Street News Anchor

Proper InformationThe operation of a motor vehicle is simple enough; if you've gone through the lessons and passed the exams, you are regarded as a legal driver. Things change when you consider the other factors that go into using a car; we assume that the manufacturer will provide all the relevant information on how to use the car properly, which we follow. If certain information is wrong or missing, no matter how small the "omission," it might still cause unwanted issues or accidents. Tesla's Model Y has just been issued a recall for what seems like a minor issue, but it could lead to bigger problems. Tesla Missing Weight LabelA safety recall report has just been issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the report, 14,575 Tesla Model Y units are missing a certification label required to comply with 49 CFR. The missing label is listed as part number 567. Part 567 is a safety certification label affixed to the driver-side door pillar, indicating that the vehicle complies with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. 2 sets of production Model Y's are affected by the recall, 2,697 units built between Nov 17, 2024, and Feb 24, 2025, and 11,878 units built during the period of Feb 25, 2025, to Apr 21, 2026. The report specifically highlights the concern that "the absence of a certification label with weight specifications may lead to customers overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash." Voluntary RecallThe fault was uncovered during a routine internal audit by the brand, back in April of 2026. Upon further investigation, they discovered that the automated vision-scanning tool verifying the presence of the certification label was performing inconsistently. They spent the following month investigating whether the issue also applied to cars made at Tesla's Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. After subsequent investigations, Tesla determined that non-compliance existed and issued its own voluntary recall. The good news is, as of May 13, 2026, no injuries or accidents have been linked to this specific issue. Tesla View the full article

The Business Of Reimagined 911sPorsche 911 restomods have become so prolific that they seem to have a subculture of their own. Companies like Singer Vehicle Design and Gunther Werks are among the most renowned players in the segment, where some builds can sell for seven-figure sums. Pogea Racing, a German tuner, has brought its own interpretation of the 964-generation 911 with the PR964. Unlike Singer’s posh, heritage-focused approach, the PR964 appears boldly athletic, featuring a carbon-fiber body and an available 4.0-liter twin-turbo setup with up to 500 horsepower. @pogearacing/Instagram A 964 With Modern FlairThe carbon-fiber bodywork features a 992.2 GT3-style front bumper and widened fenders inspired by the 911 Turbo line. Inside, the layout can be configured by the owner, though the launch vehicle had a black cabin with white and red accents, modern sport seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and carbon-fiber inserts, among others. Pogea Racing offers three powertrain options, starting with a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated engine, which could appeal to those seeking a more predictable and, to some, more emotionally engaging driving feel compared to a turbocharged setup. For buyers wanting forced induction, there is also a 3.6-liter turbocharged engine producing around 400 horsepower, along with the aforementioned 500-horsepower twin-turbo mill. That is not as dramatic as the 840-horsepower twin-turbo flat-six in Gunther Werks’ recent 911 Speedster build, but the carbon body and other performance upgrades should still make it far from tame. Some of these performance upgrades include adjustable KW Clubsport coilovers and larger carbon-ceramic brakes. @pogearacing/Instagram More Aftermarket Than HeritagePogea Racing has not disclosed pricing, though given the extensive modifications, it would not be surprising if the PR964 costs a lot. Some may argue that this is just another reworked 911, but a closer look shows that builders often interpret the platform differently. Singer tends to treat the 911 as a handcrafted luxury object, while Gunther Werks leans into track-focused upgrades. The PR964, meanwhile, comes across as a tuner-heavy street machine. However, Pogea Racing is not solely focused on the 911. In fact, its first restomod was a Chevrolet C1 Corvette fitted with a GM LS3 V8, delivering around 433 horsepower. Other notable vehicles the company has worked on include the Alfa Romeo 4C and Ferrari 488 GTB. @pogearacing/Instagram View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Business Of Reimagined 911sPorsche 911 restomods have become so prolific that they seem to have a subculture of their own. Companies like Singer Vehicle Design and Gunther Werks are among the most renowned players in the segment, where some builds can sell for seven-figure sums. Pogea Racing, a German tuner, has brought its own interpretation of the 964-generation 911 with the PR964. Unlike Singer’s posh, heritage-focused approach, the PR964 appears boldly athletic, featuring a carbon-fiber body and an available 4.0-liter twin-turbo setup with up to 500 horsepower. @pogearacing/Instagram A 964 With Modern FlairThe carbon-fiber bodywork features a 992.2 GT3-style front bumper and widened fenders inspired by the 911 Turbo line. Inside, the layout can be configured by the owner, though the launch vehicle had a black cabin with white and red accents, modern sport seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and carbon-fiber inserts, among others. Pogea Racing offers three powertrain options, starting with a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated engine, which could appeal to those seeking a more predictable and, to some, more emotionally engaging driving feel compared to a turbocharged setup. For buyers wanting forced induction, there is also a 3.6-liter turbocharged engine producing around 400 horsepower, along with the aforementioned 500-horsepower twin-turbo mill. That is not as dramatic as the 840-horsepower twin-turbo flat-six in Gunther Werks’ recent 911 Speedster build, but the carbon body and other performance upgrades should still make it far from tame. Some of these performance upgrades include adjustable KW Clubsport coilovers and larger carbon-ceramic brakes. @pogearacing/Instagram More Aftermarket Than HeritagePogea Racing has not disclosed pricing, though given the extensive modifications, it would not be surprising if the PR964 costs a lot. Some may argue that this is just another reworked 911, but a closer look shows that builders often interpret the platform differently. Singer tends to treat the 911 as a handcrafted luxury object, while Gunther Werks leans into track-focused upgrades. The PR964, meanwhile, comes across as a tuner-heavy street machine. However, Pogea Racing is not solely focused on the 911. In fact, its first restomod was a Chevrolet C1 Corvette fitted with a GM LS3 V8, delivering around 433 horsepower. Other notable vehicles the company has worked on include the Alfa Romeo 4C and Ferrari 488 GTB. @pogearacing/Instagram View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

In 1986, the same year BMW launched the original E30 M3, someone inside the company had a radical idea. Take a convertible, gut the rear end, fit a load bed, and put it to work on the factory floor. That is exactly what happened. For 26 years, this one-of-a-kind pickup moved parts and equipment around BMW's facilities without anyone outside the company knowing it existed. BMW didn't retire it until 2012. It was only revealed to the public in 2016, and this year, with the M3 turning 40, BMW has brought the E30 M3 pickup out to the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como to finally give it the spotlight it never had. BMW From Detuned Workhorse to Proper M3According to BMW Blog, the choice to use a convertible as the donor car was deliberate. The cabriolet body already had additional structural reinforcement built in, which made it better suited for the stress of pickup duty than a standard coupe or saloon. BMW also stripped the distinctive flared wheel arches, leaving the truck with a narrower, more purposeful stance. When it was first built, the truck didn't run the M3's high-revving engine at all. It started life with a detuned 2.0-litre four-cylinder making 192 horsepower. At some point during its working life, BMW swapped in the proper 2.3-litre S14 unit from the road car, a naturally aspirated engine that produced around 200 horsepower in standard form and has since become one of the most celebrated engines in motorsport history. BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Ultimate Limited Edition E30The E30 M3 was never short on special editions. BMW produced the Sport Evolution with 238 horsepower, a lightweight Cecotto edition, and the Roberto Ravaglia edition to commemorate his 1987 touring car title. Standard E30 M3s average around $72,000, with Sport Evolutions pushing well past that. BMW One-off factory vehicles with documented provenance sit in a different category entirely. Given this truck's combination of M3 underpinnings, its unique body conversion carried out by the factory itself, and nearly three decades of factory service history, a conservative estimate for what it would fetch at auction starts around $1 million, if BMW even decided to part ways with it. View the full article

In 1986, the same year BMW launched the original E30 M3, someone inside the company had a radical idea. Take a convertible, gut the rear end, fit a load bed, and put it to work on the factory floor. That is exactly what happened. For 26 years, this one-of-a-kind pickup moved parts and equipment around BMW's facilities without anyone outside the company knowing it existed. BMW didn't retire it until 2012. It was only revealed to the public in 2016, and this year, with the M3 turning 40, BMW has brought the E30 M3 pickup out to the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como to finally give it the spotlight it never had. BMW From Detuned Workhorse to Proper M3According to BMW Blog, the choice to use a convertible as the donor car was deliberate. The cabriolet body already had additional structural reinforcement built in, which made it better suited for the stress of pickup duty than a standard coupe or saloon. BMW also stripped the distinctive flared wheel arches, leaving the truck with a narrower, more purposeful stance. When it was first built, the truck didn't run the M3's high-revving engine at all. It started life with a detuned 2.0-litre four-cylinder making 192 horsepower. At some point during its working life, BMW swapped in the proper 2.3-litre S14 unit from the road car, a naturally aspirated engine that produced around 200 horsepower in standard form and has since become one of the most celebrated engines in motorsport history. BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Ultimate Limited Edition E30The E30 M3 was never short on special editions. BMW produced the Sport Evolution with 238 horsepower, a lightweight Cecotto edition, and the Roberto Ravaglia edition to commemorate his 1987 touring car title. Standard E30 M3s average around $72,000, with Sport Evolutions pushing well past that. BMW One-off factory vehicles with documented provenance sit in a different category entirely. Given this truck's combination of M3 underpinnings, its unique body conversion carried out by the factory itself, and nearly three decades of factory service history, a conservative estimate for what it would fetch at auction starts around $1 million, if BMW even decided to part ways with it. View the full article

Stellantis believes offering a V8 engine is still critical in the pickup market, even if relatively few buyers actually choose one. According to CEO Antonio Filosa, nearly half of truck buyers will not even consider a brand unless a V8 sits somewhere on the options list. His comments help explain why the Hemi V8 returned to the Ram 1500 so quickly after being dropped from the lineup, as well as the new Rumble Bee's existence. Buyers Still Want A V8 Option Stellantis Speaking to The Drive in Detroit, Filosa said around 40% of pickup buyers refuse to consider a truck brand that does not offer a V8 engine. According to him, many customers simply want to know the option exists, even if they end up choosing something else. That thinking now forms part of Stellantis’ “Freedom of Choice” strategy in the United States. After emissions regulations became less restrictive, the company moved quickly to bring the Hemi V8 back to Ram’s full-size pickup range in under a year. Other automakers have learned similar lessons. Mercedes-Benz faced heavy criticism after replacing V8-powered AMG 63 models with four-cylinder hybrid powertrains, eventually leading the brand to confirm the V8’s return in some applications after customer backlash. Efficiency Is Irrelevant Stellantis Filosa’s comments also reveal why Ram received the revived Hemi before Dodge. Despite the turbocharged Hurricane six-cylinder engine outperforming the Hemi V8, many pickup buyers still prefer the V8 engines as they associate them with power and character. The V8's return forms part of Stellantis's $70 billion investment to introduce 60 new models, with Jeep, Ram, and Dodge at the helm. Other than that, Ram is reportedly preparing a smaller pickup aimed directly at the Ford Maverick. Rival automaker General Motors is also said to be investing $1.3 billion to build the next-generation small-block V8 for future pickup trucks. EVs Are Still Part Of The Plan Jeep Despite the renewed focus on V8 engines, Filosa stressed that Stellantis is not abandoning electrification. He confirmed the fully electric Jeep Recon will launch before a gasoline-powered version arrives around 12 to 18 months later. He also noted that Stellantis could quickly expand its EV operations in North America using technology and platforms already developed in Europe. The company is also reportedly working on an affordable electric city car expected to cost around $17,500. For now, though, Stellantis seems convinced that keeping the V8 alive remains essential, even if many truck buyers never actually tick the box. View the full article

Stellantis believes offering a V8 engine is still critical in the pickup market, even if relatively few buyers actually choose one. According to CEO Antonio Filosa, nearly half of truck buyers will not even consider a brand unless a V8 sits somewhere on the options list. His comments help explain why the Hemi V8 returned to the Ram 1500 so quickly after being dropped from the lineup, as well as the new Rumble Bee's existence. Buyers Still Want A V8 Option Stellantis Speaking to The Drive in Detroit, Filosa said around 40% of pickup buyers refuse to consider a truck brand that does not offer a V8 engine. According to him, many customers simply want to know the option exists, even if they end up choosing something else. That thinking now forms part of Stellantis’ “Freedom of Choice” strategy in the United States. After emissions regulations became less restrictive, the company moved quickly to bring the Hemi V8 back to Ram’s full-size pickup range in under a year. Other automakers have learned similar lessons. Mercedes-Benz faced heavy criticism after replacing V8-powered AMG 63 models with four-cylinder hybrid powertrains, eventually leading the brand to confirm the V8’s return in some applications after customer backlash. Efficiency Is Irrelevant Stellantis Filosa’s comments also reveal why Ram received the revived Hemi before Dodge. Despite the turbocharged Hurricane six-cylinder engine outperforming the Hemi V8, many pickup buyers still prefer the V8 engines as they associate them with power and character. The V8's return forms part of Stellantis's $70 billion investment to introduce 60 new models, with Jeep, Ram, and Dodge at the helm. Other than that, Ram is reportedly preparing a smaller pickup aimed directly at the Ford Maverick. Rival automaker General Motors is also said to be investing $1.3 billion to build the next-generation small-block V8 for future pickup trucks. EVs Are Still Part Of The Plan Jeep Despite the renewed focus on V8 engines, Filosa stressed that Stellantis is not abandoning electrification. He confirmed the fully electric Jeep Recon will launch before a gasoline-powered version arrives around 12 to 18 months later. He also noted that Stellantis could quickly expand its EV operations in North America using technology and platforms already developed in Europe. The company is also reportedly working on an affordable electric city car expected to cost around $17,500. For now, though, Stellantis seems convinced that keeping the V8 alive remains essential, even if many truck buyers never actually tick the box. View the full article

Regulation MattersThe automotive industry as a whole is competitive, but it's even more cutthroat at the dealership and showroom levels. Each brand dealership is doing its best to stay competitive, which sometimes leads to employing "shady" business tactics. In most cases, these sometimes illegal practices are passed on to unsuspecting customers and buyers. After all, car buying is a complicated and tedious task; more often than not, we, the buyers, just want to get it over and done with. Thankfully, we have the watchdogs keeping track of these things for us. Getty Images False AdvertisingAccording to Automotive News, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been vocal about its ongoing efforts to monitor and police dealerships nationwide. In the report, the FTC said it sent 97 warning letters to dealerships outlining what they consider to be illegal pricing practices under the FTC Act. These letters are merely a means of showing these dealerships that the FTC is watching and has no enforcement action yet. The director of the FTC's Consumer Protection Division, Christopher Mufarrige, says the agency is concerned that certain dealerships are advertising prices that are much lower than what they are actually required to pay. Mufarrige also pointed out that not only are the customers directly affected, but other dealerships as well. He notes that these law-abiding dealerships will not be able to properly compete with the erring ones. The FTC highlighted six practices that caught their attention. The first is that the advertised prices exclude mandatory fees or add-ons, promoting discounts that aren't available to most buyers, conditioning advertised pricing on dealer financing, and requiring extra purchasing not reflected in the ads. Other red flags include not disclosing required down payments and, surprisingly, advertising models that are unavailable or nonexistent. Genesis Everyone Else, Watch OutAccording to compliance attorneys interviewed, despite not receiving any letters from the FTC, they should review their advertising materials to ensure they don't include anything related to the abovementioned issue that the FTC looks out for. This encompasses everything within the dealership, not just print ads but also social media materials, and might even include what the salespeople say to the customers. Getty View the full article

Regulation MattersThe automotive industry as a whole is competitive, but it's even more cutthroat at the dealership and showroom levels. Each brand dealership is doing its best to stay competitive, which sometimes leads to employing "shady" business tactics. In most cases, these sometimes illegal practices are passed on to unsuspecting customers and buyers. After all, car buying is a complicated and tedious task; more often than not, we, the buyers, just want to get it over and done with. Thankfully, we have the watchdogs keeping track of these things for us. Getty Images False AdvertisingAccording to Automotive News, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been vocal about its ongoing efforts to monitor and police dealerships nationwide. In the report, the FTC said it sent 97 warning letters to dealerships outlining what they consider to be illegal pricing practices under the FTC Act. These letters are merely a means of showing these dealerships that the FTC is watching and has no enforcement action yet. The director of the FTC's Consumer Protection Division, Christopher Mufarrige, says the agency is concerned that certain dealerships are advertising prices that are much lower than what they are actually required to pay. Mufarrige also pointed out that not only are the customers directly affected, but other dealerships as well. He notes that these law-abiding dealerships will not be able to properly compete with the erring ones. The FTC highlighted six practices that caught their attention. The first is that the advertised prices exclude mandatory fees or add-ons, promoting discounts that aren't available to most buyers, conditioning advertised pricing on dealer financing, and requiring extra purchasing not reflected in the ads. Other red flags include not disclosing required down payments and, surprisingly, advertising models that are unavailable or nonexistent. Genesis Everyone Else, Watch OutAccording to compliance attorneys interviewed, despite not receiving any letters from the FTC, they should review their advertising materials to ensure they don't include anything related to the abovementioned issue that the FTC looks out for. This encompasses everything within the dealership, not just print ads but also social media materials, and might even include what the salespeople say to the customers. Getty View the full article

If you thought the high-octane horsepower wars died with the discontinuation of the standard Hemi V8, Stellantis has a massive, 392-cubic-inch surprise waiting in the wings. Rumor has it that Jeep has cooked up a Frankenstein-style mashup of its greatest Easter Jeep Safari design concepts, and the result is nothing short of glorious: the Jeep Wrangler Scrambler SRT. According to reports detailing a recent Stellantis presentation, head of American brands Tim Kuniskis teased a 3D-printed buck of a wild, high-performance special edition. Part rugged truck, part nostalgic beach cruiser, and part track-inspired monster, this rumored V8 Jeep Scrambler aims to be the ultimate statement piece for off-road enthusiasts when it enters production around 2030. Stellantis Retro Styling is Making a ComebackThe upcoming Jeep Scrambler SRT is reportedly built on a Gladiator-based platform, with design cues from the retro Convoy and Wrangler Anvil 715 concepts. It features a forward-canted "shark nose" front end, square headlights, and a hood intake. Aggressive exterior styling aside, it's the open-air layout that will truly turn heads. Like an old-school K5 Blazer, the Scrambler features a completely removable rear hardtop paired with traditional Wrangler front "Freedom Panels". Even wilder? The interior features a four-seat configuration with elongated doors for easier access, and a second row capable of rotating into backward-facing rear seats. Stellantis What’s Under the Skin of the New Jeep Scrambler?While official powertrain specs remain under wraps, the "SRT" badge implies serious muscle. Jeep insiders suggest it will likely inherit the legendary 6.4-liter Hemi V8 392 engine, especially since Kuniskis confirmed that a V8 is finally headed to the standard Gladiator lineup. The biggest mechanical mystery lies in the suspension. Engineering teams are reportedly pushing for a radical shift to an independent front suspension (IFS)—and potentially an independent rear suspension (IRS)—to handle high-speed desert running. While abandoning the traditional live front axle might make solid-axle rock crawling purists nervous, it signals that Jeep is gunning directly for high-speed desert runners like the Ford Bronco Raptor. Jeep If you’ve been waiting for a factory-built, V8-powered open-air truck that breaks every rule in the book, the Jeep Wrangler Scrambler SRT might just be worth the wait. Stay tuned to Autoblog as more production details emerge. View the full article

If you thought the high-octane horsepower wars died with the discontinuation of the standard Hemi V8, Stellantis has a massive, 392-cubic-inch surprise waiting in the wings. Rumor has it that Jeep has cooked up a Frankenstein-style mashup of its greatest Easter Jeep Safari design concepts, and the result is nothing short of glorious: the Jeep Wrangler Scrambler SRT. According to reports detailing a recent Stellantis presentation, head of American brands Tim Kuniskis teased a 3D-printed buck of a wild, high-performance special edition. Part rugged truck, part nostalgic beach cruiser, and part track-inspired monster, this rumored V8 Jeep Scrambler aims to be the ultimate statement piece for off-road enthusiasts when it enters production around 2030. Stellantis Retro Styling is Making a ComebackThe upcoming Jeep Scrambler SRT is reportedly built on a Gladiator-based platform, with design cues from the retro Convoy and Wrangler Anvil 715 concepts. It features a forward-canted "shark nose" front end, square headlights, and a hood intake. Aggressive exterior styling aside, it's the open-air layout that will truly turn heads. Like an old-school K5 Blazer, the Scrambler features a completely removable rear hardtop paired with traditional Wrangler front "Freedom Panels". Even wilder? The interior features a four-seat configuration with elongated doors for easier access, and a second row capable of rotating into backward-facing rear seats. Stellantis What’s Under the Skin of the New Jeep Scrambler?While official powertrain specs remain under wraps, the "SRT" badge implies serious muscle. Jeep insiders suggest it will likely inherit the legendary 6.4-liter Hemi V8 392 engine, especially since Kuniskis confirmed that a V8 is finally headed to the standard Gladiator lineup. The biggest mechanical mystery lies in the suspension. Engineering teams are reportedly pushing for a radical shift to an independent front suspension (IFS)—and potentially an independent rear suspension (IRS)—to handle high-speed desert running. While abandoning the traditional live front axle might make solid-axle rock crawling purists nervous, it signals that Jeep is gunning directly for high-speed desert runners like the Ford Bronco Raptor. Jeep If you’ve been waiting for a factory-built, V8-powered open-air truck that breaks every rule in the book, the Jeep Wrangler Scrambler SRT might just be worth the wait. Stay tuned to Autoblog as more production details emerge. View the full article

Development of a Legend Back in the 90s, Bugatti's future was up in the air. In 1998, the Volkswagen Group bought the brand and started an ambitious project that would change the course of automotive history. At the time, it was a huge gamble for the brand. Luckily for Bugatti, it had the resources to back it up. After the Veyron launched in 2005, automotive history changed forever. A production car with 1,001 horsepower, 16 cylinders, four turbos, but with a full interior and luxuries to boot. It was a runaway hit. It was the fastest production car at the time, one of the hypercars that defined its era, and a milestone that put Bugatti back on the map. Bugatti The 5.1 You don't get up to 250 miles per hour without getting through the rest of the speedometer first. The 5.1 Chassis was created to validate the engineering vision of Bugatti's best and brightest. This isn't the Veyron as we know it today; this was the origin of the legend. One of the six pre-series examples emerged recently at the Cororso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2026, in Lake Como, Italy. Designed by Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piech, his team faced the monumental task of conquering the land speed record for a production car and ushering in the new era of hypercars. Meanwhile, Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, the man behind bringing the Veyron into series production, aimed to contain the massive W16 powerplant's output with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Containing that much power and gear speed would prove daunting, but not impossible, as history has shown. The 5.1 underwent testing on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Nevada, but not for the record-breaking attempt. Instead of chasing speed, the team first chased high-speed stability and durability across an endless horizon on a loose surface. Chassis 5.1 also underwent top-speed testing on its own, serving as the test bed that achieved speeds over 250 miles per hour, a speed where things stop making sense and start getting into the unimaginable. Everything had to be special in order for this car to achieve that speed safely. Bugatti famously had special tires made, created a special maintenance process, and developed specialized parts to bring this high-speed production model to market. Bugatti History as We Know it The Veyron's public debut validated the success of Chassis 5.1 and all its testing. It was, in fact, the exact unit that was used to debut the Veyron to the world, first taking the stage in Sicily. Over time, Chassis 5.1 went from a development unit to a full-blown promotional model and an ambassador for the brand across the globe. It would make itself known at prestigious events across the world. You could say that it not only shaped the Veyron's form but also helped craft its legend, feats that Bugatti and its fans never forgot about. Chassis 5.1 itself evolved. By 2008, after the model's success, Bugatti installed all the updated parts from the production model into Chassis 5.1. By this time, it had gone from a pre-sales prototype and global brand ambassador to a full customer-ready product vehicle with authenticated production parts. Bugatti An Artifact of Automotive History This is the car that changed the course of automotive history forever, the exact car that did it. It's not a production model; it's what helped the production model achieve what it did back then. With the help of La Maison Pur Sang, documentation and certification for this historic piece have been authenticated and attached to the car's chassis. Its complete history includes archival documents, technical records, photographs, service history, and physical inspections. The car's extremely prestigious pedigree made it a shoo-in for the display at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026 in Italy, where it was shown alongside the EB110 as a living historical piece that changed the course of hypercars forever. Without it, we wouldn't have the Chiron, and one could argue that Koenigsegg and Rimac wouldn't be where they are today. Bugatti View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Development of a Legend Back in the 90s, Bugatti's future was up in the air. In 1998, the Volkswagen Group bought the brand and started an ambitious project that would change the course of automotive history. At the time, it was a huge gamble for the brand. Luckily for Bugatti, it had the resources to back it up. After the Veyron launched in 2005, automotive history changed forever. A production car with 1,001 horsepower, 16 cylinders, four turbos, but with a full interior and luxuries to boot. It was a runaway hit. It was the fastest production car at the time, one of the hypercars that defined its era, and a milestone that put Bugatti back on the map. Bugatti The 5.1 You don't get up to 250 miles per hour without getting through the rest of the speedometer first. The 5.1 Chassis was created to validate the engineering vision of Bugatti's best and brightest. This isn't the Veyron as we know it today; this was the origin of the legend. One of the six pre-series examples emerged recently at the Cororso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2026, in Lake Como, Italy. Designed by Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piech, his team faced the monumental task of conquering the land speed record for a production car and ushering in the new era of hypercars. Meanwhile, Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, the man behind bringing the Veyron into series production, aimed to contain the massive W16 powerplant's output with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Containing that much power and gear speed would prove daunting, but not impossible, as history has shown. The 5.1 underwent testing on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Nevada, but not for the record-breaking attempt. Instead of chasing speed, the team first chased high-speed stability and durability across an endless horizon on a loose surface. Chassis 5.1 also underwent top-speed testing on its own, serving as the test bed that achieved speeds over 250 miles per hour, a speed where things stop making sense and start getting into the unimaginable. Everything had to be special in order for this car to achieve that speed safely. Bugatti famously had special tires made, created a special maintenance process, and developed specialized parts to bring this high-speed production model to market. Bugatti History as We Know it The Veyron's public debut validated the success of Chassis 5.1 and all its testing. It was, in fact, the exact unit that was used to debut the Veyron to the world, first taking the stage in Sicily. Over time, Chassis 5.1 went from a development unit to a full-blown promotional model and an ambassador for the brand across the globe. It would make itself known at prestigious events across the world. You could say that it not only shaped the Veyron's form but also helped craft its legend, feats that Bugatti and its fans never forgot about. Chassis 5.1 itself evolved. By 2008, after the model's success, Bugatti installed all the updated parts from the production model into Chassis 5.1. By this time, it had gone from a pre-sales prototype and global brand ambassador to a full customer-ready product vehicle with authenticated production parts. Bugatti An Artifact of Automotive History This is the car that changed the course of automotive history forever, the exact car that did it. It's not a production model; it's what helped the production model achieve what it did back then. With the help of La Maison Pur Sang, documentation and certification for this historic piece have been authenticated and attached to the car's chassis. Its complete history includes archival documents, technical records, photographs, service history, and physical inspections. The car's extremely prestigious pedigree made it a shoo-in for the display at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026 in Italy, where it was shown alongside the EB110 as a living historical piece that changed the course of hypercars forever. Without it, we wouldn't have the Chiron, and one could argue that Koenigsegg and Rimac wouldn't be where they are today. Bugatti View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

ICE or No ICE?A lot of talk and speculation has surrounded a very important upcoming model for Mercedes-Benz. Dubbed as the baby G-class, this smaller version of the legendary SUV has been in production for quite some time now. What was originally slated as a predominantly EV model, Mercedes-Benz has since backtracked on that, confirming two propulsion types: ICE and EV. It has now come to light that one of the world's biggest markets played a role in the decision to sway Mercedes-Benz. SH Proshots/Autoblog The Power of TwoIn a report by Automotive News, Mercedes-Benz dealers were told back in March that this new model is in production. Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe said they sought the opinions and insights of stakeholders globally on which powertrains to offer, but noted that U.S. dealers played a vital role in informing the brand's final decision. American dealers were adamant that, apart from electrified options, it would be important to the sales performance to offer an ICE engine. Thankfully, Mercedes agreed. This new, smaller SUV will slot right below the G-Class and will be part of a growing number of new model launches planned by the brand. Schiebe also believes the EV version will play well in Europe, where the new CLA sedan in EV form is posting strong sales numbers. He noted that the key is to be flexible and offer the right balance for the products, which is why a dual option was the eventual choice. SH Proshots/Autoblog A True G-ClassThere's no confirmation yet on exactly when this new car will launch, but it might debut in the first half of 2027. It also remains unclear whether, if at all, ICE and EV powertrains will be ready for the launch date. Even the official name of the baby SUV has not yet been made public. Judging from the spy photos showing its resemblance to the bigger G-Class, it might choose a name related to it. The United States remains a very strong and lucrative market for the G-Class. The SUV sold a record number back in 2025, moving a total of 12,003 units. Needless to say, the upcoming model needs to appeal to Americans in order to succeed. Fortunately, Mercedes has confirmed that this car will share the same characteristics as the larger G, with a bespoke ladder-frame platform for true off-roading. View the full article

ICE or No ICE?A lot of talk and speculation has surrounded a very important upcoming model for Mercedes-Benz. Dubbed as the baby G-class, this smaller version of the legendary SUV has been in production for quite some time now. What was originally slated as a predominantly EV model, Mercedes-Benz has since backtracked on that, confirming two propulsion types: ICE and EV. It has now come to light that one of the world's biggest markets played a role in the decision to sway Mercedes-Benz. SH Proshots/Autoblog The Power of TwoIn a report by Automotive News, Mercedes-Benz dealers were told back in March that this new model is in production. Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe said they sought the opinions and insights of stakeholders globally on which powertrains to offer, but noted that U.S. dealers played a vital role in informing the brand's final decision. American dealers were adamant that, apart from electrified options, it would be important to the sales performance to offer an ICE engine. Thankfully, Mercedes agreed. This new, smaller SUV will slot right below the G-Class and will be part of a growing number of new model launches planned by the brand. Schiebe also believes the EV version will play well in Europe, where the new CLA sedan in EV form is posting strong sales numbers. He noted that the key is to be flexible and offer the right balance for the products, which is why a dual option was the eventual choice. SH Proshots/Autoblog A True G-ClassThere's no confirmation yet on exactly when this new car will launch, but it might debut in the first half of 2027. It also remains unclear whether, if at all, ICE and EV powertrains will be ready for the launch date. Even the official name of the baby SUV has not yet been made public. Judging from the spy photos showing its resemblance to the bigger G-Class, it might choose a name related to it. The United States remains a very strong and lucrative market for the G-Class. The SUV sold a record number back in 2025, moving a total of 12,003 units. Needless to say, the upcoming model needs to appeal to Americans in order to succeed. Fortunately, Mercedes has confirmed that this car will share the same characteristics as the larger G, with a bespoke ladder-frame platform for true off-roading. View the full article

Goodbye Third PedalAfter Volkswagen dropped the manual transmission option from the Golf GTI and Golf R in North America, it seemed only a matter of time before the stick shift disappeared from the Jetta GLI as well. That day has now reportedly arrived, as TFLCar said a VW spokesperson confirmed the Jetta GLI will be offered exclusively with a DSG dual-clutch transmission starting with the 2027 model year. With the broader decline of manual transmissions, it does not come as a surprise that declining demand is behind the discontinuation. Even BMW M boss Frank van Meel has said a three-pedal setup no longer makes much sense. Automakers mostly keep manuals around in mass-market nameplates to satisfy enthusiasts, but automatic gearboxes are ultimately where the money is. Volkswagen The Business Case Wins AgainThe VW spokesperson summed that reality up well, telling the publication, “As drivers and car enthusiasts, we appreciate manuals too! That’s why our region worked very hard to keep them around. We know it matters to a small but passionate group of drivers who love being fully engaged and rowing their own gears. Even so, global demand continued to narrow to a point where the market can no longer sustain it. As much as it hurts, that reality meant making some tough choices.” Starting with the 2027 model year, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI will reportedly be sold exclusively with a 7-speed DSG, which generally provides faster gear changes than traditional torque-converter automatics. It will continue to be paired with a 2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Buyers looking for a compact sedan with a stick shift can turn to the Honda Civic Si, which comes standard with a 6-speed manual. For a bit more money, the Subaru WRX and Hyundai Elantra N could also fit the bill. Volkswagen VW’s American Strategy Keeps EvolvingWhile the manual is being axed from Volkswagen’s U.S. lineup, the transmission is still available in certain European models, including the Golf and T-Cross. Another product line missing from the U.S. is VW’s new lineup of small, affordable EVs, including the ID. Polo, which starts at 24,995 euros, or around $29,000 at current exchange rates. Volkswagen’s long-term U.S. plan is less clear amid market challenges, including tariffs. In that context, the Jetta GLI losing its manual highlights the automaker’s shift away from low-volume enthusiast offerings toward profit-driven decisions meant to keep the brand competitive in the region. As such, an entry into the lucrative pickup truck segment is also being considered, though the idea remains in the early stages of evaluation for now. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Goodbye Third PedalAfter Volkswagen dropped the manual transmission option from the Golf GTI and Golf R in North America, it seemed only a matter of time before the stick shift disappeared from the Jetta GLI as well. That day has now reportedly arrived, as TFLCar said a VW spokesperson confirmed the Jetta GLI will be offered exclusively with a DSG dual-clutch transmission starting with the 2027 model year. With the broader decline of manual transmissions, it does not come as a surprise that declining demand is behind the discontinuation. Even BMW M boss Frank van Meel has said a three-pedal setup no longer makes much sense. Automakers mostly keep manuals around in mass-market nameplates to satisfy enthusiasts, but automatic gearboxes are ultimately where the money is. Volkswagen The Business Case Wins AgainThe VW spokesperson summed that reality up well, telling the publication, “As drivers and car enthusiasts, we appreciate manuals too! That’s why our region worked very hard to keep them around. We know it matters to a small but passionate group of drivers who love being fully engaged and rowing their own gears. Even so, global demand continued to narrow to a point where the market can no longer sustain it. As much as it hurts, that reality meant making some tough choices.” Starting with the 2027 model year, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI will reportedly be sold exclusively with a 7-speed DSG, which generally provides faster gear changes than traditional torque-converter automatics. It will continue to be paired with a 2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Buyers looking for a compact sedan with a stick shift can turn to the Honda Civic Si, which comes standard with a 6-speed manual. For a bit more money, the Subaru WRX and Hyundai Elantra N could also fit the bill. Volkswagen VW’s American Strategy Keeps EvolvingWhile the manual is being axed from Volkswagen’s U.S. lineup, the transmission is still available in certain European models, including the Golf and T-Cross. Another product line missing from the U.S. is VW’s new lineup of small, affordable EVs, including the ID. Polo, which starts at 24,995 euros, or around $29,000 at current exchange rates. Volkswagen’s long-term U.S. plan is less clear amid market challenges, including tariffs. In that context, the Jetta GLI losing its manual highlights the automaker’s shift away from low-volume enthusiast offerings toward profit-driven decisions meant to keep the brand competitive in the region. As such, an entry into the lucrative pickup truck segment is also being considered, though the idea remains in the early stages of evaluation for now. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Ferrari Not-SUV Trick That Makes It Drive Like A FerrariAt first glance, the Ferrari Purosangue seems like the brand’s entry into the luxury SUV crowd. But underneath, it uses one of the most advanced suspension systems you’ll find on any road car. Rather than sticking with traditional anti-roll bars, Ferrari worked with Multimatic – the Canadian firm behind the Ford GT – to develop an active suspension setup that manages body movement in a completely different way. Each shock absorber is more than just a cushion for bumps. Every damper gets its own 48-volt stepper motor that actively controls pitch and roll, adjusting how the body reacts when you brake, accelerate, or corner. Compression and rebound are managed by spool valves, and the hydraulic fluid moves through all four dampers, even running through its own cooling system, with a radiator, fan, and reservoir. The end result is an SUV that corners flatter and feels more planted than you’d expect from something this size. Still, it’s worth remembering that these shocks aren’t the kind of parts you’d want to treat as routine wear items, especially once the three-year warranty runs out. After that, any replacements are on the owner. One Shock, Five FiguresThe cost discussion recently gained traction thanks to a Reddit thread where a mechanic familiar with the Purosangue suspension described just how elaborate the system really is. That same thread highlighted the replacement cost for a Purosangue shock, which we checked through Eurospares. At the time, a single shock was just over $14,000, though prices seem to fluctuate. Replacing all four could easily push the total into six figures, and that’s before you even factor in labor. To be fair, Ferrari doesn’t nickel-and-dime owners on regular servicing. Most new models, aside from the ultra-limited ones, come with a seven-year maintenance plan that covers scheduled service, parts, and labor. But maintenance and warranty aren’t the same, and if something complicated like the suspension fails after coverage ends, the cost is yours. Eurospares Expensive Parts Are A Luxury-Car RealityFerrari isn’t the only brand with expensive repair bills. Most luxury and high-performance cars have major parts that can quietly drive up ownership costs and hurt resale value. Engines, transmissions, adaptive suspensions, battery packs, and electronics all have a way of turning into big-ticket surprises once the warranty is gone. The Purosangue’s suspension is just Ferrari’s take on that reality: technically impressive, maybe even overengineered, and definitely something you hope never shows up on your bill. Ferrari deserves credit for making the suspension genuinely interesting instead of just using a standard luxury SUV setup. The Purosangue feels like it was engineered with driving in mind. Still, if a single shock costs more than a decent used car, it’s probably best to leave the rally jumps to something else. Ferrari View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Ferrari Not-SUV Trick That Makes It Drive Like A FerrariAt first glance, the Ferrari Purosangue seems like the brand’s entry into the luxury SUV crowd. But underneath, it uses one of the most advanced suspension systems you’ll find on any road car. Rather than sticking with traditional anti-roll bars, Ferrari worked with Multimatic – the Canadian firm behind the Ford GT – to develop an active suspension setup that manages body movement in a completely different way. Each shock absorber is more than just a cushion for bumps. Every damper gets its own 48-volt stepper motor that actively controls pitch and roll, adjusting how the body reacts when you brake, accelerate, or corner. Compression and rebound are managed by spool valves, and the hydraulic fluid moves through all four dampers, even running through its own cooling system, with a radiator, fan, and reservoir. The end result is an SUV that corners flatter and feels more planted than you’d expect from something this size. Still, it’s worth remembering that these shocks aren’t the kind of parts you’d want to treat as routine wear items, especially once the three-year warranty runs out. After that, any replacements are on the owner. One Shock, Five FiguresThe cost discussion recently gained traction thanks to a Reddit thread where a mechanic familiar with the Purosangue suspension described just how elaborate the system really is. That same thread highlighted the replacement cost for a Purosangue shock, which we checked through Eurospares. At the time, a single shock was just over $14,000, though prices seem to fluctuate. Replacing all four could easily push the total into six figures, and that’s before you even factor in labor. To be fair, Ferrari doesn’t nickel-and-dime owners on regular servicing. Most new models, aside from the ultra-limited ones, come with a seven-year maintenance plan that covers scheduled service, parts, and labor. But maintenance and warranty aren’t the same, and if something complicated like the suspension fails after coverage ends, the cost is yours. Eurospares Expensive Parts Are A Luxury-Car RealityFerrari isn’t the only brand with expensive repair bills. Most luxury and high-performance cars have major parts that can quietly drive up ownership costs and hurt resale value. Engines, transmissions, adaptive suspensions, battery packs, and electronics all have a way of turning into big-ticket surprises once the warranty is gone. The Purosangue’s suspension is just Ferrari’s take on that reality: technically impressive, maybe even overengineered, and definitely something you hope never shows up on your bill. Ferrari deserves credit for making the suspension genuinely interesting instead of just using a standard luxury SUV setup. The Purosangue feels like it was engineered with driving in mind. Still, if a single shock costs more than a decent used car, it’s probably best to leave the rally jumps to something else. Ferrari View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The late Kyle Busch will inevitably be enshrined into the NASCAR Hall of Fame so one of his future co-inductees and biggest rivals, Brad Keselowski, says why wait. Earlier in the week, the voting panel elected Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, Larry Phillips and Lesa France-Kennedy to enshrinement during a ceremony to be held at the Charlotte Convention Center in January. Typically, NASCAR rules ...Keep readingView the full article

For the first time this weekend, cars made their way onto the track for a live session on Saturday afternoon. It was a somber atmosphere as drivers climbed into their cars, including Austin Hill -- wearing a Kyle Busch t-shirt under his firesuit as he takes over the fallen legend's renumbered No. 33 car for the Coca-Cola 600. Bubba Wallace walked out into the infield and reflected at the site ...Keep readingView the full article

Joey Logano and Kyle Busch had a well-documented rivalry over the course of the past two decades. Even as their relationship started to thaw, and enjoy a casual respect in recent years, ‘Rowdy’ never missed a chance to take public pot shots at his fellow Cup Series champion. As recently as a month ago, Busch went on ‘Hang Out with Sean Hannity’ and revealed that Logano, Brad Keselowski ...Keep readingView the full article

The Rationing Has Begun Surviving the fuel crisis might get a bit harder. Now it appears that we have a real motor oil crisis here. Earlier this month, Toyota released a bulletin to its dealers, telling them to ration and substitute certain grades for their cars, Automotive News reports. The shortages continued into Nissan's camp. We caught wind of its announcement before the brand even sent it. Now, about a week later, the rationing has begun, and there are now guidelines on who gets priority. Getty Images Motor Oil Shortage Nissan is rationing 5W-30 and 0W-20 Nissan Genuine Motor Oils. Starting this week, Nissan's stock of these oils has dropped by 30% year-on-year. With only 70% left in the tank, the brand is already taking precautions, sending memos to dealers to manage its stock during the shortage. The brand will prioritize certain owners, such as those claiming "warranty, extended warranty, recall repairs, goodwill, and prepaid maintenance," according to Kim Less, the vice president of aftersales at Nissan Americas, in the bulletin addressed to Nissan dealers. “Given these constraints, it is critical to prioritize the use of Nissan Genuine 0W-20 (and 5W-30, where applicable) for warranty, extended warranty, recall repairs, goodwill, and prepaid maintenance,” Kim Less, vice president of aftersales, Nissan Americas, said in the May 15 bulletin to Nissan dealers. Akio Kon/Bloomberg via Getty Images Alternatives Less also stated in the bulletin that the brand will try to secure alternative sources of motor oil for its customers, and that they "have options." It's not yet known whether Nissan will field substitutes, as Toyota stated in its announcements. On top of that, there are industry-wide shortages. Other sources have reported that retailers like Autozone have also reported shortages from Exxon Mobil, leaving a lot of shelf space unfilled. Meanwhile, dealer groups are sitting on a good supply of oil, while oil change centers like Valvoline's quick-service chain have stated that the U.S. and Canadian markets will have enough for "today and for the foreseeable future." The Forseeable Future For now, the brands' top brass is taking the most action in light of this shortage. Simple economics also dictates that if a product is in short supply, prices are sure to rise, and some brands are already feeling the pinch. "We're all grabbing it, and we're all paying stupid prices for it, but if you want it, that's what it is," said Gacita of Petra Automotive Products. Unfortunately, consumers will be paying higher prices for their oil changes, if not now, then maybe the next one will cost you a lot more. Back then, it was fuel; now it's oil and maintenance. Parts are also getting more expensive, so consumers will be paying more across the board. View the full article

The Rationing Has Begun Surviving the fuel crisis might get a bit harder. Now it appears that we have a real motor oil crisis here. Earlier this month, Toyota released a bulletin to its dealers, telling them to ration and substitute certain grades for their cars, Automotive News reports. The shortages continued into Nissan's camp. We caught wind of its announcement before the brand even sent it. Now, about a week later, the rationing has begun, and there are now guidelines on who gets priority. Getty Images Motor Oil Shortage Nissan is rationing 5W-30 and 0W-20 Nissan Genuine Motor Oils. Starting this week, Nissan's stock of these oils has dropped by 30% year-on-year. With only 70% left in the tank, the brand is already taking precautions, sending memos to dealers to manage its stock during the shortage. The brand will prioritize certain owners, such as those claiming "warranty, extended warranty, recall repairs, goodwill, and prepaid maintenance," according to Kim Less, the vice president of aftersales at Nissan Americas, in the bulletin addressed to Nissan dealers. “Given these constraints, it is critical to prioritize the use of Nissan Genuine 0W-20 (and 5W-30, where applicable) for warranty, extended warranty, recall repairs, goodwill, and prepaid maintenance,” Kim Less, vice president of aftersales, Nissan Americas, said in the May 15 bulletin to Nissan dealers. Akio Kon/Bloomberg via Getty Images Alternatives Less also stated in the bulletin that the brand will try to secure alternative sources of motor oil for its customers, and that they "have options." It's not yet known whether Nissan will field substitutes, as Toyota stated in its announcements. On top of that, there are industry-wide shortages. Other sources have reported that retailers like Autozone have also reported shortages from Exxon Mobil, leaving a lot of shelf space unfilled. Meanwhile, dealer groups are sitting on a good supply of oil, while oil change centers like Valvoline's quick-service chain have stated that the U.S. and Canadian markets will have enough for "today and for the foreseeable future." The Forseeable Future For now, the brands' top brass is taking the most action in light of this shortage. Simple economics also dictates that if a product is in short supply, prices are sure to rise, and some brands are already feeling the pinch. "We're all grabbing it, and we're all paying stupid prices for it, but if you want it, that's what it is," said Gacita of Petra Automotive Products. Unfortunately, consumers will be paying higher prices for their oil changes, if not now, then maybe the next one will cost you a lot more. Back then, it was fuel; now it's oil and maintenance. Parts are also getting more expensive, so consumers will be paying more across the board. View the full article

Rain continues to plague a sad weekend in Charlotte, as the NASCAR world mourns the loss of 41-year-old champion Kyle Busch. So far, there has been no on-track activity. Practice and qualifying for both of the lower divisions was canceled, and the Truck race has been postponed twice already. While they still hope to give teams a practice session before NASCAR's longest race, qualifying for ...Keep readingView the full article