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The GR Sport Isn’t the Ceiling—It’s Just Where Toyota StoppedThe current Toyota RAV4 GR Sport already pushes the badge further than most expected. With its plug-in hybrid setup making 320 horsepower, it’s the most powerful RAV4 so far, and it finally gives the name some real performance to back up the looks. It’s quick, composed, and genuinely fun to drive – something older RAV4s never really aimed for. But this isn’t the limit for the RAV4. Toyota hasn’t hit the ceiling yet – it's just chosen to stop here for now. There’s still space under the hood, and Gazoo Racing has the tools to turn the RAV4 into a true GR model, not just a GR Sport. The real hesitation is whether enough people want a high-performance family SUV that goes up against European rivals. Cole Attisha The Missing Piece Is Demand, Not EngineeringToyota’s chief engineer Yoshinori Futonagane made it clear that building a more aggressive RAV4 is well within reach, Drive reports. “We could actually fit a 2.4-liter turbo in that engine compartment,” he told the publication. That engine is already in the Toyota lineup, powering models like the Lexus NX and RX in different versions. In some setups, it can make up to 366 hp with electrification, which is well above what the current RAV4 GR Sport delivers. The real challenge is getting everyone at Toyota on board. As Futonagane said, there aren’t any official plans yet – the missing piece is whether the company sees enough demand and excitement to make it happen. In short, Toyota wants to see if buyers are interested. Building a real rival to something like the Volkswagen Tiguan R only makes sense if there’s real demand. For now, the GR Sport is the safer bet. Timing matters too. The 2.4-liter turbo is nearing the end of its run, with Toyota already working on new modular engines to replace it. So if a GR RAV4 happens, it would need to happen soon. Cole Attisha What You’re Getting Right Now Still Holds UpEven without a turbo upgrade, the RAV4 GR Sport is a solid package for the price. The plug-in hybrid setup delivers strong real-world performance, with a claimed 0-62 mph time of about 5.8 seconds – quicker than most mainstream and non-mainstream rivals. Beyond speed, Toyota also reworked the chassis for the GR Sport, with retuned suspension, revised steering, and a wider track for better stability. Despite the bigger 20-inch wheels and GR details, it still looks like a practical daily, just with a bit more attitude. That balance is probably why Toyota is sticking with the GR Sport for now. It already pushes the RAV4 into new territory for most buyers. A full GR version would go even further, but only if enough people are ready for it. Cole Attisha/Autoblog View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Model X Leads the ChargeOver the past year, Tesla has faced several setbacks, from broader disruptions in the electric vehicle market to CEO Elon Musk’s political activity, which has driven away even some of its most devoted fans. Nonetheless, a report from iSeeCars suggests these issues may have had little to no effect on the company – at least in the used car market. The study found that the Tesla Model X was the fastest-selling used vehicle in March 2026, spending an average of 25.6 days on the market, or 0.4 times the overall average. That highlights Tesla’s competitive position in the used-car market, where it retained a strong share alongside hybrid vehicles. Tesla A Look at the Front-RunnersWhile the Model X topped the “Fastest-Selling Used Car” category, the Lexus RX 350h ranked second with an average of 27.6 days on the market, followed by the Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus GX 550, Lucid Air, Lexus ES 300h, Tesla Cybertruck, Audi Q5 Sportback, and Tesla Model Y, with the Hyundai Elantra N rounding out the top 10. On the other hand, the slowest-selling used cars included the Volvo XC60 Hybrid, which spent an average of 197.7 days on the market, along with the GMC Sierra EV, Dodge Hornet Hybrid, Dodge Charger, and Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid. The study – based on 6.7 million 1- to 5-year-old used cars sold from January to March in 2025 and 2026 – didn’t explain why the Model X led the rankings, only noting that the result indicates the popularity of Teslas and hybrid vehicles. Tesla’s used prices remained largely stable over that period, while non-Tesla EV prices dropped by 10.3%. Moreover, amid a broader slowdown in used-car sales, Tesla models remained the fastest-selling EVs, spending an average of 32.4 days on the market, ahead of gasoline cars at 54.1 days, hybrids at 54.4 days, and non-Tesla EVs at 60.1 days. Tesla What Buyers Are Really ChoosingIt is worth noting, however, that Tesla is ending the production of the Model X, which may have nudged prospective buyers to get one before it becomes rarer and potentially more expensive – especially for a model with a cult following, driven by its early EV prominence and its distinctive falcon-wing doors. Its sedan counterpart, the Model S, is also on the way out. Another key takeaway is the growing popularity of hybrids, which may now be emerging as the default choice for buyers not fully sold on EVs. Only time will tell how the used-car market evolves, but the study suggests demand is gradually shifting toward more practical electrified options. Tesla View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The late-season Pacific storm flagged earlier this week is now arriving across the Western U.S., and the Weather Prediction Center has upgraded its heavy snow risk to HIGH for both Monday and Tuesday, a significant escalation from earlier outlooks. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect through NWS Sacramento and NWS Reno for the Sierra Nevada, with the system tracking east into Colorado and the Rockies through midweek. The peak of the storm falls on Tuesday, May 5, which also happens to be Cinco de Mayo, putting cold rain and active chain controls in place across much of the West on what is normally a patio-and-margarita evening. Current StatusI-80 over Donner Pass: open, chain controls expected Sunday evening above 7,000 ftUS-50 over Echo Summit: open, chain controls expected overnightUS-395 Eastern Sierra: open, high wind impacts on crestTioga Pass (Hwy 120): closed seasonally, will not reopen this weekSonora Pass (Hwy 108): open at lower elevations, summit conditions deterioratingCaltrans QuickMap is the live source. Status changes by the hour during active storms. What Changed in the Last 24 HoursThe biggest update: the probabilistic heavy snow outlook now sits at HIGH for both Monday and Tuesday, the top tier of the categorical risk scale; yesterday's outlook had Tuesday at moderate. The model consensus tightened overnight and the probability band widened. The Sierra takes the first hit Sunday night into Tuesday. The system then tracks east, with Colorado Rockies and the I-70 corridor under the same HIGH heavy snow flag for Tuesday into Wednesday. Next 48 HoursSnow level drops to about 6,000 ft by Monday morning and 4,500 ft by Tuesday morning, with the heaviest accumulation running Sunday night into Tuesday afternoon. Full closures of Donner and Echo Summit become likely Monday into Tuesday. When both close at the same time there is no realistic crossing of the central Sierra. Tioga, Sonora, and Ebbetts are not options. Tires: The Part Most Drivers Get Wrong in MayThis is the trap that catches Bay Area and SoCal drivers every late-season storm. Most have already swapped to summer tires or are running all-seasons that are well past their winter usefulness. A Winter Storm Warning in May is the same warning it would be in February. The rubber on your car does not know the calendar. What actually matters at the chain control: All-season tires count as standard tires under California's chain control system. Once R2 controls go up, all-seasons require chains regardless of how new they are. R3 means chains required on all vehicles, no exceptions. Summer tires lose grip below roughly 45°F even on dry pavement. On wet or snow-covered roads at the elevations involved here, they are dangerous. If you drove to Tahoe on summer tires, do not assume your AWD compensates.AWD distributes power to four contact patches; if those patches are summer compound, you have four sliding tires instead of two. Dedicated winter tires (snowflake symbol) with at least 6/32" tread depth are the only tires that meet R1 chain controls without requiring chains. M+S all-terrain tires on trucks and SUVs are not the same as 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) rated tires. The M+S rating is a tread pattern designation; 3PMSF is an actual snow traction test. Check the sidewall before assuming you are exempt. If you are not sure what is on your car, you are running all-seasons so be sure to carry chains. If You Are in Tahoe Right NowSunday afternoon is the last clean window. Leave before 4 pm PT and you should clear Donner before chain controls go up at lower elevations. Leave later and plan for chains regardless of drive type. If you cannot leave Sunday, the better call is to stay through Wednesday. Cinco de Mayo on the RoadTuesday is one of the higher DUI-incident days of the spring even in normal weather. This year, much of the West will be dealing with cold rain on the Front Range, wet or icy pavement at elevation, and ongoing chain controls in the Sierra. If you are driving Tuesday evening, plan around it the same way you would in February. The festive date does not change what the road is doing. View the full article

KTM just dropped the specs for its 2027 450 Rally Replica and Luciano Benavides Factory Editions, and they're as juicy as ever. Although you might want to take out a loan if you want to buy either of the limited-edition bikes.View the full article

Tom Drane returned to winning form at the Silver Dollar Short Track, becoming the first repeat winner of the 2026 AFT Singles season and extending his championship lead. Briar Bauman completed the California SuperTwins double, while Adam Costan-Wood won a close AFT ProSport 450 contest. The post Tom Drane back on top as Silver Dollar shakes up AFT title race appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Hunter Lawrence dominated Denver to cut Ken Roczen’s 450SX championship lead to a single point ahead of Salt Lake City, while Haiden Deegan continued his 250SX West winning form and Kayden Minear claimed fifth. The post Hunter Lawrence wins Denver to take 450SX title fight to the wire appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Hayden Nelson won a chaotic Supersport / Next Gen Race Two at The Bend, beating Tom Edwards by 0.196 seconds as both title fights shifted again. The post Hayden Nelson wins after warm-up lap chaos at The Bend appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Josh Waters responded to his Race One struggles with victory in the second ASBK Superbike bout at The Bend, while Cam Dunker’s Sunday haul delivered the round win. The post Waters responds while Dunker banks breakthrough round win appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Reigning Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta made the quickest run of 2026 in front of a sellout crowd on Saturday at South Georgia Motorsports Park, powering to his first No. 1 qualifier of the season at the NHRA Southern Nationals. J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also qualified No. 1 at the fifth of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Kalitta, the current points leader, went 3.657-seconds at 342.37 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster in front of a capacity crowd, picking up his 67th career top spot in NHRA’s debut at the facility. The veteran is after back-to-back wins after getting the victory last weekend in Charlotte as he continues to roll early in the season. After Saturday’s spectacular run, he’ll get a bye run to open eliminations on Sunday and Kalitta was thrilled with how the team performed in front of a crowd that waited out a lengthy rain delay. “This is for the fans, they definitely held in there,” Kalitta said of the sellout crowd. “It’s been a long day, but it was just one of those deals, with a big storm coming through. I’m just glad that we ran and will have good weather for tomorrow. “That thing left and it started to square the tire, and then it just kind of cleared up and just ran. I could tell it was running strong and running hard. Alan (Johnson, crew chief), he’s the master, I can tell you that.” A day after his record-breaking run of 345.00 mph on Friday, Shawn Langdon followed it up with the second-fastest run in NHRA history on Saturday, going 344.91 and is qualified second with a 3.683. Billy Torrence took the third spot after going 3.710 at 338.00. In Funny Car, J.R. Todd stayed atop the field and earned his second No. 1 qualifier in the past three races thanks to Friday’s stellar run of 3.887 at 339.28 in his 12,000-horsepower DHL Toyota GR Supra. Todd earned the 16th top spot of his career and said the team made an aggressive attempt during Saturday’s lone qualifying session. He didn’t make it down the track on that run, but the past champion still takes plenty of confidence into raceday, where he’ll open eliminations against Daniel Wilkerson. Todd has done just about everything but win a race during what has been a strong 2026 season, something he hopes to change on Sunday in NHRA’s debut at SGMP. “On that last run, Dickie [Venables, crew chief] and Todd Smith said, ‘We’re going to throw down’. We had nothing to lose because we were on the pole. I was a little unsure that 3.88 from yesterday would hold up, but once we saw Matt Hagen run in front of us and saw what they did, we felt good,” Todd said. “It was trying to run, but it just got loose. We were definitely trying to put a 340 [mph] on the board. That would be cool, but either way, I’ll take a win over 340 any day. We put ourselves in a good position. “These fans are dedicated. The fans were so appreciative and thanked us for being there. I was like, ‘No, thank you for having us here’. That’s how the fans are here.” Chad Green jumped to second in the final session with a 3.894 at 323.89 and Jordan Vandergriff took third with Friday’s 3.924 at 325.14. Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson picked up his fourth straight No. 1 qualifier, as nobody came close to topping his run of 6.498 at 210.60 from Friday in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. Anderson made the best run in Saturday’s qualifying session, giving the six-time champ his 144th career No. 1 qualifier. He’ll open eliminations against Troy Coughlin Jr., looking to win for the second time this season and possibly jump into the points lead with a big day. “It’s been a marathon day, but to get that extra run, we’re very appreciative. The air was good yesterday and better again today, and it should be even better tomorrow,” Anderson said. “We’re just struggling to match our cars up with the starting line and there’s no excuse for that. We’ll figure it out by tomorrow. 
 “We’ll make the right adjustments. They’ll be fine tomorrow. The crew chiefs are going to have to make a lot of decisions that they may not want to make. Drivers have to be ready for anything, not just cut a good light, but it just could be a pedal-fest out there. You never know. So you’ve got to find a way to get the finish line first.” Eric Latino took second thanks to Friday’s 6.508 at 209.75 and Aaron Stanfield qualified third with a run of 6.525 at 210.60. Matt Smith’s 6.669 at 203.03 on his Denso Auto Parts Buell held up from Friday, as the six-time world champion continues to be the only rider in Pro Stock Motorcycle to reach the 6.60s this season. He earned his second straight No. 1 qualifier of the season and the 61st in his career. Smith made a strong run to close out Saturday during the lone qualifying session, going 6.728 at 199.29 and takes plenty of momentum into Sunday, where he’ll attempt to pick up his first victory of the season. “I am looking forward to raceday tomorrow,” Smith said. “I like my chances in the first round (with a bye). You know, this is the South, and I’ve run so many races down here in Georgia and there’s a lot of motorcycle racing fans down here, and they stuck around to watch us today. We put on a good show. This is a great facility, a fast facility and hopefully there’ll be a good fanbase turnout tomorrow.” Charlotte winner Gaige Herrera qualified second with a run of 6.705 at 202.30 and reigning world champ Richard Gadson took third after going 6.730 at 201.37. Eliminations for the NHRA Southern Nationals begin at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday at South Georgia Motorsports Park. This story was originally published on May 2, 2026. The post Kalitta, Todd, Anderson, and M. Smith Roll to No. 1 Positions in Front of Sellout Crowd at NHRA Southern Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Tom Toparis controlled the opening Supersport / Next Gen race at The Bend, while Valentino Knezovic moved into the traditional Supersport points lead and Hayden Nelson narrowed the Next Gen chase. The post Toparis wins Supersport opener as title fights tighten appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Cam Dunker became an ASBK Superbike race winner at The Bend, holding off Cru Halliday and Glenn Allerton after late drama cost Harrison Voight. The post Dunker pounces late for first ASBK Superbike win appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Saturday morning at Texas Motor Speedway featured a regularly scheduled competition meeting between NASCAR and Cup Series drivers and much of the proceedings focused on superspeedways. The Sanctioning Body wanted drivers to know that they are aware that work still needs to be done to improve the racing product after the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega last weekend. This is welcomed news to ...Keep readingView the full article

Nicolo Bulega claimed pole and led every lap of Race 1 at Balaton Park to set a new WorldSBK record with his 14th consecutive victory. Valentin Debise won a last-lap WorldSSP thriller, while Maria Herrera overcame a grid penalty to win WorldWCR Race 1. The post Bulega makes WorldSBK history as Debise steals SSP thriller appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Right now, RFK Racing has three teams and drivers but only two charters secured for next season, leaving the appearance of musical chairs for the organization co-owned by driver Brad Keselowski. In addition to Keselowski, the team also fields Ford Mustang Dark Horses for Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece but the latter has driven a No. 60 that utilized two different leased charters from Rick Ware ...Keep readingView the full article

Kyle Larson led a JR Motorsports 1-2 at Texas Motor Speedway, winning Saturday's NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race over Justin Allgaier. JRM drivers have managed to win seven of the first 12 races to open the 2026 season. This is Larson's 19th career NASCAR O'Reilly Series win and his third at Texas. Sam Mayer finished third, Brent Crews fourth, and Parker Retzlaff fifth. Sheldon ...Keep readingView the full article

Honda had a standout April 2026, posting strong overall sales and setting a new benchmark for hybrids. With a balanced lineup and consistent performers across key segments, the brand is clearly getting the fundamentals right. Even its niche seller, the Prelude, had its best month yet, outperforming its monthly target. Strong Sales and Record Hybrid Demand Honda Honda’s April performance paints a confident picture. The company moved 125,571 units in the US, a 1.6% year-over-year increase, while hybrid models surged past 40,000 units, setting a new April record. While fully-electric vehicles were the driving force behind the company's first-ever loss last year, hybrid models are becoming central to Honda’s success. The CR-V led the charge with 42,677 units, remaining one of the best-selling SUVs in the industry. The Civic followed with 25,040 units, while the Accord added 16,071 units, both enjoying their strongest months in recent years. In short, Honda’s core formula of efficient, practical vehicles is working exactly as intended. Surprising Prelude Sales Honda The Prelude isn't meant to sell in large quantities. Honda aims to sell between 3,000 and 4,000 Preludes during 2026, and strives for an average of 300 units per month. Honda sold 357 units in April – its best month yet – and is up 27.5% from March. Year-to-date, the Prelude sits at 1,152 units, averaging 288 models per month thus far. Related: Honda Prelude Sales Are Neck and Neck With Subaru BRZ The Prelude Problem Honda The days of owning multiple cars for different occasions are long gone. And Honda’s April results showcase exactly that. SUVs and practical sedans continue to dominate, and due to rising fuel costs, hybrids are gaining ground quickly. As for the Prelude, the market size isn't as large as it was. And that's exactly why Honda is keeping production volumes low, marketing it as a niche coupe. That said, the lack of a manual gearbox, 200 hp, and starting MSRP of $42,000 makes it an especially tough sell in a value-conscious market. View the full article

Honda had a standout April 2026, posting strong overall sales and setting a new benchmark for hybrids. With a balanced lineup and consistent performers across key segments, the brand is clearly getting the fundamentals right. Yet beneath those headline numbers lies a clear outlier: the Prelude, a car that looks the part but fails to deliver where it matters. Strong Sales and Record Hybrid Demand Honda Honda’s April performance paints a confident picture. The company moved 125,571 units in the US, a 1.6% year-over-year increase, while hybrid models surged past 40,000 units, setting a new April record. While fully-electric vehicles were the driving force behind the company's first-ever loss last year, hybrid models are becoming central to Honda’s success. The CR-V led the charge with 42,677 units, remaining one of the best-selling SUVs in the industry. The Civic followed with 25,040 units, while the Accord added 16,071 units, both enjoying their strongest months in recent years. In short, Honda’s core formula of efficient, practical vehicles is working exactly as intended. Even at Its Peak, the Prelude Still Falls Short Honda The Prelude tells a very different story. Honda sold just 357 units in April, technically its best month yet, and up 27.5% from March. But looking at the bigger picture, that heading quickly fades under scrutiny. The Prelude accounted for just 0.28% of Honda’s total April sales. Put into perspective, even the slow-selling Ridgeline reached 3,602 units, while the Passport managed 5,447 units. More telling still, the aging Mazda MX-5 Miata outsold it by a wide margin, posting 1,163 units in the same month. Year-to-date, the Prelude sits at 1,152 units – still less than the Miata's April sales. Honda’s Success Makes the Prelude’s Failure Clear Honda Honda’s April results highlight a clear shift in buyer priorities. Hybrids are gaining ground quickly, helped by rising fuel costs, while SUVs and practical sedans continue to dominate volume. With that in mind, the Prelude’s struggles are easier to understand. It skips a manual gearbox, offers just 200 hp, and starts at $42,000, making it a tough sell in a value-conscious market. While the Prelude name carries nostalgia and the design draws attention, the overall package falls short. In a month where Honda had tremendous sales success, their "sporty" coupe stands out as the exception. View the full article

The Powertrain That Refuses to FadeThere has been a surge of large electric vehicles entering the market, including three-row SUVs and workhorse pickups such as the TeslaCybertruck. But with heavy high-voltage batteries affecting weight, range, and towing performance, big EVs are not always the simplest answer for long-distance hauling, leaving room for a good old diesel powertrain. In a recent press release, General Motors’ Duramax Assistant Chief Design Engineer John Barta highlighted the driving characteristics of the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine. While EVs are known for instant torque, the Duramax delivers strong low-end torque at low rpm, improving towing and hauling capability without requiring much effort. “We get 95 percent of the maximum torque at 1500 rpm, without the engine screaming, without high rpms. It feels great. It’s great for driving around town without having to race the engine from Point A to Point B,” Barta said. GM Still Doing the Heavy LiftingThe Duramax inline-six delivers 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, edging out the optional 6.2-liter V8's 460 lb-ft figure. But with hybrids gaining momentum, diesels are no longer as relevant as they once were, especially in the U.S., where they are now largely limited to truck-based vehicles. Still, the Duramax is equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation system designed to help reduce emissions. In addition to strong low-end torque, the Duramax also offers competitive range. The 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD equipped with the engine returns an EPA-estimated 624 miles of highway range. By comparison, the Silverado EV offers up to 493 miles of EPA-estimated range, the longest of any electric truck in the U.S. market. What this translates to in practice is fewer fuel stops on long drives, while many EVs still require more time plugged in at a charging station. “This engine is great for anyone who has a moderate-sized RV or another similar trailer, or someone who likes to take road trips,” the GM executive said. GM Diesel Stays in PlayThe 3.0-liter Duramax is available across several GM models, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban, as well as the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL. Reports suggest that the next-generation Silverado and Sierra, which could start production in October 2026, may carry an updated version of the Duramax engine, reflecting GM’s continued investment in diesel powertrains amid the industry’s broader shift toward electrification. GM View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Denny Hamlin said it was a 'knee jerk reaction' when he tweeted out a frustrated response on Thursday evening to Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson’s commentary about the ongoing lawsuit brought forth by Joe Gibbs Racing. Even though it was an emotional response, Hamlin also concedes that he logically feels this way too, as it is a matter of business principle to him as a Joe ...Keep readingView the full article

Last weekend, Carson Hocevar earned his first NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega. A few days later, he led a Spire 1-2 to win Friday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Texas. And now, he just earned pole position for the Texas Cup race in another Spire 1-2, beating teammate Daniel Suarez by just 0.003s. This is the first time Spire Motorsports locked out the front row for a Cup Series ...Keep readingView the full article

Both Bubba Wallace and Austin Dillon will start Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race from the rear of the field after some practice drama. In Group A, Dillon only ran three laps before taking his No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet back to the garage. He reported that the engine started making a strange noise, and he had no pace. His fastest lap was a 29.988s, a full 1.4s off the fastest time ...Keep readingView the full article

The VW Onsabrück SagaA few months ago, it was reported that a state-owned Israeli defense company had set its sights on Volkswagen’s assembly plant in Osnabrück, Germany. The firm in question was Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and it’s responsible for building components for the Iron Dome, among other things. The previous report stated that the plant will build vehicles used to transport artillery and power systems for the Iron Dome. However, an update from Reuters has claimed there are now advanced talks between Volkswagen and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. At the time of writing, the two companies declined to comment regarding the matter. Volkswagen What the Onsabrük Plant MadeIf you, at some point, bought a convertible Volkswagen product within the last 70 years, chances are it came from Onsabrück. The current site was once Karmann, but when the company went bust in 2010, VW bought the facility to build some of its models over there. Some historic vehicles built there include the Karmann Ghia, Beetle convertibles, several generations of Golf Cabriolets, and even some top-down Audis. Other models of interest include the first two generations of the Scirocco, the Corrado, and the Audi RS4 Cabriolet. BMWs, Fords, Nissans, and even Merkurs were built there at some point, so the plant was buzzing with activity at some point, and not just from Volkswagen. Under VW ownership, the Onsabrück plant assembled the XL1 and Arteon Shooting Brake, as well as the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, Cayenne, and Skoda Karoq, to name a few. These days, however, it only builds the VW T-Roc Convertible, and that model will be discontinued by 2027. It’s precisely for that reason that VW is reportedly considering other uses for the facility. Volkswagen From Cars to Arms?As mentioned, it was initially reported that military vehicles and Iron Dome components would be made in the plant. However, the more recent Reuters story also mentioned missile components, such as motors and propulsion systems. Mind you, it won’t be making the explosive bits, but it’s still for missiles, nonetheless. Should Volkswagen accept Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ offer, it would help the German automaker secure a much-needed cash injection. At the same time, there’s hope of saving all 2,300 jobs currently on the site. That said, the Reuters report adds that the German government wants full control over defense projects within the country and that the technology used should remain within its borders. That could mean the difference between the deal pushing through or being called off. Volkswagen View the full article

Playing Mind GamesSpeed limit rules can vary depending on road design and time of day, such as during school hours. That makes it important, especially for travelers, to keep an eye on road signs and posted speed limits to avoid tickets that can be costly and time-consuming to deal with. Those visiting Wisconsin may need to take a second look after Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste posted a speed limit with a decimal point: 17.3 mph, to be exact. Rounding it to a whole number might have been simpler and easier to read, but grabbing drivers' attention appears to be the point. In a Facebook post, Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste said a decimal-point speed limit “makes you pause. It makes you look twice.” It’s also intended to keep drivers on their toes and break them out of the “autopilot” mindset that can set in on familiar routes. A Solution for a Specific ProblemThe waste management facility also explained that the area is regularly used by haulers, contractors, and residents, which is why a speed limit, particularly an eye-catching one, has been posted. The decimal point clearly separates 17 and 3, reducing the chance that drivers might mistake it for 173 mph, though that reading would be absurdly high at more than twice the typical highway speed limit. The Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste road is not a typical public roadway, but a road within a county-operated recycling facility where the site can post its own rules, including this decimal-point limit. As such, it’s unlikely to be adopted on a wider scale, especially on busy public highways. Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste/Facebook Safety Is the PointBusier public highways, however, do not need gimmicks like this for enforcement because they are more heavily monitored and regulated. In Colorado, for instance, a speed camera system calculates a driver’s average speed over a particular stretch of road, meaning slowing down at one specific point may not be enough to avoid a ticket. Illinois is also considering a proposal that would require certain repeat speeders to install speed limiters in their vehicles, presenting another unusual way to enforce speed limits. But whatever these traffic-safety measures look like, the common denominator is the same: keeping everyone safe. As Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste put it, “We want every single person to have a safe visit and make it home at the end of the day.” Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste/Facebook View the full article

Working with the PentagonThe Ford Motor Company has a long history of building military vehicles, but it might be producing them yet again should plans with the U.S. government push through. CEO Jim Farley has indeed confirmed that the automaker is in early talks with the government about defense projects, as reported by Bloomberg. Farley was quoted as saying, "We are in early discussions with the U.S. government on some defense-related projects," during an earnings call on April 29, 2026. No other specifics were given at the time of writing. Will Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images A Colorful HistoryThe military and Ford have a history together, dating as far back as World War 1 with Model T-based transporters and ambulances, as well as building engines for the war effort, among other things. Ford was also one of the biggest contractors in World War 2, supplying vehicles on both fronts. On the Allied side, there was the Willow Run B-24 bomber, the GAA engine that powered one of the many M4 Sherman tank derivatives, and the GPW Jeeps. More recently, however, Ford isn't specifically building vehicles for the front lines. There are, however, Super Duty-derived models that have either been converted for light military duties or outfitted by defense contractors outside of the company. Maximizing Unused CapacityMind you, Ford wasn't the only manufacturer that the government spoke with regarding the matter. It wasn't that long ago when the government also approached other American automakers about using unused capacity to build vehicles for the military. So, does this mean Ford will be building tanks and other weaponized vehicles as soon as the ink dries? Well, we wouldn't jump to that right away. According to CEO Jim Farley, the company will, at the very least, play a role in sourcing materials used in semiconductor manufacturing. It's unknown exactly when vehicle production will begin, but that will depend on the outcome of future talks. Ford View the full article

When Porsche Goes ArtisticA number of unique Porsche 911 designs have emerged through the automaker's in-house customization programs, but this latest creation from Japan may be among the most distinctive yet. Dubbed the 911 GT3 Artisan Edition, Porsche draws on traditional Japanese craftsmanship – particularly Edo Kiriko glasswork and indigo dyeing - for this limited-run model. The 911 GT3 Artisan Edition is created by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur for the Japanese market, even though it is left-hand drive. It may not be available elsewhere in the world, but it reflects a level of detail that enthusiasts can appreciate globally. After all, if the standard 911 GT3 already commands attention, this limited-run edition adds another layer of craftsmanship and exclusivity. Porsche Japan Design That FlowsThe base color is white, accented by varying shades of blue that become more prominent toward the rear half of the car. The rear wheels, which are 21 inches in size (paired with 20-inch fronts), also feature aerodiscs with blue detailing not found on the front wheels. Porsche says the blue accents running from the front fenders to the rear are meant to represent the flow of air and time. The blue motif carries over into the interior, appearing on the dashboard, door panels, and seats. No powertrain details were disclosed, but the stock 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six is likely unchanged. If so, output should remain at 502 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, enough for a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph. The car is more than just a pretty face, though. It comes with the Manthey Kit, which includes optimized aerodynamic bodywork and four-way adjustable coilover suspension developed at the Nürburgring. In short, the package is designed to sharpen the car’s track performance. Porsche Japan The Value Is in the DetailsThe 911 GT3 Artisan Edition is limited to 30 examples, marking the 30th anniversary of Porsche Japan while also reflecting the architectural philosophy of Porsche Experience Center Tokyo. While pricing wasn't disclosed, the 911 GT3 already starts at around $235,000 in the U.S. With the Manthey Kit, which can add a substantial premium, and the limited-edition production run, the Artisan Edition is expected to command a much higher price. Porsche Japan View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article