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Ahead of the 67th running of the Coca-Cola 600, an incredibly emotional moment unfolded on the grid for NASCAR's longest race. Just days removed from the tragic death of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, his family arrived at the track to mourn with the rest of the garage. His brother and fellow Cup Series champion Kurt Busch was there, walking along with their parents, Tom and Gaye. Kyle's widow ...Keep readingView the full article

Mini’s Designer-Themed Cooper Arrives in AmericaAfter debuting at last year’s Japan Mobility Show, Mini Paul Smith Edition is now officially available in the US, following Mini’s earlier confirmation. The American launch took place at the Paul Smith Melrose store in Los Angeles, which makes sense for a car that’s as much about fashion as it is about British motoring. This isn’t the first time Mini and Sir Paul Smith have teamed up – their partnership goes back almost three decades. Some might remember the limited-edition classic Mini from the late ‘90s, the bright anniversary concepts, or the pared-down Mini Strip from five years ago. For 2026, the Paul Smith Edition keeps things familiar, using Smith’s “classic with a twist” style on the current Cooper lineup instead of starting from scratch. So if you’ve been waiting for this stylish Mini to show up in America, now’s your chance. Just be ready for a price that might give you pause. Mini What Exactly Do You Get?You can get the Paul Smith Edition on the Mini Cooper 2-Door, 4-Door, or Convertible. The look is more about small details than flashy colors. There’s a choice of Statement Grey, Inspired White, or Midnight Black Metallic, with Nottingham Green accents on the mirrors, grille, wheel hubs, and optional roof graphics – a nod to Paul Smith’s hometown. It also comes with unique 18-inch Night Flash Spoke Black wheels. Inside, there are Nightshade Blue sport seats in Vescin, a knitted dashboard, Paul Smith’s signature stripe on the steering wheel, and special display themes for the round infotainment screen. There’s also a handwritten “Hello” projected onto the pavement when you open the door, a rabbit graphic on the floor mat, and “Every day is a new beginning” etched into the door sill. Mini And Then There’s The PricingThe Paul Smith Edition is only available on gas-powered Cooper models with the Iconic Trim package, so you’re already looking at a higher starting price before adding the special edition. In the US, the Paul Smith package itself costs another $1,400, but you need to add the $4,100 Iconic Trim first. So a base Cooper 2-Door jumps from $29,500 to $35,000, and a Cooper S Convertible comes in at $43,400 before destination and fees. For what’s mainly a styling and exclusivity package, that’s a big step up. But then, designer collaborations are almost never cheap. Pre-orders start June 3, and cars should reach dealers in early August. Mini View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Mini’s Designer-Themed Cooper Arrives in AmericaAfter debuting at last year’s Japan Mobility Show, Mini Paul Smith Edition is now officially available in the US, following Mini’s earlier confirmation. The American launch took place at the Paul Smith Melrose store in Los Angeles, which makes sense for a car that’s as much about fashion as it is about British motoring. This isn’t the first time Mini and Sir Paul Smith have teamed up – their partnership goes back almost three decades. Some might remember the limited-edition classic Mini from the late ‘90s, the bright anniversary concepts, or the pared-down Mini Strip from five years ago. For 2026, the Paul Smith Edition keeps things familiar, using Smith’s “classic with a twist” style on the current Cooper lineup instead of starting from scratch. So if you’ve been waiting for this stylish Mini to show up in America, now’s your chance. Just be ready for a price that might give you pause. Mini What Exactly Do You Get?You can get the Paul Smith Edition on the Mini Cooper 2-Door, 4-Door, or Convertible. The look is more about small details than flashy colors. There’s a choice of Statement Grey, Inspired White, or Midnight Black Metallic, with Nottingham Green accents on the mirrors, grille, wheel hubs, and optional roof graphics – a nod to Paul Smith’s hometown. It also comes with unique 18-inch Night Flash Spoke Black wheels. Inside, there are Nightshade Blue sport seats in Vescin, a knitted dashboard, Paul Smith’s signature stripe on the steering wheel, and special display themes for the round infotainment screen. There’s also a handwritten “Hello” projected onto the pavement when you open the door, a rabbit graphic on the floor mat, and “Every day is a new beginning” etched into the door sill. Mini And Then There’s The PricingThe Paul Smith Edition is only available on gas-powered Cooper models with the Iconic Trim package, so you’re already looking at a higher starting price before adding the special edition. In the US, the Paul Smith package itself costs another $1,400, but you need to add the $4,100 Iconic Trim first. So a base Cooper 2-Door jumps from $29,500 to $35,000, and a Cooper S Convertible comes in at $43,400 before destination and fees. For what’s mainly a styling and exclusivity package, that’s a big step up. But then, designer collaborations are almost never cheap. Pre-orders start June 3, and cars should reach dealers in early August. Mini View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Service Lane Is ChangingIt's no secret that some car owners prefer skipping their dealer in favor of aftermarket shops for service, often due to lower costs. A study from Ducker Carlisle backs that up, showing that quick lube shops performed better than dealerships from 2024 to 2025, as dealers lost more ground on both transactions and revenue. But despite the preference for aftermarket shops, the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) Study showed that car owners still trust dealers more when it comes to maintaining peak vehicle performance and handling complex repairs. That is despite aftermarket providers consistently performing well in fixing issues correctly the first time. Customers Still Feel Wary At DealershipsThis behavior is perhaps interesting, given that car owners know dealerships may provide more thorough service, yet still choose aftermarket shops to save money. It highlights areas dealers may need to address to win customers back, including transparency, which remains a common reason some owners avoid dealerships. Many believe service advisors may push additional repairs or maintenance beyond what is necessary to boost profits. That’s something not usually associated with aftermarket service shops, especially dedicated service centers like quick lube shops, which primarily focus on oil changes. One common reason car owners bring their vehicles to dealerships is to take advantage of complimentary maintenance programs, with brands like Toyota offering coverage for up to two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that period ends, many owners tend to switch to aftermarket service shops for lower costs. Trust Alone Is Not EnoughThe study could be interpreted as a sign that dealerships need to do better, as owners’ awareness of higher-quality service is not enough on its own. Affordability is becoming a broader issue across the car industry, with the average new-vehicle transaction price reaching around $50,000, so owners will inevitably look for ways to save money. Another finding from the study focused on which aftermarket service shops most satisfied owners. Based on responses from 10,572 vehicle owners surveyed from January to March 2026, Goodyear Auto Service ranked highest in the full-service maintenance and repair category, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers led quick oil changes, and Meineke Car Care Centers topped tire replacement. Getty View the full article

The Service Lane Is ChangingIt's no secret that some car owners prefer skipping their dealer in favor of aftermarket shops for service, often due to lower costs. A study from Ducker Carlisle backs that up, showing that quick lube shops performed better than dealerships from 2024 to 2025, as dealers lost more ground on both transactions and revenue. But despite the preference for aftermarket shops, the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) Study showed that car owners still trust dealers more when it comes to maintaining peak vehicle performance and handling complex repairs. That is despite aftermarket providers consistently performing well in fixing issues correctly the first time. Customers Still Feel Wary At DealershipsThis behavior is perhaps interesting, given that car owners know dealerships may provide more thorough service, yet still choose aftermarket shops to save money. It highlights areas dealers may need to address to win customers back, including transparency, which remains a common reason some owners avoid dealerships. Many believe service advisors may push additional repairs or maintenance beyond what is necessary to boost profits. That’s something not usually associated with aftermarket service shops, especially dedicated service centers like quick lube shops, which primarily focus on oil changes. One common reason car owners bring their vehicles to dealerships is to take advantage of complimentary maintenance programs, with brands like Toyota offering coverage for up to two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that period ends, many owners tend to switch to aftermarket service shops for lower costs. Trust Alone Is Not EnoughThe study could be interpreted as a sign that dealerships need to do better, as owners’ awareness of higher-quality service is not enough on its own. Affordability is becoming a broader issue across the car industry, with the average new-vehicle transaction price reaching around $50,000, so owners will inevitably look for ways to save money. Another finding from the study focused on which aftermarket service shops most satisfied owners. Based on responses from 10,572 vehicle owners surveyed from January to March 2026, Goodyear Auto Service ranked highest in the full-service maintenance and repair category, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers led quick oil changes, and Meineke Car Care Centers topped tire replacement. Getty View the full article

More Exciting Ferraris Ahead?Judging by the number of trademark filings Ferrari applied for, it seems that the Italian automaker is going to be very busy in the next couple of years. First spotted by CarBuzz, the folks from Maranello recently filed 10 trademark applications, and these names might make their way onto real cars soon. What to expect? Some classic names appear, along with an expanded F80 range, and possibly more hardcore models. Whether those names will be used remains up in the air, but one can say that Ferrari is definitely up to something. Ferrari The Possible F80 Extended FamilyThe F80 is currently Ferrari's top hypercar, and if the company is sticking to tradition, there could be several more versions of it down the line. Per the documents, Ferrari is trying to register the names F80 Targa and F80 Roadster, hinting that the company is, at the very least, considering a topless version of its flagship. It appears that Ferrari is also toying with the idea of a rebodied F80 as the names F80 MM and F80 MM Aperta suggest, the latter possibly being an open-top model. Again, these filings don't necessarily mean that these cars will be a reality, but it's interesting to see that we could see different versions of the hypercar. Ferrari Hardcore ModelsCarBuzz also unearthed the names F80XX and FXX80, floating the idea of an F80 in line with the previous track-only specials, the FXX based on the Enzo and FXX-K based on the LaFerrari. This one might have a good chance of happening, and at least Ferrari has the option to choose between two names once it's time to build it. Also seen were the names 296 Challenge Stradale and 296 CS. This is much closer to reality, as spy shots of winged 296 cars have been published a couple of times already. That model didn't have an official name, but the recent trademark filing might as well confirm it. A more focused version of the 12Cilindri might also be on the cards. Ferrari would also like to register 12Cilindri GTO, and once approved, it gives the brand the option to call its hardcore V12 grand tourer that name should it decide to build it. The last time the Prancing Horse applied that suffix was in the 599, and it might be a good time to bring it back. Derek Cornelissen/Instagram A New Hypercar Coming?Among all the names that were filed, it's the FX100 and/or FX-100 that caught our attention. At the moment, we have the F80 and SF90, so the FX100/FX-100 might be something truly special. It's unknown what it could be as it's just a name suggestion, but we reckon there are two possibilities. The first one is that it could be yet another hypercar. The thing is, Ferrari takes about a decade to roll out a halo model. If you take a look at the years between the F40, F50, Enzo, LaFerrari, and F80, you'll spot the pattern. It might be too soon for another limited-run flagship, which leads us to the second possible use for the name. The name could be used for a race car, whether for Formula 1 or endurance racing. Ferrari will be celebrating its 100th year in motorsport in 2029, and it does make sense to use it for the company's racing program. Either way, Ferrari is guarding that name as early as now for good measure. James Moy Photography/Getty Images View the full article

More Exciting Ferraris Ahead?Judging by the number of trademark filings Ferrari applied for, it seems that the Italian automaker is going to be very busy in the next couple of years. First spotted by CarBuzz, the folks from Maranello recently filed 10 trademark applications, and these names might make their way onto real cars soon. What to expect? Some classic names appear, along with an expanded F80 range, and possibly more hardcore models. Whether those names will be used remains up in the air, but one can say that Ferrari is definitely up to something. Ferrari The Possible F80 Extended FamilyThe F80 is currently Ferrari's top hypercar, and if the company is sticking to tradition, there could be several more versions of it down the line. Per the documents, Ferrari is trying to register the names F80 Targa and F80 Roadster, hinting that the company is, at the very least, considering a topless version of its flagship. It appears that Ferrari is also toying with the idea of a rebodied F80 as the names F80 MM and F80 MM Aperta suggest, the latter possibly being an open-top model. Again, these filings don't necessarily mean that these cars will be a reality, but it's interesting to see that we could see different versions of the hypercar. Ferrari Hardcore ModelsCarBuzz also unearthed the names F80XX and FXX80, floating the idea of an F80 in line with the previous track-only specials, the FXX based on the Enzo and FXX-K based on the LaFerrari. This one might have a good chance of happening, and at least Ferrari has the option to choose between two names once it's time to build it. Also seen were the names 296 Challenge Stradale and 296 CS. This is much closer to reality, as spy shots of winged 296 cars have been published a couple of times already. That model didn't have an official name, but the recent trademark filing might as well confirm it. A more focused version of the 12Cilindri might also be on the cards. Ferrari would also like to register 12Cilindri GTO, and once approved, it gives the brand the option to call its hardcore V12 grand tourer that name should it decide to build it. The last time the Prancing Horse applied that suffix was in the 599, and it might be a good time to bring it back. Derek Cornelissen/Instagram A New Hypercar Coming?Among all the names that were filed, it's the FX100 and/or FX-100 that caught our attention. At the moment, we have the F80 and SF90, so the FX100/FX-100 might be something truly special. It's unknown what it could be as it's just a name suggestion, but we reckon there are two possibilities. The first one is that it could be yet another hypercar. The thing is, Ferrari takes about a decade to roll out a halo model. If you take a look at the years between the F40, F50, Enzo, LaFerrari, and F80, you'll spot the pattern. It might be too soon for another limited-run flagship, which leads us to the second possible use for the name. The name could be used for a race car, whether for Formula 1 or endurance racing. Ferrari will be celebrating its 100th year in motorsport in 2029, and it does make sense to use it for the company's racing program. Either way, Ferrari is guarding that name as early as now for good measure. James Moy Photography/Getty Images View the full article

The TeslaCybertruck looks unlike anything else on the road, so you don’t have to put in much effort to stand out in a sea of (mostly) bland-looking cars. But some people feel the need to make the Cybertruck look even more striking, and that’s where companies like Unplugged Performance come in. The aftermarket specialist has expanded its Tesla Cybertruck Upgrade Package lineup under the Up Invincible program with new products that improve the electric truck’s capability, stance, protection, lighting, and utility. The new packages are designed for the most affordable Cybertruck trim—the $70,000 Dual Motor All-Wheel-Drive—and target customers who want to upgrade their Cybertrucks for daily driving, off-road use, overlanding, utility, and to use as full expedition builds. Expedition-Ready And Armor Packages Unplugged Performance For example, the UP Invincible Expedition package combines protection, lighting, storage, and accessibility into a single expedition-ready build. The package includes a front bumper, bull bar, carbon fiber hood system, underbody armor, HD rock sliders, HD rear bumper with integrated side steps, rear swing arms with Molle panels, side sail Molle rack set, HD roof rack, and a 50-inch double-row high-output LED light bar. All these upgrades are bolt-on, fully reversible and engineered around Tesla’s multitude of factory cameras, sensors and UI. The complete Expedition Package is priced at $18,544.50. Unplugged Performance For buyers who want to enhance the stainless-steel truck's protection, the UP Invincible heavy-duty exterior armor packages replace vulnerable factory touchpoints with purpose-built protection designed for real-world use. Those who want a proven armor build can opt for the Heavy-Duty Base Protection Kit ($9,787.50) and Utility and Protection Package ($13,918.50) that offer rear savings over buying components individually. The "Pretty F'n Bright Light Package" Is Insane When it comes to upgrading the Cybertruck’s lighting package, Unplugged Performance offers a trail and utility illumination kit called Pretty F’n Bright Light Package ($6,984). The kit bundles UP’s most powerful LED systems (we’re not sure how other road users will feel about that at night) into a single install. Designed to integrate with the Cybertruck’s factory 48-volt architecture, the setup is said to cover near-field, mid-field, and long-range lighting for pretty much any driving scenario. Moving on, UP offers a Pursuit Package ($900) aimed at sharpening handling, improving control and building confidence on-road or off-road. Since the base Tesla Cybertruck does not have the same premium air suspension system found on higher-tier models, the Pursuit Package Stage 1 ($900) adds a 3-way adjustable rear sway bar with high-performance street and off-road brake pads to sharpen body control and fade resistance. Stage 2 adds brake rotors and additional suspension tuning, while Stage 3 delivers a complete chassis overhaul for owners who want to make the most of their Cybertruck on-road or off. A Wide Range Of 20-, 22-, And 24-Inch Wheel And Tire Packages Unplugged Performance Finally, Unplugged Performance offers a series of UP Forged wheel and tire combinations across 20-inch, 22-inch, and 24-inch fitments in multiple designs. A set of four wheels starts at $3,195. For off-road and overlanding, the UP-03 Beadlock Wheel and Tire Package is designed for serious terrain, ensuring maximum grip and trail resilience. Unplugged Performance For street and daily use, the Cybrhex (22 or 24 inches), Cybrspoke and Cybrnova packages offer bold looks, while for efficiency and durability, Unplugged Performance recommends the UP Forged UP-RW and UP.Fit Forged PD packages that are optimized for daily driving and maximizing range. All Unplugged Performance packages are available to order online and ship worldwide, with professional installation available at UP Technical Centers in Hawthorne, CA and Fremont, CA, or through its global network of authorized installers. Unplugged Performance View the full article

The TeslaCybertruck looks unlike anything else on the road, so you don’t have to put in much effort to stand out in a sea of (mostly) bland-looking cars. But some people feel the need to make the Cybertruck look even more striking, and that’s where companies like Unplugged Performance come in. The aftermarket specialist has expanded its Tesla Cybertruck Upgrade Package lineup under the Up Invincible program with new products that improve the electric truck’s capability, stance, protection, lighting, and utility. The new packages are designed for the most affordable Cybertruck trim—the $70,000 Dual Motor All-Wheel-Drive—and target customers who want to upgrade their Cybertrucks for daily driving, off-road use, overlanding, utility, and to use as full expedition builds. Expedition-Ready And Armor Packages Unplugged Performance For example, the UP Invincible Expedition package combines protection, lighting, storage, and accessibility into a single expedition-ready build. The package includes a front bumper, bull bar, carbon fiber hood system, underbody armor, HD rock sliders, HD rear bumper with integrated side steps, rear swing arms with Molle panels, side sail Molle rack set, HD roof rack, and a 50-inch double-row high-output LED light bar. All these upgrades are bolt-on, fully reversible and engineered around Tesla’s multitude of factory cameras, sensors and UI. The complete Expedition Package is priced at $18,544.50. Unplugged Performance For buyers who want to enhance the stainless-steel truck's protection, the UP Invincible heavy-duty exterior armor packages replace vulnerable factory touchpoints with purpose-built protection designed for real-world use. Those who want a proven armor build can opt for the Heavy-Duty Base Protection Kit ($9,787.50) and Utility and Protection Package ($13,918.50) that offer rear savings over buying components individually. The "Pretty F'n Bright Light Package" Is Insane When it comes to upgrading the Cybertruck’s lighting package, Unplugged Performance offers a trail and utility illumination kit called Pretty F’n Bright Light Package ($6,984). The kit bundles UP’s most powerful LED systems (we’re not sure how other road users will feel about that at night) into a single install. Designed to integrate with the Cybertruck’s factory 48-volt architecture, the setup is said to cover near-field, mid-field, and long-range lighting for pretty much any driving scenario. Moving on, UP offers a Pursuit Package ($900) aimed at sharpening handling, improving control and building confidence on-road or off-road. Since the base Tesla Cybertruck does not have the same premium air suspension system found on higher-tier models, the Pursuit Package Stage 1 ($900) adds a 3-way adjustable rear sway bar with high-performance street and off-road brake pads to sharpen body control and fade resistance. Stage 2 adds brake rotors and additional suspension tuning, while Stage 3 delivers a complete chassis overhaul for owners who want to make the most of their Cybertruck on-road or off. A Wide Range Of 20-, 22-, And 24-Inch Wheel And Tire Packages Unplugged Performance Finally, Unplugged Performance offers a series of UP Forged wheel and tire combinations across 20-inch, 22-inch, and 24-inch fitments in multiple designs. A set of four wheels starts at $3,195. For off-road and overlanding, the UP-03 Beadlock Wheel and Tire Package is designed for serious terrain, ensuring maximum grip and trail resilience. Unplugged Performance For street and daily use, the Cybrhex (22 or 24 inches), Cybrspoke and Cybrnova packages offer bold looks, while for efficiency and durability, Unplugged Performance recommends the UP Forged UP-RW and UP.Fit Forged PD packages that are optimized for daily driving and maximizing range. All Unplugged Performance packages are available to order online and ship worldwide, with professional installation available at UP Technical Centers in Hawthorne, CA and Fremont, CA, or through its global network of authorized installers. Unplugged Performance View the full article

The Clock Is TickingProduction of the 2026 model-year Buick Envision is reportedly set to end on August 28, according to GM Authority. The MY2026 model could be the final iteration of the current generation, as plans for MY2027 remain unclear, with a next-generation model expected in 2028. This development could be useful for buyers who may want to check out remaining inventory, possibly with aggressive discounts, or wait until the next-generation model arrives. What makes the latter more interesting is that it will reportedly be built at GM’s Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas, rather than in China, where the current Envision is produced under the SAIC-GM partnership. That would spare the model from import tariffs and give GM more pricing flexibility. Buick Buick’s Compact Crossover BetThe Envision is a critical model in Buick’s lineup, given that it competes in the compact crossover market, a lucrative segment in the U.S. It is where top-selling models like the Toyota RAV4 compete, though the Envision occupies somewhat of a middle-ground position, as it is more premium than mainstream compact crossovers but not quite in the same luxury territory as models like the BMW X3. As such, it will be interesting to see how the next-generation model fares, especially once it is no longer subject to import tariffs. It is worth noting, however, that whether GM keeps the “Envision” badge remains to be seen. For buyers who do not want to wait, the report stated there were around 16,000 Envision units either in stock or in transit, equal to roughly 330 days of supply, so discounts and incentives could help move remaining inventory. There Is Still Metal To MoveThe 2026 Envision starts at $41,000 before destination fees and rises to $50,700 for the top-spec Avenir trim. A 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and 9-speed automatic transmission come standard across the range, while the Avenir adds exclusive features such as 20-inch Pearl Nickel-finished wheels, ventilated seats, and premium Ebony upholstery. Aside from its planned production relocation to the U.S., not much is known about the next-generation Buick compact crossover. Still, that shift alone could help Buick reinforce its American identity while supporting more domestic manufacturing jobs. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Clock Is TickingProduction of the 2026 model-year Buick Envision is reportedly set to end on August 28, according to GM Authority. The MY2026 model could be the final iteration of the current generation, as plans for MY2027 remain unclear, with a next-generation model expected in 2028. This development could be useful for buyers who may want to check out remaining inventory, possibly with aggressive discounts, or wait until the next-generation model arrives. What makes the latter more interesting is that it will reportedly be built at GM’s Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas, rather than in China, where the current Envision is produced under the SAIC-GM partnership. That would spare the model from import tariffs and give GM more pricing flexibility. Buick Buick’s Compact Crossover BetThe Envision is a critical model in Buick’s lineup, given that it competes in the compact crossover market, a lucrative segment in the U.S. It is where top-selling models like the Toyota RAV4 compete, though the Envision occupies somewhat of a middle-ground position, as it is more premium than mainstream compact crossovers but not quite in the same luxury territory as models like the BMW X3. As such, it will be interesting to see how the next-generation model fares, especially once it is no longer subject to import tariffs. It is worth noting, however, that whether GM keeps the “Envision” badge remains to be seen. For buyers who do not want to wait, the report stated there were around 16,000 Envision units either in stock or in transit, equal to roughly 330 days of supply, so discounts and incentives could help move remaining inventory. There Is Still Metal To MoveThe 2026 Envision starts at $41,000 before destination fees and rises to $50,700 for the top-spec Avenir trim. A 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and 9-speed automatic transmission come standard across the range, while the Avenir adds exclusive features such as 20-inch Pearl Nickel-finished wheels, ventilated seats, and premium Ebony upholstery. Aside from its planned production relocation to the U.S., not much is known about the next-generation Buick compact crossover. Still, that shift alone could help Buick reinforce its American identity while supporting more domestic manufacturing jobs. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Mirrors Are Still One of Driving’s Most Important Safety ToolsSide mirrors have come a long way. Beyond the usual glass, blind-spot warnings have been added, along with heating, auto-dimming, and even cameras. Some brands, like Lexus, have toyed with the idea of swapping traditional mirrors for cameras that display a live feed on small screens inside. US regulations still block this tech for now, but drivers in other countries are already using it. General Motors appears to be thinking one step beyond fixed digital mirrors. The automaker appears to be considering developing an adaptive digital rear-view mirror. First spotted by GM Authority, the patent was submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office (look it up yourself using patent no. 20260124990) and published earlier this month. USPTO A Side Mirror That Changes With YouGM’s patent sounds like any other digital mirror at first glance. Most camera-based mirrors just show a live video feed, like a TV screen. The image stays put unless you move the camera or adjust the display yourself. GM’s idea, however, works differently. The system tracks your head position, eye movement, and even what’s happening around the car. It then picks the most useful part of a wide camera view to show you. Instead of making you work around blind spots, the display adapts to you as you drive. In real-world use, the display could change its focus depending on where you look. If you lean to check traffic or turn your head for a lane change, the image moves to show more of that area. The patent diagrams break the camera view into sections, and the system selects the section you need based on your head and eye movements. Unlike today’s digital mirrors, this setup acts more like a smart assistant than a simple screen. USPTO View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A Smart Idea, But Still Just an IdeaOn paper, GM’s adaptive mirror could make blind spots less of a problem, especially as cars rely more on sensors and cameras. It might also help drivers stay aware of traffic around them without having to lean or make big movements to see past obstacles. Then again, the idea does raise some concerns. Some drivers might like a mirror that follows their eyes, but others may want the predictability of a regular mirror or a fixed digital view. Whether the shifting image will feel natural on the road is something only real-world testing can answer. Then again, as always, a patent doesn’t mean this will show up in showrooms. Automakers file ideas all the time, and many never make it past the drawing board. For now, GM’s adaptive side mirror is just a glimpse at future tech – no matter how problematic it is for us as users. USPTO View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Mirrors Are Still One of Driving’s Most Important Safety ToolsSide mirrors have come a long way. Beyond the usual glass, blind-spot warnings have been added, along with heating, auto-dimming, and even cameras. Some brands, like Lexus, have toyed with the idea of swapping traditional mirrors for cameras that display a live feed on small screens inside. US regulations still block this tech for now, but drivers in other countries are already using it. General Motors appears to be thinking one step beyond fixed digital mirrors. The automaker appears to be considering developing an adaptive digital rear-view mirror. First spotted by GM Authority, the patent was submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office (look it up yourself using patent no. 20260124990) and published earlier this month. USPTO A Side Mirror That Changes With YouGM’s patent sounds like any other digital mirror at first glance. Most camera-based mirrors just show a live video feed, like a TV screen. The image stays put unless you move the camera or adjust the display yourself. GM’s idea, however, works differently. The system tracks your head position, eye movement, and even what’s happening around the car. It then picks the most useful part of a wide camera view to show you. Instead of making you work around blind spots, the display adapts to you as you drive. In real-world use, the display could change its focus depending on where you look. If you lean to check traffic or turn your head for a lane change, the image moves to show more of that area. The patent diagrams break the camera view into sections, and the system selects the section you need based on your head and eye movements. Unlike today’s digital mirrors, this setup acts more like a smart assistant than a simple screen. USPTO View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A Smart Idea, But Still Just an IdeaOn paper, GM’s adaptive mirror could make blind spots less of a problem, especially as cars rely more on sensors and cameras. It might also help drivers stay aware of traffic around them without having to lean or make big movements to see past obstacles. Then again, the idea does raise some concerns. Some drivers might like a mirror that follows their eyes, but others may want the predictability of a regular mirror or a fixed digital view. Whether the shifting image will feel natural on the road is something only real-world testing can answer. Then again, as always, a patent doesn’t mean this will show up in showrooms. Automakers file ideas all the time, and many never make it past the drawing board. For now, GM’s adaptive side mirror is just a glimpse at future tech – no matter how problematic it is for us as users. USPTO View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Cupra’s Next Big SwingA report from Autocar shows that Cupra, one of the brands under Volkswagen Group, is planning to enter the premium compact crossover segment with the Tindaya. That is the same space where models like the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 compete, a category that typically serves as a major volume driver for automakers. Cupra has plans to enter the U.S. market, though that has reportedly been delayed. Even if the Tindaya itself is not confirmed for America, its expected use of Volkswagen Group’s new Scalable Systems Platform, or SSP, could still indirectly influence future Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche EVs built on the same architecture. It will be interesting to see Cupra’s take on the platform, especially since SSP has also been delayed as Volkswagen works to refine it to ensure its next-gen models are more competitive, though it may have contributed to the group falling behind in the EV race. Seat-Cupra The Platform Meant To Power VW’s Next EraAudi will be the first Volkswagen Group brand to use SSP, though the debut model remains unclear. Porsche is next in line, with Cupra eventually benefiting from the architecture. The Tindaya could use a fully electric powertrain instead of the 489-horsepower range-extender setup seen in the concept, though the platform has reportedly been engineered to accommodate powertrains with a combustion element as demand shifts. If Cupra retained a range-extender setup, the Tindaya could be a good fit for the U.S. market, as this type of powertrain can help reduce anxiety during long interstate trips, where EV infrastructure may still be lacking. That could explain why brands like Ram and Ford are shifting some of their all-electric truck programs toward EREVs instead. Seat-Cupra Flexibility Is The New StrategyIf there is one thing the EV market has taught automakers, it is that doubling down on an entirely new powertrain can be risky, with Porsche taking a $3.5 billion EV-related hit last year. As such, the report stated that Cupra wants to stay flexible, with Seat-Cupra CEO Markus Haupt saying: “But which powertrains will we have in the end? It’s a decision we have not taken now, and we want to stay flexible as long as possible, because when the car hits the streets, we need to ensure that it has the right powertrains for our markets, for our customers.” Despite targeting the BMW iX3 with the Tindaya, Cupra says it plans to retain its sporty ethos rather than go mainstream. That could make the Tindaya one of Volkswagen Group’s more aggressive-looking electrified crossovers yet, with the model forming part of the company’s push for a 3% global market share by 2030. Seat-Cupra View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Cupra’s Next Big SwingA report from Autocar shows that Cupra, one of the brands under Volkswagen Group, is planning to enter the premium compact crossover segment with the Tindaya. That is the same space where models like the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 compete, a category that typically serves as a major volume driver for automakers. Cupra has plans to enter the U.S. market, though that has reportedly been delayed. Even if the Tindaya itself is not confirmed for America, its expected use of Volkswagen Group’s new Scalable Systems Platform, or SSP, could still indirectly influence future Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche EVs built on the same architecture. It will be interesting to see Cupra’s take on the platform, especially since SSP has also been delayed as Volkswagen works to refine it to ensure its next-gen models are more competitive, though it may have contributed to the group falling behind in the EV race. Seat-Cupra The Platform Meant To Power VW’s Next EraAudi will be the first Volkswagen Group brand to use SSP, though the debut model remains unclear. Porsche is next in line, with Cupra eventually benefiting from the architecture. The Tindaya could use a fully electric powertrain instead of the 489-horsepower range-extender setup seen in the concept, though the platform has reportedly been engineered to accommodate powertrains with a combustion element as demand shifts. If Cupra retained a range-extender setup, the Tindaya could be a good fit for the U.S. market, as this type of powertrain can help reduce anxiety during long interstate trips, where EV infrastructure may still be lacking. That could explain why brands like Ram and Ford are shifting some of their all-electric truck programs toward EREVs instead. Seat-Cupra Flexibility Is The New StrategyIf there is one thing the EV market has taught automakers, it is that doubling down on an entirely new powertrain can be risky, with Porsche taking a $3.5 billion EV-related hit last year. As such, the report stated that Cupra wants to stay flexible, with Seat-Cupra CEO Markus Haupt saying: “But which powertrains will we have in the end? It’s a decision we have not taken now, and we want to stay flexible as long as possible, because when the car hits the streets, we need to ensure that it has the right powertrains for our markets, for our customers.” Despite targeting the BMW iX3 with the Tindaya, Cupra says it plans to retain its sporty ethos rather than go mainstream. That could make the Tindaya one of Volkswagen Group’s more aggressive-looking electrified crossovers yet, with the model forming part of the company’s push for a 3% global market share by 2030. Seat-Cupra View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article