush Titanio, a 300-unit limited-edition hyper-naked that combines Euro 5+ engine updates, extensive titanium detailing, the latest Öhlins Smart EC 3.0 suspension and an Australian ride-away price of $87,895. The post 2026 MV Agusta Rush Titanio revealed for Australia | 300-unit hyper-naked priced from $87,895 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Crème de la crème It's not often that some of the most exclusive and beautiful cars ever made are in the same place. Even rarer is when all of them are on display in that same venue, where enthusiasts and aficionados congregate to admire them. Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is often considered the most exclusive and prestigious gathering of cars in the world. Starting in 1929 as a showcase for coachbuilt cars, it ended in 1949 and returned in 1995. For 2026, the list of cars is sure to include the very best from the automotive classic car catalog, but it also includes some modern classics, such as this: the Pagani Zonda 760 Unica Roadster Broad Arrow Hagerty View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article One-Off PaganiHeadlining this year's list of cars slated for the auction part of the show is a 2018 Pagani Zonda 760 Unica Roadster. Zondas are already rare cars, but an Unica model coming from the brand's in-house bespoke Unico division is even rarer. This particular Zonda is a one-off commission and is based on the 760 series, which represents the ultimate evolution of the Zonda model. It was made for the founder of Top Car Design Spain, and was driven by Horacio Pagani himself. The 760 Unica Roadster features the engine and aerodynamics of the Zonda R. It produces 760 hp from the legendary 7.3-liter AMG-derived V12 and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Pagani is known for its use of carbon fiber, and this car is finished in a special blue with gold accents. Something this rare isn't often driven, so the 1,626-mile odometer reading is no surprise. No estimates for the auction price are available, but something this rare will definitely be expensive; it might even break sales records for Zondas sold at auction. Broad Arrow Hagerty View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The OthersAn event as big as this doesn't limit its auction choices, and the curated list for the 2026 edition is quite the lineup. Also joining the Zonda on the auction block are a 2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione, a 2022 Ferrari SF90, a 2022 Lamborghini Countach, and a Lamborghini Murciélago LP640-4 Coupe. That list alone (apart from the SF90) could sell for upwards of $1 million. The auction is set to take place on May 16-17 at Villa Erba. This year's event will be co-presented by BMW, which is celebrating unique milestones: 90 years of the 328, 60 years of the 02 model, 50 years of the 6 series, and 40 years of the M3. Broad Arrow Hagerty View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The First Drag Race presented by Robbin’s Repairables set at Shadyside Dragway ignited the 2026 ten-race championship season for the Southeast Gassers Association. From the creek side to the top of the North Carolina hills, the small vale of Shadyside roared with life, echoing the glory days of the 1960s gasser and drag racing. The racers of SEGA launched with parts straining revolutions, slammed all four gears by hand with no electronic aid, and streaked over the finish stripe to the delight of young and old alike, remembering or experiencing anew the no rival premier gasser drag racing that is the Southeast Gassers Association. Being the quickest and fastest wasn’t the only eye-focusing point for the A/Gas category in SEGA competition. The category at Shadyside had the return of competitors such as Barry Adler in the Iron Eagle and Leslie Horne in the Chick Magnet, who had on-track incidents in 2025. New combinations debuted, such as Alan Pittman’s Gravedigger II and the 2025 B/Gas champion Ken Rainwater moving to A/Gas with a new gasser dubbed the Instigator. Even the reigning A/Gas champion Chase Howard began his title defense in his USA-1 Chevelle gasser with black primed, refreshed elements. A familiar top performer in A/Gas, Gabriel Burrell in his Southern Flyer, a two-time champion, earned the top qualifier honors on a warm Spring North Carolina day with a 5.26 elapsed time. With an odd number of competitors – seventeen in total – Burrell’s qualifying effort proved advantageous going into eliminations. First in round one with a bye run, and then again in the semifinals. To enter the final round, the Southern Flyer with Burrell wheeling the Ford Model A had defeated Dean Jonas and, new to A/Gas, the 2025 B/Gas champion, Ken Rainwater. The eighth-place qualifier, Todd Blackwell, in the Sling Shot Chevy II gasser, raced in a limited manner in 2025 but showcased in race one that he was undoubtedly able to get up to speed quickly (5.39 ET to qualify 8th). In round one, Blackwell put Barry Lynn out of competition and then scored a massive win-light in round two, defeating the reigning champion, Chase Howard. After a bye run in the third round, he would have to face Alan Pittman in a freshly debuted Gravedigger II Chevy that has certainly got the attention of everyone in A/Gas. In that match-up, Pittman raced to a 5.40, being second to the stripe as Blackwell won with a 5.36. The final would be a classic Ford versus Chevy battle between the number one and eight qualifiers. Blackwell launched noticeably first, but out and up towards the centerline, causing him to correct under full power to bring his Chevy back into the groove. By half-track, it was a fender-to-fender race. At the stripe it was Burrell flying on to a victory during the golden hour in the gold Southern Fyler with a 5.34 to Blackwell’s 5.43. “It ran good yesterday [during testing], so we knew we had a little bit of hope,” said Burrell. “Tickled to be here. Didn’t really expect it. John Kaase horsepower put us up front.” With no defending champion competing in B/Gas, the category is seemingly up for grabs. Though new entries were seen and more are expected in 2026, it was the competitors that finished near the top in 2025 performing at the top again in The First Drag Race. Ted Mckee, the second-place points finisher in 2025, set the top pace as the number one qualifier with a 5.60 elapsed time. The rest of the field continued searching for more performance, as the second, third, and fourth place qualifiers each posted elapsed times of 5.69 seconds. Eliminations would see the top two qualifiers compete to turn on the final win-light of a four-round contest for the B/Gas contingent. Ted McKee in the Rocky Top Missile earned the bye in round one with his number one qualifying effort. Once competitors were in the other lane for McKee, they wouldn’t be those of the second-tier variety to make the final round. The quarter-final round for McKee had him paired with 2024 B/Gas champion Daniel Haynes in The Patriot Falcon gasser. For his semi-final match, it was true young gun in the Young Gun gasser, Brilee Stott, who was the fourth-placed qualifier. In the final, McKee would face another young SEGA star, Michael Oden, in the Double Down Chevy II. Oden’s path as the number two qualifier to the final is one of consistency over his opponents. He could have put a dial-in on his hot rod running .69s and one .70 up to the final. The performance advantage was clearly with McKee, who had run nothing slower than a 5.64 through eliminations. Oden needed to double down and get his best light of the day, along with his best performance of the day, to overcome the faded orange missile of McKee. At the stripe, Oden did pedal out one of his best passes of the day. He needed that to win, but he also needed to be first off the line to be first at the stripe, and Oden missed his mark on the starting lights. McKee illuminated the win-light in the Laris Motorsports Insurance Left Lane with a better reaction time and a 5.62. McKee closed out Shadyside competition in B/Gas with the win and low e.t. of the meet in the category, running a 5.602 during eliminations. As one crew member remarked with the new FMG Racing Engines powerplant in the Tennessee-branded gasser, “We’ve got a rocket ship now!” In C/Gas, competition went much as it did in qualifying. Multi-time SEGA champion Todd Oden passed down historic Shadyside Dragway with a 6.03 for the pole in the category. On his heels was the reigning and defending champion of the class Jerren Purdue, with a 6.03. In eliminations, these two competitors followed nearly identical paths through the rounds, ultimately meeting in the final. Other gasser racers ended their own days against them, knowing they needed every tick of time, leaving early, and turning on the red light of disqualification. No one else mustered the performance that these two competitors had en route to the C/Gas final. Oden’s best e.t. of the day during eliminations had been a 6.04, while Purdue’s best had been a 6.03. The best cars all weekend were against each other to determine the event champion before the enthusiastic North Carolina crowd. Both launched with wheels in the air. Oden sent his Double XX 1958 Chevy gasser first off the line, and it was enough to defeat the low e.t. of the category pass by Perdue (5.99). “Beats the heck out of last year at this time [Todd was recovering from heart issues], I can tell you that. I’m so excited to be up here and get back to the winner’s circle – it makes me feel wonderful,” stated Oden on his twenty-fifth SEGA victory. The last championship class contested at the SEGA season opener was Super Stock. The story in Super Stock has been and remains a matter of the rest of the competition defeating the reigning and defending champion, Jerry Dean. By the end of qualifying and eliminations, no other competitor presented an answer for The Last Rebel II Super Stocker. Dean continued his dominance in the class, defeating Rob Walden in the final. Dean, in typical Jerry fashion, reminisced over the day with the thought of, “We tried. Didn’t have a perfect day, but it was a good day.” It had been six months since the SEGA Championship Finals at Shadyside Dragway in 2025. The long-awaited ignition of the premier gasser drag racing series roared to the delight of fans and competitors alike. Nostalgia done the SEGA way, brought to life, drag racing yearned for by those that want to see drag racing in a pure sense. The First Drag Race presented by Robbins Repairables at Shadyside Dragway closed, opening the 2026 season that is expected to be the best yet for the Southeast Gassers Association. This story was originally published on April 15, 2026. The post Southeast Gassers Association Ignite 2026 Season at Historic Shadyside Dragway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Keeping the Legacy IntactTesla fan or not, it is hard to deny that the Model S and Model X helped shape today’s EV landscape. Now, Tesla is giving them a proper send-off with a limited-run Signature Edition and is trying to make sure they stay in the hands of enthusiasts through a “No Resale Agreement” clause. Shared by Not A Tesla App, the agreement enforces several serious penalties for those who might consider reselling their Signature Edition unit within the first year of ownership, including a fine of $50,000 or the value received from the sale or transfer, whichever is greater. It could even lead to the automaker refusing to sell violators any of its future vehicles. Tesla The Final TouchesFor context, Tesla is producing just 350 Signature Edition examples, 250 of which are based on the Model S, with the remaining 100 based on the Model X. The exclusive features are limited to cosmetics, most notably Garnet Red paint and gold accents on the logo and badges, as well as on the Model S brake calipers. They are built on the Plaid versions, which are equipped with three electric motors producing 1,020 horsepower. Tesla allows owners to resell their allocation, though they must prove the reason for the sale is valid. It can be sold back to the automaker or to a third party, but “only after receiving written consent from Tesla.” It is also worth noting that the Signature Edition models – start at around $159,000 – come with the Luxe Package, which includes certain non-transferable perks, including lifetime Full Self-Driving (Supervised), free Supercharging, and Premium Connectivity. Sawyer Merritt/X Clearing the Way ForwardReports say deliveries of the final limited-edition Model S and Model X examples will begin in May 2026. The two nameplates are being discontinued to free up space at the automaker’s Fremont plant in California, which will then be used to produce its Optimus humanoid robots. Given that the Model 3 and Model Y sell far better than the outgoing models, their retirement is not expected to significantly affect the company’s EV sales. But before that happens, Tesla is planning a formal celebration in May to mark the end of Model S and Model X production, spanning 14 years for the former and 11 for the latter – dating back to a time when most mainstream EVs today, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, had not even been planned. Sawyer Merritt/X View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

A Key Model in BMW’s EV PushSince its introduction, the i4 has been doing a lot of heavy lifting for the BMW EV portfolio. Alongside the iX1, the i4 has been contributing greatly to the company’s electric sales, not just in the U.S but around the world. In Germany, nearly half of the 4 Series models sold there are battery-powered, and it’s the best-selling BMW EV in the U.S. In many ways, the i4 is a crucial model for BMW, and it’s one that deserves a successor down the line. In M50 and M60 forms, it even became the world’s best-selling M product until the arrival of the X3 M50. With that, the G26 is soon headed for retirement after four production years as the new wave of Neue Klasse models comes in. Winding Down ProductionAccording to BMW Blog, production of the G26 i4 will be winding down by either late 2026 or early 2027. It’s mainly to make way for the new and upcoming EV models that BMW will produce, and as the current model doesn’t have any of the Neue Klasse attributes, it won’t be long for this world. In the meantime, it’s the i3 that will inherit the i4’s role as BMW’s electric sport sedan. The range-topping M50 had already been revealed, but we’re also expecting a ‘40’ model down the line to make the range more accessible. It’ll likely follow the same playbook that BMW had applied to the i4, one that proved hugely successful for the brand. BMW/Fabian Kirchbauer Photography Fear Not, There Will Be a New 4 SeriesInevitably, some will prefer the sleeker profile of the 4 Series to the more formal 3 Series. Rest assured, an all-new generation will be released soon, as BMW has said the model will always have a place in its lineup. That said, we haven’t seen any spy shots of the car just yet, so it’s possible that it’ll still be a few years away. Given the success of the 4 Series and i4, it sounds obvious and inevitable. But do note that BMW recently said that some of its halo models are taking a back seat to prioritize its core models. There was also mention of rationalization, meaning some models won’t see successors. Still, we can say with a degree of certainty that both fuel-fed and electric versions of the 4 Series are safe from getting permanently axed. Fabian Kirchbauer Photography A Landmark Model4 to 5 years is a short run in terms of BMW model life cycles. The company typically takes 7 years to roll out an all-new generation. Still, the i4’s run has made a significant impact on the brand, and it’s worth looking back at its capabilities. Having tested it in the past, this writer can say that the i4 was (and still is) a hugely competent and capable sporty EV. While it doesn’t have astronomical range, it still feels like a BMW behind the wheel and pleasingly normal, too. Dare we say it’s a car that deserves to be mentioned as one of the brand’s greatest hits as it proved that BMW can incorporate its DNA in EV models. BMW View the full article

After a suspicious automotive spending spree that included a BMW i8, a Chevrolet Corvette, and a fleet of SUVs, a Miami woman is now facing multiple felony charges. On the surface, it looked like another case of big-money indulgence in a city known for its extravagant car scene and annoying drivers. But authorities claim the entire collection was built on fraudulent financing. 10 Vehicles in Just 8 Days Mercedes-Benz According to 7 News Miami, 38-year-old Dunia Sierra purchased 10 vehicles in October 2023 in just over a week. The garage covered nearly every category. Among the standout purchases were a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560, and a 2019 BMW i8. She also added more practical SUVs, including a 2023 Toyota Highlander, 2024 Kia Telluride, 2024 Hyundai Palisade, and 2022 Mazda CX-9. To round things off, she bought three Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Altogether, the total value is estimated to sit close to half a million dollars. Her Abnormally Large Salary The crux of the problem is how the vehicles were financed. Authorities allege the woman falsely claimed to be a restaurant general manager earning over $180,000 per month. In reality, she reportedly worked as a waitress and cashier. According to Indeed, the average waitress in Miami Lakes earns around $3,000 per month, excluding tips – quite the inflated income figure. As a result, the inflated income figure allowed her to secure multiple vehicle loans in rapid succession before lenders could detect the accumulating debt on her credit profile. Charges of Fraud and Grand Theft BMW The case is now being handled by Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Organized Crimes Bureau Auto Crimes Task Force, with the waitress facing multiple felony charges, including organised fraud, vehicle-related fraud, and grand theft. Authorities also suspect the involvement of a wider network, potentially including dealership insiders and brokers. The garage may have looked impressive on paper, but it has come at a far higher cost than any monthly repayment. Sierra was cuffed on the 9th of April 2026 and jailed under a $26,000 bond. View the full article

Toyota, as it stands, is arguably the world’s most valuable carmaker. In order to get to that position and have stayed there for as long as it has, Toyota has made better decisions than most other manufacturers. Toyota’s EV strategy is no different. After allowing the market to develop over the years through its teething troubles, while taking a hands-off approach to EVs, Toyota accepted criticism as onlookers claimed that they were missing the EV wave. The Big PictureFast forward to the present, at a time when automakers are scaling back their EV ambitions in the wake of a severe decline in EV sales caused by federal tax-credit subsidies being withdrawn, the Toyota bZ is now the best-selling non-Tesla EV in America. Toyota USA Toyota is about to blitz the market with an onslaught of new EV launches aimed at capitalizing on the changing EV landscape while the market weeds out the weak. So how did Toyota, after being so late to the party, not only make an impact but also deliver exactly what the mass market for EVs demanded? Measure Twice, Cut OnceToyota, having cornered the hybrid market as its hedge against foregoing the early EV market, used its hybrid success as the foundation on which to build its EV strategy; after a rather tepid introduction to the market with the bZ4X in 2024, Toyota received feedback from industry researchers, journalists, and its customers. They then distilled this feedback to come to a conclusion of what truly mattered to EV buyers. What they learned is that customers do not want a revolution in their driveway; they want a vehicle that works, that is practical, and that does not break the bank while meeting all their needs. As such, Toyota concluded that the core variables that define EV demand are range, reliability, ease-of-use, and in-car technology. Toyota USA Toyota also learned that by simply watching the market crumble, year after year, as countries rolled back EV subsidies, the market shrank. Noticing the trend, where EV demand was guided by pricing and value, Toyota realized that buyers simply wanted a car that was cheap to run, could haul the family and groceries, and was well equipped; very little else mattered as long as the pricing made sense. An economic explanation would be the fact that cars around the $50,000 mark - which is the only segment of EVs significantly contributing to market share - display demand that is highly price-elastic. This means that demand reacts very sensitively to changes in pricing, and as EV subsidies are being taken away, this pricing shock means these cars offer a less compelling value proposition to buyers. Sticking to Its RootsIf you think about it, Toyota has very rarely created cars that do more than exactly what they are designed to do - the vanilla ice-cream of the automotive world, if you will. Sure, it may not be as exciting as a chocolate chip V8 Mustang, but a vanilla GR86 is fun, practical, efficient, and will last longer at lower maintenance costs; variables that hold weight when it comes to influencing buyers Toyota USA This same approach was applied to the bZ4X, and now, in 2026, can be attributed to the success of Toyota's new electric crossover, the bZ. With range being bumped up to 314 miles, approximately 25 percent more than the bZ4X, the incorporation of Tesla’s NACS for all 2026 models, which effectively doubles the charger network compatibility across America, and a revised interior and exterior design to address ease-of-use complaints from customers of the bZ4X. Toyota has paused, listened to the market, and answered the prayers of EV buyers who just want a car that works, not one that is reinventing the wheel with spaceship looks, a yoke for a steering wheel, and a button that makes the car fly at Mach 3 while cooking you a hot dog. What's Next From Toyota?With Toyota’s onslaught of new EVs, from the compact C-HR EV which targets urban buyers looking for a familiar experience while also wanting to transition to EV ownership, to its recently revealed 2027 Highlander EV offering electric power with three-row family SUV practicality, as well as the bZ and bZ Woodland - Toyota is looking to increase EV market share by offering a range of products, each of different sizes and capabilities, to its diverse consumer base. Toyota USA Having all but single-handedly grown America’s hybrid vehicle market, and owning almost all of the market share, Toyota waited, watched, and when the time was right with the market settling into its post-subsidy state which took out a significant chunk of the competition, with some automakers even reporting up to 60 percent declines in year-on-year EV sales - Toyota took a step back before delivering exactly what the market demanded. Toyota waited, watched, and delivered exactly what today’s EV buyers are asking for. View the full article

Keeping Heritage AliveThere are some automotive brands that have managed to stay alive and somewhat relevant over the years despite remaining small operations. Lotus has had an interesting automotive story, born out of Colin Chapman's desire to build true light sports cars using technology from F1. It has had its ups and downs over the years, but people have always believed in the brand, and it remains recognizable today. In fact, the brand is celebrating a major milestone this year, 77 years since its founding. A local dealer in Japan is using this as an opportunity to offer a one-of-a-kind experience for potential customers. Lotus Cars Immersive ExperienceStarting April 19 up to May 31 2026, Hakko LR an authorized dealer of Lotus is offering a 1-night/2-day premium test drive experience. This offer is valid for people who want to experience modern Lotus products, namely the Eletre, Emeya, and Emira. It will only be offered to three groups of people, for the three models available. Japanese publication S. Response reports that the cost of this package is 770,000 Yen ($4,900 at the current exchange rate), including taxes and service charges. Part of the package is that the full amount is deductible from the vehicle's price if you purchase after the experience, essentially making it a buyer's freebie. The drive itself will take participants from Osaka to Kyoto, where they will stay at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto Hotel, located on the banks of the Kamo River. The room itself will have a spectacular view facing the river, and for dinner guests can choose between the La Locanda italian resturant or Mizuki a Japanese restaurant that serves four distinct types of cuisine. Both dinner packages will offer wine pairings and a special bespoke dessert featuring the Lotus logo. Lotus Unique TasteThis type of exclusive offer is not surprising for a market like Japan. Considering that Japanese car nuts are among the most particular customers, not to mention that they have unique tastes. Despite the smaller scale of Lotus globally, in car crazy markets like Japan, seeing a Lotus on the road is normal, as smaller niche brands continue to have dedicated followers there. Kyle Edward View the full article

Uses Less Fuel than a MotorcycleGeely now holds a Guinness World Record for thermal efficiency, with its new i-HEV system rated at 48.4%, according to a report from Car News China. That figure represents how much energy from fuel is actually converted into usable power, and at nearly 50%, it places Geely at the very top tier of mass-production internal combustion engineering. Alongside that, the system delivers a claimed 106 mpg under combined conditions, reinforcing just how tightly optimized the entire hybrid setup is. The gains come from a purpose-built hybrid engine, paired with AI-driven energy management and a high-output 230 kW electric drive. But more importantly, this is part of a deliberate strategy. Geely is choosing to refine HEV technology rather than lean fully into PHEVs or EVs, recognizing that smaller 1–2 kWh batteries mean less weight, lower costs, and reduced reliance on raw materials, all while maintaining exceptional efficiency and strong urban drivability. Geely Geely Expands i-HEV Across Core ModelsGeely is set to roll out its new i-HEV system across key high-volume models, including the Geely Preface, Geely Monjaro, Emgrand, and Boyue. The expansion is scheduled for 2026, signaling a broader push to integrate hybrid technology across its mainstream passenger car lineup rather than limiting it to niche variants. Underpinning this rollout is a flexible architecture supporting multiple hybrid-dedicated engines – 1.5L, 1.5TD, and 2.0TD – paired with an integrated 11-in-1 electric drive unit. In real-world figures, the Preface i-HEV is rated at 59 mpg, while the Monjaro i-HEV delivers 50 mpg, reinforcing Geely’s focus on scalable, high-efficiency performance across segments. Autoblog / Leroy Marion Perfect Middle Ground?While Geely pushes new benchmarks, Toyota has long doubled down on hybrids, and the industry may be catching up to that thinking. The Corolla Cross is expected to move toward an all-hybrid lineup by 2028, mirroring the success of the RAV4’s hybrid-heavy mix. It’s a strategy focused on proven efficiency and scalable deployment, rather than going all-in on full electrification. That approach is becoming more relevant as market realities shift. Chinese EV makers are rapidly expanding globally, increasing pressure across segments, while EV demand in some regions is softening. Automakers are beginning to recalibrate, with companies like BMW reportedly scaling back certain EV plans amid slowing sales. Companies such as Geely are recognizing that EV adoption remains uneven, making hybrids the most practical middle ground. Geely The LowdownMore automakers are now expanding their hybrid portfolios, recognizing that HEVs offer a compelling balance of efficiency, affordability, and real-world usability. Plug-in hybrids still promise flexibility, but they also introduce added complexity, effectively combining two powertrains into one, which can mean higher costs and more potential issues over time. Sometimes, the most effective solution is also the most proven. Toyota has spent decades refining hybrid systems into a benchmark for reliability and efficiency, and Geely’s latest achievement only strengthens that case. A near-50% thermal efficiency engine and triple-digit mpg figure highlight how hybrid technology continues to evolve, while remaining one of the most practical paths to mass-market efficiency gains. Geely View the full article

We hear about car thefts all the time, and have been victims ourselves, so when we saw this story on the national news this morning we knew we had to share it. In 1969, after returning home from the Vietnam War, David Munoz bought a brand new Fathom Green 1969 Camaro. He drove the car daily for years, and then when his son Victor turned 16 he gave him the car. In 2009, while sitting at a body shop getting work done to it, the car was stolen and thought lost forever. Who knew that in 2026, while investigating other stolen property, the police would find it and only 20 miles away from where it was stolen. That’s 17 years that this car has been missing, but now it’s home. Here’s the video from CBS LA. The post California Man Reunited with Stolen 1969 Camaro Bought Brand New By His Vietnam Veteran Father! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

There is a specific kind of madness required to dedicate one’s life to a defunct American motorcycle brand in the heart of French racing country. But for Hugo, the manager of Mecabuell Garage, it isn't madness; it’s a mission. Located within the perimeter of the Alès motor racing circuit in southern... View the full article

Orlando Speed World Dragway is proud to announce the return of one of the most anticipated events in domestic American muscle and street-style drag racing — the 2026 FuelTech World Street Nationals, taking place November 12–15, 2026. In a historic and highly anticipated milestone, competitors will battle for the prestigious NHRA Wally trophy, elevating the World Street Nationals to an entirely new level of competition and recognition. Known as “The Original” and “Grandfather of all”, the World Street Nationals has built a reputation as the premier stage for the fastest street/strip cars in the world. From elite-level competitors to rising stars, racers will converge in Orlando to prove who truly belongs at the top. This year’s partnership with FuelTech brings cutting-edge technology and innovation to the forefront, reinforcing the event’s commitment to performance, precision, and progression in modern drag racing. For the first time in event history, winners will earn the iconic NHRA Wally, a symbol of excellence recognized across the global drag racing community. This addition raises the stakes, turning every pass down the track into a defining moment for racers chasing both victory and legacy. “Adding the Wally to the World Street Nationals changes everything,” said event organizers. “This isn’t just about winning a race anymore. It’s about earning a place in drag racing history.” Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as horsepower, technology, and driver skill collide in one of the most competitive environments in the sport. Classes and payout details will be announced soon. For more details, visit www.raceosw.com. The post FuelTech World Street Nationals Returns to Orlando Speed World Dragway; Racers to Compete for Coveted NHRA Wally in 2026 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

EV Fire is BrutalThere’s a longstanding concern around electric vehicles catching fire, and a recent incident at a BYD facility in China underscores those worries. According to CarNewsChina, BYD’s Pingshan facility in Shenzhen experienced a fire on Tuesday, with dense smoke seen rising from a multi-level parking structure. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident. BYD clarified that the parking area contained only “test and scrapped vehicles,” meaning no customer cars were affected, and that production continued without disruption. Despite the fire, authorities and the Chinese automaker sought to ease public concerns over EV safety, maintaining that the incident was isolated. What Early Reports SayPreliminary investigations, as reported by China Daily, indicate the fire was caused by improper external construction operations, suggesting that building work or welding may have sparked the blaze, rather than the EV batteries themselves. Electric cars are known to experience a phenomenon called thermal runaway, in which high-voltage batteries can overheat to the point that individual cells catch fire. It can occur even when an EV is not in use, as seen with the Volkswagen ID.4, which was recalled in the U.S. earlier this year and owners were advised to park outside to reduce the risk of a fire spreading to a home or nearby structure. If an EV catches fire, it can be more difficult to extinguish because it can trigger a chain reaction in neighboring cells. In a 2022 incident involving a Tesla Model S, the Sacramento Metro Fire District even submerged the vehicle in water to help contain the fire. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog No Need to PanicGiven that improper external construction operations are believed to be the root cause, this incident should not raise significant concerns among BYD owners or prospective buyers. While Chinese automakers remain largely restricted in the U.S., North American neighbors Mexico and Canada have taken different approaches, with the latter allowing an initial quota of up to 49,000 Chinese EVs per year at a lower tariff under a new arrangement. The incident comes as BYD continues to expand its ultra-fast charging infrastructure, known as Flash Charging. It supports charging rates of up to 1,500 kW, enough to take an EV from 10 to 97 percent in as little as nine minutes. The company aims to grow the network to 20,000 Flash Charging stations by year-end, up from around 5,000 currently. Hauke-Christian Dittrich/picture alliance via Getty Images View the full article

Santa Pod Raceway is delighted to announce a new partnership to become the Main Title Sponsor of the venue’s unique ‘outlaw’ race: The DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech. FuelTech, the leading global manufacturer of motorsport electronic and engine-management systems, has already joined Santa Pod as title sponsor of the FuelTech Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship and its fearsome, 250mph ‘doorslammer’ Pro Modified cars. FuelTech now develops that relationship by supporting Santa Pod’s unique DOORSLAMMERS race – Pro Mods and other outrageous machines racing, so to speak, ‘with the gloves off.’ ‘Doorslammer’ is a popular term for full-bodied cars with working doors. ‘Outlaw’ describes a race at which the technical rules and regulations governing official championships are not applied. The DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech offers a £100,000 prize fund and racers from across Europe will do whatever it takes to carry off the cash. It’s a genuine high-performance free-for-all. Pro Mods and their ilk are the event’s headline attraction, but a range of other classes featured at The DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech includes non-V8s, front-wheel-drive and road-legal vehicles. The DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech takes place from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May 2026 at Santa Pod Raceway, NN29 7XA. 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 ‘The DOORSLAMMERS Powered by FuelTech’ – Santa Pod Celebrates New Partnership for its Unique Outlaw Race first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The first-ever Audi RS Q5 has been spied for the first time as Ingolstadt prepares an answer to the remarkably popular BMW X3 M, and Audi may give it a more restrained look than its other RS high-performance products. At first glance, it appears as if we're looking at just another SQ5, the current most potent Q5 variant, but a closer look reveals that this is a test mule for something more exciting, with wider arches attached to the fenders being one of the biggest clues. Audi painted these the same blue as the rest of the prototype to try to hide the crossover's identity, but zoom in, and the rivets show that the hottest Q5 will get a wider track to help put monstrous power to the asphalt. First Audi RS Q5 Expected to Adopt RS 5 Powertrain SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Our spies report that the first-ever RS Q5 will use the same 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 and electric motor as the latest RS 5, in which total output is rated at 630 horsepower and 608 lb-ft of torque. While an eight-speed automatic is likely, we don't yet know whether it'll be the hybridized transaxle of the RS 5, particularly since that could impact cargo volume, especially with the hybrid battery already taking up space. Thus, it's also unclear if the RS Q5 will have figures quite as high as the RS 5, but given that the current BMW X3 M Competition makes 503 hp and a new, more powerful version with Neue Klasse influence is undoubtedly on the way, it would not be a surprise to see Audi throw the kitchen sink at its first serious high-performance crossover since the now-discontinued five-cylinder RS Q3. Whatever the case, yellow decals on the glass confirm that this will have hybrid power of some sort. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article It'll likely be quite some time before we have answers because this is an early prototype in an SQ5 body, and after initial development is complete, Audi will begin testing mules with bodywork more like the final product. These will likely have large, more central exhaust tips and much more aggressive bumpers. We can also expect a sportier roof spoiler, and since this test car has those additions to its wheel arches, it seems likely that Audi will mold new bodywork with vented front fenders and muscular rear haunches that flow from bulbous rear doors. If these predictions are accurate, the first RS Q5 certainly won't be a sleeper. Multiple Screens Expected Inside RS Q5, Drift Mode Possible SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Our spies weren't close enough to see inside, but like the latest SQ5, the RS model will have an 11.9-inch digital cluster, or Audi Virtual Cockpit, with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both featuring unique RS graphics and readouts. What we're most keen to see is if the RS Q5 gets a drift mode like the RS 5. The current BMW X3 M wasn't launched with one, though its all-wheel-drive system favors the rear axle. BMW has surely taken note of the numerous aftermarket tuners who have coded the system to allow for a rear-drive-only setting that smokes the rear tires with ease, and it's entirely possible that this will become commonplace in future hot crossovers. Sure, a tall center of gravity makes such a move seem unsafe, but given how heavy modern cars are and how much weight is concentrated down low in hybrids, it's not a major concern. We'll keep our ears to the ground and report back once more info becomes available. SH Proshots/Autoblog View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

There’s a version of the Pro Mod rules debate that plays out in comment sections and Facebook groups, where people who have never tuned a race car tell those who have exactly what needs to happen. “Stevie Fast” Jackson is not one of those people. He’s built the engines, logged the dyno pulls, and spent the money. Now he’s making the important call about where he thinks Pro Mod is heading. Killin’ Time Racing is going centrifugal. All the way. “We’re building 13 of these things right now,” Jackson said on a recent episode of the Shake and Bake Show. “We’re converting everyone’s car to centrifugal and building all these motors. We’re developing. I’m spending a million bucks on this.” That’s not a complaint, it’s a conviction. And attached to it is a very specific request directed at every sanctioning body in the country that runs a Pro Mod program: give everyone one full calendar year with the rules exactly as they are, and don’t touch them. “I don’t care,” Jackson said. “You can add another hundred to it and leave it alone. Just so we’re fixing to convert everyone’s car and build all these motors…as soon as we get it done, don’t slap another hundred on it because I want to come play in the sandbox that everybody’s in right now.” The context matters here. The centrifugal combination has dominated Pro Mod qualifying at DI Winter Series events to a degree that is difficult to argue against. Per data Jackson presented on the show, a screw blower hasn’t qualified number one at a Winter Series race since Chip King turned the trick in January of 2023. The numbers behind that stat are just as stark: centrifugal and turbo cars make up roughly 30 percent of the field but have claimed the number one qualifying spot at essentially every race during that stretch. Fifty pounds was the answer the PDRA offered in the form of a weight addition to the centrifugal combination, a move that divided the community along predictable lines. Jackson’s position is more nuanced than the loudest voices on either side of the argument. He thinks 50 might not be enough. In the meantime, he’s not boycotting or posting manifestos. He’s converting cars and spending money because he believes in where the combination is going, and he’s watched what happens when a dominant combination gets legislated into oblivion long enough to know he’d rather be holding the hot hand than waiting for the rules to catch up. “If the screw qualified number one and won every race for three years, what do you think they would do to it?” Jackson said. “I mean, it wouldn’t make it two weeks before they would want to put 100 pounds on it.” The philosophical point underneath all of this is one that Jackson has been making for a while, and it’s getting harder to dismiss. The centrifugal doesn’t win because it makes the most power. It wins, in large part, because of how it delivers that power: a loose converter, less wheel speed off the line, more consistent passes, more data accumulated over more runs. Crew chiefs like Brandon Stroud and Steve Petty are not only brilliant, the data-sharing model that Proline Racing and its network of customers has built-in gives centrifugal programs a structural advantage that weight alone can’t fully address. “A lot of it has to do with how loose of a converter you can run in the centrifugal deals,” Lyle Barnett explained on the same episode. “It’s just easier to get the motor’s head up and keep it up.” Jackson went further. He credited Eric Dillard and the Proline operation directly for building not just a fast combination but a fast system – one that shares information across customers and crew chiefs in a way that the screw blower world, historically secretive and individually-minded, has never matched. “Todd Tutterow is the same way,” said Jackson. “Billy Stocklin, the holder of all notebooks. There’s a bunch of those guys that won’t share their stuff.” Jackson says KTR has changed that internally, moving to a shared Google Drive model where every crew chief has access to every run from every car going back years. “Everything’s on a Google Drive. You can look at my orange car ProCharger data from 2011 if you want to.” The man who arguably lit the current screw vs. centrifugal fire also received genuine kudos from Jackson. It’s worth noting because you don’t hear many competitors say it this way. “I want to give a huge shout out to Dustin Hart for singlehandedly causing this whole debacle,” Jackson said. “You’ve got a guy who spent a lot of his own money, built a product, came out with a better mousetrap, and he’s crushing folks. And he should be. That’s capitalism, and that’s why I love drag racing in America.” Hart’s new centrifugal supercharger changed the conversation almost overnight. ProCharger responded within thirty days with an upgraded blower of their own. That’s the ecosystem Jackson is betting a million dollars on – not because the rules favor it today, but because the development curve and the data infrastructure around it are pointing in a direction that weight penalties alone aren’t going to redirect. What Jackson wants in exchange for that investment is the same thing a lot of people in this sport keep asking for but rarely receive: stability. A rules committee with real representation across sanctioning bodies – the Drag Illustrated Winter Series, PDRA, NHRA, IHRA, Midwest Drag Racing Series, etc. – with an odd number of voting members and a commitment to holding changes for a fixed window. Not because the current rules are perfect, but because the sport is eating itself every time someone posts a fast number and Monday morning brings a new weight penalty before the data has even had time to breathe. “I’ve told all my customers that we’re converting,” Jackson said. “Do not get mad when they put another 100 pounds on this thing. I’m telling you now. And they’re all okay with it.” That’s the mindset. Eyes open, money on the table, and one request: let it run for a year and see what these things can really do. Jackson will be racing this week at U.S. 60 Dragway in Steel, Alabama, the third stop on the Radial Outlaws Racing Series schedule, beginning a stretch that takes him through five consecutive weekends of competition including back-to-back NHRA events at Charlotte and Valdosta. This story was originally published on April 15, 2026. The post Steve Jackson Is Done Complaining About the Rules – He’s Spending $1M on Development first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Full Self-Driving has finally landed in Europe. On April 10, the Dutch vehicle authority RDW granted Tesla type approval for FSD Supervised, marking the first full EU-wide regulatory clearance and opening the door to a broader rollout this summer. It should have been a victory lap moment for Tesla owners who had been waiting. For many of them, it turned into something else entirely. The approval only applies to vehicles running Tesla's newer AI4 computer. Cars equipped with the older HW3 hardware, also known as FSD Computer 3.0, are excluded from the launch. Thousands of European Tesla owners paid for Full Self-Driving years before any of this hardware distinction existed. Some paid as far back as 2018 or 2019, watching the price climb and the promises pile up, trusting that Tesla would eventually deliver. Now FSD is finally here in Europe, and their cars are not invited. Tesla owes me €6.800. And if you're a HW3 + FSD owner, they owe you too. 2019. One of the first Model 3 owners in the Netherlands. Paid for Full Self-Driving. The promise: same hardware, software updates will unlock full autonomy. Just wait. I waited 7 years. SEVEN years!… pic.twitter.com/zpFW8MUdWp — Mischa Sigtermans (@mischamartijn) April 14, 2026 The Claims Site, and What This Could MeanOne Dutch Model 3 owner named Mischa Sigtermans has had enough. He paid €6,400 (approximately $7,500) for FSD back in 2019 and recently launched a collective claim website specifically aimed at bundling EU Tesla owners on HW3 hardware who want either a negotiated resolution or, failing that, a legal one. Today, Tesla no longer offers FSD as a one-time purchase at all, only as a $99 monthly subscription. European buyers who pre-ordered at configuration paid between €5,300 and €7,500 ($6,300-$8,800), depending on timing, for a feature that, as of this week, they still cannot access. Elon Musk himself acknowledged on Tesla's Q4 2024 earnings call that roughly 4 million vehicles shipped with HW3, and hundreds of thousands of those owners have paid for FSD already. Tesla Tesla's Own Words May Be Its Biggest ProblemThe legal risk for Tesla is that the paper trail is extensive, and a lot of it came from Tesla itself. Musk admitted that the company would need to replace all HW3 computers in cars where FSD had been purchased, calling the situation "painful and difficult". HW3 runs a significantly reduced model compared to AI4, with workarounds to emulate operations that the older chip cannot run natively. Tesla has floated a "v14 Lite" version for HW3, but its own US patent filing acknowledges the workaround can render the system inoperable. As of now, there is still no hardware retrofit program or refund policy. The claims website is in its early stages, but momentum is building fast. What began as one frustrated Dutch owner posting on social media has quickly started to look like the opening move of something much larger, with nearly 1,400 verified participants already. If Tesla does not move to resolve this voluntarily, Europe's courts may eventually do it for them. View the full article

Stellantis’ North American subsidiary FCA US is recalling over 65,000 trucks from the Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 lines over a software error that may cause the digital instrument panel to freeze. The recall covers a total of 65,348 trucks built between August 09, 2024 and July 4, 2025, including certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Just 1% of the recalled vehicles are estimated to have the defect. The 3.5-inch Digital Cluster May Become InoperativeDue to the instrument panel problem, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.” According to the safety call report, “failure to display certain information, such as the Brake, ESC, and TPMS system warning lights and gear selection indicator, may cause a driver to operate a vehicle in a compromised condition, which can increase the risk of a crash without prior warning.” Stellantis The culprit is a 3.5-inch Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) manufactured by Marelli North America that equips all of the above vehicles and which can become inoperative at startup and/or while driving because of a software issue. As a remedy, dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owners will start receiving notification letters from May 28, but if they don’t want to wait until then, they can find out if their vehicle is involved in the recall by searching their Vehicle Identification Number (VINs) on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026. Ram Recalled 72,000 Trucks in December for a Similar Issue RAM Interestingly, this is not the first time Ram is recalling 2025-2026 trucks due to a software glitch of the instrument panel display. In December 2025, the company recalled 72,000 pickups and chassis cab models for a software error that could cause the IPC display to go blank. Mind you, that recall was for models featuring the larger 12-inch IPC. The display in question was also supplied by Marelli North America. It’s also worth noting that several other automakers, including Ford, GM, Toyota and Volkswagen Group have each issued recalls last year for software errors or internal component failures that have led to blank instrument clusters. The digital displays involved in the recalls were all sourced from different Tier 1 suppliers, WardsAuto reported. View the full article

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 421 “SMOKE, HORSEPOWER, AND STRAIGHT TALK” SOME WEEKS ARE BIG. SOME WEEKS ARE LOADED. THIS WEEK? WE’VE GOT A FULL-ON POWER MOVE. This week on The Wes Buck Show, we’re bringing in a lineup that covers just about every angle of NHRA right now, and we’re doing it all at once. First up, Tony “Smoke” Stewart. Fresh off a Top Fuel win in Pomona, and yeah, that makes win number three in Top Fuel for the man, and his first win with this team. Driving for Richard Freeman and Elite Motorsports, Tony is showing early that this deal can win. Joining him is Richard Freeman, the man behind Elite Motorsports. Car owner. Pro Stock powerhouse. And one of the most unapologetic voices in the sport. If he’s thinking it, he’s saying it. No filter. No backing down. We’re gonna hear it straight from him on how this whole deal with Tony is going and what he sees moving forward. And then there’s Matt Hagan, Funny Car winner in Pomona, driving for Tony Stewart Racing. Veteran. Champion. And yeah, the dude shows up looking like a modern day cowboy every single race weekend. Game day outfit dialed in. But when that helmet goes on, it’s all business. One of the most dangerous guys in the class, and he proved it again last weekend. Three big personalities. Three different roles. One stacked conversation. Top Fuel. Funny Car. Pro Stock brains. This one is gonna have a little bit of everything. LET’S GO. Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing. SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustrated GRAB YOUR MERCH: dragillustrated.store STAY CONNECTED: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustrated RACERS CLUB MERCH: racers.club Wanna sponsor the show? Contact us: [email protected] dragracing #wesbuck #TonyStewart #Smoke #MattHagan #RichardFreeman #EliteMotorsports #TonyStewartRacing #NHRA #TopFuel #FunnyCar #Pomona #WBS #DI #RacersClub This story was originally published on April 15, 2026. The post The Wes Buck Show | Ep.421 | Tony Stewart, Matt Hagan, & Richard Freeman first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article