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Most cars tend to be replaced by new generations every five or six years, typically with facelifts at the halfway point, but at Honda, some of its most popular nameplates will be stuck at the back of the revitalization queue much longer. According to a supplier memo seen by Automotive News, several high-volume vehicles will be living on until the end of the decade at the earliest, including the Odyssey, Accord, and HR-V. The same will reportedly be true of the Acura MDX and Integra, which will forgo next-generation updates until after 2030. The Vehicles Honda Is Keeping on Life Support and Why Honda Honda had been hoping to capitalize on a shift toward all-electric power, but the market hasn't followed Honda's predictions and subsequent investments, leading to the automaker's first-ever net loss. Honda has canceled three EVs for North America and instead decided to focus on hybrids, planning to launch 13 vehicles with next-gen hybrid technology from 2027. So, how does this affect the cars mentioned in the introduction? For the Odyssey, which has been updated twice since its last redesign in 2017, Honda will do little for the time being, with that new hybrid tech expected to arrive in March 2030. Honda had reportedly considered axing the Odyssey until it could launch an all-new model, but that was deemed too risky and may have led to Honda losing market share to the likes of the Toyota Sienna or Chrysler Pacifica. Related: 2026 Honda Passport vs. 2026 Honda Pilot: 5 Major Differences As for the Accord, this may go hybrid-only by early 2030, with the supplier memo indicating that the gas-only model will live a year longer than previously expected, through March 2030. The HR-V has also seen its production extended, but by two years, not one, with a redesign now expected by early 2032. Over at luxury arm Acura, the three-row MDX SUV will have been around for 10 years by the time a next-gen model arrives in early 2031, while the Integra sedan will get three more years of life, being produced through March 2032. Presumably, that means the Honda Civic will be mostly unchanged for the near future, too. What Comes Next for Honda's Big Sellers Honda View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article According to AutoNews, the Odyssey and Pilot will benefit from the development of a new V6 hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive. This is expected to deliver over 30 percent better fuel economy with a 10 percent acceleration boost versus the contemporary gas-only products, but no details on the other models mentioned in the memo were revealed. The problem is that, until the new Odyssey arrives in the next four years, dealers are losing customers to the AWD Toyota Sienna simply because front-wheel drive is the only choice. For the Accord, there is at least a hybrid version to compete with the Toyota Camry, which is hybrid-only, but it, too, will be showing its age by the time a redesign happens; the 11th-generation Accord was revealed in 2022 for the 2023 model year. Meanwhile, the third-gen HR-V has been around since 2021, though it only reached North America the following year. The Acura MDX also arrived in 2022 in its fourth generation, as did the Integra, both of which were launched for the 2023 model year. Clearly, all of Honda's most popular vehicles are already due for revision, and Honda will likely give all of them updates within the next year or two, but will tweaks be enough to retain buyer interest? Acura View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

From the ArchivesBMW North America has a whole treasure trove of classics we'd like to drive someday. From early pioneers such as the 2002 and E9 Coupes, to modern classics like the E39 M5. The company is currently running a YouTube series on these, featuring some of the many cars in the collection. The series stars Steve Saxty, the author of countless automotive books, including BMW by Design, and Tom Plucinsky, the head of BMW Classic North America, a legend within the company's halls, and an all-around car guy. So far, the duo has covered the 2002 tii, 3.0 CSL, E26 M1, E39 M5, and most recently, the E52 Z8 and E86 Z4 M. It's definitely worth watching, especially if you're a huge fan of the brand. BMW/Youtube The Spotlight on the Z8 and Z4 M CoupeAs mentioned, the latest episode features the limited-run Z8 and not-so-limited Z4 M Coupe. On the surface, the two cars couldn't be more different, but Saxty and Plucinsky mentioned that they are intertwined in ways that connect the past to the present and even to the future of BMW sports cars. More specifically, the Z8 featured in the episode was an Alpina Roadster V8, an even rarer version of the Z8, wherein only 555 were ever made. As for the Z4 M Coupe, one can say that it's the opposite of the Roadster, in a cool way, though. Alpina Roadster V8Many Alpina models have defined the brand over the decades, and it's safe to say the Roadster V8 is one of them. Sure, there are rarer models that wore the Alpina badge, but this was the one and only time the company built an eight-cylinder roadster. It's easy to dismiss this model as a soft boulevard cruiser because of its automatic transmission. At the same time, it doesn't use the E39 M5's S62 V8; under the hood is an M62 V8 found in a 540i or 740i from the same era. Mind you, it's fettled by Alpina, meaning it's bored up from 4.4-liters to 4.8-liters, and power rose to 375 hp and 384 lb-ft. The design, done by Henrik Fisker, was unashamedly retro, marking a clear link to the 507 Roadster from the '50s. It's possibly the only time a BMW production model was intentionally designed to look like a classic model, and one that deliberately looked to the past to build a model for the present. Alpina BMW Z4 M CoupeThe BMW Z4 stands in stark contrast to the Z8 in design. It's also worth noting that Z8 production ended the same year the Z4 started, in 2003. Think of this then as a passing of the baton of sorts, even if the Z4 was smaller. But instead of looking to the past for its design, BMW looked ahead to define its modern roadster. It was, of course, designed at a time when Chris Bangle was at the helm of the company's design studios. Radical ideas were welcomed, and Anders Warming certainly got the memo when he penned the Z4 Roadster. We had to wait until 2005 for the Coupe, though, and that one was designed by Thomas Sycha. Then, in 2006, both M versions of the Z4 were finally unleashed. The Z4 M was effectively an antithesis to the Z8 Alpina Roadster V8. It was exclusively manual and had the same screaming naturally-aspirated S54 inline-six from the E46 M3. With its lighter body making better use of 330 hp and 262 lb-ft, it was raw, twitchy, and a thrill-a-minute ride when pushed. The irony here is that the Roadster V8 had a more relaxed and mature persona wrapped in a retro body, whereas the Z4 M offered old-school thrills with a futuristic (at the time) and forward-looking design. Legends in Their Own RightYou can like one over the other, but both the Roadster V8 and Z4 M deserve respect and attention. These cars were made during a time when BMW was a tad more adventurous, not just in design but also with products that were truly thrilling. It'll be a while before BMW even considers returning to the roadster market. The Neue Klasse was a massive investment for the brand, and niche models such as these will be taking a back seat in the meantime. Still, at least we can admire these fine roadsters that linked the past and the present, laying the foundations for the future. Tom Wood/RM Sotheby's View the full article

For over a decade, the global automotive industry had committed to and invested in the battery electric vehicle concept. That narrative has now all but collapsed, confronted with fading consumer demand, volatile supply chains, and infrastructure bottlenecks. OEMs are now pulling capital out of the BEV fad and moving toward hydrogen and synthetic fuels. Hyundai What Does the Money Say?The capital reallocation is significant, with Honda's investment in an independent hydrogen program for commercial and passenger vehicles following the end of its partnership with GM. Further, Toyota and Isuzuinking a partnership for commercial HFC (Hydrogen Fuel Cell) vehicle development, the heavyweights are signaling to the market that the margin-crushing battery electric model no longer convinces their board members. Hyundai, similar to Toyota and Honda, is shifting focus to the commercial adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Recently signing an MOU with the Georgia Institute of Technology, Hyundai is donating a fleet of NEXO HFC SUVs and a dedicated hydrogen electrolyzer to the campus. Hyundai is doubling down on its hydrogen plan for localized commercial and fleet ecosystems across the country. BMW What About Passenger HFC Vehicles?In the policy-stricken EU market, BMW and Toyota are continuing to fortify their alliance. BMW is actively developing a mass-market hydrogen FCEV targeted for 2028, leveraging Toyota's fuel cell architecture to insulate itself against lithium-ion dependency. Toyota, long criticized for lagging in the pure-BEV race, continues to refine its Mirai hydrogen platform and experiment with hydrogen combustion engines alongside its successful hybrid-first strategy. On the enthusiast front, the rebellion is being fueled synthetically. Porsche refuses to let the internal combustion engine die quietly. The German powerhouse has industrialized the production of e-fuels—synthetic liquid fuels produced from renewable hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide—at its Haru Oni plant in Chile alongside HIF Global. As of 2026, Porsche has officially deployed these near-carbon-neutral e-fuels into the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, proving that high-performance internal combustion can survive the zero-emission era without a heavy battery anchor. BMW UK The Road AheadThe reality of deploying these alternative fuels at scale remains brutally unforgiving. There is massive momentum right now for commercial hydrogen fuel cells, with major players looking to mass-produce the technology for heavy transport. Yet, the consumer infrastructure is collapsing under its own weight. Recently, three major hydrogen fueling stations in the California Bay Area—operated by True Zero, the state's largest provider—have gone offline indefinitely due to localized supply chain and compressor issues. This station shutdown highlights the severe disconnect between commercial ambitions and consumer reality. The takeaway for the American auto industry is interesting. The "all-EV" mandate is dead. If legacy automakers fail to aggressively diversify their powertrains, they are essentially outsourcing their entire future to a fragile grid. The internal combustion engine and the fuel cell aren't artifacts of the past or concepts of the future—they are the multimillion-dollar insurance policies keeping the global auto industry afloat. View the full article

While some U.S. automakers are set to enjoy up to $2.3 billion in tariff refunds, European automakers that have been dealing with a 15 percent import tariff may see that fee jump to 25 percent after President Trump's latest threat. That's a huge hit, according to Automotive News, which reports that analyst company Bernstein has calculated the move could cost EU carmakers an additional €3.5 billion ($4.1 billion) in profits this year, and another €5.7 billion ($6.6 billion) in 2027. The move is intended to force European automakers to move production to the U.S. "much faster," Trump told reporters, but the increase isn't set in stone just yet, which is good news, as it could force automakers to radically revise pricing. America and the EU Are at Odds Getty Trump posted to his Truth Social network that the EU hadn't fully complied with a U.S. trade agreement, but the EU says it's unclear on how it's not holding up its end. One potential reason may be that the EU has not yet ratified the September 2025 agreement that would see the tariffs on EU-made vehicles lowered from 27.5 percent to 15 percent in exchange for the EU dropping tariffs on all U.S.-made products. But legislation in the European Union takes a long time to be approved. To find more clarity, EU negotiators will meet in Brussels this Wednesday, hopefully finding a solution soon, because European automakers' lobbying group ACEA says the U.S. made up 18.4 percent of the EU export market last year, second only to the United Kingdom. Related: Porsche 911 Surges—but the Brand’s Sales Are Still Falling According to Matthias Schmidt, an independent auto analyst in Germany, Audi and Porsche are among the most exposed automakers because they do not currently produce any vehicles in North America. Porsche has its hands very much tied because much of the prestige of the brand is based on the fact that all its cars are made in Germany. BMW Manufacturing, meanwhile, is still the largest U.S. automotive exporter by value for the 12th year running, with its Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant accounting for almost 200,000 vehicles, or $9 billion. So, how will this affect the automakers and, subsequently, buyers? Big Losses Expected for BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and VW Mercedes-Benz View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article According to Bernstein, BMW Group's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) could fall 12 percent in 2026 and 15 percent in 2027. Mercedes-Benz Group could see earnings drop 14 percent this year and 18 percent in 2027, while Porsche could take a 16 percent hit this year and a further 21 percent in 2027. Volkswagen Group could face a 9 percent headwind this year and an 11 percent hit next year, and Stellantis could be hit with a 21 percent drop in earnings in 2026 and a 19 percent hit in 2027. Bernstein says at least half of these costs could be passed on to buyers. Of course, automakers, including Stellantis and Mercedes, have also been able to book anticipated refunds for Q1 2026 after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in February that many of Trump's tariffs were illegal, but that will be of no comfort to buyers who have already been saddled with increased sticker prices. View the full article

Quick Lube ConvenienceIf you’re not heading to a dealership to service your car, quick lube shops are the usual next stop. They’re quite accessible and generally cheaper, making them the go-to for basic jobs like oil changes. But there’s a tradeoff. Once you leave the dealer network, things get messy if something fails. Warranty claims can fall apart quickly, especially if the shop used non-OEM parts or skipped a step. That’s exactly what happened to this engine teardown of a 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid by I Do Cars. Though mileage wasn’t disclosed, it’s just two years old, and its engine has already been pulled from the car and is no longer under warranty. A Clean Engine with a Hidden ProblemThe damage to the engine wasn’t apparent outside. The engine still turned over, albeit roughly, but the initial teardown didn’t set off any alarms. The spark plugs looked fine, plus the intake ports were clean, especially for a direct-injection engine. Under the valve cover, everything looked almost new, with no sludge and only minor cam lobe wear. Timing components were also in good shape. However, things changed once the cylinder head came off. The combustion chambers showed marks, especially in the center cylinders – clear signs the pistons made contact with the head. That pointed straight toward instability in the bottom end. A quick turn of the engine showed that some pistons sit lower than others, moving out of sync. After dropping the oil pan, the real story came out: bearing debris everywhere, crank and rod bearings scorched and – classic signs of oil starvation. Oddly, the oil pump and balance shafts looked mostly untouched. That hints they weren’t moving oil at all – just pushing air through the system. I Do Cars/YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article A Small Mistake with Expensive ConsequencesThen, there’s the rub. The oil filter looked new, with clean oil and minor contamination, but the O-ring showed signs of being pinched during installation, which should be enough to compromise oil pressure. Lose oil pressure, and lubrication goes out the window. Bearings wear quickly, heat builds, and clearances shift. Here, that meant pistons hitting the head and damage spreading everywhere. Odds are, the engine started failing not long after that oil change. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any info about what happened to the Accord, but the lesson here is simple: quick lube shops have their place, but there’s almost no room for mistakes. One small slip can wipe out an engine that should have lasted for years – something less painful if it were done under warranty. Honda View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Conventional wisdom usually dictates waiting until after the Coca-Cola 600 to make any wide-sweeping declarations about the NASCAR Cup Series season but the sample size is becoming prescient. After 11 races, the dice have been largely cast, and a hierarchy has been established with 15 races remaining until the new-look Chase for the Championship. Remember, when NASCAR simulated thousands of ...Keep readingView the full article

Reports indicate that Hyundai's N division is expanding its high-performance electric vehicle strategy to be more accessible. Following the launch of the flagship Ioniq 5 N and the anticipated Ioniq 6 N, Hyundai has reportedly tasked its N-division with developing an entry-level performance EV expected to sit beneath the current lineup. Hyundai Hyundai's N-Division LineupThe current lineup is led by the Ioniq 5 N, a dual-motor electric crossover delivering a standard 601 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque, with on-demand boost - output peaks at 641 horsepower, enabling a 0–60 mph sprint in approximately 3.25 seconds. For the 2026 model year, the Ioniq 5 N carries an MSRP of $66,200, positioning it as a high-performance flagship within the domestic portfolio. Expanding this high-output tier is the 2026 Ioniq 6 N, a performance-tuned sedan that shares the 84 kWh battery and 641-horsepower peak output of its crossover sibling. While the standard Ioniq 6 sedan has been temporarily discontinued in certain configurations for the 2026 U.S. model year, the N variant is confirmed for a spring 2026 release. Estimated pricing for the American market starts at approximately $70,000, reflecting its status as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3 Performance and premium European sport sedans. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article What's Cooking?Following the discontinuation of affordable internal combustion models like the Veloster N, Hyundai is reportedly developing a new entry-level performance EV, gleaned from an interview Hyundai's Australia product manager gave CarExpert. This model, potentially based on the Ioniq 3 platform, aims to deliver "hot hatch" dynamics at a significantly lower price point. To manage costs, the vehicle may use a 400-volt electrical architecture rather than the expensive 800-volt system found in the Ioniq 5 and 6. Expected power for this entry-level N model is projected to range between 200 and 270 horsepower, likely utilizing a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup to maintain agility and weight targets suitable for a compact performance car. Hyundai Motor Europe View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The estimated pricing for this upcoming entry-level performance EV is targeted between $35,000 and $45,000. This strategy aligns with Hyundai’s broader "Hyundai Motor Way" initiative, which seeks to balance extreme performance with affordability as the brand transitions to an all-electric future. By offering a tiered N-division catalog—ranging from the $40,000 entry-level hatch to the $70,000 Ioniq 6 N sedan—Hyundai intends to maintain its foothold among driving enthusiasts while scaling its EV production through the new Metaplant facilities in Georgia. View the full article

After 267 laps of racing and seven cautions, just four tenths separated Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin at the checkered flag as the two drivers finished 1-2 for the second time this year. It was a race with a lot of movement throughout the field and ever-shifting strategies. Stage finishes were hectic, fast cars were eliminated in strange ways, but in the end, it was some of the top drivers in ...Keep readingView the full article

NHRA Funny Car driver and Hull Racing team owner Buddy Hull traded nitro for NASCAR this Sunday, taking in the Wurth 400 Presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway as a special guest of Ford Racing. Hull, joined by his wife Madi, experienced a behind-the-scenes look at the NASCAR Cup Series, beginning with an exclusive tour of the media center before heading to pit road. The highlight of the afternoon came as Hull watched the race from the pit box of Austin Cindric, driver of the No. 2 Ford for Team Penske. “It was an incredible experience from start to finish,” said Hull. “I’m really thankful to Ford Racing for having Madi and me out here today. Getting to see how another form of motorsport operates at this level is something I’ll always appreciate.” In addition to the race-day action, Hull spent time in the NASCAR Fuel for Hospitality area and had an in-depth conversation with Ford Racing engineer Thomas Ciccone. The discussion centered around the extensive data and technology that drive performance in the NASCAR Cup Series. “As a driver and team owner, I’m always interested in the technical side of racing,” said Hull. “Talking with Thomas about the data, the strategy and everything that goes into making these cars competitive was fascinating. There are definitely parallels to what we do in the NHRA, but also a lot of differences that make it unique.”The Hulls were joined by Brian Huth, general manager of Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford, one of Hull Racing’s most supportive partners. “Brian and the rest of the team at Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford have been instrumental in helping me to get my program off of the ground,” said Hull. “Any time I get to spend with him and his lovely wife, enjoying racing, is time well spent.” While Hull is most at home behind the wheel of his 12,000-horsepower Nitro Funny Car, he embraced the opportunity to enjoy a different kind of racing environment. “Of course, I’d rather be strapped into my Funny Car making a run down the track,” said Hull. “But if I’m going to spend a Sunday away from the driver’s seat, this is about as good as it gets. Being here, feeling the energy, and seeing it all up close, it’s the next best thing.” Hull Racing will return its focus to NHRA competition in the coming weeks as the team continues its 2026 campaign. They have not yet set a return date after their debut at the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals. As decisions are made, they will keep their fans updated via social media and HullRacing.com. For tickets or more information on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, visit nhra.com. The post Buddy Hull Enjoys NASCAR Cup Series Action at Texas Motor Speedway as Guest of Ford Racing first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Alexis DeJoria continued her consistent start to the 2026 season Sunday at the NHRA Southern Nationals, guiding the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car to a semifinal finish at South Georgia Motorsports Park. At the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ debut event at the facility, DeJoria navigated tricky track conditions to advance to the semifinals for the second time this season while holding onto sixth in the championship standings for John Force Racing. DeJoria, who previously raced at South Georgia when she competed in Top Alcohol Funny Car, started Friday qualifying in the No. 8 spot after the first session. In the quicker second session, she improved her numbers with a 3.968-second pass at 326.63 mph. DeJoria’s machine then went up in tire smoke early on her third qualifying attempt and secured the No. 10 position on the ladder for race day. In the first round of eliminations, DeJoria was the first of just two drivers to win out of the tricky left lane. She left the starting line a tick ahead of past world champion Cruz Pedregon and charged to a weekend-best 3.946 E.T. at 325.61 mph to get the win and gain lane choice for the next round. Lined up against four-time world champion Matt Hagan in the second round, DeJoria wheeled the Bandero Café Funny Car to a winning 4.016-second pass at 314.68 mph. That sent DeJoria to the semifinals for the second time this season. She went into the match against J.R. Todd with an 11 – 8 record over her former teammate. The two drivers went up in smoke, leading to a wild pedalfest that saw DeJoria’s car cross the centerline. She used her veteran driving skills to wrangle it in and safely guide it back into her lane while Todd crossed the finish line beams in 6.188 seconds to advance. “Another long Sunday of going rounds,” DeJoria said. “I’ve had a lot of not-so-great runs to know what to do and what not to do, but sometimes these cars have a mind of their own and you’ve got to somewhat finesse them. You’ve got to have patience, but you also have to be on top of the car. The left lane has been tough all weekend. In the semifinals, the car smoked the tires right at the hit. Those types of runs are really hard to recover from, but it’s eliminations. I tried to let the car settle down, got back on it, and, then it broke loose again. I lifted, got back on it again, and then it started to go sideways, so I lifted. At that point, the car was ready to go into a tank-slapper and it just flung me over the centerline. Obviously, I was out of the throttle, knowing that I’m going in that direction. The car hit two cones, but I got it back to my lane. The body’s good, so we’re leaving here in one piece. We gained some good points and we have good rhythm leaving here.” DeJoria was quick to praise teammate Jordan Vandergriff, who earned a meaningful win for John Force Racing following the recent passing of John Force’s oldest daughter, Adria. “I’m so happy for Jordan getting his first win in Funny Car,” DeJoria said. “Really proud of him for bringing home a win this weekend for John and the whole Force family in memory of Adria.” DeJoria and the John Force Racing Bandero Café Funny Car team will move on to the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK, May 15-17, at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., near Chicago. The post Alexis DeJoria Reaches Funny Car Semifinals at NHRA Southern Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

In October 2025, Toyota recalled certain Sienna minivans for defective second-row seat rails that could prove dangerous in a crash. Over half a year later, a new class action lawsuit has been filed against the automaker for the same issue, alleging that as of April 1, not a single Sienna seat rail has been replaced. One owner of three children says their Sienna has been “unusable” for their family for over 80 days as the automaker is still searching for a resolution, and many more owners have expressed their concerns. Here’s everything we know about the minivan’s ongoing safety issue. Toyota’s Remedy Is Taking Too Long Toyota The lawsuit, which includes all Ohio and South Carolina entities and was shared by Car Complaints, is centered around how long it’s taking for Toyota to replace the potentially defective seat rails. 54,600 Sienna models in the U.S. were implicated in the original recall, which states that one of the second-row seats could lose structural integrity in certain high-speed crashes, increasing the risk of an injury. Recall letters were sent to customers on December 4, 2025, but these did not state when repairs would be available as Toyota had to acquire the relevant parts and ship them to dealers. This process has dragged on for months, with numerous complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website from frustrated owners still waiting for a fix. “Toyota has instructed owners not to use the second-row seats until a repair becomes available,” said one Sienna owner. “I am a parent of three children, including an infant who requires a rear-facing car seat. Without the ability to use the second-row seats, the vehicle is unusable for my family. As of today, the vehicle has been out of service for over 80 days, and Toyota has confirmed that there is still no repair remedy available and no timeline for resolution." This owner was provided with a RAV4 loaner vehicle, but argues that this compact crossover isn’t comparable to the much larger Sienna which has three seating rows. The owner says they’ve had to continue making monthly payments of around $900 for a vehicle they can’t use. Complaints Pile Up Kristen Brown We checked the NHTSA’s website, with the most recent complaint from a Sienna owner dated April 29, 2026. The owner said that parts were not yet available. Another owner said on April 26 that they’re uncomfortable placing their newborn in the middle row and that using the third row is difficult. “7 months without a remedy is unacceptable,” said the Sienna owner from Norfolk, Virginia. Understandably, many minivan owners have young children that are typically seated in a car seat in the more spacious second row. The third row is smaller and more challenging to access, while some families have multiple children so are unable to avoid using the second row. Even worse is that both the left- and right-hand seat rails could be affected, so there’s no safer side to sit on in the second row. The lawsuit has been filed by Ohio plaintiff Juliet Kelsten and South Carolina plaintiff Adam Hamblin. What It Means Toyota The new lawsuit highlights the logistical challenges when large, mass-market automakers like Toyota are hit with a recall. If an issue can’t be corrected with an over-the-air fix, sourcing replacement parts for tens of thousands of models can drag on for months, putting owners of these vehicles in an uncomfortable position with the knowledge that their safety could be compromised. Vehicle safety is important regardless of the body style, but expectations are even higher in a vehicle that can seat up to eight people—especially with kids often occupying the back seats. The amount of time it’s taken to resolve the Sienna’s seat defect is concerning, and the automaker’s legal troubles will only get worse if it doesn’t initiate a fix soon. Related: No Minivans Make IIHS Safety List as Rear-Seat Safety Falls Short View the full article

We were kicking it after hours this week and returned to a conversation that comes up every year around this time—the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE (obviously). As per usual, I repeated my closing argument that it’s, without a doubt, the motorcycle I would buy across all segments if someone el... View the full article

Coming Soon: Audi Q9As if Audi couldn't add more crossovers to its lineup, the company will soon be adding the Q9 to the range. It's been confirmed by the company, and it's only a matter of time before its world premiere. Based on a previous report, it's primarily aimed at the North American market, as it's set to debut in the U.S. The exact launch date is yet to be determined, but Audi did say it'll be sometime this year. It's likely that it'll be shown towards the end of 2026, and it'll be for the 2027 model year. The Q9 is also touted as the spiritual successor to the A8, since no direct replacement has been made for the sedan for the time being. SH Proshots/Autoblog Performance Model ExpectedThe Q9 will be up against the likes of the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, so expect it to be far larger than the already relatively sizable Q7. That's pretty much a given with its name, but, as it turns out, Audi might have another version in store down the line. Audi filed the trademark for the name SQ9 just a few weeks ago. The file was dated on April 21, 2026, in the Madrid office of the World Intellectual Property Organization. If the company intends to use the name, it's safe to say that it'll be for a high-performance version of the upcoming crossover. SH Proshots/Autoblog Is it Really Needed?Performance crossovers are pretty much normal these days. Every luxury automaker does it, and there's no shortage of these in Audi's own stable. Currently, there's the SQ5, SQ7, SQ8, and RSQ8, but is there a need for a large, three-row performance crossover? The logical answer is no, but to say there's no market for it would be foolish for any luxury brand to dismiss. Should Audi actually build the SQ9, it already faces pretty serious competition. Alpina seems set to build a new-generation XB7 based on the second-generation BMW X7. There's also Mercedes-Benz with the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, and let's not forget America's hat into the ring in the form of the Cadillac Escalade-V. Yes, these models are niches, but they have proven to be strong sellers for their respective brands. For example, the Alpina XB7 often saw demand that outstripped supply, Cadillac brings in a lot of bucks with the Escalade-V, and Mercedes shifts a good chunk of GLS 63s every year. With that in mind, Audi should just go right ahead and build it as soon as possible. Besides, Porsche will also be using the Q9's platform for its own large three-row SUV, and you can bet it'll get hot versions as well. View the full article

Muscle Car IconPlymouth was once an American automotive powerhouse, founded in 1928 by Chrysler. It was supposed to be the entry-level fighter against Ford and Chevrolet. During the early years, it even saved Chrysler as a whole, as the only profitable brand in the portfolio during the Great Depression. When muscle cars emerged in the late '60s and '70s, Plymouth played a pivotal role by introducing muscle-car icons such as the Cuda, Superbird, Road Runner, and GTX. The latter of which was a rarer choice for buyers back then, and examples sold today are sought after. Mecum Auctions Final ProductionMecum Auctions has just listed a very rare Plymouth, a 1971 GTX Hemi with a four-speed manual transmission. This is a late-production model car that was already on its way out by 1971, as was the 426 Hemi "Elephant" V8. Since the GTX wasn't the go-to choice for muscle car buyers back in the day, it didn't sell in huge numbers; a total of just 2,942 were made in 1971. Those with the Hemi are even more rare, with a total of just 30 being built. The car up for sale is the rarest specification, with a 4-speed pistol grip manual transmission; it is just one of eleven ever produced. That 426 Hemi produces 425 hp, which, for the time, was massive. One unique feature of this particular car is that it comes with the Super Track Pack, which means it gets a 4.10 gearing ratio and a Super grip limited-slip differential, rare for cars back in the 70s. It is also reportedly the only 1971 Hemi GTX that comes in Winchester Gray. Some other notable features of the GTX include power steering, power brakes, and the very cool Air Grabber intake that pops out of the hood, complete with graphics. Mecum Auctions View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Priced AccordinglyThe GTX was introduced in 1967 and was intended as a more upmarket muscle car option compared to the entry-level Road Runner, which was launched a year later. In reality, the GTX was more of a competitor for the likes of the Pontiac GTO and Oldsmobile 442. Any rare car commands top dollar value on auctions, and the 1971 Plymouth GTX Hemi is no exception. Mecum Auction lists the estimated sale price between $325,000 and $350,000; some models have even sold for as high as $374,000. Mecum Auctions View the full article

Katherine Legge is one of 17 women who have competed in the top level of NASCAR, and the IndyCar and IMSA veteran is the most recent. Legge, 45, will pilot the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet in this weekend's Cup race at Watkins Glen International. Legge made seven Cup starts during the 2025 season (all with Live Fast Motorsports), but this will be her first appearance in 2026. E.l.f ...Keep readingView the full article

The 16-turn, 3.4-mile circuit that is set to be built inside Naval Base Coronado in San Diego will be known as Qualcomm Circuit. The San Diego-based technology company will have the naming rights as the Official Circuit Partner of NASCAR's San Diego race weekend. The company develops and designs technologies for global communications and computing, including next-generation mobile networks ...Keep readingView the full article

Three-time Funny Car world champion Ron Capps entered the inaugural running of the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park seeking a fourth consecutive final-round appearance after winning two of the first four races on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour and powering to a runner-up finish in Pomona, Calif. last month. Capps and the NAPA Auto Care Funny Car team had an uncharacteristic weekend at the series’ first Valdosta outing, struggling to make it down the track throughout qualifying. Their weekend woes carried into Sunday, where Capps was up in smoke early while his opponent made a clean pass in the opposite lane, ending the 79-time race winner’s day after the first round of eliminations. Capps, who started the weekend with the points lead, will head into the sixth of 20 events ranked second in the Funny Car standings. Capps’ first trip to the South Georgia facility opened with a tire-smoking run on Friday afternoon. During the day’s second session, he experienced a loss of traction yet again, placing him in the provisional No. 13 position to start Saturday. After sitting through a lengthy rain delay, which caused NHRA to pare the schedule down to one qualifying session, teams pulled up to the line that evening ready to throw down in the stellar cool-weather conditions. The session also served as the first and only elimination round of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Without the advantage of lane choice for the Mission Foods-backed race-within-a-race, the NAPA team found themselves in the unfavorable left lane. Like most of the nitro field, the NAPA team struggled to get down the troublesome lane with their 12,000-horsepower machine overpowering the track, forcing Capps to lift off the throttle. With qualifying wrapped up, Capps, who started race day from the pole in Gainesville, Fla. and last week’s Charlotte event, found himself in unfamiliar territory, starting from the bottom half of the field for the first time all year. As the No. 13 qualifier, Capps drew Chad Green as his first-round opponent. Starting from the left lane yet again, Capps was first to hit the gas, but his car immediately went up in smoke while Green clocked a 3.925 E.T. to advance. “We had a bit of an issue with the left lane continuing to rear its head all weekend,” Capps explained after his first-round loss. “I’m sure Guido (crew chief Dean Antonelli) would’ve pulled back a little bit in that Q1 run when we were in the right lane on Friday had we known the left lane was going to be what it was. It was probably well on its way to an .85 or .86. And then Saturday, because we were in the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, and we didn’t have lane choice, we ended up in that left lane again. Obviously, there were a couple of cars that did make it down that lane today, so hats off to Safety Safari. They always seem to find a way to make the lanes as good as they possibly can be, but still, it was definitely the inferior lane during the first round this morning, and we just put ourselves behind the eight ball. The silver lining today was I got to go up to the line and cheer for Maddi (Gordon) in the quarterfinals. She’s been running so well, and it’s been fun to see what that team has been able to do in such a short period of time.” After a busy back-to-back stretch that saw Capps and Gordon visit NAPA headquarters near Atlanta with his 75th anniversary NHRA 4-Wide Nationals diamond Wally trophy earlier this week, Capps is looking forward to the weekend off before the NHRA Mission Foods Series schedule ramps up with five races over seven weeks. “We’re coming off a great run these last few races, and Guido felt really comfortable with the car leading into this weekend,” added Capps, the only repeat winner in the Funny Car category in 2026. “But sometimes, that’s just how it goes. That’s what makes the Funny Car class so tough. We have a weekend off before Chicago and the guys will be able to regroup, and then we kick off that stretch of summer races. It’ll be one of those things where, you blink and we’ll have run through several races, and you want to make sure you come out on the other side of that with the points lead like we had, or at least, high up in the standings.” Capps and the NAPA Auto Care Funny Car team compete next at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway, May 15-17, where Capps returns as a two-time winner at the Joliet, Ill. facility. This story was originally published on May 4, 2026. The post Ron Capps Looks Ahead to Chicago After Challenging Southern Nationals Weekend first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

BYD’s Rise Meets Resistance at HomeBYD has been one of the most formidable success stories to emerge from China’s auto industry. Its meteoric rise has been so pronounced that it has even been linked to a potential entry into Formula 1, while also forcing Tesla to rethink its software update strategy and competitive positioning. For years, BYD’s vertical integration, aggressive pricing, and rapid model rollout gave it an edge both domestically and globally. But the latest numbers suggest that momentum is no longer as straightforward as it once seemed. According to a report from Car News China, in April 2026, BYD sold 314,100 passenger vehicles, representing a 15.7 percent year-on-year decline. That marks the eighth consecutive month of contraction compared to the same period last year. While the figure improved by 6.2 percent compared to March, the broader trend points to sustained pressure in China’s domestic EV market. The post-Chinese New Year rebound helped stabilize monthly volume, but it has not reversed the longer downward trajectory that began in late 2025. BYD Exports Surge But Not Enough to Offset DeclineDespite weakening domestic demand, BYD’s overseas business continues to expand at a rapid pace. The company recorded 134,542 passenger vehicle exports in April alone, a 70.9 percent increase year-on-year. That figure now accounts for 42.8 percent of total monthly sales, underscoring how critical international markets have become to BYD’s growth strategy. The company is clearly relying on exports to offset weakness at home. However, the gap remains significant. From January to April, BYD sold just over 1 million passenger vehicles, down 26.4 percent from the same period last year. Overseas deliveries reached 455,707 units, up nearly 60 percent, but still not enough to fully counterbalance domestic weakness. The company has set an ambitious target of 1.5 million overseas sales for 2026, signaling confidence in its global expansion. Whether that target is achievable will depend on how quickly new markets scale and how competitive BYD remains outside China. Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua via Getty Images BYD Has Its Own Competition to Worry AboutBYD is not the only Chinese car company on the up and up. Rival Chinese automakers like Geely and Chery have been gaining traction, not only in EVs but also in internal combustion and hybrid segments. China’s auto industry is evolving into a global powerhouse, with BYD still at the forefront, but the competitive landscape is becoming more complex. Domestic price wars and shifting consumer preferences are putting pressure on margins and volumes across the board. The company is betting on technology to regain its edge. Its next-generation Blade battery and ultra-fast charging systems are positioned as key differentiators, and early indicators suggest strong market interest. One of its newest SUVs equipped with the technology reportedly secured 30,000 orders in a single day. That kind of response shows there is still significant demand for innovation-driven products. The question is whether these advancements can translate into sustained sales recovery. For now, BYD’s global push is buying it time, but the real test will be whether it can reignite growth in its home market. BYD View the full article

Adamastor Furia Moves Closer to RealityThere’s always another niche supercar brand trying to break through. Most disappear, some never get past digital renders, but a handful actually make it. Even Koenigsegg started out as a small project before turning into a real contender. Adamastor is one of the latest to try. The Portugal-based team has big goals for its size, and its first car, the Furia, is actually making steady progress toward production. The latest round of updates shows this isn’t just vaporware. Adamastor took Prototype #001 back to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve for tougher track sessions. Over four runs, engineers pushed the car harder each time, trying out different setups and building speed. The main result: the car ran without a hitch. No reliability problems, and the data gave the team more trust in both their own parts and those from suppliers. Adamastor Testing Progress and What We Know So FarThe second round of testing wasn’t just about chasing lap times. It was about making sure the basics worked. Engineers focused on high-speed handling, using telemetry and feedback from test driver Diogo Matos to fine-tune the setup. Matos helped turn numbers into real improvements. The Furia follows the usual supercar formula, but with a clear focus on engineering. It uses a carbon fiber chassis and keeps the weight to about 2,425 lbs in race trim. The suspension is a decoupled double-wishbone setup with ample adjustability, so it can be tuned for both road and track. Adamastor is using the same tools as bigger names: CFD, finite element analysis, and race modeling software. Their experience with advanced manufacturing, especially carbon fiber, is shaping how the Furia comes together. The Furia looks the part: low, wide, and built for a purpose. Inside, buyers will get plenty of options to choose materials and layout, so each car can be tailored to its owner. Adamastor Ford GT PowerThe Furia’s power comes from a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 from Ford Performance, the same power plant used in the Ford GT, making over 650 horsepower and 421 lb-ft of torque. The numbers: 0 to 62 mph in about 3.5 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in just over 10, and a top speed above 186 mph. Aerodynamics is a big part of the Furia’s arsenal. In race trim, the Furia can make up to 3,968 lbs of downforce at 155 mph, while the road version manages about 2,207 lbs at the same speed. Those are big numbers for a small-batch car. Only 60 units will be built, so exclusivity is guaranteed. The road-legal version starts at about €1.6 million before taxes, or roughly 1.9 million. It’s a high price, but for a first car from a new brand, the Furia is making its case one step at a time. Adamastor View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Sunday at the inaugural NHRA national event at beautiful South Georgia Motorsports Park in Adel, Georgia, 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde and the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car raced to a quarterfinal finish at the Southern Nationals. Coming into race day as the No. 9 qualifier Hyde, who is solidly in the Funny Car top ten in points, knew he would need quick times to have a long race day. Through three rounds of qualifying Hyde made two solid passes and one throw away run during a rain delayed qualifying session yesterday that saw race cars in the left lane struggle to get down the track. “Everyone has to deal with the same racetrack but last night the left lane was a real challenge for a lot of the race cars,” said Hyde, runner-up earlier this season at the Arizona Nationals. “Our first two qualifying runs were solid but yesterday wasn’t super productive to get us ready for today. I felt good coming into the first round, but we knew we would need to try and hold onto lane choice.”In the opening round racing against the two-time reigning Funny Car champion Austin Prock, Hyde led the race from start to finish. He took a commanding lead with a strong .049 second reaction time and his Ford Mustang Funny Car was glued to the middle of the groove as he cruised to victory with a winning time of 3.978 seconds to Prock’s 4.101 second pass. “The first round is always nerve-wracking and seeing that win light was big,” said Hyde. “That run felt really good. I got off the line first and this Mustang Funny Car went right down the middle of the track. We were in the left lane, and Jim was able to make it work which was pretty impressive.” In the quarterfinal round it was a battle two of the rising stars in the Funny Car class with Hyde taking on Funny Car newcomer Jordan Vandergriff. It was a serious No. 9 versus No. 3 qualifier match up but Hyde was hopeful another win light was in his future. Vandergriff had lane choice and Hyde was once again back in the problematic left lane. This round the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car was not as fortunate coming off the starting line and overpowered the racetrack. Hyde had to watch as Vandergriff, who would go on to win the race, pulled away for the victory. “The track was heating up, and the conditions were just getting tricky for everyone,” said Hyde. “This is a new racetrack and while the crowds and staff were awesome everyone had to figure out the track. This weekend was a solid weekend for our team. We made some good runs, and we turned on a win light. We’ll take some time and get ready for Chicago in a couple weeks.” Hyde was pulling double duty at the Southern Nationals also racing the Pro Mod class. He drew Pro Mod standout Lyle Barnett in the first round. He was giving up lane choice but felt confident going into the opening session. Barnett grabbed a slight starting line advance but Hyde’s respectable .032 reaction time had his Team Shelton Motorsports Mustang right with Barnett. Hyde had to give his race car a quick pedal in the left lane while Barnett was on a smooth pass beside him. It was Barnett getting the win at the strip with a winning 5.991 second pass in front of Hyde’s 6.089 second run. “Any time I can get behind the wheel of a Pro Mod car I am ready to do that,” said Hyde, winner of the 2023 World Series of Pro Mod. “It helps keep you in race mode when you are constantly getting time on the track. I want to thank Team Shelton Motorsports for the chance. Lyle is a tough customer, and we knew we would have our hands full against him.” Hyde and the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car will be back in competition in two weeks at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK on May 14-17 at Route 66 Raceway. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, May 15 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, May 16. For tickets or more information on the Route 66 Nationals visit nhra.com. The post Spencer Hyde Races to Quarterfinals at NHRA Southern Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Not Quite as PlannedThe Rivian R2 is seen as the brand’s lifeline, aiming to cut into sales of the Tesla Model Y – the best-selling electric vehicle in the U.S. last year. Rivian plans to support R2 production with a new assembly plant in Georgia, but according to Automotive News, the project has just hit a hurdle. The report stated that the federal loan for the project was cut by $2 billion, bringing it down to $4.5 billion. The funding comes from the Department of Energy and is intended to help boost EV and battery production. While it may be too early to tell what the cut means for Rivian and the R2, CEO RJ Scaringe pointed to a silver lining during the company’s Q1 earnings call. Rivian Reworking the Game PlanScaringe said Rivian will be able to draw the funds earlier than expected in 2027, which could help support construction, tooling, and hiring sooner. Instead of the original two-phase plan with 200,000 units of capacity each, the funding will now be used for a single phase with an annual capacity of 300,000 units. The R2 offers a smaller, more affordable alternative to the R1. It will be available in multiple trims, starting with the top-of-the-line Performance model in spring 2026. The R2 Performance features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 656 horsepower, enabling a zero-to-60 mph sprint in 3.6 seconds. Based on preliminary EPA estimates, it can travel 330 miles on a single charge. “R2 provides the opportunity to expand the Rivian brand to millions of drivers,” the company CEO said. Rivian Breaking Into the Middle MarketIf the Georgia plant becomes operational as scheduled in late 2028, it will help support production of the R2, which recently entered production at Rivian’s plant in Normal, Illinois. The facility will also assemble a more affordable EV, the R3, which will compete in the compact crossover segment against models like the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Hyundai Ioniq 5. For now, while the R1 serves as Rivian’s flagship model, the R2 Performance starts at $57,990, with a limited Launch Edition available for early buyers. The mid-spec R2 Premium will arrive in late 2026 with a starting price of $53,990, while the base R2 Standard, starting at $48,490, won’t go on sale until late 2027. R View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Losses to GainsLast year was a very tough year for the Stellantis group of automotive brands. Across the board, it reported a $26 billion loss, the group's first annual loss since its formation in 2021. Diving deeper, in Q1 of 2025, it lost $454 million alone, a harbinger of what was to come for the rest of the year. Eager to turn things around, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa boldly launched a recovery program that would right the ship. So far, things seem to have worked, but further changes are on the way, according to the CEO. Stellantis Cost-Cutting and Hemi to the RescueQ1 2026 saw positive gains for the group with a reported profit of $440 million. Filosa is doubling down on his strategy called the Value Creation Program (VCP), which will see Stellantis implement a cost-cutting plan across the globe. While his plan is labeled as global, he did quantify that it will mainly focus on North America and Europe, plus it'll have very "ambitious" targets. He didn't go into the nitty-gritty of the program, but Filosa did say that it'll include a "fixed cost management" element. This was announced during a quarterly sales call last April 30. More details on the VCP will be announced on May 21 in Michigan during a capital markets day. Filosa is also optimistic about the North American sales trend for 2026. He highlighted key elements driving the upward trend. He says there are now higher vehicle orders for Hemi V8 models, high-profit Jeep models, and the Dodge Challenger six-pack, their remake of the classic American muscle nameplate. According to their internal numbers, Filosa said that 40% of Ram sales in the 1st quarter of the year have been for the Hemi-powered variant. Lastly, new model launches for the Ram 1500 SRT TRX pickup, the Jeep Wagoneer extended-range EV, and the Jeep Recon electric SUV are expected to also boost profits. Stellantis Across the PondWhen it comes to Europe, Filosa is being more cautious in his optimism, citing that the region, which includes the Balkans and Eurasia, will likely reach what he calls breakeven plus in sales. Most of the controlled optimism comes from the growth of the Chinese automakers in the region, which North America doesn't have. Filosa doesn't see a partnership with a Chinese brand for North America just yet, but Stellantis' 20% stake in the Chinese brand Leapmotor is growing in Europe and South America. Stellantis View the full article

This 2020 AMB 001 represents a rare convergence of avant-garde engineering and motorsport intent, born from the landmark collaboration between Aston Martin and Brough Superior. Conceived as a track-only hyperbike and limited to just 100 units worldwide, it stands as the first motorcycle ever to wear Aston Martin’s iconic wings—an unmistakable signal of its design and performance pedigree. The example offered here—now available for sale on Bring a Trailer—is numbered #057, underscoring its exclusivity within this tightly-limited production run. Its […] The post FOR SALE: 2020 AMB 001 by Aston Martin and Brough Superior appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Pro Mod put on a show at the Southern Nationals. Jason Collins was able to pick up his first NHRA Pro Mod victory at SGMP. View the full article

The Future Of Speed Just Got Schooled By StudentsIn a competition that has quietly become a pipeline for fresh talent, Stellantis has named Felix Bucaro, a Wisconsin high school senior, as the grand prize winner of its 2026 Drive for Design contest. This year’s brief, “Design the Future of Fast,” pushed students to reinterpret performance through the lens of SRT using brands like Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler. Bucaro’s concept stood out among a competitive field, signaling both technical understanding and a strong sense of identity. He is joined by Owen Bronson of Michigan in second place and Javier Espino in third, with Bronson notably extending a three-year streak in the top three. Now in its 14th year, the program expanded beyond its traditional high school scope by introducing a junior division. Younger winners included Jaxon Brobst, Richie LeBlanc, and Catherine Codouni, reflecting Stellantis’ push to cultivate design thinking earlier. Beyond recognition, the rewards are substantial. Bucaro earns eligibility for a summer internship with the Ram and SRT design studio, while finalists receive mentorship and scholarships to the College for Creative Studies. Winners will also participate as judges at the EyesOn Design, reinforcing the program’s real-world integration. Stellantis View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Automakers Are Letting The Next Generation Shape Performance CarsAutomakers are increasingly tapping younger voices to shape long-term design direction, especially as electrification and software redefine performance. Stellantis’ leadership acknowledged that shift directly. “The imagination and talent we’ve seen over the years was seriously notched up with the SRT design theme,” said Mark Trostle, vice president of Ram Truck, Mopar, and SRT exterior design. “It adds to the excitement of the return of our in-house performance division for the next generation.” That sentiment mirrors a broader industry trend in which bold, unconventional thinking is no longer optional but necessary. The contest has also proven its credibility as a talent incubator. Past winners like Ben Treinen and Dongwon Kim have transitioned into real roles within Stellantis studios, demonstrating a tangible pathway from sketchpad to production pipeline. For younger winners, prizes such as studio visits and art support may seem modest, but they offer early exposure to a highly competitive field. As the definition of speed evolves beyond raw horsepower, these students are already exploring new visual and experiential cues that could define tomorrow’s performance cars. Stellantis View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Lowdown - The Kids are AlrightDesigning cars is like toeing a tight rope between fantasy and reality, and when Stellantis asked some promising students to design what the future of the company looks like, I think the future is going to be alright. Even as AI tools begin to accelerate design workflows, the core of automotive creativity still rests on human imagination. Programs like Drive for Design show that the next generation is not short on ideas or ambition. If anything, the bar is rising. Looking at where past winners have landed, and how current finalists are already thinking, it is hard not to conclude that the future of car design is in capable hands. YouTube: @ThrottleHouse View the full article