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Kyle Loftis and 1320Video changed motorsports media. Sadly, it has been announced that Kyle has passed away. View the full article

Rivian Thinks BiggerRivian clearly has its sights set on the Tesla Model Y with the upcoming R2, and the company is strengthening that push with an expanded charging network. The added charging infrastructure should help support the R2, which is expected to become the brand’s volume seller, whereas the R1 lineup targets a more niche demographic. Competing against the Model Y is a tall task, given that it has been the best-selling EV in the U.S. for years, and by a wide margin. As such, every advantage matters for Rivian, with the Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) not only supporting the brand’s own lineup but also the broader EV industry, as it is designed to work with all compatible EVs. Expanding the EcosystemIn a press release, Rivian said the RAN is currently compatible with CCS1 ports, while Tesla-developed NACS connectors – the standard several U.S. brands, including Toyota, have adopted – are now being added. The newest chargers are also taller and feature longer cables, making them easier to use with different charging-port locations. For added convenience, users do not need to download an app to pay for charging, as the chargers are equipped with tap-to-pay terminals. Like the Tesla Supercharger network, the RAN should help make the switch to a Rivian EV easier by addressing so-called range anxiety through its growing nationwide network. The company also said it maintained a 98% uptime across the network in 2025 and plans to continue prioritizing reliability in the coming years. Rivian Where the Fight Gets RealThe Rivian R2 will first take on the segment with its top-of-the-line Performance trim, which matches the Tesla Model Y Performance at around $57,000. It comes with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 656 horsepower, along with a preliminary EPA-estimated range of 330 miles. More affordable trims are expected to follow by 2027. While the stage is set for the R2, it will not be all smooth sailing. Rivian recently had its federal loan reduced by $2 billion, cutting it to $4.5 billion. The funding is intended for the construction of Rivian’s Georgia plant, which is being developed to support R2 production – a crucial step given that the model is expected to become the brand’s mainstream offering. The new plant is also expected to produce an even more affordable model called the R3. Rivian View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

General Motors is spending fortunes on new Gen 6 V8 engines for trucks, and a new teaser shared to social media by Chevrolet Performance may be our first look at what the automaker is planning. The teaser, captioned "Something BIG is coming..." shows a close-up of a pushrod V8 engine in a bay, and it looks like a production engine, not a concept. We see the intake manifold, painted in black with white stripes and a white Bowtie logo, and though we can't be certain, the packaging of components like hoses and so forth seems to indicate this engine is in the front end of a truck. Could this be a supercharged V8 for a Ford Raptor R and Ram TRX rival, giving the Corvette Grand Sport's 6.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 a sibling? Several Theories About Chevy's New V8 Emerge Chevrolet Performance/Instagram The comments on the Instagram post offer theories like a supercharged Silverado, specifically a 2027 ZR2 model, and some think this engine could also be used in a new Camaro ZL1 and the second-generation Cadillac CT5 Blackwing. Recent reports indicate the Camaro will return on the Alpha platform for 2027, so this seems feasible. The new engine might also find its way to the next Escalade-V, suggest some enthusiasts, while others think a new Impala SS could be a good application for the supercharged motor. Our money is on a super truck, and there's surely a market for something like that with a Bowtie badge on the front after Hennessey revealed the Goliath 700 ZR2, a 700-horsepower supercharged Silverado. Related: Watch as Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Beats McLaren Senna Again While Setting Two New Lap Records Whether Chevy's factory effort will have that kind of output or more remains to be seen, but with the Ram TRX Bloodshot Night Edition delivering 777 ponies and the Ford Raptor R 720 hp, we expect at least 700 hp. Of course, a true rival to these extreme pickups would need more than just a beefy engine, with upgraded suspension, wheels, and tires necessary for conquering off-road trails at speed. Whatever Chevy has planned, things look promising, and we don't doubt that the Gen 6 V8 engines will see multiple applications. Big Engines Are Not Taboo, and GM is Capitalizing With the Trump administration heavily relaxing Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, V8 engines with huge displacements are likely to become more prevalent once again. It's not just here that V8 engines are beloved, either. Even Formula One, which made a big push toward sustainability with its latest regulations, is now considering bringing V8s back with minimal electrification. Cadillac competes in the pinnacle of single-seater motorsport, and with Chevrolet Performance teasing this big new engine, all of General Motors' brands could soon take advantage, giving customers what they want. Hopefully, Chevy will provide more information soon; the metadata on the Instagram image indicates a reveal happens this month. View the full article

The first PDRA Triple Threat Bracket Series event of 2026 brought a schedule change due to inclement weather on Saturday but the action on track started as fierce as ever for the first event on the schedule this season at Virginia Motorsports Park. Bruce Hensley started the weekend off with the Super 64 Shootout win on TBM Brakes Thursday. Hensley brought out a new dragster for this event and immediately took it to the winner’s circle in a double breakout final round against New York’s Tyler Rudolph. Hensley was .007 and 4.457 on his 4.46 dial to emerge victorious while Rudolph was .013 and 4.418 on his 4.43 dial to breakout more in the money round. Steve Witherow and Luke Harris were the semi-finalists in the warm-up shootout. Kyle Hustwayte took home the first main event big check of the season on L&L Transmission/Star Machine Friday with a $15,000 victory over a red-lighting Bobby Eley in the final round in a dragster vs. door car matchup. Hustwayte, from Stafford, Virginia, drove his Maddox dragster to the winner’s circle and did so with a number of good laps to earn the first PDRA Triple Threat Bracket Series event win of the season. Allan Talley was the lone semi-finalist while Dink Holmes and Bo Snoddy bowed out at the quarter-final round. Joe Foley from Mooresville, NC won the No Box portion, picked up the $750 bonus and rolled into the main event after defeating a red-lighting Kris Bunch by only three thousandths of a second (-.003) in the final round. Randy Biddle and Jake Wood were the semi-finalists. Ray Miller III continued his streak of wins in the PDRA Triple Threat Bracket Series driving the Harbaugh family NexGen Race Cars dragster to a win on Red Line Oil/Star Machine Sunday with the second $15,000 winner’s purse on the line. Miller defeated Davis Adkins in the final round, a matchup of the last remaining double entered racers who both had two entries with nine total remaining on the day. Miller was .006 in the final round and ran 4.663 on his 4.65 dial to defeat Adkins who was .015 and ran 5.737 on his 5.72 dial. PDRA Pro Street racer Blake Denton was the lone semi-finalist in his American Race Cars dragster while Daniel Hambright and Ray Miller III were the quarterfinalists. Joe Foley swept the No Box portion on the weekend, picking up the second No Box bonus of the weekend and rolling into the main event after defeating Maryland’s Steve Ryan in a double breakout final round. Mike Snoddy was the lone semi-finalist. On Sunday, there were two 32-car Jr. Dragster Shootouts for the up-and-coming stars in the sport. With losing Saturday due to weather, event promoters decided to offer both races on Sunday instead of a combined purse and one event to give these talented young drivers two chances at the PDRA winner’s circle. Carter Jackson took home the first win of the day over Mallory Mattox in a double breakout final round. Jackson held a reaction time advantage with his .024 and ran 7.897 on his 7.91 dial while Mattox was .063 leaving the starting line and ran 7.874 on her 7.90 dial. Alyssa Tilghman was the lone semi-finalist in race one. Alyssa Tilghman continued her day of success, finishing out race two with a victory over Carter Sparkman in the final round. Tilghman was .005 leaving the starting line and ran a 7.943 on her 7.90 dial to secure the final victory of the weekend for the Jr. Dragster category. Kylie Varnier was the lone semi-finalist. The PDRA Triple Threat Bracket Series will be back on track for the second race of the series on July 30-August 2 at Virginia Motorsports Park in N. Dinwiddie, Virginia. Formore information and event details, visit www.pdra660.com. This story was originally published on May 6, 2026. The post Hustwayte, Miller and Hensley Capture First PDRA Triple Threat Bracket Series Wins of 2026 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Chinese EV Dominance in the UKThe biggest electric vehicle brand in the UK right now is not Tesla, Ford, or even Mini. It is a Chinese automaker BYD. According to new SMMT registration data, BYD sold 12,754 fully electric vehicles in the UK between January and April 2026. That gives the brand more than 7% of the country’s EV market, enough to overtake long-established rivals including Tesla, Kia, BMW, and Volkswagen. The achievement becomes even more impressive once you consider that BYD models do not qualify for the UK government’s Electric Car Grant. Despite missing out on incentives aimed at lowering EV ownership costs, private buyers are still snapping them up in huge numbers. It shows how much value-conscious buyers are responding to BYD’s formula of affordable pricing, long range, and generous technology. While American consumers are still waiting for access to cheaper Chinese EVs, the UK market is already embracing them in a major way. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog Ford Warned Everyone About China—Now It’s Happening Across the PondExecutives at Ford Motor Company have repeatedly warned that Chinese automakers could disrupt the global auto industry if they gain traction outside China. The latest UK sales figures suggest those concerns are becoming a reality. BYD’s momentum is not just coming from fully electric vehicles either. Its growing range of DM-i plug-in hybrids is also helping the company expand rapidly across the market. Combined sales of BYD’s EVs and plug-in hybrids reached 26,396 units in the UK so far this year. That translates to a 9.5% market share in the broader new energy vehicle category. Models such as the Seal U, Seal 6, and Sealion 5 are already contributing heavily to those numbers, with more products arriving soon. BYD says the UK EV market itself grew 22% year over year, but the company’s growth has outpaced the market dramatically. The company is also pushing advanced energy technologies, including vehicle-to-grid systems, utility-scale storage, and its upcoming Flash Charging system that promises a 10 to 97% charge in just nine minutes. BYD Not Just a Cheap EV AnymoreInterestingly, BYD’s dominance overseas comes at a time when the company has experienced softer sales growth in China. Domestic demand has cooled in recent months, but exports continue to surge as international buyers warm up to Chinese brands. The UK is becoming one of the clearest examples of that trend. Buyers are no longer treating brands like BYD as bargain-bin alternatives. Increasingly, they are becoming aspirational first-choice purchases. That shift becomes obvious when you look beyond mainstream EVs. BYD’s luxury and performance sub-brands are already commanding serious attention globally, including the Yangwang U9 hypercar, which recently sold for a staggering price. Ironically, BYD’s biggest issue right now may not be competition. It may simply be building enough cars fast enough to satisfy demand. For countries like the Philippines and even the United States, widespread adoption of these vehicles still feels distant. But if the UK is any indication, Chinese EV brands are no longer coming. They are already here. Jacob Oliva/Autoblog View the full article

High-Speed Off-RoadingThe Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro is the Korean marque’s most off-road-oriented SUV to date, but it doesn’t stick to the usual ladder-frame recipe you’d find in a Toyota Land Cruiser or Ford Bronco. Instead, Hyundai is betting on its monocoque platform to deliver a different kind of advantage on gravel roads. Rather than chasing low-speed rock crawling, Hyundai tuned the Palisade XRT Pro for high-speed gravel runs. That’s where the unibody setup comes into its own, feeling more planted and responsive than the heavier, old-school ladder-frame SUVs. Hyundai’s N performance team also had a hand in shaping how the XRT Pro drives. It’s a far cry from the Ioniq 6 N, but some of that focus on driver engagement and chassis feel made its way into this family SUV. Hyundai "A Little Bit of N About It"Speaking to Carsales, Hyundai Australia product planning and development manager Tim Rodgers explained that the company intentionally leaned into the Palisade’s monocoque's strengths. “XRT Pro is a very different formula, but funnily enough, when we get to the actual product and the qualities it delivers, and the experience it delivers, it’s actually got a little bit of N about it,” Rodgers told the publication. Rodgers pointed out that while the XRT Pro can tackle some classic off-road challenges, Hyundai built it for the kind of driving most owners actually do – long stretches on gravel and fast dirt roads, not just crawling over rocks or fording rivers. Hyundai The Limits of a Monocoque Off-Roader Still ExistThe debate between monocoque and ladder-frame isn’t going anywhere. Unibody SUVs like the Palisade usually ride better on pavement and feel more stable at speed on loose surfaces, but they can’t quite match the brute strength of ladder-frame trucks when the going gets truly rough or when heavy towing is involved. That’s where the Palisade XRT Pro will eventually meet its limits. It’s quick and comfortable on rough roads, but if you’re after the kind of durability you’d expect from a Land Cruiser deep in the wilderness, a body-on-frame SUV is still the safer bet. However, Hyundai’s approach makes sense for how most people use their SUVs. The reality is, most adventure vehicles spend more time eating up highway miles and cruising gravel than scaling boulders. For that, a lighter, more car-like platform could actually be the smarter everyday choice. Hyundai View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The first of the Neue Klasse generation of next-generation vehicles is the BMW iX3, and BMW USA has finally revealed pricing for the U.S. market, making the Porsche Macan EV look overpriced on the way. For the record, the Macan EV claims up to 315 miles of range, and the luxury electric crossover has a base MSRP of $80,300. But with the iX3 50 xDrive, you'll pay less and go further, with its MSRP starting at $61,500 (plus $1,350 for destination and handling), and its official EPA range estimated at an impressive 434 miles. And if that doesn't seem like enough range, real-world testing suggests it could go much further. Is BMW underestimating range in the same way it underquotes horsepower figures? Maybe, maybe not, but either way, the new iX3 is looking like a seriously compelling choice. 2027 BMW iX3 Configurator Is Now Live BMW The configurator for the new BMW iX3 is live as of today, and interested customer can reserve their crossover through the website with a $1,000 deposit, with deliveries set to begin in late September. Naturally, the wheel options you choose will affect the overall range, but you get all the range and all 463 horsepower/476 lb-ft as standard. Here's what to expect: Wheel & Tire Package MPG3 combined Range (miles) 20” Summer Tires (No-cost option) 118 434 20” All-Season Tires (Standard) 102 383 21” Summer Tires 105 398 21” All-Season Tires 105 399 22” Summer Tires 104 392 With a maximum charging rate of 400 kW, the iX3 can add an estimated 185 miles of range in 10 minutes or charge from 10-80 percent in 21 minutes, when using an 800-volt DC charging station. As standard, the iX3 comes with an NACS port, so replenishing the battery at a Tesla Supercharger doesn't require a special adapter. What else comes standard for your $62,850 (including destination)? Related: The Next BMW X7 Could Look Like a Bigger 7 Series The BMW Panoramic Vision setup with a "free-cut" central infotainment touchscreen is included, as is perforated Veganza imitation leather upholstery in your choice of one of four themes: Black Contemporary Interior Design, Digital White Contemporary Interior Design, Castanea Contemporary Interior Design, or Agave Green Contemporary Interior Design. You also get 20-inch Aero Bicolor 1046 wheels with all-season tires, though, as noted in the table above, summer rubber that maximizes range comes at no cost. Other standard equipment includes ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Driving Assistant Plus suite of driver aids with active blind-spot detection, lane-keep assist, forward collision mitigation, active cruise control with a steering assistant, and active park distance control with side protection. You also get Digital Key Plus, which lets you give others control of the vehicle via a smartphone app without needing to give them the physical key. Numerous Options on Offer for 2027 BMW iX3 BMW BMW offers several upgrades if you're willing to spend a little extra, including the Comfort Package for $1,500. This gives the electric SUV a heated steering wheel and multifunction seats, as well as a panoramic glass sunroof with glazing. If you don't want the glass roof, BMW will delete it and give you $750 back, which could go towards the Driving Assistance Professional Package ($2,500). This unlocks a Highway & Commuting Assistant, Traffic Jam Assistant, and Active Lane Change with Eye Activation. Alternatively, you can spend $2,500 on the M Sport Package, adding a Sport steering wheel (or an M steering wheel for an extra $150) and 20-inch M Aero V-Spoke Bicolor 1047M wheels on summer tires. In fact, this package offers five different wheel styles, each with their own pricing. The M Sport Package also gives you subtle M Sport upgrades inside and out, while the $4,000 M Sport Professional Package adds the M Sport upgrades plus BMW Iconic Glow exterior lighting, M Sport brakes with red or blue calipers, and an M steering wheel. Leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a trailer hitch, and a Harman Kardon sound system are also available. Related: BMW iX3 Becomes X3’s Biggest Rival as Orders Surge In terms of paint options, you can have Alpine White at no cost or Black Sapphire Metallic, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, Space Silver Metallic, Vegas Red Metallic, Polarized Grey Metallic, Ocean Wave Blue Metallic, or Eucalyptus Green Metallic for $650. Alternatively, Frozen (matte) Space Silver Metallic costs $3,600. We built the most expensive iX3 possible and, without adding additional maintenance plans or charging adapters, came out with a total of $84,350. In other words, for less than five grand more than the cheapest Porsche Macan EV, you can have a fully kitted iX3. That's not bad value. You can give the configurator a whirl here. Earl Lee/Autoblog View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney will continue to drive the No. 12 Team Penske Ford after signing a multi-year contract extension. Menards will remain as a partner as part of the new agreement “Ryan Blaney has developed into one of the elite drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series, and the success he’s achieved speaks for itself,” said team owner Roger Penske. “I’m confident Ryan ...Keep readingView the full article

Dearborn desperately hoped that the worst of the 2026 market correction was already priced into their first-quarter earnings, but it wasn't. According to the latest April 2026 data, Ford is staring down a widening rift within its portfolio. The gas-burning Mustang is currently amongst the very few models that Ford sells in the US, which is showing growth for the business, while its ambitious EV and high-tech plays are hitting a massive wall. Ford Mustang MuscleGroup sales for Ford and Lincoln combined plummeted 14.4 percent in April, dragging an already difficult year further into the red. While niche wins like the Bronco (up 18.6 percent), and the Transit van (up 22 percent) provide some cover, the core pillars of Ford's "Model e" future are looking shaky. The internal combustion Mustang continues to almost singlehandedly keep the lights on in Dearborn. While the rest of the automaker’s portfolio stalls out, the traditional pony car surged an impressive 18.4 percent in April, moving 5,830 units. Zoom out, and the trajectory is even more aggressive. Year-to-date, gas Mustang sales have skyrocketed 39.2 percent, totaling nearly 20,000 deliveries through the end of the month. However, while the gas Mustang thrives, its electric namesake, the Mustang Mach-E, is having a year to forget. Deliveries of the electric crossover have collapsed by 50 percent year-to-date, moving just 7,270 units compared to over 14,000 during the same period last year. Ford Electrifying ErrorsThis isn't just a Mach-E problem; it's an electrification problem across the board for Ford. Total sales for electrified vehicles—a category that includes both pure EVs and hybrids—fell by 31.1 percent in April. Even the usually reliable internal combustion SUVs and trucks weren't immune, with truck sales sliding 12.1 percent and SUVs dropping 10.9 percent for the year. Due to supply chain fractures, the F-Series recorded a 14.7 percent drop in April, a direct casualty of the ongoing aluminum bottlenecks triggered by the 2025 Novelis plant fire. Over at the luxury arm, Lincoln is in freefall, with the freshly redesigned Navigator suffering a catastrophic 41.7 percent sales collapse. Supply chain woes aside, American consumers still seem to want a fire-breathing Ford Mustang; electric powertrains don't seem to blend well with the Blue Oval in the minds of consumers. The Mustang continues to be the attainable halo car that Ford needs to navigate these rough EV waters, and if Ford intends to comfortably survive this 2026 sales slump, they need to start listening to the math. View the full article

Tariff WoesTariffs on automotive products have become a major factor in recent times, with last year's major changes, and car prices in the United States have gone up. In neighboring countries, the trend has been to work with other nations to lower car prices. Canada recently struck a milestone deal with China that will allow it to benefit from lower tariffs, securing better prices for Chinese-made electric vehicles. Since the United States refuses to deal and allow Chinese manufacturers into the market, prices remain the same or higher. Xie Huanchi/Xinhua via Getty Images China Made TeslaOne example: the cheapest Tesla, the base Model 3 in Canada, is now priced at $29,000, compared to the U.S., where the equivalent car and spec are $37,000. That $8,000 difference comes from the fact that Canada now sources its Model 3's from China. The new trade deal between China and Canada will see the tariff drop to 6.1% from the previous 100% rate implemented in 2024. It also means that Canada will allow the importation and sales of 49,000 China-built EVs, which, as we all know, are affordable. Tesla is one of the first brands to take advantage of this new deal. The new base Model 3 is called the Premium RWD variant; it's sourced from Shanghai and has a total driving range of 288 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds. Before this deal was finalized, the most affordable Tesla in Canada was the Long-range AWD, shipped from California, at $58,000. It may not be the same specs as the new base model, but in effect, Tesla Canada has halved the buy-in price of its most affordable unit because of this deal. Tesla EVs for Canola DealHow this deal came to fruition is simple economics: China needed help boosting its agricultural resources and selling its ever-expanding EV stocks, and Canada was all but willing to come to the table. In exchange for favorable rates on Chinese-made EVs, Canada will give them canola. It will be capped in the meantime at 49,000 cars per annum, but the quota is set to increase to 70,000 by 2030. This newfound openness is being taken seriously by Chinese manufacturers, with BYD, Chery, and Geely already investing heavily to launch their Canadian operations. Tesla View the full article

The 2nd annual DragCoverage Gulf Coast DragFest at Gulfport Dragway turned into one of the biggest and most memorable weekends in the history of the Gulfport, MS facility. DragFest was race number two of the 4-race Southern Outlaw Tour Series that TJ Pruitt started to bring back grass roots Pro Mod racing. Earlier in the week, the forecast looked almost identical to last year, with rain chances threatening the event. After discussions between Pruitt and the Gulfport Dragway team, the decision was made to shift DragFest from Friday-Saturday to Saturday-Sunday – a move that proved to be the right call. “Gaylon Rolinson approached me with the idea to bring a DragCoverage event to Gulfport Dragway and it was a no brainer,” said Pruitt. “Gaylon, Britt, and Tommy are some of the top promoters in the drag racing industry and I knew adding them to the team would help grow the sport. My main goal is to make the local grassroots racing scene have a national event vibe, where racers get to feel special and race in front of a huge crowd.” Despite several teams being forced to drop out due to the schedule change, 17 Pro Mods still rolled through the gates ready for battle. By the end of the weekend, more than 170 race cars filled the property, the grandstands were packed, and fans lined the fence deep to the quarter mile both days under beautiful Gulf Coast weather. The headline of the weekend belonged to Jacob McNeal in his screw-blown ’71 Cuda. McNeal made history by resetting the Gulfport Dragway track record – originally established in 1972 – with an incredible 3.634 at over 210 MPH, the fastest pass ever recorded in the state of Mississippi. He backed it up by qualifying No. 1 and defeating Joey Martin in the final round of Outlaw Pro Mod competition. Earlier this year, McNeal also won the first Southern Outlaw Tour event at Montgomery International Dragway. “What a great weekend,” said McNeal. “The Cuda was flawless all day. My tuner Brandon Snider is making leaps and strides the more he gets runs under his belt. My guy is killing it and doing better than I could ever ask for. Blessed is an understatement and I couldn’t be more thankful for the people around me!” In Pro Nitrous, Scott Coxwell defeated Edmund Hall in the final round, while Kyle Megginson earned the No. 1 qualifying spot before an incident sidelined him for eliminations. Coxwell qualified No. 2 with a 3.81. Another highlight of the event was the first-round matchup between Scott Coxwell and his 21-year-old son, Mason Coxwell, who also competes in Pro Mod. The bracket racers delivered standout performances all weekend long. In the Quick 8 Door Car category, Wade White qualified No. 1 and sealed the deal by defeating Adam Russell in the final. In Box, Billy Fuller Jr. and his son Kholten Fuller met in the final and elected to split in a true father and son showdown. Layne Lewis defeated Zach Pierce in No Box to become the only repeat winner of the weekend. An all-girls final saw Rori Wells defeat Jillian Sandrock in Junior Dragster. In Sportsman, Robby Watson defeated Zach Mosley. And in Motorcycle Quarter Mile, Ronnie Harris defeated Peter Pellet in the final round. From packed grandstands and perfect weather to record-breaking runs and unforgettable moments, DragFest 2026 once again proved that grassroots drag racing on the Gulf Coast is alive and thriving. The event continues to grow and has already become a staple in Southern drag racing culture. Next up for the Southern Outlaw Tour Series is the biggest drag racing event in the state of Alabama – the DragCoverage Night of Fire in Steele, AL, August 21-22. The serieswill then wrap up for the finale, September 5-6 at Montgomery International Dragway. The post DragFest 2026 Packs Gulfport Dragway with Records, Pro Mods, and Huge Crowds first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Mazda's aspirations to join the Germans in the upper executive ranks do not seem to be working out. Mazda sold just 31,128 vehicles in the United States last month, a steep 17.3 percent drop compared to April of last year. Year-to-date, Mazda is down 15.1 percent, sitting at a disappointing 125,601 units sold. Mazda's MX-5 remains the only standout performer from their portfolio. Mazda The Story from the NumbersThese numbers deliver a harsh reality check to Mazda, not only from the perspective of not being able to make a mark in the $45,000-$60,000 segment, but also of the demands of its loyal consumer base. Enthusiasts still clearly demand light, rear-drive, and affordable sports cars. Mazda's post-war roots, remember, lie in lightweight and well-engineered cars. The biggest losses are coming directly from the exact models built to elevate the brand's status. Mazda’s premium, high-margin, rear-drive-biased crossovers are sitting on dealer lots. The flagship CX-90 saw its sales plunge 39.2 percent in April. The slightly smaller, two-row CX-70 did even worse, dropping an agonizing 42.6 percent. When consumers are shopping in the $40,000 - $60,000 segment, they are shopping for cars from manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Acura, and Cadillac - the data shows that customers are walking away from the Mazdas. Mazda The entry-level and mid-tier SUVs are struggling to find traction as well. The compact CX-30 fell 35 percent, and the typically reliable CX-5 dropped 18.9 percent. The CX-50 offered a rare bright spot. It posted a 5.8 percent gain for the month, largely driven by the newly introduced hybrid powertrain. The Mazda3 hatchback managed to stay perfectly flat. The Lesson for MazdaThere is a not-so-strange twist in the data, maybe even entirely predictable. Mazda’s most traditional, analog product is surging. Sales of the MX-5 Miata jumped a massive 60 percent in April. The soft-top version gained 44.8 percent, and the hardtop RF model spiked 81 percent. It is a low-volume sports car, but the growth shows that buyers still want exactly what made Mazda famous in the first place: lightweight, affordable, driver-focused cars. Drew Phillips If Mazda's top brass are paying attention, they need to listen to their consumer base - they still want Mazdas that do not stray from their ethos. Not heavy, bulky, and expensive family wagons; instead, give us light, reliable, and soulful cars that won't break the bank. View the full article

The New Border RunThe ongoing conflict in Iran has had a massive toll on car owners, as gas prices have soared so high that more Americans have even started carpooling again. Another development is that drivers from California are crossing into Arizona to save on fuel, with a report by Inside Edition showing they save more than $3 per gallon on the detour. In Needles, California, a Mobil gas station was selling gas for $7.49 as of the report’s posting. That’s a huge contrast compared to a station in Arizona’s Mojave Valley, where gas was significantly cheaper at $4.19. The two stations are only about a mile and a half apart, which would take about two to three minutes at 35 mph. That sounds like an even more practical trade-off as modern cars become more fuel-efficient, with the average vehicle in the U.S. getting around 27 mpg and models like the Honda Civic exceeding 35 mpg. Why the Gap ExistsThe main culprit behind this juxtaposition is the gas tax, especially given California’s favorable stance on electric-vehicle adoption. The report stated that California imposes the highest state gas tax in the U.S. at approximately 70 cents per gallon, compared to 18 cents in Arizona. In addition, California also requires a cleaner-burning fuel blend that adds costs, which may be good for the environment, but not necessarily for drivers’ pockets. The steep gas tax adds to the cost pressure behind California’s EV push. There is also a broader policy that bans the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, though the current administration has since challenged the rule and even filed a lawsuit against the state. Photo by Grace Cary on Getty Images Fuel Prices Changing the MarketWith California continuing to push for EV adoption, situations like drivers crossing into another state just for a fill-up could become more common, potentially affecting businesses that rely on gas-powered cars in the long term. Ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could also keep pressure on fuel supplies and leave gas prices elevated. Beyond the pump, inflated gas prices have helped boost the EV market, with Hyundai, which sells EVs like the Ioniq 5, reportedly recording 40% growth in U.S. EV sales between February and March 2026. In the used-car market, iSeeCars recently released a study suggesting that more buyers are choosing EVs and hybrids, with the Tesla Model X ranking as the fastest-selling used car, followed by the Lexus RX 350h and Honda Civic Hybrid. Photo by Brandon Bell on Getty Images View the full article

Most people buying a Chevrolet Trax or Trailblazer at their local dealership probably never think about where it came from. The answer is, and has been for a few years, South Korea. GM Korea has now surpassed two million units of current-generation subcompact crossovers built, a milestone the company reached just six years after the first models rolled off the line in 2020. The figure covers the Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, along with their Buick siblings, the Envista and Encore GX, all riding on GM's VSS-F platform. For a subsidiary that has produced 13.4 million vehicles total since 2002, reaching two million on just two model families is a striking concentration of output. Cole Attisha View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Why Korea Became the Crossover CapitalGM Korea took on the entire process from design through to production for what insiders call the "K-compact SUV." The results speak for themselves. In the United States alone, these two models sold over 422,000 units last year, capturing roughly 43 percent of their segment. The Trax has been South Korea's single most exported vehicle for three consecutive years running and is now closing in on one million cumulative units on its own. The Trailblazer, which has been shipping globally since 2019, crossed 830,000 accumulated overseas sales before the Trax even launched. A Hub Under Pressure, Still DeliveringThe milestone lands at an interesting moment. GM has instructed its Korean operations to run at full capacity this year, targeting 500,000 vehicles, even as import tariff uncertainty has complicated the economics of Korean-built cars entering the American market. The fact that GM is pushing output higher rather than pulling back signals genuine confidence in the operation. Two million subcompact crossovers from a foreign subsidiary is the kind of success that rarely makes headlines but shapes what ends up in showrooms. View the full article

Racing Electronics, the longtime trusted two-way radio communication provider for many of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ top-tier teams, has teamed up with Ron Capps Motorsports for the 2026 season. As the official radio supplier of the championship-winning organization, Racing Electronics supplies radios, headsets, helmet and car wiring kits, batteries, and chargers to Ron Capps and his NAPA Auto Care Funny Car team along with the Carlyle Tools Top Fuel team and rookie driver Maddi Gordon. The organization also benefits from Racing Electronics’ on-site trackside service offerings. When racing at extreme speeds exceeding 330-mph, clear communication between driver and crew chief is essential, particularly when unexpected issues arise during a run. Thanks to Racing Electronics, Ron Capps Motorsports can head to the starting line with added confidence knowing its drivers and crews have dependable communication systems in place when they send their cars hurtling down the 1,000-foot stretch of the dragstrip in less than four seconds. “For years, we’ve used Racing Electronics, but now we have an official partnership in place and that’s one of the benefits of going to shows like SEMA and PRI,” said RCM team owner Ron Capps. “With the expansion to a two-car team and bringing in a new driver like Maddi, it’s essential for us to have great radios. It gives me great comfort to know that we can hear Maddi on the radio, clear as day, communicating back to the crew chiefs, and vice versa. For me as a driver, it’s nice because I’m able to hear what Guido (crew chief Dean Antonelli) and the guys want me to do, or I can tell them if I think somethings wrong or feels off. Without that crystal clear communication, things could get pretty dicey, especially at those speeds.” As the official radio supplier of the two-car team, the ubiquitous red-and-black ‘RE’ logos appear on both RCM entries. Capps and Gordon are also scheduled to make appearances at the Racing Electronics midway display during NHRA national events, as well as the PRI and SEMA trade shows. “We are very proud to announce our new partnership with Ron Capps Motorsports,” said Kevin Hughes, Racing Electronics Vice President of Motorsports Services. “To be associated with a respected veteran in Ron Capps and an up-and-coming superstar in Maddi Gordon is very exciting and gives us an incredible platform to showcase our professional products in the harsh environment of NHRA Drag Racing. Ron and Maddi are exactly the type of ambassadors for drag racing we want to represent the Racing Electronics brand.” Ron Capps Motorsports will return to competition May 15-17 at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway near Joliet, Ill. The post Racing Electronics Becomes Official Radio Supplier of Ron Capps Motorsports first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Iran Conflict Is Now Making Cars More Expensive TooThe Iran conflict is now hitting the auto industry far beyond fuel prices. According to a report from Nikkei Asia, aluminum prices in Japan have jumped more than 20 percent since late February amid major disruptions to supply chains across the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz remains heavily affected, making exports difficult, while some regional smelters have reportedly suffered damage during attacks. That matters because aluminum is everywhere in modern cars. Wheels, body panels, and especially EVs rely heavily on the lightweight metal to improve efficiency and range. Secondary aluminum alloys used in engine components are also reaching record highs. If the disruptions continue, analysts believe automakers may soon pass those higher costs directly to buyers starting next year. BMW Your Next Car Might Cost More Because Of Plastic And SteelPlastics are getting hammered, too. Major suppliers in Japan have raised prices for polyethylene and polypropylene by roughly 30 percent as oil-linked feedstock costs continue climbing. These materials are essential for dashboards, trims, bumpers, and countless other parts found in modern vehicles. Many suppliers reportedly accepted the increases immediately just to secure enough inventory. Rubber and steel prices are rising simultaneously. Tire manufacturers are already preparing for higher prices for synthetic and natural rubber, while steelmakers like Nippon Steel and JFE Steel announced price hikes of around 10 percent beginning this month. Higher electricity, labor, and shipping costs are adding even more pressure. Industry analysts warn that if shortages persist, vehicle prices could rise by as much as $600 to $1,000 per vehicle. Getty Images Even EVs Are No Longer Safe From The Oil CrisisEven if tensions in the Middle East ease soon, experts say it could take months before shipping routes and energy markets fully stabilize again. The current spike in material prices is already creating fears of long-term supply shortages across the industry. In a worst-case scenario, some economists warn production itself could slow down if automakers cannot secure enough raw materials. Ironically, rising gas prices are helping EV demand rebound as buyers look for cheaper alternatives to fuel. But EVs rely heavily on aluminum, plastics, and other lightweight materials that are now becoming more expensive. If this trend continues, even electric cars could soon see higher sticker prices. What started as a fuel crisis is quickly becoming a full-scale manufacturing problem for the global auto industry. Tesla View the full article

GM’s Transmission Troubles ContinueGM’s 10-speed automatic transmission just can’t catch a break. Back in February, the company widened an earlier recall to cover thousands more trucks and SUVs, all because of a fault that could lock up the rear wheels on the move. It’s another headache for a gearbox that’s already drawn years of complaints from owners. Now there’s a new class-action lawsuit in California. The claim? That GM kept selling vehicles with these transmissions even though it already knew about the problems. GMC What the Lawsuit ClaimsFiled in the Northern District of California, the class-action lawsuit comes from a group of owners who say GM broke state and federal consumer protection laws by not telling buyers and lessees about the transmission issues. The complaint covers a range of Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac models with the 10-speed auto. Owners say the gearbox can hesitate, slam into gear, or act up without warning. The suit points out that GM has already issued service bulletins and recalls for this transmission, but the plaintiffs say those fixes didn’t solve the bigger design problem. Instead, they argue GM kept selling these vehicles while buyers stayed in the dark about the risks and possible repair bills. Right now, the lawsuit covers California owners and lessees, but these cases sometimes grow if more people step forward. What Happens NextSo far, GM hasn’t commented on the lawsuit. The case is still in its early stages, and it could be months before a judge decides whether it moves forward as a class action. The plaintiffs want GM to pay for repairs and other losses, and they’re also pushing for changes in how GM markets or sells vehicles with this transmission. Stepping back, when a 10-speed works, it’s great. But when problems arise, repairs get expensive fast, and owners lose trust. It’s also worth watching how Ford handles this (or if there's an oncoming lawsuit waiting), since it co-developed the transmission with GM. Chevrolet View the full article

North American sales are up for Harley-Davidson, and Latin American sales are slightly up. But EMEA and Asia Pacific sales were down year on year. And profits are worse. View the full article

This 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago presents a compelling reinterpretation of Yamaha’s early V-twin cruiser, transformed under current ownership into a sharply executed café racer–bobber hybrid. Acquired by the seller in 2017, the bike has undergone a comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical overhaul, balancing vintage character with modernized performance and handling. The visual identity is defined by a powder-coated black frame and a reshaped silhouette, highlighted by a Yamaha XV750 Virago–sourced fuel tank refinished in black and satin gray with hand-applied white […] The post FOR SALE: Modified 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

As NHRA continues the yearlong celebration of its 75th anniversary, the stars of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series return to Route 66 Raceway for the fan-favorite Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK on May 14-17. Route 66 Raceway and its stadium-style facility have been a must-see stop on the NHRA tour since the series’ return in 2023. The venue has produced several memorable moments, and this year’s 26th annual event promises to again deliver an epic show from NHRA’s biggest stars and their 340-mph, 12,000-horsepower nitro machines. This year’s annual visit to Chicago – serving as the sixth of 20 races in 2026 – will continue the season-long celebration of NHRA’s 75th anniversary. As part of the celebration, fans can expect a variety of highlights at Route 66 Raceway, including: An appearance from NHRA legend and Chicago native “The Greek,” Chris Karamesines, as NHRA honors his long career and accomplishments. Karamesines will also be featured on the unique commemorative ticket for the race. Fans can scan the on-site signs at the track to purchase the commemorative ticket, which will be distinctive to each event. On Sunday, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a free, limited-edition NHRA can cooler. A new-look Nitro Mall, special 75th anniversary displays and more. Last season, Tony Stewart (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claimed wins at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK. This year’s race will again feature the popular Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday, offering competitive racing for fans during qualifying. This year’s event will again be broadcast on FS1, with final elimination coverage on Sunday, May 17, beginning at 5 p.m. ET. Motorsports legend Tony Stewart won his second career NHRA Top Fuel race last season, defeating Justin Ashley in the final round. Stewart claimed NHRA’s first regular season title last year and is off to a hot start in 2026 after winning in Pomona. Other winners this season include Josh Hart and Shawn Langdon, while reigning world champ Doug Kalitta has three wins from Route 66 Raceway. Chicago native and eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher has five. Last season, Jack Beckman took his PEAK Chevrolet SS Funny Car for John Force Racing to the winner’s circle at his sponsor’s race. It was Beckman’s second win at Route 66 Raceway, defeating back-to-back Car world champion Austin Prock. The category has again been very competitive in 2026, with multi-time champs Ron Capps and Matt Hagan getting early wins, and Chad Green winning his second consecutive Gatornationals. Pro Stock returns to Chicago in 2026 during NHRA’s milestone year. Reigning champ Dallas Glenn and KB Titan Racing teammate Greg Anderson continue to dominate, along with Gainesville winner Matt Hartford. Others to watch include Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield and Greg Stanfield. Two-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Gaige Herrera has yet to lose a round at Route 66 Raceway. Last season, he won his third consecutive race, defeating rival Matt Smith. Herrera won seven races last season, but it was his teammate, Richard Gadson, who earned the world title. Gadson opened 2026 with a win, while other marquee names include Angie Smith, Steve Johnson, Chase Van Sant and John Hall. The event will also feature competition in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, along with the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown. Race fans in Chicago can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two rounds of qualifying at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday, May 15, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 16 at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. CT. Eliminations will begin at 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, May 17. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday and Saturday at 11:30 p.m. before eliminations coverage at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday. To purchase tickets to the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK on May 14-17 at Route 66 Raceway, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, including the full 2026 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com. The post NHRA Roars Into Chicago at Fan-Favorite Route 66 Raceway for Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Everybody loves a hardcore Volkswagen Golf, and the latest is designed to seek blood at one of the most demanding racetracks in the world: the Nürburgring. Volkswagen has revealed a show car previewing its radical new racer that will race at the 2027 24 Hours of Nürburgring, and the interesting thing about this car is that, like the Golf R you and I can buy and drive, this will send its power to all four wheels. To help achieve that goal and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the R brand, the Volkswagen R division is teaming up with Max Kruse Racing, helping reinforce the idea that 'R' is derived from 'racing.' VW Keeping Golf R 24H Powertrain Under Wraps Volkswagen View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Golf R 24H, as it's officially known, takes over from the Golf GTI Clubsport, which took part in endurance racing for the last three years. Clubsport was an ideal name since the GTI Clubsport S smashed the lap record for front-wheel-drive production cars at the Nürburgring in 2016, but the memory of that has long faded, and the Honda Civic Type R is the current FWD king of the 'Ring. The vehicle in these images is just a show car meant to whet our appetites, with Head of Volkswagen R Reinhold Ivenz saying, "Even though we don't want to reveal much about the technology yet, fans of the 24h Nürburgring can look forward to the most spectacular Golf R to date." So what do we know? Related: Volkswagen Golf Goes Full Hybrid—And You Don’t Need to Plug It In Well, like all racing cars, aerodynamics and mechanical grip are equally important to a powerful but reliable powertrain, and this show car has a gargantuan front splitter complemented by dive planes/canards on the front end. The widened body, with vents above and behind the front wheels, enables a wider track and the fitment of seriously meaty rubber. This widebody treatment continues in the sills, where a single exhaust outlet on the right-hand side of the vehicle lets the engine breathe, and into the rear wings, which also have vented arches. More bodywork extends out of the rear fenders to direct the airflow, working in tandem with a huge top-hung rear wing extending out of the rear windshield area and a massive diffuser under the bumper. The question is, does this herald anything viable for mainstream production? What We Know About the Golf R's Future Volkswagen View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Volkswagen had at one point intended for the R division to go all-electric, but such statements have been retracted, with VW saying both GTI and R performance badges will stay gas-powered into the next decade. There have also been reports from the U.K. that the 2027 Golf R will get the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine from the Audi RS 3 as an ultimate send-off for the eighth generation of the hatchback, but given Volkswagen's emissions concerns, that may not be feasible. Then again, such a product would have little trouble meeting regulations in America. Whatever happens, the ninth-generation Golf is already in development and should bring back styling cues from the mid-2000s. Hopefully, that Golf is popular enough to warrant hardcore variants with more than just a minor horsepower bump, gloss black accents, and an Akrapovič exhaust. Volkswagen Volkswagen View the full article

Here in 2026, pure EV motorcycles have size and energy density constraints that limit their capability. But what if that could change?View the full article

Trouble Before TakeoffJust as Audi looks to strengthen its U.S. lineup with the first-ever Q9, the Trump administration has threatened to raise tariffs on imported vehicles from 15% to 25%. According to Reuters, Audi said the policy change would place a “significant burden” on its U.S. operations, especially since the Q9 is built at its Bratislava plant in ⁠Slovakia. The Q9 is an upcoming full-size luxury crossover that would indirectly take over the outgoing A8’s role as Audi’s flagship model. Its larger size is aimed at meeting U.S. demand for bigger vehicles while taking on rivals such as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The problem is that both competitors are built in the U.S., shielding them from the import tariffs the upcoming Q9 could face. SH Proshots/Autoblog Audi’s Localization ProblemAudi has long been in talks with parent company Volkswagen about possible U.S. production. Previous reports suggested the Q4 e-tron could be built at VW’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, while the upcoming Scout plant in South Carolina was also considered. So far, neither plan has materialized, and Audi noted that its U.S. lineup would continue to face challenges without some form of support. “Without political support in the form of subsidies, tariff reductions, or similar measures, it will be difficult,” said Audi finance chief Juergen Rittersberger. Considering the current circumstances, it may be high time for Audi to come up with solutions. In 2025, the German luxury brand delivered 164,942 vehicles in the U.S., a 16% decline from the previous year. Meanwhile, BMW sold 388,897 vehicles, while Mercedes-Benz was not far behind at roughly 304,000 vehicles, excluding vans. SH Proshots/Autoblog The Clock Is TickingWhile the Q5 – which is built in Mexico – will likely remain Audi’s volume seller, the addition of the Q9 could bring more attention to the brand. There was even a trademark filing for an SQ9, which could point to a performance version of the model and potentially attract enthusiasts. Audi has not disclosed the exact arrival date for the Q9 this year, though it would mark the nameplate’s debut before sales begin in other global markets. As big of a deal as that may be, the company still appears to have more work to do behind the scenes, especially with higher tariffs looming. CarPix View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The BMW Group has just released its quarterly statement, reflecting the company’s global performance over the first three months of 2026. Some aspects of it come as little surprise, such as a 20.1% overall decline in EV sales relative to 2025. This trend has been mirrored by many other automakers. BMW’s overall sales also declined, with nearly all models selling fewer units than a year ago. However, the X3 jumped out as a bright spot for the automaker, with an overall increase in sales and a surprising percentage of those being for the new, fully electric iX3. Let’s take a deeper dive into the numbers. X3 Lineup Puts in Strong Showing BMW In Q1 2026, BMW sold 496,006 vehicles globally, excluding sales of Mini and Rolls-Royce. Sales of all models were down besides the Z4 (+4.9%) and X3/X4 (+8.9%). BMW groups similar models together, so X3 and X4 sales are reported as a combined figure. However, it’s well-known that the X3 is the more popular vehicle, so it will have accounted for the majority of the 77,500 units sold between the two. BMW But what’s even more interesting is the fact that over half of all current orders for the X3 are for the new, all-electric iX3. They may share the ‘X3’ badge, but these are two vastly different vehicles. The newer iX3 was the first EV from BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup and introduced a new design language and control interface for the brand. The fact that orders for this model already exceed those of the normal X3 is significant. The X3 has been one of the company’s most popular individual models for years now, but there are signs that its electric sibling could overtake it globally. The iX3 has not yet arrived in the U.S., so once sales begin here, expect this EV’s strong start to be further bolstered. In the U.S. specifically, BMW sold 17,767 X3s in Q1, so it will be fascinating to see how those numbers will be impacted by the arrival of the iX3 later this year. Related: BMW Had a Great 2025 by Breaking Yet Another US Sales Record Larger Electrified BMW SUVs See Steep Declines 2026 BMW iX BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The iX3 may be off to a great start, but the same can’t be said for the brand’s larger electrified SUVs. The company sold 6,319 iX models in Q1, a year-over-year drop of 20.3%; it doesn’t help that the iX will be discontinued in the USA. The XM plug-in hybrid has never sold as strongly as expected, despite being the brand’s SUV performance flagship. Only 1,458 of these were sold in Q1, down by 17.6%. At a starting price of around $60,000, the new iX3 is far cheaper than both these options, which broadens its appeal considerably. Elsewhere in BMW’s lineup, the 3 Series and 4 Series accounted for the most sales at 103,814 units, but this was down by 11.8%. They were followed by the X1/X2 SUVs on 101,831 combined units, down by 4.4%. Overall, BMW sold 4.6% fewer vehicles over this period than it did last year. The U.S. market was slightly more resilient, with a 3.9% drop in sales. Related: BMW Hits 2-Million EV Milestone, But Later Than Planned What It Means BMW The X3 has often been the best-selling global model for BMW over the last few years. The fact that BMW is presently receiving more orders for the iX3 than the normal X3 is massive, and underscores how pivotal the first Neue Klasse model is for the brand. If the EV market once again stabilizes after a chaotic few months—which is expected as high gas prices motivate more people to switch to electric propulsion—the iX3 could become one of BMW’s most significant cars in the second half of this decade. View the full article

BMW has been building or working with motorcycle helmet manufacturers for over five decades, and is celebrating that anniversary in true BMW fashion. View the full article