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iKamper’s Skycamp 4.0 rooftop tent makes UTV overlanding faster, easier, and way more comfortable on any adventure. View the full article

A Familiar Shape, But a Different PlaybookNissan previewed a new midsize SUV for China late last year, one that closely matches the Pathfinder in size. Now that the NX8 is official, it’s clear Nissan is taking a different approach compared to its global models. The NX8, developed by Dongfeng Nissan, joins the N Series, which focuses on electrification and advanced software. Buyers can choose between a full battery-electric version and a range-extended EV with a combustion engine for added flexibility. The range-extended version stands out, especially since most markets are moving toward either pure EVs or conventional hybrids. By offering this format, Nissan gives buyers more flexibility, which makes sense in a market as diverse as China, where charging infrastructure and driving needs can vary widely. Dongfeng Nissan Tech-Heavy, Range-Obsessed, and Built for ComfortLooking at the numbers, the NX8 is built to compete in China’s rapidly evolving EV market. The full-electric version can go up to 404 miles on a charge, while the range-extended model can cover up to 900 miles in total, including up to 193 miles on pure electric power alone. Charging speeds are also impressive. With an 800-volt system and 5C charging, the NX8 can add about 186 miles of range in around six minutes if conditions are right. That puts it among the fastest-charging vehicles available today. Inside, the NX8's cabin comes with two 15.6-inch screens running Nissan OS 2.0, powered by a Snapdragon processor. There’s also an augmented reality head-up display, an AI voice assistant, and a full set of convenience features included on every model. The NX8 offers rear seats that recline and come with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, along with Nissan’s so-called AI Zero Gravity Seats. There’s a built-in refrigerator that can both cool and warm, and a Pet Protection Mode designed to keep the cabin safe for pets left inside for short periods. The NX8's battery uses CATL cells and is monitored in real time through cloud systems. Driver assistance features, developed with Momenta, add semi-autonomous driving capability. Dongfeng Nissan Will You Ever See It in America?Short answer: don’t count on it. Like the N6 and N7 sedans, the NX8 is built specifically for China’s new-energy market, where buyers look for fast charging, advanced technology, and flexible powertrains. Nissan has already confirmed exports to markets outside the People’s Republic, but there’s no sign it will reach markets like the US. That last bit is a real challenge due to tariffs, but it's not impossible. It’s a missed opportunity, since Nissan’s approach here – combining fast charging, smart packaging, and practical features – shows more forward thinking than much of its current global lineup. At the very least, the NX8 demonstrates what Nissan can achieve when it focuses on innovation. The real question is whether this momentum will extend beyond China. China's MIIT View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Josh Hart is enjoying the move from owner to drive. We sat down and talked with Hart about his move and much more. View the full article

Hyundai has officially launched its all-electric Ioniq brand in China with two concepts. The Venus sedan and Earth family SUV are set to pave the way for Hyundai Motor’s first steps into China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market. While Americans know Ioniq models as a range of EVs, including high-performance models like the Ioniq 6 N, the brand will represent a broader mobility ecosystem in China. These concepts—which have appeared just ahead of Auto China 2026—are unlikely to reach the U.S. at any point in the future, which is a pity, as their designs are a lot more futuristic and impactful than any Hyundai you can buy right now. Related: Hyundai Is Making a Massive New Bet on China With 20 New Models Emotionally Distinctive Venus and Earth EVs Hyundai Hyundai The two Ioniq concept cars are based around the ‘Lead, don’t follow’ ethos, and they more than live up to that. The names Venus and Earth were chosen specifically as part of a special naming convention for China, with all models set to be named after the planets. The Venus sedan concept is finished in Radiant Gold and doesn’t really look like a traditional three-box sedan at all. It has an almost MPV-like stance from the front, with a short but broad hood that seamlessly meets up with the wide windshield. A frame-structured roof and transparent spoiler are features that may not make it to production, but it sure looks the part of a concept. Inside, there’s a wrap-around cockpit with layered mood lighting, soft suede finishes, and chrome-gold seatback covers. A single widescreen display rests on the dashboard. Hyundai Hyundai The Earth SUV has a much more utilitarian look—it could be a relative of Tesla’s Cybertruck if you ask us. It’s finished in Aurora Shield, with lots of sharp edges, exposed bolt accents, and skid plates. The innovative ‘air-hug’ seats are made of soft air modules, and the seats can swivel to make ingress and egress easier. This concept has no B-pillar and rear coach-style doors, so there’s a massive opening to boost versatility. Hyundai did not share any technical details about the powertrains in these concepts. “Starting with the two concept cars unveiled today, we will continue to present products that reflect deep insight into Chinese customers and our genuine commitment to this market,” said Li Fenggang, President at Beijing Hyundai Motor Company. “Built on IONIQ’s uncompromising principles of world-class safety and quality, we will soon introduce production models that seamlessly combine the smart driving and smart cabin experiences that Chinese consumers demand.” Autoblog’s Take Hyundai The Chinese car market is the biggest and most influential in the world, so it comes as no surprise that Hyundai has launched a brand dedicated to meeting the preferences of customers in this region. Other examples include AUDI (a collaboration between Audi and SAIC motor) and SAIC Volkswagen (a joint venture between SAIC Motor and the Volkswagen Group). Launching the electric-only Ioniq brand is a smart move, since China is one of the leaders in transitioning to electric mobility, far outpacing the U.S. in EV sales and growth. The Ioniq sub-brand’s future technologies include advanced autonomous driving systems and extended range EVs, which could potentially filter down to Hyundai models in other markets. We don’t know when the first production Ioniq vehicles will launch, but they could prove influential for a new generation of Hyundais in the not-too-distant future. View the full article

Yamaha kept the best parts and changed the rest with a major update to the R7 for 2026. Here's what we have to say after our first hands-on ride with the motorcycle. View the full article

Drag Race Bracket Bonanza officially secured a major Nitro Sponsorship. Fans compete for rare historical prizes at upcoming racing events.View the full article

The Storm Prediction Center has flagged four consecutive days of severe weather from Saturday, April 11 through Tuesday, April 14, across the south-central United States. Sunday is the day to worry about. Dallas, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Tulsa and Joplin are in the primary threat corridor for two to three of those days, with tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds exceeding 60 mph all on the table. If you are driving I-35, I-44, I-40 or I-20 between Texas and Missouri this weekend, you need to either have a plan or pick a different departure date. Four consecutive extended-range outlooks is not something the SPC does casually. At the Day 4-8 range, forecasters usually hedge because model confidence that far out is low. This time they are not hedging. The outlooks span all four days with what the SPC describes as a level of confidence seen only a couple of times per year. Model agreement is strong and the pattern driving the event is well-defined: a potent upper-level trough digging into the western U.S. this week, building a ridge over the East, then pushing a powerful surface frontal system through the Plains. Ahead of that front, moist southerly return flow from the Gulf will push surface dewpoints into the 60s across the southern and central Plains. That is textbook April severe weather fuel. The Weather Prediction Center's extended forecast discussion reads the same way: an amplified upper-level pattern this weekend into next week, a strong frontal system, heavy rainfall and severe weather potential across the south-central U.S. The SetupThe synoptic picture is not complicated. An upper-level trough currently over the western U.S. ejects east across the central states over the weekend, dragging a strong surface cold front through the Plains. Deep Gulf moisture streams north ahead of the front and supplies the instability. Each afternoon, as surface temperatures climb and the cap erodes, thunderstorms fire along and ahead of the boundary. The threat corridor shifts northeast each day: west Texas on Saturday, central Oklahoma and north Texas on Sunday, the Midwest by Monday and Tuesday. None of that is unusual for mid-April in the Plains. What is unusual is the duration. The same set of major interstates (I-35, I-44, I-40) runs directly through the highest-probability zone for two to three straight days. A single severe weather afternoon is one thing. Three in a row over the same highways is a different problem. NWS Norman already has a Marginal Risk posted for northern Oklahoma this Friday, the day before the main threat window opens. NWS Saturday, April 11: West TexasStrengthening mid-level southwesterly flow and a low-amplitude shortwave trough will generate scattered thunderstorms across west Texas during Saturday afternoon. Surface dewpoints in the 50s to 60s are already confirmed across Texas and Oklahoma, and a lee trough over the High Plains will serve as the primary focus for afternoon storm development. The SPC forecasts mixed-layer CAPE peaking near 1,000 J/kg with 0-6 km shear in the 30 to 40 knot range over the southern High Plains. Storm mode will likely be multicellular with straight hodographs, which favours hail and severe wind gusts over tornadoes. Highways at risk: I-20 from Midland-Odessa to Abilene, I-27 from Lubbock to Amarillo, US-84 and US-87 across the southern High Plains. Sunday, April 12: The Day That MattersThis is the day the SPC is watching most closely, and it is the day drivers need to take seriously. Strong moisture advection overnight Saturday pushes deep Gulf moisture across the Great Plains. By Sunday afternoon, moderate instability should be in place over much of the moist sector, and the updated Day 4-8 outlook issued April 9 has strengthened the language considerably. The greatest potential for severe storms will likely be in the southern and central Plains, with moderate deep-layer shear and steep lapse rates favourable for supercells with large hail and severe wind gusts. A 50 to 60 knot mid-level jet pushing through central and northeast Texas during the afternoon and evening would add a tornado threat on top of that. How far the jet penetrates and how quickly storms go linear will determine whether Sunday is a notable severe day or a genuinely bad one, but the conditional hedging from Tuesday's outlook is mostly gone now. The tornado risk is highest where the low-level jet intersects surface boundaries across central Oklahoma and north-central Texas, particularly if discrete supercells maintain rotation before storms consolidate into a line. NWS Norman and NWS Fort Worth will carry the local warnings for that zone. Photo by Anadolu on Getty Images The highway exposure on Sunday is the core concern: I-35 from Dallas through Oklahoma City to Wichita. This is the most exposed corridor in the entire event. A discrete supercell crossing I-35 in Oklahoma during the afternoon or evening can produce hail large enough to shatter windshields and wind strong enough to push a truck out of its lane.I-44 from Oklahoma City through Tulsa to Joplin, right where the warm-sector moisture is richest.I-40 from Oklahoma City toward Little Rock. Storms moving east off the dryline will cross this road repeatedly through the evening.I-30 from Dallas to Little Rock, the southern edge of the primary threat.I-20 across east Texas into Louisiana if storms propagate south.Monday, April 13: Northeast ShiftSame airmass, different geography. Moderate instability should be in place from north Texas northward into the upper Mississippi Valley by Monday afternoon, and storms are again expected with all hazards active: hail, damaging winds, tornadoes. The axis shifts northeast, which puts I-44 from Tulsa toward Springfield in the path, along with I-70 across Missouri, I-49 from Fort Smith through Joplin into Kansas City. The I-55 and I-64 corridors across the Mississippi Valley pick up secondary risk. If Sunday underperforms, Monday may not, and vice versa. The pattern supports both days. Tuesday, April 14Confidence is lower by Tuesday but the threat has not been dropped. The western U.S. trough is forecast to finally approach the southern Plains, where a moist and unstable airmass should still be in place. Some model solutions suggest a mid-level jet arriving Tuesday afternoon, which would create enough deep-layer shear to support supercells with large hail, severe gusts and tornadoes. Whether that actually happens depends on details that are hard to resolve at this range, and the spatial uncertainty is still considerable. But the outlooks are still up, which at Day 7 tells you something. If You Are DrivingThis is four days of afternoon and evening severe thunderstorms across a corridor that shifts from west Texas to the Midwest. There is no clean travel day in that window. There are only narrower gaps. Best option: leave Friday before the first storms develop, or wait until Wednesday. If you cannot do either, travel before noon local time. The strongest storms each day will peak in the afternoon and evening, which is also when most people are on the road, which is the whole problem. If storms catch you on the highway, get off at the nearest exit or gas station and wait. Do not drive into a wall of rain or hail. Supercell hail can exceed two inches in diameter, which is enough to total bodywork and blow out a windshield. If you see rotation or a funnel, get off the road immediately and into a sturdy building. If there is no building, a ditch or low area away from your vehicle. High-profile vehicles (trucks, SUVs, anything being towed) are at real risk from gusts over 60 mph. Driving one of those on I-35 or I-44 during active storms means accepting the possibility of a rollover. Rain rates in supercells can hit three inches per hour, which is enough to hydroplane even good tyres. Keep your phone charged. Keep NWS Wireless Emergency Alerts on. They push Tornado Warnings directly to your phone and they are the fastest public alert system available. Getty Images What To CarryIf you are driving through the threat corridor this weekend: full tank of fuel before you enter the affected area, portable phone charger, flashlight, water, food, blanket, first aid kit. Check your tyres before you leave. Worn tyres in heavy rain are a problem that compounds fast. When Forecasts Get SpecificEverything above is based on the Day 4-8 outlook issued April 9, which upgraded confidence from the previous day's version. The SPC will issue Day 1 and Day 2 outlooks with specific risk contours and probability areas starting Friday morning. Those are the products that include detailed tornado, hail and wind probabilities. Watch for upgrades from Slight Risk to Enhanced or Moderate Risk, especially for Sunday. NWS offices in Norman, Fort Worth and Wichita will issue Hazardous Weather Outlooks and eventually Watches as the event gets closer. View the full article

The 2026 Moto3 title race remains wide open before Jerez, with Quiles on top after three rounds and close finishes, red flags and drama already shaping the season. The post Moto3 2026 season so far – Quiles leads chaotic title chase into Jerez appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Beat rising fuel prices with TeamMoto’s latest bike deals Fuel prices keep climbing, but your weekly transport costs do not have to climb with them! For plenty of Australians, the smartest way to cut the cost of getting around is not to drive less, but to ride more! Two wheels can mean lower fuel use, […] The post Cut fuel costs with TeamMoto’s Beat the Bowser Sale appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

A powerful late-season winter storm is bearing down on the Sierra Nevada this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Winter Storm Warnings spanning every major mountain corridor from Lassen County to Sequoia National Park. Multiple NWS offices, including NWS Sacramento, NWS Reno, and NWS Hanford, are coordinating warnings as back-to-back upper-level lows push ashore from the Pacific, delivering moisture surges with precipitable water anomalies running 150 to 200 percent of normal according to the Weather Prediction Center. The system arrives Friday evening, and conditions will deteriorate rapidly through Saturday morning. Feet of Snow From Donner Pass to YosemiteThe heaviest accumulations are forecast for the Northern Sierra, where NWS Sacramento is calling for 1 to 2 feet of snow above 4,500 feet and up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks, including ski resort elevations near Donner Summit and Blue Canyon. Snow levels will start above pass level Friday afternoon before dropping to 6,000 to 7,000 feet late Friday, then plunging to 4,000 to 4,500 feet by late Saturday into Sunday, bringing 2 to 4 inches of accumulation to elevations as low as 4,000 feet. The Lake Tahoe Basin is expecting 6 to 10 inches at lake level and 12 to 28 inches above 7,000 feet and at Sierra passes. Further south, NWS Hanford warns the Yosemite region could see 1 to 4 feet above 7,000 feet, with visibility dropping below a quarter mile and conditions described as potentially life-threatening. 90 MPH Ridgetop Gusts and Whiteout ConditionsWind is the force multiplier in this storm. NWS Reno forecasts Sierra crest gusts reaching 90 MPH Saturday afternoon, with sustained gusts of 70 to 80 MPH along the crest in Mono County and 40 to 45 MPH at lower elevations and along US-395. These winds will combine with heavy snowfall to produce extended whiteout conditions across exposed passes, making I-80 over Donner Pass, US-50 over Echo Summit, CA-88 at Carson Pass, and CA-120 near Yosemite extremely dangerous. Chain controls are virtually certain once snow levels drop below 6,000 feet Saturday evening, and Caltrans may implement full closures over Donner Summit and other passes if snowfall rates and visibility deteriorate beyond manageable thresholds. Drivers can check conditions at QuickMap or by calling 511. Getty Images Record-Low Snowpack Adds to the RiskThis storm lands on a Sierra Nevada that has almost no snowpack left. California's April 1 measurement came in at just 18 percent of average, the second-lowest on record, with the Northern Sierra at a staggering 6 percent of normal after March finished as the state's warmest and driest month on record. The result is warm, bare pavement that will create a rapid melt-and-refreeze cycle as heavy, wet spring snow falls on surfaces that have been baking under above-normal temperatures for weeks. That cycle makes road surfaces especially unpredictable, particularly overnight and in early morning hours when treated roads refreeze. Staying Safe Behind the WheelLate-season Sierra storms are deceptive because many drivers have already stowed their winter gear. If you must cross the mountains this weekend, carry chains even if you drive an AWD vehicle; Caltrans R-3 chain controls require chains on all vehicles, no exceptions. Wet spring snow is heavier than midwinter powder and packs onto windshields and roofs quickly, so clear your entire vehicle before driving. Disable cruise control on any snow-covered surface and reduce speed before entering curves or highway ramps, not during. Keep an emergency kit in your trunk with a phone charger, blanket, water, and a small shovel. For a full breakdown on handling snow and ice at speed, review Autoblog's guide to best practices for winter driving. The safest move is to avoid any Sierra crossing between Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon entirely, then check Caltrans conditions before committing to a drive once crews have had time to clear and treat the passes. When It EndsSnow begins Friday evening and ramps up sharply by Saturday morning. The worst travel window runs from Saturday predawn through Sunday afternoon, with the most intense accumulations falling late Saturday morning into midday Sunday. Conditions should begin improving Sunday evening as the system exits east, but overnight refreezing will keep mountain roads hazardous into Monday morning. If your schedule allows, Monday midday offers the safest window for a Sierra crossing. View the full article

Speedmaster, the global leader in high-performance automotive parts and motorsports culture, has increased its partnership to full primary sponsorship of John Force Racing’s Top Fuel Dragster team driven by Josh Hart in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Speedmaster was announced as a co-primary partner with Hart’s Burnyzz Speed Shop on Jan. 28 of this year. Both Speedmaster and Burnyzz Speed Shop will continue to have brand identification on all four of John Force Racing’s teams throughout the year. The Speedmaster Top Fuel Dragster will make its debut April 10-12 at the NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. “I’ve never had a sponsor contribute so much so fast,” said Hart. “The partnership is beyond just parts and sponsorship for the race car. We quickly became friends. We quickly understand each other’s businesses. Jason’s been great. The whole Speedmaster team has really been kind of rallying behind this. He mentioned to me that this is a lifelong dream of his to be a primary sponsor on a Top Fuel car with John Force Racing. The fact that we were able to collaborate and put it together as quickly as we did is absolutely epic. Speedmaster stepping into the primary spot alleviates some pressure on me, puts them in the spotlight, which is what they deserve and, hopefully, it’s a long-term partnership for years to come.” Hart won the 2026 NHRA season-opening Gatornationals on March 8 in his John Force Racing debut. A second-round finish two weeks later at the Arizona Nationals finds the team second in the point standings heading into the Winternationals. “Even though we went out in the second round at Arizona, I think, as of right now, I may have already eclipsed all of my round wins from last year already this year,” Hart said. “So, for me, this early season has been very positive. There’s a lot of momentum, a lot of excitement. The track was hot in Arizona so we can’t beat everybody up over that. And we know that the conditions in Pomona are always good. So, I’m very confident. I think we’ll be right there in the Top 5 as far as qualifying goes, which will change our stars on race day. And we’ll get this Speedmaster team right back in line.” Overall, John Force Racing drivers have won 32 times in three events at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip (17 times in the Winternationals, 14 times in the Finals plus John Force’s win in the 50th Anniversary NHRA Nationals in 2001). The post Speedmaster Increases Partnership with JFR as Full Primary Sponsor on Josh Hart’s Top Fuel Dragster first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Great News for Mercedes-BenzJust a few days ago, it was reported that Mercedes-Benz is chasing volume yet again in a bid to rake in more cash after its previous strategy was blighted by tariffs. Well, it seems that the German automaker could potentially reach its annual sales target early because the redesigned CLA has become a massive hit in Europe. In just the first two months of 2026, the small luxury sedan had raked in 13,138 unit sales on the continent, firmly placing it in second place just behind the Audi A3. Making this achievement even more remarkable is that the total figures for the A3 include both hatch and sedan models. The CLA sales mix consists of the four-door and the rather niche Shooting Brake wagon. Mercedes-Benz Doing the Heavy LiftingAccording to Automotive News Europe, Mercedes-Benz sold so many CLAs in such a short period that it lifted the premium compact sales by a significant 13% over the same period in 2025. To put things into perspective, the model contributed to 22% of premium compact car sales in Europe. With 59,709 unit sales from January to February 2026, the segment had overtaken large premium SUV and midsize car sales on the continent. The CLA is also making good bank for Mercedes-Benz, too. Year-on-year sales jumped by a whopping 127% for the compact luxury car, a massive leap over its previous iteration. The European market had also embraced the electric version of the CLA, with the long-range version taking up over half of the model's sales during the aforementioned period. It also helped that the introduction of the hybrid model late last year further boosted its appeal. Mercedes Leading the ClassWhile the CLA is behind the A3, it did more than enough to put Mercedes-Benz at the top of the sales charts in the premium compact class. The A-Class saw 9,202 new registrations from January to February 2026, a 20% improvement in year-on-year sales, while the B-Class added another 1,417 unit sales (-39% YoY) to the company's tally. Add it all up, and that's 23,737 units, putting Mercedes-Benz ahead of BMW. In comparison, total sales of the Bavarian's premium compact offerings – comprising the 1 Series, 2 Series (Coupe and Gran Coupe), and 2 Series Active Tourer – amount to 16,892 units. The A3 did all the work for Audi in the premium compact class with a total of 16,768 units. With that, Mercedes-Benz gets a good chunk of the segment in Europe with a 39.75% market share. In comparison, BMW is at 28.29%, while Audi is not far behind at 28.08%. Should the upward trajectory of the CLA continue, it'll be the folks from Sindelfingen who have a lot of reasons to celebrate. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Under normal circumstances, civilians can’t buy military vehicles, especially not recent models that are still in service. But if you’re willing to bid generously, you’ll be able to get a 2026 Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility (ISV-U) built by GM Defense later this month. Going under the hammer at Barrett-Jackson’s The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions in Palm Beach, Florida on April 18, the one-of-a-kind ISV-U will raise money for charity, with 100% of the price to benefit the Medal of Honor Foundation in support of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s mission. The First-Ever Public Sale of an ISV-U GM Defense The auction will represent the first-ever public sale of an ISV-U, which was engineered to meet US Army and allied requirements. The ISV-U is a five-passenger, ultra-light tactical vehicle designed for high-speed, off-road mobility and demanding operational environments. Thanks to its open roll-cage design, expeditionary footprint, and extensive use of commercial-off-the-shelf components, the ISV-U can support a wide range of mission applications, offering modern military capability that is in use today by the US Army and other militaries worldwide. The five-seat layout and versatile cargo bed are designed to carry mission-critical loads for logistics, fire support, command and control, electronic warfare, counter-unmanned aircraft systems and reconnaissance roles. Built on the GM's midsize truck platform, the ISV-U is powered by a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Custom Livery Pays Homage the Medal of Honor and America's 250th Anniversary GM Defense The vehicle that will be auctioned off also carries a custom livery honoring the Medal of Honor, recognizing America’s 250th anniversary, and acknowledging the US Army units that use the Chevy Colorado-based ISV-U platform today. “Partnering with the Medal of Honor Foundation to offer this ISV-U at Barrett-Jackson is a powerful way to connect our mission-focused technology with a cause that honors the very best of American service,” said Steve duMont, president, GM Defense. GM Defense “This vehicle was designed to help soldiers accomplish their missions in the toughest conditions, and we’re proud that its first public sale will directly support the Foundation’s work to care for Recipients, preserve their stories and inspire future generations with the values embodied in the Medal of Honor.” All funds from the sale will directly support the Medal of Honor Foundation, which secures private support to care for living recipients and their families, preserve their stories and advance educational initiatives that support the foundation’s core value of courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism. View the full article

Yet Another Special EditionWhen it comes to rolling out special edition models, Mini is one of the top automakers that can't stop making them one after another. We're still relatively fresh from the launch of the 1965 Victory Edition, but the British automaker has introduced yet another limited-run model. Exclusive to the U.S. market is the Red Line Edition, based on the Cooper S but featuring goodies from John Cooper Works models. It's an interesting addition to the Mini lineup, but you'll have to quick because it won't be around for long. Mini The JCW BitsFrom an aesthetic standpoint, the Red Line Edition gives the Cooper S a JCW-exclusive color: Legend Grey Metallic. Red stripes adorn the hood and tailgate, and the roof is finished in gloss black, and it gets the panoramic sunroof as standard. JCW-inspired aero enhancements come in the form of winglets on the front and rear bumper corners, along with a unique tailgate spoiler and JCW wheels. Inside, it gets more red highlights, namely on the steering wheel, seats, and center console. A checkered flag pattern is proudly displayed on the dashboard, and it gets the sportier digital displays. In essence, the Red Line Edition gets the JCW Style interior package for that racier look. Do note that this model is only offered on the four-door model. It's also worth noting that the four-door doesn't get the JCW treatment. With that, this is as close as it gets to a practical Cooper JCW and ideal for those who are allergic to the thought of getting a Countryman JCW. Mini Are There Performance Goodies?Well, not really. Power is standard Cooper S fare with its 2.0-liter turbo that makes 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. It does get the JCW Sport Transmission, so it has that going for it. The brakes have also been upgraded, although it wasn't mentioned if there are any tweaks to the suspension. So, how much for this limited edition Mini Cooper four-door? It can be yours for $43,365 plus a destination charge of $1,175. It's about $10,000 more than a base Cooper S four-door, but given its potential rarity and additional kit, the Red Line Edition will be worth it for Mini diehards. Mini View the full article

You may not know the name Hussein Al Attar, but you're almost certainly aware of some or all of the cars he's worked on during 14 years at the BMW Group and Designworks, and you're about to become even more familiar with his work because his new role is Design Director at GM Advanced Design's Pasadena Studio. That's the same studio responsible for the second of three Corvette concept cars revealed last year, so Al Attar will be helping shape the future of GM's cosmetic signature. Is he up to the task? His resume certainly indicates he is. GM's New Designer Has Worked for the Best in the Business BMW Australia Al Attar's past experience includes design internships at AMG, Audi, and BMW. He also did some freelance work before spending time with Mercedes-Benz, ultimately becoming the lead exterior designer at BMW. There, he was responsible for the simply gorgeous F87 BMW M2, turning a beautiful shape into something taut and aggressive. While that was certainly a high point, he didn't exclusively design pretty cars, and the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo he was in charge of is proof. It's almost inconceivable that the man who designed something as well-proportioned as the first-gen M2 could also be the man who penned the awkward 6 Series GT, but hey, he's not the one who decided such an unusual thing should be created in the first place. Another vehicle birthed under his design stewardship is the third-generation G06 BMW X6, which has evolved into something relatively good-looking over the years. BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article In 2019, he moved to BMW's advanced design studio in Los Angeles, Designworks, where he eventually became Director of Automotive Design, helping shape the BMW M Hybrid V8 LMDh racecar alongside Michael Scully. And as noted by BMW Blog, he was involved in the design of the elegant taillights on the G22 4 Series coupe. Autoblog's Take BMW GM has acquired a versatile and highly skilled designer with plenty of experience in European cosmetics that appeal to a global audience, including the U.S. market. He's capable of sculpting contemporary production vehicles and racecars alike, and at GM Advanced Design, he will likely be involved in conceptual exercises as well as helping to shape imminent arrivals, so he'll be comfortable, even as adapting to American design will place him outside his usual space. Could he help style the C9 Corvette? That remains to be seen, but whatever he does work on, we expect it to be good. We'll be watching closely. BMW View the full article

Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan are keeping their standards high as they enter this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Pruett will feature Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters as her Top Fuel dragster’s primary livery for the first time in the 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season while teammate Matt Hagan will feature Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage on his Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car. Pruett, who stepped back into the seat of her Dodge dragster after starting a family, hasn’t missed a beat since her return. Currently fourth in points, Pruett qualified third at the season opener in Gainesville, Florida before a quarterfinal exit and she followed up that performance with a No. 2 qualifying position and runner-up finish at the NHRA Arizona Nationals just over two weeks ago. “Over the course of history, the Winternationals has been the kick-off race for the NHRA, where you first started to find your footing for the season. This year, being third on the schedule and an already 14 laps in, I feel an elevated level of preparedness for the Winternationals that I’ve never felt before,” said Pruett who won the 2017 and 2021 Winternationals. “I am more comfortable in the car than even at the start of the season. Winning the Winternationals in the past meant you hit the ground running. Right now, we already have momentum. It can be done; we can win and knowing we are capable is what excites me most.” Pruett, who with husband Tony Stewart splits her residence between Columbus, Indiana and Lake Havasu, Arizona, is originally from Redlands, California, just about 40 miles from In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. “Racing in Southern California and at the Pomona Dragstrip specifically is forever sentimental because it’s home for me,” Pruett said. “Those purple mountains visible from the staging lanes and behind the tower always bring a sense of majesty to the races. That combined with not only the NHRA heritage but my own, puts it on another level.” The last time Pruett was in the driver’s seat at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip was the NHRA Finals of 2023 where she faced off in a winner-takes-the-championship final round against now two-time and reigning world champion Doug Kalitta. Pruett finished runner-up and third in the championship points standings. But a lot has happened since then. “I’ve thought a lot about that day, that final round. Finishing a race weekend with a Wally is always the goal. Getting the win this weekend in Pomona would also simultaneously finish that last piece of unfinished business. But that chapter has closed and so much life has taken place since then,” Pruett explained. “The Winternationals carries with it new beginnings, with new orders of business that are far greater than just one round at one racetrack against one team.” Pruett will have extra to compete for this weekend. The Top Fuel team earned a spot in the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge by making it past the quarterfinals in Arizona. Pruett will have a rematch against semifinal opponent Kalitta during Saturday qualifying. “I am in my element when I’m competing and the more I can be in that element, the better. No simulator in the world can give you the experience that something like the Tortilla Tussle (aka the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge) does,” Pruett said. “I’ve always thought the #2Fast2Tasty challenge was neat. It gives fans a chance to see competition on Saturday and if you couldn’t put down great qualifying on Friday, it still gets you the chance to qualify at the back of your class in the session. There’s the added value of the bonus championship points and a bit of a cash bonus for the guys. So, it’s a win all the way around to be in it.” On the Funny Car side, Matt Hagan and his JHG team will also compete in the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Hagan raced to a semifinal finish in Arizona. He’ll get the chance to redeem himself against 2025 Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde for a chance at the bonus points and cash prize. “The Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, racing within a race, is always great. I think it gives you an opportunity to get your adrenaline up and get out there and recreate what could happen on Sunday,” said Hagan who took home the overall Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge trophy at the end of the regular season last year. “Competition is competition, I don’t care whether we’re racing lawn mowers or racing fuel Funny Cars. You just want to see the win light come on and know that you did a better job than the person beside you. It’s another accomplishment and Mission Foods have done a great job putting money back in our guys’ pockets and give them something to be motivated about. I want to thank Mission Foods for continuing this program, continuing the money and continuing to give out the trophies and accolades that come along with it.” Hagan finished second in the 2025 NHRA championship points battle after winning what would be the final race of the season in Las Vegas due to a rain out at the NHRA Finals. He’s kicked off the 2026 season with a No. 5 qualifying position and quarterfinal exit in Gainesville, Florida and a No. 4 qualifying effort and semifinal finish in Arizona, putting him fifth heading into race three of 20. “Momentum is everything. We ended 2025 really strong. We didn’t get the chance to compete in Pomona at the Finals I really thought we had something to really contend for the championship, and we just had it pulled out from underneath our feet,” Hagan said. “But we’re still right there. Qualifying well, winning rounds. And you know, Pomona has been good to me. It’s one of the racetracks where we’ve had a lot of wins, been crowned champion there multiple times. Long story short, track record is good there.” Hagan is the winningest active Funny Car driver at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip with seven victories at the facility, second overall only to legend John Force who has 17. At no track has Hagan raced in more final rounds; at the Winternationals alone Hagan has made seven final round appearances with a total of four wins (2023, 2018, 2017, 2015). “We have a lot of momentum and things are going well so I’m excited to get out to Pomona and put on a show for these fans. I think that’s the biggest thing that we forget sometimes when we get so caught up in the winning and the glory and all the all the other things that come along with it,” Hagan said. “You have to remember you have to put on a great show because without our fans we don’t get to do this. A great show sells tickets and a great side-by-side drag race sells tickets and that’s what we’re looking forward to doing out there this weekend.” Competition at the NHRA Winternantionals at In-N-Out Pomona Drag Strip begins with four rounds of qualifying Friday at 1:30 and 4 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Eliminations are slated for Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will air on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) beginning Sunday with a qualifying show at 11:30 a.m. ET and a Finals show at 6:30 p.m. ET. The post Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan Riding Momentum Heading into Pomona first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Camrie Caruso Motorsports is proud to announce that Allen Johnson, one of the most accomplished and respected names in NHRA Pro Stock history, will take the wheel of the Green Genie Mountain Motor Pro Stock Car as Camrie Caruso steps away from driving duties for the 2026 season to focus on starting a family. While Caruso will be away from the driver’s seat this season, she plans to remain involved with the team and is expected to return to competition next season. Johnson, a celebrated NHRA Pro Stock veteran, is best known as the 2012 NHRA Pro Stock World Champion and a seven-time winner of the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, earning him the title “King of the Mountain.” Following a decorated 22-year career with Mopar, Johnson retired from full-time Pro Stock competition in 2017, but his impact on the sport has continued. In 2023, he made headlines once again in Factory X, becoming the first member of the Jesel 200 MPH Club. This special opportunity also marks a reunion of one of drag racing’s most respected championship combinations. Jim Yates, who worked alongside Johnson during his NHRA Pro Stock championship run, will once again be calling the shots as tuner, while Adrian Long continues as car chief. “This wasn’t an easy decision, but family comes first,” said Camrie Caruso. “I’m stepping away for this season to focus on starting a family, but I fully plan to be back behind the wheel next season. In the meantime, I can’t think of anyone better than Allen Johnson to drive this car. His experience, talent, and success speak for themselves, and having Jim Yates and Allen back together again with Adrian Long as car chief makes this really special. It truly feels like we’ve got the band back together.” The Green Genie Mountain Motor Pro Stock entry will hit the track backed by an outstanding group of partners, including Green Genie, CDL Training Academy, Woods Creek Coffee, VP Racing Fuels, The HubSaver, and Iconic Apparel. “We’re proud to continue pushing forward with our program and representing all of the incredible partners who support us,” Caruso added. “This team has worked hard to build something special, and I’m excited to watch it continue this season, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the partners who stand by us season after season.” With Johnson’s championship pedigree, Yates’ proven tuning expertise, and a strong team behind the scenes, Camrie Caruso Motorsports is ready to make a statement with the Green Genie Mountain Motor Pro Stock program. This story was originally published on April 9, 2026. The post Allen Johnson to Drive Green Genie Mountain Motor Pro Stock Car for Camrie Caruso Motorsports first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

What Drivers Need to Know Right NowSeveral fires are burning across southern Florida, and the Florida Highway Patrol is actively monitoring I-75 for smoke. The most pressing threat for drivers is in Collier County, where the Hilux Fire is burning in Big Cypress National Preserve just north of I-75 and east of State Road 29. The fire, which ignited April 3 near Bear Island Campground, grew to 511 acres with zero percent containment as of this past weekend. According to the National Interagency Fire Center's April 8 situation report, the Hilux Fire is still showing moderate fire behavior with numerous structures threatened. Firefighters have 75 crew members on scene with four fire engines, five swamp buggies, nine utility terrain vehicles, one air tanker helicopter, two light helicopters, and two water tenders. The Collier County Sheriff's Office ordered evacuations at Bear Island, Gator Head, and Pink Jeep campgrounds. An area closure is in effect for all land north of I-75, west of Bundschu Grade, south of the Big Cypress boundary, and east of SR 29. A Temporary Flight Restriction is also in place over the fire area. The Hilux Fire is burning in the same corner of Big Cypress where the 35,027-acre "National Fire" burned from late February through mid-March. That blaze shut down Alligator Alley multiple times, including a full closure between Exit 80 (SR 29) in Collier County and Exit 23 (US 27) in Broward County. NWS Miami issued warnings that smoke combining with overnight fog could produce near-zero visibility, and several hundred people were evacuated from the surrounding area. Kristen Brown Other recent I-75 smoke events: April 2: An 80-acre brush fire near the Charlotte-Lee County line sent thick smoke across I-75 near mile marker 150, forcing a northbound lane closure during the afternoon rush.March: A wildfire in Columbia County affected visibility near mile marker 425 on I-75, with FHP setting up periodic detours at exits 423 and 427.February-March: The National Fire in Big Cypress triggered multiple I-75/Alligator Alley closures, Dense Smoke Advisories, and air quality alerts for Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Smoke drifted as far as Miami Beach.Beyond I-75, the Sargent Fire on the Florida-Georgia border burned roughly 2,700 acres with overnight road closures on Georgia Highway 94 / Florida Highway 2 due to smoke and fog. That fire reached 50 percent containment as of April 6, though the highway remains on an overnight closure schedule (closed 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.). Today, the NWS Weather Prediction Center flags critical fire weather concerns for the Florida panhandle and southeastern Georgia, and South Carolina has issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert effective this morning. Key corridors to watch: I-75 (Alligator Alley), mile markers 65-85, Collier County: Hilux Fire burning nearby; FHP monitoring. History of repeated shutdowns since February.SR 29 and US 41, Collier County: Direct smoke impacts from the Hilux Fire.I-75 near mile marker 150, Charlotte County: Site of April 2 smoke-related lane closure.I-75 / US 441 near Florida-Georgia border, Baker and Columbia counties: Sargent Fire area; overnight closures still in effect.Check the Florida 511 travel information system and the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map before departing. Conditions can change rapidly, especially overnight and in early morning hours when smoke settles. How to Drive Safely Through Wildfire SmokeDriving through wildfire smoke requires a different approach than driving in rain or fog. Smoke can shift direction suddenly, pool in low-lying areas, and drop from light haze to near-zero visibility in seconds. Florida Highway Patrol has repeatedly issued guidance to drivers this season, and the core advice applies every time conditions deteriorate. Use low-beam headlights, not high beams. High beams reflect off smoke particles and reduce your visibility further, the same way they behave in fog. Low beams light the road ahead without the blinding reflection. FHP specifically calls this out in every smoke advisory. Switch your ventilation to recirculate mode. This prevents outside air, and the fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke, from being pulled into your cabin through the fresh air intake. Most vehicles have a recirculate button on the climate controls, usually marked with an icon showing air circling inside the car. Keep the AC running to maintain positive cabin pressure. Increase your following distance significantly. Smoke density can change without warning, especially near terrain changes and in low-lying areas where it tends to collect. Florida's flat topography means smoke can blanket an entire stretch of highway with very little warning. The Ultimate Road Trip Gear Guide If you're planning a long-distance drive through Florida this spring, packing an emergency kit is essential. Our road trip gear guide covers the basics. When Will Conditions Improve?Not soon. Florida's Agriculture Commissioner has been blunt about the timeline: "The busiest part of the fire season is April, May, and June." The state's dry season typically doesn't end until late May or early June, when a pattern of daily afternoon thunderstorms establishes itself. For drivers making regular trips on I-75 through Southwest Florida, the best strategy is to assume smoke is possible on any trip and plan accordingly. Bookmark the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map and the Florida 511 system for real-time road conditions. View the full article

For years, American farmers couldn't fix their own tractors without going through a John Deere authorized dealer. The company had allegedly withheld diagnostic software, specialized tools, and repair manuals. Plaintiffs argued this "software lock" allowed Deere and its dealers to charge inflated prices. Now, after a four-year legal fight, Deere has agreed to pay $99 million to settle a class action lawsuit accusing it of monopolizing repair services. The fund covers farmers who paid authorized dealers for large equipment repairs going back to January 2018. This Isn't Just a Farming ProblemThe same dynamic is playing out in driveways across America. A viral complaint from a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N owner reignited the debate last year, with the driver alleging the company had blocked owners from performing basic brake work through software locks, proprietary tools, and corporate policies. Brake jobs, once the most basic of DIY tasks, are now gated behind dealer-only systems on some modern vehicles. As cars evolve into rolling computers, manufacturers have quietly accumulated enormous control over what happens after the point of sale. Hyundai Right to Repair Is Now a Courtroom BattlegroundFor John Deere specifically, the FTC has a separate active lawsuit seeking to force the company to give farmers and independent repair shops access to its fully functional Service Advisor repair tool — the same kind of access dealers have always had. The legal pressure is building across industries. The automotive, agricultural, and home appliance sectors are all watching closely, knowing that any court ruling formally condemning these practices could set a precedent with sweeping implications. Meanwhile, lawmakers in 16 states have introduced right-to-repair bills this year, with advocates suggesting some may impose even stricter requirements than the current settlement. For consumers, the bigger fight of who really owns a product after it’s paid for is only just getting started. View the full article

A Sign of the TimesIs the era of the simple car coming to an end, or is pushing the boundaries of software development the new normal? Either way, cars are relying more and more on programming, and there's no stopping that train whether we like it or not. BMW is well aware of this, to the point that BMW's development chief had declared that vehicle design is defined more by software than hardware. "In the past, platforms were largely defined by body styles and engine layouts. Today, digital functions and software are at the core of everything we do," said Joachim Post in an interview with Automobilwoche (via Automotive News). BMW Group China is Reshaping the IndustryWhile there is still a degree of skepticism, there's no denying that China has forced legacy automakers to rethink how cars are designed. The country is the world's biggest market, and everyone wants a slice of the big pie. Chinese automakers have prioritized software development, and their home market has accepted that as the norm. Anything that isn't up to par with homegrown products is quickly relegated to the back of the pie. That's why BMW is further doubling down on tech. Adapting software to local markets has become key to success in China, highlighting how quickly and flexibly manufacturers have to be to make an impact in that market. So far, BMW is keeping pace, as Automotive News reported that 'more than 70 percent of BMW's infotainment software is already tailored to local requirements.' The thing is, legacy automakers have to be way ahead of the curve if they want to stay competitive. Zeekr Neue Klasse is a Response to the Tech RevolutionThe iX3 and the recently unveiled i3 will be key to strengthening BMW's technology push in the coming years. At the center of all of this is the 'Heart of Joy,' a centralized control unit that combines powertrain, drivetrain, braking, and energy management into a single package. In theory, it reduces the need to add multiple electronic control units, streamlining and simplifying manufacturing while speeding up processing via the car's 'superbrain.' Of course, building the said 'superbrain' requires significant investment, and BMW has done so by employing thousands of software engineers worldwide. Per Automotive News, over 10,000 of those are currently working on the company's in-house cloud-based platform dubbed Codecraft. At the same time, BMW will continuously improve and enhance its current technologies and make them available to customers via over-the-air updates. There will be challenges, of course, as Post explained that delivering over-the-air updates reliably is a 'major hurdle.' "It's not that simple. Stability in series production is a real challenge - but that's exactly what we're good at," said the executive. Of course, BMW needs to sell a good number of its Neue Klasse models to push forward with its plans. But with the iX3 receiving a good amount of orders in Europe, the folks from Munich might just be able to achieve that. BMW View the full article

Elite Motorsports, one of the most dynamic teams in NHRA Drag Racing, brings its seven-car camp to the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Drag Strip, race three of 20 on the 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series schedule. After five years, Jeg Coughlin Jr., a six-time world champion and future Hall of Famer, is back in the familiar yellow and gold of JEGS, the company his family started, cultivated and still actively promote. With two races under his belt in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, Jeg Jr., the 69-time Pro Stock national event winner sits eighth in points after a semifinal finish at the sweltering NHRA Arizona Nationals. “On to Pomona! I love Pomona and Southern California, and it looks like we’ll be treated with some cooler temperatures after the scorcher we had in Phoenix. Whatever the weather brings, we’ll be ready to make some laps,” Jeg Jr. said. “I’ve had a lot of success at Pomona. I think one of the headlines after, fortunately, one of my many wins there was ‘Jeggy’s Love Affair with Pomona.’ And really, it’s been just that.” Jeg Jr. has taken home the Wally at Pomona Dragstrip in Pro Stock eight times, fourth most in the category and second most of any active Pro Stock drivers. He has wins at the NHRA Winternationals in 2020, 2000 and 1999. He also won the additional 50th Anniversary Nationals event contested in 2001. “I’ve gotten the chance to be in the winner’s circle for the Winternationals and the fall Finals, I’ve won championships at Pomona and raced in the sportsman series. It’s just an exciting place to be,” Jeg Jr. said. “With LAX right up the road, we have fans from Australia, Hawaii and all over the United States. All there to cheer on NHRA Drag Racing. It feels like a reunion every time we come out to Pomona with all the fans I’ve met over the years. So, I’m excited to get back behind the wheel and see if we can make some more noise.” In addition to regular competition in the NHRA Winternationals, Jeg Jr. and teammate Greg Stanfield, driver of the Janac Brothers Racing Pro Stock entry, will also compete in the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge during Saturday qualifying. For championship bonus points and a cash prize, each will have a rematch against their NHRA Arizona Nationals semifinal opponents in the first qualifying session of the day before a winner is crowned during the final qualifying session. Jeg Jr. will face nephew Cody Coughlin while G. Stanfield will race reigning world champion Dallas Glenn. With his semifinal appearance in Arizona, G. Stanfield enters the weekend sixth in points as he looks for his third professional win at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. His first victory came during the 2000 NHRA Finals in the no longer contested Pro Stock Truck category while his first Pro Stock victory came in the fall of 2011. Both years he was also runner-up at the Winternationals. Six-time world champion and winningest female in motorsports history Erica Enders and her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage / Melling Performance / R+L Carriers team lead Elite Motorsports in the Pro Stock points standings. After a semifinal finish and quarterfinal exit to start the season, the two-time In-N-Out Burger Pomona Drag Strip winner sits fifth, a vast improvement from the 12th-place the team was in this time last year. Enders most recently won the Winternationals in 2022. In Top Fuel, motorsports icon Tony Stewart and the R+L Carriers team are holding their own sitting sixth in the points after two consistent weekends. In his first season under the Elite Motorsports banner, Stewart has qualified fifth and had quarterfinal exits at both the NHRA Gatornationals and Arizona Nationals. Stewart, who broke through for his first Top Fuel win in the spring of 2025, is looking to make it to the finals of the Winternationals for the second consecutive year. He came up short to Clay Millican last season. Aaron Stanfield and his JHG / Melling / Janac Brothers team are no strangers to success at Pomona Dragstrip. A. Stanfield most recently picked up victory at the historical venue during the fall NHRA Finals in 2023. The versatile driver had a Winternationals victory at the venue in 2021 against six-time champion Greg Anderson and came up short to teammate Enders at the same event in 2022. Troy Coughlin Jr. racing the reverse black and yellow midnight version of the JEGS Pro Stock car is looking for his first final round appearance at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. While clear performance progress has been made, the five-time Pro Stock winner currently sits 14th in points after a pair of first round exits to start the season. Also searching for not only his first taste of victory in Southern California but in the professional Pro Stock class is Stephen Bell in his 1320 LLC Pro Stock entry. Bell, who will race at least 10 events this season with Elite Motorsports, is 15th in points after qualifying 14th and exiting in the first round at the Gatornationals and Arizona Nationals. Competition at the NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Pomona Drag Strip begins with four rounds of qualifying Friday at 1:30 and 4 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Eliminations are slated for Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will air on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) beginning Sunday with a qualifying show at 11:30 a.m. ET and a Finals show at 6:30 p.m. ET. The post Elite Motorsports Looking for Continued Success at NHRA Winternationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Tyler Reddick continues to lead the championship standings, 82 points ahead of Ryan Blaney. After taking a weekend off for Easter, the NASCAR Cup Series is back for Round 8 at Bristol Motor Speedway. They will be joined by the Craftsman Truck Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. In this story, you can find all the information you need to watch this weekend's action in Bristol, from the ...Keep readingView the full article

A Familiar Name, a Very Different FutureThe Volkswagen Touareg has always been a bit of an outlier in the brand’s lineup. It never tried to be flashy or chase a premium badge, but it quietly shared a lot with the Audi Q7. Same bones, less attention. Over time, the Touareg earned a reputation for doing things its own way. It came with some of Volkswagen’s most unusual engines – V10 TDI and W12 – yet it could handle rough roads and long highway drives without fuss. It towed well, cruised comfortably, and never felt out of place. That run is over. Volkswagen confirmed last year that the Touareg is retiring after more than twenty years, quietly closing the book on one of the brand’s more ambitious projects. But the story might not be finished yet. There’s talk of a comeback, though the next Touareg could be very different from the one enthusiasts know. Volkswagen An Electric Flagship in DisguiseAccording to Autocar, Volkswagen is looking at a new flagship SUV to fill the space left by the Touareg. Sales boss Martin Sander told the publication that the outgoing model wasn’t a big seller, but it did serve a certain kind of customer Volkswagen wants to keep. Those customers, as described by Sanders, "are very down-to-earth people who are affluent." Someone who wants space, quality, and presence, but doesn’t necessarily want to show up in something like a Porsche Macan. It’s a niche that sits between traditional mass-market and premium brands. If it happens, the replacement will still be a large SUV, but this time fully electric. It’s being considered as part of Volkswagen’s next batch of EVs, likely after the ID. Golf, and would use the new SSP platform. Like before, it could share tech with Audi and Porsche. The idea isn’t to make a flashy luxury SUV, but something that quietly does the job at the top of the range. Volkswagen A Touareg in Spirit, Not in FormThere’s still room for a vehicle like this. Budget EVs are improving, and premium brands keep moving upmarket, but there aren’t many options for buyers who want something in between – especially if they prefer their luxury on the quiet side. A new Touareg could slot right into that gap. It doesn’t need big engines now, but it does need to feel just as capable and effortless as before. Quiet performance, good range, and a premium feel – without the extra flash. The real question is what it will feel like. Without the old engines and with a new look, the next Touareg might just be a familiar name on a very different SUV. That isn’t a bad thing, but it does mean expectations will change. If Volkswagen gets the mix right, this could turn out to be one of its more interesting EVs. And if the Rivian partnership shapes the software and platform, there’s a real chance for something worth a closer look. It might not be the Touareg fans remember, but at least the idea isn’t gone for good. Volkswagen View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The John Scotti Canadian Championship Series is pleased to announce that the Quick 32 Sportsman Series will return to the NHRA National Open double-headers at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario. The events are set for Victoria Day Weekend, May 15-17, and Labour Day Weekend, September 4-6, 2026. “Bruce Mehlenbacher’s Quick 32 Sportsman Series (Top Dragster and Top Sportsman) draw a great group of Canadian and American teams. We want those teams,” said John Scotti. “They’re second to none, all first-class teams, and great competitors. It is natural to include them again for the advancement of the Canadian Series.” The event features two full days of qualifying and eliminations on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a Test & Tune session on Friday. “The Quick 32 Sportsman Series is looking forward to working with everyone at Toronto Motorsports Park, NHRA’s Glenn Grow and the NHRA John Scotti Canadian Championship Series Motorsports Park,” said Bruce Mehlenbacher of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series. “The teams are excited to be included in the event and to return to Toronto Motorsports Park.” The event will feature classes such as the Quick 32 Sportsman Series (Top Dragster and Top Sportsman), Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series, Nostalgia Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, and Junior Dragster. Competitors can earn NHRA grade points, which help determine their eligibility for major NHRA events and give them a chance to win a Wally, the most prestigious trophy in drag racing. The post NHRA Welcomes Quick 32 Sportsman Series Back to John Scotti Championship Series first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan are swinging for the fences at Pomona. The TSR teammates are ready to start their 2026 title runs.View the full article